Communications

Skip to: Major | Minors | Course Descriptions

Communications Studies – This major allows a generalist
approach to communications where a student can tailor the
major to their own interests.

Public Relations – This major involves theoretical and
applied public relations with additional studies in media
and business communication.

The program is augmented by linear and nonlinear audio and video laboratories, which are the foundational training center for Broadcast Media and serve a support role for Communications Studies and Public Relations.
In addition, if taking more than one Fine Arts class in the general education requirements section, students must choose from a Fine Art area other than Communications.

BROADCAST MEDIA MAJOR (30 hours)
(In addition to General Education, Bachelor of Arts or Science, and Communications Core Requirements)
COMU 323 Sound Production Techniques
COMU 343 Music Recording
COMT 353 Writing for Convergence Media
COMT 363 Video Production I
COMT 383 Radio Production
COMT 413 Broadcast Techniques
OR
COMT 423 Broadcast Management
COMT 463 Video Production II
COMT 473 Broadcast Media Internship
COMT 483A Studio Production I
COMT 483B Studio Production II

COMMUNICATIONS STUDIES MAJOR (30 Hours)
(In addition to General Education, Bachelor of Arts or Science, and Communications Core Requirements)
COMM 303 Understanding Human Communication
COMM 333 Small Group Communication
COMR 373 Principles of Public Relations
COMR 383 Technology for Multimedia Platforms
COMM 473 Communications Studies Internship
Elective Communications Courses: 15 hours (at least 12 hours
must be upper division)

Course Descriptions

General Education Courses

COMM 103 SPEECH COMMUNICATIONS
This is the basic required course offering the opportunity to explore effective one to one, small group communication, and large group oral communication processes. Evaluation and guidance by the instructor are on an individual basis. This course satisfies the general education requirement in oral communications.
Three Hours, Fall, Spring, Summer

COMM 123 PUBLIC SPEAKING AND DICTION
This course, which satisfies the general education requirement in oral communications, is designed specifically for students who use English as a second language. Both informative and persuasive speeches will be covered. Students will work on their voice and diction as well as studying the nature of communication, nonverbal communication, topic research, outlining, listening skills, ethics and audience analysis. This class is limited to students who have taken or who are taking ENGL 103, and have computer based TOEFL scores of 117-172 and 430-499 for paper-based TOEFL.
Three Hours, Fall, Spring

COMM 153 APPRECIATION OF FILM
A historical and theoretical survey of film and video media which examines memorable productions from the beginning of Hollywood films to the latest exemplary contemporary movies and video productions. This course is designed to engender an understanding and appreciation of the many creative aspects of the electronic media, as well as recognition of their importance as both reflector and molders of society. This course will satisfy three hours of the Fine Arts general education requirement. No prerequisites.
Three Hours, Fall, Spring, Summer

COMM 223 MEDIA LITERACY
By using critical thinking skills students will analyze emotional, moral, cognitive and aesthetic influences of mass media. Exposure to Media Literacy and its practice and principles will encourage the learner to exercise more options and control over media consumption and enjoyment. Students will study, judge and interpret message saturation, faulty beliefs, news, criticisms, economic effects of advertising, entertainment venues, and media influences on family, religion, politics, sports, and society. This course will satisfy three hours of the Fine Arts general education requirement. No prerequisites.
Three Hours, Fall

COMM 233 INTRODUCTION TO CROSS-CULTURAL COMMUNICATION
A course designed for comparing one's own culture with other cultures, thereby developing an awareness of the values, traditions, and objectives of various societies. This is a systematic study of what transpires in intercultural contacts and interactions when the communication process involves culturally diverse people, and will explore principles and application of ethics to today's society. This course will satisfy three hours of the Humanities/Fine Arts general education requirement. No prerequisites.
Three Hours, Fall, Spring

Core Study Module Courses

COEN 223 PRINCIPLES OF JOURNALISM
This course introduces students to the journalistic style of writing.  Students will learn basic principles of news writing, reporting, and copy editing for today's media.  Emphasis will be on learning and mastering the Associated Press Stylebook.  Prerequisite or Co-requisite: ENGL 123 and consent of instructor.
Three Hours, Fall

COMM 113 INTRODUCTION TO MASS COMMUNICATIONS
The course examines the nature and influence of mass media on our society. Through lectures, discussions, and readings, the class will analyze advertising, public relations, newspapers, electronic journalism, magazines, motion pictures, television, radio, and cable. Topics include media methods, controls, limitations, and potentials.
Three Hours, Spring

