Department of Communication Studies
Why study communication studies?
The Communication Studies undergraduate major equips students with a diversity of skill sets by investigating communication in various cultural contexts, including relational, organizational, intercultural, political, and more.
In an increasingly globalized world, competent communication is crucial for career advancement, interpersonal relationships, and public democratic participation. Here’s what we know: humans rely on communication, and the creation and translation of symbols, language, and messages are integral to daily interactions. In other words, communication connects us.
The major expands on fundamental public speaking principles from the introductory course through emphasizing theories, methods, performances that apply to everyday communication practices.
Undergraduate Programs
In our complex, mediated, global, and pluralistic world, we are awash in messages. Others seek to influence our ideas and our actions, and we seek to influence theirs. Studying human communication in its many forms and contexts enables students to be engaged civic participants, reflective audience analysts, effective communicators at work and in relationships, and reflective consumers of messages. Examining communication through historical and contemporary lenses demonstrates its power to move individuals, to enable the development of groups ranging from families to nations, and to inspire events. The communication studies curriculum prepares students to engage with the world they enter as thoughtful, critical communicators and as agents of community building in a global world.
Graduate Programs
The Department of Communication Studies offers a Graduate Certificate, Master of Arts, and Doctorate of Philosophy. Non-degree seeking students who have completed an undergraduate degree may apply to take graduate-level courses in COMS.
Graduate Certificate Program
The 4-course, 12-hour Professional Workplace Communication certificate is intended to increase communication competencies for effective decision-making, team-building, problem-solving, and crisis-resolution practices with various professional stakeholders.
Lawrence campus M.A. Program
The M.A. program is designed as a 30-hour, 2-year degree program in either Relationships & Social Interaction or Rhetoric & Political Communication. Students will complete a thesis or non-thesis plan of study. The primary mission of the Master of Arts in COMS is to introduce graduate students to the process of conducting original research in human communication. The majority of our MA students go on to pursue a PhD in communication or a related field. Others use the MA as preparation for careers in business, legal consulting, politics, social work, or other related areas of employment
Ph.D. Program
The doctoral program in COMS is designed to as an intensive, 4-year program with content in experimental, qualitative, quantitative, and rhetorical methods. Students may specialize in either Relationships & Social Interaction or Rhetoric & Political Communication.The primary mission of the Doctor of Philosophy in COMS is to train students in the process of conducting original research in human communication. With few exceptions, KU PhD graduates pursue careers doing research and teaching in higher educations.
Courses
This class introduces students to foundational theories in oral communication. Students will develop, research, and deliver public presentations tailored to diverse audiences while gaining confidence and reducing communication apprehension. Students will apply communication theories to evaluate speeches, explore ethical communication, and practice active listening.
This class introduces honors students to foundational theories in oral communication. Students will develop, research, and deliver public presentations tailored to diverse audiences while gaining confidence and reducing communication apprehension. Students will apply communication theories to evaluate speeches, explore ethical communication, and practice active listening.
This course provides knowledge of basic interpersonal communication principles, theory, and applied research, and helps students develop foundational research and presentation skills. Students will learn about themselves, their communication tendencies, and ways to develop various interpersonal communication skills as they relate to self-disclosure, perception, nonverbal communication, listening, relationship development (initiation, maintenance, and termination), and conflict management. Emphasis is placed on understanding the communication process as it pertains to numerous interpersonal relationships (e.g., intercultural, workplace, friendship, romantic, and family).
This course provides knowledge of basic interpersonal communication principles, theory, and applied research, and helps students develop foundational research and presentation skills. Students will learn about themselves, their communication tendencies, and ways to develop various interpersonal communication skills as they relate to self-disclosure, perception, nonverbal communication, listening, relationship development (initiation, maintenance, and termination), and conflict management. Emphasis is placed on understanding the communication process as it pertains to numerous interpersonal relationships (e.g., intercultural, workplace, friendship, romantic, and family). Prerequisite: Open only to students admitted to the University Honors Program, or by consent of the instructor.
A limited-enrollment, seminar course for first-time freshmen, addressing current issues in Communication Studies. Course is designed to meet the US Culture of the KU Core 34. First-Year Seminar topics are coordinated and approved by the Undergraduate Education Office within Academic Affairs. Prerequisite: Open to Freshmen only (less than 30 hours).
