Hugh Downs School of Human Communication (COM)

COM 100 Introduction to Human Communication. (3)
fall, spring, summer
A topics-oriented introduction to basic theories, dimensions, and concepts of human communicative interaction and behavior.
General Studies: SB

COM 110 Elements of Interpersonal Communication. (3)
fall, spring, summer
Demonstration and practice of communicative techniques in establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships. Prerequisite: 2.25 GPA.
General Studies: SB

COM 207 Introduction to Communication Inquiry. (3)
fall, spring, summer
Bases of inquiry into human communication, including introduction to notions of theory, philosophy, problems, and approaches to the study of communication. Prerequisites: COM 100; 2.50 GPA.

COM 222 Argumentation. (3)
fall and spring only
Philosophical and theoretical foundations of argumentation, including a comparison of models of advocacy and evidence. Prerequisite: ENG 101 (or 105).
General Studies: L

COM 225 Public Speaking. (3)
fall, spring, summer
Verbal and nonverbal communication in platform speaking. Discussion and practice in vocal and physical delivery and in purposeful organization and development of public communication. Prerequisite: ENG 101 (or 105).
General Studies: L

COM 230 Small Group Communication. (3)
fall, spring, summer
Principles and processes of small group communication, attitudes, and skills for effective participation and leadership in small groups, small group problem solving, and decision making.
General Studies: SB

COM 241 Introduction to Oral Interpretation. (3)
fall, spring, summer
The communication of literary materials through the mode of performance. Verbal and nonverbal behavior, interface of interpreter with literature and audience, and rhetorical and dramatic analysis of literary modes. Prerequisites: ENG 101 (or 105); 2.25 GPA.
General Studies: L/HU

COM 250 Introduction to Organizational Communication. (3)
fall, spring, summer
Introduction to the study of communication in organizations, including identification of variables, roles, and patterns influencing communication in organizations. Prerequisite: 2.25 GPA.
General Studies: SB

COM 251 Interviewing. (3)
not regularly offered
Principles and techniques of interviewing, including practice through real and simulated interviews in informational, persuasive, and employee-related situations. Not open to freshmen.

COM 259 Communication in Business and the Professions. (3)
fall, spring, summer
Interpersonal, group, and public communication in business and professional organizations. Not open to freshmen and not available for credit toward the major.

COM 263 Elements of Intercultural Communication. (3)
fall, spring, summer
Basic concepts, principles, and skills for improving communication between persons from different minority, racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds. Lecture, discussion. Cross-listed as AFR 263. Credit is allowed for only AFR 263 or COM 263. Prerequisite: 2.25 GPA.
General Studies: SB, C, G

COM 271 Voice Improvement. (3)
not regularly offered
Intensive personal and group experience to improve normal vocal usage, including articulation and pronunciation.

COM 281 Communication Activities. (1–3)
fall, spring, summer
Nongraded participation in forensics or interpretation cocurricular activities. Maximum 3 semester hours each semester. Prerequisite: instructor approval.

COM 294 Special Topics. (3)
fall, spring, summer

COM 300 CIS: Communication in Interdisciplinary Studies. (3)
fall, spring, summer
Examination and analysis of communication in the context of other academic disciplines. May be repeated for credit. Open to B.I.S. majors only. Prerequisites: both COM 100 and 225 or only COM 259; 2.00 GPA.

COM 308 Advanced Research Methods in Communication. (3)
fall, spring, summer
Advanced communication research methods, including quantitative, qualitative, and critical approaches. Prerequisite: minimum cumulative ASU GPA of 2.50. Prerequisites with a grade of “C” or higher: COM 207; MAT 114 (or higher-level MAT course).
General Studies: L

COM 310 Relational Communication. (3)
fall and spring only
Exploration of communication issues in the development of personal relationships. Current topics concerning communication in friendship, romantic, and work relationships. Prerequisites: COM 100; minimum cumulative ASU GPA of 2.50. .

COM 312 Communication, Conflict, and Negotiation. (3)
fall and spring only
Theories and strategies of communication relevant to the management of conflicts and the conduct of negotiations. Prerequisites: COM 100; minimum cumulative ASU GPA of 2.50.

