Communication Studies (SCOM)

Study of human communication as a process. Overview of the principles and practices of interpersonal, small group and public communication. Emphasis on examining the role of self-concept, perception, culture, verbal and nonverbal dimensions in the communication process, using power and managing conflict, applying critical listening, practicing audience analysis within informative speech making. Public speaking required. May be used for general education credit. May not be used for major credit.

Study of human communication as a process. Overview of the principles and practices of interpersonal, small group and public communication. Emphasis on examining the role of self-concept, perception, culture, verbal and nonverbal dimensions in the communication process, using power and managing conflict, applying critical listening, practicing audience analysis within informative speech making. Public speaking required. May be used for general education credit. May not be used for major credit.

Study of human communication as a process. Overview of the principles and practices of communication in small group and public communication contexts. Emphasis on examining the role of self-concept, perception, culture, verbal and nonverbal dimensions in the communication process, using power and managing conflict, applying critical listening, practicing audience analysis, and constructing informative and persuasive group presentations. Public speaking required. May be used for general education credit. May not be used for major credit.

This class provides a foundation for students who are pursuing a minor in sport communication. The course provides an overview about information management and how it applies to the professional sporting industry. Students will learn about careers in sport information, how an organization communicates with the media and its constituents, and how communication in sport has evolved and continues to evolve.

This course studies the theories and models that inform students' understanding of human communication processes. Emphasis is placed on the processes of theory building, comparison of theories, and the implications and application of theory to particular contexts. Consideration is given to the role of communication in all human endeavors. This course must be taken concurrently with SCOM 240L.

This lab is designed to complement and supplement the SCOM 240 lecture course. Students will discuss, write and/or give presentations related to content covered in SCOM 240. This course must be taken concurrently with SCOM 240.

This course offers a study of methods for preparing and presenting public speeches. Students consider impromptu and extemporaneous speaking, sales speeches, business presentations and other special occasion speeches. Emphasis is placed on performance and evaluation.

Basic skills of sport writing and reporting are studied and applied. Students gain experience in a variety of sports and learn and apply skills in researching, interviewing, reporting, writing columns and features involving the world of sports.

This course studies verbal and nonverbal communication as used in human interaction. Consideration is given to the function of symbolic systems in self-concept development, the structuring of reality, and social discourse. Attention is directed toward the use of signs and symbols by different ethnic groups, genders, age groups and geographic groups.

This course explores intercultural theories and concepts within historical and political contexts and examines systems of power implicated in our communication. Exploring communication processes from critical and cultural perspectives encourages students to reflect on cultural knowledge, practices, attitudes, belief systems, and assumptions of self and others in our globalized and technological world. Working through course materials and activities together, we develop intercultural communication skills to cultivate more equitable relations.

Study of basic principles and practices of public relations. Consideration given to public relations problems and pragmatic solutions utilizing oral, written and electronic communication media and skills.

This course offers a study of writing fundamentals for public relations. Emphasis is placed on practice of effective writing for a variety of media (press releases, public service announcements, brochures, newsletters). Students must be able to use word processing software.

This course is an introduction to the principles, methods and analysis techniques used in the field of communication. Emphasis is placed on a broad-based understanding of the breadth of research in the field. This course includes both qualitative and quantitative research methods, methods of literature review and research article critiques. This course fulfills the College of Arts and Letters writing-intensive requirement for the major.

This course prepares students participating in short-term study abroad programs in communication studies by exploring important social, historical and cultural content relevant to the study abroad locations and topics.

This course is a study of interdisciplinary topics and issues in human communication. Emphasis will be on contemporary theories, research and principles. May be repeated up to six credits.

The goal of this course is to work in a feminist collective to write daily blog posts for the Shout Out! JMU blog. Students will organize the blog, research and write blog posts, publicize the blog, and create dialogue by commenting on one another's blog posts as a means of consciousness raising.

