Communication Studies

This course provides a survey of major rhetorical themes and theories, including classical, symbolic, argumentation, critical, feminist, and non-Western approaches to rhetoric. Students will explore the relationship between rhetorical theory and practice, the contributions of rhetorical theory to the social world, and the potential for rhetorical studies to inform issues of democratic governance, marginalized groups, social justice, and technology in society.

This course introduces students to three key areas in the field of media and communication: 1) media industries, circulation and the political economy of media; 2) the legacy of British Cultural Studies in exploring identity, resistance, and the active audience; 3) media effects, including quantitative audience reception studies and ethnographic approaches to audience analysis. Students will be encouraged to directly engage with the political, social, cultural, and economic influence of evolving technologies and mediums in our digitally mediated global environments.

A study of the principles and theories of human communications related to cross-cultural encounters. This course emphasizes understanding the relationship between persons and culture and for improving communication between persons from different cultural backgrounds.

This course examines aspects of interpersonal and relational communication within the context of the family system. Topics including family identity and the creation of shared family meanings, family intimacy, family roles, family power dynamics, managing family conflict and family stress, and intergenerational family relationships are investigated through the lens of the family communication system.

In this course we will explore a wide range of human behavior as it relates to leadership development and communication with an emphasis on global communication issues. Students will learn about leadership, strengthen leadership skills, and learn to value their potential for leadership. This course will integrate theory and practice to build leadership competencies required in today's global workplace. This course is largely experiential and guided by the principle that leadership is a skill that can be developed and refined.

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to integrated marketing communications, media selection, and campaign execution. Students will learn the elements of a successful strategic communications plan by evaluating advertising, public relations, and marketing silos and their impact on motivating target audiences. In this course, students will learn to evaluate audience demographics and apply appropriate communication channels and messages based upon audience needs and the business realities of marketing campaigns. A key course objective is to gain an understanding of how to propose and implement an integrated marketing communications plan from the viewpoints of advertising agencies, businesses, and nonprofit entities.

This course explores the conceptual and strategic foundations of public relations and marketing. The course examines how to effectively communicate with consumers, create preference for products, and change consumer behavior.

This course is designed to inform you of the fundamentals of how communication operates in professional and business environments. Learning to communicate ideas clearly and concisely is critical to success in the workplace. This course will also provide you with the foundation to achieve your professional goals and aid you in the next step of your career development. Upon completion of this course students will be able to: 1) deliver a variety of business presentations; 2) demonstrate proficiency in facilitating meetings and team development; 3) indicate knowledge and skills in conflict management; 4) understand the fundamentals of the interview process as well as develop a resume and cover letter; and 5) optimize social media profiles for success in the workplace.