*Our senior seminar and the internship combine to create the capstone experience for our major.
*The 2000-level internship may only be taken as an addition to at least 5 elective hours (e.g., a combination of any of the other electives equaling 5 hours). The class may be repeated.
**A minor or a second major is required.
COMM 1250 Introduction to Communication Studies (4 hours)
This course is designed to help students develop the skills necessary to effectively communicate in a variety of settings. The course will focus on a broad base of communication concepts and skills and offer students the opportunity to apply those skills. Students will explore several models of communication, including: invitational, persuasive and dialogic. Once they have developed an understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of effective communication, students will develop the skills necessary to overcome the anxiety associated with public speaking, analyze audience needs, prepare effective speeches, deliver engaging speeches, better participate in small group discussions, and improve listening and response skills.
(Normally offered each semester.)
COMM 1500 Intercultural Communication (4 hours)
The study of cultural differences that influence the exchange of meaning between individuals and groups of different cultural and/or racial backgrounds. The course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the uniqueness of cultures and the resulting variations in communication styles and preferences, and to provide strategies and skills for successfully communicating across cultural barriers. Students will spend at least 20 hours during the semester working with community agencies serving clients from different cultures.
(Normally offered each semester.)
COMM 2300 Communication Theory (4 hours)
This course is intended to serve as a general introduction for majors and interested students to the theories and research questions investigated by social scientists interested in the processes of human communication.
Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing.
(Normally offered each semester.)
COMM 3500 Research Methods (4 hours)
This course is a general introduction to research methods most commonly used in the Communication discipline. Students will learn how to identify and use qualitative, quanititative, and rhetorical methods; read, understand, and evaluate research arguments for each type of inquiry, and use communication-related topics for a literature review.
Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing and COMM 2300 Communication Theory (may be taken concurrently) or permission of instructor.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)
COMM 3700 Organizational Communication (4 hours)
Students will explore the intersection of the theory and practice of communication in an organizational context. Particular emphasis will be placed on understanding how power within and between organizations is shaped by and shapes society. Topics include identity, power, globalization, technology, and ethics.
Prerequisite(s): Junior standing, COMM 2300 Communication Theory and COMM 3500 Research Methods or permission of the instructor.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)
COMM 4100 Communication in the Professions (4 hours)
Students will design and make presentations for a variety of communication contexts and audiences. Both practical skills and theoretical insights will be enhanced. Students will complete major projects related to their professional interests.
Prerequisite(s): Junior standing and instructor permission.
(Normally offered each semester.)
COMM 4970 Internship (2-3 hours)
On-the-job training for senior communication majors and minors in communication-related organizations. Students will arrange for their positions acccording to departmental guidelines, and each internship will be designed to the satisfaction of the sponsor, faculty coordinator, and student. Students may repeat the course and earn a maximum of 6 credit hours.
Pass/Fail only.
Prerequisite(s): Senior standing and permission of the department chair.
(Normally offered each semester and summer.)
COMM 4980 Communication and Contemporary Society (4 hours)
The capstone course in communication, this seminar will include a review of major communication theories and research methods and their application to a variety of contexts, settings, and contemporary issues as well as discussions of communication careers and graduate study.
Prerequisite(s): Senior standing and a major in communication or permission of the department chair.
(Normally offered each spring semester.)
COMM 2000 Conflict Resolution (3 hours)
This course focuses on constructive individual and group interaction by providing practical strategies for handling complex interpersonal dynamics. Class content weaves theory with skill building to help students explore the nature of conflict and a range of approaches to resolving differences. Students will discover what influences problem solving and decision-making through the application of negotiation, communication, and perceptual skills.
Offered in the Adult Undergraduate program only.
Prerequisite(s): Junior standing or permission of the instructor.
COMM 2360 Experiencing Culture of Tuscany (3 hours)
This course will provide students a direct encounter with the culture of Tuscany in Italy. Specifically, students will study cultural indicators of Florence such as verbal and nonverbal communication, food, transportation, business climate, politics, religious beliefs, and interpersonal relationships. Students live in apartments, read texts, listen/give presentations, view art, attendconcerts, experience the culture of Florence through walking, watching, eating, shopping and navigating the city and reflect on these experiences.
COMM 2400 Communication and Leadership (4 hours)
Students will explore components of leadership theory, skills, and behaviors, and will examine and practice effective communication behaviors as related to leadership processes and roles.
COMM 2500 Family Communication (2 hours)
Family Communication is designed as an introduction to communication phenomena in the context of the family. The overall goal of the course is to help students understand how, through communication, we develop, maintain, enhance, or disturb family relationships. Students will learn theories focusing on the communication patterns and practices that shape family life.
COMM 2550 Health Communication (2 hours)
Health Communication is the study and use of communication strategies to inform and influence individual and community decisions that enhance health. We will be exploring a wide range of messages and media in the context of health maintenance and promotion, disease prevention, treatment and advocacy. Through readings, discussion, written assignments, along with shadowing and interviewing a variety of health care professionals, you will learn theories focusing on the communication patterns and practices that shape health care in the U.S. as well as in other cultures.
COMM 2600 Mass Media (3 hours)
A study of the development of types of media including books, newspapers, magazines, radio, television, and film. The interaction of these media and their impact on society and the individual are included. (Normally offered each spring semester.)
COMM 2970 Internship (1-8 hours)
On-the-job training for communication majors and minors wishing to explore career options prior to their senior year or for students not majoring or minoring in communication who desire experience in communication-related organizations and positions. Students will arrange for their positions according to department guidelines, and each internship will be designed to the satisfaction of the sponsor, faculty coordinator, and student.
Pass/Fail only.
Prerequisite(s): Junior standing and permission of the internship coordinator or department chair.
(Normally offered each semester and summer.)
COMM 3200 Persuasive Communication (4 hours)
A study of theories and practices of persuasion within a variety of communication contexts. Students will be expected to apply these concepts to out-of-class persuasive situations.
Prerequisite(s): Junior standing.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)
COMM 3300 Public Relations (3 hours)
The course in Public Relations is a study of the nature of public relations, the persons involved, its relationship to public opinion, and the channels of communication that are used. Special attention is given to the application of public relations strategies for particular events or organizations.
Prerequisite(s): Junior standing or permission of the instructor.
(Normally offered each semester.)
COMM 3400 Communication and Gender (4 hours)
This course offers an exploration of theories of the creation and perpetuation of gender and gender roles through communication. In turn, students will consider the question of the impact of gender on communication. Students will examine gender in a variety of contexts including familes, schools, and media.
COMM 3600 Principles of Advertising (3 hours)
This broad-based course overviews the history and criticism of advertising, as well as the fundamental aspects of targeting, positioning, media selection, and creative strategy.
(Normally offered each semester.)
COMM 3800 Communication Through Dialogue (4 hours)
This course is designed to help students develop theoretical and practical understandings of dialogic communication. Students will develop the skills necessary to effectively participate in and facilitate transformational dialogue. In addition to developing a comprehensive understanding of current dialogic research, students will have several opportunities to practice their facilitating skills by helping NWU and Lincoln community groups engage impasse throught dialogue.
Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing and permission of the instructor.
COMM 4900 Selected Topics (2-3 hours)
An advanced topical course designed to investigate any relevant subject matter not included in any of the standard courses. The title, content, and credit will be determined by current mutual interests of students and faculty.
Prerequisite(s): To be determined by the instructor.
