Communication

Contact Information

Website: www.uis.edu/scm
Email: com@uis.edu
Office Phone: (217) 206-6790
Office Location: UHB 3010

Bachelor of Arts
Minor

The broad-based Communication department offers students the opportunity to specialize in journalism/media studies or interpersonal communication, and to explore media technology, public relations, intercultural communication, photography, and radio and video production. Courses help students improve their skills in writing, speaking, and understanding the messages of others in individual, group, and mass media contexts. To accomplish these goals, the curriculum addresses the theoretical, critical, and technical aspects of communication.

The Bachelor's Degree

The undergraduate degree in Communication has three main objectives

Instruct the student in general communication theory and technology
Provide the student an opportunity for more intensive study in a specific area of communication
Ensure the student is capable of applying knowledge of general communication theory and technology to specific social problems

The baccalaureate curriculum covers two topical areas: Interpersonal Communication, and Journalism/Media

Advising

Faculty members work with new students to plan courses of study. Based on instructors’ assessments of writing ability in required courses, advisors may require advisees to take remedial courses. Generally, advisors assist students in developing personal programs of study and in identifying all necessary requirements.

Course Offerings

Cross-listed courses from other departments used as part of the 32-hour major must bear the COM course prefix.

Course Repetition

COM 380 and COM 480 may be taken for credit more than once provided the course topic is different each time. No more than eight semester hours of credit for COM 499 Tutorial will be accepted for the degree. All other Communication courses may be repeated for grade improvement only once.

Credit for Prior Learning

Students with extensive life or work experience in some area of communication may apply for academic credit through Internships and Prior Learning (IPL). The Communication Department awards such credit in each of its two topical areas (Interpersonal Communication, and Journalism/Media) through COM 431 and COM 451. Prior learning credit is not awarded for specific courses. The Department will award a maximum of four hours of credit for prior experiential learning in any one topical area and a maximum of 8 hours of IPL credit to any undergraduate student.

Communication majors must complete 32 hours in the major. In addition, they may take up to eight hours in Communication courses to satisfy the upper-division general electives. COM 302 and COM 303 should be taken prior to or concurrent with any other course work in their respective curricular areas.

All undergraduate students are required to take a department assessment examination during their first semester and during their last semester before graduation. The entrance examination is normally administered during a regular class and is used by the department to assess its curriculum. It does not affect students’ grades in any way.

Students should consult with general education advisors for specific guidance regarding completion of general education requirements.

Grading Policy

Communication majors and minors may not take any COM course as part of the requirements for the major or minor on a CR/NC basis.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon graduation, students should be able to:

Identify, explain, develop, deliver, and engage in respectful and ethical communication in both interpersonal and mass media environments
Comprehend a variety of ethical issues such as social justice, anti-racist multi-culturalism, privacy, fake news, stereotyping, hate speech, and artificial intelligence in order to embrace diversity and inclusion in their personal, professional, and social lives
Be able to create and inspect communication for both interpersonal and mediated messages through critical analysis

Transfer Credit

Transfer credits from other institutions may not be used to substitute for introductory core courses. However, students may submit a Student Petition to use them to satisfy other parts of the major or minor, provided the credit is for an upper-division course equivalent to one offered by the Communication Department and that the grade earned was a C or better (grades of C- or lower will not be accepted).

