B.A. Degree — Communications Major
In addition to the general education requirements, majors in Communications must complete 45 semester hours as prescribed below:
COMM1200 Speech Communication: Intro 3 s.h.
COMM1230 Small Group Discussion 3 s.h.
COMM1240 Introduction to Performance Studies 3 s.h.
ENGL/COMM2500 Introduction to Mass Media 3 s.h.
COMM3100 Intercultural Communication 3 s.h.
COMM3110 Computer Applications I for Communication Majors: Presentation Programs 3 s.h.
COMM3120 Computer Applications II for Communication Majors: Desktop Publishing and Web Design 3 s.h.
COMM/PEAC/SOCI3210 Conflict Resolution 3 s.h.
COMM3300 Theories of Human Communication 3 s.h.
COMM3310 Interpersonal Communication 3 s.h.
COMM3320 Business and Professional Speaking 3 s.h.
COMM3400 Ethical Issues in Communication 3 s.h.
COMM4150 Senior Seminar 3 s.h.
COMM4300 Internship in Communications 3 s.h.
One Communications Elective 3 s.h.
A minor in Communications requires 18 or more semester hours in Communications, 6 of which must be upper division, including COMM1200, COMM1240, and COMM3310.
- FOR SPEECH COMMUNICATION MAJORS WHO WANT A SECONDARY SPEECH COMMUNICATION/THEATRE ENDORSEMENT (5-12): Students majoring in Speech Communication who desire Iowa Teacher Certification with a secondary endorsement must complete the major requirements and the Secondary Education Program (with COMM4390 Methods of Teaching Theatre and Speech as the appropriate methods course), and the following courses:
COMM3140 Theories of Persuasion 3 s.h.
THTR1220 Introduction to Acting 3 s.h.
THTR1310 Introduction to Stagecraft or
- THTR2230 Stage Management 3 s.h.
THTR2100 Script Analysis and Dramatic Criticism 3 s.h.
THTR4100 Directing I 3 s.h.
- FOR THE NON-COMMUNICATION MAJORS WHO WANT A SECONDARY SPEECH COMMUNICATION/THEATRE ENDORSEMENT (5-12): Non-Communication majors desiring a secondary endorsement (5-12) in Iowa must complete the Secondary Education Program (with COMM4390 Methods of Teaching Theatre and Speech as the appropriate methods course), a major in a secondary teaching field, and the following courses:
COMM1200 Speech Communication: An Introduction or
- COMM1230 Small Group Discussion 3 s.h.
COMM1240 Introduction to Performance Studies or
- THTR1240 Vocal Presentation Skills 3 s.h.
COMM/ENGL2500 Introduction to Mass Media 3 s.h.
COMM3140 Theories of Persuasion 3 s.h.
THTR1220 Introduction to Acting 3 s.h.
THTR1310 Introduction to Stagecraft or
- THTR2230 Stage Managment 3 s.h.
THTR2100 Script Analysis and Dramatic Criticism 3 s.h.
THTR4100 Directing I 3 s.h.
COMM1200 Speech Communication: An Introduction 3 s.h.Introductory course in speech communication exploring the principles of communication theory and techniques of interpersonal communication, group discussion, and public speaking. Goal 1a (Goal 1A Catalog 0809+)
+COMM1230 Small Group Discussion 3 s.h.
Theory, principles and practical application of small group problem-solving and decision-making process. Goal 1a, 6 (Goal 6 Catalog 0809+)
COMM1240 Introduction to Performance Studies 3 s.h.
Study of methods of interpreting aesthetic texts and meeting problems inherent in performing aesthetic texts in individual and group performances. Goal 3
COMM2000 Individual Study 1-3 s.h.
+COMM2400 Introduction to Public Relations 3 s.h.
Theory, principles, and functions of agency, business, governmental and nonprofit public relations. Procedures for researching, planning, implementing, and evaluating public relations campaigns. Goal 1a
+ COMM2500 Introduction to Mass Media (Also ENGL2500) 3 s.h.
Introduction to the various forms of media — newspapers, journals, radio, and television — to gain an understanding of the ways in which they operate. Theory as well as practical experience in writing for the media will be included. Goal 4ab
COMM3000 Individual Study 1-3 s.h.
COMM3100 Intercultural Communication (Also INTD3100) 3 s.h.