A limited-enrollment, seminar course for freshmen, addressing current issues in Communication Studies. Course is designed to meet the critical thinking learning outcome of the KU Core. First-Year Seminar topics are coordinated and approved by the office of Academic Programs and Experiential Learning. Prerequisite: Open to Freshmen only (less than 30 hours).
COMS 207. Introduction to Political Communication. 3 Credits.
This class addresses the different ways in which the three main players in political communication processes (leaders, the media and citizens) affect the political behavior, attitudes or cognitions of individuals; or have outcomes that influence public policy at different levels. The contents of the course are organized into three areas: Foundations of political communication, central questions and theories in political communication, and political campaigning and advertising. Prerequisite: Concurrent or prior enrollment in COMS 130 or COMS 144.
COMS 210. Introduction to Organizational and Professional Communication. 3 Credits.
This course introduces foundational concepts in organizational communication to develop students understanding of the pivotal role of communication in workplace and professional contexts. Key topics include organizational socialization, decision-making processes, conflict management, fostering diverse and inclusive workplaces, and navigating advances in communication technology. This course emphasizes individual communication practices and responsibilities to equip students with the skills and awareness necessary to contribute effectively to organizational success and personal career growth. Prerequisite: COMS 130 or COMS 144.
An introduction to the principles of debating, with an emphasis on debate techniques, analysis of a debate question, methods of using evidence, refutation, and brief-making.
COMS 231. Practicum in Forensics. 1 Credits.
For students selected by faculty supervisor for work on university debate squad. Students to enroll at time of their selection. Recurring enrollments permitted.
This course explores historical and contemporary perspectives on rhetoric, the use of language and other symbols to persuade or influence audiences. Emphasis will be placed on examining historical and enduring concepts, theories, and questions, as well as key figures in the discipline. Students will grow their critical thinking skills and develop a greater understanding of the culture-shaping role of rhetoric throughout history and in the world today. Prerequisite: Concurrent or prior enrollment in COMS 130 or COMS 144.
COMS 238. Cases in Persuasion. 3 Credits.
An exploration of basic principles that explain the effect and effectiveness of the arts of persuasion currently practiced in American society. Class discussions of incidents leading to the discovery of principles and theories that explain them. Continuing emphasis on issues concerning the ethical character of persuasion in contemporary life. Prerequisite: COMS 130 or COMS 230.
COMS 246. Introduction to Intercultural Communication. 3 Credits.
This course attempts to provide an understanding of communication as it affects culture and as it is affected by culture. Special emphasis will be placed on the principle of similarity and differences as it relates to the roles of verbal and non-verbal symbols, codes, and cues, stereotypes, prejudices and value and thought patterning systems between and among cultures. Prerequisite: Concurrent or prior enrollment in COMS 130 or COMS 144.
This course explores advanced topics in organizational communication. Students will explore organization theories including critical, systems, feminist, and cultural approaches and examines the role of communication in each. The course is designed to heighten students' awareness of the role of communication in the organizing process and to develop their abilities to diagnose and prevent communication-related problems in the workplace. Prerequisite: COMS 130, COMS 144 or COMS 322.
COMS 320. Communication and New Media. 3 Credits.
This course introduces students to theories and concepts that have emerged to understand online communication processes. It will include topics related with communication in different online platforms, processes of online impression formation and management, online relational development and maintenance, and beneficial and negative social outcomes of the Internet. This class will challenge common assumptions held around relational and communicative effects of communication on the Internet.
In this course, students will develop, research, and prepare presentations for diverse audiences across professional contexts. Key areas of focus include teamwork, building public speaking confidence, effective listening, and practicing ethical communication in contemporary workplaces. Students will apply communication theories to evaluate professional communication and engage in self-reflection to improve and refine their professional public speaking skills. Prerequisite: Not intended for Communication Studies Majors. Does not count toward Communication Studies Major or Minor requirements. Must have completed at least 15 credit hours at KU to enroll.
COMS 330. Effective Business Communication. 3 Credits.
The purpose of this course is to develop the student's written, spoken and electronically mediated business communication skills to prepare to enter a career field. Focus is placed on job search preparation including the development of cover letters, resumes, online applications, and interviewing skills. Students are also engaged with business communication by expanding their current writing skills to meet the needs of a business, exposure to common business writing situations, and developing professional presentations. Prerequisite: COMS 130, COMS 230 or COMS 144.
