COM1500 Introduction to Human Communication
4 semester hours
Examines the foundations and basic processes of communication in small-group, interpersonal, and public-speaking contexts. Students will apply these basic principles though the preparation and delivery of individual and group presentations. Emphasizes audience analysis, group interaction, research, organization, and effective delivery style.
No prerequisites.
Meets General Education “Observation of Ourselves and Others” Group A requirement.
COM1800 Argumentation and Debate
4 semester hours
Students will be introduced to and familiarized with the concepts of academic educational debating as currently carried out in intercollegiate debate competition. Students will work on skills in: organization, research, delivery, refutation, and argumentation. Students will be trained to participate in classroom practice debates and will then engage in two field trips to novice debate tournaments held at other schools.
No prerequisites.
COM2100 Media and Society
4 semester hours
This course is an introduction to issues and research on mass media, the Internet, and computer-mediated communication and surveys newspapers, magazines, books, Internet, radio, recordings, television and film. The separate histories of each medium are traced into their convergence in modern society. Students will critically examine media theories and practices from diverse ethical, economic and political perspectives to further appreciate the relationship between media and society.
No prerequisites.
Meets General Education “Observation of Ourselves and Others” Group A requirement.
COM2200 Writing for Communication
4 semester hours
Writing course designed to develop students’ abilities to write in a number of communication modes for a wide range of purposes. Students are introduced to writing in a variety of communication contexts including journalism, public relations, corporate environments, and media.
No prerequisites.
COM2300 Introduction to American Film
4 semester hours
A survey course outlining some of the principle theories and aesthetic techniques associated with American feature films from their inception at the end of the 19th century to present-day blockbusters. Evaluation of the “art” of film will be combined with a focus on the historical, social, industrial, and legislative contexts of the times in which the films appeared.
No prerequisites.
Meets General Education “Aesthetic and Philosophical Expression” Group B requirement.
COM/ART2670 Photography I: Silver-Based Black and White
3 semester hours
Cross-listed with ART2670. For description, see ART2670.
No prerequisites.
COM2850 Introduction to Visual Communication
4 semester hours
This course is an introduction to the methods of analyzing and creating visual imagery. Students will also explore the role that visual imagery plays in constructing individual identity and societal ideologies. Special attention is given to modern visual media forms such as contemporary art, advertising and comic books. Students will also gain skills in digital imaging and video production through a number of media development projects.
No prerequisites.
COM3000 Organizational Communication
3 semester hours
This course will provide students with a solid grounding in the theories, principles, and strategies of organizations and group communication as it is applied in diverse contexts. Students will gain familiarity with relevant research and applications as well as the practical strategies and techniques of working in organizational and group contexts and will participate in coursework that relates to a wide variety of real-life communication situations and settings.
Prerequisite: COM1500, COM1800 or ENG1020.
COM3100 Communication Research Methods
4 semester hours
This course introduces students to methods of inquiry found in the communication and media studies research literature. These methods include experiments, surveys, textual analysis and participant observations/ethnographies. The course examines the underlying philosophical assumptions associated with these methodologies as well as their unique strengths and limitations. Students’ conceptual understanding of these methodologies and their ability to become critical consumers of research findings are the major objectives of the course.
Prerequisite: COM1500, COM1800 or ENG2010.
COM3140 Journalism: News Reporting and Writing
3 semester hours
This course introduces the foundations of journalism and covers the craft’s two main components: reporting and writing the news. Students will learn interviewing and news-gathering techniques and practice writing news, features, and opinion for print, broadcast and online media. How journalism functions in a democratic society as well as ethical and legal issues in journalism also will be covered. Student writing will be critiqued by professional journalists.
Prerequisite: COM1500, COM1800 or ENG2010.
COM3200 Persuasion
3 semester hours
This course explores theoretical and applied approaches to the ways attitudes are formed and changed, the relationship between attitudes and behavior, and how messages transmitted personally and through the mass media are shaped to influence attitudes and behavior. Students will study the rhetoric of persuasion established by Aristotle, which is foundational to our modern persuasive practices and applications in areas such as public address, politics, propaganda, advertising and public relations.
Prerequisite: COM1500, COM1800 or ENG2010.
COM3240 Public Relations
3 semester hours
This course will detail the ideas, skills, and principles that underlie the public relations craft. Students will study the role and contributions of public relations practitioners in contemporary society; learn about potential legal and ethical aspects of the practice of public relations; study the communications process and how persuasion is used to shape public attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors; and learn how to develop a strategic communication plan to achieve specific goals and objectives. The class will also introduce students to specialized practice areas within the public relations field such as business and industry, government, non-profits and associations, and health care.
Prerequisite: COM1500, COM1800 or ENG1020.
COM3250 Digital Design for Print and Web
3 semester hours
An introduction to the practice and principles of graphic design for print and electronic media. This lab-based course covers the basics of typography and layout, as well as the technologies and techniques of interactive media production. Students will use modern digital imaging and publication software to create effective informational and promotional materials.
Prerequisite: COM1500, COM1800 or ENG1020.
COM3300 Relational Communications
3 semester hours
Students will explore the nature of relational communication in interpersonal and group contexts. Special emphasis will be placed on the impact of relational communication in the personal, social, and organizational relationships of individuals and on society at large. This course will provide an overview of the communication, psychological, and sociological literatures and theories that have been important in understanding how humans communicate with one another.
Prerequisite: COM1500, COM1800 or ENG1020.
COM3310WI Media Criticism
3 semester hours
An introduction to theoretical approaches and practices used to analyze the content, structure, and context of media in society. Students will explore factors shaping modern media texts, including: politics, economics, technology, and cultural traditions. The course will examine a wide spectrum of traditions, theories, and debates central to the field (including Marxism, political economy, semiotics, psychoanalysis, reception, feminism, critical race theory and postmodernism) in relation to a range of media texts (radio, film, television, popular music, print, advertising, music videos, sports and the Internet).
