Communication Studies

Teacher Certification

Communication Arts: A generalist minor for anyone wishing an acquaintance with liberal arts from a communication perspective.

Required: G100, plus 12 elected credit hours. The 12 credit hours should be elected in consultation with, or approved by, a departmental academic advisor; the credit hours must be from at least two areas within the department curriculum (areas prefixed C, M, R, T); and, at least 6 credit hours must be from the 300 level or above.

Media Studies: Designed to accommodate students interested in media production and/or media aesthetics. In both options students will gain an understanding and appreciation of media as conveyors of meaning, cultural artifacts, and art forms.

Students wishing to minor in media studies will choose 15 credit hours from one of the two options outlined below. Both options require M150, plus 12 credit hours from one of the two groups, of which 6 credit hours must be at the 300 level or above:

Media Production

Media Aesthetics

Organizational Communication Provides students with the opportunity to develop knowledge and communication competencies applicable in a wide variety of profit and nonprofit organizations.

Required (15 credit hours): C380 and 12 credit hours elected from C180, C223, C227, C228, R320, R321, C325, C392, C480, and G499. Prerequisite is R110 or equivalent.

Theatre Provides knowledge and skills for teaching and lays the basis for further study in acting, theatre directing, youth theatre, and playwriting.

Required for General Theatre Minor (15 credit hours): 12 credit hours elected from T130, T133, T337, T338, and T339. Remaining 3 elective credit hours in theatre courses at the 300 level or above.

Required for Youth Theatre Minor (15 credit hours): T130, T133, T336, T437, and T440.

Courses

T100 Rehearsal and Performance (3-6 cr.) Emphasizes learning through the preparation and performance of plays and non-dramatic literature adapted for performance. Various approaches may include but are not limited to performance studies, the study and preparation of a short play, and an original play for young audiences. The various steps and processes involved in the preparation and rehearsal will be based on appropriate theoretical concepts. A student may enroll in no more than 6 credits under this course number.

C104 Voice and Diction (3 cr.) Directed primarily toward the improvement of normal speech patterns, with emphasis on normal production, resonation, and articulation.

C108 Listening (1 cr.) P: reading placement score of at least 80, and placement in W131. Designed to increase listening efficiency by improving comprehension and listening skills.

R110 Fundamentals of Speech Communication (3 cr.) P: reading placement score of at least 80. Theory and practice of public speaking; training in thought process necessary to organize speech content for informative and persuasive situations; application of language and delivery skills to specific audiences. A minimum of six speaking situations.

G125 Topics in Communication Studies
(1-3 cr.) Select introductory theory and practice in specialized and/or consolidated areas of communication and theatre not directly covered by current curricular offerings. Topics will vary from one semester to another. A student may register for a total of no more than 6 credit hours under this course number.

T130 Introduction to Theatre (3 cr.) P: reading placement score of at least 80. An introduction to the study of theatre; the wide range of critical, historical, aesthetic, and practical interests necessary to a well-rounded view; emphasis on theatre as an art form and elements of dramatic construction.

T133 Introduction to Acting (3 cr.) Acting I,
a study of the theories and methods of acting, basic techniques, character analysis, interpretation, and projection. Class scenes.

M150 Mass Media and Contemporary Society (3 cr.) P: reading placement score of at least 80. A critical overview of the role of electronic mass media in contemporary society. Provides an introduction to such issues as industry structure, organization, and economics; regulation, public interest, and media ethics; impact of programming on individuals; media construction of social institutions; media issues in the global village.

C180 Introduction to Interpersonal Communication (3 cr.) P: reading placement score of at least 80. The study of human dyadic interaction, including topics such as perception processes, verbal/nonverbal communication, theoretical models of communication, conflict, and interpersonal communication in various relationships. Course covers applications of interpersonal communication theory/research, including communication competence.

T205 Introduction to Oral Interpretation
(3 cr.) P: reading placement score of at least 80. Basic principles and practice in analysis and reading of selections from prose, poetry, and drama. Public presentation of programs.

M210 Media Message Design (3 cr.) P: W132. Examines the process of message design in the context of institutional media use. Analyses of media messages and communication theory; analyses of the message receiver employ quantitative and qualitative audience research methods. Semester project involves planning and writing of script for use in organizational/ institutional media context.

