Speech Communications (COMM) Course Descriptions

• COMM 1101 Forensic Workshop

  Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor

  Workshop for students who actively compete in mock trial tournaments. A maximum of four credit hours may be counted toward a degree.

• COMM 1323 Rhetoric and Public Speaking

  Prerequisite(s): None

  This course improves communication skills in a variety of contexts and develops an understanding and appreciation of the importance of public rhetoric in a democratic society. Since ancient Greek and Roman times, rhetoric has been taught both as the foundation of a liberal arts education and as an essential skill of democratic citizenship.

• COMM 2101 Forensic Workshop

  Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor

  Workshop for students who actively compete in mock trial tournaments. A maximum of four credit hours may be counted toward a degree.

• COMM 3101 Forensic Workshop

  Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor

  Workshop for students who actively compete in mock trial tournaments. A maximum of four credit hours may be counted toward a degree.

• COMM 3323 Communication Theory

  Prerequisite(s): None

  The class provides a comprehensive view of the theoretical traditions that influence our understanding of communication.

• COMM 3324 Legal Communication

  Prerequisite(s): None

  This course examines the central role that communication occupies in the study, practice, and understanding of the legal process. Students will be introduced to key elements of the communication process relevant in all criminal justice and legal settings and will learn basic and advanced principles of trial advocacy through participation in a mock trial.

• COMM 3334 Argumentation and Advocacy

  Prerequisite(s): None

  This course explores the nature, types, effects, and ethical dimensions of argument. Current public policy issues will be considered in classroom discussions, with the goal of teaching students how to express themselves clearly in speaking and writing.

• COMM 4101 Forensic Workshop

  Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor

  Workshop for students who actively compete in mock trial tournaments. A maximum of four credit hours may be counted toward a degree.

• COMM 4304 Interpersonal Communication

  Prerequisite(s): None

  A study of the theory and practice of person-to-person interaction. Examines such topics as self-disclosure, trust, emotions, perception and language, intimacy and distance, and conflict resolution.

• COMM 4314 Great American Speeches

  Prerequisite(s): None

  A study of the speakers and speeches that have shaped our history from colonial America to the present. The tools of rhetorical criticism will be developed and applied.

• COMM 4315 Political Communication

  Prerequisite(s): None

  This course investigates the role of communication in contemporary American politics. Topics to be discussed include speeches, rhetorical artifacts, and political campaigns.

• COMM 4323 Intercultural Communication

  Prerequisite(s): None

  A study of the impact of globalization, technology, travel, and immigration on communication. The effects of culture and experience on perception are also studied.

• COMM 4373 Internship in Speech Communication

  Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor

  Directed work experience in a variety of public and private organizations. The primary objective of this course is to provide students with opportunities to apply speech communication theory and practice in a career-oriented setting. Also provides students with the opportunity to attain applied research experience.

• COMM 6310 Intercultural Communication and Leadership

  Prerequisite(s): None

  This course will study principles of intercultural communication from the fields of social psychology, cultural anthropology, and communication theory integrated with selected areas of personal encounter in cross-cultural settings. It will also look at the nature of Christian leadership, primarily in the context of international missions. Attention is given to various character qualities and leadership competencies necessary for effectiveness in cross-cultural ministry.