Prerequisites: COM1500, COM1800 or ENG1020; IDS2000 with a grade of “C” or higher.
Meets Writing Intensive requirement.
COM3410 Survey of European Film
4 semester hours
This course will examine the rich legacy of European cinema. Special attention will be paid to the interaction between the political and social history of Europe and the impact on its national cinemas. Topics covered will include the Origins of European Cinema, German Expressionism, Soviet Montage, French Film between the Wars, Italian Neorealism, Post-World War II Polish and Swedish Cinema, the French New Wave and contemporary transnational film. This course examines the aesthetics of European film as well as its industrial history.
Prerequisite: COM2300 or permission of instructor.
COM3420 Survey of Non-Western Film
4 semester hours
This course will be an overview of the aesthetics, history, and industrial origins of non-Western cinema. Special attention will be paid to the cultural and national cinemas of Japan, Korea, China, India, Iran and sub-Saharan Africa. This course will investigate the differences in storytelling in western and non-western forms of filmmaking.
Prerequisite: COM2300 or permission of instructor.
COM3500 Intercultural Communication
3 semester hours
The course focuses on effective communication of ideas, theories, and practices in a diverse, multicultural world. Differences in perception, worldviews and values will be explored, and both verbal and nonverbal messages will be examined. The course will encourage the discovery and analyses of experiences that occur when people from different cultures communicate different ideas, feelings and information.
Prerequisite: COM1500, COM1800 or ENG1020.
Course sections may be offered with WI notation to meet Writing Intensive requirement and will require a “C” or higher in IDS2000.
COM3510 Corporate and Professional Communication
3 semester hours
In this course students will gain practice in many of the specialized forms of communication that occur in corporate and professional settings, such as resumes, business letters, job interviews, memos, persuasive reports and business plans. Students will learn the essentials of business etiquette, as well as communication strategies in writing, face-to-face interaction, group meetings and public presentation.
Prerequisite: COM1500, COM1800 or ENG1020.
COM3520 Global Communication
3 semester hours
The course examines the major issues in global communication through the analyses of international news and information flows, media imports/exports, privatization, and globalization within communications industries, and the various models of global communication systems. Students will evaluate the social and economic impacts of information and communication technologies, the shifting relationships between developed and developing countries, and the socio-economic trends associated with globalization of communication industries, and explore concepts such as nationalism, regionalism, globalization and cultural identity.
Prerequisite: COM1500, COM1800 or ENG1020.
COM3650 Methods in Rhetoric
4 semester hours
Methods in Rhetoric will build on student prior coursework to further their development as a public speaker in a variety of settings. This is done through a combination of speaking, writing and reading assignments. Specifically, students will outline, develop, and deliver extemporaneous speeches incorporating relevant sources. Students will learn how to develop and deliver messages that are appropriate and effective for the audience, purpose, and context using logical arguments within an ethical framework.
Prerequisite: COM1500, COM1800 or permission of instructor.
COM3700 Media Production I
3 semester hours
Students will create materials in multiple modes of digital media, including still images, Web-based publications, audio and video. The class includes thorough practice with several widely used software applications. Special emphasis is placed on the production of material for promotional or instructional purposes. A useful course for students in all disciplines, many of whom will be expected to be competent with the basics of digital multimedia production in their careers.
Prerequisite: COM1500, COM1800 or ENG1020.
COM3710 Media Production II
3 semester hours
Students will gain extensive
practice in digital cinematography and editing through the production of
several individual and collaborative video projects. Students are involved in
all stages of the video production process, from conception and scripting to
shooting and editing. This class will also delve into areas such as video
technology, lighting and staging. The course culminates in the production of a
comprehensive narrative or documentary-style piece.
Prerequisite: COM3700.
COM3810 Special Topics in Communication
2-4 semester hours
Periodic course reflecting faculty research interests.
Prerequisites: Will vary with special topic. Instructor approval required.
COM3850 Interactive Media
3 semester hours
This course is an introduction to the design and use of interactive media. Students will explore the creation of narrative using digital programs and will analyze the communication process used in online digital formats. Additionally, students will discover effective use of message design. Activities in this course will focus on the creation of narratives, websites and virtual environments. Students will also gain skills in advanced digital design.
Prerequisite: COM1500, COM1800 or ENG2010.
COM4750 Communication Practicum
3 semester hours
This course offers the student supervised communication-related practical experiences focusing on a specific communication specialization. Each practicum is designed to be tailored to the student’s specific goals after graduation.
Prerequisites: Major or minor in Communication and at least junior-level standing. Students must seek advance approval from a Communication faculty mentor prior to registering for the Communication Practicum.
COM4940 Communication Internship
3 semester hours
The purpose of the Communication
Internship is to enable Aurora University students to acquire work experiences
in the communication professional’s business world. This experience is designed
to expand on the learning experience and to integrate and reinforce skills and
concepts learned in the classroom. The internship provides a practical
experience in a structured employment environment.
Prerequisites: Major
or minor in Communication and at least junior-level standing. Students must
seek advance approval from a Communication faculty mentor prior to registering
for the Communication Internship.
COM4990 Senior Seminar in Communication
3 semester hours
This capstone course is required of all Communication majors in their senior year. Students will complete individual term projects that will demonstrate their ability to integrate theoretical and practical aspects of their chosen area of communication. Seminar will center on project development and student-led discussions of the issues and research indicative of their selected communication areas.
Prerequisites: COM1500, COM1800 or ENG2010, COM2200; major or minor in Communication and senior-level standing.
