COM 104 Concepts in Communication Studies (3) Introduction to communication concepts central to interpersonal relationships, organizations, mass media and other contexts of communication. Focus on concepts and skills that have a practical impact on the student's understanding and practice of communication. Designed specifically for students not intending to become communication studies majors.
COM 105 Introduction to Communication Studies (3) Overview of the discipline and its current structure; foundational concepts for describing, evaluating, and practicing communication; and skills necessary to understand and evaluate research in the discipline. For pre-communication studies (PCOM) majors only.
COM 110 Public Speaking (3) Preparation and presentation of public speeches, with emphasis in analysis, reasoning, organization, evidence, and delivery.
COM 116 Performance of Literature (3) Analysis of poetry, prose, and drama through the medium of oral performance; literary selection, dramatic analysis, characterization, and other performance strategies.
COM 160 Media Literacy (3) Exploration of the structures, systems, effects, conventions and genres of contemporary mass media. Emphasis is on critical and educated consumption of mass media.
COM 200 Research Methods (3) Prerequisite COM 105, CSC 105. Survey of research methods and how they are used to form arguments and answer questions in communication studies. Methods for secondary research, empirical research, interpretative research and critical research.
COM 210 Performance of Children's Literature (3) Principles of performance and analysis of children's literature with special emphasis on prose and poetry for younger children. Traditional folk tales, picture books, and contemporary poetry are stressed.
COM 211 Storytelling (3) An introduction to the study and communication of stories and the artistic practice of storytelling; specific attention to personal stories, traditional folk and fairy tales, and North Carolina regional tales.
COM 216 Storytelling in the Community (2) Prerequisite: COM 116 or COM 221, and consent of instructor. Storytelling in real-life contexts with an emphasis on performing for elementary school children; theoretical foundations of performance strategies for participatory storytelling; audience-adaptation storytelling techniques. May be repeated for credit up to eight hours. (A maximum of four hours may be used toward major degree requirements.)
COM 220 Interpersonal Communication (3) An introduction to the theory and practice of communicating in face-to-face situations. Focus upon improving everyday interpersonal communication skills through understanding verbal, nonverbal, and relational processes.
COM 221 Small-Group Communication (3) Theory and practice of small group communication. Emphasis on learning how to work effectively in groups and how to manage group decision making and problem solving.
COM 223 Mediation and Conflict Management (3) Introduction to principles
of conflict management and alternative dispute resolution with an emphasis on mediation. Focus on several dynamics that affect conflict and its resolution.
Analysis of conflict situations.
COM 225 Health Communication (3) Prerequisite: COM 105 or permission of instructor. Overview of communication theory as it applies to health and wellness and the complexities of health communication. Focus on communicating health intrapersonally and interpersonally, communicating health across the life span, political factors of medicine and healing, and using and evaluating health information.
COM 230 Voice and Diction (3) Principles and use of the voice exercises in vocal variety, articulation and pronunciation.
COM 245 Communication with Deaf and Hearing Impaired Persons (3) Prerequisite: COM 105, COM 110, or consent of instructor. Survey of communication challenges faced by deaf and hearing-impaired populations. Introduction to sign language.
COM 260 Digital Multimedia (3) Comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of digital multimedia. Topics include digital multimedia; components needed to develop and view digital multimedia products; elements of digital multimedia such as sound, animation, video, text, and graphics.
COM 265 Survey of Mass Communication (3) Examination of mass communication focusing on the development, functions, theoretical foundations, and effects of mass media on individuals, society, and culture.
COM 268 Broadcast Journalism (3) Prerequisite: ENG 201. Principles and basic skills in writing for the broadcast media; includes exercises inside and outside of classroom. Emphasis on broadcast news writing, news coverage, news editing, and news problems and potentials.
COM 270 Writing for Public Relations (3) Prerequisite: ENG 103 or 201. Emphasis on a variety of methods to communicate public relations messages to the general public and specific target audiences. Experience in writing news releases, public service announcements, brochures, and newsletters.
