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Academics - Communication
Curriculum
Trajectories of StudyStudy of speech communication at the University of Dubuque may be pursued with three tracks of emphasis:
- In the PERSUASION STUDIES track students can explore the way in which persuasive speech has made a significant difference in contemporary culture and the way in which argument and persuasive reasoning continues to shape culture for good or ill.
- In the PERFORMANCE STUDIES track students can explore the way in which embodied speech, whether dramatically controlled or naturally expressed, communicates identities people choose to convey to others.
- In the APPLIED COMMUNICATION STUDIES track students can explore the way in which communication assists organizations and professionals to accomplish their purposes in effective ways. Regardless of the concentration a student elects, all majors and minors engage the study of communication as human processes of social interaction from the perspectives of critical appreciation and practice. The course of study in this department permits each student to tailor her or his interests in one of these arenas as they prepare for their future.
Concentrations
Core Courses for Communication Majors and Minors
Basic Speech Communication - Credits 3
Exposes students to the fundamental concepts and skills needed for success in a variety of communication situations. Students demonstrate competence through oral presentations, quizzes, written tests. Students learn to make effective informative and persuasive presentations before groups.
Interpersonal Communication - Credits 3
Students become more aware of the processes of human communication through observing and understanding basic communication patterns. Engaged students will learn to make active communication choices that will enrich both personal and professional relationships. Through engagement with readings, lectures, class discussions, class exercises, tests, and presentations students will discover ways to become more effective interpersonal communicators.
Introduction to the Mass Media - Credits 3
A survey course examining the intersection between mass media and popular culture as found in books, newspapers, magazines, radio, film, television and other electronic media. The course examines professional careers in news, public relations and advertising. Through engagement with readings, lectures, class discussions, class exercises, tests, and presentations of their ideas, students apply various theories of communication to evaluate products of mass media.. Prerequisite: COM101.
Intercultural Communication - Credits 3
Explores the interrelatedness of communication, culture, thought and behavior. It explores theories of communication and culture, as well as examining how culture is evident in languages, behaviors, rituals, and worldviews. Additionally, this course explores communication practices and attitudes that may enhance communication between members of different cultures and co-cultures. Prerequisite: COM210
Communication Thesis/Project - Credits 3
This writing, capstone course permits communication students to focus their work in Communication studies by producing a significant analytic paper that reports on current research in a field of communication studies and its importance to the students career choice. This course is taken by communication majors and minors during the students junior or senior year.
Persuasion Studies Track
Argument and Persuasion - Credits 3
Examines argument and persuasion in contemporary American civic practice from the perspectives of both practitioner and consumer. Models of public discourse are analyzed, elements of effective argumentation are explored, and contexts for persuasion are examined. Through readings, lectures, class discussions, class debates, position papers and oral presentations students become able critics of argument and efforts to influence consumers. Prerequisite: COM101
Contemporary Public Address - Credits 3
Provides an historical and critical study of the principal speakers and speeches of the 2nd half of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century. Students will read an view some of the major political, social, and religious speeches of American Cultural life. Through readings, class discussion and written critiques, students make use of rhetorical theory to critique these speeches and become discerning critics of civic discourse. Prerequisite: COM101; Junior/Senior standing strongly recommended.
Language Choice & Communication Barriers - Credits 3
Introduces accounts of the nature of language and their implications for individual and group language choices. Readings, class activities, and discussion explore such social and cultural aspects of language as age, gender, ethnicity, and class and the ways these constrain and enable effective communication. Students enhance their abilities to interact successfully with people different from themselves and to make language choices that help meet personal and professional goals. Prerequisite: COM 101
Performance Studies Track
Introduction to Drama - Credits 3
Familiarizes students with the elements of dramatic form as well as the historical, political, and social implications of the theatre. Students will participate in and be evaluated on acting, technical, or written projects. Exposure to dramatic criticism will also be an element of instruction.
Oral Interpretation - Credits 3
Oral interpretation exposes students to the analysis and performance of literature and other texts. Evaluation will reflect competence in individual and group presentations as well as the preparation of these presentations. The elements of editing, introducing, and staging literature will be explored. Prerequisite: COM101
Language Choice & Communication Barriers - Credits 3
Introduces accounts of the nature of language and their implications for individual and group language choices. Readings, class activities, and discussion explore such social and cultural aspects of language as age, gender, ethnicity, and class and the ways these constrain and enable effective communication. Students enhance their abilities to interact successfully with people different from themselves and to make language choices that help meet personal and professional goals. Prerequisite: COM 101
Applied Communication Studies Track
Journalism - Credits 3
Students will learn about the history of journalism, learn about theories regarding the relationship between journalism and society, and learn basic new writing skills. Students will observe the news media critically and will write two news stories based on local events and issues. This course is taught in a lecture and discussion format. Prerequisites: ENG 101. View the sample course projects.
Organizational Communication - Credits 3
An upper division survey course, students examine organizational communication practice through the study of relevant theory, research, and applications for contemporary organizational problems. The course draws heavily on the case study approach to turn organizational theory into problem-solving application. Students demonstrate competence through case analysis, class discussion, and individual presentations. Prerequisite: COM101.
Public Relations - Credits 3
Elective Courses in Communication include:
Special Topics - Credits
Special topics courses within the existing communication concentrations will regularly be offered. These topics may change to reflect the interests of students and faculty.
Production Techniques (CV) - Credits
Offers students the opportunity to experience various organizational technical skills necessary for staging a full-length production. Students will be offered the opportunity to explore practical work in lighting, sound, costume design, make-up, properties, scene construction, stage management, publicity, etc. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: consent of instructor
Techniques in Acting (CV) - Credits
Exposes students to the actors process during the staging of a full-length production. Roles in the departmental production fulfill course requirements. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: consent of instructor
Internship (CV) - Credits
Independent Reading/Research (CV) - Credits
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The University of Dubuque does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, handicap/disability, or age.
Persons having inquiries may contact the Director of Human Resources, University of Dubuque, 2000 University Avenue, Dubuque, IA 52001-5099.
Phone 563-589-3000
Best viewed with the latest versions of Internet Explorer or Firefox
Questions and comments regarding this web site should be directed to webeditor@dbq.edu
© 1999- 2012 University of Dubuque. All rights reserved.
The University of Dubuque does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, handicap/disability, or age.
Persons having inquiries may contact the Director of Human Resources, University of Dubuque, 2000 University Avenue, Dubuque, IA 52001-5099.
Phone 563-589-3000
Best viewed with the latest versions of Internet Explorer or Firefox
Questions and comments regarding this web site should be directed to webeditor@dbq.edu
© 1999- 2012 University of Dubuque. All rights reserved.