COM 316 Gender and Communication. (3)
fall and spring only
Introduction to gender-related communication. Verbal, nonverbal, and paralinguistic differences and similarities are examined within social, psychological, and historic perspectives. Prerequisite: minimum cumulative ASU GPA of 2.50.
General Studies: SB, C

COM 317 Nonverbal Communication. (3)
fall and spring only
The study of communication using space, time, movement, facial expression, touch, appearance, smell, environment, objects, voice, and gender/cultural variables. Not open to students with credit in COM 294 ST: Beyond Words. Prerequisite: minimum cumulative ASU GPA of 2.50.

COM 319 Persuasion and Social Influence. (3)
fall, spring, summer
Variables that influence and modify attitudes and behaviors of message senders and receivers, including analysis of theories, research, and current problems. Prerequisite: COM 207 (or its equivalent); minimum cumulative ASU GPA of 2.50. Prerequisite for nonmajors: POS 401 or PSY 230 or QBA 221 or SOC 390 or STP 226.
General Studies: SB

COM 320 Communication and Consumerism. (3)
once a year
Critical evaluation of messages designed for public consumption. Perceiving, evaluating, and responding to political, social, and commercial communication. Prerequisite: minimum cumulative ASU GPA of 2.50.
General Studies: SB

COM 321 Rhetorical Theory and Research. (3)
fall and spring only
Historical development of rhetorical theory and research in communication, from classical antiquity to the present. Prerequisites: COM 207 (or its equivalent); minimum cumulative ASU GPA of 2.50. Prerequisite for nonmajors: POS 401 or PSY 230 or QBA 221 or SOC 390 or STP 226.
General Studies: L/HU, H

COM 323 Communication Approaches to Popular Culture. (3)
fall, spring, summer
Critical analysis of popular culture within social and political contexts; emphasis on multicultural influences and representations in everyday life. Lecture, discussion. Prerequisites: COM 100; minimum cumulative ASU GPA of 2.50.
General Studies: C

COM 325 Advanced Public Speaking. (3)
fall and spring only
Social and pragmatic aspects of public speaking as a communicative system: strategies of rhetorical theory and the presentation of forms of public communication. Prerequisites: COM 225; minimum cumulative ASU GPA of 2.50.
General Studies: L

COM 341 Social Contexts for Performance. (3)
not regularly offered
Adaptation and performance of literature for the community outside the university. Research into the practical uses of performed literature. Prerequisite: minimum cumulative ASU GPA of 2.50.

COM 344 Performance of Oral Traditions. (3)
not regularly offered
Cultural beliefs and values studied through ethnographic research and performance of personal narratives, folklore, myths, legends, and other oral traditions. Lecture, fieldwork, research paper. Prerequisite: minimum cumulative ASU GPA of 2.50.
General Studies: HU, C

COM 357 Communication Technology and Information Diffusion. (3)
fall only
Study effects of new communication technology on society, organizations, and individuals. Hands-on experience plus critical analysis of theory and research. Prerequisites: both COM 250 (or MGT 301 or PGS 430 or SOC 301) and CSE 180 (or its equivalent) or only instructor approval; minimum cumulative ASU GPA of 2.50.
General Studies: SB

COM 371 Language, Culture, and Communication. (3)
fall and spring only
Cultural influences of language on communication, including social functions of language, bilingualism, biculturalism, and bidialectism. Lecture, discussion. Cross-listed as AFR 371. Credit is allowed for only AFR 371 or COM 371. Prerequisites: COM 263 (or AFR 263); minimum cumulative ASU GPA of 2.50.
General Studies: SB, C, G

COM 382 Classroom Apprenticeship. (1–3)
fall, spring, summer
Nongraded credit for students extending their experience with a content area by assisting with classroom supervision in other COM courses (maximum 3 semester hours each semester). Prerequisites: 2.50 GPA; written instructor approval.

COM 394 Special Topics. (1–4)
fall, spring, summer
Prerequisite: minimum cumulative ASU GPA of 2.50.

COM 400 CIP: Communication in Professions. (3)
fall, spring, summer
Specialized study of communication processes in professional and organizational settings. May be repeated for credit. Open to B.I.S. majors only. Lecture, discussion. Prerequisites: both COM 100 and 225 or only COM 259; 2.00 GPA.
General Studies: HU, C

COM 404 Research Apprenticeship. (3)
fall and spring only
Direct research experience on faculty projects. Student/faculty match based on interests. Lecture, apprenticeship. Prerequisites: COM 308 (or instructor approval); minimum cumulative ASU GPA of 2.50; application required.