COM 275 The Art of Persuasive Speech (3) Power of speech as a tool to influence thought processes of others in both negative and positive ways.
COM 276 Argumentation and Debate (3) Theories, principles and ethical dimensions of argumentation and their application to debates and decision making. Actual debates to refine communication skills.
COM 280 Television Aesthetics and Techniques (3) Theoretical study of aesthetics, processes and technologies of video production in the broadcast and non-broadcast environments. Topics include television genres and styles, the video industry, project planning and personnel, critical analysis, production theory and techniques, and emerging technologies. Appropriate for non-majors.
COM 290 Rhetoric of Popular Culture (3) Analysis will focus upon an understanding of the various persuasive influences inherent in modern society. Area of emphasis will include analysis of persuasive appeals in advertising, music, art, movies, theatre, social movements, politics, literature, and sports.
COM 295 Seminar in Communication Studies (3) Special topics in communication that are not dealt with in other courses. This course may be repeated under a different sub-title.
COM 297 Leadership Images in Film (3) Explores leadership and leadership theories through film portrayals of leaders in various contexts including social movements, politics, military campaigns, education, and law.
COM 311 (LED 311) Communication and Leadership (3) Prerequisite: EDN 211 or consent of instructor. Theory and practice of leadership. Development of conflict management and decision-making goals.
COM 316 Advanced Performance of Literature (3) Prerequisite: COM 116 or DRA 231 or consent of instructor. Analysis of literature through advanced performance theory and skills; ways in which the expressive capacities of the performer's body, voice, and imagination are engaged with the aesthetic experience of contemporary literature; emphasis on contemporary performance theory, creative dramatics, character analysis and biography. (A one-person show is required).
COM 320 Performance of Southern Prose (3) Prerequisite: COM 116 or consent of instructor. Analysis and communication of humorous southern prose through its performance; the ways in which traditions associated with the southern culture are reflected in the works of writers such as Ferrol Sams, Clyde Edgerton, Eudora Welty, Florence King, and Flannery O'Connor; emphasis on intensive reading and advance performance skills
COM 322 Introduction to Public Relations (3) Theoretical and practical applications of public relations for businesses, non-profit organizations and governmental agencies.
COM 325 Business and Professional Communication (3) Prerequisite: COM 110. Communication skills and tasks that accompany the role of a business or professional person. Topics include written correspondence, communication technologies, and the delivery of presentations common to business and professional environments.
COM 327 Organizational Communication (3) The study of organizations as systems of people engaged in communication processes, both stable and dynamic, aimed at achieving desired results. Topics include organizational analysis skills, diversity and leadership issues, organizational entry and socialization, theoretical applications, and organizational issues relevant to the global and international marketplace.
COM 340 Communication Theory (3) Theoretical perspectives concerning how and why people communicate. Emphasis placed on a greater understanding of the human communication process.
COM 341 Rhetorical Theory (3) Introduction to the basic classical and contemporary theories of rhetoric from Plato through the present.
COM 342 Diversity in Public Communication (3) Prerequisite: COM 105 or COM 110. Rhetorical practices of groups and individuals from diverse populations including race, ethnicity, gender and disability.
COM 345 Speech Writing (3) Prerequisite: ENG 201 and consent of instructor. The theory and practice of speech writing with special emphasis on writing speeches for others.
COM 350 Politics and Film (3) Prerequisite: COM 105 or COM 110. Explores how the medium of film uses narrative devices such as stock plots, characters and situations to communicate political ideas and shape audience perceptions of reality. Topics include: The Great Depression, World War II, the Cold War, Civil Rights, Viet Nam and the Clinton years.
COM 355 Great Speeches (3) Prerequisite: COM 105, COM 110, and COM 200. Survey of the development of the art of public speaking through the analysis of significant speeches throughout history.
COM 360 Mass Media Research (3) Prerequisite: COM 265 or consent of instructor. Research techniques of the mass media through application of various methods to broadcast and print media, advertising, and public relations.
