Communication Studies

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.

This course is designed to help students develop the skills necessary to effectively communicate in public, private and professional settings. The course will focus on a broad base of communication theory, concepts and skills and offer students the opportunity to apply those skills.  Students will explore several models of communication, including: invitational, persuasive, dialogic, conflict management, group and interpersonal. Students will explore the foundations of the communication discipline as well as the influence of communication scholars across public and private realms. Once they have developed an understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of effective communication; students will develop the skills necessary to overcome the barriers to effective communication.
(Normally offered each semester.)

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.)

Students will explore theories and research questions investigated by social scientists interested in the processes of human communication.
Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing.
(Normally offered each semester.)

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 Florence, read texts, listen/give presentations, view art, attend concerts, experience the culture of Florence through walking, watching, eating, shopping and navigating the city and reflect on these experiences.
Prerequisite(s): Instructor permission and sophomore standing.
(Normally offered in odd numbered summers.)

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.

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.

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.
(Normally offered in the spring semester.)

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.)

A 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.

The Sophomore/Junior-Level Communication Internship has been developed to provide an enriching, applied-learning experience for a student's major or minor. This elective internship can help the student determine the type and location of her or his future internships or professional activities. It is also a useful option as an elective credit in the student's senior year after the COMM 4970 Internship requirement has been filled.  
Pass/Fail only.
Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing and permission of the internship coordinator or department chair.
(Normally offered each semester and summer.)

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.)

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.)

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 families, schools, and media.

This course is designed to help students understand, use, and evaluate the quantitative, qualitative, and rhetorical methods Communication scholars employ to investigate and write about their scholarship.  Application of each method will be achieved via a semester-long case study conducted at a Lincoln nonprofit organization.  Additionally, by reading a variety of social scientific research articles, students will understand how operational definitions, theories, research questions and hypotheses, a literature review, and data analysis work together to support written research reports or proposals.  The semester will culminate with an original scholarly research report using appropriate APA style. This report will also be presented in a public forum.
Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing and COMM 2300 Communication Theory (may be taken concurrently) or permission of instructor.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)

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.)

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.)

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 through dialogue.
Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing and permission of the instructor.

A topical course designed to investigate relevant subject matter not included in any standard courses. The title and the content will be determined by current mutual interests of students and faculty. This course may be offered to meet a requirement for a major only by approval of the department chair.

This is a research course. The student initially meets with the department chair to select a study topic and review research methods. At this time the student will be assigned a faculty resource person to guide his or her work and assist in an advisory capacity. A copy of the student's work is filed in the archives for the department. Independent study may not duplicate courses described in the catalog.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the department chair.

Supervised individual projects for students on topics selected by the student in consultation with the instructor. Special Projects may not duplicate courses described in the catalog.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.

Students will create and deliver presentations for a variety of communication contexts and audiences. Skills in interviewing and group problem solving will be also be developed.
Prerequisite(s): Junior standing and instructor permission.
(Normally offered each semester.)

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.

The Senior-Level Communication Internship has been developed to provide a culminating experience for the student's major, thus senior status (successful completion of 90 or more credit hours) is required. In addition, it is often the case that a senior-level internship offers amazing career exploration opportunities. The Senior-Level internship should be viewed as seriously as one would a full-time job.
Pass/Fail only.
Prerequisite(s): Senior standing and permission of the internship coordinator or department chair.
(Normally offered each semester and summer.)

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.)