COM 407 Advanced Critical Methods in Communication. (3)
spring only
Examination of critical approaches relevant to communication, including textuality, social theory, cultural studies, and ethnography. Lecture, discussion. Prerequisites: COM 308; minimum cumulative ASU GPA of 2.50.

COM 408 Quantitative Research Methods in Communication. (3)
fall and spring only
Advanced designs, measurement techniques, and methods of data analysis of communication research. Prerequisites: COM 308 and a generic statistics course (EDP 454 or POS 401 or PSY 230 or QBA 221 or SOC 390 or STP 226); minimum cumulative ASU GPA of 2.50.

COM 410 Interpersonal Communication Theory and Research. (3)
fall, spring, summer
Survey and analysis of major research topics, paradigms, and theories dealing with message exchanges between and among social peers. Prerequisites: COM 110 (or 310), 308; minimum cumulative ASU GPA of 2.50.
General Studies: SB

COM 411 Communication in the Family. (3)
once a year
A broad overview of communication issues found in marriage and family life, focusing on current topics concerning communication in the family. Prerequisites: COM 110 (or 310), 207; minimum cumulative ASU GPA of 2.50.
General Studies: SB

COM 414 Crisis Communication. (3)
not regularly offered
Role of communication in crisis development and intervention. Prerequisite: minimum cumulative ASU GPA of 2.50.

COM 417 Communication and Aging. (3)
not regularly offered
Critical study of changes in human communicative patterns through the later adult years, with attention on intergenerational relationships and self-concept functions. Prerequisite: minimum cumulative ASU GPA of 2.50.

COM 421 Rhetoric of Social Issues. (3)
fall and spring only
Critical rhetorical study of significant speakers and speeches on social issues of the past and present. Prerequisites: COM 308, 321; minimum cumulative ASU GPA of 2.50.
General Studies: HU

COM 422 Advanced Argumentation. (3)
not regularly offered
Advanced study of argumentation theories and research as applied to public forum, adversary, scholarly, and legal settings. Prerequisites: COM 222; minimum cumulative ASU GPA of 2.50.

COM 426 Political Communication. (3)
fall only
Theories and criticism of political communication; including campaigns, mass persuasion, propaganda, and speeches. Emphasis on rhetorical approaches. Prerequisite: minimum cumulative ASU GPA of 2.50.
General Studies: SB

COM 430 Leadership in Group Communication. (3)
not regularly offered
Theory and process of leadership in group communication, emphasizing philosophical foundations, contemporary research, and applications to group situations. Prerequisites: COM 230; minimum cumulative ASU GPA of 2.50.

COM 441 Performance Studies. (3)
fall, spring, summer
Theory, practice, and criticism of texts in performance. Emphasis on the interaction between performer, text, audience, and context. Prerequisites: COM 241, 308; minimum cumulative ASU GPA of 2.50.
General Studies: HU

COM 445 Narrative Performance. (3)
not regularly offered
Theory and practice of performing narrative texts (e.g., prose fiction, oral histories, diaries, essays, letters). Includes scripting, directing, and the rhetorical analysis of story telling. Prerequisites: COM 241; minimum cumulative ASU GPA of 2.50.
General Studies: HU

COM 446 Interpretation of Literature Written by Women. (3)
not regularly offered
Students explore, through performance and critical writing, literature written by women. Prerequisite: minimum cumulative ASU GPA of 2.50.
General Studies: HU, C

COM 450 Theory and Research in Organizational Communication. (3)
fall, spring, summer
Critical review and analysis of the dominant theories of organizational communication and their corollary research strategies. Prerequisites: COM 250, 308; minimum cumulative ASU GPA of 2.50.
General Studies: SB

COM 453 Communication Training and Development. (3)
once a year
Examination of the procedures and types of communication training and development in business, industry, and government. Prerequisites: COM 250; minimum cumulative ASU GPA of 2.50.

