Communication Studies Course Listing

COMM101. Public Speaking

Students will create and evaluate presentations in a variety of speaking contexts with special emphasis placed on competencies in public speaking. 3 credits. FAES, SI.

COMM105. Welcome to the COMMunity

This course is designed to assist incoming Communication Studies students develop knowledge and skills that lead to academic success while simultaneously fostering a positive transition to college life. Students will be introduced to the discipline and best practices of professional development, including familiarity with the department's curriculum, university career and academic resources, and related opportunities for professional growth in the campus and local community. Restricted to Communication Studies major. 3 credits.

COMM141. Introduction to Media Writing

Developing writing and reporting techniques required in professional media fields. Intensive practice in news gathering skills and public relations tactics with emphasis on interviewing, accuracy, grammar and under deadline. Prerequisite: COMM 101 (with grade of “C-” or better) or by permission of Department Chair. 3 credits.

COMM1XX. Comm Studies Elective

COMM200. Introduction to Comm Theory

Introduces students to Communication Studies as an academic discipline. Students will explore how meaning is created and shared in multiple theoretical contexts. Prerequisite: Communication Studies major or minor. 3 credits.

COMM200. Introduction to Comm Theory

Introduces students to Communication Studies as an academic discipline. Students will explore how meaning is created and shared in multiple theoretical contexts. Prerequisite: Communication Studies major or minor. 3 credits.

COMM201. Interpersonal Communication

This course will examine various communication patterns including verbal, nonverbal, and intercultural communication. Students will engage with various communication components related to how communication is affected through a combination of cultural, individual, and institutional domains. Prerequisites: None. 3 credits.

COMM210. Media and Society

This course examines the economic and social organization of mass media, the content of media messages, the relationship between media and the public, the growth of new media technologies, and current dilemmas facing media policy makers. Prerequisite: COMM 101 with a grade of a C- or better or by permission of Department Chair. 3 credits.

COMM215. NewsU: Seek Truth Dis/Mis Info

The flood of fake news, propaganda, rumors, and advertising that often masquerade as news has made it harder than ever to separate fact from fiction. This course is designed to teach students to exercise their power as citizens by utilizing critical thinking skills as news consumers. Students will learn how to find the reliable information they need to make informed decisions and judgments, take action, and responsibly share information through social media. 3 credits. FHBS. SI.

COMM240. Digital Editing

A comprehensive study of digital editing equipment and techniques used in the media industries. Emphasis will be placed on non-linear video and audio and audio editing. Prerequisite: COMM 101 (with grade of “C-” or better). 3 credits.

COMM251. Princpls of Comm Design

Principles and practice of design, typography, imagery, color and brand identity in contemporary visual communication and digital media. Prerequisite: COMM 101 (with grade of “C-” or better). 3 credits.

COMM280. Fndmntls of Public Relations

This course is an introduction to public relations principles and concepts. Students are introduced to the history and development of public relations as a profession, to the range of responsibilities and functions that public relations practitioners assume in a variety of organizations, and to the significant issues and trends that influence the practice of public relations. Prerequisite: COMM 101 (with grades of "C-" or better) or by Permission of Department Chair. 3 credits.

COMM295. Special Topics Comm Studies

Selected topics in communication studies. The topics may vary from semester to semester. May be repeated for credit when topics change. 1-3 credits.

COMM2XX. Comm Studies Elective

COMM305. Building your Profess Brand

This course is designed to guide the professional development of junior-status Communication studies students with a focus on creating a professional digital presence and portfolio. Students will examine professional standards in related fields and the academic discipline while working with related campus partners. Prerequisites: COMM 105 and junior status, or permission of department chair. 1 credit.

COMM313. Political Communication

This course will examine fundamental facets of political communication from both a historical and contemporary perspective. The course will look at political communication in a variety of forms, such as social media, advertising, debates, speeches, and news coverage. Pre-requisites: COMM 101 & COMM 200 (with grades of ‘C-’ or better). 3 credits.

COMM320. Comm in a Diverse Society

This course focuses on the complexities and importance of identity and diversity for communication. In particular, we will study how identity and culture influence the creation and sharing of meaning and how various meaning and symbols constitute our sense of our social world. We will explore the relationship among identity, culture, and communication within a variety of contexts including interpersonal, organizational, and mediated communication. Prerequisite: COMM 101 and 200 (with grade of “C-” or better). 3 credits.

COMM325. Media Criticism

A critical examination of the influence of mass media through reading, viewing and discussion to build awareness of the influence of media in personal life and develop media literacy skills. Prerequisites: COMM 101 and 200 (with grades of “C-” or better); COMM 210. 3 credits.

