Communication Studies

• Mass Communication (Film, Television, or Radio)
• Interpersonal/Intercultural Communication
• Organizational Communication
• Dramatic Arts
• Speech
• Directed Studies

Mass Communication

COM 2100—Introduction to Mass Communication (3)
Surveys the chronological developments in mass communication technologies. The study begins at the invention of movable type for the printing press and concludes with the most recent advances in electronic communication. The study will focus on the people and the machines having a part in the evolution of modern mass communications.

COM 2120—Station Practices (3)
A lecture and laboratory course that -introduces the student to all aspects of broadcast radio station practices. Actual experience is gained at T-FM, the laboratory training station broadcasting to the Trevecca campus. (Radio elective)

COM 2130—Radio and TV Announcing and Audio Production (3)
A lecture and laboratory course designed to familiarize students with a variety of general broadcast speaking situations and techniques, as well as a study of the equipment, principles, and techniques of program production. (Radio, television elective). Cross listed as ITI 2130.

COM 2140—Station Management Practicum (1)
Provides preparation for student desiring radio station management experience, typically in conjunction with the campus student training station. The positions may include station manager, program director, music director, promotions director, news director, and sports director. Graded S/U. Requires permission of instructor. Prerequisite: COM 2120 Station Practices. May be repeated for a maximum of 3 credits. (Radio elective)

COM 2150—Station Staff Practicum (1)
Offers preparation for students desiring hands-on experience as station personnel (air personalities, board operator, sports production, news production), typically in conjunction with the campus student training station.  Graded S/U.  Requires permission of instructor.  Prerequisite:  COM 2120 Station Practices.  May be repeated for a maximum of 3 credits. (Radio elective)

COM 2990—Principles of Photography (2)
A study of the camera, film, lighting, composition and basic photographic techniques. It also includes an introduction to digital cameras and digital photo editing. Fee charged.

COM 3300—Television Studio Production (3)
A lecture and laboratory course designed to familiarize students with the operation of television production studies including cameras, lighting, and set design along with an introduction to control room procedures. (Television elective). Cross listed as ITI 4180.

COM 3360—Advanced Television Production (3)
A lecture and laboratory course that examines producing, directing, and control room operation of video switchers, edit controllers, and video tape recorders. Prerequisite: COM 3300 or permission of the instructor. (Television elective)

COM 3600—Broadcast Advertising and Sales (3)
An in–depth study into sales and advertising for the broadcast media. It includes locating prospects, developing techniques and promotions, and using rate cards. Students will have contact with local broadcast sales professionals as part of the course. Prerequisite: COM 2100 or COM 2120 or permission of instructor. (Radio elective)

COM 3700—Film Theory and Criticism (3)
A survey of the major theoretical approaches to film—including montage, mise-en-scene, and structuralist theory—punctuated with an emphasis on the responsible, competent, critical evaluation/judgment of actual films. Some attention is also given to generic influences, filmic literacy, and artistic accountability. (Film elective). Cross listed as ENG 3060.

COM 3750—Film History (3)
An overview of motion picture art from the beginning to the present, focusing on such topics as early cinema and silent film, German expressionism, the arrival of sound, the studio system, genre, film noir, neo-realism, and postmodernism. Prerequisite: COM 2100 or the permission of instructor. (Film elective)

COM 3800—Communication Law (3)
Covers the American judicial system, First Amendment rights, communication acts, Federal Communication rules and regulations, and copyright laws. It is designed to give the student interested in mass communication an overview of the laws governing mass communications. Prerequisite: COM 2100 or COM 2120 or permission of instructor.

COM 3850—Mass Communication Ethics (3)
A study of the media’s diverse and potent influence upon a “mass communication intensive” society and of the various public roles/responsibilities associated with important media issues concerning the news, advertising, public relations, invasion of privacy, censorship, financial improprieties, and especially the entertainment industry at large. The keystone of the course is the pursuit of media literacy within the context of moral reasoning.

