Course Descriptions

The Communication and Journalism department offers the following courses:

                Undergraduate Courses                Graduate Courses
                100 Level Courses                         500 Level Courses
                200 Level Courses                         600 Level Courses
                300 Level Courses                      
                400 Level Courses                        

For a chart of C&J's scheduled undergraduate offerings over five years (fall '05 through summer '10), click here. Similarly, a schedule of graduate classes over two years (fall '06 through spring '08) can be accessed by clicking here.

Also, links to PDFs of all Journalism and Mass Communication course matrices and to course descriptions

Links to Communication course matrices and course descriptions are pending.

Undergraduate Courses

101L. Introduction to Communication (2-3)
Principles and concepts of various types of human communication, including interpersonal, small group, organizational public and mass communication. Two credit hours go to lecture/discussion portion of the course, and one hour to a lab that applies the principles and concepts learned in the classroom.

110. Introduction to Mass Communication (3)
(Also offered as MA 110.) The development of the mass media with emphasis on television in the areas of programming, policy, regulations, economics, and technology. Examination of the social, cultural and political impact of the mass media on contemporary society.

115. Communication Across Cultures (3)
(Also offered as Af Am 115.) An introduction to communication among people from different cultural backgrounds, emphasizing intercultural relations. The class seeks to identify, honor, and enhance the strengths of different cultural perspectives.

130. Public Speaking (3)
Analysis, preparation, and presentation of speeches. A performance course. Not applicable toward Communication major study requirements; majors should enroll in C&J 232 3 hours lecture.
For the syllabus, click here.

171L. Writing for the Mass Media I (3)
Practical introduction to journalism, emphasizing journalistic conventions and gathering and writing of news for the print and broadcast media. Language and typing skills required.
Prerequisites: 15 hours, 2.0 GPA, English 102.

220. Communication for Teachers (3)
Concepts and practices on interpersonal, small group and public communication pertinent to classroom teachers at the elementary, middle, and secondary levels of education.

221. Interpersonal Communication (3)
Analysis of a variety of interpersonal communication concepts with special emphasis on the application of communication skills in different situations.

225. Small Group Communication (3)
Basic characteristics and patterns of communication in small groups. Includes attention to role theory, conflict resolution, and creative decision-making methods.

261. News Photography/Lab (3)
Camera and darkroom techniques for newspapers and magazines; editing of photos, including preparation of outlines; production of all varieties of photo for publication, including photo stories.

262. Radio/Television Performance (3)
Verbal and non-verbal performance and message preparation skills related to both the audio and video components of the mass media. Emphasis on fundamentals of prepared, extemporaneous and interpretive speaking for radio and television.

264. Broadcast Practice (1 to a maximum of 3)
Open to staff members of KUNM-FM. May be taken three times.

267. Writing for Broadcast Journalism (3)
Continuation of C&J 171, with increased emphasis on gathering news from original sources with an emphasis on broadcast journalism.
Prerequisite: C&J 171 with C or better.

268. Media Theory & Influence (3)
Introduction to theories of mass media and their influences.

269. Introduction to Visual Communication (3)
Exploration of visual images in the mass media, with emphasis on deciphering the language of pictures through history, techniques and imagery. Includes practical training in still photography and video.
Prerequisite: C&J 171 with a C or better.

271. Writing for Print Journalism (3)
Continuation of C&J 171, with increased emphasis on gathering news from original sources with an emphasis on print journalism.
Prerequisite: C&J 171 with C or better.
For a sample course Web site, click here.

273. Newspaper Practice (1)+
Open to staff members of The Daily Lobo. May be taken three times.

293. Topics (1-3)
Topical course that varies each semester, e.g., gender, ethnicity, age, etc., may be selected as the focus of study. May be repeated.

300. Theories of Communication (3)
Study of the nature of communication theories and theory development, theories of meaning, information processing and influence with applications to selected communication contexts.
Prerequisite: C&J 101 with a C or better or permission of instructor.

301. Communication Research Methods (3)
Quantitative and qualitative methods useful in investigation of communication processes and effects; concepts and techniques used in research design, data analysis, reporting and critically evaluating research
Prerequisites: C&J 101 or permission of instructor.
For a representatitve syllabus, click here.

