FALL 2008 295 & 495 Course Descriptions

COM 295: Introduction to Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC)

Instructor: Jeanne Persuit, Communication Studies

Time: MW 3.30, LH 131

Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) recognizes the importance of strategic planning to reach all business stakeholders, from customers to employees to the community.  Public relations and advertising are critical functions of IMC, as are marketing communications, promotions, events planning, crisis communication, and community relations.  IMC provides a theoretical ground that informs every communicative activity between an organization and its audiences.

This course introduces the theory and practice of IMC in the marketplace today.  Students will engage in a praxis (theory-informed action) approach to IMC through quizzes, readings (including case studies and award-winning IMC campaigns), and writing assignments. The final project will to develop an IMC campaign. 

By the end of the semester, students will:

• Understand the development of IMC in academic and marketplace contexts
• Understand how areas such as public relations, advertising, and marketing communications strategically function within the IMC framework
• Gain knowledge of the ethical and professional standards in IMC

COM 495: Digital Photography

Instructor: Dr Bruce McKinney, Communication Studies

Time: MWF 11:00, LH 248

The purpose of this course is to learn the essential skills of digital photography. Students will learn basic photographic techniques for shooting pictures of a variety of subjects:  portraits, landscapes, sports, objects, etc. Students in this class must have access to a digital camera with a 5.0 or higher megapixel rating and has an adjustable aperture and shutter speed. Students will also learn various digital imaging skills in Adobe Photoshop CS2.  Also covered will be how to shoot and upload videos using a basic digital camera.

COM 495: International Organizational Communication  

Instructor: Dr David Weber, Communication Studies

Time: MWF 2:00, LH 139

In this course, we will explore a variety of communication perspectives and practices that distinguish international organizations (such as multinational corporations, non-governmental organizations, government organizations and others).  We will explore the influence of national, regional and ethnic cultural identities on how people participate in organizational life.   Students who are interested in entering international settings after graduation will truly find this course vital.  Every communication studies major can benefit from taking this course, though, because much of what you will do after you earn your degree may require you to enter and be comfortable in international environments, or be in constant contact with associates in those settings.  For more information, contact the instructor: Dr. David Weber--email: weberd@uncw.edu; telephone: 910.962.3396.

COM 495: Election Campaign Communication

Instructor: Dr Jennifer Brubaker

Time: M 6:30, LH 134

Course Description: An examination management, strategy, and tactics in modern political campaigns. Class will be discussion based. In addition, students will follow and volunteer for a campaign. Assignments will tie together the theoretical information discussed in class and the practical information experienced in the campaigns. For more information, contact the instructor: Dr Jennifer Brubaker--email: brubakerj@uncw.edu

COM 495: Rhetoric of the Civil Rights Movement

Instructor: Dr. Patricia Comeaux, Professor, Communication Studies

Time: TR 12:30, LH 139

NOTE: The focus of this course will be on the persuasive (communication) strategies of the key events and individuals in the Civil Rights movement.  Rather than traditional exams, the focus will be a seminar approach with discussions, active participation and papers and presentations.

This course examines the persuasive strategies of the key events, well known leaders and ordinary citizens fighting for their civil rights during the era in American history from 1954-1985.  Primary source documents of speeches, documentary film, biographies and autobiographies will be used to examine the most powerful mass protest movement in modern US history.  This course will also examine the powerful white resistance to this freedom struggle during this time period.  In addition to viewing documentaries and analyzing speeches and key events for their persuasive strategies, we will compare and contrast the distinctly different strategies used by the followers of Martin Luther King, Jr. and the non-violent protesters with those of the followers of Malcolm X, Stokley Carmichael, the Black Panthers and the call for forceful-violent resistance.

To experience and appreciate the full impact of this movement, students will:

• analyze and evaluate in essay exams and paper the effectiveness of the persuasive strategies of the movement, its leaders and ordinary citizens as well as the strategies of the white resistance;

• orally present their analysis of persuasive strategies used by particular leaders, citizens or events; and,

• examine the contrasting issues of the followers of the non-violent protesters with those of violent protesters as well as the issues of the white resistance;

Course Material and Readings will be selected from the following and will be available on library reserve and electronically online:

• Eyes on the Prize (the PBS Documentary Film: Episodes 1-14);

• The Eyes on the Prize Civil Rights Reader: Document, Speeches, and Firsthand accounts from the Black Freedom Struggle, by Clayborne Carson, et al. (editors);

• Debating The Civil Rights Movement by Steven Lawson and Charles Payne;

• The Children (of the Civil Rights Movement) by David Halberstam;

• From George Wallace to Newt Gingrich: Race in the Conservative Counterrevolution by Dan T. Carter.

COM 495: Peer-Instruction as Service Learning 

Instructor: Mr Frank Trimble

Time: TR 12:30, LH 134

UNCW students are currently offered academic assistance in writing (Writing Center), mathematics (Math Lab), and language studies (Foreign Language Lab).  However, support of this type is not available for those assigned solo speech or small group communication projects in numerous classes across a wide spectrum of majors.  Help remedy this situation by enrolling in a ground-breaking, legacy course titled Peer-Instruction as Service Learning. 

In this class, your knowledge and applied skills in public speaking and group communication will first be enhanced.  Then, you’ll be trained to “coach” others.  There may be no better way to master the art and science of communication than to prepare yourself to teach others and then engage in such collaborations. 

Clients will include students who visit the University Learning Center seeking guidance with speech and small group assignments.  In addition, we’ll offer services to others such as UNCW Ambassadors, UNCW Orientation Leaders, and students working with UNCW Career Center personnel to prepare for and practice employment interviews. 

Based on the outcome of the Fall 2008 rendition of this course, Peer-Instruction as Service Learning may become a permanent COM offering.  Therefore, those who take the inaugural section will have important input into how the class evolves during the semester as well as future renditions. 

Beyond the immediate benefits of advanced preparation as a speaker, group member, and consultant, the service learning aspect of the class should bring exciting intrinsic rewards.  Contributions and experiences of this type are impressive résumé entries when viewed by prospective employers and those screening graduate school applications.

This course has a “permission of instructor” enrollment restriction.  To discuss your candidacy and interest, contact Frank P. Trimble at 962-3441 or trimblef@uncw.edu.  Be part of a new, much needed academic initiative at UNCW!