Communication Courses

CO 115 - Oral Communication 3 hrs.

This course serves as an introduction to the principles of public speaking and interpersonal communication. Topics covered include models of communication, perception, listening, language, non-verbals, small groups, and relationships. Speaking performances are a central activity of the course.

CO 120 - Performance of Literature 3 hrs.

This course provides training in the art of communicating dramatic literature to an audience from the printed script. Examination of plays—serious and comic, classical and modern—as well as vocal production, are covered. (Cross-listed as TH 120.)

CO 230 - Communication Workshop 1 hr.

Students participate in communication activities. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor and audition required.

CO 237 - Introduction to Intercultural Communication 3 hrs.

This course deals with the management of messages for the purpose of creating meaning across cultures. The course focuses on such concepts as ethnocentrism, values and beliefs, cultural perceptions, language and meaning, and nonverbal behaviors. Specifically, the course will aim to have students develop an understanding of the intercultural communication process, enhance appreciation of diverse ways of communicating, develop analytical skills in examining intercultural interactions, and increase understanding of factors that influence cross-cultural communication effectiveness. Prerequisite: CO 115.

CO 242 - Interpersonal Communication and Ethics 3 hrs.

This course is a study of communication in one-to-one situations. Class sessions include exercises, role playing, and simulations. The goal of the course is improvement of communication and deepened self-awareness.

CO 245 - Advanced Public Speaking 3 hrs.

This course is designed to develop the student’s skills beyond the introductory experience in CO 115. Multiple speaking assignments provide a variety of speaking occasions and purposes. Students are encouraged to explore presentation formats beyond the two-to-five main points standard. This course will use the master class teaching format and produce a learning resume for the student. Prerequisite: CO 115.

CO 257 - Pathways to Dispute Resolution 3 hrs.

This course will introduce students to a comparison of the broad range of dispute resolution processes available in the US today. Negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and litigation will be explained and analyzed for strengths and limitations in a variety of conflict situations. Additionally, students will discuss in detail the elements of conflict diagnosis in order to select the most appropriate resolution option for any particular situation.

CO 328 - Political Communication 3 hrs.

The course studies the relationship between politics and communication through rhetorical criticism of such areas as political campaigning, political uses of the mass media, genres of Presidential rhetoric, and famous speeches.

CO 330 - Fundamentals of Public Relations 3 hrs.

This introductory course focuses on a broad spectrum of public relations activities, methods, and applications. Prerequisites: MM 140 or 150; MM 250 or permission of the instructor. (Cross-listed as MM 330.)

CO 337 - Interpersonal Conflict Management 3 hrs.

Conflict is a part of daily life, but the costs of ignoring it or responding to it aggressively are especially high. This course seeks to introduce students to the nature of conflict, to an understanding of individual styles and tactics, and to a variety of alternative responses to conflict situations (both interpersonal and between groups). Negotiation and mediation principles will be examined. Prerequisite: CO 115.

CO 350 - Organizational Communication 3 hrs.

This course examines how organizations communicate with their internal and external audiences. Methods of conducting communication audits and of enhancing effective communication for organizations are explored. Models of leadership and responses to those styles will also be discussed.

CO 355 - Group and Team Communication 3 hrs.

Whether you are a manager on a highway project or a coordinator of volunteer services at a hospital, you will need to enlist others’ cooperation to assist in the accomplishment of strategic plans and goals. In part, communication serves to enable people to deal with the task and interpersonal barriers that naturally arise as part of joint action. Hence, this course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and leadership skills to understand the dynamics of small groups and teams, manage conflict, overcome barriers, and accomplish goals. Prerequisite: CO 115.

CO 380 - Argumentation and Debate 3 hrs.

This course introduces the student to argumentation and debate emphasizing practical knowledge of logical decision-making principles. Topics include argumentation, case construction, and debate theory.

CO 420 - Communicating the Feminine in Ancient World Religions 3 hrs.

This course is designed to survey the role of gender-specific symbol use in religions of the world. Primary texts will be examined in search of answers to the following: what gender-specific symbols are used; how closely is the symbol identified with the reality to which it points; what implications does such symbol use have for the perception, status, and roles of men and women. Each student will lead a class discussion, and write papers and exams. Prerequisite: junior or senior status.