303. English Phonetics (3)
(Also offered as Ling 303.) An introduction to the physiological mechanisms underlying speech production, the linguistic classification and transcription of speech sounds, the acoustic properties of speech sounds, the relationship between phonetics and phonology, and applications to speech pathology.

314. Intercultural Communication (3)
Examines cultural influences in communication across ethnic and national boundaries.

318. Language, Thought and Behavior (3)
Examines influence of language habits on perception evaluations, creativity, and interpersonal relations.

319. Language and Culture (3)
(Also offered as Anth 310 and Ling 359.) Examination of the interrelations of language and speech with other selected aspects of culture and cognition.
Prerequisite: an introductory linguistics course. {Spring}

320. Mediation (3)
This course will include an introduction to conflict-management techniques with work-place, classroom, and personal applications. The basic mediation skills presented prepare students to mediate in a variety of situations.

323. Nonverbal Communication (3)
Theory, analysis, and practice of a variety of nonverbal messages, including body movement and appearance, vocal cues, and environmental cues.

326. Gender and Communication (3)
(Also offered as Wm St 326.) Study of the relationship between gender and communication with specific attention to how gender affects language, verbal and nonverbal communication practices and how women's movements have attempted to transform gendered communication practices.

327. Persuasive Communication (3)
Analysis, practice and evaluation of principles of attitude change for a variety of interpersonal and public communication situations.

331. Argumentation (3)
Examines historical and contemporary theories of argumentation. Emphasis placed on development of effective advocacy and criticism of arguments.

332. Business and Professional Speaking (3)
Analysis, preparation, and presentation of speeches common in business and professional settings.

333. Professional Communication (3)
Focuses on the written and presentation skills needed to succeed in a professional environment. Lessons emphasize writing reports and proposals, acquiring social information, social interaction skills, the influence of audience on message design and business etiquette.

334. Political Communication (3)
This course focuses on the theory and practice of political communication in speaking, campaigns, debates, town meetings and through the mass media and via new technologies.

335. Sociology of Mass Communication (3)
(Also offered as Soc 335.) Mass communication in society with emphasis in Western industrial societies, impact of mass communication on social movements and on sectors of the social structure; social psychology of mass communications.

336. Rhetoric of Dissent (3)
Study of the rhetoric of agitators, demagogues, and representatives of the establishment, including analysis of the rhetoric of controversial issues.

337. Rhetorical Theory (3)
Study of the theoretical foundations of rhetoric.

340. Communication in Organizations (3)
Examines current theories of organizational behavior with emphasis on communication patterns and practices. Attention to superior-subordinate communication, formal and informal communication networks, authority, and power.

344. Interviewing (3)
Interviewing for informational, journalistic, employment, and decision-making situations.

360. Broadcast News I (3)
Gathering and reporting news for television. Instruction in shooting and editing videotape; writing to picture; and writing, producing, and anchoring news programs.
Prerequisites: C&J 267 with a grade of C or better or concurrent enrollment; and either C&J 268 or C&J 269 with a grade of C or better.

361. Photojournalism II (3-6)
Continues with greater emphasis on camera reporting, color photography, weekly news assignments, scaling photos for reproduction, advanced black and white darkroom techniques. For majors only.
Prerequisite: C&J 261 with a grade of C or better.

362. Broadcast Station Operations (3) Fall semesters
Examination of media production units and outlets from an organizational perspective. Study of the roles of management and administrative personnel, market analysis, and advertising sales.

365. History of the Media (3)
This course will examine the history of mass communications in the United States, with an emphasis on the practical applications of the past to a student's own possible career in the media.
For a representative syllabus, click here.

371. Persuasive Writing (3)
Writing the editorial essay, the column, and other interpretive matters.
Prerequisites: C&J 271 with a grade of C or better.
For a sample course Web site, click here.

372. Copy-Editing and Makeup (3)
Practice in editing and presenting new copy by headlines, typography, page makeup and video display terminal.
Prerequisite: C&J 271 with grade of C or better or concurrent enrollment in 271.
For a sample course Web site, click here.

373. Magazine Writing (3)
The process of writing and marketing fiction and non-fiction for magazines.

374. Desktop Publishing I (3)
Introduction to writing, editing and designing newsletters and other short publications, using personal computers and desktop publishing software. Emphasis will be on the layout and design of newsletters, brochures and newspapers with special attention to readability. Basic competency in the use of personal computers is required.

