Communication Studies

Since effective communication is essential to most aspects of successful human endeavor, the Department of Communication Studies focuses on achieving understanding in human thought, activity, and interaction. Students are given opportunities to create and test ideas, develop individual abilities, and gain competence and confidence.

The Department of Communication Studies helps students acquire knowledge and increase abilities that enable them to function effectively in every area of their public and private lives. The department seeks to prepare skilled communicators for professional careers and Christian service, giving vital background in the fields of business, teaching, law, public relations, government, social work, television, radio, corporate media departments, and various church ministries. A Master of Arts in Communication is offered through the Department of Communication Studies and is administered through the Graduate School.

The faculty of the Department of Communication Studies is committed to the importance of cross-cultural experiences for all majors. Students are encouraged to attend an off-campus intercultural program for an interim or semester.

Courses

COM110N • Basic Communication (fall, spring) 3 credits

Informal and formal communication patterns that characterize daily life, analysis of communication situations, and improvement of effective communication. Includes interpersonal, intercultural, small group, and speaker/audience communication settings.

COM120N • Relationships in a Virtual World (occasionally) 3 credits

Examination of how communication technology and new media impact identity formation, friendships, and an understanding of community. Specific technologies such as Facebook, Instant Messenger, text-messaging, and video games are evaluated for their effect on users.

COM135, 235, 335, 435 • Forensics Lab (fall, spring) 1 credit

Participation in off-campus forensics tournaments. Students work with the forensics coaching staff in the areas of debate, limited preparation speaking, public address, or interpretation, and participate in multiple tournaments. Lab may be repeated for up to 4 credits. Open to Forensics Team members fall and spring; for students fulfilling departmental requirements, fall only.

COM136, 236, 336, 436 • Radio Lab (fall, spring) 1 credit

On-air and/or behind-the-scenes radio experience. Students work individually or with a partner to produce a radio show each week or work in other behind-the-scenes capacities for the Bethel campus radio station. Lab may be repeated for up to 4 credits.

COM138, 238, 338, 438 • Video Production Lab (fall, spring) 1 credit

Video and broadcast project development. Students work as a team to create video projects for organizations or sporting and news packages suitable for broadcast on the Bethel closed circuit system or CTV. Lab may be repeated for up to 4 credits. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

COM208U • Native Americans and the Media (occasionally interim) 3 credits

Analysis of media portrayals of Native Americans. Emphasis on Native American cultures and voices, mainstream portrayals of Native Americans through a variety of media, and social and media critical tools for examining media mainstream images of minority groups. Prerequisite: GES130 or GES145, 146.

COM210 • Perspectives on Human Communication (fall, spring) 3 credits

Examination of the communication discipline through the exploration and application of communication theories. Provides a theoretical foundation for the communication studies and media communication majors by exploring significant communication concepts in the areas of human, media, and rhetorical communication.

COM213 • Media Communication (fall, spring) 3 credits

An overview of mass media industries, including print, broadcast, cable, film, and the internet. Survey of media history, functions, and impacts on society.

COM220 • Group Communication (fall, spring) 4 credits

Vital role that small groups play in daily life, group problem solving and group interaction, and greater effectiveness in working in small groups. Examination of leadership, group cohesiveness, and conflict management.

COM272A • Introduction to Media Production (fall, spring) 4 credits

Introductory course exploring the creative process and the tools of video and web production. Examines television and the web as artistic and communicative media. Covers the basics of multi-camera and single-camera on-location production. Hands-on course that teaches students how to use the tools of media production to craft messages for a wide variety of audiences.

COM300 • Online Journalism (occasionally interim, spring) 3 credits

Theories and principles of writing news for the web with practical experience in writing news stories and creating news webpages. Analysis of existing news webpages and the tools and techniques used in their creation.

COM301A • Oral Interpretation (occasionally fall or spring) 4 credits

Focuses on the creative process involved in the oral performance of prose, poetry, and drama. Students explore and practice methods and techniques for selecting, analyzing, understanding, and adapting literature for oral performance. Emphasizes artistic expression through the performance of compiled literary scripts individually and in groups.

COM302 • Media Law (fall, spring) 3 credits

Examination of mass media law and policy through the use of court cases, policy documents, legislation, legal history, and legal philosophy. Special emphasis on First Amendment and ethical issues related to media practices. Prerequisite: COM213.

COM305A • Screenwriting (interim, even # yrs) 4 credits

Study of the conventions of the screenplay and practice in screenwriting. Emphasis on creating and adapting, writing, and editing narrative screenplays. Prerequisite: COM373 or COM374.