This course explores the historically strong association between women and nature, in which the image of Mother Earth is central, and critiques the power-as-domination assumption of our culture shown in the exploitation of women and of the earth itself. Religious, psychological, social, historical and scientific manifestations of this assumption will be examined, along with alternative models of power and responsibility. Students will explore the considerable research on ecofeminism.

Study of current topics and issues in health communication. Course content will vary by faculty. See MyMadison for the topic. May be repeated up to six credits.

An introduction to linguistic anthropology. Explores the complex relationships between language and culture through topics such as language acquisition and socialization; language, thought and worldview; language and identity; multilingualism; how and why languages change; literacy; and the politics of language use and language ideologies.

Study of topics and issues in organizational communication. Emphasis on contemporary theories, research and principles. May be repeated up to six credits.

This course provides approved co-curricular learning experience in sport communication. May be repeated for a maximum of 6.00 credit hours.

This course studies current topics and issues in human communication. Emphasis is placed on contemporary theories, research and principles.

This class acquaints students with relevant theory and research associated with communication in various stages of romantic relationships including initiation, maintenance and dissolution. Emphasis is on honing one's ability to understand communication theory, research and application while enhancing one's communication skills in romantic relationships. Additionally, students will improve their ability to communicate about relationship research through writing, presenting and discussing.

This course offers students experience in intercollegiate speech competition. Students have an opportunity to research, prepare, practice and compete in interpretation, public address and limited preparation events. Students will cultivate communication skills while researching, practicing and competing; while listening to and critically evaluating others' speeches; and while meeting and engaging with other competitors, coaches and judges. No more than six hours of practicum credit can be applied to the SCOM major. Students must be on the university's speech team to enroll.

This course is a practicum course for students competing in intercollegiate debate competition with the JMU Debate Team. Students are required to practice, prepare and research arguments on the national collegiate debate topic and participate in practice and competition debates. No more than six hours of practicum credit can be applied to the SCOM major. Students must be on the university's Debate Team to enroll.

Approved co-curricular activities and/or projects of a practical nature. No more than six hours of practicum credit can be applied to major. Proposals must be submitted to and approved by the course instructor for section and credit hour registration. To receive repeat credit, see school director.

This is the practicum course for JMU's student-run public relations firm, Bluestone Communications. Students further their theoretical understanding and practical skills in the processes of research, planning, communication/action and evaluation by implementing public relations strategies and tactics for specific organizations. Students need to apply to take this course.

This course provides an introduction to the fundamental theoretical perspectives in interpersonal communication. Emphasis is placed on the effects of verbal and nonverbal messages on continuity and change in personal relationships. Students consider the influence of cultural and social contexts on messages in relationships and develop their communication competence in diverse interpersonal contexts.

This course studies the communication processes involved in solving problems when working with others in a small group context. Emphasis is placed on the concepts of roles, norms, leadership and decision-making. Students consider small group factors which influence problem-solving effectiveness.

This course studies current topics and issues in interpersonal communication. Topics and issues may include, but are not limited to aging and lifespan, communication education, computer mediated relations, deception and secrecy, friendship and rivalry, relationship rejuvenation, and social support. This course may be repeated up to six credits.

This course considers theories of conflict emerging from the communication discipline and their application to different forms of conflict at all levels of human interaction. This course offers an examination of communication and varied responses to conflict in diverse situations. Emphasis is placed on competencies required for successful management, intervention and transformation of conflict.

This course provides an overview of negotiation as a strategy for dealing with conflict.

This course focuses on the practical application and critical examination of debate in the public sphere. The course provides students with experience in researching, constructing and presenting topics for public debate. Additionally, students will be asked to examine pieces of public debate in order to provide them with the tools to critically examine public discourse in a manner consistent with being a productive and active citizen. This course will culminate with a public debate tournament.

This course studies communication principles and processes in interviewing. Emphasis is placed on interpersonal processes involved in interview structures, goals and question types. Students develop their communication skills in information, persuasive, counseling, health care, employment and performance appraisal interviews.