375. Intermediate Reporting (3)
Emphasis on reporting complex affairs, the news feature story, developing and covering beats and specialized interests.
Prerequisite: C&J 271 with a C or better.

376. Media Management (3) Spring semesters
Insights into the business side of journalism, with an introduction to business theories, management techniques, entrepreneurship and the organizations of news companies in print, broadcast and online.
For a sample course syllabus, click here.

380. Introduction to Advertising (3)
The theory, strategy, and techniques of advertising and advertising campaigns.
Prerequisite: C&J 171.

381. Advertising Media Planning (3)
Emphasis on planning for media advertising purposes.
Prerequisite: C&J 171 with C or better.

384. Advertising Copywriting (3)
The theory, strategy and practice of developing advertising copy for use in a variety of print and electronic media formats.
Prerequisite: C&J 380 with a C or better or permission of instructor.

385. Introduction to Public Relations (3)
Techniques and strategies employed by public relations practitioners. Emphasis upon history, theory and skills necessary to enter the professional arena. Prerequisite: C&J 171.

386. Writing for Public Relations (3)
Continuation of C&J 171, with increased emphasis on public relations.
Prerequisite: C&J 171 with C or better. Prerequisite or corequisite is C&J 385.

393. Topics in Communication and Journalism (1-3) to a maximum of 6 hours

400. Senior Seminar: Perspectives on Communication (3)
Consideration of historical evolution of study of Communication as humanistic and social science discipline. Integration of theories of Communication and development of scholarly and professional orientation.
Prerequisites: C&J 101, C&J 300 , C&J 301, C&J 332, C&J 333 and 15 credits in C&J or permission of instructor.

*413. Studies in Intercultural Communication (3 per semester, maximum of 6)
Intensive study of theory and research in intercultural communication concerning interactions between members of specific cultures chosen by the instructor. Content varies from semester to semester; may be repeated with different content.

421. Communication and Relationships (3)
Analysis and evaluation of theories and research on interpersonal communication.

425. Theories of Small Group Communication (3)
Major concepts, theories and research in small group communication with attention given to decision-making, group formation and development, and communication processes and networks. Consideration of applications in a variety of contexts.
Prerequisite: C&J 225 or permission of instructor.

*430. American Religious Communication (3)
(Also offered as Religious Studies 430.) The roles of religious communication during the Puritan period, the first and second awakenings and the period of media evangelism. The course examines various types of communicators, messages, audiences and channels of persuasion.

*435. Legal Communication (3)
Using historical trials as case studies, the course investigates the various communicative functions of litigation including media coverage, opening statements, direct and cross-examination, closing arguments, judges' instructions and appellate arguments.

441. Advanced Organizational Communication (3)
Intensive study of current organizational communication issues with an emphasis on decision making and problem solving. Students learn and apply advanced critical thinking and analytical skills to organizational case studies.

*443. Current Developments in Organizational Communication (3, maximum of 6)
Intensive study of one area of theory and research in organizational communication chosen by the instructor, e.g., conflict and negotiation, information technology, organizational cultures. Content varies from semester to semester; may be repeated with different content.
Prerequisite: C&J 340.

*446. Organizational Analysis and Training (3)
Identification and analysis of communication problems in organizations. Attention to problems and requirements of communication training and development in organizational settings.

*450. Health Communication (3)
Concepts and strategies for preventative health communication, in such contexts as provider-patient interaction, health campaigns, social marketing, health images in the mass media, and communication in health care organizations.

454. Diffusion of Innovations (3)
The spread of new ideas, especially technological innovations, among the members of a system. Sources of innovations, importance of interpersonal networks in diffusion, and consequences of technological innovations.

460. Broadcast News II (3) (formerly C&J 364)
Continuation of C&J 360. Students create longer, more elaborate programs with their own documentary segments, essays and in-studio interviews.
Prerequisite: C&J 360 with C or better.
For a representative syllabus, click here.

461. Media Criticism (Broadcast Criticism) (3)
Evaluation of radio/television programming content from the perspective of the journalistic and academic critic. Examination of theoretical issues and production elements as they affect programming genres.