S211 Basic American Sign Language (4 cr.) Introductory sign language course for students with no previous experience with sign language. Builds a good basic vocabulary of signs, teaches finger spelling, introduces basic aspects of the grammar, and teaches the proper use of facial expression in sign language conversation. Students also learn about deafness and communication with the deaf.

S212 Intermediate American Sign Language (4 cr.) P or C: S211. Continuation of S211. Continues building receptive and expressive abilities. Puts emphasis on the use of signing space, facial expression, body postures, fluent finger spelling, and vocabulary development. More complex grammatical structures are introduced.

M215 Media Literacy (3 cr.) Fundamentals and a general understanding of communication technologies are surveyed and discussed in a non-technical and non-engineering manner. This course will introduce students to basic terminology and to various types of communication technology systems. It will also help students understand new and traditional communication systems and their theories of operation and application (including advantages and limitations.)

M220 Electronic Graphic Production (3 cr.)Principles of visual aesthetics and critical visual literacy applied to the production of mediated messages. Basic typographic, graphic, and photographic skills are examined and practical techniques in different media are discussed. Several hands-on projects are used to develop individual competencies.

M221 Electronic Media Production (3 cr.)
Principles of visual and aural aesthetics and critical visual literacy applied to the production of mediated messages. Basic animation, video, and audio skills are examined and practical techniques in different media are discussed. Several hands-on projects are used to develop individual competencies.

C223 Business and Professional Communication (3 cr.) P: R110 or equivalent. Preparation and presentation of interviews, speeches, and oral reports appropriate to business and professional organizations; group discussion and parliamentary procedure. This is an intermediate skills course with survey characteristics.

R224 Parliamentary Procedure (1 cr.)
P: reading placement of at least 80, and placement in W131. Modern concepts of parliamentary forms in legislative assemblies and business meetings; practice in the use of parliamentary procedures.

R227 Argumentation and Debate (3 cr.) Analysis, evidence, and argument in logical discourse; study of debate forms; practice in argumentative speaking in class, campus, and intercollegiate debate.

C228 Discussion and Group Methods (3 cr.) Theory of and practice in effective participation in and leadership of group, committee, conference, and public discussion; application to information-sharing and problem-solving situations.

M290 Video Production Workshop (1 cr.)
P or C: M221. The practical application of video production techniques. In a production center atmosphere, students are instructed in and practice equipment operation and crew responsibilities creating video productions for outside clients. Students may register for more than one section in one semester. May be repeated to a maximum of 3 credit hours.

G300 Independent Study (1-8 cr.) Research or practical experience in various departmental areas as selected by student prior to registration, outlined in consultation with the instructor, and approved by the department. If a practicum experience, it must represent a minimum of 45 clock hours practical application per credit hour. A student shall take no more than a total of 9 credit hours of G300 and G491.

T305 Advanced Oral Interpretation (3 cr.)
P: T205 (C104 suggested). An advanced approach to analysis and oral presentation of literature. Emphasis on group work. Analysis, development, and presentation of readers' theatre or chamber theatre materials.

R309 Great Speakers: American Public Address (3 cr.) Course introduces students to historical and contemporary public address. Students will study the speechmaking of notable American speakers. The study will include speeches from a wide range of established genres and will include campaign rhetoric, debates, historical celebrations, lectures, legislative speaking, presidential speaking, public meetings, movement, rhetoric, and sermons.

R310 Rhetoric and Public Address (3 cr.)
P: R110 or equivalent. Development of theory of oral discourse; the influence of public address; historical and current problems in rhetoric of conflict, in freedom of speech, and in propaganda and persuasion.

R320 Advanced Public Communication (3 cr.) P: R110 or equivalent. Development of a marked degree of skill in preparation and delivery of various types of speeches, with emphasis on depth of research, clarity of organization, application of proof, and felicitous style.

R321 Persuasion (3 cr.) P: R110 or equivalent. Motivational appeals in influencing behavior; psychological factors in speaker-audience relationship; principles and practice of persuasive speaking.

C322 Advanced Interpersonal Communication (3 cr.) P: C180 or permission of instructor. Covers core components of the study of interpersonal communication: perception, systems, exchange theoretical approaches; methods of research in interpersonal communication; content (topic) areas such as intimate relationships and friendships. Includes applications of interpersonal communication theory/research.