The study of oral communication as a determinant of attitudinal and behavioral change. Emphasis on the various kinds of artistic and nonartistic proofs as they apply to human motivation. Consideration of the application of behavioral research findings to persuasion.

This course studies the techniques and principles of argument and advocacy. Emphasis is placed on developing, presenting and defending a position on controversial questions. Consideration is given to contemporary theories of public argument.

Examines contemporary rhetorical theory and practice in relation to specific social, economic and technological changes in the 20th century, with particular emphasis on theoretical frameworks. Students learn about the changing needs of postmodern communicators and how new rhetorical theories have developed to anticipate, respond to, and shape those changes. Also explored is the value of contemporary rhetorical theories for communicative and performative events.

Study and application of theories concerning the oral presentation of various forms of literature including prose, poetry, drama and nonfiction materials. Emphasis on performance.

Study of nonverbal means through which people relate to one another. Consideration of the communicative effects of environment, facial expression, voice, posture, gestures, touch, distance and physical appearance.

The study of the evolution of freedom of speech in America from Colonial times to the present day. Emphasis on the major periods of development and on the role of courts in defining freedom of speech. Special consideration of contemporary freedom of speech controversies.

This course explores the representational, institutional and communication practices that contribute to the construction of identities and diversity in popular culture. Students will explore how ideologies are reproduced and how understandings of race, class, gender, ethnicity, sexuality, ability and a range of other intersecting axes of identity are shaped within popular culture artifacts. Emphasis will be placed on critical analysis of current popular culture texts.

This course explores the role of communication in the social construction of gender across a variety of contexts. Students will critically examine the interconnectedness of sex, gender, sexuality, race and class toward understanding systems of privilege and oppression in communication practices and social institutions. Focus is on communication as a tool for personal and social change.

This course examines the value of ethnographic methodologies and other narrative forms of scholarship for enriching understandings of complex social issues and exploring the potential of communication toward shaping social change. Students will develop literacies in reading and evaluating ethnographic works and interrogating their contributions toward cultivating more just social worlds.

This course draws on communication theory to analyze various organizational communication practices such as the management of workers, development of organizational culture and interaction with larger systems. Students gain a complex understanding of organizing practices by investigating how historical events have influenced organizational communication and managerial practices at work. Learning is complemented by an experiential learning project.

A study of the rhetorical foundations of visual and verbal arguments in academic disciplines and popular culture. Students will analyze and produce visual and verbal arguments in a variety of rhetorical contexts.

This course studies the use of communication in social movements. Emphasis is placed on the types of communication used in social movements and on ways to produce and respond to such messages. This course examines a variety of different social movements within the political process including nonprofit organizations.

This course studies the functions performed by communication in politics. Emphasis is placed on a variety of communication forms and techniques used by advocates both in campaigning and governing. Consideration is given to contemporary campaigns and the role of communication in their successes and failures.

This course is an exploration of the multifaceted aspects of environmental controversies including the rhetoric, advocacy campaigns and decision-making processes that produce and attempt to manage environmental conflict. Emphasis on persuasive efforts by, interest groups, corporations, resource managers, government agencies, scientific experts, politicians and citizens to influence public understanding of environmental issues, adoption of sustainable behavior and lifestyles, and public policy outcomes.

This course examines food as symbolic in everyday life, with attention to negotiated understandings of identities, communities, cultures and environments. The course focuses on issues such as how we communicate identity through food consumed and not consumed; how food choices create, shape and reflect communities and cultures; how messages from mass media and government frame, influence and shape food practices; and how food practices intersect, communicate and impact surrounding environments.

This course invites students to adopt narrative approaches to communication and identity, and to reflectively learn from the storied and lived experiences of immigrants locally and in the United States. Students will have opportunities to hear from members of local non-profit organizations that serve migrant populations and will work toward developing engaging, creative advocacy of social justice and universal human rights.

