Communication Studies (CMST)
Communication Studies Undergraduate Courses
CMST 1110 PUBLIC SPEAKING FUNDS (3 credits)
Public Speaking Fundamentals helps students become effective public speakers, as well as critical listeners and evaluators of public communication. Students will learn the principles of audience adaptation, topic selection, organization, development of ideas and presentation of speeches. Each student will design and present a minimum of four public speeches. (Special 'Speaking Confidently' sections are available for the students with excessive levels of fear about public communication. Contact the School of Communication for applications.)
Distribution: Fundamental Academic Skills-Public Speaking
CMST 1310 PERSPECTIVES IN COMMUNICATION STUDIES (3 credits)
This course surveys concepts in the dynamic field of speech communication. Students will examine how communication practices shape our worldviews and our relationships in both private and public contexts. This course emphasizes concepts including, but not limited to: a) interpersonal relationships, b) organizational communication & employee relations, c) public & political communication, d) communication technology & human relationships, e) culture & communication, f) health communication, g) communication training & instructional development and h) conflict resolution. Students will also have the opportunity to be informed about possible careers in speech communication.
Distribution: Social Science General Education course
CMST 1400 EXPLORING COMMUNICATION STUDIES (3 credits)
This course is an introduction to the field of Communication Studies. Students will learn the history of the discipline, the fundamental concepts, forms, and terms of the discipline, as well as the research methodologies often used by communication scholars. Various topics and areas of inquiry within the field {with specific focus on the areas offered and available to the students in the School of Communication) are discussed to set up students for success by developing a plan of study around their interests. Related careers will be included.
CMST 2010 INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION (3 credits)
This course is an introduction to the study of interpersonal communication. Within this course, students will be introduced to the theories, research, and concepts relevant to interpersonal communication and will be given opportunities to develop and enhance their own communication skills.
Distribution: Social Science General Education course
CMST 2100 INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNICATION THEORY (3 credits)
Communication Theory is an undergraduate course designed to introduce students to the major foundational theories that inform the field of communication. Special emphasis is placed on communication theories that examine the self, the message, relationship development, groups and organizations, the public and the media, as well as culture and diversity. Skills learned in this course are necessary foundations for the upper-level communication courses as well as the Communication Studies capstone course.
Prerequisite(s): CMST 1400
CMST 2120 ARGUMENTATION AND DEBATE (3 credits)
Theory and practice of effective argumentation and debate. Students will participate in a variety of speaking activities involving the application of argumentation principles to current political and social issues.
Distribution: Fundamental Academic Skills-Public Speaking
CMST 2300 INTERGROUP DIALOGUE (3 credits)
The increasing diversity in the US presents a growing need for communication skills one can apply whenever we work with, learn with, and relate to those with different social identities than our own. This course is designed to provide students with experiences and skills necessary to engage in open and constructive dialogue across social identity groups. The course incorporates content learning, structured interaction, peer facilitation, and self-reflection to support students as they explore issues of intergroup relations, conflict, and community.
Distribution: U.S. Diversity General Education course
CMST 2410 SMALL GROUP COMMUNICATION AND LEADERSHIP (3 credits)
This course is an introduction to the theory and practice of communication and leadership within small group settings. This course will provide students with broad knowledge about small group communication processes.
Distribution: Social Science General Education course
CMST 3130 SPEECH COMMUNICATION IN BUSINESS AND THE PROFESSIONS (3 credits)
This course is designed to introduce students to the important and varied role communication plays in the workplace and other professional settings. The course emphasizes informative and persuasive communication principles and practices in one-to-many presentational situations as well as group communication and interviewing.
Prerequisite(s): CMST 1110 or CMST 2120. Not open to non-degree graduate students.
CMST 3140 CONTEMPORARY PRESENTATIONS (3 credits)
This course helps students craft messages for an audience through assignments representing contemporary public address. Responsible public address emphasizes creating messages that encourage democratic deliberation through artful presentation of truth. Students will investigate practical aspects of public communication theory, engage in audience analysis, and explore language choices to develop their ability to responsibly practice public communication.
