University of New Mexico
Department of Communication & Journalism
UNM Lobo

  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 (spring '10 through spring '14), click here.

Similarly, a schedule of graduate classes over one academic year can be accessed by clicking here.



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.

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.

171L. Writing for the Mass Media (Introduction to Media Writing) (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.

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

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.

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

278. Writing and Editing for Multimedia Journalism (3)
A continuation of C&J 171 with increased emphasis on how to write and edit on the several platforms available to the modern journalist, including print, broadcast, magazine and Web. Prerequisite: 171L.

279. Web Design (3)
This course introduces the history and development of the Internet, page and web design concepts, basic HTML coding skills progressing to use of Dreamweaver to design a website.

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.

313. EcoCultural Communication: Humans & "The Environment" (3)
This course explores how culture and communication inform, shape, and shift our relations with "the environment." We consider local, regional, and global cultures and discourses, focusing on sustainability issues in human-nature relations.
No prerequisites. Course offered annually.

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

317. International Conflict (3)

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

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.

339. Rhetoric and the Environment (3)
The course examines the ways we communicate about the environment and how this, in turn, impacts the way we view and treat the natural world.

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 (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.

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.

372. Copy Editing (3)
Practice in editing and presenting new copy by headlines, typography and page makeup.
Prerequisite: C&J 278 with grade of C or better or concurrent enrollment in 278.

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

374. Design & Visual Presentation I (3)
This course focuses on gaining a comprehensive understanding of the theories, strategies and practices in designing print collateral, such as logos, promotional posters and brochures to list a few. It provides an introduction to print design through the study of visual communication, the principles & elements of design and the practical application of those principles & elements. It also provides the basic skills necessary to design and produce print collateral using Adobe InDesign.

375. Intermediate Reporting (3)
Emphasis on reporting public affairs, the news feature story, developing and covering beats, and computer-assisted reporting.
Prerequisite: C&J 278 with a C or better.

376. Media Management (3)
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.

381. Advertising Media Planning (3) Fall semesters
The emphasis of this course is on how to prepare a media plan and how to buy space and time effectively and efficiently.
Prerequisite: C&J 171 and C&J 380.

387. Introduction to Strategic Communication (3)
Writing-intensive with emphasis on learning basic information about the history and practice of strategic communication. Focus on the history, ethics, practice contexts and professional opportunities and challenges of the field.
Prerequisite: None.

388. Strategic Planning and Positioning (3)
Focuses on gaining a comprehensive understanding of the theories, strategies and practices in developing a strategic communication plan. Emphasis is placed on researching the product/service, its relationship to a specific target audience and working in a team environment.
Prerequisite: C&J 171 & C&J 387 with a C or better.

389. Creative Concepts (3)
This course focuses on gaining a comprehensive understanding of the theories, strategies and practices in developing visuals and copy for multiple media vehicles. Emphasis is placed on the creative process, visual presentation, teamwork and how to make "The Pitch" to clients.
Prerequisite: C&J 171 & C&J 387 with a C or better.

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, max 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) Spring semesters
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.

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, max 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. Multimedia Visual Production (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.

466. Media Ethics and Law (3)
The power and the problems of the communications media and the fields of advertising and public relations, with emphasis on evolving ethical standards. 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.

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.

*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.

474. Design & Visual Presentation II (3)
This course focuses on the theories, strategies and practical application of advanced visual presentation in designing print collateral with a concentration on branding and small print-publication design with Web components. It provides a more in-depth study of color and typography theories. It requires design and production of major print collateral pieces with style and flair on deadline, using the Adobe InDesign and Photoshop, at an advanced level.
Prerequisite: C&J 374 with grade of B or higher and instructor permission.

475. Advanced Multimedia Journalism (3)
An emphasis on multimedia reporting. Students will be involved in the creation and maintenance of a news website. The focus is on the understanding of software, in-depth reporting, and multimedia platforms to produce news information in all forms.
Prerequisites: C&J 375 with grade of C or higher and senior standing.

478. Media Theory and Research (3)

485. Public Relations Case Studies (3) Fall semesters
Introduction to the analytic foundations of public relations practice, with emphasis on the Langdell method of case study instruction used in legal education. Students focus on using objectives, policies and materials as the analytic structure or underpinnings of campaigns.
Prerequisite: C&J 385 and C&J 386.

