COMMUNICATION STUDIES (COMM)

COMM 1101. Public Speaking. (3) (O) For students who want to upgrade their oral communication skills. Opportunity to study theory and practice of public speaking. Special emphasis placed on constructing and delivering speeches. Restricted to Pre-Communication Studies majors and minors, English majors, Pre-Elementary Education, Elementary Education, Pre-Kinesiology majors, Athletic Training, Exercise Science, and Pre-Public Health majors (Fall, Spring, Summer) (Evenings)

COMM 1107. Introduction to Communication Contexts. (3) A survey of the nature and practice of communication in interpersonal, small group, intercultural, organizational, public relations, and mass communication contexts. (On demand)

COMM 2100. Introduction to Communication Theory. (3) Introduces students to traditional and contemporary theories about human communication processes including the nature of theory building, and major theoretical developments within the field of communication. Restricted to Pre-Communication Studies majors and minors, Pre-Public Health, Public Health, and Software and Information Systems majors. (Fall, Spring) (May not be taken more than twice.)

COMM 2101. Introduction to Rhetorical Theory. (3) Evolution of rhetorical theory from ancient to modern times and examination of major rhetorical theorists. Emphasis on using rhetorical theory to better understand contemporary persuasive messages. Restricted to Communication Studies majors and minors. (Fall, Spring)

COMM 2102. Advanced Public Speaking. (3) Prerequisite: COMM 1101 or permission of the instructor. Advanced theory and practice of speaking in public. Research, composition, and delivery of various types of speeches and presentations. Restricted to Communication Studies majors and minors. (Fall, Spring)

COMM 2103. Argumentation and Debate. (3) Introduction to the basic theory and skills of argumentation and debate. Assumptions of argumentation, evidence, reasoning, argument construction, cross examination, refutation, and ethics included. Restricted to Communication Studies majors and minors. (Fall)

COMM 2105. Small Group Communication. (3) Principles of discussion and deliberation in small groups. Practice in organizing, leading, and participating in various forms of group communication. Emphasis on problem solving and group management. Restricted to Communication Studies majors and minors, Computer Science, Software and Information Systems, Pre-Public Health, and Public Health majors. (Fall, Spring, Summer)

COMM 2107. Interpersonal Communication. (3) Study of the dynamics of one-to-one human communication. The relation of language to human communication, perception and reality, self-concept, nonverbal communication codes, development of trust and self-disclosure, and development of positive communication style. Restricted to Communication Studies majors and minors, Pre-Elementary Education, Elementary Education, Pre-Public Health, and Public Health majors. (Fall, Spring)

COMM 2110. Women and the Media. (3) Crosslisted as WMST 2110. Examination of messages about women as conveyed in contemporary media (magazines, newspapers, videos, the Internet, video games, television, and movies.) The role of gender in the power structures of the media producers is also analyzed. (Fall)

COMM 2120. Black Images in the Media. (3) Crosslisted as AFRS 2105. Examination of African-American images projected through electronic and print media, historically and currently. (Yearly)

COMM 2145: Principles of Public Relations. (3) Familiarize students with basic concepts and principles of public relations within the context of communication theory. Acquaints students with the history, functions, roles, social contexts, tools, techniques, and strategies of the profession. Restricted to Communication Studies majors and minors. (Fall, Spring)

COMM 3050. Topics in Communication Studies. (3) Prerequisite: COMM 1101. Timely and important areas relevant to communication studies. May be repeated for credit with permission of the major advisor. (On demand)

COMM 3051. Topics in Health Communication. (3) Timely and important areas relevant to the study of health communication. May be repeated for credit with permission of the major advisor. (On demand)

COMM 3052. Topics in Mass Media. (3) Timely and important areas relevant to the study of the mass media. May be repeated for credit with permission of the major advisor. (On demand)

COMM 3054. Topics in Organizational Communication. (3) Timely and important areas relevant to the study of organizational communication. May be repeated for credit with permission of the major advisor. (On demand)