Requirements

Required Courses
COM 302	Introduction to Interpersonal/Organizational Communication	4
COM 303	Introduction to Mass Media	4
COM 495	Exit Assessment	0
Communication emphasis requirements (primary topical area) ^*		16
Communication distribution requirements (from other than primary topical area) ^*		8
Journalism/Media Studies
COM 306	Photography II
COM 309	Introduction to Social Media
COM 311	Audio Production
COM 312	Multimedia Reporting
COM 313	Introduction to Radio
COM 314	Radio Practicum
COM 337	Digital Media: Print
COM 338	Digital Media: Web
COM 339	Digital Media: Animation
COM 341	Media and Social Change
COM 352	Visual Storytelling and Reporting
COM 403	Feature Writing
COM 404	Media Law And Ethics
COM 405	Editing
COM 407	Photojournalism & Photo Documentary: Storytelling in Images
COM 437	Digital Media: Typography
COM 444	Advanced Media Writing
COM 447	Media Criticism
COM 448	Advertising
COM 451	Journalism/Media Studies: Practicum
COM 452	Entrepreneurial Journalism
COM 453	Advanced Visual Field Reporting
COM 461	Fake News and Fact-Checking
COM 472	Political Communication in the United States
COM 479	Global Media and Communication
COM 477	ECCE: Global Media and Culture:China
Interpersonal/Organizational
COM 205	Speech & Debate Experience I
COM 305	Speech & Debate Experience II
COM 323	Voice and Movement
COM 373	Intermediate Acting
COM 421	Advanced Interpersonal Communication
COM 422	Small Group Communication
COM 423	Dating and Relating
COM 424	Gender Communication
COM 425	ECCE: Intercultural Communication
COM 428	Nonverbal Communication
COM 431	Interpersonal Communication: Practicum
COM 463	Organizational Communication
COM 464	Conflict Management
COM 468	Persuasion
COM 471	Communication Ethics
COM 476	Directing for the Theatre
COM 478	ECCE:Communicating About Race
May count in either topical area
COM 362	Introduction to Public Relations
COM 411	Computer-Mediated Interpersonal Communication
COM 459	The Beatles: Popular Music and Society
COM 462	Writing For Public Relations
COM 465	Interviewing

Total Hours		32

*Topical areas consist of Interpersonal/Organizational or Journalism/Media Studies. Topical area information may be found under "course descriptions."

EHS HDC Admissions
Degree Program	Program Type	Dept Application Materials and Admission Criteria	Prerequisite Course Requirements	Department ADM Review	Dept Conditional Admits	Dept Appeal Process
Communication	BA	No additional admission requirements beyond the general UIS criteria	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Courses

COM 101. Understanding Media. 3 Hours.

This course will study communications media, from the first media of early civilizations to the current explosion and convergence of digital media in the information age. The focus will be on how media have influenced the maintenance of social order and have been agents of change. Course Information: This course fulfills a general education requirement at UIS in the area of Freshman Seminar and Social and Behavioral Science.

COM 112. Oral Communication. 3 Hours.

Course emphasizing development of effective speaking skills through students' in-class presentations as well as through critical analysis of the effectiveness of oral communication. Course Information: This course fulfills a general education requirement at UIS in the area of Oral Communication. (IAI Code C2 900).

COM 202. Human Sexualities. 3 Hours.

Introductory survey of major concepts, themes, and terminology in human sexuality; sexual anatomy and physiology; reproduction and contraception; sexual (dys)function and communication; STDs, sexual violence, and sexuality in the media. Course Information: Same as WGS 202. Intended for Freshmen and Sophomores. This course fulfills a general education requirement at UIS in the area of Social and Behavioral Sciences.

COM 205. Speech & Debate Experience I. 1 Hour.

Participation in oral interpretation, public address and/or debate events. Students will participate in group practices, coaching sessions, and tournament competitions. Course Information: May be repeated to a maximum of three hours.

COM 210. Media Writing. 4 Hours.

Introduction to the many types of media writing including print, radio and TV, web writing, public relations and advertising. Focus is put on developing strong writing skills and using the journalistic style of The Associated Press Stylebook. Course Information: Topical Area: Journalism/Media Studies. Course may be counted as upper-level Communication credit via petition to the department.

COM 215. Photography I. 3 Hours.

In-depth exploration of the photographic process with an emphasis on a fine print creation, camera techniques and use of light for both digital and film. Course Information: Same as ART 215. Topical area: Visual Arts. This course fulfills a general education requirement at UIS in the area of Visual, Creative, and Performing Arts.

COM 236. Introduction to Digital Media. 3 Hours.

Introductory course covering the theory and practice of digital media. Over the course, students will be introduced to digital imaging, animation, and web design all within and while learning the Mac OS environment. The course will also concentrate on media theory and art and design criticism. Course Information: Same as ART 236. Topical Area: Journalism/Media Studies. Course may be counted as upper-level Communication credit via petition. This course fulfills a general education requirement at UIS in the area of Visual, Creative, and Performing Arts.

COM 302. Introduction to Interpersonal/Organizational Communication. 4 Hours.