CMST 3150 INTERCOLLEGIATE FORENSICS I (1-3 credits)
This course familiarizes students to Intercollegiate Forensics. Students enrolled in this course will compete in a variety of speaking and performance events to develop their skills in prepared public speaking, oral interpretation of literature, and extemporaneous/impromptu speaking. Students are required to compete in 1-3 speaking events during the semester.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the Director of Forensics only
CMST 3160 INTERCOLLEGIATE FORENSICS II (1-3 credits)
This course is catered to communication, pre-law, and other interested students who desire to further their participation in intercollegiate forensics including informative, persuasive, impromptu, extemporaneous, and after-dinner speaking. This course advances students' skills in oral interpretation, solo and or duet acting, rhetorical criticism, and discussion.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the Director of Forensics only
CMST 3300 LEADERSHIP FOR INTERGROUP DIALOGUE (3 credits)
This class instructs, coaches, supports, and empowers student-leaders to effectively facilitate important intergroup dialogues with their peers. Students are given leadership opportunities developing skills regarding facilitating difficult conversations, perspective sharing, and navigating conflict.
Prerequisite(s): CMST 2300 or permission of instructor. Not open to non-degree graduate students.
CMST 3340 RHETORICAL CRITICISM (3 credits)
Developing critical and analytical skills is vital to succeed in contemporary culture. In this course students will learn a variety of theoretical and critical approaches to rhetorical criticism enabling them to critically analyze the messages that surround us. This course offers students the tools to analyze the ways rhetoric undergirds or undermines existing power structures, and how it might reshape them.
Prerequisite(s): CMST 2100 or permission of instructor. Not open to non-degree graduate students.
Distribution: Writing in the Discipline Single Course
CMST 3350 COMMUNICATION RESEARCH (3 credits)
Research is important to understand communication, messages, audiences, behaviors, and motivations. This course develops students' abilities to conduct communication research focusing on two overarching methodological approaches used by communication scholars and industry professionals - Quantitative and Qualitative. The topics include research design, data management, statistical analysis, and report writing.
Prerequisite(s): CMST 2100 or instructor permission. Not open to non-degree graduate students.
CMST 3510 CULTURAL COMMUNICATION IN AFRICAN-AMERICAN CINEMA (3 credits)
This course examines ways in which cultural identity is communicated through African-American cinema, defined as movies with predominantly African American filmmakers, producers, and/or actors. Cultural communication is integrated with historical, political, and social motivation for African-American cinema.(Cross-listed with BLST 3510)
Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.25. Not open to non-degree graduate students.
Distribution: U.S. Diversity General Education course
CMST 3520 INTERVIEWING (3 credits)
This course is a practical course that focuses on various types of interview performances. The course will explore interview types such as probing/journalistic, survey, recruiting/employment, performance, counseling, and persuasive
CMST 3600 SPECIAL TOPICS IN COMMUNICATION STUDIES (3 credits)
A variable topic course in communication studies at the Junior level. Topics to be covered may include but are not limited to: marital and family communication, instructional communication, organizational communication, intercultural communication, conflict, relational communication, communication competence, health communication, communication research or theory, communication and gender, social movements, political communication, listening, communication and the aged, etc. (May be repeated for credit as long as the topic is not the same.)
CMST 3750 GENDER AND COMMUNICATION (3 credits)
This course provides a survey of literature on communication about, by, and between women, men, and trans people in society, personal relationships, and organizations. Students develop an understanding of how cultural meanings of gender both shape and are shaped by communication. (Cross-listed with WGST 3750).
Prerequisite(s): Not open to non-degree graduate students.
Distribution: U.S. Diversity General Education course
CMST 4110 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 major or Communication Studies major)
CMST 4120 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 8126)
Prerequisite(s): Junior Standing; 2.25 GPA
CMST 4130 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 8136)
Prerequisite(s): The prerequisite for the course is junior standing, and CMST 2010 or CMST 2410.; a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.25. Not open to non-degree graduate students.
