Course Descriptions
Spring 2004
COMM 200 - Introduction to Communication Studies
(4 semester hours)
J. Jordan
This course provides an introduction to the field of human communication studies and a foundation for future study within the communication discipline. The course introduces the core concepts, essential skills, and perennial issues found in several relevant contexts of human interaction, including interpersonal relationships, organizations, and cross-cultural interaction. It also examines these contexts from a theoretical perspective, suggesting how scholars have sought to formulate generalized explanations for the processes of human meaning making. Writing intensive.
Prerequisite: ENG 101.
COMM 280 - Reasoning and Communication
(4 semester hours)
S. Broz
This course provides extensive training in critical thinking, listening, reading, practical reasoning, deliberation, and oral and written advocacy. As part of a deliberative process, participants prepare oral and written arguments on contemporary issues for critical, well-informed audiences. Emphasis is placed on the ability to anticipate and address the wide variety of alternative perspectives represented by such audiences. Required assignments include: a personal essay regarding attitudes toward argumentation, a deliberation log, a roundtable performance of oral arguments with question and answer sessions, a written critique of the roundtable performances, and an argumentative position paper. Writing intensive.
Prerequisite: ENG 101.
COMM 290S - Media Literacy
(4 semester hours)
M. Smith
This course provides a broad foundation for examining the form, content, and consequences of mediated communication (including the Internet, recording, radio, television, cable, film, newspaper, magazine, and publishing industries). The course introduces media industries from both an historical and contemporary perspective, covers the prominent theories that characterize mass media functions and effects, and addresses controversial issues in mediated communication. Students are introduced to intellectual tools that will enable them to be more critical consumers of media and given opportunities to practice applying those tools in both structured classroom discussions and formal writing assignments. A sample syllabus and assignments are available for your review at http://www4.wittenberg.edu/academics/communication/290.html. Writing intensive.
Prerequisite: ENG 101.
COMM 320 - Topics: Interpersonal Influence
(4 semester hours)
J. Jordan
This is an advanced course in interpersonal communication. Most generally the course adopts a language-action perspective as it focuses on the interaction processes apparent when people attempt to directly influence the behaviors of other people. The course first presents a survey of general influence strategies common to influence attempts. Then it moves to a more detailed examination of the discourse patterns created as people attempt to influence others and also resist the influence of others.
Prerequisites: COMM 200, 280 or 290S, or permission of instructor.
COMM 320 - Topics in Communication: Health Communication
(4 semester hours)
S. Broz
This survey course is designed to introduce students to a wide range of scholarship about health communication. The course will introduce, investigate, and facilitate an understanding of the nature of the communication processes that influence and/or are influenced by health and health care contexts. A growing body of research indicates that the quality of health care and of personal health is significantly dependent upon the quality of communication that takes place between health care provider and patient, as well as within campaigns designed to promote health and prevent disease. Specifically, we will consider the role of communication in general models of health and illness, the relationship between patient and care provider, social support, public health campaigns, and communication in chronic and terminal disease situations. Characteristics that influence these communication processes, such as culture, will also be considered.
Prerequisites: COMM 200, 280 or 290S, or permission of instructor.
COMM 350 - Topics in Media: Media Law
(4 semester hours)
M. Smith
This course examines how the law helps shape the activities of mass media industries in the United States. Students have the opportunity to develop a basic understanding of the American legal system, its institutions, and some of its terminology, as well as a broad understanding of First Amendment principles as they relate to mass communication. Readings provide a working knowledge of the laws that directly restrict or enhance information gathering and message dissemination in the mass media, and an understanding of the rationales behind those laws. Projects encourage the development of skills to identify and interpret the law, particularly as it develops beyond its present shape.
Prerequisites: COMM 200 and 290S, or permission.
COMM 403 - Senior Communication Seminar
(4 semester hours)
J. Jordan & S. Broz
This course is the capstone experience in the Communication program. Through their work on independent and group projects, students will practice research, writing, and critical thinking skills that are part of the process of conducting communication research, culminating in both written and oral presentations of results. Writing intensive.
Prerequisites: COMM 200, 280, 290S, 390, and senior standing.
