Communication

COMM 8000  FOUNDATIONS OF COMMUNICATION (3 credits)

This seminar is designed to introduce graduate students to the Communication discipline. This course will expose students to historical, theoretical, and philosophical perspectives across various contexts and areas of study. In addition to a foundational exploration of the discipline, this course also prepares MA students to conduct research, apply theory to practice, and declare their own expertise in the discipline. Through readings, guest lectures, writing, and discussions, students will work to understand the broad expanse of the discipline.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the School of Communication MA program. Not open to non-degree graduate students.

COMM 8010  COMMUNICATION RESEARCH METHODS SEMINAR: QUANTITATIVE (3 credits)

Philosophy of scientific investigation from a quantitative standpoint, including process and products, in comparison to other ways of knowing. Introduces students to quantitative designs and statistical applications for communication research and to data gathering methods appropriate for such designs. Emphasis is placed on preparing, evaluating and writing quantitatively oriented communication research proposals and reports.

Prerequisite(s): Graduate majoring in communication or permission of instructor. Not open to non-degree graduate students.

COMM 8020  COMMUNICATION RESEARCH METHODS SEMINAR: QUALITATIVE (3 credits)

This course is an introduction to the methodology and practice of qualitative research. Within the course, students will be exposed to research paradigms, approaches to qualitative research, and ways to collect and analyze qualitative data. Students will be required to design and carry out their own qualitative research project.

Prerequisite(s): Open to School of Communication Graduate Students only

COMM 8030  TOPICAL SEMINAR: RESEARCH METHODS (3 credits)

This variable-content course provides students with in-depth knowledge about various communication research methods (e.g., survey or experimental, content analysis, legal, assessment strategies, ethnography, advanced critique, etc.) or other communication methods and assessment in context with particular areas of study.

Prerequisite(s): Graduate student status

COMM 8040  SEMINAR IN RHETORICAL CRITICISM (3 credits)

Students will engage with the history of rhetorical criticism in the field of communication, popular orientations toward criticism over the years, and new directions in methodology. A variety of rhetorical methods and theories as well as rhetorical artifacts will be explored.

Prerequisite(s): Graduate admission to School of Communication or permission of instructor. Not open to non-degree graduate students.

COMM 8110  GRADUATE TEACHING ASSISTANT SEMINAR (1 credit)

This course provides weekly training, assessment, and teaching strategies for graduate teaching assistants within the the School of Communication.

Prerequisite(s): School of Communication Graduate Teaching Assistants Only. Not open to non-degree graduate students.

COMM 8180  TOPICAL SEMINAR: COMMUNICATION STUDIES (3 credits)

A variable content course dealing with communication studies. Each offering will treat a single aspect of communications studies in-depth - e.g., interpersonal conflict, gender and communication, organizational culture, health systems communication, relational communication, political communication, marital and family communication, communication education, rhetorical critique, etc. Course may be repeated.

Prerequisite(s): Graduate Student Standing

COMM 8200  SEMINAR IN POPULAR CULTURE, MASS MEDIA AND VISUAL RHETORIC (3 credits)

This course studies how discursive meaning is made through established and emerging visual technologies and the impact visual symbol systems are having upon the field of rhetoric in general. Students will investigate how visual technologies, discourse theory, and semiotic theory has intersected with and expanded contemporary rhetorical theories, and they will apply these theories to visual texts. (Cross-listed with ENGL 8760).

COMM 8250  STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION (3 credits)

This course surveys the topic of strategic communication in business, nonprofit, and government sectors. Focused on management-level evaluation of effective strategic communication, the course prepares students to work in collaboration with strategic communication departments and optionally integrate strategic communication into a research agenda for further graduate study. Content includes determining motivations and reasons for campaigns, understanding relationships between stakeholders, and evaluating outcomes of campaigns.