463. Current Developments in Mass Communication (3 per semester, maximum of 6)
Intensive study of one area of theory and research in mass communication chosen by the instructor. Content varies from semester to semester; may be repeated with different content.

464. News Documentaries (3)
Reporting, writing, narrating and production of radio documentaries and reporting, writing, narrating, shooting and editing of television news series reports and documentary segment
Prerequisite: C&J 364 or C&J 460 with grade of C or better, or permission of instructor.

*465. Mass Media Ethics (3)
The power and the problems of the communications media and the fields of advertising and public relations, with emphasis on evolving ethical standards.
For a sample course Web site, click here.

*466. Telecommunication Theory and Technology (3)
Surveys the history, macro theories, and economic concepts pertinent to telephone, broadcasting, cable, wireless, internet, and newer digitally based telecommunication technologies. Reviews contemporary policy developments in U.S. and global telecommunications.

467. Mass Communication: International Perspectives (3)
The structure and role of international and national media in molding public attitudes and in policy making. Development of opinion on central issues in international relations and in nation-states other than the United States.

468. Mass Media Law and Regulation (3)
First Amendment, sources of law, law of defamation, invasion of privacy, Freedom of Information Act, copyright, advertising regulations, broadcasting and the FCC. Emphasis on laws and policies that directly affect news gathering and dissemination.

*469. Multiculturalism, Gender and Media (3)
(Also offered as Wm St 469.) Exploration of how gender, race, class, sexual orientation, ethnicity and other social positions affect media coverage, portrayals, production and reception. The course focuses on theories, methods of analysis, and topics of current interest.

475. Advanced Reporting (Multimedia Journalism) (3)
Interpretive reporting of public affairs with emphasis on investigation of subject matter, presentation, and publication.
Prerequisites: C&J 375 with grade of C or higher and senior standing.
For a sample course Web site, click here.

479. Electronic Publishing (3)
Introduction to writing and designing electronic publications, using personal computers and on-line publishing software. Emphasizes use of graphics and text to communicate with users of the Internet. Competency with personal computers required.

482. Advertising Campaigns (3)
Theory, strategy, and techniques applied to advertising campaigns.
Prerequisite: C&J 384 with a C or better or or permission of instructor.

485. Public Relations Case Studies (3)
Introduction to techniques in analyzing and judging public relations cases. Public relations objectives, policies, and materials will be covered. Students will learn how to review, criticize, and suggest policy alternatives and develop a substantive speciality.
Prerequisite: C&J 386 with a C or better, or permission of instructor.

489. Public Relations Campaigns (3)
Concepts and principles of public relations techniques and application of those techniques in campaigns. Attention to history, evolution, and present structure of public relations.
Prerequisite: C&J 485 with a grade of C or better, or permission of instructor.

490. Undergraduate Problems (1-3 per semester, to a maximum of 6)
Prerequisite: permission of departmental chairperson.

491. Internship in Communication Education (3)
Review of recent developments in course content, teaching materials, and instructional strategies; simulated classroom experience with analysis of teaching behavior using media.
Prerequisite: permission of department chairperson.

492. Internship in Communication (1-3 per semester, to a maximum of 6)
Internships in the traditional communication fields are arranged with individual faculty members.
Prerequisites: Completion, with a minimum grade-point average of 2.5, or at least 9 hours in C&J, with at least one 300-level course and one course in the area of the internship. Permission of instructor required. Offered on a CR/NC basis only.

495. Internship in Advertising (1-3 per semester, to a maximum of 6)
Internships in the advertising field are arranged with individual faculty members.
Prerequisites: Completion, with a minimum grade-point average of 2.5, or at least 9 hours in C&J, with at least one 300-level course and one course in the area of the internship. Permission of instructor required. Offered on a CR/NC basis only.

496. Internship in Broadcast (1-3 per semester, to a maximum of 6)
Internships in the broadcast field are arranged with individual faculty members.
Prerequisites: Completion, with a minimum grade-point average of 2.5, or at least 9 hours in C&J, with at least one 300-level course and one course in the area of the internship. Permission of instructor required. Offered on a CR/NC basis only.