This course critically examines the complex and evolving interconnections between young people, communication and culture. Grounded in the understanding that there is no one singular lived experience of "youth," the course focuses on: how young people are represented in popular culture artifacts; how cultural beliefs about various young people are constructed by public discourse; how diverse young people navigate popular culture messages; how they are constructed as target markets; and how they use technology to claim space in the broader culture. This course encourages students to examine their own experiences with and relationships to a range of communication artifacts.

Students investigate the nuance and complexity of communication in modern organizational life. A portion of the class is dedicated to the skills involved in a competitive, successful career search. In addition, students develop the skills to become an ethical and effective organizational citizen.

This course explores the rhetorical dimension of communication practices and texts found in British popular culture. Emphasizing critical analysis, students will examine how issues of diversity are communicated, represented and contested across British media such as television, film, music and digital platforms. The course examines how strategic communication choices construct cultural narratives in a diverse, multicultural world. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking and self-reflexivity.

Study the history, nature and impact of mass media in the United Kingdom. Emphasis on the impact modern media has on society, and society has on media. Consideration of similarities and differences in mass media in the United States and Great Britain. Consideration of the relationship between mass media and the arts. Focus on 20th century mass media in London, one of the world's preeminent and most influential centers. London term only.

Study of visual communication techniques for public relations. Survey of design principles and elements used for developing visually effective messages with an emphasis on publication design and production, photography, and computer-mediated presentations. Students should provide a camera and be familiar with desktop publishing and presentational software.

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the theoretical body of knowledge in public relations. In this course, students will learn core tenants of important theories and concepts and apply these to the ethical practice of public relations. The breadth of theories covered will be useful for any public relations specialization and builds an essential foundation to better understand the research-based character of the public relations process.

This course explores the special professional challenges and opportunities arising from the dynamic global public relations developments characterizing the beginning of this century, taking into account social, economic, political, legal and cultural factors as well as new media developments.

This class is designed to provide students with opportunities to explore the profession of sports public relations. In this class, students will discuss various sports communication issues including media relations, community relations, player relations, fan relations, crisis communication, sports social responsibility and more.

This course offers advanced public relations students experience in the wide range of writing style and applications that are essential to successfully begin their professional careers. The course focuses on understanding and mastering action-oriented communication methods and best professional practices. This course provides both a conceptual framework and in-depth training in advanced techniques.

Students will explore a specific context of public relations and how public relations theories, processes, and skills can be used in the context. During the semester, students will discuss specific publics within the context and apply ethical communication strategies and tactics to engage with those publics. Courses provided could include crisis communication, corporate social responsibility, social media management, fashion public relations, etc. based on the expertise of the instructor.

This course offers an introduction to the study of communication in health and illness contexts. It covers the impact of interpersonal relationships, sociocultural and organizational influences, and media and health campaigns on health beliefs and behaviors. Emphasis is placed on strategies and approaches that promote effective communication in a variety of health contexts.

This class will go over the history of disability rights rhetoric in the advancement of disability civil rights in the United States. Topics will include (but not be limited to) the three models of disability discourse (moral, medical and social); strategies employed during the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); the ways in which disability civil rights has been coopted by non-disabled folks; how some advocacy strategies created limitations in the enforcement of the ADA; and current discourse surrounding the improvement of disability civil rights in the United States.

The study of rhetorical and critical research methods in various communication contexts. Emphasis is on developing and applying appropriate standards to consider communicative factors such as audience, tone, and rhetorical strategies. Consideration of criticism of public address, mass media, and other forms of persuasive communication. Students will be expected to conduct an original research project and present findings in a paper and/or oral presentation.

The study of quantitative research methods in various communication contexts. Emphasis is on ability to research literature, develop and evaluate experimental design, and apply and interpret statistical tests. Students will be expected to conduct an original research project and present findings in a paper and/or oral presentation.

Study of interpretive approaches to communication research using a variety of qualitative research methods, including field observation, qualitative interviewing, focus groups, narrative analysis and discourse analysis. Students will plan and conduct an exploratory qualitative study, prepare a written research report including a literature review and make a research presentation.