COM 4010—Radio Station Management and Promotion (3)
Designed to acquaint students with the practical management of the broadcast station. Topics will include: applying for station permits, planning facilities, selecting equipment, training and supervising staff members, determining community needs, and meeting operating costs. Prerequisite: COM 2100 or COM 2120 or permission of instructor. (Radio elective)

COM 4120—Broadcast Engineering (3)
Designed to introduce the student to the duties, functions, and responsibilities of broadcast engineers. The study will include equipment selection, maintenance, replacement schedules, budgeting, and engineer qualifications. Prerequisite: COM 2100 or COM 2120 or permission of instructor. (Radio elective)

COM 4140—Broadcast Journalism and TV News Reporting (3)
Provides instruction in the area of news collection, writing, and reporting for broadcast media. Individuals successfully completing this class should have an adequate working knowledge for an entry level position in the broadcast journalism area. (Radio, television elective)

COM 4190—Organizational and Corporate Video
Production (3)
A study of the roles and points of view of the writer, producer, director and client and the dynamic relationship these participants share in the field of organizational and corporate video production.  Students will produce videos for a variety of “clients” throughout the semester.  Students will be working individually as well as in production groups (teams).  Students will alternate roles (i.e., producer, director, PA, etc.) with each new group project.  In addition to projects, assignments and specified readings, students will be required to participate in group activities both on and off campus occasionally on their own time. Prerequisite: COM 3300 or permission of instructor. (Television elective). Cross listed as ITI 4190.

COM 4450—Telecommunications Management (3)
Explores management theories and practices as they apply to television, cable  outlets and other electronic media facilities.  Course topics include station programming and formats, scheduling, marketing and research, sales, promotions, ratings, consultants, management styles, employment evaluations and syndication. (Television elective).

Interpersonal/Intercultural Communication

COM 2010—Interpersonal Communication (3)
A study of two–person (dyadic) communication. Topics include: human communication theory, verbal and nonverbal codes, development of self–concept, perception, impression formation, and relationship development. Prerequisite for all courses leading to an Interpersonal Communication major.

COM 2020—Principles of Intercultural Communication (2)
A study of how culture affects communication behavior and intercultural relationships. This course provides a broad theoretical and contextual base that emphasizes intercultural communication competency as it relates to Western and non-Western cultures.

COM 2030—Practicum in Intercultural Communication (1)
A field-based, experiential course structured to provide the student with skill development opportunities in intercultural community service or ministry. The course must be taken concurrent with or subsequent to COM 2020.

COM 2810—Small Group Communication (3)
Involves the study of theory and research of communication behavior in small problem–solving groups. Includes the effects of participants’ personal characteristics and of situational constraints involved in small group interaction.

COM 3340—Language and Social Interaction (3)
An examination of communication as symbolic interaction between human beings within social contexts. The social construction of interpersonal and societal meaning primarily through the use and influence of language is analyzed.

COM 3350—U.S. Cultural and Ethnic Diversity (3)
Cross listed as SOC 3350.

COM 3500—Nonverbal Communication (3)
A study of the nonverbal forms of human communication. Special attention is given to the creation of meaning through such nonverbal forms as facial expression, gesture, bodily movement, use of space and time, voice, and environmental setting.

COM 3710—Practicum in Intercultural and Community Development Skills (3)
A field-based, experiential course designed to introduce the student to developmental skills for cross-cultural community service or ministry. Students are also introduced to skills needed for initiating and maintaining sustainable communities. This course is offered through the HEART Institute (Lake Wales, FL). Students must be pre-approved before enrolling. Cross listed as SOC/PRA 3710.

COM 4060—Social Influence (3)
Examines the role of communication and human relations in the initiation of attitude change and development within individuals, groups, community organizations, and other cultures. Consideration will be given to persuasive theory, diffusion of innovations, conflict resolution, and the development of working relationships between and within community groups.

Organizational Communication

COM 2750—Human Relations in Organizations (3)
Examines concepts and literature useful in analyzing interpersonal behavior in an organizational setting. Includes reading, simulations, case studies, and field observation of situations involving problems of morale, productivity, leadership, authority, communication and the introduction of change.

COM 3000—Principles of Public Relations (3)
Surveys the development, scope, and role of public relations in society and provides training in basic public relations skills. Includes practical experience with news releases, PR campaigns, communication schedules, and media strategies.

COM 3040—Human Resources Management (3)
Cross listed as BUS 3040.

COM 3150—Sales Fundamentals (3)
Cross listed as MKT 3150.

COM 3200—Sales Management (3)
Cross listed as MKT 3200.

COM 3220—Advertising Management (3)
Cross listed as MKT 3220.

COM3260—Organizational Communication (3)
Examines organizations and organizational communication within broader social, cultural, economic, and political contexts. Strategies of organizing and communicating are analyzed from the perspective that organizations are embedded in a society’s beliefs, values, structures, practices, and tensions.

COM 4560—Leadership in the Christian Organization (3)
A course designed to enable students to integrate leadership theory and Biblical principles into a workable philosophy of leadership. Because secular leadership theory is not always applicable in Christian organizations, careful attention is given to worldview, motivation, leadership style, team building, power, decision making, organizational culture, and conflict resolution. Cross listed as CED 4560.