COM 365 Communication Law (3) Prerequisite: COM 265 or COM 268. Survey of communication law, including freedom of expression, rights and responsibilities of professional communicators; regulation of the journalism, advertising, broadcasting and public relations industries; intellectual property and pornography.
COM 366 On-Camera Performance (4) Prerequisite: COM 116, COM 268, or consent of instructor. Theoretical foundations and applied techniques related to on-camera presentation for broadcast journalists, television spokespersons, and camera performers. Includes critiquing the work of industry professionals, composing original journalistic texts, and extemporaneous as well as memorized camera performances.
COM 368. Advanced Broadcast Journalism (3) Prerequisite: COM 268. Broadcast journalism theories and techniques with emphasis on training and practice in long-form/feature reporting. Technical training in the operation of electronic news gathering equipment; refinement of news gathering; news writing; announcing; presentation, and delivery skills; in-depth analysis and discussion of journalism ethics theories and cases; and a survey of important issues and cases in broadcast journalism.
COM 375 Communication Ethics (3) Prerequisite: COM 105. Ethical issues in journalism, advertising, public relations, business communication, and interpersonal communication.
COM 380 Field Video Production I (3) Prerequisite or corequisite: COM 280 and permission of instructor. Hands-on field video production experience including
project analysis, planning, script writing, recording and editing. Emphasis on
mastery of digital camera operation, audio acquisition, lighting, and digital editing. Students complete a variety of short productions working individually and in small teams.
COM 385 Studio Television Production I (4) Prerequisite: COM 280 or equivalent course and permission of instructor. Introduction to multi-camera studio television production in a variety of genres. Focus on acquisition of fundamental directing, studio camera operation, and audio gathering, lighting, producing, and directing through the completion of group projects.
COM 390 Intercultural Communication (3) Prerequisite: COM 110 or consent of instructor. Theoretical and practical perspectives on communication effectiveness in dealing with people, groups, or organizations that are culturally different within and across national boundaries.
COM 391 Interracial Communication (3) Explores the content and quality of interracial relationships. Focuses upon communicative behaviors between Euro- and African-Americans and contextual dynamics unique to such interactions.
COM 392 Aging and Communication (3) Communicative behavior of the elderly within the contexts of friendship networks, health care systems, the work place and the family. Study includes social forces that influence society's perceptions of the aging communicator.
COM 415 Experimental Theatre (3) Prerequisite: COM 116, THR 355 or consent of instructor. Study of literature through principles of group performance; emphasis on nonrealistic forms of theatre, including Readers Theatre and Chamber Theatre; selection and adaptation techniques, use of focus, and imaginative direction and staging of nondramatic literature. (Term project in directing is required.)
COM 418 Public Relations Case Studies (3) Prerequisite: COM 322. Discussion and analysis of societal trends, issues, and events in a public relations context.
COM 422. Advanced Public Relations (3) Prerequisite: COM 322. Application of public relations principles and skills to contemporary organizations. Development of public relations programs for on-campus and off-campus non-profit organizations.
COM 423. Negotiation (3) Prerequisite: COM 223. Theoretical and practical perspectives of negotiation. Emphasis on negotiating techniques for use in business and interpersonal relationships, especially on the differences between integrative and distributive bargaining.
COM 427 Advanced Organizational Communication (3) Prerequisite: COM 327 or consent of instructor. In-depth examination of communication practices in organizational settings; analysis of case studies and critical incidents; application of course's themes to training and consulting interventions; development of professional-level skills in oral and written expression; independent field research in local organizations.
COM 428 Communication Training and Development (3) Prerequisite: COM 325 or COM 327 or permission of instructor. Study and practice of designing, implementing and analyzing professional communication workshops. Special emphasis on using interactive technologies or contemporary applications in implementation.
COM 429 Organizational Culture (3) Prerequisite: COM 327. Organizations examined in terms of unique, complex sets of communication patterns distinguishing one organization from another. Basic enthographic research skills developed and practiced in semester-long projects. Emphasis on an organization's values, material artifacts, oral and mediated communications, rhetoric (e.g., public relations, advertising), and folklore.
