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Communications Studies Courses (Comm)

Course Descriptions | Alice Lloyd College Humanities Division

 

126 Public Speaking

Offered: Fall and Spring

3 Credit Hours

This course is designed to introduce students to the principles and practice of public speaking. Students will learn how to prepare and deliver both informative and persuasive speeches, with emphasis placed on experiential learning through student performance in the classroom.


130 Voice and Articulation

Prerequisite: Comm 126

Offered: As needed

3 Credit Hours 

This course is designed to introduce students to the principles and practices of voice production and the proper formation of the sounds of speech as typified by American Standard usage. English pronunciation and articulation, vocal projection, rhythm, fluidity, and resonance are taught to improve oral communication skills.


201 Mass Media and Society

Prerequisite: Comm 126

Offered: Spring

3 credit hours

This course is designed to provide a historical-critical introduction to mass communication. Mass communication will be treated primarily as a twentieth century phenomenon, with special emphasis placed on the American experience. As a broad on-going theme, the course will focus on the relationship between mass media and society in an attempt to develop awareness and understanding of mass media’s impact on society and vice versa.


215 Interpersonal Communications

Prerequisite: Comm 126

Offered: Fall

3 credit hours

This course focuses both on the theory and the practice of interpersonal communication. We will engage in a review of the research findings in interpersonal communication, a subject which crosses traditional disciplinary boundaries as it synthesizes findings in psychology, sociology, biology, and communication. We will examine interpersonal communication in general, and individual and dyadic communication practices in particular. We will examine the process and application of interpersonal communication from various perspectives in order to identify communication behaviors that are effective, appropriate and competent in a variety of personal and professional contexts. Throughout the course we will incorporate diverse cultural perspectives in order to better understand the impact of cultural influences on identity and communication.


225 Persuasion and Advocacy 

Prerequisite: Comm 126

Offered: Fall

3 credit hours

Explores theories of persuasive speaking and the nature of arguments. Develops skills of inquiry and advocacy through oral discourse, including critical analysis and rules of evidence. Includes practice in using, planning, delivering and refuting persuasive arguments in a variety of extemporaneous formats. Investigates how persuasion works to influence others as well as self.


301 Public Relations

Prerequisite: Comm 126; Junior status or permission of instructor

Offered: As needed

3 credit hours

Introduction to theories, processes, and techniques involved in researching, planning, implementing and evaluating programs and events.


320 Small Group Communication

Prerequisite: Comm 126, Junior or Senior status or permission of instructor

Offered: Fall

3 credit hours

Students focus on both the theory and practice of communication in small, task-oriented groups. This course provides students with opportunities to understand theoretical, empirical, and practical aspects of small group communication. Students will work as members of student teams to analyze both the implications of the issues that surround effective communication and miscommunication in a small group setting.


350 Communication Theory

Prerequisite: Comm 126, Junior or Senior status or permission of instructor

Offered: Spring

3 credit hours

This course is designed to explore the structure, importance, and usefulness of communication theory as it relates to both social science research and everyday social interactions. The theories of human communication, mass communication, and new media and technology are explored. Topics may include intra and interpersonal communication, mass media, and contemporary issues associated with mediated communication.


460-463 Special Topics in Communication

Prerequisite: Comm 126, Junior or Senior status or permission of instructor

Offered: As needed

3 credit hours

Intensive study of major communication theories, situations, paradigms, and/or scholars. Provides advanced communication studies covering various subjects in interpersonal, group, organizational, and mass communication.


490 Senior Seminar in Communication Studies 

Prerequisite: Comm 126, Senior status or permission of instructor

Offered: As needed

3 credit hours

Students conduct research and perform critical analysis using key concepts and methodologies of the discipline. This is the capstone course for the Communication major that requires a research paper and oral presentation.