Communications Department - Courses
COMS 131|Public Speaking|3 Credits
Public Speaking is an introductory class in rhetoric and public address, emphasizing the practical demonstration of public communication skills, including topic selection and audience adaptation, research, message organization, effective delivery, incorporation of technology and multi-media, apprehension reduction, and informative and persuasive speaking strategies.
Prerequisite: ENG 101 or concurrent enrollment.
COMS 151|Speech Communications|3 Credits
This course is an introduction to human communication theory with practice in developing speaking skills in the intrapersonal, interpersonal, and public communication contexts. Prerequisite: ENG 101 or concurrent enrollment
Prerequisite: ENG 101 or concurrent enrollment.
COMS 226|Interpersonal Communications|3 Credits
Because we are challenged, as never before, to create and maintain healthy relationships with others, this course focuses on the goal of increasing our interpersonal communication skills. The course will emphasize concepts, contexts, and skills with the aim of improving personal interaction in all facets of life.
Prerequisite: COMS 131 or 151
COMS 246|Intercultural Communications|3 Credits
An examination of the theoretical and practical relationship between culture and communication behavior in a variety of communication contexts (settings), with emphasis on: cultural identity formation, belonging to multiple cultures, racism and prejudice, and intercultural communicative competence in perception, verbal and nonverbal codes. Projects and readings explore strategies for effective cross-cultural communication between and among cultural groups.
Prerequisite: COMS 131 or 151
COMS 247|Race in America|3 Credits
This class is an introduction to critical race theory as it pertains to American cultural diversity. This course will examine predominant themes in American policies regarding race. In addition, the course will examine the role that context and history shape our social reality. The course challenges students to research a contemporary issue pertaining to race, write critically about it, and present their work in a public setting.
Prerequisite: COMS 131 or 151
COMS 256|Working in Groups and Teams|3 Credits
Working effectively in small groups is a crucial skill in today’s workplace. Employers increasingly place more responsibility on employees to participate in the decision-making process and to solve work-related problems mainly through participation on teams or in groups. This course furnishes students with an understanding of the principles of small group communication through knowledge of core group communication concepts and processes. Group communication skills will be improved through participation in a semester-long team project.
Prerequisite: COMS 131 or 151
COMS 276|Persuasion and Social Influence|3 Credits
An examination of the theories of persuasion as they apply to everyday communication situations. The course will examine the psychological, social, cultural and the ethical considerations in persuasion and challenge students to analyze, critique, and compose persuasive messages. Research into a contemporary rhetorical issue will form the basis for semester long research and writing.
Prerequisite: COMS 131 or 151
COMS 311|Traditional/Contemporary Native American Rhetoric|3 Credits
This is a course in rhetorical analysis and criticism of traditional and contemporary Native American discourse. This course will examine predominant themes in historical and contemporary Native American oratory while gaining knowledge of and skill in both classical and indigenous rhetorical theory and criticism. In addition, the course will examine how historical context, social and political agendas, and translation impact our understanding and interpretation of Native American oratory. The course challenges students to research traditional and contemporary Native American rhetorical discourse, write critically about it and present their work in a public setting.
Prerequisite: COMS 131 or COMS 151
COMS 340|Traditional/Contemporary Native American Rhetoric|3 Credits
This class is designed to introduce students to the relationship between communication and gender, including both physical and psychological dimensions. Topics include nature of genders, sex role orientations, stereotypes, perceived and actual differences in verbal and nonverbal communication behaviors, the influence of gender on a variety of contexts.
Prerequisite: COMS 131 or COMS 151
COMS 350|Legal Communication|3 Credits
An analysis of how communication principles and theories operate within the context of the legal system. Topics covered will include the lawyer/client interview, depositions and pre-trial discovery, settlement negotiation, jury selection, opening and closing statements, and witness testimony.
Prerequisite: COMS 131 or COMS 151
COMS 370|Conflict and Negotiation|3 Credits
This class is designed to introduce students to the theories and research about conflict and negotiation. This course emphasizes the cognitive process and examines strategies and tactics for negotiating conflict in a variety of contexts.
Prerequisite: COMS 131 or COMS 151
An Associate of Arts in Communication Studies requires, in addition to the general education requirements, 12 credit hours in COMS taken at the 200 level or above and 12-14 credit hours in electives.