COMS 331. Persuasive Speaking. 3 Credits.
This course equips students to speak persuasively about different kinds of issues, including fact, value, and action. Students will explore research findings about effective persuasive speaking strategies, and apply this understanding in developing, researching, and delivering persuasive speeches. Prerequisite: COMS 130, COMS 144, or COMS 230.
COMS 335. Mass Media and Politics. 3 Credits.
The primary goal of this course is to critically examine the role of mass media in U.S. politics. Students learn how information makes it into news coverage, as well as how media content affects individuals, political campaigns, and governing decisions. The course covers media effects theories, news bias and polarization, political entertainment, and other topics. Although the primary focus of the course is politics, students interested in public relations and strategic communication also benefit from learning about U.S. journalism. By the end of the semester, students will be able to critically evaluate political and media systems in the U.S. (Same as POLS 521.) Prerequisite: COMS 130 or COMS 144.
COMS 342. Problem Solving in Teams and Groups. 3 Credits.
This course focuses on enhancing problem-solving skills within small group settings. Theory and application focus on teams and groups while emphasizing real-world applications. Students engage in a hands-on project to address community needs, developing effective communication, conflict resolution, and decision-making skills while making a positive impact on society. This course is generally offered as a service-learning course. Prerequisite: COMS 130, COMS 131, COMS 144, or COMS 322.
COMS 345. Propaganda and Persuasion. 3 Credits.
This course is an examination of the history and theory of propaganda and mass persuasion. In this course students will develop a more precise understanding of the term “propaganda” and of the techniques of mass persuasion. Emphasis is placed on developing the critical skills necessary to analyze and evaluate propaganda artifacts and campaigns in varied historical and contemporary contexts, including: politics, war, social movements, advertising, entertainment, commemoration, and popular culture. Prerequisite: COMS 130, COMS 144, or COMS 230.
In a diverse world, communication plays a central role in both creating and sustaining cultural norms, values, and beliefs. However, diversity is not universally valued, and difference leads to unequal institutions, systems, and policies, including discrimination, oppression, and ethnocentrism. In this course, students will reflect on current cultural diversity topics and critically interrogate communication's role in structuring identities and difference across socio-cultural contexts.
This course examines in detail the texts of speeches and essays on controversial issues in order to illustrate the varied forms of rhetorical action and the diverse modes of analysis and evaluation that can be applied to them. Examples are drawn from the rhetorical literature of contemporary U.S. speakers and prose writers. Formerly known as COMS 235. Not open to students with credit in COMS 235. Prerequisite: COMS 130, COMS 144, or COMS 230.
This class covers best research practices so that students can be smarter consumers of research. The course is hands-on, helping students learn to evaluate research through practice. Students will study why it is important to conduct communication research, the art and science of measuring complex concepts, when to use various methods (e.g., surveys, experiments, content analyses), and how to interpret basic quantitative data.
This course examines in detail the texts of speeches and essays on controversial issues in order to illustrate the varied forms of rhetorical action and the diverse modes of analysis and evaluation that can be applied to them. Examples are drawn from the rhetorical literature of contemporary U.S. speakers and prose writers. Prerequisite: COMS 130, COMS 144, or COMS 230. Open only to students admitted to the University Honors Program, or by consent of the instructor.
COMS 405. Speech Writing. 3 Credits.
Emphasis is on actual practice in preparing speech manuscripts for oneself and others. Model speeches are examined to better understand language, evidence, and stylistic choices available to speech writers. The ethical dimensions of writing for others in corporate and political positions are stressed. Students are required to prepare a variety of speeches and analyses of others' speeches. Prerequisite: COMS 130, COMS 150, or COMS 230.
COMS 407. Political Campaigns. 3 Credits.
This course examines the communication involved in political campaigns. Students will be exposed to theories and ideas related to campaigns and will apply this knowledge to current political activity. Although the primary focus of the course is politics, students interested in public relations and strategic communication also benefit from learning and practicing media relations strategies. The mediated nature of modern political communication, as well as the communication strategies of campaigns and journalists, will be examined in a simulated campaign. By the end of the semester, students will become more informed users and consumers of political campaign messages. Prerequisite: COMS 130.
