Communication (COMM)

Study of the basic principles of public address. Emphasis is on developing a theoretical and practical understanding of oral communication through practice in preparing, delivering, and criticizing speeches in class.

Study of the theories and principles of effective communication and decision making in small group contexts. Emphasis is on understanding communication capabilities as a participant in and leader of small groups.

Study of the use of reasoning in persuasive communication with emphasis on the construction, evaluation, presentation, refutation, and defense of oral arguments.

Introduction to human communication studies, focusing on the history, theory, criticism and mediation of persuasive messages to discover their roles in human society, culture, and contemporary life.

Prerequisites: COMM 340 or permission of the instructor. This course introduces students to the study of the qualitative, quantitative, and rhetorical methods used to conduct communication research. Topics covered include research design, data collection, data analysis, and a review of the major sources for publication of academic and professional research in communication. Students will complete a communication research project and present their results.

Study of the rhetoricaluse of visual texts with an emphasis on the development and use of visual arguments.

Study of the communication theory and practice of social media as used by individuals and groups.

Studies in major figures, movements, and problems in speech communication theory and practice. Consult Schedule of Courses for specific topics

This course takes a broad view of not for profit communication campaigns, including, but not limited to health, human rights, and environmental campaigns. Topics include theoretical foundations, design, evaluation, and the new media environment, all while using applicable examples and readings. Students will have the opportunity to design a digital communication campaign.

Explores the ways in which communication constructs gender. This course will be a guided study of the different areas in which our understanding and expectations of gender emerge. Covers theoretical foundations and approaches to gender and communication, and areas such as family, workplace, media, and politics

This course uses theory and research to explore the complexities of pop culture (examples: music, film, social media, fads, slang, toys), including its creation and impact on society. Special emphasis is placed on the impact of pop culture on identity, the role of intersectionality, and the impact of digital media.

Introduces major concepts and areas within health communication, including: interpersonal, such as provider-patient and caregiver-patient; cultural and social components of how we understand and communicate about health; media and health, including entertainment programming, advertising, digital communication, and media effects; and public health, including policy reform and health promotion.

The course will allow students to explore, develop, and analyze effective job materials, digital networking opportunities, and interview strategies, in order to generate a personalized professional plan for beyond the UMW classroom. Students will study professional communication, organization communication, and public relations research and methods through speaking intensive assignments, pop culture analysis, and a public relations campaign of their design.

Study of rhetoric and human communication; consult Schedule of Courses for specific topics.

Prerequisites: COMM 340 or permission of the instructor. Study of the contemporary function of rhetoric in the context of our globally networked society.

Credit for satisfactory work on the University’s intercollegiate policy debate team. Enrollment by permission of instructor and the department. No more than 8 credits of Practicum (481, 482, 483) may count toward the 120 hours required for graduation.

Credit for satisfactory work on the University’s public debate team. Enrollment by permission of the instructor and department. No more than 8 credits of Practicum (481, 482, 483) may count toward the 120 hours required for graduation.

By permission of the instructor. Students will review, study, and apply the principles of public speaking, rhetoric, peer tutoring, and instructional communication. In addition, students will reflect upon, discuss, and write about the application of these principles to their tutoring process. No more than 8 credits of Practicum (481, 482, 483) may count toward the 120 hours required for graduation.

Individual study under the direction of a member of the staff. By permission of the department. Only three credits of individual study may count toward the Communication and Digital Studies major.

Individual study for variable credit under the direction of a member of the staff. By permission of the department. Only three credits of individual study may count toward the Communication and Digital Studies major.

Supervised experience, typically off-campus, developed in consultation with the department. Credits variable. Up to three credits may be counted toward the Communication and Digital Studies Major.