COM 463 Intercultural Communication Theory and Research. (3)
fall, spring, summer
Survey and analysis of major theories and research dealing with communication between people of different cultural backgrounds, primarily in international settings. Lecture, discussion, small group work. Cross-listed as AFR 463. Credit is allowed for only AFR 463 or COM 463. Prerequisites: COM 263 (or AFR 263), 308; minimum cumulative ASU GPA of 2.50.
General Studies: SB, G

COM 465 Intercultural Communication Workshop. (3)
not regularly offered
Experientially based study of communication between members of different cultures designed to help students improve their intercultural communication skills. Prerequisites: minimum cumulative ASU GPA of 2.50; instructor approval.

COM 484 Communication Internship. (1–6)
fall, spring, summer
Fee or deposit. Prerequisites: COM 225, 308; minimum cumulative ASU GPA of 2.50; application required. Pre- or corequisite: COM 410 or 421 or 441 or 450 or 463.

COM 494 Special Topics. (1–3)
fall, spring, summer
Prerequisite: minimum cumulative ASU GPA of 2.50.

COM 501 Research Methods in Communication. (3)
fall only
Critical analysis of systems of inquiry in communication, focusing on the identification of variables and approaches to conducting research in communication. Prerequisite: instructor approval.

COM 504 Theories and Models in Communication. (3)
fall only
Theory construction, metatheoretical concerns, models, construct definition, and comparative analysis of current theories in communication. Prerequisite: instructor approval.

COM 508 Quantitative Research Methods in Communication. (3)
fall only
Empirical research designs, measurements, and statistical strategies and techniques in analyzing and evaluating experimental and descriptive research in communication. Prerequisites: both COM 501 and 504 or only instructor approval.

COM 509 Qualitative Research Methods in Communication. (3)
spring only
Qualitative research methods, including interviewing, field methods, and other nonquantitative techniques for analyzing communication. Prerequisites: both COM 501 and 504 or only instructor approval.

COM 510 Interpersonal Communication Theory and Research. (3)
once a year
Contemporary theories and research in interpersonal communication. Prerequisites: both COM 501 and 504 or only instructor approval.

COM 512 Death, Society, and Human Experience. (3)
not regularly offered
Examines dying, death, bereavement, and suicide from both individual and sociocultural perspectives in terms of options for communication and action in death-related situations. Prerequisite: instructor approval.

COM 521 Rhetorical Criticism of Public Discourse. (3)
not regularly offered
History and significance of rhetorical theory and criticism in the analysis of public discourse. Prerequisites: both COM 501 and 504 or only instructor approval.

COM 584 Communication Internship. (1–12)
fall, spring, summer
Fee or deposit.

COM 596 Pro-Seminar in Communication. (0)
fall only
Discussion of research projects with the faculty. Prerequisite: admission to the graduate program.

COM 604 Theory Construction in Communication. (3)
fall only
Review and analysis of philosophical problems inherent in communicative research and of metatheories designed to deal with these problems. Prerequisite: COM 504 or instructor approval.

COM 607 Contemporary Rhetorical Methods. (3)
spring only
Analysis of issues in the practice of rhetorical communication research, including criticism and scholarship. Seminar.

COM 608 Multivariate Statistical Analysis of Data in Communication. (3)
spring only
Statistical analysis of communication research data. Multivariate procedures used in communication research and methods of causal analysis. Prerequisites: COM 501, 508 (or their equivalents).

COM 609 Advanced Qualitative Research Methods in Communication. (3)
fall only
Analysis of issues in the practice of qualitative communication research, including data gathering, fieldwork issues, analysis strategies, and reporting results. Prerequisite: COM 509 or instructor approval.

COM 680 Practicum: Research in Communication. (3)
spring only
Guided practice in the conduct of communication research. Topic identification; procedures, formats, and ethics of publishing. Prerequisite: COM 604.

COM 691 Seminar. (1–12)
fall, spring, summer
Lecture, discussion. Possible topics:
(a)Current Organizational Approaches to Communication. (3)
(b)Examination of Privacy and Disclosure. (3)
(c)Intercultural Aspects of Communication. (3)
(d)Interpersonal and Relational Communication. (3)
(e)Research in Performance Studies. (3)
(f)Rhetorical Issues. (3)
(g)Social Influence. (3)
Prerequisite: instructor approval.

COM 792 Research. (1–12)
not regularly offered

COM 799 Dissertation. (1–15)
not regularly offered

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