COMM 8300  TOPICAL SEMINAR: JOURNALISM AND MEDIA COMMUNICATION (3 credits)

Substantive study of specialized areas and modes of journalism and media communication (broadcasting, film, print, public relations, advertising, social media, etc). Content will vary. Course may be repeated.

Prerequisite(s): Graduate Student Status

COMM 8580  COMMUNICATION, IDENTITY, AND DIVERSITY (3 credits)

This course provides a theoretical exploration of the ways social identity may be formed and communicated in diverse contexts. The content of this class builds from communication scholarship on identity, drawing on a variety of approaches, such as rhetorical, intercultural, and interpersonal. It also includes both germinal and contemporary literature regarding social identity, diversity-equity-access-inclusion (DEAI), intersectionality, and power relationships. This class provides students with an academic lens for critically examining how identity is communicated through and to society. Additionally, this course encourages students to explore their personal identity and communicate their experiences of diversity and power in social contexts. Students who complete this class can expect to gain a greater understanding of the complex social dynamics that influence identity and its communicative power in diverse contexts.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the graduate program or permission from the instructor

COMM 8970  GRADUATE PROJECT (3 credits)

Project Option students must complete a three-hour graduate project written under the supervision of an adviser. A two-member graduate committee (adviser and second committee member) must approve the project.

Prerequisite(s): COMM 8010, 8020, 8470, 8570 and student must be admitted to candidacy.

COMM 8980  INDEPENDENT STUDY (1-3 credits)

Students conduct independent research under the supervision of an adviser. May be taken multiple times with approval of graduate adviser.

Prerequisite(s): Completion of appropriate paperwork; Agreement of supervising faculty; Approval of independent study by supervising faculty, graduate program chair, and the School director's office.

COMM 8990  THESIS (1-6 credits)

Independent research project written under the supervision of an adviser.

Prerequisite(s): Completion of or concurrent enrollment in final coursework in completion of the MA degree; Approval by Graduate Program Chair. Not open to non-degree graduate students.

COMM 9400  SEMINAR IN COMMUNICATION & TECHNOLOGY (3 credits)

A synthesis of speech and mass communication research as it relates to the study of computers and technology. Computer Mediated Communication (CMC) will be emphasized. Students write a research paper appropriate for submission to an academic conference.

Prerequisite(s): COMM 8470 or COMM 8570, and COMM 8010 or COMM 8020, or permission of instructor.

CMST 8116  RHETORICAL THEORY AND CRITICISM (3 credits)

Rhetoric is the art of persuasion. Rhetoric impacts our daily lives by influencing how we think about and respond to things. It pervades our political world, work environments, civic and social settings, and pop culture. Students will learn a variety of approaches to rhetorical criticism (theoretical and methodological) that enable them to critically analyze the messages that surround us. We will also unpack the ways rhetoric undergirds or undermines existing power structures, and how it might reshape them.

Prerequisite(s): Junior standing and (Journalism/Media Communication or CMST major). By permission of instructor.

CMST 8126  COMMUNICATION AND SOCIAL PROTEST (3 credits)

This class will examine the role played by communication in movements for social change in contemporary society. We will examine social movements which rely on speeches (i.e. women's rights movements), social movements which rely on the grassroots political efforts of their members (i.e. the environmental rights movement) and the overall strategies of persuasion utilized in movements which seek social change, including emerging communication technologies. (Cross-listed with CMST 4120)

Prerequisite(s): Non-degree or admission to School of Communication M.A. program.

CMST 8136  FAMILY COMMUNICATION (3 credits)

This course emphasizes the role of communication in family relationships. Theories, models, and research methods will be used to examine the family in various cultures and contexts (e.g., nuclear families, single-parent families, and blended families). Topics that will be covered in this course include: family conflict, family roles, family stories, family stress, family well-being, genograms, marriage, and divorce. (Cross-listed with CMST 4130)

Prerequisite(s): Graduate majoring in the School of Communication or permission of instructor. Not open to non-degree graduate students.