COMM330. Small Group Communication

Examines the complex personal and communication dynamics of small groups. Topics include leadership, influence, conflict, task management, organization, interdependence, and others. Students actively participate in group projects and meetings to demonstrate successful small group techniques. Prerequisites: COMM 101 and 200 (with grades of “C-” or better). 3 credits.

COMM333. Lies, Scams, and Conspiracy Th

This course critically examines the intricate nature of truth telling, lying, deception, scams, and conspiracy theories from a variety of disciplinary perspectives including communication, psychology, philosophy and the like. Pre-requisites: Completion of FHBS. 3 credits. SI. PHBS.

COMM341. Advanced Media Writing

This course will focus on the composition of professional quality messages for the modern media landscape. Students will study and practice advance perspectives of reporting and writing skills used in print, broadcast and online media. Prerequisite: COMM 241 (with grade of “C-” or better). 3 credits.

COMM345. Media Globalization

This course will focus on communication theory and its application to local and global media and their systems, structures and operations. Prerequisites: COMM 101, 200 and 210 (with grade of “C-” or better). 3 credits.

COMM350. Persuasion Theory

This course is designed to promote the understanding of the fundamental principles and theories of persuasive communication. Theories are considered for application in producing and consuming persuasive discourse. Prerequisites: COMM 101 and 200 (with grade of “C-” or better). 3 credits.

COMM354. Public Relations Writing

This course offers an advanced experience in public relations writing, principles, and concepts. It builds upon fundamental media and public relations skills. Students are exposed to a range of writing responsibilities and functions that public relations practitioners assume in a variety of organizations. Students also are engaged in significant issues and trends that influence the practice of public relations. Prerequisite: COMM 141 (with grades of "C-" or better). 3 credits.

COMM355. Media Production

This project based course will explore professional media industry standards and practices while providing hands-on experience in advanced videography, performance, audio reporting, editing and studio production. Prerequisites: COMM 141, 200 and 240 (with grade of “C-” or better). 3 credits.

COMM360. Trending Issues in Public Rela

Topics, theories, or strategies related to contemporary issues in Public Relations or other organizational communication. Class focus will rotate. May be repeated with change of subject matter; maximum 9 credit hours. Prerequisites:COMM 101, COMM 141, and COMM 200 (with C- or better, or permission of department chair). 3 credits.

COMM360. Trending Issues in Public Rela

Topics, theories, or strategies related to contemporary issues in Public Relations or other organizational communication. Class focus will rotate. May be repeated with change of subject matter; maximum 9 credit hours. Prerequisites:COMM 101, COMM 141, and COMM 200 (with C- or better, or permission of department chair). 3 credits.

COMM361. Trending Issues in Media

Topics, theories, or strategies related to contemporary issues in media. Class focus will rotate.​ May be repeated with change of subject matter; maximum 9 credit hours. Prerequisites: COMM 101, COMM 141, and COMM 200 (with C- or better, or permission of department chair). 3 credits.

COMM361. Trending Issues in Media

Topics, theories, or strategies related to contemporary issues in media. Class focus will rotate.​ May be repeated with change of subject matter; maximum 9 credit hours. Prerequisites: COMM 101, COMM 141, and COMM 200 (with C- or better, or permission of department chair). 3 credits.

COMM375. Public Relations Research

This course is an introduction to research methods common to the public relations field. Focus is on using applied research for public relations programs and campaigns. Students will gain experience designing and implementing research projects. Prerequisites: COMM 200 and 280 (with a grade of “C-” or better, or the permission of department chair). 3 credits.

COMM380. LGBTQ+ and the Media

This course is a special interdisciplinary examination of sexual desires, sexual orientations, gender identity and expression, and the concept of gender and sexuality generally, with a particular focus on the construction of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender identities and the media. The course will look specifically at how these identities interact with other phenomena such as government, family, and popular culture. In exploring gender and sexual diversity, we will highlight the complexity and variability of gender and sexualities, both across different historical periods and in relation to identities of race, class, and ethnicity. Students will explore these perspectives through the creation of media artifacts, such as documentaries, found footage, and/or creative storytelling. Pre-Requisite: Completion of FAES pillar. 3 credits.

COMM385. Media, Pride, and Prejudice

This course provides students with an investigation into media messages and how they reinforce and/or perpetuate prejudice towards people and groups. Students integrate historical, sociocultural, political, and behavioral aspects to examine how negative and positive media messages affect communication and behaviors. Pre-requisite: Completion of FHBS. 3 credits. SI. PHBS.

