Communication Studies

Mastery of the research, organization, and delivery of extemporaneous speeches. Focus on rhetorical theory, listening, audience analysis, speech construction, and use of evidence, language, and presentation aids.

Studies the rhetorical tradition and significant rhetorical artifacts. Analyzes public discourse through the application of rhetorical methods. Communication artifacts are evaluated for support, reasoning, language use, message construction, and context in a series of academic research papers. Emphasizes critical thinking principles alongside techniques of effective discourse.

Critical approaches to social, legal, and political problems are studied through oral argument and debate. Analysis, evidence, reasoning, ethics, rhetorical power and persuasion from a communication studies perspective.

Focus on the principles of group interaction and decision making, including the study of leadership, teamwork, and conflict resolution. Participation in groups to share information, solve problems, and reach consensus.

This course develops competence in managing conflict and interacting with people who are culturally different. Students participate in discussions and complete written and oral assignments, developing communication strategies and skills that result in deliberate and fruitful intercultural outcomes.

Study and application of effective workplace communication principles. Focus on development of communication skills that support the development of healthy workplace relationships, delivery of effective business presentations, and pursuit of career opportunities.

Focus on interpretation as a creative and analytical meaning-making process. Training in solo, duet and group readings of drama, prose and poetry. Through selecting, reading, analyzing, editing and interpreting culturally diverse literature, students will better understand the structural and aesthetic components of narrative and performance.

Studies U.S. popular culture as a means to communicate cultural values and attitudes. Evaluates popular culture in different mediums, such as advertisements, social media, television, film, and politics. Uses communication methods to develop a greater understanding of the ways communication functions as a vehicle for social change.

Focus on the impact that communication has on the interaction between individuals in settings including family, friendship, intimate and work situations. Students are expected to demonstrate and apply these skills through individual and group presentations and activities.

Skills development in researching, writing, and delivering scripted speeches or debates that publicly address a socially significant issue.

Development of speaking and argumentation skills through participation in intercollegiate speech and debate tournaments. Course repetition allows mastery of communication skills through the recursive process of researching, writing, practicing, and delivering speeches.

A study of cannabis representations to better understand how social discourse informs perceptions and political realities. Examines how rhetorical acts shape cultural values and beliefs, with an emphasis on the culture of cannabis.

Develop confidence and learn strategies to manage apprehension and anxiety when delivering presentations and communicating in small groups. This course may be taken alone or as supplemental instruction for courses that involve oral communication.