CMST 8146  COMMUNICATION AND HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS (3 credits)

This course applies theories of interpersonal processes and communication principles to the study of close, significant and personal human relationships. Discussion focuses on the communication in different types of relationships and relational stages, e.g., strangers, acquaintances, friendships and intimates. (Cross-listed with CMST 4140)

Prerequisite(s): Graduate Standing. Not open to non-degree graduate students.

CMST 8156  CORPORATE TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT (3 credits)

This course introduces students to the process of designing communication training programs and workshops for a variety of professional settings. It provides students, especially those who are prospective trainers and/or consultants, with experiential and cognitive knowledge about needs assessment, adult learning, communication training research, objectives writing, module design, interactive delivery methods and program evaluation. (Cross-listed with CMST 4150)

Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing. Not open to non-degree graduate students.

CMST 8166  COMMUNICATION FOR INSTRUCTIONAL SETTINGS (3 credits)

This course is designed to help prospective instructors and/or trainers understand and apply the principles of communication in instructional settings (i.e., classrooms, workshops, training programs). It introduces students to the research area in the speech communication discipline called 'Instructional Communication' by covering these five units: 1) Communication Strategies, Objectives, & Content; 2) Student Communication Needs & Expectations; 3) Feedback, Reinforcement, & Discussion; 4) Context, Climate, & Influence; and 5) Teacher Communicator Style, Characteristics, & Behaviors. (Cross-listed with CMST 4160)

Prerequisite(s): Graduate Standing.

CMST 8176  ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION (3 credits)

This course will help students understand organizational communication theories, models, and processes; apply these principles in organizational communication speaking exercises; and learn management and leadership skills. (Cross-listed with CMST 4170)

Prerequisite(s): Graduate Standing. Not open to non-degree graduate students.

CMST 8186  COMMUNICATION LEADERSHIP AND POWER AND ORGANIZATIONS (3 credits)

This course provides theoretical and experiential knowledge about such topics as communication leadership styles and tactics, superior and subordinate interactions, power, ethical responsibilities, and diversity gender issues related to communication leadership. (Cross-listed with CMST 4180)

Prerequisite(s): Graduate Standing. Not open to non-degree graduate students.

CMST 8196  COMPUTER-MEDIATED COMMUNICATION (3 credits)

Computer-Mediated Communication addressing emerging issues of virtual communities, identity, civic life and participation, online relationships, collaborative work environments, digital networks, gender race class issues, legal and ethical considerations of technology, and commodification of mediated communication. (Cross-listed with CMST 4190).

CMST 8226  HEALTH COMMUNICATION (3 credits)

This course introduces students to the interdisciplinary field of health communication. In this course, students will learn various theories of health communication as well as current research and trends in health communication and its related fields. To speak to the complexity and dynamism of health communication, this course will expose students to the multiple voices and perspectives involved in the delivery of health and healthcare. (Cross-listed with CMST 4220)

Prerequisite(s): Junior standing; a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.25. Not open to non-degree graduate students.

CMST 8516  PERSUASION AND SOCIAL INFLUENCE (3 credits)

The primary goal of this course is to provide students with a solid grounding in theories, principles, and strategies of persuasion social influence as they apply to everyday contexts in which influence attempts take place. Students should gain familiarity with findings from empirical investigations on persuasion, social influence, and compliance gaining, and will learn about strategies and techniques of persuasion relating (Cross-listed with CMST 4510)

Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing. Not open to non-degree graduate students.

CMST 8536  INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION-US (3 credits)

This course will provide a foundation that leads to Intercultural Communication competence. Specifically, this course is to introduce the concepts of cross-cultural communication. Theory and research are integrated with application and necessary skills are identified and developed. (Cross-listed with CMST 4530)

CMST 8556  NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION (3 credits)

This course is designed to familiarize the student with current knowledge and research about nonverbal communication and to provide a wide variety of practical experiences through which the student can analyze and evaluate his or her own nonverbal behavior and that of others. The course, also, reviews the functions, areas and applied contexts of nonverbal communication. (Cross-listed with CMST 4550)

Prerequisite(s): Graduate Standing. Not open to non-degree graduate students.