Introduction to fundamental theories and concepts in interpersonal and organizational communication. Specific theories of how humans establish meaning systems and form communication relationships. Course Information: Topical Area: Interpersonal Communication. Open to Communication majors and minors only. Not intended for students with Freshman standing.

COM 303. Introduction to Mass Media. 4 Hours.

Introduction to mass media, including theory, history and tradition, structure and function, controls on the media, technology, ethical and legal issues, and future trends. Course Information: Topical Area: Journalism/Media Studies. Open to Communication majors and minors only. Not intended for students with Freshman standing.

COM 304. Digital 3D Modeling. 3 Hours.

An introduction to 3D software as a content creation tool-Including modeling, composition, lighting, rendering, compositing, and prototyping. Students will study aspects of Sketchup and Rhinoceros software for modeling and prepare files for print, 3D output, and animation. Course Information: Same as ART 304.

COM 305. Speech & Debate Experience II. 1 Hour.

Participation in oral interpretation, public address and/or debate events. Students will participate in group practices, coaching sessions, and tournament competitions. Students will also assist with the coaching and/or leadership of the team. Course Information: May be repeated to a maximum of three hours.

COM 306. Photography II. 4 Hours.

Extension, development, and continuation of studies in photography. Students should be increasingly able to generate their own ideas about the medium and work toward the production of a personal body of work using both chemical and digital processes. Course Information: Same as ART 306. Prerequisite: ART 215 or COM 215. Topical Area: Journalism/Media Studies.

COM 309. Introduction to Social Media. 4 Hours.

This course provides an introduction to the history, theory, and uses of social media. By discussing the nature and features of social media tools, this course examines not only the debate over the impact of social media, but also their relevance in our daily lives and future careers. It explores the ways by which social media influence a variety of segments of mass media-journalism, broadcasting, public relations, advertising and marketing. Topical Area: Mass Media.

COM 311. Audio Production. 4 Hours.

Hands-on introduction to audio principles, sound reproduction, and techniques for multi-media production. This includes discussion of audio fundamentals and exercises using both analog and digital recording equipment. Digital equipment and techniques are introduced for radio, television, and other multimedia presentations. Course Information: Topical Area: Journalism/Media Studies.

COM 312. Multimedia Reporting. 4 Hours.

Study and practice in techniques involved in interviewing, reporting, and writing. Weekly in-class news story assignments. Course Information: Topical Area: Journalism/Media Studies.

COM 313. Introduction to Radio. 4 Hours.

Study of the language and core concepts of radio and related fields. History, station organization, and business practices are considered. Students explore career opportunities, past and present techniques, format development, and applicable regulations. Several audio projects will be completed. Course Information: Topical Area: Journalism/Media Studies.

COM 314. Radio Practicum. 1 Hour.

Student serves as a radio performer, producer, writer, or as technical support for the UIS student radio station - The Prairie Star. Students will participate in group training sessions, individual training sessions, and both on-air and production activities. Course Information: Prerequisite: Successful completion of COM 313. May be repeated, with approval, for a maximum or 4.0 hours.

COM 323. Voice and Movement. 4 Hours.

Explores the voice and body as instruments of expression in performance and daily communication. The course will focus on vocal and physical exercises for a more accessible performing instrument. Course activities will include various physical and vocal explorations, exercises, improvisations, and non-verbal performance projects. Course Information: Same as THE 323. Topical Area: Interpersonal Communication.

COM 331. Business and Managerial Communication. 3 Hours.

Application of business and managerial communication skills necessary for leadership and success in organizations. Students will examine features of organizational communication processes and verbal/nonverbal communication. Construction and evaluation of written communication in business contexts, social media, and oral presentations with an emphasis on analysis, data representation, and evidence-based arguments will be practiced. Course Information: Same as: MGT 330.

COM 334. Sex, Gender, and Popular Culture. 4 Hours.

Survey of sex, gender and sexuality in production, reception, and content of contemporary U.S. popular culture. Themes: definitions, approaches, and functions of pop culture; race, class, gender, and sexuality in production and reception of media; representation and stylization of the body; masculinity and media violence; strategies for resisting media messages. Course Information: Same as WGS 338 and SOA 338. Previous WGS coursework recommended, but not required.

COM 337. Digital Media: Print. 4 Hours.