COM310K • Communication, Technology, and Society (fall, occasionally interim, spring) 3 credits

An examination of the impact communication technology has on communication and society. Evaluation and exploration of technologies such as digital media, the internet, email, chat rooms, and other emerging technologies. Analysis of the ethical and spiritual implications and applications of these technologies. Prerequisites: Laboratory Science (D) course; Mathematics (M) course.

COM314G • Gender Communication (occasionally spring) 3 credits

Examination of the force of rhetoric on historical and social movements since 1800. Concentrates on movements that cross gender lines and impact modern men and women. Studies religious revivals and Christian action groups as related to the sweep of history. Considers gender differences and similarities, verbal and nonverbal. Prerequisites: GES130 or GES 145, 146; Contemporary Western Life and Thought (L) course or GES245; World Cultures (U) course.

COM318 • Argumentation and Debate (fall) 4 credits

Argumentation and debate principles, with application to written analysis, briefs, speeches, and debates. Analysis of an issue, reasoning and evidence, in-depth research, and oral delivery. Prerequisite: COM110N.

COM320 • Persuasion (fall, spring) 4 credits

Persuasion as it characterizes interpersonal relationships, group process, public speaking, and mass media. An examination of how people persuade others and why people are persuaded. The importance of an ethical base for persuasion is emphasized. Prerequisites: COM110N; junior standing.

COM322 • Advanced Group Communication (Europe Term; fall only) 4 credits

Advanced examination of group development and team building. Various theories and models of group formation and team building are analyzed and experienced as students become part of multiple Christian communities during the Europe Term in Intercultural Communication. Students learn how groups relate in differing cultures as well as how their Christian faith can play a role in group functioning.

COM325 • Political Communication (occasionally interim) 3 credits

Analysis of the theoretical background behind political communication from a public speaking and media perspective. Attention to decision-making skills required in political campaigns. Discussion of advanced persuasive campaign theory. Prerequisite: COM110N, POS100, or consent of instructor. (Carries cross-credit in political science.)

COM337, 437 • Professional Conference Lab (fall, spring) 1 credit

Students work in conjunction with one or more professors in the department on a paper to be presented at an academic conference. Students prepare conference presentations as well as paper revisions. Designed to help students with papers already accepted at a conference. May be repeated up to two credits. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

COM348 • Organizational Communication (fall) 3 credits

Communication practices and problems found in organizations. Communication concerns related to organizational structure, conflict, effectiveness, roles (emphasizing leadership), work processes, and decision making. Interviewing as an organizational practice and as a research tool. Prerequisite: COM110N or BUS230. (Carries cross-credit in business.)

COM352 • Broadcast Journalism (occasionally interim, spring) 3 credits

Theories and principles of broadcast writing with practical experience in writing news stories for radio and television. Analysis of broadcast news programming and procedures. Prerequisite: COM213. Not open to students who received credit for COM351.

COM355Z • Intercultural Communication (fall) 4 credits

An exploration of the richly varied cultures of humankind and the influence of culture on verbal and nonverbal communication. The examination of theory is balanced by an examination of practical applications designed to improve intercultural process in various contexts. A cross-cultural experience is required. Prerequisites: COM110N; World Cultures (U) course.

COM361 • Rhetorical Criticism (fall or spring) 3 credits

Study of approaches to rhetorical criticism. Critical evaluation of a wide range of communication texts, their possible meanings, and their implications for various audiences and situations. Students learn methods used to analyze communication texts as well as historical and future trends in the field of rhetorical criticism.

COM363 • Methods of Communication Research (fall, spring) 4 credits

The modern foundations for study, evaluation, and research in the entire field of communication. Readings, statistics, and finished research projects are the focus of study. Prerequisite: Three courses in communication.

COM370 • Interpersonal Communication (fall, spring) 4 credits

The interpersonal communication process. Theory and pragmatics related to dyadic communication. Explores issues such as self-discipline, self-esteem, listeners, emotions, conflict, relational development and maintenance, gender, and nonverbal communication. Opportunity to evaluate and develop personal interaction skills.

COM373 • Digital Filmmaking (fall or spring) 3 credits

An advanced media course in which students learn hands-on, single-camera production on location. Areas of study include cinema verité, documentary, advanced news gathering, and experimental/music video. All projects are edited with non-linear computer systems, and published to DVD and web. Prerequisite: COM272A.

COM374 • Broadcast Production (fall or spring) 3 credits

An advanced media production course that provides an in-depth understanding of audience analysis; news and sports programming; advanced multi-camera; live production; and field news reporting. Implementation of new digital technologies and production techniques for webcasting are included. Prerequisite: COM272A.