COMM 263 INTRODUCTION TO AUDIO AND VIDEO COMMUNICATIONS
Introduces the basics of audio/video production including speech/ music recording and single camera video studio/field production. Student will participate in hands-on projects while fully exploring the theories involved in diverse methods of audio/video production. A special fee is charged in addition to tuition.
Three Hours, Fall

COMM 353 MEDIA ADVERTISING
Students learn to apply all major components in the process of media advertising planning: client/agency relationships, audience identification including demographics and psychographic research, media and creative strategy, research, and budgeting. Students produce their own ads and commercials for inclusion in their portfolios. Prerequisites: COMM 113, COMM 143, COMM 253, COMM 263, and COMT 353.
Three Hours, Spring, Odd Years

COMM 412 MEDIA INTERVIEWING THEORY AND TECHNIQUE
This course surveys broadcast, probing, survey, persuasive, employment, and performance based interviews. Students will learn the basic principles of interviewing theory and gain confidence by practicing and demonstrating these skills in role-playing situations, workshops and assignments. In addition the student will work individually or in groups to research, organize & conduct outside interviews. Prerequisites COMM 113, COMM 243, and COMM 263.
Two Hours, Fall

COMM 483 MEDIA LAW & ETHICS
This course combines studies in the basic principles of Media law and Ethics in Communication. Students will study federal regulations and Constitutional questions by analyzing current legal and ethical issues affecting the mass media. Prerequisites: Completion of Communications core, senior standing, or consent of the instructor.
Three Hours, Spring

Public Relations Courses

COMM 303 UNDERSTANDING HUMAN COMMUNICATIONS
This course will give students a basic understanding of the communication process by exploring theories in the areas of interpersonal, public, small group, mass, and multi cultural communication. In addition, students will be directed toward many practical applications of the theories discussed.
Three Hours, Fall, Odd Years

COMM 313 APPLIED PUBLIC SPEAKING
This course will strengthen the public speaking skills gained in other courses. The student will present speeches aimed at sharpening organization and delivery skills. The accent will be placed on giving longer and more diversified speeches. Emphasis will also be placed on the effective use of visual aids. Prerequisite: COMM 103.
Three Hours, Fall, Even Years

COMM 333 SMALL GROUP COMMUNICATION
In this study of the principles and concepts of small group communication, students are encouraged to develop and improve their skills for business management, education, community activities, and interpersonal communication. This course is conducted in the small group approach and provides for individual instruction and evaluation. The class will be divided into several small groups. In addition to the regular class time, these groups will meet outside of class to complete various assignments. Prerequisite(s): COMM 103, COMM 303, or consent of instructor.
Three Hours, Spring, Even Years

COMR 373 PRINCIPLES OF PUBLIC RELATIONS
The course is devoted to the study of the principles, the skills, and the techniques of public relations. Students will observe and evaluate real models of public relations in action. Then they will be challenged to devise models of their own in the fields that interest them most.
Three Hours, Fall, Odd Years

COMR 423 APPLIED PUBLIC RELATIONS
This course will focus on the work of the public relations practitioner as a communications specialist. Topics include the techniques of effective public relations and the demands of the field. Students will explore how segments of the public form opinions and how public relations should influence the public. Students also write press releases, radio and television announcements, and examine case studies. Prerequisite: COMR 373.
Three Hours, Spring, Even Years

COMR 473 PUBLIC RELATIONS INTERNSHIP
This course exposes students to the disciplines and skills of the media through firsthand experience in the field of public communications. Students must have completed coursework in the Public Communications Module to enroll in this course. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor and consent of appropriate field supervisor.
Three Hours, Fall, Spring, Summer

Broadcast Media Courses

COMU 323 SOUND PRODUCTION TECHNIQUES
This course will focus on techniques and strategies in live sound reinforcement. Classes will observe, evaluate, and participate in sound reinforcement for live contemporary concerts, worship services, and other special events on and off campus. A special fee, in addition to tuition, is charged for this course. Prerequisite(s): COMM 163 or consent of instructor.
Three Hours, Fall, Odd Years

COMU 343 MUSIC RECORDING
This course will focus on techniques and strategies in multitrack audio recording of music. Classes will observe, evaluate, and participate in music recording sessions. Emphasis will be on offering hands on experience and on opportunities to experiment with microphone placement and post production techniques for each student. A special fee, in addition to tuition, is charged for this course. Prerequisite(s): COMM 163 and COMU 323, or consent of instructor.
Three Hours, Fall, Odd Years

