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Courses in Communication (COMM)

1315/SPCH 1315 Public Speaking (3-0). Planning, organizing, and delivering of general platform speeches and speeches for special occasions.

1335/COMM 1335 Introduction to Radio/Television/Film (3-0). A survey of the radio/TV cable industry in America including programming, regulations, technology and history. (Credit may not be earned for this course and Mass Media 1335.)

1337/COMM 1337 Beginning Video Production (2-2). Operation and use of television production equipment; fundamentals of digital video production and direction using single- and multi-camera formats. (Credit may not be earned for this course and Mass Media 1337.)

2303/COMM 2303 Audio Production (3-0). Capturing quality recordings in the field and studio. Course assignments will include preproduction planning, scheduling, writing and editing audio projects. (Credit may not be earned for this course and Mass Media 2303.)

2330/COMM 2330 Introduction to Public Relations (3-0). Exploration of the history and development of public relations. Presentation of the theory behind and process of public relations, including the planning, implementation, and evaluation of PR campaigns.

2335/SPCH 2335 Argument and Debate (3-0). Principles of argument and debate. Practice in preparing written and spoken arguments, with emphasis on principles of critical thinking.

2341/SPCH 2341 Oral Interpretation (3-0). Imaginative and skillful oral reading of literary texts through study of literature styles and presentation techniques. The student will learn to perform prose, poetry, and dramatic texts for general audiences.

3311 Small Group Communication (3-0). A course to develop skill in leading and participating in small group interaction. Special emphasis on the nature of small groups, factors influencing communication in groups, and small group decision making.

3321 Principles of Persuasion (3-0). An analysis and evaluation of various forms of attitudinal and behavioral control from propaganda to brainwashing. Emphasis on theories of attitude change as applied to modern institutions.

3336 Social Media Management (3-0). This course will explore how public relations strategies have been influenced by various social media sites. Students will learn how to utilize social media for public relations goals including outreach, consumer relations, social responsibility, and crisis management.

3337 Crisis Communication (3-0). This course focuses on crisis communication and management, emphasizing practical application of theories, strategies, and tactics from a public relations perspective.

3342 Advertising Principles (3-0). A study of the principles and practices of advertising, with an emphasis on the strategic process and preparation of advertising for the mass media. (Credit may not be earned for this course and Mass Media 3342.)

3351 Nonverbal Communication (3-0). A lecture-discussion-activity course focusing on non-verbal processes in human interaction.

3352 Communication in Professional Life (3-0). A course designed to investigate the role of human communication in professional life. Attention to interviewing, workplace culture, interpersonal and team communication, technology, professional presentations, leadership, and work life balance.

3355 Intercultural Communication (3-0). Examines the influence of culture on communication from a human perspective. The course emphasizes increased awareness of one’s own culture in relation to cultures different than his/her own.

3356 Negotiation and Conflict Management (3-0). Examines the role that negotiation plays in the conflict management process with a focus on principled negotiation. The course will examine the differences between competitive and cooperative negotiation focusing on foundations of effective negotiation.

3360 Sports Broadcasting (3-0). This course will provide an introduction to the Sports Broadcasting Media Industry. Students will learn the various role within conducting a live sports broadcast for local television. The roles to be taught in the course will feature: Play-By-Play, Color Analyst, Sports Production and Reporting. (Credit may not be earned for this course and Mass Media 3360.)

3361 Electronic Media Programming (3-0). Theories and strategies of program selection, scheduling and evaluation for electronic media. Theory and practice producing and scheduling prime time television programs. (Credit may not be earned for this course and Mass Media 3361.)
Prerequisites: Communication 1337 or Mass Media 1337 and advanced standing.

3363 Electronic News Gathering and Production (2-2). Theory and practice of producing video newscasts on location and in a station environment. Focus on shooting and editing. Extensive hands-on experience with equipment. Production of multiple packages and news pieces. (Credit may not be earned for this course and Mass Media 3363.)
Prerequisites: Communication 1337 or Mass Media 1337, and advanced standing.

3366 Film as Message (3-0). Students will examine selected contemporary films. Interpersonal communication theories, nonverbal communication theories, and rhetorical theories will be used to see how the film creates its message through camera angles, color, gender and cultural assumptions, language choices, and proxemics.

3370 Communication and Media Law (3-0). A study of statutory, administrative, and case law relevant to the First Amendment and U.S. communication industry. Attention given to applicable Texas Law. (Credit may not be earned for this course and Mass Media 3370.)

3381 International Study Abroad in Communication (3-0). This course is designed for classes offered through the study abroad program. Course topics vary by program. The course may be repeated for up to 6 hours to meet major requirements.

4301 Senior Seminar (3-0). Capstone course for all areas of communication, emphasizing portfolio development and other preparation for entry into the communication profession. Course topics also include: professional communication excellence, job reviewing, team communication, cultural sensitivity, and work-life balance. (Credit may not be earned for this and Mass Media 4301.)

4311 Advanced Interpersonal Communication (3-0). Study of communication in dyadic and small-group settings with particular emphasis placed on self-concept theory, interpersonal perception, and communication barriers.

4335 Advertising/Public Relations Campaigns and Cases (3-0). Case-method and campaign planning as they pertain to advertising and public relations administration. Emphasis on development of creative strategy and media selection. (Credit may not be earned for this course and Mass Media 4335.)
Prerequisite: Communication 3342.

4337 Event Planning in Public Relations (3-0). Explores principles and practices of managing events for both non-profit and for-profit organizations. Emphasizes organization, site preparation, communications, personnel, and security as well as evaluation and innovation. Students will gain hands-on experience.

4351 Communication Theory (3-0). A critical examination of theories and research in communication. The course will focus on rhetorical, interpersonal, group, mass, and organizational communication theories.

4355 Mass Media Effects and Ethics (3-0). A study of social science research methodology as applied to mass media research. The course will examine current theories of the effects of mass media on audiences. The study of reasoning and ethical decision making as they relate to the mass media. (Credit may not be earned for this course and Mass Media 4355.)

4365 Advanced Video Production (2-2). Theories and techniques for producing, directing, and editing single and multiple-camera productions; to include script writing, shooting, and post production for video field and studio work. (Credit may not be earned for this course and Mass Media 4365.)
Prerequisite: Communication 1337 or Mass Media 1337.

4371 Organizational Communication (3-0). The theoretical investigation and practical application of organizational communication principles. Studies will focus on information processing and problem solving within organizations.

4379 Communication Internship. Students gain on-the-job experience by working in industry. Limited to advanced students majoring in Communication. Participants are selected on the basis of written applications submitted to the department chair one semester in advance.
Prerequisite: Advanced standing.

4381 Special Topics (3-0). Selected topics in communication. May be repeated once for credit when topic varies.
Prerequisites: Senior standing and department chair approval.

4391 Research. A specialized course which may be directed reading or research for superior students majoring in communication.
Prerequisites: Senior standing and department chair approval.