COMM390. Directed Study

Must be approved by the head of the department. May be repeated as 391. 1-18 credits.

COMM392. Communication Internship

Directed practicum of experiential learning in a professional setting. Students perform relevant task to the discipline and profession. An internship contract must be agreed upon by the professional supervisor, faculty advisor, and student. Prerequisites: Communication Studies Major/Minor restriction; COMM 101 and COMM 200 (with a C- or better). May be repeated up to 3 credits. 1-3 credits.

COMM400. Communication Ethics

This course investigates the theories and principles of ethical communication applied to a variety of personal and public communications contexts. Students will identify, analyze, and evaluate ethical issues and cases in interpersonal, professional, and mediated contexts Prerequisites: Junior status, COMM 101 and 200 (with grades of “C-” or better). 3 credits.

COMM405. Living your Professional Brand

This course is designed to enhance the professional development of senior-status Communication Studies students with an emphasis on the successful transition from college to the professional workplace or post-graduate education. Students will use networking strategies and focus on improving their professional digital presence and portfolios.  Prerequisites: COMM 305 & senior status, or permission of department chair. 1 credit.

COMM410. Digital & Social Media Technol

Practical and theoretical approaches to examining the influence of digital and social media techniques on consumers and communication industries. The course explores personal branding and the strategic use of digital marketing tools in order to develop specialized, professional portfolios. Prerequisites: COMM 101 and COMM 200 (with grades of C- or better.). 3 credits.

COMM420. Global Cultures &Communication

Analyzes global issues and identities through a variety of communication paradigms, theories, and concepts. Examines challenges to intercultural understanding and ways to improve it. Prerequisites: COMM 101 and 200 (with grades of “C-” or better). 3 credits.

COMM430. Public Relations Campaigns

Principles relevant to creating and implementing a public relations campaign. Course covers client relations, setting objectives, using research, planning special events, writing and evaluating appropriate media strategies and tactics, preparing budgets, and implementing evaluation techniques. Prerequisites: COMM 354 and 375 (with a grade of “C-” or better). 3 credits.

COMM434. COMMLab

Students will learn advanced principles of digital media production while developing creative content for campus and local community clients. Students will enhance skills and experience in client relations, peer leadership, media content development, videography, editing and production technique.  This course may be taken three times but may only be used once for COMM elective credit. Pre-requisites: COMM 101, COMM 141 and COMM 240 (with grades of C- or better), or permission of Department Chair. 3 credits.

COMM445. Digital Storytelling

Students will analyze the production of media and the influence of media in shaping society. Students will use a combination of media writing, editing, and production skills in the creation of a digital short story. Prerequisites: COMM 141 and 355 (with grade of C- or better). 3 credits.

COMM460. Communication Research

Students will perform research while learning communication research processes, including introductory qualitative and quantitative methods. Students learn to become competent researchers and critics of scholarship. Prerequisites: COMM 101 and COMM 200 (with grades of C- or better) and senior status. 3 credits.

COMM470. Gender and Communication

Study of advanced communication theories and research focusing on the relationships among gender identity and communication in communication contexts such as organizations, interpersonal relationships, family, mass media and popular culture, education and health. Prerequisites: COMM 101 and 200 (with grades of “C-” or better). 3 credits.

COMM490. Directed Study

Must be approved by the head of the department. 1-18 credits.

COMM492. Communication Internship

Directed practicum of experiential learning in a professional setting. Students perform relevant task to the discipline and profession. An internship contract must be agreed upon by the professional supervisor, faculty advisor, and student. Prerequisite: Completion of 15 credits in Communication Studies with a minimum major gpa of 2.0. Junior status. 3 credits. Can be repeated up to 6 credit hours, with permission of chair.

COMM495. Special Topics Comm Studies

Selected topics in communication studies. The topics may vary from semester to semester. May be repeated for credit when topics change. Prerequisites: COMM 101 & 200 (with grades of “C-” or better). 1-3 credits.

COMM498. Senior Thesis in Comm Studies

Students conduct an in-depth project in Communication Studies under the direction of a faculty member and the Longwood Senior Thesis Committee. May be repeated as 499. 3 credits.

COMM498. Senior Thesis in Comm Studies

Students conduct an in-depth project in Communication Studies under the direction of a faculty member and the Longwood Senior Thesis Committee. May be repeated as 499. 3 credits.

COMM499. Senior Thesis in Comm Studies

Students conduct an in-depth project in communication studies under the direction of a faculty member and the Longwood Senior Thesis Committee. 3 credits.