Intermediate course covering the theory and practice of digital media as it applies to print. Students will be introduced to different printing techniques and outputs, professional and archival printing and the technical properties of the translation of screen-based media to print-based media. Course Information: Same as ART 337. Prerequisite: ART 236 or permission of instructor. Topical Area: Journalism/Media Studies.

COM 338. Digital Media: Web. 4 Hours.

Intermediate course covering theory and practice of digital media as it applies to the web. Students will create web-based projects incorporating images, animations, sound and video. Course also will explore programmatic/systemic relationship between digital media and its uses on the web. Course Information: Same as ART 338. Prerequisite: COM 236 or ART 236 or instructor approval. Topical Area: Journalism/Media Studies.

COM 339. Digital Media: Animation. 4 Hours.

Intermediate course covering the theory and practice of digital media as it applies to animation. Students cover basic terminology, concepts, and principles of animation. Course covers historical perspective, current technologies and applications, basic principles of 2D and 3D animation, and animation on the Web. Course Information: Same as ART 339. Prerequisite: ART 236 or COM 236 or permission of instructor. Topical Area: Journalism/Media Studies.

COM 341. Media and Social Change. 4 Hours.

An exploration of the use of innovative communication technologies in facilitating and enhancing social change across time and space. The economical, political, and societal impact of communication technologies are examined. Also explored is how media technologies shape the lives of citizens across the world. A survey of both scholarly and popular literature is used to examine the debate over the impact of these technologies on globalization. Topical Area: Mass Media.

COM 352. Visual Storytelling and Reporting. 4 Hours.

Students learn how to visually tell a story using video shooting and editing techniques. Students improve interviewing skills while working on broadcast script writing, and learn how to marry the video with a script and present stories visually. Course Information: Same as ART 372 Topical Area: Journalism/Media studies. This course fulfills a general education requirement at UIS in the area of Visual, Creative, and Performing Arts.

COM 362. Introduction to Public Relations. 4 Hours.

Introduction to the theories, functions, and applications of public relations. Analysis of the most effective methods of internal/external public relations in profit and nonprofit organizations. Course Information: Topical Areas: Journalism/Media Studies; Interpersonal Communication. IAI Major Code: MC 913.

COM 373. Intermediate Acting. 4 Hours.

A more in-depth continuation of the concepts studied in "Principles of Acting," focusing on an approach to acting that is universally applicable to various genres and styles. Contemporary material, as well as other periods and styles, will be explored. Course Information: Same as THE 373. Prerequisite: THE 273 or COM 273 or equivalent. Topical Area: Interpersonal Communication.

COM 380. Special Topics in Communication. 1-4 Hours.

Study of a current communication topic. Description of topic for a given semester will be stated in the course schedule. Course Information: Topical Areas: Journalism/Media; Interpersonal Communication. May be repeated if topics vary.

COM 403. Feature Writing. 4 Hours.

Analysis and practice of feature writing style for newspaper and magazine. Regular feature article assignments help students build a professional portfolio of work. Publication encouraged but not required. Course Information: Topical Area: Journalism/Media Studies. Not intended for students with Freshman standing.

COM 404. Media Law And Ethics. 4 Hours.

Examines media law and ethical decision-making from the standpoint of media producers, critics, and users. Case studies include obscenity and indecency, libel, privacy, advertising, conflict of interest, and rights of access. Lectures and discussions examine social and cultural contexts in which laws and ethical principles develop. Course Information: Same as LES 408 and PAR 404. Topical Area: Journalism/Media Studies. Not intended for Freshmen or Sophomores.

COM 405. Editing. 4 Hours.

Examination of the editing process as it relates to newspapers, magazines, public relations work, and other publications. Study of journalistic style, grammar review, concise writing, legal and ethical issues of editing, and design fundamentals. Topical Area: Journalism/Media Studies. Not intended for students with Freshman standing.

COM 407. Photojournalism & Photo Documentary: Storytelling in Images. 4 Hours.

Course orients students to the rich traditions, contexts, goals and practices of photojournalism and photo documentary. Students critically examine social and cultural functions of photography and produce photo projects. Students seeking careers as photojournalists, freelance photographers, photo editors and digital media specialists in public relations, advertising, and a variety of fields will find course content beneficial. All skill levels welcome. Basic photography skills preferred. No prerequisite. Topical Area: Mass Media.

