Communication Studies (ComSt)

Courses Primarily for Undergraduate Students

ComSt 101. Introduction to Communication Studies
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.SS. An introduction to communication theory, the development and functions of communication, and a survey of interpersonal, small group, organizational, and intercultural communication.

ComSt 102. Introduction to Interpersonal Communication
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.SS. Application of communication principles, theory, and research to an examination of the process of interpersonal communication and the improvement of communication skills that are most relevant to a broad range of interpersonal settings.

ComSt 203. Introduction to Communication Research Methods
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S. An introduction to reading reports of and conducting communication research. Includes theory development, statistics, and methodologies used in variety of communication contexts.

ComSt 214. Professional Communication
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.SS. Communication theory and skill development in organizational settings. Emphasis on four oral communication competencies: interpersonal skill development, team and meeting facilitation, informational interviewing, and team presentations. Emphasis on self-assessment.

ComSt 218. Conflict Management
(3-0) Cr. 3. S.SS. Exploration of the relationship between communication and conflict. Communication theories, principles and methods associated with effective conflict management in interpersonal and organizational contexts.

ComSt 301. Human Communication Theory
(3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: 101. In-depth examination of the major theories related to human communication with particular emphasis on those theories underlying interpersonal, small group, organizational, and intercultural communication.

ComSt 310. Intercultural Communication
(3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: 101 or 102, 203, 301. Examines the theories, principles and research on intercultural communication with the intent of enhancing cultural sensitivity and ability to recognize, accept, and adapt to cultural diversity. Interactive assignments.

ComSt 311. Interpersonal Communication: Theory and Research
(3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: 102, 203, 301. A study of contemporary interpersonal communication theories and research through the examination of published scholarship. Emphasis on relational development research including initiation, maintenance, conflict management, and dissolution.

ComSt 314. Organizational Communication
(3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: 101 or 102, 203, 301. Theory and research in organizational communication; strategies for assessing and improving individual and organizational communication effectiveness; and an understanding of how organizational meaning is created and sustained through human communication.

ComSt 317. Small Group Communication
(3-0)Cr. 3. Prereq: 101 or 102; 203, 301. Theory and research in small group communication; application to group decision-making and leadership. Includes communication analyses of groups and teams.

ComSt 325. Nonverbal Communication (Same as Ling 325, Sp Cm 325.)
(3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: 101 or 102, 203, 301. A survey of theory and research in nonverbal communication; exploration of nonverbal codes and covert subcodes; function of nonverbal communication in various contexts. Application of material through student-designed investigations.

ComSt 398. Cooperative Education
Cr. R. F.S.SS. Prereq: Permission of instructor, junior or senior classification. Required of all cooperative education students. Students must register for this course prior to commencing each work period.

ComSt 404. Seminar in Communication Studies (Dual-listed with 504.)
Cr. 3. Prereq: a 3 credit 300-level ComSt course, plus the appropriate 300-level course (as indicated in parenthesis below).

A. Communication Theory or Research (any 300-level 3-credit course)

B. Interpersonal Communication (ComSt 311)

C. Small Group Communication (ComSt 317)

D. Organizational Communication (ComSt 314)

E. Intercultural Communication (ComSt 310)

F. Nonverbal Communication (ComSt 325)

G. Training and Development (ComSt 314)

ComSt 490. Independent Study
Cr. 1 to 3 each time taken, maximum of 6. F.S.SS. Prereq; 9 credits in communications studies and junior classification. Application must be submitted for approval the semester prior to the independent study.

ComSt 499. Communication Internship
Cr var. 1 to 3 each time taken, maximum of 6. F.S.SS. Requires a professional situation that provides a variety of experiences. Four hundred hours of on-site work is required for 3 hours credit. Registration by application only. Application must be submitted to Communication Studies faculty adviser for approval the semester prior to the internship.

Courses Primarily for Graduate Students, Open to Qualified Undergraduates

ComSt 504. Seminar in Communication Studies (Dual-listed with 404.)
Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: Graduate standing.

                A. Communication Theory and Research

                B. Interpersonal Communication

                C. Small Group Communication

                D. Organizational Communication

                E. Intercultural Communication

                F. Nonverbal Communication

                G. Training and Development