CMST 4140 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 8146)
Prerequisite(s): Junior standing and (CMST 2010 or CMST 2410 or SPCH 2010 or SPCH 2410); and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.25. Not open to non-degree graduate students.
CMST 4150 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 8156)
Prerequisite(s): Junior standing; and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.25. Not open to non-degree graduate students.
CMST 4160 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 8166)
Prerequisite(s): Junior standing, and CMST 2010 or CMST 2410 (or SPCH 2010 or SPCH 2410); and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.25.
CMST 4170 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 8176)
Prerequisite(s): Junior standing; and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.25. Not open to non-degree graduate students.
CMST 4180 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 8186)
Prerequisite(s): Junior standing; and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.25. Not open to non-degree graduate students.
CMST 4190 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 8196).
CMST 4220 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 8226)
Prerequisite(s): Junior standing; a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.25. Not open to non-degree graduate students.
CMST 4300 RISK AND CRISIS COMMUNICATION (3 credits)
Risk/Crisis Communication, both as a discipline and a practice, has been discussed and enacted as long as there has been information to communicate because of an extraordinary event. Governments, businesses, universities, even individuals - all of engaged in one form of risk or crisis communication or another. Whether successful in its intentions or not, the act is there. This class is a theoretically-driven course to inform our practices as both creators of messages and critics of those same messages. (Cross-listed with JMC 4300).
Prerequisite(s): CMST 1110; JMC 3350 (or other research methods courses as confirmed by instructor of record); junior or senior standing
CMST 4510 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 8516)
Prerequisite(s): Junior standing and (CMST 2010 or CMST 2410 or SPCH 2010 or SPCH 2410); and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.25. Not open to non-degree graduate students.
CMST 4530 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 8536)
Prerequisite(s): Junior standing; and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.25.
Distribution: U.S. Diversity General Education course
CMST 4550 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 8556)
Prerequisite(s): Junior standing and (CMST 2010 or CMST 2410 or SPCH 2010 or SPCH 2410); and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.25. Not open to non-degree graduate students.
CMST 4560 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 8566)
Prerequisite(s): A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.25. Not open to nondegree students.
CMST 4570 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 8576).
Prerequisite(s): Junior standing; and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.25.
Distribution: Global Diversity General Education course
CMST 4580 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 8586, BLST 4580, BLST 8586)
Prerequisite(s): CMST 4530 or Junior standing or instructor permission; minimum cumulative GPA of 2.25.
Distribution: U.S. Diversity General Education course
CMST 4600 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 8606)
Prerequisite(s): Junior standing; and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.25.
CMST 4700 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 8706)
Prerequisite(s): Junior standing and (CMST 2010 or SPCH 2010); and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.25.
CMST 4800 CONFLICT MEDIATION (3 credits)
This course develops knowledge of mediation theory, research, and practice and communication skills essential to the effective mediation of disputes in various contexts.
Prerequisite(s): Junior standing and (CMST 2010 or CMST 3520 or CMST 4700 or SPCH 2010 or SPCH 3520 or SPCH 4700); and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.25.
CMST 4940 COMMUNICATION STUDIES CAPSTONE SEMINAR (3 credits)
Communication Studies Capstone Seminar is an undergraduate course designed to provide students with the opportunity to integrate the knowledge and skills they have acquired as communication majors and to prepare them to enter the job market or graduate school using their speech communication skills and knowledge.
Prerequisite(s): Completion of CMST 2300, CMST 3340, CMST 3350 and 39 hours within the major (excluding hours completed for the minor/second field or foreign language) or permission of instructor
CMST 4970 INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE (1 credit)
This course will provide students professional communication-related experience in an internship approved and supervised by the School of Communication.
Prerequisite(s): JMC 4960, CMST 4960, BRCT 4960, JOUR 4960, or SPCH 4960; junior standing; School of Communication major or minor; instructor permission; and minimum cumulative GPA of 2.25.