Communications Courses (COM)

COM 1101

Introduction to Communication (3)

This course surveys the historical and cultural impact of human and mass communication including newspapers, magazines, radio, television, sound recordings, motion pictures, and the internet. It features the inventions, innovators, and technology that have has driven mass communication development since the introduction of the printing press. It also discusses social effects and ethical concerns of communication.

COM 2231

Interpersonal Communication (3)

Study of theories of communication behavior in relatively unstructured face-to-face situations, including small-group discussion.

COM 2241

Fundamentals of Speech (3)

This course is a study of the principles and practices basic to public speaking. This course is designed to enhance the student’s verbal and nonverbal communication skills through oral communication theory and practical application.

COM 2243

Honors Fundamentals of Speech (3)

Study and application of the principles and practices basic to all areas of oral communication. As part of the university’s Honors Program, the course is designed to achieve the student’s leadership objectives through improved verbal and non-verbal communication skills by means of a focus on one substantive area of interest.

COM 2251

Voice and Diction (2)

Study of individual and group practice in the effective use and control of the mechanics of oral delivery with a focus on the “professional dialect” the general American dialect and/or the standard dialect. Includes use of the International Phonetic Alphabet.

COM 3320

Interviewing and Information (3)

Study of the principles and practices of professional and personal interviewing, with an emphasis on oral communication and related topics such as resume writing. In addition, the course will focus on gathering and analyzing information through discussion and practice of the techniques of online research, focus groups and opinion surveys.

COM 3324

Gender Communication (3)

This course examines the communication styles of males and females emphasizing gender-related communication behavior and its implications for the ability to maintain effective personal and professional relationships.

COM 3326

Conflict Management (3)

This course is designed to offer students opportunities to enhance and improve their communication techniques and skills in conflict management. The course teaches students communication methods to manage productively interpersonal disputes between/among parties. It emphasizes building partnerships and long-term positive relationships in the business world and in one’s personal life.

COM 3328

International/Intercultural Communication (3)

This course is designed to introduce students to the basic concepts, principles, and skills needed for improving communication among persons from different minority, racial, ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

COM 3341

American Public Address (3)

Study of the history and rhetorical criticism of major American speakers and their speeches from the Colonial to the Contemporary periods, with references to their biographical, intellectual, political and social contexts.

COM 3342

Argumentation and Debate (3)

Study and application of the principles of argumentation and debate, including selected aspects of the management of a program of competitive forensics.

COM 3345

Group Discussion and Leadership (3)

Study and application of the principles and practices of group problem solving through the study of the dynamics of discussion and group leadership.

COM 3365

Fundamentals of Speechwriting (3)

This course gives a hands-on, detailed instruction in the art and skills of researching and writing solid speeches, including how to make points clearly and maintain the audience interest. Speechwriting is approached from the perspective of writing speeches for others and for yourself.

COM 3380

Travel Study in Journalism and Communication (3)

A Troy University faculty supervised study of journalism, communication and mass media through travel abroad or within the interior of the United States. May be repeated once for credit. Prerequisites: Permission of instructor.

COM 4400

Special Topics in Communication Studies (1 to 3 credit hours)

Examination of selected topics in communication studies not included in the established curriculum. Content may be of a historical, thematic, or technological nature. May be repeated for credit.

COM 4410

Communication Research (3)

This course will help students develop critical thinking skills through an introduction to the concepts and principles of scientific research in communication and journalism. Some of the topics included in this class are the basics of identifying problems, hypothesis formation, measurement construction, validation, research designs, analysis techniques and proper interpretation of results. Prerequisite: Must have Junior Standing or permission of instructor.

COM 4420

Propaganda and Persuasion (3)

This course will explore influence techniques in print, graphics, traditional media and social reality as they migrate to interactive spaces. The course will first examine the history and fundamentals of persuasion, influence, and coercion, and then look at how they have been adapted for use in today’s interactive contexts. Throughout this course there will be a discussion of the relative ethics of using propagandistic/persuasive techniques for different purposes.

COM 4422

The Rhetoric of the Civil Rights Movement (3)

This course will focus on civil rights discourse and its relationship to equality and participation in the U.S. and other nations worldwide. Using the struggle of African Americans as an instructive exemplar, this course will examine the philosophical concepts, political issues, moral complexities, and discursive characteristics of civil rights rhetoric.

COM 4424

Rhetorical and Communication Theory (3)

This course presents an introduction to rhetorical theory and communication theory; students will gain experience in applying theoretical approaches to practical applications in criticism and analysis of communication. Students will gain insights into how to communicate effectively in writing, visually and orally as well as how to analyze critically communication occurring in a wide array of contexts and for different purposes, from private and interpersonal settings to public and professional arenas.

COM 4426

Organizational Communication (3)

This course presents both historical and current perspectives on the origins and usefulness of organizational theory relating to communication issues; it emphasizes the relationship between organizational life and communication principles; and provides both theory and the opportunity for the practical application of communication skills in a variety of organizational settings.

COM 4430

Health Communication (3)

This course focuses on an examination of the nature, contexts, theories, and selected research shaping health care consumers understanding of health communication issues. It provides an overview of provider-recipient communication, communication in health-care organizations, and public health concerns as they relate to physical, mental, and social health issues.

COM 4441

Oral Interpretation (2)

A study and application of the principles and practices of oral interpretation (reading) of literature, including individual and ensemble performance.

COM 4460

Crisis Communications (3)

Prepares students for anticipating and managing perceived and real crises faced by communication.

COM 4491-92

Guided Independent Research (1 to 3 credit hours per course)

Additional information is indexed under Independent Study and Research.

COM 4493-94

Guided Independent Study (1 to 3 credit hours per course)

Additional information is indexed under Independent Study and Research.