An examination of interpersonal communication in organizations, with emphasis on contexts of supervisor, coworker, and client/customer relationships. This class also explores informal workplace relationships such as workplace friendships, and communication such as gossip and humor. The course also addresses contexts of organizational entry and exit, information seeking, feedback, conflict, and organizational commitment. This course complicates our understanding of organizational communication by learning about social identities (gender, race, social class, sexuality, ability, and age) and the way they are relevant to communication in contemporary workplaces and organizations. Prerequisite: COMS 144 or COMS 210.
COMS 415. Communication, Leadership, and Conflict Management. 3 Credits.
This course introduces students to theories of conflict management from a variety of academic perspectives and the role leadership plays in managing conflict across multiple contexts. Students will learn how to successfully assess and command situations and effectively resolve interpersonal, organizational, and systemic conflict while doing the work of leadership. (Same as LDST 420.)
COMS 420. New Media, Politics, and Civic Life. 3 Credits.
This course examines the social and cultural challenges and opportunities of digital and social media, investigating the extent to which these communication technologies are (and are not) reshaping the foundations of democratic communities. Students will explore how candidates, lawmakers, journalists, and members of the public use new media, as well as the effects new media content has in political and civic contexts. In addition to theoretical components, the course emphasizes tangible skills, including critical analysis of public messages, evaluation of misinformation, and use of digital media strategies for political campaigns, advocacy, and public communication. Prerequisite: COMS 130 or COMS 144.
COMS 425. Communication and the American Presidency. 3 Credits.
Examination of the ways in which American presidents communicate with the American people and how such communication influences the public. Emphasis is on a number of approaches to better understanding presidential communication, including rhetorical, historical, and content analysis. Prerequisite: COMS 130 or COMS 230.
Focuses attention on the relationship between communication and gender, including both physical and psychological dimensions. Topics include: sex role orientations and stereotypes; perceived and actual differences in verbal and nonverbal communication behaviors; the influence of gender on communication in a variety of contexts. (Same as WGSS 440.) Prerequisite: COMS 130, COMS 144, or COMS 230.
COMS 441. Health Communication. 3 Credits.
This course explores communication within various health contexts, equipping students with a comprehensive understanding of its impact and importance at the interpersonal, organizational, and societal levels. Students will delve into patient-provider interactions, communication within and between health organizations, evolving health technology, cultural conceptions of health, health crisis and public health campaigns, politicized public health issues and corresponding disinformation/misinformation, and how health is discussed and represented in mediated contexts. Students will develop the skills needed to navigate and improve health communication across these varied settings by engaging with key concepts, theories, and application exercises. Prerequisite: COMS 130 or COMS 144.
Application of ethical standards to the evaluation of political communication. Examination of value questions related to advocacy in modern society (propaganda, demagoguery, credibility). Analysis of First Amendment rights and other issues pertaining to censorship and freedom of speech (defamation, dissent, incitement, public morals, privacy). Prerequisite: COMS 130, COMS 144, or COMS 230.
COMS 454. Rhetoric of Popular Culture. 3 Credits.
COMS 460. Topics in Communication Studies: _____. 1-3 Credits.
Course organized any given semester to study particular subject matter or to take advantage of special competence by an individual faculty member. Topics change as needs and resources develop. Class discussion, readings, and individual projects. (Distribution credit given for two or three hour enrollments only.)
In the capstone course students synthesize and apply knowledge and skills gained through the major. Capstone coursework requires students to integrate practices and theories learned in their areas of concentration. Topics within each concentration change as needs and resources develop. Prerequisite: Senior standing, COMS 130 or COMS 131, or COMS 144, and completion of COMS 355 and COMS 356.
(Six hours maximum credit, which may be distributed through two semesters.) Study should include readings directed toward original research, i.e., an intensive investigation of a specific problem in this field. Prerequisite: Consent of the Department Honors Committee.
COMS 499. Directed Study in Communication Studies. 1-3 Credits.
(A maximum of six hours of credit may be counted, with not more than four in a single area of study.) Investigation of a special topic or project selected by the student with advice, approval, and supervision of an instructor. Such study may take the form of directed reading, or special research, individual reports and conferences. (Distribution credit given for two-three hours only.) Prerequisite: At least seven hours of credit in the department and consent of instructor.