The study of survey research methods in various communication contexts. Emphasis on using survey research methodology in communication audits, public relations problems and public opinion polling and the ability to research literature, develop and evaluate survey questions, and apply and interpret statistical tests. Students will be expected to conduct an original research project and present findings in a paper and/or oral presentation.

The study of research methods in various communication contexts. Emphasis is on ability to use research methods at various stages of communication planning including background research, primary research, strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation. Students will be expected to conduct an original research project and present findings in a paper and/or oral presentation.

Supervised projects related to any aspect of human communication. Emphasis on original individual or group programs beyond the school's usual curricular or co-curricular offerings. Formal report(s) required for awarding of credit.

Intensive examination of specialized international communication topics arranged in cooperation with a faculty member. Prior arrangements must be made with the program director.

This advanced internship course offers students the opportunity to apply and refine their sports communication skills in a professional setting beyond the practicum level. Designed for students who have successfully completed the sports communication practicum, this course emphasizes deeper engagement, strategic communication and increased responsibility in the field. Students will take on more specialized roles, contribute to higher-level projects and demonstrate advanced competencies in areas such as media relations, content creation, digital strategy or event communication. This course may be repeated for a maximum of six credit hours with departmental approval.

This course offers an in-depth exploration and analysis of a communication-related theory, context, topic or problem, culminating in a research project documented in written, oral, visual and/or multimedia presentations. Course content varies based on faculty expertise.

This class acquaints students with relevant theory and research associated with the science of attachment, its impact on brain development and its subsequent impact on how we communicate throughout the lifespan. In addition to gaining an in-depth understanding of how attachment impacts communication and relationships throughout life, students will also improve their ability to communicate about attachment research through writing, presenting and discussing.

Surveys key women figures in classical and contemporary rhetorical traditions and challenges the strategies used to historicize this tradition from feminist perspectives. Explores diverse feminist rhetorical discourses informed by race, sexual orientation, ethnicity and social class.

This course promotes understanding and development of organizational leadership through investigation of theory and analysis. Students explore varied and sometimes contradictory models of leadership and learn how to articulate and express ideas that encourage others to advocate for and bring about positive change.

Study of the role of communication in the legal process. Emphasis on communication questions/problems which litigants, lawyers, judges and jurors face. Consideration of legal argument, negotiation, trial advocacy, decision making and communication technologies.

Study of the processes and functions of family communication, including managing dating, marital, parent-child and inter-generational relations. Theoretical and applied examination of communication and cultural processes that define and construct family structures, systems and boundaries. Course also examines histories of family communication as constructed in popular culture.

This course will explore the theory and practice of oral history. Through a series of readings, students will consider the many promises and challenges of the discipline, including issues related to memory, objectivity, ethics, the law, and technology. Students will also engage in an experiential learning exercise in which they collaborate to produce an oral history project.

Advanced topics in advocacy studies is the concentration's capstone. Through case studies, readings, discussions and experiential activities students investigate complex issues in the field of advocacy. Students apply theoretical knowledge and skills as they explore the interaction between advocacy and communication.

Organizations frequently face challenges related to communication, collaboration, training, facilitating meetings and conversations about complex issues, and navigating change. This course equips students with the knowledge and tools to address these challenges and implement communication-based interventions. Through hands on learning, students will identify an organizational challenge and design responses that facilitate positive change and collaboration.

This class examines theory and research of cultural communication, and reflexively considers how communication practices construct identities and arrange social relations within diverse contexts and applied settings.

This capstone course uses case studies, readings, discussions and experiential activities to investigate complex issues that emerge for organizations and their members. Students apply theoretical knowledge and skills to the analysis of communication problems through an applied field study in an organization.

An advanced study of communication techniques, procedures and processes as they relate to political campaign communication. Emphasis upon the design, execution and production of various communication messages. Consideration of the impact and utilization of various technologies in political campaigns.

