Courses
Communication Studies (COMM)
Rhetoric
- COMM-R 110 Fundamentals of Speech Communication (3 cr.) Theory and practice of public speaking; training in thought processes necessary to organize speech content for informative and persuasive situations; application of language and delivery skills to specific audiences. A minimum of 5 speaking situations.
- COMM-R 227 Argumentation and Debate (3 cr.) Designed to empower students with the tools and techniques needed to construct compelling arguments, engage in persuasive debates, and navigate complex discussions effectively. The course covers the art of critical thinking, understanding logical fallacies, crafting well-structured arguments, research skills and strategies, and explores the nuances of various debate formats.
- COMM-R 309 Great Speakers (3 cr.) Step into the world of eloquence on a journey to uncover classical and contemporary public communication techniques which define history's most influential speakers. Who defines "greatness"? Who is included and excluded by our definitions? Discover ways to build ideas, organization, and style through examining orators who shape our rhetorical worlds.
- COMM-R 310 Rhetoric, Society, and Culture (3 cr.) P: COMM-R 110 or equivalent. Delve into ways that rhetoric shapes and is shaped by norms, values, and historical contexts. Discover how we influence, persuade, and negotiate meaning within different social and cultural environments. Topics include history of rhetoric, power dynamics, and modern discourse in public, political, corporate, mass mediated, and social media contexts.
- COMM-R 320 Public Communication (3 cr.) Critically analyze the public presentation of both individuals and organizations. Learn the ways in which public figures, organizations, and institutions use communication to inform, persuade, and entertain. Become a more critical consumer of messages to better organize, structure, and adapt your own public communication approach.
- COMM-R 321 Persuasion (3 cr.) P: COMM-R 110 or equivalent. Examines classical and current theories and research related to persuasion and social influence; considers variables affecting implementation of persuasion principles with special emphasis on media and persuasion. Designed to help students become critical consumers and effective, ethical producers and presenters of persuasive messages.
- COMM-R 330 Communication Criticism (3 cr.) P: COMM-G 100 or COMM-R 110 and reading placement of at least 80. Learn criticism as a method of studying persuasive messages. Become effective critics by analyzing speeches, websites, advertisements, videos, mass media, social media, art installations, and other modes of communication in contemporary culture. Enhance abilities to analyze, discuss, and critique messages in many contexts to increase understanding and performance.
- COMM-R 350 Women Speak: American Feminist Rhetoric (3 cr.) Explore intersections of gender, ethnicity, race, and culture in American public discourse. Delve into ways language is used in speeches, writing, media, advocacy for gender equality, and to effect political change. Study historical and contemporary issues from an intersectional perspective in media, music, film, fiction, nonfiction, politics, news, and art.
- COMM-R 390 Political Communication (3 cr.) Explore campaign discourse, advertising, and the role of media and public opinion. Reflect on the impact of new technology, social media, mass communication processes, and the role of interpersonal communication in politics. Students will develop a nuanced understanding of power dynamics, ethical considerations, and challenges inherent in the political arena.
- COMM-R 478 Persuasion and Media in Social Movements (3 cr.) Explore the role of persuasion and new communication tools in historical and contemporary social movements, with an emphasis on how we can engage, influence, and alter the trajectory of our collective society as informed citizens. Survey areas of emphasis such as leadership, languaging tactics, and music/art/performance in social movements.