C325 Interviewing Principles and Practices
(3 cr.) P: R110 or equivalent. Emphasizes verbal and nonverbal communication in pre-interview background research preparation, interview schedule design, question construction, and post-interview self-analysis in several interviewing contexts. Course includes significant assignments designed to help the student enhance oral performance competencies.

C328 Advanced Topics in Small Group Communication (3 cr.) P: C228 or permission of instructor. Theories of small group communication processes. Explores group communication across cultures, groups in organizations, group decision making, conflict management in groups, and assessing competence in group communication.

R330 Communication Criticism (3 cr.) P:G100 or R110 and reading placement of at least 80. Course will introduce students to criticism as a method of studying persuasive messages in speeches, fiction, mass media, music, political campaigns, art, and other modes of communication in contemporary culture.

T333 Acting II (3 cr.) P or C: T133 or permission of instructor. Advanced scene study. Laboratory in body movement and vocal techniques; participation in laboratory theatre.

T336 Children's Theatre (3 cr.) P: junior standing or instructor's approval. Historical development of children's theatre, with emphasis on scripts appropriate to young audiences: designed to assist future teachers, parents, librarians, and others in understanding theatre as an art form for children ages 6-12, and in selecting appropriate theatre experiences for various periods of the child's life.

T337 History of the Theatre I (3 cr.) Significant factors in primary periods of theatre history through the Renaissance and the effect on contemporary theatre; emphasis on trends and developments; review of representative plays of each period to illustrate the theatrical use of dramatic literature.

T338 History of the Theatre II (3 cr.) Continuation of C337. May be taken separately.

T339 Play Directing (3 cr.) (1 semester) P: T130; T133 or permission of the instructor. Introduction to theatre, methodology, and techniques: strong emphasis upon play analysis, actor-director communication, stage compositions. Students will direct scenes.

M370 History of Television (3 cr.) The development of television as an industry, technology, and cultural commodity from its roots in other forms of popular culture to the present, paying particular attention to the social and aesthetic contexts within which programs have been viewed.

M373 Film and Video Documentary (3 cr.)
P: M150, C190, or permission of instructor. An historical survey of documentary film and video and a consideration of specific problems in documentary theory and practice.

G375 Topics in Nonverbal Communication
(1-3 cr.) Course examines the influences of nonverbal communication cues: interpersonal dynamics, media, environmental dimensions, and rhetorical strategies. Cross-cultural and gender difference in nonverbal codes will also be explored.

C380 Organizational Communication (3 cr.) The application of communication theory and research to the study of communication in various types of organizations. Explores reciprocal influence between communication and organizational structures and between communication and managerial styles. Discusses communication designs, superior/subordinate communication, conflict, information management, networks; communication vis-a-vis employee motivation, satisfaction, and productivity; and communication effectiveness in organizations.

G390 Honors (1-5 cr.) P: junior standing and departmental approval. Individualized readings and/or project work devised by the student; regular meetings with faculty supervisor.

G391 Seminar (1-3 cr.) P: permission of instructor. Topic announced in prior semester; oriented to current topics in communication and theatre; readings, projects, and papers as indicated by the topic and instructor. May be repeated to a total of 8 credit hours.

C392 Health Communication (3 cr.) P: 3 credit hours of communication or consent of instructor. Exploration of the communication competencies needed by health care professionals. Emphasizes interviewing; verbal and nonverbal skills; group interaction; and intercultural, interprofessional, therapeutic, and organizational communication. Analyzes communication problems encountered in health care and the development of coping strategies.

C393 Family Communication (3 cr.) P: C180 or permission of instructor. Theory/research on the role of communication in creating and maintaining marriages and families. Topics include communication and family life cycles, different family forms, family race/ethnicity, power and conflict. Covers applications of family communication theory/research.

C394 Communication and Conflict (3 cr.) Analyzes conflict as a form of interaction. Examines approaches/perspectives to the study of conflict, the nature of power, face saving, and contentious behaviors. Specific contexts include relational, marital, group, and organizational. Special attention to bargaining and mediation.

G400 Health Provider-Consumer Communication (3 cr.) This course is designed to teach communication skills and practices related to health care discourse, by examining transactional communication within health care contexts. Topics covered in this course focus directly upon interpersonal dialogue between health care providers and patients.