497. Internship in Public Relations (1-3 per semester, to a maximum of 6)
Internships in the public relations field are arranged with individual faculty members.
Prerequisites: Completion, with a minimum grade-point average of 2.5, or at least 9 hours in C&J, with at least one 300-level course and one course in the area of the internship. Permission of instructor required. Offered on a CR/NC basis only.

498. Internship in Print Journalism (1-3 per semester, to a maximum of 6)
Internships in the print journalism field are arranged with individual faculty members.
Prerequisites: Completion, with a minimum grade-point average of 2.5, or at least 9 hours in C&J, with at least one 300-level course and one course in the area of the internship. Permission of instructor required. Offered on a CR/NC basis only.

499. Internship in Mass Media Studies (1-3 per semester, to a maximum of 6)
Internships in the mass media studies fields are arranged with individual faculty members.
Prerequisites: Completion, with a minimum grade-point average of 2.5, or at least 9 hours in C&J, with at least one 300-level course and one course in the area of the internship. Permission of instructor required. Offered on a CR/NC basis only.

494. Senior Thesis (3)

* course allowed for graduate credit to students enrolled in a graduate program. Normally, a graduate student enrolled in a starred course numbered below 500 is required to do extra work. + may be repeated for credit with permission of department.

Graduate Courses

500. Foundations of Communication Theory (3)
Survey and analysis of concepts, models and perspectives, in the development of theories of communication; attention to philosophical, critical, historical and scientific bases for the study of communicative processes. Required of all M.A. students.

501. Foundations of Communication Research (3)
Review and evaluation of various forms of research and scholarly writing in the field of communication; identification of conceptual and paradigmatic problems in interpretation of research results; attention to skills in writing and reporting research.

506. Critical and Cultural Studies

507. Quantitative Data Analysis (3)
Designing empirical research in communication, with special reference to applications of experimental design to communication research; methods of data analysis; developing a research report.

512. Studies in Intercultural Communication (3 per semester, maximum of 6)
Intensive study of theory and research in intercultural communication concerning interactions between members of specific cultures chosen by the instructor. Content varies from semester to semester; may be repeated with different content.

514. Seminar: Intercultural Communication (3)
Theories and evidence on factors that facilitate and inhibit communication between representatives of different cultural groups, across national boundaries, and among people of different ethnic backgrounds.

516. Culture and Discourse (3 to a maximum of 6)
This course studies the ways culture is created, maintained and changed through discursive practices. Content varies from semester to semester, and it may be repeated with different content.

518. Seminar: Language Behavior (3)
Theories and evidence on relationships among speech, language, and behavior; specific focus on the pragmatic dimension of semiotics, including general semantics, socio- and psycholinguists, and communication systems.

519. Language and Culture (3)
(Also offered as Anth 511 and Ling 559) Examination of the interrelations of of language and speech with other selected aspects of culture and cognition.
Prerequisite: an introductory linguistics course. {Spring}

520. Seminar: Instructional Communication (3)
Theories, research and issues related to communication concepts and strategies for the teaching profession, including communication apprehension, critical thinking, self-disclosure, humor, feedback and questioning abilities.

521. Seminar: Interpersonal Communication (3)
Theories and research on the components and dynamics of interpersonal interaction and comparative analysis of approaches to study of interpersonal communication.

522. Studies in Interpersonal Communication (3 per semester, maximum of 6)
Intensive study of theory and research in interpersonal communication. Content varies from semester to semester; may be repeated with different content.

527. Seminar: Persuasion (3)
Theories and research on the processes by which behavioral and attitudinal change are produced primarily by messages.

531. Contemporary Rhetoric (3)
Approaches of different rhetorical theorists to the analysis of rhetorical discourse.

532. Studies in Rhetoric (3 to a maximum of 6)
Intensive study of theory and research in one area of rhetorical communication chosen by the instructor. Content varies from semester to semester; may be repeated with different content.

536. Seminar: Culture and Discourse (3 per semester, to a maximum of 6)
This course studies the ways culture is created, maintained, and changed through discursive practices. Content varies each semester, e.g., gender, ethnicity, age, etc. and may be selected as the focus of study. May be repeated with different content.

538. Seminar: Rhetorical Criticism (3)
Analysis of criteria, methods, and procedures by which dependable, trustworthy, and useful evaluations are made of rhetorical discourse. For the Fall 2005 syllabus, click here.