COMM 3055. Topics in Public Relations. (3) Timely and important areas relevant to the study of public relations. May be repeated for credit with permission of the major advisor. (On demand)

COMM 3100. Communication Research Methods. (3) (W) Prerequisites: COMM 2100 and STAT 1220 or 1222. Methods for systematic investigation of communication behavior in all primary communication contexts, including utilization of library materials and quantitative and qualitative techniques for data analysis. Restricted to Communication Studies majors. (Fall, Spring)

COMM 3101. Persuasion. (3) Prerequisite: COMM 2101. Emphasis on the theory and practice of persuasion. Topics include attitude modification, theories of persuasion, source credibility, persuasive strategies, ethics, and audience analysis. Restricted to Communication Studies majors. (Fall, Spring)

COMM 3110. Gender and Communication. (3) Crosslisted as WMST 3110. Examination of the relationship between language and gender. Topics covered include how language shapes perceptions of men/women; gender differences in verbal and nonverbal communication; and gendered communication in relationships, friendships, and the workplace. (Spring)

COMM 3115. Health Communication. (3) Prerequisites: COMM 2100 or HLTH 2101. This course is designed to provide a broad introduction to human communication in a health-care context. Emphasis will be on issues of social support, patient-health professional/caregiver interaction, organizational culture, planning health promotion campaigns, and cultural conceptions of health and illness. Restricted to Communication Studies majors and minors, Pre-Public Health, and Public Health majors and Interdisciplinary Health Studies minors. (Spring)

COMM 3120. Communication and Mass Media. (3) Prerequisite: COMM 2100. A survey of the function and history of print and electronic media as forms of communication, their influence upon society, and the legal and economic environments in which they operate. (Fall, Spring)

COMM 3121. Mass Communication and Society. (3) Examines important issues involving mass communication. Critical study of the effect mass communication exacts on society. (On demand)

COMM 3130. Communication and Public Advocacy. (3) Prerequisites: COMM 2100. Examination of how symbols are used in public advocacy from both applied and theoretical perspectives with emphasis on rhetorical uses of language and non-verbal symbols in the creation and transmission of public messages. Restricted to Communication Studies majors and minors, Pre-Public Health, and Public Health majors. (Fall, Spring)

COMM 3131. African-American Oratory. (3) Oratory by African-Americans using in-depth study of speech texts and video and general rhetorical principles to examine historic as well as lesser known speeches. (On demand)

COMM 3135. Leadership, Communication, and Group Dynamics. (3) Study of leadership theories, behaviors, and group processes. Emphasis on group dynamics in organizations and the role of the leader. Assessment of leadership style. (Fall)

COMM 3136. Leadership, Service, and Ethics. (3) The focus of this course is on leadership issues facing our society, the role of values and ethics in leadership, and servant leadership. (Fall, Spring)

COMM 3141. Organizational Communication. (3) Prerequisites: COMM 2100. Examines the importance of the operation of communication processes within organizations and between organizations and their environments. Restricted to Communication Studies majors and minors, Pre-Public Health, Public Health, and Software and Information Systems majors. (Fall, Spring)

COMM 3142. Applications in Organizational Communication. (3) Prerequisite: COMM 3141 or permission of the instructor. This course applies the principles, theory and concepts of organizational communication to organizational settings. This course further explores how organizational theories are realized in everyday organizational life through case studies, interviews, various research methodologies, assessments, and evaluations. Restricted to Communication Studies majors. (Fall, Spring)

COMM 3150.  Gender, Culture, and Communication. (3) Crosslisted as ANTH 3160.  Addresses cultural experiences of gender through communication; material covered includes cultural constructions of femininity and masculinity, cultural socialization toward gender and sexuality, gendered communication in private and public settings, popular representations of gender and sexuality in U.S. media, and language diversity based upon ethnicity, class, gender, and sexual orientation.  (On demand) 