COM 411. Computer-Mediated Interpersonal Communication. 4 Hours.

Exploration of the ways in which our personal identity is mediated through electronic communication by providing students with an understanding of the human-computer interface. Intrapersonal, interpersonal, group, and organizational levels of computer-mediated communication are considered. Students will develop effective practices for using electronic communication across a variety of communication contexts. Course Information: Topical Areas: Journalism/Media Studies; Interpersonal Communication. Not intended for students with Freshman or Sophomore standing.

COM 421. Advanced Interpersonal Communication. 4 Hours.

Deeper analysis and application of interpersonal communication topics/theories and their impact on our close relationships, including an exploration of cultural factors, relational challenges, interpersonal communication theory, the role of technology and techniques for becoming better relational communicators. Course Information: Topical Area: Interpersonal Communication.

COM 422. Small Group Communication. 4 Hours.

Fundamental theories and concepts of small group communications are demonstrated through practical application and small group work. The course will focus on such aspects of small group communication as leadership, decision-making, and conflict management. Topical Area: Interpersonal/Organizational.

COM 423. Dating and Relating. 4 Hours.

An in-depth analysis of the complexities and challenges of initiating, escalating, and terminating romantic relationships and the communicative processes that help and/or hinder relational development. Topics addressed include attraction, understudied relationships, problematic interaction, and changes in the dating process. Course Information: Prerequisites: COM 302. Topical Area: Interpersonal/Organizational.

COM 424. Gender Communication. 4 Hours.

Examination of female and male communication in a variety of contexts including family, romance, education, and the workplace. Representations in the media critiqued and theories of gender differences compared and evaluated. Course Information: Same as WGS 424. Topical Area: Interpersonal Communication. Not intended for students with Freshman or Sophomore standing.

COM 425. ECCE: Intercultural Communication. 4 Hours.

Analysis of domestic and international cultures. Examines differing world views, nonverbal cues, beliefs, language, artifacts, sources of conflict, and methods for negotiating meaning across borders. Course Information: Topical Area: Interpersonal Communication. Not intended for students with Freshman standing. This course fulfills an Engaged Citizenship Common Experience requirement at UIS in the area of U.S. Communities.

COM 428. Nonverbal Communication. 4 Hours.

Examination of how personal symbols (clothes, gesture, etc.) and use of public contexts (space, time) convey meaning; problems arising from differing interpretations of these symbols in a culturally diverse society. Course Information: Topical Area: Interpersonal Communication.

COM 431. Interpersonal Communication: Practicum. 1-4 Hours.

Credit is available under this title only through the credit for prior learning program. Students with substantial work or life experience in areas covered by a course or combination of courses listed with the topical area of Interpersonal Communication may apply for credit by documenting their relevant theoretical and practical learning under the guidance of credit for prior learning faculty. Interested students should consult with a faculty member in communication. Course Information: Credit/No Credit grading only. May be repeated to a maximum of 4 hours. Topical Area: Interpersonal Communication.

COM 437. Digital Media: Typography. 4 Hours.

Advanced course covering the theory and practice of digital media as it applies to typography. Students will be introduced to the terminology, concepts, and history of typography, while completing typesetting projects in the contexts of drawn, digital, printed and web-based formats. Course Information: Same as ART 437. Prerequisites: ART 236 or COM 236 or permission of instructor. Topical Area: Mass Media.

COM 444. Advanced Media Writing. 4 Hours.

Practice in advanced journalism that is focused on writing features and columns for newspaper and magazine. Involves lecture and workshop. Students work independently on individual writing projects while meeting in a regular roundtable of discussion about their progress. Topical Area: Mass Media.

COM 447. Media Criticism. 4 Hours.

Course examines theories and methods for the critical analysis of a variety of media texts, from newspaper to television to film. Media texts will be viewed from the overarching theoretical positions of cultural studies and political economy while examining issues of gender, race and politics. Methodological starting points include discourse and frame analysis; analytical starting points include semiotics, feminism, psychoanalysis and Marxism. Course Information: Topical Area: Journalism/Media Studies.

COM 448. Advertising. 4 Hours.