Dramatic Arts

COM 1000—Production Participation and Project Attendance (0)
Required of all dramatic arts majors and minors for six (6) semesters. To receive a passing grade, students are to participate in 20 hours of some aspect of production work for each of the productions planned during the six semesters that are chosen by the student. Graded S/U. Note: No credit is given and no tuition is charged.

COM 2250—Performance Studies (3)
Designed to invite students into a richer understanding of the performing arts, as well as other Western and non-Western performative experiences in physical human expression, both past and present.  Special focus is given to major world events in the historical development of our performance traditions (particularly in theatre and dance), styles of textual representation in the performing arts--from classical to contemporary, and the dialectical relationship between performance and culture.

COM 2350—Creative Drama (3)
Course not concerned with play production, acting, or any of the theatrical entertainment aspects of drama. It -focuses on drama used solely as a therapeutic and educational tool in the classroom. Participants will focus on creative leadership and teaching strategies that include the following: conflict resolution through drama, critical thinking and life skills development, historical re-enactment techniques in social studies, “teacher-in-role” role playing, imagination exploration, values through game–playing, creative drama for special needs, and drama–in–education techniques for creatively teaching all subjects.

COM 2450—Drama as a Ministry (3)
A course designed to expose students to the variety of dramatic experiences and expressions which may be incorporated into Christian ministry. Through the study of drama as an art form in relation to theology, worship, Christian education, and personal spiritual development, students are prepared and encouraged to become practitioners of drama ministry.

COM 2950—Script Analysis (1)
A detailed study of the basic tools and approaches necessary for reading and interpreting stage scripts before directing, acting, or design processes can effectively begin. (All dramatic arts majors and minors, as well as all drama education majors, must take this course in their freshman year, with the exception of transfer students).

COM 3140—Acting: Theory and Practice (3)
An introductory workshop course focusing on beginning acting techniques and scene study. Initially students will explore the actors’ instrument and use of space, relaxation, concentration, imagination, improvisation, mime, movement, and how to pursue an objective through physical and psychological actions. The students will then investigate and practice traditional approaches to scene analysis, character study, and performance.

COM 3170—Voice and Articulation (3)
Study of and practical experience in refining the vocal mechanism for general quality speech production. Includes intensive work with International Phonetic Alphabet and dialectology.

COM 3400—Theatre History and Dramatic Literature (3)
A comprehensive survey of representative plays from each period of theatre history, noting the reciprocal effects of production techniques on dramatic forms. Special emphasis is given to cultural and historical factors influencing the rise and fall of new dramatic forms and theatrical practices. Prerequisite: COM 2250 or permission of instructor.

COM 3550—Shakespeare (3)
Cross listed as ENG 3550.

COM 3900—Scriptwriting (3)
An introductory workshop course focusing on the techniques, styles, and conventions of writing for the stage and screen. Students will develop skills and gain experience in composing scripts for stage and screen and will work on several projects throughout the course. Prerequisite: ENG 1080 or permission of instructor. Cross listed as ENG 3900.

COM 4030—Design and Production for the Stage (3)
A hands–on, introductory study of theatrical design and production that will primarily focus on scenic and lighting design and production. Costume design and production will be addressed briefly. In the process, students will practice design, construction, and implementation skills in conjunction with the current drama production as well as through individual project work. Prerequisite: COM 2250 or permission of instructor.

COM 4040—Play Directing (3)
An introductory examination of the directorial process beginning with textual analysis of dramatic action and covering such areas as production unity, stage movement and business, motivational analysis, and picto-rial composition. Other areas of emphasis include a brief overview of directing history, types of directing theory and style, planning and rehearsal techniques, and the relationship of the director to other theatre artists. Student work includes selected scene work and directing projects prepared for class presentation culminating in a final scene presentation. Prerequisite: COM 2250 or permission of instructor.

COM 4050—Acting Studio: Special Problems in Acting (3)
An advanced acting course including advanced work on monologues and scenes from contemporary plays. Student work is designed to build upon a basic knowledge and experience in acting, concentrating on individual actor problems and on specific acting situations such as complex emotional scenes, dialects, exceptional characterizations, the development of period acting styles, etc. Prerequisite: COM 3140 or permission of instructor.

COM 422 (A–F)—Drama Practicum (1)
Provides supervised participation and instruction in various aspects of theatre. Open to all students with the consent of the instructor. Dramatic Arts majors are required to take this one-hour practicum in three of the following areas: (a) Acting, (b) Stage Management, (c) Scenery and Props, (d) Costumes and Make-up, (e) Lighting and Sound, (f) Directing. Graded S/U.

