Core courses  

GPA requirements

If you’re a School of Communication major, you must earn a C or better in:

• COM 101
• COM 200
• your required freshman composition course
• your foundation mathematics course

Required classes

All School of Communication students take these core communication classes. Some courses may not be offered every semester, so plan your classes carefully.

COM 101 Communication Analysis (3)

Integrated study of the analysis of oral, written, and visual messages. Emphasizes commonalities and differences across communication media. Fall, Spring.

COM 150 Environmental Communication (3)

Analytical research and writing skills for public dissemination of environmental information via the media. Fall, Spring.

COM 200 Basic Communication Theory (3)

Introduction to the nature, elements, concepts, and processes of communication in its many settings; examination of vocabulary and research methods of communication studies. Prerequisite: ENG 105. All semesters.

COM 250 Environmental Perspectives on Communication Arts (3)

Analytical exploration and interpretation of oral, visual, and written artistic and communication works that have influenced public perception and/or policy concerning environmental issues. Writing-intensive course. Fall, Spring.

COM 301 Race, Gender, and Media (3)

Examines images of men, women, and members of minority or –"marginalized” groups in mass media, with concomitant societal implications. Prerequisite: junior status or instructor's consent. All semesters.

COM 305 Research Methods in Communication (3)

The nature and application of scientific method in communication research. Prerequisite: COM 200. Spring.

COM 382 The Art of Communication (3)

The cinema emphasis: documentary and feature films; the aesthetic experience peculiar to film as a composite art form, a reflector of society, and a social force in itself; illustrated by screen examples. Fee required. All semesters.

COM 383 Topics in Cinema (3)

In-depth studies of films and topics, including genres, world cinema, race and gender, and films' effect on society. Prerequisite: ENG 105 or equivalent. (May be repeated once for credit if topic varies.)

COM 389 Cooperative Education (1-12)

Preplanned cooperative employment experience related to your field of study or career objectives.

COM 400 Mass Communication Law and Ethics (1:1:1:1:1)

Laws that govern mass communication, both printed and electronic; codes of ethics as controlling factors; and interpretations of First Amendment rights. May be repeated for up to 6 hours of credit. Fall, Spring.

COM 408 Fieldwork Experience (1-12)

Supervised field experience in an appropriate agency or organization. May not exceed 12 hours of credit.

COM 425 Mass Communication and Human Behavior (3)

Study of mass communication messages, audience behavior, and the behavioral concomitants of mass communication. Emphasis on the key research and alternative methodologies for studying mass communication and human behavior. All semesters.

COM 450 The Future of Communication (3)

Interdisciplinary investigation of new communication technologies and trends, emphasizing effects on individuals, organizations, and societies. Prerequisites: 12 hours of communication courses or instructor's consent. Spring, even years.