CMST 8566  COMMUNICATION, TEAMWORK, & FACILITATION (3 credits)

This course focuses on the communication practices, process tools, and theory associated with team problem solving, group discussion, facilitation skills, facilitative leadership, meeting management, and training in effective group interaction. (Cross-listed with CMST 4560)

Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing. Not open to nondegree students.

CMST 8576  INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION IN THE GLOBAL WORKPLACE (3 credits)

This course examines the intercultural perspective of organizational communication in a modern global world by focusing on the management of cultural differences in the global workplace. The trend towards a global economy is bringing people of different ethnic and cultural background together. Thus, the development of greater intercultural understanding has become an essential element of global workplace. After taking this course you will be more aware of cultural diversity in an organizational setting and further develop intercultural sensitivity and intercultural competence that will help you adapt to your future organizational life. (Cross-listed with CMST 4570)

CMST 8586  COMMUNICATING RACE, ETHNICITY & IDENTITY (3 credits)

This is an undergraduate/graduate course that provides students with definitional and experiential knowledge about the origin of racial concepts, theories, and practices, definitions of ethnicity and identity, and the communicative relationship between race, ethnicity, and identity. (Cross-listed with CMST 4580, BLST 4580, BLST 8586)

CMST 8606  COMMUNICATION THEORY AND APPLICATION (3 credits)

This course begins by introducing students to two broad categories of theory development - objective and interpretive. Then concepts and assumptions associated with each of these two perspectives are employed to critically evaluate several specific theories that fall within different of the sub-disciplines of the field of communication: interpersonal, group, organizational, mass, public/thetorical, cultural, and intercultural/gender. Along with critically evaluating and comparing/contrasting different communication theories, emphasis is placed on how the theories can be effectively applied in concrete settings and circumstances.(Cross-listed with CMST 4600)

Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing

CMST 8706  INTERPERSONAL CONFLICT (3 credits)

This course provides an overview of interpersonal conflict processes. It examines perspectives on conflict, patterns of constructive and destructive conflict, conflict styles and tactics, interpersonal power, negotiation strategies, conflict assessment, and conflict skill development. (Cross-listed with CMST 4700)

Prerequisite(s): Communication major

JMC 8046  SOCIAL MEDIA MEASUREMENT AND MANAGEMENT (3 credits)

Social Media Measurement and Management explores the dynamic development of social media platforms within a journalism and media communication context. Students of journalism, broadcasting, public relations, advertising and marketing will examine theories and best practices of social media interaction and engagement. (Cross-listed with JMC 4040).

Prerequisite(s): Good standing as a UNO graduate student.

JMC 8246  PUBLIC RELATIONS CASE STUDIES (3 credits)

The course is designed to enable the student: 1) to integrate issue-management and decision-making theoretical models with the communication theory and research techniques presented in JMC 3230/JMC 8236 and 2) to apply professional judgment to the public relations problem-solving process through the development of structured analysis of historical cases. (Cross-listed with JMC 4240).

JMC 8266  MEDIA RELATIONS (3 credits)

This course focuses on the communication tools used in media relations, the nuances of working with reporters from press and various media, news writing, news judgment, strategic planning, and the application of communication theories in understanding the relationship between news organizations and media relations representatives for organizations and corporations. (Cross-listed with JMC 4260).

JMC 8316  MEDIA & POLITICS (3 credits)

An in-depth study of the impact of the media on political communication. This course will explore the symbiotic relationship of media and political communication, including the influence of traditional mass media, digital media, and social media on the political communication process. Students will delve into media theories and critically examine the influence of the media on the political communication process. (Cross-listed with JMC 4310).