An examination of concepts that have application to communication across cultural boundaries, with emphasis on relating them to effective intercultural communication skills. Goal 1a, 7 (Goal 7 Catalog 0809+)
COMM3110 Computer Applications I for Communication Majors: Presentation Programs 3 s.h.
The creation and manipulation of digital imagery for print, electronic presentations, and the Web, using Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, digital photography, and scanning devices. Prerequisites: Communications major and instructor's consent. Goal 8 (Goal 8 Catalog 0809+)
COMM3120 Computer Applications II for Communication Majors: Desktop Publishing 3 s.h.
Develop design and layout skills for use in advertising, books, magazines, newsletters, borchures, and other forms of communication relevant to communications majors. Develop a working knowledge of preparing work for print, electronic submission, and use on the World Wide Web. Primary computer programs used will be QuarkXPress and PageMaker. (In Design may be incorporated if made available.) Prerequisite: Communications major and COMM3110 or instructor's consent. Goal 8
+ COMM3140 Theories of Persuasion 3 s.h.
Theories and techniques of persuasive appeals. Emphasis on learning theories, information processing theories, perception theories, and components of persuasive appeals.
+ COMM3210 Conflict Resolution (Also SOCI/PEAC3210) 3 s.h.
Focuses on the causes and resolution of conflict at the micro level (family, school, community, church, interpersonal, etc.). Goal 1a, 2d, 4 (Goal 1A Catalog 0809+)
+ COMM3300 Theories of Human Communication 3 s.h.
Introduction to major theories underlying the process of human communication. Emphasis on both classical and contemporary theoretical approaches. Goal 4c1
+ COMM3310 Interpersonal Communication 3 s.h.
Advanced study in one-to-one human communication. Course seeks to draw from experience, interaction, and theory to encourage behavioral and conceptual understanding of dyadic relationships. Goal 1a (Goal 1A Catalog 0809+)
+ COMM3320 Business and Professional Speaking 3 s.h.
Techniques and principles of public communication in business, education, and other professions. Theory and guided practice. Goal 1a (Goal 1A Catalog 0809+)
+ COMM3380 Communication Studies (Also ENGL3380) 3 s.h.
Study of the nature of communication in the broadest sense. Examines principles that underlie all communication systems, from written language to film, art, and music. Emphasis on inter-dependence of communication systems and culture.
+ COMM3400 Ethical Issues in Communication 3 s.h.
Examination of ethical principles involved in communication. Includes analysis of personal and institutional responsibilities in all forms of communication. Goal 1a, 5 (Goal 5 Catalog 0809+)
COMM3470 Preaching (Also RELG3470) 3 s.h.
A study of the theoretical foundations of preaching and the history of Christian homiletic practice. The principles which characterize good preaching will be identified and examined. Students will have opportunity to present sermons for practice and criticism. An analysis of pulpit literature will be made. Prerequisite: COMM1200 and RELG1310 or RELG1320. Goal 1a, 2b (Goal 1A Catalog 0809+)
COMM3900 Topics in Speech Communication 1-3 s.h.
Advanced study in specific topics in speech communication, to be announced the semester before they are offered. May be repeated for credit as topics change.
COMM4000 Individual Study 1-3 s.h.
COMM4150 Senior Seminar 3 s.h.
Exploration of the world of work (resume writing, interviewing, job search) and practical application of communications skills to a capstone project designed by the student.
COMM4300 Internship in Communication 1-3 s.h.
Off-campus practical experience in a communication related professional setting. Offers an opportunity for application of communication skills and knowledge in monitored individual learning setting related to student’s academic and career interests. Pass/fail only. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Repeatable to a maximum of six hours.
COMM4390 Methods of Teaching Theatre and Speech (Also THTR4390) 3 s.h.
Consideration of the theatre and speech classroom experience on the secondary level. Provides training in methods, unit preparation, media, evaluation, and directing extracurricular activities. Required of prospective theatre and speech teachers. Goal 2b (Goal 3A or 3C Catalog 0809+)
COMM4400 Practicum in Information Services (Also ENGL4400) 1-3 s.h.
On-campus practical experience in college relations office, admissions office, media center or alumni relations office. Offers an opportunity for study in a monitored individual learning setting. Pass/fail only. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor and permission of the appropriate college official. Repeatable to a maximum of six hours.
+Denotes an alternate year course.