488. Strategic Communication Campaigns (3)
Writing-intensive course providing the opportunity to apply the theories and principles of strategic communication and to practice their strategic and tactical planning skills in a teamwork environment. Emphasis is placed on the creative process, visual communication and the importance of research. Students work with real clients in a classroom.
Prerequisite: C&J 388 & C&J 389 with a C or better.

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 Strategic Communication (1-3 per semester, to a max of 6)
Internships in the strategic communication 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 Multimedia Journalism (1-3 per semester, to a maximum of 6)
Internships in the multimedia 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)
No description.



* indicates 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.

502. Special Topics in Communication (1-6)
Intensive study of selected relevant subjects in communication focusing on one area of theory, research, methods, or combinations thereof. Content varies depending on instructor.

506. Critical and Cultural Studies (3)

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
.

509. Introduction to Graduate Studies in Communication: Creating a Culture of Research Excellence (1)
Introduces students to the ideas, history, and literatures of the communication discipline, the areas of concentration in C&J, the faculty research, the expectations in the field. Develops students' research and writing abilities.

510. Introduction to Graduate Studies in Communication II: Creating a Culture of Research Excellence (2)
Second part of a general introduction to graduate studies in communication. Introduces students to the ideas, history, and literatures of communication, areas of concentration in C&J, expectations of field. Develops students as researchers and writers.

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.

517. Seminar: Culture, Community, and Change (3)
The diverse, intricate, and fundamental ties between community, communication, and cuture and how the links are in the codes speakers use in their daily interaction.

518. Seminar: Culture, Sustainability, and Change (3)
Addresses processes of both maintenance and positive transformation within culture, environment, and society.

519. Culture, Borderlands, and Change (3)
Borderlands theoretical approaches to communication and culture. Cultural, political, and socio-economic dimensions; transnationalisism and globalization; gender and intersectionality; relationship between border theory, borderlands, and migration.

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.

531. Contemporary Rhetoric Topics Courses
Course titles and instructors will vary

532. Studies in Rhetoric (3 to a maximum of 6)
I
ntensive 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.

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)
Borderlands theoretical approahces to communication and culture. Cultural, political, and socio-economic dimensions; transnationalisism and globalization; gender and intersectionality; relationship between border theory, borderlands, and migration.

553. Health Communication Campaigns (3)
Focuses on the design, implementation and evaluation of communication programs for addressing health issues. Provides an overview of relevant theory and research and opportunities to study, design, implement, and evaluate actual health communication campaigns.

555. Culture, Disparities, and Health Communication (3)
Covers the influence of culture on health beliefs, values, and health care practices. How beliefs and values impact communication in health care settings.

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

561  Seminar: Mass Communication Processes and Effects (3)

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.

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.

566. Mass Communication Theories (3)
Surveys theories dealing with the production, content, and reception of mass communication. Analyzes the theories and their metatheoretical assumptions in light of their structural/functional, cultural/critical, behaviorist/effects and postmodern paradigmatic characteristics.

567. Media Effects and Public Opinion (3)
Examines the impact of mass media on modern society. Explores the processes that underlie individuals' uses of mass media and their interactions with media content.

568. Mass Media Structures and Institutions (3)
Structural and institutional analyses of media systems, with emphasis on the economics of global mass media, sociology of media professsions and the impact of technological innovation in media.

569. Critical and Cultural Approaches to Media (3)
What is the role of media in constructing our identity and our world? Focus is on the theoretical frameworks of ideological, cultural, discursive, and semiotic theories and approaches.

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.

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.

602. Theorizing Culture and Communication (3) Reviews historical and contemporary theorizing and research programs addressing cultural and intercultural communication.

604. Qualitative Methods I (3)
Introduction to assumptions, logic, language, and methods of qualitative inquiry in a variety of settings. Focus on research design, human subjects protection, data collection, and writing a prospectus-type paper.

605. Qualitative Methods II (3)
Emphasis on analysis of qualitative data in communication research. Introduction to various analytical approaches and their uses, including qualitative data analysis software, and their application for analyzing data. Prereq: 604.

606. Qualitative Methods Practicum (3)
The steps of the qualitative research process from conceptualization of research questions to the production of a written report. Synthesization of the various stages of communication research.

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

609. Mixed Methods Research Designs (3)
Introduces the students to mixed methods research, including designs for data collection, analysis and integration. Prerequisite: 501.

614. Advanced Intercultural Communication (3)
Attention to historical roots and development of intercultural communication, discussion of foundations and metatheoretical perspectives to research about culture and communication, historical and current exemplary theories and programs of research, with implications for intercultural encounters, structural critique, and applications for social change.

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.

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