Communication Studies, BA

This course examines a breadth of topics fundamental to the study of communication and works to improve students' communication skills in three primary contexts:  interpersonal relationships, group/teamwork, and presentational speaking.

Research, composition, organization, and delivery of speeches for various purposes and occasions, with emphasis on listener analysis and on informative and persuasive techniques.

Predominant issues related to verbal and nonverbal communication with a focus on interpersonal relationships.

Introduces students to basic skills, principles, and contexts of communication in business and professional settings by combining public speaking with aspects of communication ethics and organizational, small group, and interpersonal communication. Students will learn practical skills via presentations, research, resumes, interviews, meetings, and professional writing grounded in communication theory.

Basic voice training, including techniques for vocal production, manipulation, and control. Practical application of the vocal apparatus will be emphasized, including techniques of enunciation, projection, articulation, and the use of dialects. (Credit may not be given for both this course and THEA 1342.)

An exploration of the history and development of public relations including the theory and process of public relations, and the various publics and careers associated with the public relations industry.

Application of small group theories and techniques as they relate to group process and interaction.

Advanced study of the principles and methods of formal presentations for various purposes and audiences to further develop students into effective communicators. Course assignments will include various special occasion speeches, dynamic instructional speeches, extemporaneous speaking, creation of effective visual aids, and a group community action presentation.

The foundations, processes, and effects of human communication. A survey of contemporary theory and research, including language theory, nonverbal and small group communication, persuasion, and mass communication.

The study of body movement, touch, paralanguage, space, environment, and other nonverbal factors in the communication process.

This course is an advanced interpersonal communication course that focuses on communication within relationships, such as family, romantic, friendship, and workplace relationships.

Prerequisite: COMM 1318.

The purpose of this course is to increase student's knowledge of the research process used in the Communication Studies discipline. Specifically, the course will allow students the opportunity to learn the goals of communication research and scrutinize various techniques for creating academic research and assessing academic knowledge.

Various theories and forms of rhetorical persuasion. Topics include practical reasoning skills, psychological theories of persuasion, and critical responses to persuasive messages.

This course will introduce students to the basic principles and formatting requirements for public relations writing. Students will gain theoretical and practical experience in developing content for specific audiences.

Understanding the University Interscholastic League debate and speech events. Students explore approaches to analytical reasoning, research delivery, and the conceptual basis for debate and gain practical experience in understanding and judging UIL in the high school setting.

focuses on the communication of influence that takes place to achieve goals or encourage change. Specific attention will be devoted to a variety of approaches, processes, and theories that will provide students general knowledge of leadership.

Examination of communication about women and men, as well as communication between them. Special course emphasis on explanations of gender, sexist language, media depiction of the sexes, and gender communication in the formation of social and work relationships.

This course will focus on communication and sexuality, specifically exploring sex and gender identity development and expression, intersections of race/ethnicity and sex/gender, how communication impacts various types of relationships, the role of communication in sexual activity, and power abuses related to sexual activity, with specific focus on consent and sexual safety.

This workshop-style course will provide students with an understanding of social media strategy and measurement. Students will develop engaging content for brands and public figures, gain experience using top social networks and use software to participate in social listening, content scheduling and measuring key performance indicators.

An application of the public relations process (including primary and secondary research, goals and objective development, the selection of proper strategies and tactics for implementation, and an evaluation of campaign effectiveness) through the production and presentation of a public relations campaign for a local organization.

Prerequisite: COMM 2330.

An application of crisis communication (including organizational research, risk and vulnerability assessment, strategic communication, and performance and damage evalutation) through the development and presentation of a crisis communication plan for a local organization.

An investigation of the process by which persons and groups of different cultural backgrounds create understanding. Types of knowledge, skills, and sensitivity necessary for intercultural communication are developed.

Examination and exploration of realistic applications of communication theories within the framework of an organization. Particular attention will be given to techniques for diagnosing communication problems, as well as strategies for effecting change in communication.

Study of international leadership in the context of communication and in multi-cultural and diverse settings. Influence of global economy, politics, social values in international leadership.

This course serves as the capstone for the Communication Studies degree. It offers students opportunities to synthesize information learned in other Communication courses and demonstrate abilities to think critically, conduct independent research linked to appropriate communication theories, create individual and collaborative projects that demonstrate effective use of communication strategies, and present written and oral work at an advanced level.

Prerequisite: (COMM 2335, 3310 and 3326).

Study of specialized topics and themes in communication studies. May be repeated when topics vary.

Students prepare documents, explore strategies for enhancing their marketability, and assemble a professional portfolio of public relations work.

Prerequisite: COMM 2330 and (COMM 4331 or 4335).

See College description. By application. Only 3 semester hours of Directed Individual Study credit may be counted toward the major.

Practical experience in the field through placement in a communication internship position. Students interested in applying for the internship course must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0; have at least junior standing at the university; be a communication studies major or minor, or public relations minor; have completed at least 12 hours of coursework in the major or minor at TAMU-CC. Preferred applicants will have a minimum communication or public relations GPA of 3.25. All applicants must solicit a recommendation from from a Department of Communication and Media faculty member. Course may be taken three times for credit; however only 3 semester hours of internship credit may be counted toward the major. A second internship may apply to the communication studies minor or public relations minor; a third internship may be used as a free elective. Authorization to repeat the internship course is contingent on the students' successful completion of the previous internship experience. This course is graded Credit/No Credit.