This course examines the theories and practices of fundraising campaigns, including campaign planning, fundraising communication, donor research and motivation, branding and message development, stewardship and recognition, special events, planned giving, capital campaigns, program evaluation, and fundraising ethics.

This course offers intensive study and research of advanced communication management skills, theory and principles using case and field studies. Special attention is given to systematic and ethical management of communication and action affecting an organization's internal and external publics.

This is the capstone course for the public relations program of study. Students further their theoretical understanding and practical skills in the processes of research, planning, communication/action and evaluation by conducting campaigns for specific organizations.

This is the capstone course for the public relations program of study. Students further their theoretical understanding and practical skills in the processes of research, planning, communication/action and evaluation by implementing public relations strategies and tactics for specific organizations. Students need to apply to take this course.

This course studies current topics and issues in sports communication. Course content varies based on faculty expertise. This course may be repeated up to six credits.

This course offers an advanced study of the way the public receives, makes sense of, and influences scientific and technical information about environmental issues. Implications of these processes on environmental policy will be analyzed. Readings and assignments will concentrate on the interactions between technical and public spheres of communication, with an in-depth examination of the way the media facilitates the transfer of information between scientific communities and public audiences.

This course explores how effective interpersonal communication supports the management of mental and physical health within social networks. Students will examine health-related experiences; the roles of stress, coping and social support; the connection between relationship contexts on health outcomes; and strategies for collaboration in clinical and non-clinical settings.

This course focuses on the theoretical principles and practical considerations relevant to designing, implementing and evaluating health communication campaigns. Emphasis is placed on the collection and analysis of formative research. The final project for the course involves designing a health campaign targeting a specific audience.

This course explores the relationship between culture and health in different contexts. In particular, the course focuses on the role of communication in understanding diverse health beliefs and engaging in dialogue about our own health beliefs.

This course is a study of the media's role in the political system, concentrating on the dynamic and interdependent relationships among journalists, politicians, the public and public policy. The course explores media and politics theories; how media practices and technologies shape political decision making; how political forces influence media institutions; and how public opinion and media narratives are shaped.

This course is a study of the media's role in the political system, concentrating on the dynamic and interdependent relationships among journalists, politicians, the public and public policy. The course explores media and politics theories; how media practices and technologies shape political decision making; how political forces influence media institutions; and how public opinion and media narratives are shaped.

This course is a study of the media's role in the political system of the United Kingdom, concentrating on the dynamic and interdependent relationships among journalists, politicians, the public and public policy. The course explores media and politics theories as they apply to the British context; how UK media practices and technologies shape political decision making; how political forces influence British media institutions; and how public opinion and media narratives are shaped within a parliamentary democracy.

An independent study for students to pursue individual research under the guidance of faculty. Limited to senior communication studies majors in good standing with permission of school director.

This course offers credit for the application of communication theory and skills in a directed, on-the-job learning experience. It is open only to communication studies majors who meet specific criteria. Up to six credits may be applied as electives in the communication studies major.

In this individualized capstone course, honors students develop and complete a significant scholarly or creative work in Communication Studies. Working independently with faculty mentorship, students will explore a significant topic, integrate relevant theory and methods, and produce a substantive final product such as a written thesis, campaign or presentation. This course may be repeated for up to 6 credits.

A survey of advocacy inquiry as a practice of communication by a number of professional and academic fields and disciplines. Students will examine and debate important theoretical, ideological, ethical and moral implications of advocacy practiced in politically, socially and culturally diverse societies. Emphasis will be placed on a multi-disciplinary approach to advocacy studies.

This course introduces students to the issues, methods and materials for teaching communication in the setting of higher education. Students will examine pedagogical and communication theory, analyze research in communication education/instructional communication, study learning theories and styles, and work to develop a competency in teaching communication skills and concepts to others. This course is required only of all those awarded Assistantships.

A survey of major communication theories. Historicizes the major theoretical perspectives and debates in Communication Studies. Focuses on application of communication theory toward advocacy.

