MASTER OF ARTS IN COMMUNICATION STUDIES

Graduate Course Descriptions

Studies in Gender and Sexuality (COM 6015) 3 credits
Selected forms of analysis of the issues of gender and sexuality presented from different communication perspectives utilizing feminist and other theoretical approaches. Topics will vary. May be repeated for credit.

Quantitative Communication Research (COM 6316) 3 credits
Quantitative research in communication, emphasizing experimental design and statistical methods in content analysis and survey study.

Computer-Mediated Communication (COM 6335) 3 credits
Study of the role and impact of computer mediation on communication processes in interpersonal, intercultural, small group, organizational, rhetorical and mass media contexts.

Qualitative Communication Research (COM 6340) 3 credits
Qualitative research in communication, with emphasis on ethnographic, focus group, interview, and semiotic methods.

Cultural Analysis (COM 6341) 3 credits
Prerequisite: Graduate standing or permission of department.
Selected forms of critical analysis applicable to contemporary cultural communication. It includes presentation and critique of student work. May be repeated for credit.

Introduction to Graduate Study in Communication (COM 6400) 3 credits
An examination of the nature of human communication through analysis of major areas of advanced study, theories of the field, and forms of research utilized in communication study.

Communication and Modern Cultural Theory (COM 6402) 3 credits
Prerequisites: Graduate standing or permission of department.
A selective overview of modern cultural theory as it applies to production and reception of communication forms.

Intercultural Communication Theory (COM 6415) 3 credits
An overview of the theories about intercultural communication between people of different cultures. Theories will be generated to describe or explain how communication varies across cultures.

Political Communication (COM 6511) 3 credits
Analysis of communicative factors in the facilitation, manipulation, and discouragement of public political involvement.

Communicating Ethically in Intercultural Settings (COM 6626) 3 credits
This course provides a rationale for communicating ethically in intercultural settings, with an understanding of the cultural patterns (values, beliefs, and norms) practiced by groups of people. Emphasis is placed on the ways one can communicate effectively and efficiently with others in a global society.

Directed Independent Study (COM 6906) 1-3 credits
Prerequisite: Graduate standing and permission of department.
(FIL 6906) (RTV 6906) (JOU 6906) (SPC 6906) (MMC 6906)
Intensive studies in areas of Communication mutually agreed upon by student and instructor.

Special Topics (COM 6931) 3 credits
Prerequisite: Graduate standing or permission of department.
(FIL 6931) (RTV 6931) (JOU 6931) (SPC 6931) (MMC 6931)
Advanced studies in special areas of Communication. Topics will vary. Courses may be repeated for credit.

Theory and Practice of Teaching Communication (COM 6944) 3 credits
Required of and restricted to Graduate Assistants. Helps T.A.s develop skills in introductory courses taught or assisted by T.A.s under faculty supervision.

Master's Thesis (COM 6971) 1-6 credits
Prerequisite: Admission to degree candidacy.
(FIL 6971) (JOU 6971) (MMC 6971) (RTV 6971) (SPC 6971)

Film Theory and Criticism (FIL 6807) 3 credits
Advanced introduction to the field of film studies, surveying various approaches, including neo-formalism, feminism, post-structuralism, neo-Marxism, and cultural studies. Dominant and oppositional modes.

Studies in Film and Television (FIL 6935) 3 credits
An examination of current issues in film and television studies, to include new approaches in theory, history, and criticism. Topics will vary. May be repeated for credit.

Journalism, News Media, and the Public Agenda (JOU 6318)
The journalistic process of researching, analyzing and reporting the public agenda in the context of the pressure politics resulting from the news media's institutional structures as well as the public policy objectives of diverse interest groups.

International Journalism in a Multimedia Environment (JOU 6345)
The course offers a comparative analysis of the changing coverage of international news. It highlights the rapid advances in media technologies and the emergence of international media organizations.

Mass Media Theory (MMC 6408) 3 credits
Study of theories of mass media and their application in and development through research.

Public Opinion and Modernity (MMC 6645) 3 credits
Discussion of conceptual and historical construction and representation of public opinion and the public sphere and their relationships to modern mass media and popular democracy from the 18th century to the present, particularly the 20th century.

Feminist Cultural Studies (MMC 6705) 3 credits
Prerequisite: COM 6402.
An examination of the area of feminist cultural studies covering issues of gender, power, and ideology with a focus on the various types of theory and critical analysis applicable to artifacts of communication.

Studies in New Media (MMC 6715) 3 credits
A critical examination of key theoretical works and arguments in the field of new media and an investigation of the cultural implications of new technologies.

Television and Video Studies (RTV 6006) 3 credits
A critical investigation of the history of television and video, the social contexts of production and reception, questions of ontology, and the relationship between broadcasting and the public sphere.

Contemporary Rhetorical Theory (SPC 6232) 3 credits
An in-depth examination of the development of primary texts and central issues in the development of rhetorical theory in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Classical Rhetorical Theory (SPC 6234) 3 credits
An in-depth examination of primary texts and central issues in rhetorical theory in Western civilization from Homer through St. Augustine.

Feminist Rhetorical Theory (SPC 6639) 3 credits
A study of feminist rhetorical history, theory, and expression. Readings and discussions will (a) reveal the absence of women's voices in rhetorical history and theory; (b) investigate contextual factors that created this absence; and (c) introduce feminist constructs of rhetorical theory that reclaim women's place in the rhetorical tradition.

Rhetorical Criticism (SPC 6682) 3 credits
An overview and analysis of contemporary methods of rhetorical criticism. Presentation and critique of student work.

Intercultural Communication (SPC 6715) 3 credits
An examination of intracultural and intercultural similarities and differences in communication patterns of various specified groups.

Studies in Rhetoric (SPC 6934) 3 credits
An examination of current issues in the field of rhetorical studies. Topics will vary. May be repeated for credit.

Topics in Intercultural Communication Studies (SPC 6935) 3 credits
An examination of current issues in the field of intercultural communication. Topics will vary. May be repeated for credit.


If you have questions about the program that are not answered here or on the departmental home page, please contact the Graduate Program Coordinator.