C401 Speech Communication of Technical Information (3 cr.) P: R110 or equivalent. Organization and presentation of information of a practical, technical nature. Emphasis is placed on the study, preparation, and use of audiovisual materials. For nonmajors only.

C402 Interview and Discussion for Business and Professions (3 cr.) Principles of communication as related to the information-gathering interview, the employment interview, and problem-solving discussion; practice in using these principles. For nonmajors only.

T430 Theatre Management (3 cr.) P: C130 or C141 or permission of instructor. Theatre Management is based on the concept that theatre is a business and must be operated on sound business principles. Students study the business aspects of operating various types of theatres. The study of the theoretical basis of management is augmented by practical projects.

T431 Playwriting (3 cr.) P: permission of instructor. Introduction to playwriting theories, methodology, and skills; principles of dramatic structure; practice in writing, culminating in a one-act play manuscript; class evaluation and conferences. Credit not given for both T431 and IUB T453.

T437 Creative Dramatics (3 cr.) Laboratory course in informal dramatics, emphasizing the child rather than the production; includes methods of stimulating the child to imaginative creation of drama with the materials of poetry, stories, choral readings, and music. Available for graduate credit in summer sessions.

T440 The Art and Craft of Puppetry (3 cr.) Theory and practice of puppetry as an art form and as an educational tool. Students will create a wide variety of hand puppets, scripts, and stages as well as master basic techniques of puppet performance.

M450 Video Production (3 cr.) (for nonmajors) Television production principles and practices for students in other disciplines. Emphasis on practical studio experiences with special attention to the roles of the writer, producer, and director. No prior knowledge of media required. May not be counted for credit in the media major emphasis. Lab arranged.

M461 Production Problems in Communication Media (1-3 cr.) P: permission of instructor. Topic announced during preceding semester. Specialized study and application of advanced production techniques in audio, video, photography, or graphics. Readings, research, papers, and project as indicated by the topic and instructor. May be repeated for different topics.

M462 Television Aesthetics and Criticism
(3 cr.) P: M150 or permission of instructor. Aesthetic and critical approaches to modes of television expression. Aesthetics of picture composition, audiovisual relationships, visual narrative, and program content. Analysis of selected television criticism.

M463 Advanced Graphic Technique (3 cr)
P: M220 or permission of instructor Analysis of problems, methods, and technology in graphics. Consideration of advanced techniques in digital image and illustration manipulation including compositing, lighting effects, and different compression formats for video, multimedia, and the World Wide Web.

M464 Advanced Audio Technique (3 cr)
P: M221 or permission of instructor Analysis of field and studio recording technique with an emphasis on multitrack production. Electronic editing, mixing and signal processing are considered. Group and individual projects.

M465 Advanced Video Technique (3 cr)
P: M221 or permission of instructor Analysis of electronic field production and editing with an emphasis in advanced video editing techniques. Both linear and non-linear editing systems are considered. Individual and/or group projects.

M466 Television Direction (3 cr)
P: M221, M290 or permission of instructor Creative management of production elements to translate a program idea into medium requirements. Advanced course in which the experienced student produced substantive programs combining several formats. Emphasis on design and production from first request by client through program distribution.

C480 Communication Theory (3 cr.) A critical evaluation of theories in the field of human communication. Consideration is given to theories that explain communication behavior between pairs of people, within groups, in organizations, and in societies.

C481 Current Issues in Organizational Communication (3 cr.) P: C380 or permission of instructor. In-depth exploration of topics and issues at the forefront of research and theory in organizational communication. Topics may include gender issues in organizational communication, sexual harassment, crisis management, organizational culture. Seminar format with research papers and class discussion/presentations.

C482 Intercultural Communication (3 cr.) P: C180, or permission of instructor. Cognitive, affective, and behavioral learning about intercultural and intracultural communication to increase understanding of the centrality of communication in the social, psychological, and environmental aspects of culture.

G491 Internship (3-6 cr.) P: permission, seniors and majors only. Internship in rhetoric and public address, theatre arts, interpersonal/organizational communication, media studies permitted under the auspices of a qualified cooperating organization. Periodic meetings with faculty advisors and term paper detailing intern's professional activities and reactions. Apply during semester prior to desired internship. Total credit applicable to graduation shall not exceed 9 credit hours of G300 and G491.