COM 4400—Modern Drama (3)
A historical study of the work of selected American, European, or Third World playwrights from the turn of the century to the present with emphasis on new production techniques as they influenced and shaped the modern theatre. An appropriate elective for literature students as well as drama majors. Prerequisite: COM 3400 or permission of instructor. Cross listed as ENG 3040.

Speech

COM 1010—Speech Communication (3)
A study of the principles and practices of effective human communication, with emphasis placed on public speaking. The course emphasizes the critical thinking and skill development necessary for effective speech. Listening skills are included in the study.

COM 2000—Theories of Communication (3)
Surveys the major theories of human communication. The study will focus on the origins, usefulness, and limitations of each theory for understanding communication events. This course will help prepare students to analyze and interpret human communication in all its forms (intrapersonal communication, interpersonal communication, small group transactions, organizational communication, public speaking, drama, and mass communication). Prerequisite for all communication courses above COM 1010.

COM 2060–70—Sign Language I , II  (3), (3)
Teaches the basic hand signs needed for working with deaf and hard of hearing in church and school settings. Interpreting signing is also taught.

COM 2230—Oral Interpretation (3)
A study in the techniques of interpretation for oral reading applied to various types of literature. Emphasis is given to selection of mate-rial, analysis of content, characteristics of verbal delivery, and methods of nonverbal interpretation. Students will work with prose, poetry, and dramatic forms of literature. Oral reading of scripture is also emphasized. Prerequisite: COM 1010 or permission of instructor.

COM 2500—Argumentation and Debate (3)
A study of the nature of reasoned discourse. Attention is given to the process of analyzing an issue, structuring arguments, using evidence, and handling refutation and rebuttal in oral communication. Actual classroom debate will enable speakers to practice the principles being studied. Prerequisite: COM 1010 or permission of instructor.

COM 3070—The Rhetorical Tradition (3)
Provides an introduction to the study of rhetoric and historic public address.  The course focuses on the manner in which people have used discourse to influence the behavior of others and includes a broad survey of rhetorical theorists from Corax to contemporary scholars.

COM 4000—Advanced Public Speaking (3)
Gives students practical experience in the preparation and presentation of the speeches that are usually required in business and the professions. Areas of instruction include speech making, oral reading of reports, and speech for radio and television. Prerequisite: COM 1010 or permission of instructor.

COM 4210—Forensics Practicum (1)
Individualized instruction for students who participate in intercollegiate speech competition. Training is provided in both speech making and oral interpretation. Students are required to compete in selected speech tournaments. Graded S/U.

COM 433R—Readings in Communication (1–3)
Readings directed toward Interper-sonal Communication, Organizational Communication, Radio–TV or Film, Dramatic Arts, Broad-cast Technology, or other areas of communication.

COM 4330—Directed Study in Communication (1–3)
Individual guided study and research on special problems related to Interper-sonal Communication, Organizational Communication, Dramatic Arts, Broad-cast Technology, or other areas within the discipline of communication. Projects must be approved by the instructor before enrollment.

COM 4510—Career Internship in Communication  Studies (1–3)
Intensive study, observation, and participation in various field projects designed and contracted between the student and instructor. Internships will be arranged in conjunction with the student’s major. Supervision is coordinated with the Career Planning Office. Maximum of 6 hours. Graded S/U.

COM 453 (A–D)—Special Topics in Communication Studies (3)
A course designed for upper division students who are investigating the interrelationship of various aspects of communication in the following areas: (a) interpersonal communication, (b) mass communication/broadcasting, (c) dramatic arts, (d) organizational communication.

COM 4550—Research Methods in Communication Studies  (3)
A course required of all majors to be taken during the senior year. It will allow students to integrate and apply the knowledge, skills, and appreciation acquired during their course of study. Students will work on a major communication research project that will draw on their course background. The goal of the project will be to demonstrate that the student has met the objectives for that particular major. The work will be analyzed and evaluated in class so that the breadth of the field of human communication can be understood.

COM 4800—Senior Project in Communication Studies  (1-2)
All majors in the Department of Communication Studies are required to present a senior project as a public performance. The project should relate to the student’s specialized interest in the field, demonstrate his or her acquired skills, and be academically and vocationally beneficial as a culminative experience. The project must be approved by the faculty advisor at least one semester in advance. The number of credits is contingent upon the number of hours given to the project [40+ hours for one (1) credit; 80+ for two (2) credits.]