COM

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of interpersonal communication. Students learn about the communication process, interpersonal theories and research, and the various ways that gender and cultural differences can affect interpersonal communication. Students also learn how to use effective communication skills in professional, social, and personal relationships. Students analyze the elements of interpersonal communication through group discussions, written assignments, and assessments.

Introduction to Communication Theory is an introductory survey of human communication on many levels of interaction, from interpersonal to mass communication. Through the study of theoretical communication models, students will analyze the influence of language, perceptions, culture, and media on the communication process. Theoretical and practical skills will help students become more competent communicators with other individuals and groups.

Writing for Emerging Media introduces students to the theories and practices behind interactive new media writing including the history of and ethics involved in writing for online media. Students analyze new media and write their own online projects such as blogs, websites and wikis.

This course provides a general introduction to and overview of the communication between cultures, domestically and globally. Emphasis is placed on how cultural differences and similarities impact generational and gender communication as well as the challenges of communication in a rapidly changing, culturally diverse society.

Mass Media explores the themes, issues, and theoretical debates central to the modern study of mass communication. Mass Media examines factors that influence the media and, in turn, examines the influence of media on attitudes, values, and behaviors, both individual and social. Mass media literacy, media economics and ethics, modern trends and changes in mass communication, and the critique of mass media as a source of information and influence of all "new media" are examined to aid students in understanding the evolution of mass communication as an academic discipline.

Digital Media and Society examines the cultural implications of computer-mediated communication and related media, specifically digital media technologies and new media innovations. The course will explore theories of digital media and how they relate to current research and debates about social media, virtual communities, mediated realities, and artificial intelligence. The course investigates how various forms of digital media shape, guide, intersect, influence, and bound today's culture in a variety of contexts from organizations to social and political movements. The course also entails an in-class, praxis component where some class time will be dedicated to the creation and production of digital media content.