A survey of classical, modern and contemporary theories of rhetoric. The course examines the historical circumstances, situated practices of communication and advocacy, and mediums of delivery that have influenced differing iterations of rhetorical theory; its influence upon historical and contemporary practices of communication and advocacy; and the invention, arrangement and styles of theoretical disputes related to rhetorical theory.

Advanced study of critical cultural theory and communication. Historicizes major theoretical perspectives and debates and considers implications for the study and practice of communication and advocacy.

This course adopts a "process advocacy" approach to environmental decision making. Students examine theories and techniques to develop and evaluate civic engagement and conflict resolution as well as collaborative approaches related to environmental science, resource management and public planning. Public participation legal requirements will be reviewed, case studies discussed and opportunities for improving public participatory processes will be assessed.

An examination of undergirding research design philosophies, as well as an introduction to qualitative and quantitative research methods used in communication and advocacy studies. Students complete a research prospectus.

This advanced skills course emphasizes effective advocacy communication for a variety of contexts and focuses on a range of media, formats and causes. Students will practice and refine writing, oral presentation, organization and visual design skills, while analyzing the most effective processes for strategic communication messages.

An advanced seminar focusing on persuasion theory and communication methodology relevant to strategic communication in diverse cultural settings. Emphasis upon message analysis in cross-cultural contexts at various communication levels including interpersonal, small group, organizational, and public. Consideration of communication strategies and tactics embedded in adversarial belief systems. This seminar will use lecture-discussion, case studies, guest speakers, and team projects.

Introduces practices and theories of political communication and advocacy in public policy. Students will be equipped with the knowledge and communication skills necessary to influence policy-making processes and to understand advocacy by citizens, businesses, labor and interest groups. Topics include history and current practices of public advocacy, communication plan development and management, legal and ethical considerations, and the future of the public communication industry.

An advanced seminar focusing on understanding stakeholders and decision-making processes. Engaging stakeholders is central to strategic communication. This seminar explores a wide range of stakeholder theories as a foundation for successful applied strategic communication. The seminar covers both the critical evaluation of theories and application in cases.

This seminar examines principles, methods, theories, practices, and cases central to the development and strategic management of communication advocacy campaigns. Focus is on designing, planning, implementing, and evaluating ethical persuasive communication programs, with emphasis on behavioral change as well as mutual understanding and support. Best professional practices, including case studies, will be utilized to extract and articulate pragmatic lessons.

Study of current topics and issues in strategic communication and advocacy. Emphasis on contemporary issues, theories and research. Course content varies based on faculty expertise.

This course explores theoretical approaches to interpersonal communication as advocacy. After reviewing theory and research related to interpersonal message strategies and designs, students will examine how interpersonal communication functions as advocacy in environmental, health and relational contexts. Students will also discuss the ethics of advocacy, compliance gaining and compliance-resistance.

This course offers training and practice in facilitation skills needed to guide advocacy groups, organizations, governmental agencies and communities as they grapple with complex challenges, make informed choices for action and work together to establish and achieve collective goals. In addition, this course will consider how these processes are best integrated with and play a role in community, organizational and institutional structures and influence policy change.

This course provides students with foundational perspectives in communication theory and the skills and processes that enable ethical and effective social justice advocacy in a variety of contexts. It covers both micro and macro perspectives to social justice communication.

This course provides an in-depth exploration and analysis of communication theory, context, topics or problems related to the study of social justice. Course content varies based on faculty expertise.

Examines organizational communication theory and research in applied organizational contexts using a case study approach. Attends to analysis of small group and organizational decision making processes, team functioning, and strategic communication among diverse stakeholders. Focus on organizational communication practice in non-profit advocacy groups.

Critical overview of the histories and perspectives of environmental justice movements, including discourses of environmental racism, classism, and sexism; environmental in/equity; and just sustainability. Examines the underlying principles guiding advocacy practices of various environmental justice movements, exploring rhetorical strategies used to advocate just access to nature resources and distribution of environmental burdens.