542. Current Developments in Organizational Communication (3, maximum of 6)
Intensive study of one area of theory and research in organizational communication chosen by the instructor, e.g., conflict and negotiation, information technology, organizational cultures. Content varies from semester to semester; may be repeated with different content.

543. Organizational Analysis and Training (3)
Identification and analysis of communication problems in organizations. Attention to problems and requirements of communication training and development in organizational settings.

544. Seminar: Organizational Communication (3)
Intensive survey of classical and contemporary organizational communication theory emphasizing current research trends. Advanced readings in such topics as organizational innovation, intercultural organizations, critical theory applications to organizations, computer mediated communication, and employee participation.

550. Health Communication (3)
Concepts and strategies for preventive health communication in such contexts as provider-patient interaction, health campaigns, social marketing, health images in the mass media and communication in health care organizations.

552. Topics in Health Communication (3 per semester, maximum of 6)
Intensive study of theory and research in health communication. Content varies from semester to semester; may be repeated with different content.

553. Health Communication Campaigns

554. Diffusion of Innovations (3)
The spread of new ideas, especially technological innovations, among the members of a system. Sources of innovations, importance of interpersonal networks in diffusion, and consequences of technoloical innovations.

557. Seminar: Persuasion (3)
Theories and research on the processes by which behavioral and attitudinal change are produced primarily by messages.

561. Seminar: Communication and Media (3)
Analysis of theories and methodological approaches used to examine media impact on society. Current media topics may be selected for class analysis.

562. Topics in Mass Communication (3 per semester to a maximum of 6)
Intensive study of one area of theory and research in mass communication chosen by the instructor, e.g., rating systems, programming, economics, regulation, social effects. Content varies from semestrer to semester; may be repeated with different content.

563. International Perspectives on Media

565. Multiculturalism, Gender and Media (3)
Students gain interdisciplinary study in culture and communication by reading, discussing, and writing about audiences, co-cultures (Chicana/os, Blacks, and others) and feminist popular culture.

583. Teaching the Basic Course (TARC) (1)
Current issues associated with teaching introductory courses, focusing on the role of graduate teaching assistants.

593. Graduate Problems (1-3 hrs. per semester, to a max of 6)
Independent study on questions and issues beyond those covered by regularly approved seminars. Plan must be prepared and a faculty member must agree to direct the study. Permission of departmental chair required.

598. Master's Project (1-6 hrs. per semester) [1-6, to a maximum of 6]
Plan II students only. Having registered for the project plan, the student must continue to register for a minimum of 1 hour of C&J 598 during each regular semester (exclusive of summer) until the project is completed and approved
Prerequisite: permission of department chair.   Offered on CR/NC basis only.

599. Master's Thesis (1-6 hrs. per semester) [1-6, to a maximum of 6]
Having registered for the thesis plan, the student must continue to register for a minimum of 1 hour of 599 during each regular semester (exclusive of summer) until the thesis is approved.
Prerequisite: permission of department chair.   Offered on CR/NC basis only.

600. History and Philosophy of Communication (3)
Advanced study of modern history and philosophical foundations of the study of human communication, with attention to contributions of both humanistic and social science traditions, and with consideration of contemporary controversies concerning theory and research.
For Prof. Cramer's syllabus, click here.

601. Theories of Communication (3)
Advanced study of concepts, models, and perspectives in the development of theories of communication, with attention to reciprocal relationship between theory building and theory testing in the study of human communication process.

607. Communication Research Methods: Quantitative (3)
Advanced study of methods, techniques, and instruments useful in investigations that employ quantitative analysis of human communication processes.

608. Communication Research Methods: Qualitative (3)
Advanced study of methods, techniques, and procedures useful in investigations that employ qualitative analysis of human communication process.

614. Advanced Intercultural Communication (3)
The relationships between culture and communication, with implications for intercultural encounters, historical roots of intercultural communication, and theories of intercultural communication.

664. Mass Communication Theories

699. Dissertation (3-12 hrs. per semester)
Having registered for the dissertation, the student must continue to register for a minimum of 1 hour of C&J 599 during each regular semester (exclusive of summer) until the dissertation is completed. Offered as a CR/NC basis only.