COMT 363 VIDEO PRODUCTION I
Students continue to build technical knowledge of video production as studied in COMM 263 Introduction to Video Communications. This class introduces multiple camera production and basic editing techniques. Students will concentrate on an individual video project with the opportunity to develop a personal portfolio. A special fee, in addition to tuition, is charged for this course. Prerequisite(s): COMM 263 or consent of instructor.
Three Hours, Spring, Even Years

COMT 413 BROADCAST TECHNIQUES
Students learn and practice on-air presentation techniques for effective broadcast delivery and interpretation. The course focuses on voice and diction control, phrasing and interpretation of copy. Students will also learn about creating an on-air image including, broadcast makeup, trends, dress etc. Prerequisites: COMM 113, COMM 143, COMM 253, and COMM 263, or permission of instructor.
Three Hours, Fall Odd Years

COMT 423 BROADCAST MANAGEMENT
Students will learn about various media industries, focusing on managing Radio, TV stations, Production Studios and other Broadcast Agencies. The infrastructure of media agencies will be examined including: Trafficking, Sales, Creative, Distribution, Technical and Media buying departments. Emphasis will include broadcast programming, personnel management and government regulations as well. Prerequisites: COMM 113, COMM 143, COMM 253, and COMM 263.
Three Hours, Spring, Odd Years

COMT 463 VIDEO PRODUCTION II
Students will continue to build on the technical knowledge of video production as studied in COMM 263 Introduction to Video Communications and COMT 363 Video Production I. Students will collectively create an advanced video production involving editing techniques, such as special effects, chroma-key, video graphics, and animation. This class concentrates on the complete video project with the opportunity to develop a personal portfolio. A special fee, in addition to tuition, is charged for this course. Prerequisite(s): COMM 263 and COMT 363, or consent of instructor.
Three Hours, Spring, Even Years

COMT 473 BROADCAST MEDIA INTERNSHIP
This course exposes students to the disciplines and skills of the media through firsthand experience in the field of audio and video communications. Students must have completed coursework in the Technical Communication Module to enroll in this course. Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor and consent of appropriate field supervisor.
Three Hours, Fall, Spring, Summer

COMT 483A/B STUDIO PRODUCTION I/II
This course provides insight into practical, everyday operations and demands of a media practitioner in the broad field of audio/visual communication. Students practice professional strategies and advanced techniques by taking leadership roles in the videotaping of regular campus chapel services and special events on and off campus. This course may be repeated for credit up to a total of six semester hours. Prerequisite(s): COMM 263 and consent of instructor.
Three Hours, Fall, Spring

Speech/Theatre Courses

COST 333 ARGUMENT AND DEBATE
This course discusses argumentation and debate theory and current practices in the field of interscholastic competition related to Lincoln-Douglas/value debate, student congress, and mock trial. Understanding the administrative aspects of tournament management in coaching/teaching forensic events offered at tournaments and events and awareness of the guidelines for evaluating interscholastic activities established by Missouri State High Schools Activities Association and National Forensic League are presented.
Three Hours, Spring, Even Years

COST 403 ORAL INTERPRETATION OF LITERATURE
Devoted to the study and practices of principles and techniques of reading orally from the printed page. Emphasis is placed on oral interpretation as a communication act. Prerequisite(s): COMM 103.
Three Hours, Spring, Even Years

EDST 473 METHODS OF TEACHING SPEECH AND THEATRE IN GRADES 5-12: SEMINAR AND FIELD EXPERIENCE
This course concentrates on the principles, techniques and problems unique to teaching speech and theatre. Unit and course plans are developed for all areas of speech and theatre. Attention is given to directing forensic and dramatic activities. Prerequisite/co-requisite: EDUC 303 Methods of Teaching.
Three hours, Fall, even years

Communications Electives

COMM 273 PHOTOGRAPHY
This course introduces the historical development of photography, focusing on contemporary technical advances in the field. Emphasis is placed on the study of aesthetics, composition and practical use |of photography as an organizational communication tool. Using their own digital cameras, students will study lighting techniques, digital production, camera operations and image editing. Prerequisite: COMM263.
Three hours, Spring

COMU 463 ADVANCED AUDIO EDITING
This course will focus on techniques in multi-track audio editing. Students will experiment with various nonlinear applications and produce spoken voice and music production projects. Studio roles will span from engineer, producer and editor, examining contemporary production examples. A special fee, in addition to tuition, is charged for this course. Prerequisite(s): COMM 163 and COMU 323, or consent of instructor.
Three hours, Spring, Odd Years