This course involves a survey of critical theory and perspectives related to the study of environmental communication. Critical theories and related topics such as popular and consumer culture, political economy, power and ideology, science and technology will be explored. Environmental campaigns and cultural practices will be examined from a variety of critical perspectives.

Addresses complex dynamics, strategies and tactics of environmental campaigns by grassroots organizations, interest groups, governmental institutions and international organizations to advocate for particular environmental (and anti-environmental) policies and social change. This course takes a case studies approach to environmental campaigns and analyzes campaigns from a variety of rhetorical and communication theories.

This course is an in depth exploration and analysis of communication theory, context, topic or problem related to the study of environmental communication. Course content varies based on faculty expertise.

This advanced seminar explores risk and crisis communication theories, models and approaches. Students learn to critically assess and evaluate risk and determine and formulate appropriate communication strategies, and they are provided an opportunity to explore best practices and application of theories in practice.

This course is an in-depth exploration and analysis of communication theory and applied contexts addressing a topic, process, problem, or controversy related to communication theory or practice. Course content varies based on faculty expertise.

This course systematically explores and elaborates key concepts, principles and underlying theories pertinent to public health communication campaigns and advocacy practices. Students are immersed in all facets of campaign conceptualization, design, delivery and evaluation.

This course explores how intra-cultural meaning systems intersect and compete across cultures in health and environmental communication focusing on advocacy practices between health care providers and individuals. Provider and patient intercultural competencies, cultural beliefs, traditions, assimilation levels, and medical care decision making models are examined across cultures to ascertain how those are negotiated and managed; with a particular focus on underserved, disenfranchised groups.

This course addresses a variety of communication challenges faced by members and clients of healthcare organizations. Topics examined include various organizational structures within the healthcare industry, provider communication education and competence, and the delivery of healthcare services to clients. Throughout the course, contemporary applications of content are analyzed and evaluated.

This course explores patient-provider communication from patient and provider perspectives. Advocacy can play a leading role for providers and patients with implications for decision making, mutual support and trust. Students will examine health patient-provider interaction, health decision-making, empowerment strategies, key impacts of managed care, salient factors that shape patient outcomes and selected theoretical frameworks for explaining health patient-provider communication.

This course is an in depth exploration and analysis of communication theory, context, topic or problem related to the study of health communication and/or advocacy. Course content varies based on faculty expertise.

Readings and research in the discipline. This course can only be taken twice for a total of six credits.

A graduate seminar in the theories and practices of rhetorical criticism. Examines and applies classical and contemporary theories and methods for analyzing and evaluating public address and other significant forms of communication. Students will produce an original scholarly essay using one or more types of criticism.

An intensive study of quantitative communication research methods, with emphasis on design and implementation of a research project.

Survey of autoethnographic methodologies with a focus on writing-based inquiry in communication studies scholarship. Utilizes a writing workshop model to build foundational skills in the development of autoethnographic narratives as a means of examining communication topics in varied cultural contexts. Students will write an original autoethnographic essay.

Survey of qualitative communication research methods. Overviews the paradigms in qualitative research, research planning and conceptualization; participant observation; in-depth interviews; focus group interviews; and qualitative data analysis. Students will write an original scholarly essay answering a communication question using qualitative research methods.

An independent study or practicum for students to pursue research projects under the guidance of faculty, or develop skills and gain professional experience working in the field of communication and advocacy. This course can only be taken twice for a total of six credits.

Continued preparation for the comprehensive examinations. May be repeated as needed.

Continued study, research and writing for the thesis. May be repeated as needed.

Original communication research toward the completion of a master's thesis Supervised by the chair of the student's thesis committee. This course is graded on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) basis.

Practical field experience in applying health and environmental communication advocacy to problems or issues encountered in professional settings. Internships can include: governmental, non-profit and for-profit organizations. This course is graded on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory/Incomplete (S/U/I).