Theoretical and critical analysis of advertising with some emphasis on its historical context and its role in the transformation of society into a postmodern consumer culture. Students develop advertising campaigns as part of a full examination of advertising as message and function. Course Information: Topical Area: Journalism/Media Studies. Not intended for students with Freshman standing.

COM 451. Journalism/Media Studies: Practicum. 1-4 Hours.

Credit is available under this title only through the credit for prior learning program. Students with substantial work or life experience in areas covered by a course or combination of courses listed with the topical area of Journalism/Media Studies may apply for credit by documenting their relevant theoretical and practical learning under the guidance of credit for prior learning faculty. Interested students should consult with a faculty member in communication. Course Information: Credit/No Credit grading only. May be repeated to a maximum of 4 hours. Topical Area: Journalism/Media Studies.

COM 452. Entrepreneurial Journalism. 4 Hours.

This course introduces students to how changes in the media landscape affect traditional news media, resulting in new business models and job descriptions for journalists. By considering the far-reaching shifts in the media industry, this course guides students to explore alternative business models, entrepreneurial journalism, and the basics of running news organizations. Topical Area: Mass Media.

COM 453. Advanced Visual Field Reporting. 4 Hours.

Builds on broadcast news writing, interviewing, and editing skills learned in COM 352. Adds emphasis on story ideas, camera operations, editing and reporting. Students will learn how to tell stories effectively using voice-over, stand-ups, natural sound, and video. Course Information: Same as ART 473. Prerequisite: COM 352 or ART 372. Topical Area: Journalism/Media Studies.

COM 459. The Beatles: Popular Music and Society. 4 Hours.

The purpose of this course is to develop an understanding of not only the Beatles and their musical accomplishments, but also the impact they had and are having on popular music and society. We will listen to their music, watch videos of their work and hear their comments on that work, as well as read some of the best writing on the Beatles. Course Information: Same as LIS 431. Topical Area: Interpersonal/Organizational or Mass Media.

COM 461. Fake News and Fact-Checking. 4 Hours.

This course not only provides an overview of fake news, but also discusses legal and ethical issues related to fake news. It also explores the roles and characteristics of fake news as well as some trends of fake news in the world as well as in the United States. By exploring the history of both fake news and fact-checking around the world, this course will focus on a critical analysis of fake news as well as the background of fake news.

COM 462. Writing For Public Relations. 4 Hours.

Intensive study of the most effective methods for written public relations communication. Students write news releases, broadcast announcements, and newsletter copy, as well as work on grammar and journalistic style. Course Information: Prerequisite: COM 210 or COM 362, or instructor permission. Topical Areas: Journalism/Media Studies; Interpersonal Communication.

COM 463. Organizational Communication. 4 Hours.

Analysis of organizational communication approaches, managerial style, motivation, leadership, corporate cultures, conflict, public relations, and diversity. Course Information: Topical Area: Interpersonal Communication.

COM 464. Conflict Management. 4 Hours.

Examination of role and effect of conflict on interpersonal, group, and organizational relationships and social movements. Theoretical and practical applications are explored to foster success in conflict resolution. Course Information: Topical Area: Interpersonal Communication.

COM 465. Interviewing. 4 Hours.

Study of and practice in interviewing and its various purposes in communication settings. Practical and theoretical approaches. Course Information: Topical Areas: Journalism/Media Studies; Interpersonal Communication.

COM 466. Comm Research in Action. 4 Hours.

Garner hands-on research experience which is valuable for those wishing to demonstrate research skills to employers and/or those individuals considering graduate school. Students will identify a research problem, collect and analyze data, and draw conclusions from their research.

COM 468. Persuasion. 4 Hours.

Examination of theories and techniques involving attitudinal and behavioral change with the objective of students becoming better practitioners and more critical receivers/analysts of persuasive messages. Students analyze historical and current examples of propaganda and persuasion. Course Information: Topical Area: Interpersonal Communication.

COM 471. Communication Ethics. 4 Hours.

Introduction to ethics of communication practice including evaluation of ethical dilemmas in interpersonal, small group and organizational contexts. Students analyze and compare ethical frameworks and perspectives and develop personal and communal ethical standards, which they apply to ethical dilemmas. Course Information: Topical Area: Interpersonal Communication.

