Courses

CM 101: Introduction to Communication Theory
Overview of the subject matter, history, and the prevailing theories that define communication studies. Theories about the individual, society, and media, emphasizing research, rhetoric, and analysis. Provides a foundation for advanced study in core upper-level courses.

CM 121: Fundamentals of Oral Communication
This course surveys fundamental oral communication concepts with an emphasis on developing effective public speaking skills. individual speech critiques.

CM 221A: Media and Society
Analysis of relationships between contemporary media forms and society. Includes the cultural role of advertising, media influences on human behavior and thought, and social implications of new media technologies. Research projects and group discussion.

CM 223: Argumentation and Debate
Oral communication as rational persuasion. Techniques of argument, research, and rebuttal. Participation in debates on issues of campus and global interest. Prerequisites: CM 121 or CM 360A.

CM 303A: Propaganda and Persuasion
Distinctions between persuasion and propaganda, ethics in communication, persuasive and propagandistic tactics and strategies in advertising and politics. Close reading of written and visual texts. Construction and destruction of propaganda.

CM 306: Gender, Sexuality, & Media
Explores the construction of gender identity and sexuality in media representations, organizations, audiences, and in relation to new media technologies. Prerequisite: CM 101 and Junior standing.

CM 308: Organizational Communication
This course explores communication theory and behavior within organizational settings. Topics covered include the role of communication, organizational perspectives, diversity in the workplace, leadership and work-life issues. Prereq: CM 101 and JR or SR standing.

CM 310: Health Communication
Application of communication theory and research to the health care context, including the patient-health care provider relationship and dissemination of health messages. Special emphasis on values, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Reflective Service Learning Course. Prerequisite: CM 101, Jr. or Sr. Standing

CM 312: Public Relations: Theory and Practice
Mastering public relations concepts, principles, and theory and a mini-practicum in applied theory and strategic planning. Special emphasis on building an ethical public relations foundation and communicating meaningfully with various publics. Prerequisites: CM 101 or CM 121.

CM 314A: Critical Studies in New Media
The current era is dominated by new media technologies. In this course, we try to make sense of the relationship of these media in society by situating them historically, culturally, economically, and politically.

CM 316: Communicating Masculinity
Explores the construction of masculinity in society through media representations, organizations, and institutions through analysis of such topics as the masculine archetype, impact of family, race and ethnicity, sports and sexuality. Prerequisite: CM 221A

CM 318A: Popular Communication
This course considers popular forms of communication including the meanings, messages, and values embedded in them. Students will create and analyze examples of popular communication artifacts. Juniors and Seniors only.

CM 320: Rhetorical Theory
Traces the history of theorizing about rhetoric, persuasion and argumentation with particular attention paid to rhetoric’s role in knowledge production and power relations. Prerequisites: CM 101 and JR or SR standing or permission of the instructor.

CM 321: Nonverbal Communication
An introduction to the significance of nonverbal communication on the communication process through theory, application, and critiques of quantitative and qualitative research in order to increase knowledge, awareness, and understanding of the role that nonverbal communication plays in various contexts.

CM 321S: Nonverbal Communication
An introduction to the significance of nonverbal communication on the communication process through theory, application, and critiques of quantitative and qualitative research in order to increase knowledge, awareness, and understanding of the role that nonverbal communication plays in various contexts.

CM 322: Critical Studies in Radio and Television
Broadcast media have had profound implications for the culture, politics, and history of their era. This course examines the rise of broadcast media, the period of their preeminence, and their complicated existence in the digital age. Prerequisite: CM 221A.

CM 324: Family Communication
This course examines how communication shapes, sustains, and changes individuals and relationships in families. Students will learn how to analyze family interaction by viewing the family as a communication system with identifiable patterns.

CM 326: Interpersonal Communication
Theory and practice of interpersonal communication, including an exploration of language, meaning, culture, listening, and conflict. Common problems in interpersonal communication are examined. Students apply course concepts through simulations and individual projects.

CM 328: Humans and Animals in Communication
This course provides an overview of the current field of human-animal communication studies as well as ways in which this field of study is informed by the study of intrapersonal, interpersonal, and intercultural communication. Prerequisites: CM121 or AZ200S or permission of the instructor.

CM 335: Dis/Engaging the Digital
Surveys the impact of digital communication technologies on culture and society. Explores individual strategies for greater critical attention to how digital media influence the way we think, feel, and act.

CM 352G: Public Memory & East Germany
The course asks students to consider how the Communist East German past is communicated through film, museums, memorials, and guest speakers. Travel to Berlin and Leipzig, Germany. Prerequisite: Instructor's permission.

CM 360A: Media Ethics
Media Ethics is designed to promote greater understanding of moral reasoning and ethical decision-making processes within the fields of journalism, advertising, and public relations.

CM 498: Communication Research
Senior Comprehensive Course offers instruction in one or more approaches to communication research. Emphasizes critical thinking and analysis of communication phenomena and articulating communication/critique of research to an audience of critical peers. Prerequisite: Senior standing.

CM 499: Senior Thesis