COM 430 Communication Consulting (3) Prerequisite: COM 322 or 325 or 327 or permission of instructor. Principles and techniques for evaluating and organization's communication practices and promoting effective change in those patterns. Emphasis on developing consultant resilience and resourcefulness. Course topics and assignments address consultant challenges faced in a variety of organizational settings (e.g., business, government, non-profit, etc.) and functions (e.g., public relations, training, sales, etc.)
COM 441 Communication Analysis (3) Prerequisite: COM 341 or permission of instructor. Explores artifacts including public address, film and architecture from a rhetorical perspective. the perspective is informed by contemporary and traditional criticism including Neo-Classical, Burkean, Feminism and Eclectic approaches.
COM 443 Rhetoric of Faith Healing (3) Prerequisite: COM 341, COM 441 or permission of instructor. Study of the persuasive strategies of religious faith healers. Emphasis on audiences and patterns of argument, organization, style, and delivery.
COM 445 Nonverbal Communication (3) Study of nonverbal behavior as a communication system with emphasis on theory and research. Topics include touch, eye contact, body language, paralanguage, and space.
COM 460 Desktop Publishing (3) Prerequisite: COM 270 or permission of instructor. Study of layout and design as it applies to desktop publishing with practical application of design fundamental for a variety of practical assignments (e.g., brochures, newsletters, Web pages). Emphasis on use of desktop publishing for the public relations/advertising practitioner and the employment of software packages needed for effective layout and design.
COM 465 Mass Communication in Society (3) Prerequisite: COM 265. A seminar encompassing the development of mass communication, the obligations of the press, radio and television, the government and the right to know, censorship, invasion of privacy and other effects of mass communications.
COM 467 Advertising in Mass Communication (3) Prerequisite: COM 265 or consent of instructor. Examination of advertising from theoretical and practical perspectives, which takes into account its economic and social effects on contemporary society.
COM 480 Field Video Production II (4) Prerequisite: COM 380 and permission of instructor. Application of advanced field video production techniques with emphasis on advanced camera techniques and practice on long-term video production projects in a variety of genres. Emphasis on digital editing, producing, script writing, and coordinating projects with clients, agencies, and sponsors.
COM 485 Studio Television Production II (4) Prerequisite: COM 385 and permission of instructor. Advanced course in studio television production offering students the opportunity to produce programs intended for telecast on UNCW-TV. Student teams develop, plan, and produce professional quality television programs in a variety of genres.
COM 489. Advanced Television Production (4) Prerequisite: COM 480 and COM 485 or equivalent course and permission of instructor. Advanced course combining field and studio television production techniques wit the goal of producing unique programs intended for telecast on UNCW-TV. Student teams develop, plan, and produce professional quality television programs in a variety of genres.
COM 490 Discipline Capstone (3) Prerequisite: senior standing in communication studies. Exploration of education and career emphasis aspirations as related to past academic and professional experiences. assessment of philosophical, theoretical, and applied dimensions related to future plans, demonstration of discipline aptitudes, and forging a development plan to hone communication-related talents.
COM 491 Directed Individual Study (1-3) Prerequisite: Overall GPA of at least 2.00. junior or senior standing, and consent of instructor, department chair, and dean. Involves investigation under faculty supervision beyond what is offered in existing courses. For further information, consult the Directed Individual Studies section of this catalogue.
COM 495 Advanced Seminar in Communication Studies (3) Prerequisite: COM 110. Advanced special topics in communication that are not dealt with in other courses. This course may be repeated under a different subtitle.
COM 498 Internship in Communication Studies (3 or 6) Prerequisite: permission of communication studies faculty and junior or senior status and GPA of at least 2.50. A program of work and study conducted within an agency or setting that provides practical experience with observation and applications of theoretical concepts in communication. (A maximum of three [3] credit hours may be counted toward major degree requirements. A maximum of 12 credit hours may be counted toward graduation.
COM 499 Honors Work in Communication Studies (2-3) Prerequisite: senior standing. Independent study for honors students.