COM 472. Political Communication in the United States. 4 Hours.

Examination of the theories and practices of political communication in the United States. Topics include campaigning vs. governance, communication ethics, political advertising, political campaigns, political debates, the presidency, the role of the media, the role of unelected advisors, speechwriting, technology, etc. Course Information: Topical Area: Journalism/Media Studies.

COM 476. Directing for the Theatre. 4 Hours.

Examination of fundamentals of directing for the theatre and other directing concepts including script analysis, creation of promptbooks, blocking, working with various theatre artists and adapting to spaces. In-class and out-of-class work, including scheduled rehearsals. Course Information: Same as THE 476. Topical Area: Interpersonal/Organizational.

COM 477. ECCE: Global Media and Culture:China. 4 Hours.

This course examines media and culture in China from the perspective of what's happening today based on traditions, culture and politics of the country. Theoretical perspectives from Communication are used as the basis to examine a variety of types of media, on topics from entertainment and news. Course Information: Not recommended for Freshmen. This course fulfills an Engaged Citizenship Common Experience requirement in the UIS area of Global Awareness. Topical Area: Mass Media.

COM 478. ECCE:Communicating About Race. 4 Hours.

Examines how race is experienced in the U.S. by analyzing documentaries, current events, and several movies. Explores historical and current barriers to genuine dialogue about black/white race relations with some discussion of American Indians, Latinos/as, and Asian Americans (Interpersonal emphasis area) Course Information: This course fulfills an Engaged Citizenship Common Experience requirement at UIS in the area of U.S. Communities.

COM 479. Global Media and Communication. 4 Hours.

This course provides a comparative overview of global media organizations, as well as of international media systems. It will explore global news, some of the important ethical issues related to global media, and the roles and characteristics of international journalists.

COM 480. Advanced Topics in Communication. 1-4 Hours.

Intensive study of a current communication topic. Description of topic for a given semester will be stated in the course schedule. Course Information: May be repeated if topics vary. Topical Area: Journalism/Media Studies; Interpersonal Communication.

COM 495. Exit Assessment. 0 Hours.

An exit assessment required of all bachelor's degree-seeking Communication majors prior to completion of the graduate application. Assessment includes 50 multiple choice questions in interpersonal and media communications. Course Information: For departmental assessment only; students are not graded. Taken in the final semester of expected graduation.

COM 499. Tutorial. 1-4 Hours.

Specialized instruction; students may arrange for special courses on otherwise unavailable topics, subject to availability. Course Information: May be repeated to a maximum of 8 hours if topics vary.

COM 501. Closure Experience. 1-4 Hours.

All graduate students must complete a closure experience. Communication students have three options. 1) Thesis: Research-based exploration of a topic approved by thesis committee. 2) Project: Production of a major project selected with approval of project committee. 3) Comprehensive examination: Comprehensive examinations in five topical areas over a two-day period. Students must have completed a minimum of 32 credit hours to be eligible for the comprehensive exam. Students should consult their advisers for program guidelines during their first semester. Successful completion of any of the three options fulfills the master's closure requirement. NOTE: If the thesis/project/exam is not completed by the time four hours are accrued in continuing enrollment, students must register for COM 502 for zero credit hours (one billable hour) in all subsequent semesters until the thesis/project/exam is completed. Course Information: Credit/No Credit grading only. May be repeated to a maximum of 4 hours.

COM 502. Closure Experience Continuing Enrollment. 0 Hours.

Refer to NOTE in course description for COM 501. Course Information: May be repeated.

COM 504. Introduction to Graduate Study in Communication. 4 Hours.

Examination of the literature with which graduate communication students should be familiar, especially that exploring the nature of theory, the functions of research, and the philosophy of communication. Restricted to Graduate - Springfield.

COM 506. Research Methods in Communication. 4 Hours.

Examination of qualitative and quantitative research methods used in communication. Methods examined include surveys, content analysis, discourse analysis, grounded theory, and ethnography. Focus is put on developing students' familiarity with various methodologies in order to design and complete a mini-research project and write a research proposal for future coursework in Communication. Course Information: Restricted to graduate.

COM 516. Communication Theory. 4 Hours.