COMM 3245. Public Relations Writing. (3) Prerequisites: JOUR 2160 and COMM 2145. Instruction and writing practice designed to develop the professional-level writing skills expected of entry-level public relations practitioners. Extensive writing exercises in preparing plans, releases, newsletters, brochures, web pages, media kits and other public relations products. Individual and group projects required. Restricted to Communication Studies majors. (Fall, Spring)

COMM 3246. PR Strategy. (3) Prerequisites: COMM 2145. This course focuses on the planning, problem-solving, and management skills required in the contemporary practice of public relations. Students will analyze a variety of public relations models and will learn to develop problem statements, goals, objectives and tactics, identify and research target publics, and evaluate strategic program results. Restricted to Communication Studies majors. (Fall, Spring)

COMM 3403. Debate Practicum. (2) Prerequisites: COMM 2103 or equivalent and permission of instructor. Application of debate principles and practices as a member of UNC Charlotte Debate Team. Research, argument construction and tournament competition required. Can be repeated four times. No more than four hours of COMM 3403 may be used toward requirements for the minor. (Fall, Spring)

COMM 3880. Independent Study. (1-3) Prerequisites: COMM 1101, permission of instructor and major advisor. Area of study beyond the scope of current offerings to be devised by student and faculty member. May be repeated. Three hours of COMM 3880 may be used toward the minor with prior approval of the Departmental Chairperson. (Fall, Spring, Summer)

COMM 4050. Topics in Communication Studies. (3) Timely and important areas relevant to communication studies. May be repeated for credit with permission of the major advisor. (On demand)

COMM 4101. Media and the Law. (3) Prerequisite: At least junior standing or permission of instructor. Survey of legal rights, restrictions, and ethical considerations in field of communication including the First Amendment, libel, invasion of privacy, obscenity law, regulation of electronic media, relationships between media and judiciary. Restricted to Communication Studies majors. (Fall, Spring)

COMM 4102. Federal Interpretation of the First Amendment. (3) Prerequisite: At least junior standing or permission of instructor. In-depth case analysis of tests determining Constitutional boundaries of expression, including clear and present danger, prior restraints, fighting words/symbolic speech, strict scrutiny, obscenity, indecency. (On demand)

COMM 4115. Seminar in Health Communication. (3) Prerequisite: COMM 3115, senior standing, and Communications Studies majors only. Course provides in-depth examination of a major area of health communication utilizing extensive readings, discussion and written work. (Yearly)

COMM 4141. Advanced Organizational Communication. (3) Prerequisite: COMM 3142. Critical examination of the communication practices of organizations which accomplish such tasks as establishing organizational identification, influencing organizational members, and making decisions. Includes application of research methods to assess and analyze an organization's communication practices. Restricted to Communication Studies majors. (Fall, Spring)

COMM 4145. Communication Campaigns. (3) Prerequisites: COMM 3245 and COMM 3246. Lectures, workshops, and guest speakers provide knowledge to enable students to research, design, implement, and complete public relations projects for community-based, not-for-profit organizations. The class is structured and run in a manner similar to a professional public relations agency with students assuming appropriate agency roles. May be repeated once. Restricted to Communication Studies majors. (Fall, Spring)

COMM 4147. International Public Relations. (3) Prerequisite: COMM 2145. Course examines the complexities of public relations practice in an international setting. Includes overview of the factors that complicate communication across cultures and borders and an examination of the effect those factors have on public relations practice in specific global regions. Restricted to Communication Studies majors. (Yearly)

COMM 4410. Professional Internship. (3 or 6) Prerequisites: Junior or Senior standing, Communication Studies majors or minors, Journalism minors, 2.0 GPA in all course work in the major or minor. Students work 8-10 hours per week (total 120 hours per semester) for 3 credit hours, or 16-20 hours (total 240 hours per semester) for 6 credit hours in an approved placement. With permission of the student’s advisor and the Communication Studies Internship Coordinator, the course may be repeated for credit in a different internship placement. (Pass/No Credit) (Fall, Spring, Summer)