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.

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).

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.

Introduces foundational concepts in organizational communication, focusing on topics such as superior-subordinate relationships, information- and feedback-seeking, relationships with stakeholders, and dealing with organizational change. The course emphasizes individual communication practices and responsibilities that contribute to organizational outcomes and personal success in organizations. Prerequisite: Concurrent or prior enrollment in COMS 130.

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.

For students selected by faculty supervisor for work on university debate squad. Students to enroll at time of their selection. Recurring enrollments permitted.

Historical survey of theories of communication and persuasion, the people who produced them, and the philosophical assumptions upon which they rest. Beginning with the Greeks, especially Plato and Aristotle, and ending with selections from Kenneth Burke and other contemporary figures, the course focuses on changing concepts of rhetoric throughout a time span of some 2000 years. Prerequisite: Concurrent or prior enrollment in COMS 130.

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.

Examines basic theoretical perspectives and research on verbal and nonverbal communication elements affecting communication between individuals in a variety of contexts. Topics include communication competence, developmental aspects of interpersonal communication, and interpersonal influence. Prerequisite: Concurrent or prior enrollment in COMS 130.

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.

This course provides a foundation for the study of communication in organizational contexts. It introduces students to various organization theories including classical, human relations, systems, and cultural approaches and examines the role of communication in each. Information flow, communication climate, communication networks, work relationships and managerial communication are discussed as well as organizational symbolism, conflict resolution, rituals and ethics. 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.

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.

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 or COMS 230.

Guided experiences in the preparation and presentation of discourse intended to influence outcomes of human interactions in various speaker-audience situations, including television. Special emphasis on speech styles in influencing thought, attitudes, and behavior. Prerequisite: COMS 130 or COMS 230.

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.

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 or COMS 230.

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 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 or COMS 230.

An introduction to the nature of theory and theory building in the study of human communication. Research methods include experimentation, survey, content analysis, and field description. An introduction to statistics and statistical tests is included as well. Prerequisite: MATH 101 and admission to the Communication Studies major or consent of instructor.

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 or COMS 230. Open only to students admitted to the University Honors Program, or by consent of the instructor.

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.

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. (Same as POLS 520.) Prerequisite: COMS 130.

An examination of dyadic level communication in organizations, with emphasis on contexts of superior-subordinate and peer communication. The course also addresses contexts of organizational entry and exit, perception and judgment, information seeking, feedback, and organizational attachment. This course also explores social identities (gender, race, social class, sexuality, ability, and age) and the way they are relevant to communication in contemporary workplaces. Prerequisite: COMS 310.

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.)

Examines the social, cultural, and economic challenges and opportunities advanced communication technologies and globalization pose to processes such as democratic deliberation, urban governance, and environmental sustainability. Prerequisite: COMS 130.

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, or COMS 230.

This course is a survey of the many disciplines found in the field of health communication, including persuasion that targets health-related behavior, negotiation of treatment with health care providers, emotional support of patients, news media coverage of medical research, and health campaign principles. Prerequisite: COMS 130.

An examination of the barriers to effective communication between black Americans and non-black Americans. (Same as AAAS 420.) Prerequisite: COMS 130 or COMS 230.

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 or COMS 230.

A study of the social and cultural importance of popular culture. Emphasis is on using rhetorical analysis and a number of important theoretical perspectives to help examine popular culture's often unnoticed influence. Prerequisite: COMS 130 or COMS 230.

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, 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.

(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. Criteria for the organizations and work assignments suitable for internship credit are in an information brochure available at the COMS Department office and website. The internship plan is developed with field supervisor and internship faculty adviser. Reports and meetings are required. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor, admission to COMS major.

A history of American public address from 1900 to the present. Using the tools of rhetorical criticism, students describe, analyze, and evaluate select rhetoric from the period. Graduate students are assigned extra reading and a research paper. Prerequisite: COMS 355.

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.

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.

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 244 or instructor consent.

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 230, COMS 355, or by instructor permission.

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 230, or an introduction course in anthropology.

Comprehensive study of communication processes in dyadic, face-to-face situations commonly encountered in organizations and professional environments. Intensive analysis of simulated and real-life interviews. Prerequisite: COMS 130 and COMS 330.

A study of the rhetoric of Black Americans, from their earliest protest efforts to the contemporary scene, with the focus on the methods and themes employed to alter their status in American society. (Same as AAAS 534.) Prerequisite: COMS 130. Skills in basic composition essential.

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, or COMS 230.

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 or COMS 230.

Explores the major communication theories and research in the East Asian cultural contexts by focusing on the Chinese, Japanese, and Korean cultures. 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. This course is designed as a bridge course and meets with a graduate level section of the same title. Prerequisite: COMS 130.

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).

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: COMS 356 or PSYC 210.

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.

Examination of special topics in Communication Studies. Prerequisite: Instructor consent.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

(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.

Thesis Hours. Graded on a satisfactory progress/limited progress/no progress basis.

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.

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.

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.

Special problems in speech.

A study of the development of rhetorical theory from 325 A.D. to the twentieth century. Notable departures from the classical tradition will be examined. Special concentration on the writings of Augustine and the tradition of medieval preaching. Alcuin, Ramus, Bacon, Campbell, Whately, Blair, John Quincy Adams, and the elocutionary movement.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

A descriptive and comparative analysis of theories of communication applicable to speech behavior. Prerequisite: COMS 859 or equivalent.

A study of the writings on rhetorical theory in the twentieth century. Principal emphasis will be on the psychological treatment of rhetoric. I.A. Richards and Kenneth Burke, and the relationship in the twentieth century between rhetoric and dialectic, rhetoric and poetic. Prerequisite: COMS 859 or equivalent.

(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.

Dissertation Hours. Graded on a satisfactory progress/limited progress/no progress basis.