Students do communication-centered fieldwork in an organization related to their career goals. Hours of credit earned (1-3) are based on number of hours at internship site and agreement of instructor. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor, completion of 15 hours in Communication Studies.
COMS 536. American Public Address, 1900-Present. 3 Credits.
The purpose of this course is to develop students’ understanding of argumentation theory and practice as well the ethics that background them. In this course, students will analyze and create arguments with a focus on finding, examining, and discussing sources in the context of policy arguments. Students will learn about distinct ethical schools and apply those hypothetical situations, arguments, and policies. The course draws from key argumentation scholars. Prerequisite: Four hours in the department.
COMS 543. Rhetoric of Sports in America. 3 Credits.
An examination of the way in which communication about sport in America functions to influence social relations in society. Students apply the tools of rhetorical criticism to study communication about sport in public address, mass media, and social media. The intent is to develop an understanding of communication theories and apply them to the world of sports. The course examines the relationship between sport and race, gender, class, violence, and community. It explores the ways that we talk about sports and the rhetorical and sociological implications of those conversations. Graduate students are assigned extra reading and a research paper. Prerequisite: COMS 130, COMS 230, COMS 355, or by instructor permission.
COMS 544. Advanced Interpersonal Communication: Theories and Research. 3 Credits.
Intensive exploration of contemporary theories and research in the field of interpersonal communication; emphasis on an array of theoretical models and research exemplars; comparative analysis of major theoretical and research paradigms. Prerequisite: COMS 144 or instructor consent.
COMS 545. Rhetoric of War in America. 3 Credits.
An examination of the rhetoric of war throughout American history including in depth analysis of public address surrounding America’s involvement in wars from the War of 1812 through the War on Terror. We will apply the tools of Rhetorical Criticism to an analysis of public communication about war with a focus on justifications for war, war movies, the rhetoric of war protest movements, media coverage of warfare and public debates about issues of war and peace. Graduate students are assigned extra reading and a research paper. Prerequisite: COMS 130, COMS 144, COMS 230, or COMS 355, or by instructor permission.
COMS 547. Communication and Culture. 3 Credits.
A study of the systematic relationship between communication and culture. Emphasis is on culture as a variable in communicative situations: cultural aspects of attitude and cognition, language interchange, cultural differences in extra-verbal behavior, interaction between oral traditions and mass media. Prerequisite: COMS 130, COMS 144, or COMS 230.
COMS 548. Advanced Interviewing Skills and Strategies. 3 Credits.
COMS 551. The Rhetoric of Black Americans. 3 Credits.
An analysis of the themes and rhetorical strategies of the women's rights movement in America. The course will view the struggle for women's rights from a historical perspective and will conclude with contemporary issues concerning the role of women in society. (Same as WGSS 552.) Prerequisite: COMS 130, COMS 131, COMS 144, or COMS 230.
COMS 555. Family Communication. 3 Credits.
An examination of trends and theory related to the scientific study of the family, with a focus on issues related to family interaction, functioning, relationships, and communication. Research and theories from communication, sociological, and psychological perspectives are employed to examine topics such as family violence, mental health problems, marital satisfaction, divorce, courtship, and the impact of the family on its children (and vice versa). Prerequisite: COMS 130, COMS 144, or COMS 230.
This course explores major communication theories and research in East Asian cultural contexts, focusing on Chinese, Japanese, and Korean cultures. This course examines, from a broader perspective, certain cultural values (e.g., harmony, hierarchy, conservatism, and modernism) upheld in East Asian cultures and their influences on people’s communicative behaviors in an age of globalization. Students explore issues of history, identity, verbal and non-verbal symbols, stereotypes, prejudice, values, and thought patterning systems in the East Asian cultural context from a communicative perspective. Prerequisite: COMS 130 or COMS 144.
COMS 560. Seminar in: _____. 3 Credits.
Course organized any given semester to study particular subject matter or to take advantage of special competence by an individual faculty member. Topics change as needs and resources develop. Class discussion, readings, and individual projects. (May be repeated for credit if content varies).
COMS 590. Nonverbal Communication. 3 Credits.
Examination of non-linguistic behavior in human communication, including proxemics (spacing), kinesics (movement and expression), and paralinguistics (voice quality). Includes phylogenetic and developmental perspectives, methods of analysis, applications to interpersonal problems. (Same as PSYC 590.) Prerequisite: PSYC 104.
