School of Professional Studies

Communication Major Course Descriptions

COM1500 Human Communication/Public Speaking (3)
Examines the foundations and basic processes of communication in small group, interpersonal and public speaking contexts. Students will apply these basic principles though the preparation and delivery of individual and group presentations. Emphasizes audience analysis, group interaction, research, organization, and effective delivery style.

COM2300 Introduction to American Film (3)
A survey course outlining some of the principal theories and aesthetic techniques associated with American feature films from their inception at the end of the 19th century to present-day blockbusters. Evaluation of the "Art" of film will be combined with a focus on the historical, social, industrial, and legislative contexts of the times in which the films appeared.

COM2400 Computer Technology and Communications (3)
This is a hybrid studies/practical class that introduces students to some of the foundations, theory and history of computers and communication. Students will perform exercises and a final research and production project that tests their facility with combining graphics, document, research, multi-media and web components into a coherent whole.

COM2800 Mass Communication and American Culture (3)
Survey of the mass media: newspapers, magazines, books, internet, radio, recordings, television, and film. The separate histories of each medium are traced into their convergence in modern society. Critically examines effects theories, ethical, economic and legal perspectives to further appreciate mass media's impact on American and global cultures.

COM3000 Organizational Communication (3)
Interpersonal communication in organizational settings, the nature of group process and leadership in organizational contexts, and how formal and informal communication networks operate in the development of a variety of organizational cultures. Surveys interpersonal, small group and organizational theories, perspectives and applied practice.

COM3200 Persuasion (3)
Theoretical approaches to the ways attitudes are formed and changed, the relationship between attitudes and behavior, and how messages transmitted personally and through the mass media are shaped to influence attitudes and behavior. Students study the rhetoric of persuasion established by Aristotle, which is foundational to our modern persuasive practices and applications in areas such as public address, politics, propaganda, advertising, and public relations.

COM3500 Cross Cultural Communication (3)
The course focuses on effective communication of ideas, theories and practices in a diverse multi-cultural world. Differences in perception, worldviews, and values will be explored, and both verbal and nonverbal messages will be examined. Direction will be toward the discovery and analyses of experiences that occur when people from international cultures in general and U.S. cultures in particular share ideas, feelings and information. Pedagogical methods will be text, field experience, literacy models and analysis involving the self and others.

COM3510 Corporate and Professional Communications (3)
Application of concepts of persuasion to creating informative and promotional copy for brochures, newsletters, grants, proposals, press releases, direct mail, and display advertising. Students develop presentation skills necessary for effective communication in corporate and professional settings. The course culminates in the presentation of a portfolio that covers work done in the course.

COM 3600 Media Technology for Instructional/Corporate Settings (3)
This course is intended to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to assess and implement media technologies appropriate to teaching, learning and communication. Emphasis is on applying concepts of design, communication and learning as integral parts of multi-media presentations. Attention will be given to assessing learner attributes, instructional objectives, and media capabilities.

COM4000 Critical and Theoretical Perspectives in Communication (3)
Critically examines ethical, cultural, political, legal and economic perspectives in a variety of communication contexts. Emphasizes study of human and mass-mediated communication from theoretical vantage points such as: rhetorical criticism, cultural studies, semiotics, and content analysis. Students will apply basic principles of quantitative and qualitative research

COM4990 Senior Seminar in Communication (3)
This capstone course is required of all communication majors in their senior year. Students will complete individual term projects that will demonstrate their ability to integrate theoretical and practical aspects of their chosen area of communication. Seminar will center on project development and student led discussions of the issues and research indicative of their selected communication areas

For further information about the George Williams College program, call Jeremy Altschafl at 262-245-8573 or e-mail jaltscha@aurora.edu.