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Arts and Communication

Communication Studies Course Descriptions

CMST& 101: Introduction to Communication: CD

Credits: 5.0

An overview of the field of communication with an emphasis on the interpersonal approach, small group communication, mass communication, and public speaking. Prerequisite(s): Placement in ENGL& 101.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the elements and the transactional nature of communication.
  2. Identify influences of perception, empathy, language, and nonverbal communication on relational dynamics.
  3. Develop new listening habits and active listening skills.
  4. Develop a personal, constructive approach to dealing with conflict situations through speech communication strategies of conflict resolution.
  5. Practice the principles of effective group communication, identify the various roles and norms in the group communication process, and understand the characteristics of leadership.
  6. Construct speech outlines incorporating a thesis statement and specific purpose.
  7. Demonstrate the ability to createaudience-centered messages.
  8. To demonstrate an understanding for how media shapes our sense of self and our core identities (ex. gender, race, age, ability, etc.) and our understanding of the world, and practice evaluating those messages.

CMST& 102: Introduction to Media Studies: CD

Credits: 5.0

This class explores the role of contemporary media in shaping our sense of ourselves and our world through a broad survey of critical approaches to understand and evaluate media messages. Prerequisite(s): ENGL& 101 with a minimum grade of 2.0 or instructor permission.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of various critical approaches to understanding media.
  2. Identify and analyze mediated messages and to learn how the production process influences media messages.
  3. To understand how media shapes our sense of self and our core identities (ex. gender, race, sexuality, age, ability, etc.) and our understanding of the world.
  4. Apply knowledge, awareness, and/or skills to identify and analyze issues related to diversity.

CMST& 210: Interpersonal Communication: CD

Credits: 5.0

Designed to enhance personal and work relationships. Special attention is paid to identity, listening, verbal and nonverbal communication, and conflict management concepts. Prerequisite(s): Placement in ENGL& 101.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Identify the basic components of the communication process and their functions during interactions.
  2. Explain the influence of perception, self-concept,and emotions on communication in relational dynamics.
  3. Explain how nonverbal and verbal messages enhance and inhibit communication in relational dynamics.
  4. Describe the process of listening and demonstrate the ability to actively listen and respond to the relational and content messages of others
  5. Describe the nature of conflict and the various methods for conflict resolution in relational dynamics.
  6. Describe the effect of culture and society on communication interactions and demonstrate adaptable communication strategies for diverse communication cultural contexts.

CMST& 220: Public Speaking

Credits: 5.0

Emphasis on the organization and delivery of effective speeches. Some areas of focus may include persuasive, informative, demonstration, and impromptu speaking. Prerequisite(s): ENGL& 101 with a minimum grade of 2.0.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Identify appropriate modes of delivery and methods.
  2. Demonstrate the ability to adapt messages to the diverse needs of audiences and contexts.
  3. Locate and use information relevant to the goals, audiences, purposes,and context.
  4. Evaluate, organize, and integrate research effectively into oral presentations.
  5. Select and utilize the appropriate modalities and technologies to accomplish communication goals.
  6. Critically reflect and constructively evaluate on one's own and others' messages after an oral presentation.

CMST& 230: Small Group Communication

Credits: 5.0

An in-depth focus on small group process. Emphasis will be placed on both the theory and practice of leadership skills, role-taking, verbal and nonverbal communication, norms, roles, decision making and conflict resolution. Prerequisite(s): Placement in ENGL& 101.

Course Level Objectives

  1. Articulate and apply the Speech Communication Model to the group context.
  2. Explain and apply group communication concepts such as groupthink, synergy, leadership and decision making models to group interaction situations.
  3. Describe and apply selected task and maintenance group roles and their application to the group process.
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