Communications

B.A. Degree — Communications Major

In addition to the general education requirements, majors in Communications must complete 39 semester hours as prescribed below:

CSIT1020 Microsoft Word and PowerPoint 1 s.h. and

CSIT1030 Microsoft Excel 1 s.h. and

CSIT1040 Microsoft Access 1 s.h.

COMM1200 Speech Communication: Intro 3 s.h.

COMM1230 Small Group Discussion 3 s.h.

ENGL/COMM2500 Introduction to Mass Media 3 s.h.

COMM3100 Intercultural Communication 3 s.h.

COMM3140 Theories of Persuasion 3 s.h.

COMM/PEAC/SOCI3210 Conflict Resolution 3 s.h.

COMM3300 Theories of Human Communication 3 s.h.

COMM3310 Interpersonal Communication 3 s.h.

COMM3330 Dialogue: Theory and Practice 3 s.h.

COMM3400 Ethical Issues in Communication 3 s.h.

COMM4150 Senior Seminar 3 s.h.

COMM4300 Internship in Communications 3 s.h.

Minor in Communications

A minor in Communications requires 18 or more semester hours in Communications including COMM1200, COMM3310, and COMM3100 or COMM3210.

Teacher Certification in Speech Communication/Theatre

1. FOR SPEECH COMMUNICATION MAJORS WHO WANT A SECONDARY SPEECH COMMUNICATION/THEATRE ENDORSEMENT (5-12): Students majoring in Speech Communication who desire Iowa Teacher Certification with a secondary endorsement must complete the major requirements and the Secondary Education Program (with COMM4390 Methods of Teaching Theatre and Speech as the appropriate methods course), and the following courses:

   COMM1200 Speech Communication: An Introduction or

   COMM1230 Small Group Discussion 3 s.h.

   COMM/ENGL2500 Introduction to Mass Media 3 s.h.

   COMM3330 Dialogue: Theory and Practice 3 s.h.

   THTR1220 Beginning Acting 3 s.h.

   THTR1240 Vocal Presentation Skills or

   THTR2110 Performance Studies 3 s.h.

2. FOR THE NON-COMMUNICATION MAJORS WHO WANT A SECONDARY SPEECH COMMUNICATION/THEATRE ENDORSEMENT (5-12): Non-Communication majors desiring a secondary endorsement (5-12) in Iowa must complete the Secondary Education Program (with COMM4390 Methods of Teaching Theatre and Speech as the appropriate methods course), a major in a secondary teaching field, and the following courses:

   COMM1200 Speech Communication: An Introduction or

   COMM1230 Small Group Discussion 3 s.h.

   COMM/ENGL2500 Introduction to Mass Media 3 s.h.

   COMM3330 Dialogue: Theory and Practice 3 s.h.

   THTR1220 Beginning Acting 3 s.h.
   THTR1240 Vocal Presentation Skills or

   THTR2110 Performance Studies 3 s.h.

   One Speech Communication Elective COMM Prefix 3 s.h.

   Two Theatre Electives THTR Prefix 6 s.h.

Courses in Communication

COMM1200 Speech Communication: An Introduction 3 s.h.
Introductory course in speech communication exploring the principles of communication theory and techniques of interpersonal communication, group discussion, and public speaking. Goal 3B

+COMM1230 Small Group Discussion 3 s.h.
Theory, principles and practical application of small group problem-solving and decision-making process. Goal 3B

COMM2000 Individual Study 1-3 s.h.

+COMM2400 Introduction to Public Relations 3 s.h.
Theory, principles, and functions of agency, business, governmental and nonprofit public relations. Procedures for researching, planning, implementing, and evaluating public relations campaigns. Goal 3B

+ COMM2500 Introduction to Mass Media (Also ENGL2500) 3 s.h.
Introduction to the primary mass media forms — newspapers, books, magazines, radio, television, sound recording, movies, and the Internet — to gain an understanding of the ways they operate. Included are industries based on mass media—journalism, advertising, and public relations—as well mass media theory, law, and ethics. Emphasis on critical thinking about the mass media.

COMM3000 Individual Study 1-3 s.h.

COMM3100 Intercultural Communication (Also INTD3100) 3 s.h.
An examination of concepts that have application to communication across cultural boundaries, with emphasis on relating them to effective intercultural communication skills. Goal 4

+ COMM3140 Theories of Persuasion 3 s.h.
Theories and techniques of persuasive appeals. Emphasis on learning theories, information processing theories, perception theories, and components of persuasive appeals.

+ COMM3210 Conflict Resolution (Also SOCI/PEAC3210) 3 s.h.
Focuses on the causes and resolution of conflict at the micro level (family, school, community, church, interpersonal, etc.). Goal 3B

+ COMM3300 Theories of Human Communication 3 s.h.
Introduction to major theories underlying the process of human communication. Emphasis on both classical and contemporary theoretical approaches.

+ COMM3310 Interpersonal Communication 3 s.h.
Advanced study in one-to-one human communication. Course seeks to draw from experience, interaction, and theory to encourage behavioral and conceptual understanding of dyadic relationships. Goal 3B

+ COMM3330 Dialogue: Theory and Practice 3 s.h.
Explores the foundational theoretical concepts and models of dialogue as well as guided practice in the art of dialogue. Focuses on dialogue as a means of collaborative action, finding common ground, enlarging the views of participants, challenging assumptions, introspection, and developing best thinking practices. Goal 3B

+ COMM3400 Ethical Issues in Communication 3 s.h.
Examination of ethical principles involved in communication. Includes analysis of personal and institutional responsibilities in all forms of communication. Goal 3E

COMM3900 Topics in Speech Communication 1-3 s.h.
Advanced study in specific topics in speech communication, to be announced the semester before they are offered. May be repeated for credit as topics change.

COMM4000 Individual Study 1-3 s.h.

COMM4150 Senior Seminar 3 s.h.
Exploration of the world of work (resume writing, interviewing, job search) and practical application of communications skills to a capstone project designed by the student.

COMM4300 Internship in Communication 1-3 s.h.
Off-campus practical experience in a communication related professional setting. Offers an opportunity for application of communication skills and knowledge in monitored individual learning setting related to student’s academic and career interests. Pass/fail only. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Repeatable to a maximum of six hours.

COMM4390 Methods of Teaching Theatre and Speech (Also THTR4390) 3 s.h.
Consideration of the theatre and speech classroom experience on the secondary level. Provides training in methods, unit preparation, media, evaluation, and directing extracurricular activities. Required of prospective theatre and speech teachers.

COMM4400 Practicum in Information Services (Also ENGL4400) 1-3 s.h.
On-campus practical experience in college relations office, admissions office, media center or alumni relations office. Offers an opportunity for study in a monitored individual learning setting. Pass/fail only. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor and permission of the appropriate college official. Repeatable to a maximum of six hours.