COMS 620. Advanced Communication and New Media. 3 Credits.
This course asks students to consider the social and psychological impacts of new communication technology and how it affects the formation, maintenance, and dissolution of networked relationships via mediated platforms. The course surveys theory and research surrounding networked relationships in a variety of communication contexts: identity-construction, romantic relationships, small groups, workplace relationships, intercultural, and political domains. Prerequisite: COMS 130, COMS 244, or COMS 322.
COMS 741. Special Topics in Communication Studies: _____. 2-3 Credits.
Examination of special topics in Communication Studies. Prerequisite: Instructor consent.
COMS 810. Organizational Communication: Theory and Research. 3 Credits.
This survey course delves into the core elements of organizational communication, including hierarchy, power dynamics, leadership, teamwork, socialization, and other foundational topics. It introduces students to the sub-field, offering a comprehensive exploration of the principles and theories that underpin effective communication within organizations.
COMS 844. Seminar in Interpersonal Communication. 3 Credits.
This class will address current theory and research in interpersonal communication. Issues addressed may include verbal or nonverbal communication in families, close relationships, initial interactions, and the like.
COMS 851. Communication Research: Historical and Descriptive. 3 Credits.
An introduction to types of historical and descriptive research in human communication. Library resources and methods of research will be covered. Emphasis will be placed upon preparing a research prospectus and upon writing the research report.
COMS 852. Communication Research: Behavioral and Social Science. 3 Credits.
An introduction to the process of research in communication studies, including consideration of basic principles in research design, methods of observation and measurement, and the application of appropriate statistical techniques.
COMS 855. Qualitative Research Methods. 3 Credits.
An introduction to the design and execution of qualitative social science research. Topics may include an introduction to qualitative research methodologies (such as arts-based methodologies, case study, ethnography, grounded theory, narrative, and/or phenomenology); qualitative research design; qualitative data collection and fieldwork, analyzing qualitative data; as well as writing and ethics in qualitative scholarship.
COMS 856. Communication Research: Quantitative Analysis. 3 Credits.
An intermediate overview of statistical techniques commonly used in communication research. Content will include a review of univariate statistical tests such as t-test, correlation, chi-square, and other nonparametric techniques of data analysis. Additionally, factorial analysis of variance, multiple regression, and factor analysis will be covered, along with the application of appropriate statistical techniques. Prerequisite: An introductory course in statistics.
COMS 859. Introduction to Graduate Studies in Communication Studies. 3 Credits.
This class introduces graduate students to the history and structure of the communication discipline and to departmental areas of study and research, discusses the research and publication process, and provides graduate students with tools to effectively engage the academy. The course is designed to help students navigate the often hidden norms and practices that students face as they enter the graduate program.
COMS 898. Directed Research for Master's Students. 1-8 Credits.
(Limited to eight hours credit toward degree.) Directed research for M.A. students in communication studies. Typically, the supervised research is under the direction of a faculty member on a topic of mutual interest to the faculty member and graduate student.
COMS 899. Master's Thesis. 1-6 Credits.
Thesis Hours. Graded on a satisfactory progress/limited progress/no progress basis.
COMS 907. Seminar in Political Communication. 3 Credits.
This course will focus on contemporary political communication theory and illustrate how such theories are exemplified in modern political contexts: political arguments and developing consensus, communication strategies in Congressional and bureaucratic decision-making, the rhetorical presidency, the dissemination of political information, political narrative, and political campaigns.
COMS 910. Organizing Identity, Identification, and Stigma. 3 Credits.
Students who take this course will: 1) deepen their knowledge about communicating with diverse populations, 2) enhance their understanding of gender, race, social class, sexuality, ability, and age, and 3) apply and advance their critical thinking, research, analysis, and writing skills. This course explores ideas and implications about identity, identification, and stigma within organized contexts like school, work, and nonprofit organizations. This seminar will focus on theoretical and practical issues relevant to identity and communication in contemporary organizations. Whether we realize it or not, we spend the majority of our lives in organizations like educational institutions and the workforce where we are continually interacting with diverse groups of people. Yet, many identities are stigmatized in organizational settings and those individuals often experience ostracism, stereotyping, and marginalization. The purpose of this course is to explore the power of communication to construct, reproduce, and transform social identities for ourselves and for others, within organizational contexts and acts of organizing.