COM375 • Media Criticism and Theory (occasionally interim) 3 credits

Explores theoretical and critical approaches to the study of video, audio, film, and digital culture. Theories and methods in this course examine issues relating to production and authorship in the media arts, audience reception and effects, political ideology, ethics, aesthetics, cultural diversity, and schools of thought within the liberal arts. Extensive critical writing and reading in media criticism and theory. Prerequisite: COM213.

COM386 • Advanced Public Speaking (fall, spring) 4 credits

Preparation and delivery of speeches: persuasive, entertaining, special occasion, and informative speeches. Prerequisite: COM110N.

COM400 • Family Communication (fall) 4 credits

Communication patterns that help or hinder relationships within the family system. Functioning in simulated family groups, students develop personal roles. Various approaches to conflict, power, stress, intimacy, and family health. The family system in light of Christian attitudes and life patterns. Students may not receive credit for both COM400 and GES426P. Prerequisite: Junior standing.

COM450 • Corporate Communication (interim or spring) 3 credits

Theories and principles of corporate communication including issues related to public relations, media relations, corporate identity management, investor communication, and crisis communication in both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. Prerequisite: COM/BUS 348 or consent of instructor.

COM461 • Advanced Topics in Media Production (occasionally) 3 credits

Special and/or advanced studies in media production with the topic announced prior to registration. Possible topics include filmmaking, audio production, and news broadcasting. May be repeated if a different topic is emphasized. Prerequisite: COM272A.

COM462 • Advanced Topics in Relational Communication (occasionally) 3 credits

Special and/or advanced studies in relational communication with the topic announced prior to registration. Possible topics include conflict management, communication and emotion, and health communication. May be repeated if a different topic is emphasized. Prerequisite: COM110N.

COM463 • Advanced Topics in Communication Analysis (occasionally) 3 credits

Special and/or advanced studies in rhetorical analysis with the topic announced prior to registration. Possible topics include rhetoric of religion, crisis communication, and presidential rhetoric. May be repeated if a different topic is emphasized. Prerequisite: COM110N.

COM480 • Speechwriting (occasionally) 4 credits

Speechwriting in the corporate and political worlds. Analysis of the role and practices of professional speechwriters, analysis of speeches produced by these writers, and preparation of speeches to be delivered by another person. Prerequisite: COM320.

COM481 • Internship in Communication (fall, spring) 3-4 credits

Experience to apply and expand communication knowledge and skills in structured, off-campus settings, such as corporations, governmental offices, nonprofit organizations, television and radio stations, and corporate media departments. Prerequisites: Consent of department; senior standing.

COM499 • Senior Seminar (fall,spring) 4 credits

Advanced research in rhetoric, communication, persuasion, ethics, and media. Emphasis on synthesis and integration. Prerequisite: Senior standing; COM361 or COM363.

Programs

In this section, semester credit hours will be shown after the course number and description.

Major in Communication Studies (B.A.)

Communication Studies Core
COM110N*	Basic Communication	3
COM210	Perspectives on Human Communication	3
COM213	Media Communication	3
COM363	Methods of Communication Research	4
COM499	Senior Seminar	4
Choose from	Communication Labs:	2
COM135, 235, 335, 435	Forensics Lab
COM136, 236, 336, 436	Radio Lab
COM138, 238, 338, 438	Video Production Lab
COM337, 437	Professional Conference Lab
Choose from	Oral Communication Courses:	4
COM301A*	Oral Interpretation
COM318	Argumentation and Debate
COM386	Advanced Public Speaking
Choose one of the following emphases:		23-39
• Relational Studies Emphasis (24-25 credits):
Choose from:		4
COM220	Group Communication
COM322	Advanced Group Communication
COM370	Interpersonal Communication	4
COM400	Family Communication	4
Choose from	(2 courses 300 level or above)	9-10
COM314G*	Gender Communication
COM320	Persuasion
COM355Z*	Intercultural Communication
COM462	Advanced Topics in Relational Communication
GES448P*	Abusive Relationships and Christian Responsibility
Choose	a Communication Analysis course	3
COM325	Political Communication
COM361	Rhetorical Criticism
COM375	Media Criticism and Theory
• Rhetorical Studies Emphasis (23-24 credits):
COM320	Persuasion	4
COM361	Rhetorical Criticism	3
Electives from	history or political science courses (3 credits at the 300 level or above)	6
Choose from	Communication Analysis courses	6-7
COM325	Political Communication
COM375	Media Criticism and Theory
COM463	Advanced Topics in Communication Analysis
COM480	Speechwriting
Choose from	Relational Communication courses	4
COM220	Group Communication
COM322	Advanced Group Communication
COM355Z*	Intercultural Communication
COM370	Interpersonal Communication
• Organizational Communication Emphasis (37-39 credits):
COM220	Group Communication	4
COM302	Media Law	3
COM348	Organizational Communication	3
COM450	Corporate Communication	3
COM481	Internship in Communication	3-4
ECO201	Principles of Economics	4
ENW115	News Writing	4
Choose a	Communication Analysis course	3
COM325	Political Communication
COM361	Rhetorical Criticism
COM375	Media Criticism and Theory
Choose one of the following tracks
Marketing Communication
BUS220	Principles of Marketing
BUS319	Advertising and Sales Promotion
BUS324	Consumer Behavior
Writing
COM300	Online Journalism
ENW211	Feature Writing
ENW212	Principles of Editing and Design
Design
ART100A*	2-D Design
ART212	Graphic Design
ART324	Digital Multimedia
Employee Communication
BUS231	Human Resources Management
BUS331	Staff, Training, and Development
COM370	Interpersonal Communication
	Total	46-62
General Education		51-52
Electives		8-25
	TOTAL	122