JMC 8346  MEDIA REGULATION & FREEDOM (3 credits)

Media and Internet regulation and free expression as defined and interpreted through First Amendment rights, prior restrain and obscenity case law, advertising and public relations, broadcast and cable TV regulation and deregulation policy, new telecommunication media, and privacy. (Cross-listed with JMC 4340).

Prerequisite(s): ENGL1160

JMC 8376  COMMUNICATION WORKSHOP (3 credits)

A workshop to explore communication theory and processes and to develop skills in their application. (Cross-listed with JMC 4370).

Prerequisite(s): Junior Standing, Permission of instructor

JMC 8396  MEDIA ENTREPRENEURSHIP (3 credits)

4390 Media Entrepreneurship explores new and emerging media business models from local, national and global perspectives. Students learn about and work within the start-up economy and entrepreneurial approaches. The course offers professional and critical perspectives. (Cross-listed with JMC 4390, ENTR 4390).

Prerequisite(s): JMC 3340 and JMC 3350 or permission of instructor

JMC 8816  DIGITAL LITERACIES FOR TECHNICAL COMMUNICATORS (3 credits)

This course addresses emerging issues in digital literacies such as the rhetoric of technology, technological competency, technology and information ecologies, critical awareness of technology and human interactions, judicious application of technological knowledge, user-centered design, networking and online communities, ethics and technology, and culture and technology. (Cross-listed with ENGL 4810, ENGL 8816, JMC 4810).

Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing or permission of instructor

JMC 8826  POLITICS AND FILM (3 credits)

This course introduces students to the analysis of politics and film, focusing on how politics is portrayed in film and the politics of film making. (Cross-listed with PSCI 4820, JMC 4820, PSCI 8826).

JMC 8836  TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION (3 credits)

Technical Communication introduces students to the field of technical communication. Students will study the development of print and electronic genres common to industry settings, the design and production of technical documents, the writing processes and work practices of professional technical communicators, and the roles of technical communicators in organizational contexts. (Cross-listed with ENGL 4830, ENGL 8836, JMC 4830).

Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing or permission of instructor

JMC 8856  INFORMATION DESIGN FOR TECHNICAL COMMUNICATORS (3 credits)

This course introduces students to strategies for integrating visual and textual elements of technical documents. Instruction will focus on design theory and application through individual and collaborative projects. Students will develop the professional judgment necessary for making and implementing stylistic choices appropriate for communicating technical information to a lay audience. (Cross-listed with ENGL 4850, ENGL 8856, JMC 4850).

Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing or permission of instructor

JMC 8876  TECHNICAL EDITING (3 credits)

This course introduces students to the roles and responsibilities of technical editors: the editorial decision-making processes for genre, design, style, and production of technical information; the communication with technical experts, writers, and publishers; the collaborative processes of technical editing; and the techniques technical editors use during comprehensive, developmental, copyediting, and proofreading stages. (Cross-listed with ENGL 4870, ENGL 8876, JMC 4870).

Prerequisite(s): ENGL 1160 or permission of the instructor

JMC 8896  CAPSTONE COURSE IN TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION (3 credits)

In this capstone course, students will extend foundational skills learned in previous technical communication courses. Students will demonstrate their competency in the technical documentation process in organizational environments, the issues important to the technical communication profession, and the practices of writing and creating complex technical documents for specific purpose and audience. (Cross-listed with ENGL 4890, ENGL 8896, JMC 4890).

Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing or permission of instructor.

JMC 8906  SEMINAR MASS COMMUNICATION (3 credits)

A senior seminar applying historical and theoretical perspective to current issues and developments in mass communications. (Cross-listed with JMC 4900)

Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing

JMC 8926  MEDIA LITERACY (3 credits)

An advanced seminar on the study of media and information literacy through deconstruction of mass communication content, meaning construction, framing analyses and critical/cultural approaches. (Cross-listed with JMC 4920).