COMMUNICATION
AND MEDIA STUDIES
DEPARTMENT
Communication and Media
Studies Courses
COMM100 MASS COMMUNICATION AND
MODERN SOCIETY
3 sem. hrs.
This course examines mass communication as infor-
mation, entertainment, and persuasion from econom-
ic, political, social, and cultural perspectives. It
emphasizes mass communication processes and
effects as related to the symbols and sense making of
everyday life. The course also examines issues of
ethics and responsibility for both audiences and com-
municators. This course is approved for General
Education Core 4.
COMM107 PUBLIC SPEAKING
3 sem. hrs.
This course provides students with various speaking
situations for which they construct and deliver an
effective oral communication. It is concerned with
putting multiple communication theories into prac-
tice, including the principles of invention, analytical
thinking, organization, evidence, delivery, style, and
ethical speaking. The course is approved for General
Education Distribution 1.
COMM150 MESSAGE DESIGN
3 sem. hrs.
This course provides an introduction to the communi-
cation process. Communication theories are applied
to the planning and production process in designing
messages, especially for mass media. The student will
analyze and plan for a production.
COMM204 INTRODUCTION TO WOMEN'S
STUDIES
3 sem. hrs.
This interdisciplinary course introduces students to
the theories and research pertaining to women's expe-
riences and women's status in contemporary society.
COMM220 INTERCULTURAL
COMMUNICATION
3 sem. hrs.
This course provides both a practical and theoretical
introduction to the field of intercultural, intracultural,
and interracial communication. It explores intercul-
tural communication between individuals and small
groups representing different cultural experiences and
backgrounds. This course is approved for General
Education Core 5.
COMM306 IMPROVING COMMUNICATION
THROUGH TRANSACTIONAL
ANALYSIS
3 sem. hrs.
This course acquaints students with Transactional
Analysis and its impact on human relations. It stress-
es personal and professional applications.
Prerequisite: COMM107.
COMM310 INTRODUCTION TO
COMMUNICATION RESEARCH
3 sem. hrs.
This course introduces students to the principles,
practices, applications, and ethics of communication
research. Students will learn the basics of research
methods and design as well as the nature of interpre-
tation, presentation, and use of research findings.
Prerequisite: ENGL102 or ENGL104.
COMM311 ARGUMENTATION AND
DEBATE
3 sem. hrs.
Designed for those students interested in pursuing the
theory and practice of argumentation as it applies to
both formal and informal discussion and debate situ-
ations. Argumentation is approached as a method of
analysis and a process of influence.
COMM312 GROUP DISCUSSION 3 sem. hrs.
Study of group processes and dynamics through par-
ticipation in small group discussions. Topics covered
include responsibilities of group members, leader-
ship, problem-solving, development, and mainte-
nance of trust. Prerequisite: COMM107.
COMM313 ORAL INTERPRETATION
3 sem. hrs.
This course develops the vocal techniques and poise
necessary to read and interpret works of literature
aloud. It stresses the analysis of literary form as a
basis for expressive oral presentation. Students devel-
op skills in critiquing their own performances, as well
as those of others. Prerequisite: COMM107. This
course is approved for General Education
Distribution 1.
COMM315 ADVANCED PUBLIC SPEAKING
3 sem. hrs.
Designed for students who wish to receive advanced
training in speech making. Specialized activity in
voice and diction, practice in platform speaking and
opportunities in speaking for special occasions.
Designed to provide optimum practical experience.
Prerequisite: COMM107.
COMM316 PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE
3 sem. hrs.
Designed to acquaint students with the theories, rules,
and strategies governing contemporary group, busi-
ness, and governmental meetings. Classroom experi-
ences allowing for the application of parliamentary
law in various situations are provided.
COMM318 INTERVIEWING: PRINCIPLES
AND PRACTICES
3 sem. hrs.
This course introduces students to the purposes and
kinds of interviews, and methods of preparing for
interviews. It provides students with practice in infor-
mational, employment and persuasive interviewing.
This course is approved for General Education
Distribution 1.
COMM321 NONVERBAL
COMMUNICATION
3 sem. hrs.
This course examines the processes and effects of
communicating in nonverbal codes with emphasis
upon such areas as proxemics (space), kinesics (body
movement), chronemics (time), haptics (touch), par-
alanguage (intercultural variations), and relations in
public as they affect the parameters, limitations, and
significance of personal nonverbal behavior.
Prerequisite: COMM107. This course is approved for
General Education Distribution 1.
COMM325 INTERPERSONAL
COMMUNICATION
3 sem. hrs.
Intended as a general introduction to the study of
interpersonal communication, this course will investi-
gate the skills and alternatives available for effective
interpersonal communication. Prerequisite:
COMM107.
COMM330 GROUP ORAL
INTERPRETATION
3 sem. hrs.
This course is a continuation of Oral Interpretation
with emphasis placed upon group readings. Attention
is given to the construction of lecture recitals and
adaptation of various literary forms for platform pres-
entation. Prerequisite: COMM313.
COMM331 ADVANCED GROUP ORAL
INTERPRETATION
1 sem. hr.
This course is designed for students who wish to con-
tinue performing in Edinboro Off the Page Readers
Theater. The group will meet a minimum of three
hours per week for purposes of rehearsal and both on
and off campus performances. This course may be
repeated for a maximum of two hours credit.
Prerequisite: COMM330.
COMM364 INTRODUCTION TO MASS
MEDIA
3 sem. hrs.
This course offers an entry level study of the
American system of Mass Communications what it
is today and what brought it to this point. It surveys
the historical development, organizational structure,
functional and operational characteristics and con-
temporary setting of mass media. Students examine
books, newspapers, magazines, motion pictures,
records, radio, television, and new technologies. This
course is approved for General Education
Distribution 1.
COMM365 INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC
RELATIONS
3 sem. hrs.
This course provides both a practical and theoretical
introduction to the field of public relations. The
emphasis is on applying the principles of public rela-
tions in the areas of commerce, government, institu-
tions, finance, industry, and media. Students partici-
pate in various simulated public relations activities.
This course is approved for General Education
Distribution 1.
COMM397-8-9 STUDIES IN SPEECH
COMMUNICATION
1-6 sem. hrs.
These topics represent a variety of courses in special-
ized areas beyond the content of regular courses.
Examples are non-verbal communication, phonetic
variation, communication theories, general seman-
tics, information theory, decision making, etc.
Specific areas will be developed, based on the inter-
est, needs and abilities of the students in conjunction
with available faculty.
COMM404 RADIO/TV ANNOUNCING
3 sem. hrs.
This is an intensive course for the development of
techniques of voice use desirable for radio, television,
and sound reinforcement systems. The course will
analyze and address the challenge of coordinating the
speaking voice with the meaning, the syntax, and
implications of the textual material.
COMM405 BROADCAST SALES,
MARKETING AND
ADVERTISING
3 sem. hrs.
The effectiveness of the advertising and marketing
effort often underlies the programming possibilities
of the broadcast media. This course will explore mar-
172/Course Descriptions