Seminar studying the nature and functions of theory lays the foundation for more detailed examination of theories from different contexts of communication and with differing philosophical bases. Course Information: Topical Areas: Interpersonal Communication; Journalism/Media Studies.

COM 521. Family Communication. 4 Hours.

Seminar exploring family roles, rules, impact of family stories and secrets, stages of family development and approaches to family conflict. Examination of the communication challenges of single-parent, nuclear, blended and extended family structures. Course Information: Topical Area: Interpersonal Communication.

COM 524. Interracial Communication. 4 Hours.

Seminar examining origins and types of racism in the US. Exploration of how race and ethnicity affect education, housing, friendships and employment. Examination of ways to improve interracial communication. Course Information: Topical Area: Interpersonal Communication.

COM 528. Meaning And Social Structure. 4 Hours.

Seminar examining diversity and multiculturalism similarities and differences in individual interpretation of words, symbols, events, and interaction. Critical exploration of how individuals' language use affects the social structures they build and use, particularly their views of education and learning. Course Information: Topical Area: Interpersonal Communication.

COM 532. Social and Cultural Effects of Mass Media. 4 Hours.

Seminar featuring an overview of social, scientific, and critical theories regarding the effects of mass media on society. Examination of the ways in which these theories develop from particular social and historical contexts and how they reflect ideas and debates about media, politics, and culture. Course Information: Topical Area: Journalism/Media Studies. Restricted to Graduate - Springfield.

COM 541. New Technologies in Electronic Media. 4 Hours.

Seminar on new and emerging technologies and systems in electronic media: hardware, software, and societal impact. Course Information: Topical Area: Journalism/Media Studies.

COM 545. Interactive/Multimedia Technologies. 4 Hours.

Seminar on current and emerging technologies used to provide training and enhance education. Topics include the theories, design concepts, and applications of such technologies as non-linear video, computer graphics and presentations, and interactive video. Course Information: Prerequisite: COM 455. Topical Area: Journalism/Media Studies.

COM 555. Women and Media. 4 Hours.

Seminar exploring the role of women in the media today. Examination of women as participants in the media business and as subjects of the media and the impact of both on society. Course Information: Topical Area: Journalism/Media Studies.

COM 562. Public Relations in Organizations. 4 Hours.

Seminar on the advanced study of public relations in profit and nonprofit organizations. Examination of the threats and opportunities faced by organizations dealing with internal and external public. Hands-on research/participation in a public relations campaign for a local organization. Course Information: Topical Area: Interpersonal Communication.

COM 563. Organizational Communication Theory. 4 Hours.

Seminar featuring an in-depth look at organizational theory integrated with current communication theory. Discussion includes approaches to consulting and analyzing communication in organizations. Course Information: Topical Area: Interpersonal Communication.

COM 564. Film and Culture: A Global Perspective. 4 Hours.

Seminar examining film as cross-cultural practice in communication. Issues of gender, sexuality, class, race, and power will be explored through the theoretical perspectives of Barthes, Foucault, Althusser, Bourdieu and the like. Course Information: Topical Area: Journalism/Media Studies. Restricted to graduates.

COM 565. Communication, Culture, and Power. 4 Hours.

Seminar centered on the right of power as it applies to communication and culture. Specifically, students will attempt a critical evaluation of power as it pertains to the (co)construction of identity within their everyday lives. Topics will include race, gender, class, sexual orientation, religion, politics, and popular culture. Course Information: Topical Area: Interpersonal Communication. Restricted to Graduate - Springfield.

COM 570. Topics in Interpersonal Communication. 4 Hours.

Seminar with intensive study of an interpersonal communication topic. Description of topic for a given semester will be stated in the course schedule. Course Information: May be repeated if topics vary. Topical Area: Interpersonal Communication. Restricted to Graduate - Springfield.

COM 580. Topics in Journalism/Media Studies. 4 Hours.

Seminar with intensive study of a media topic. Description of a topic for a given semester will be stated in the course schedule. Course Information: May be repeated if topics vary. Topical Area: Journalism/Mass Media. Restricted to Graduate - Springfield.

COM 599. Tutorial. 1-4 Hours.

Specialized instruction; graduate students may arrange for special courses on otherwise unavailable topics, subject to availability. Course Information: May be repeated to a maximum of 6 hours if topics vary.