* A student may also choose to use this course to meet a General Education requirement.

Major in Media Communication (B.A.)

Media Communication Core

Media Communication Core
COM110N*	Basic Communication	3
COM135	Forensics Lab	1
COM210	Perspectives on Human Communication	3
COM213	Media Communication	3
COM363	Methods of Communication Research	4
COM499	Senior Seminar	4
Choose from	Communication Labs:	1
COM136	Radio Lab
COM138	Video Production Lab
Choose from	Communication Analysis courses:	3-4
COM320	Persuasion
COM361	Rhetorical Criticism
COM375	Media Criticism and Theory
Choose from	Relational Communication courses:	3-4
COM220	Group Communication
COM348	Organizational Communication
COM355Z*	Intercultural Communication
COM370	Interpersonal Communication
ART100A*	2-Dimensional Design	3
COM272A*	Introduction to Media Production	4
COM300	Online Journalism	3
COM302	Media Law	3
COM310K*	Communication, Technology, and Society	3
Choose from:		3-4
COM481	Internship in Communication
COM497	Directed Study
Choose one of the following emphases:		15-17
• Production Emphasis (15 credits):
Choose from:
ART119A*	Photography
ART212	Graphic Design
ART322	Digital Imaging
ART324	Digital Media
COM305A*	Screenwriting
COM352	Broadcast Journalism
COM373	Digital Filmmaking
COM374	Broadcast Production
COM461	Advanced Topics in Media Production
ENW115	News Writing
ENW319	Advanced Journalism
[LAFSC]	Hollywood Production Workshop
[LAFSC]	Motion Picture Production
[LAFSC]	Professional Screenwriting
• Media Criticism Emphasis (16-17 credits):
FLM200	Introduction to Film	3
FLM300	Film Theory and Interpretation	4
PHI310	Aesthetics	3
Choose from:		6-7
ENL206	Shakespeare and Film
ENL241L*	Modern Mythmakers
ENW305A*	Screenwriting
COM461	Advanced Topics in Media Production
COM463	Advanced Topics in Communication Analysis
PHI302	Philosophy and Film
	Total	58-63
General Education		51-52
Electives		7-13
	TOTAL	122

* A student may also choose to use this course to meet a General Education requirement.

Minor in Communication Studies

COM110N*	Basic Communication	3
COM320	Persuasion	4
Choose from:		3-4
COM213	Media Communication
COM220	Group Communication
Choose from:		4
COM301A*	Oral Interpretation
COM318	Argumentation and Debate
COM386	Advanced Public Speaking
Choose from:		3-4
COM348	Organizational Communication
COM355Z*	Intercultural Communication
COM361	Rhetorical Criticism
COM370	Interpersonal Communication
Elective from	300- or 400-level communication courses	3
	TOTAL	20-22

* A student may also choose to use this course to meet a General Education requirement.

Minor in Media Communication

COM110N*	Basic Communication	3
COM213	Media Communication	3
COM272A*	Introduction to Media Production	4
COM302	Media Law	3
Choose from:		3
COM373	Digital Filmmaking
COM374	Broadcast Production
Choose from:		3-4
COM352	Broadcast Journalism
COM480	Speechwriting
ENW115	News Writing
ENW205A*	Essay Writing
ENW211	Feature Writing for Newspapers and Magazines
	TOTAL	19-20

* A student may also choose to use this course to meet a General Education requirement.