COMS 920. Introduction to Teaching Oral Communication. 3 Credits.
This seminar prepares new graduate teaching assistants for their first teaching experience. Students will develop course materials including lectures, discussion prompts, assignments, exams based on pedagogical best practices. Students will apply theoretical concepts related to teaching, learning and assessment, and apply those theories to their own classrooms.
COMS 930. Seminar in Speech: _____. 1-4 Credits.
Special problems in speech.
COMS 939. Seminar in Argumentation. 2-3 Credits.
Examination of special problems in argumentation, with emphasis on the relationship of systems of argumentation to their philosophic presuppositions. Discussion of the writings of Toulmin, Natason, Johnstone, Perelman, Dewey. Prerequisite: COMS 539 or equivalent.
COMS 945. Seminar in Social Support. 3 Credits.
This course is a survey of the many disciplines of the fundamental form of communication known as social or emotional support or comforting. Emphases include message-, receiver-, and interactionally-oriented approaches, as well as support contexts, dilemmas, structures, features, and positive effects on physical and mental health.
COMS 946. Seminar in Communication and Intergroup Relations. 3 Credits.
Conceptual and theoretical frameworks for exploring and understanding relations between individuals from different societal groups (e.g., cultural/ethic, gender, age). Focus on issues of identity, power relations as manifested in interpersonal, mass media, and organizational contexts. The course will include methodological and applied implications for studying different groups, both within the USA and around the world.
COMS 948. Seminar in Organizational Communication. 3 Credits.
This course provides an overview of the major theories, themes, and foundational and revolutionary works in organizational communication. As a survey course, it covers a range of paradigmatic perspectives, grounds them in extant theory and literature, and emphasizes the development and integration of ideas. This course is for anyone interested in understanding the constitutional role of communication in organizations. Topics surveyed may include the history of organizational science/communication, significant paradigms (e.g., qualitative, critical, rhetorical, quantitative, network), and major theories of organizational communication (e.g., structuration, sense making, identification, communication constitutes organizing, feminist and postcolonial organizing, power and control, ‘nontraditional’ organizations).
COMS 951. Seminar in Movement Theory and Genre Criticism. 3 Credits.
This course examines the theoretical and methodological underpinnings of approaches to rhetorical analysis focusing on social movements and rhetorical genres. It will review existing theory on these topics, develop a methodological approach to both forms of critical analysis, and test each methodological approach via case studies. Prerequisite: COMS 755 or consent of instructor.
COMS 952. Seminar in Mythic and Narrative Approaches to Rhetorical Criticism. 3 Credits.
This course examines the theoretical and methodological underpinnings of approaches to rhetorical analysis focusing on narrative rhetoric, with a special emphasis on myth as a type of narrative. It will review existing theory on these topics, consider a number of alternative methodological approaches, and test each methodological approach via case studies. Prerequisite: COMS 755 or consent of instructor.
COMS 955. Seminar in Rhetorical Criticism. 3 Credits.
A study of contemporary and historical writings on rhetorical criticism. Emphasis is placed upon the development of critical methodology for future research and writing. Prerequisite: COMS 755.
COMS 956. Statistical Moderation and Mediation. 3 Credits.
This course will cover conditional (moderation) and indirect (mediation) effects in statistics. The course will begin with a review of regression and interaction effects. Theoretical rationale for using conditional and indirect effects will be covered. Various types of mediation and moderation and mediated moderation will be covered with increasing complexity as the semester proceeds. The goal of the course is for students to be able to understand the theoretical assumptions of these effects, to conduct the analyses using SPSS, and to learn how to report and interpret results.
COMS 958. Comparative Theories of Speech Communication. 3 Credits.
A descriptive and comparative analysis of theories of communication applicable to speech behavior. Prerequisite: COMS 859 or equivalent.
COMS 998. Advanced Directed Research for Doctoral Students. 1-8 Credits.
(Limited to eight hours credit toward degree.) Directed research for Ph.D. students in communication studies. Typically, the supervised research is under the direction of a faculty member on a topic of mutual interest to the faculty member and graduate student.
COMS 999. Doctoral Dissertation. 1-12 Credits.
Dissertation Hours. Graded on a satisfactory progress/limited progress/no progress basis.