2024-2025 Course List

The course provides explanations and analysis of the historical evolution of American mass communication from the colonial period of the 1600s to the present. Students will study media history within the broader contexts of American social and cultural history. Developing a deeper understanding of how mass media evolved will lead to a deeper and more effective comprehension of the roles and effects of mass communication in today's society.

The course fulfills secondary licensure requirements for Communication Arts and Literature. First, the course covers teaching methods and materials needed to develop units for communication courses in grades 5-12. Second, the course covers methods and techniques in the development of competitive speech programs in grades 5-12.

Crisis Communication is an integral part of public relations. A crisis communications strategy is critical for organizations of every size. This course examines crisis typologies, theoretical approaches and applications, and crisis management and communication strategies.

Examines a broad grouping of musicians, companies, and arts organizations to better understand their growth and development. By understanding the relative value propositions of these current and legacy organizations, students gain an understanding of how to place themselves within a larger cultural context.

A critical analysis of contemporary social movement discourse and the means for advocacy by a movement. We examine communication theories, issues, trends, social movement processes, advocacy strategies, and how it all ties back into the field of contemporary communication studies.

Grassroots campaigning is a proven strategy of civic discourse, engagement, and advocacy. Grassroots organizing works from the bottom up and is uniquely suited to engage historically marginalized constituencies and to amplify the voiced of traditionally excluded populations. This course emphasizes a practical, skills-based approach grassroots advocacy using communication strategies and tactics.

Practical skill in the development of public relations writing including news releases, brochures, public service announcements, pitch letters, annual reports.

Course is designed to give students a theoretical understanding of competitive speech and debate.

In this advanced nonfiction writing course, students will analyze examples of professional media writing and employ techniques to create a portfolio of persuasive, informative, and personal writing for a variety of media markets.

Covers the legal framework of the music industry in the U.S. and abroad. Emphasis is placed on the publishing business, recording contracts, vertically integrated media deals, and the entertainment business.

A course designed for students who have a general interest in communication studies. Content of each special topics course will be different. May be retaken for credit.

Examines promotions from three perspectives: 1) The promotion of music and artists. 2) The promotion of other products, services and causes through using music. 3) The presentation and promotion of oneself as a music expert.

This theory and research-oriented course examines the relationship between communication and conflict, and is designed to provide students with knowledge and skills in dealing with conflict situations.

Exploration of historic and contemporary examples of strategic public relations successes and failures. Analysis of public relations practices related to these cases, including planning, communication, evaluation exercises and management responsibilities.

Trains students in mass communication production within the contexts of agriculture, food, and life sciences to create multimedia content about science, technology, and other complex agricultural issues. Drawing on interviews, research, and theories, students will create targeted, multimedia campaigns for expert and general audiences.

This course is designed to provide students with the theoretical foundations necessary to both participate and critique arguments. Students will engage contemporary theories of argumentation and apply those theories in discussion and formal debate.

Participate in the performance, composition, audio, video, lighting aspects of the ensemble on and off campus.

This course focuses on the theory and criticism of mass communication in global contexts. It trains students to analyze and evaluate global media in cultural contexts toward becoming media literate consumers and producers. Course is taught in English.

A hands-on introduction to advocacy documentary production, from preproduction to completed works. Emphasis on working with underrepresented groups and individuals through advocacy organizations. No previous production skills are required to take this course.

Special interest courses devoted to specific topics within health communication. Topics vary, and course may be retaken for credit under different topic headings.

Hands-on production of interactive documentary content for online audiences. Special focus may include web series, docu games, interactive documentary, and virtual and augmented reality.

Designed to explore the analytical structure of songs from their conception to production. Students examine a variety of songs and participate in songwriting, production, and analysis.

Recording Studio is focused on project-based music production and recording.

Examines serious game theory and design principles in training simulations, persuasive games, and news games. Using these theories and principles, students will research, develop, test, and evaluate their own serious game.

Examines advanced aspects of songwriting composition and production. Topics include production-oriented songwriting analysis and composition and lead sheet design.