DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION
FALL 2015 COURSE OFFERINGS
COWI 200 A - Learning to Write/Writing to Learn NEW PROFESSOR!
Dr. Mary Catherine Kennedy
M/W/F 11:00 – 11:50 AM
This course will introduce students to forms of writing in Communication Studies,
including journalistic, argumentative and creative writing.
COWI 201 A - Media Writing
Dr. Ralph Frasca
W 6:00 – 8:45 PM
This course introduces the basics of writing for the mass media, including print, broadcast, public
relations and online media. Students learn news judgment, concision, AP Style, active-voice writing
and the “inverted pyramid.” Prerequisite: sophomore standing.
COMM 203 A - Interpersonal Communication
Dr. Pratibha Kumar
M/W/F 10:00 – 10:50 AM
An introduction to critical and qualitative inquiry into intercultural communication processes in
both interpersonal and broader social contexts. Some emphasis on identity, interethnic &
intergroup communication and developing communication competency.
COMM 210 A - Media & Society
Dr. Pratibha Kumar
M/W/F 3:00 – 3:50 PM
A foundational survey in the analysis of the major media of human communication, both print
and broadcast. Some emphasis on history, law and ethics.
COMM 220 A - Broadcast Journalism NEW PROFESSOR!
Prof. Randall Gray
M/W 6:00—7:15 PM
Study and practice of writing for broadcast news. Also, a study of the history of broadcast
journalism from pre-Murrow to CNN and the makeup of the broadcast newsroom. Prerequisite:
COMM 201
COMM 230 A & B - Public Speaking NEW PROFESSOR!
Dr. Brian Gilchrist
M/W/F 1:00 – 1:50 & 2:00 – 2:50 PM
A course in the practical aspects of effective public speaking, with special attention to methods of
delivery and the incorporation of responsible knowledge in speeches of information, conviction
and persuasion.
COMM 303 A - Argument
Prof. Rachel Glover
M/W 4:00 – 5:15 PM
An introduction to the method and theory of constructing oral and written persuasive arguments
and refutations on a variety of topics. Students learn how to analyze, construct and support
arguments written to well-defined audiences.
COMM 307 A – Introduction to Public Relations
Dr. Carl Glover
T/TH 2:00 – 3:15 PM
Study of theory and practice of the mutual understanding between an institution and its public
through effective communication. Emphasis on research, planning, communication and evaluation
of public-relations efforts.
COMM 311 A – Media & the Catholic Church
NEW PROFESSOR!
Dr. Brian Gilchrist
M/W/F 11:00 – 11:50 AM
This course examines the ways conventional and non-conventional media portray and re-create
Catholic religious experience. Increasingly, religion is experienced not only through the Mass,
scripture and Magisterial teaching. It is also communicated through print, broadcasting, the
Internet and social media, as well as in consumer culture and political campaigns. This course
examines the relationship between the Catholic Church and the mass media (which popes St. John
Paul II and Benedict XVI called “social communication”) through historical and contemporary
perspectives.
COMM 313 A – Mass Communication History
Dr. Ralph Frasca
T/TH 12:30 – 1:45 PM
Historical consideration of the persuasive effect of mass-communicated messages before printing to
modern times. Special emphasis on critical thinking about why the mass media became what they
are now, and how history can help make sense of current developments.
COMM 317 A – Rhetorical Criticism NEW PROFESSOR!
Dr. Brian Gilchrist
M/W/F 9:00 – 9:50 AM
A course in the analysis, interpretation and evaluation of written, spoken and visual discourses
designed to influence belief, produce social change or craft cultural identities. Emphasis on the
preparation and presentation of written analyses using a variety of critical approaches.
COMM 321 A – Political Communication
NEW PROFESSOR!
Dr. Mary Catherine Kennedy
M/W/F 2:00 – 2:50 PM
Exploration of efforts by both the powerful and the seemingly powerless to influence public
opinion using a variety of communication channels. Students will participate in critical analyses
of a wide variety of political messages, ranging from campaign advertisements to protest music.
COMM 327 A – Crisis Communication
Dr. Carl Glover
T/TH 11:00 – 12:30 AM
An introduction to crisis management principles, strategies and communication methods.
Students learn to predict and manage real-world controversies and to develop crisis-management
plans.
COMM 498 A & B – Senior Seminar
Dr. Pratibha Kumar
M/W/F 12:00 – 12:50 & 1:00 – 1:50 PM
A capstone course culminating four years of learning into a portfolio and exploring post-graduation
opportunities.
Courses Planned for SPRING 2016
COWI 172 American Epistolary Tradition
COWI 200 Learning to Write/Writing to Learn
COWI 201 Media Writing
COMM 210 Media & Society
COMM 225 Intercultural Communication
COMM 230 Public Speaking
COMM 315 News Reporting
COMM 322 Copy Editing
COMM 325 Art of Persuasion
COMM 330 Public Relations Cases
COMM 328 Gender and Communication
COMM 333 Writing for Catholic Media
COMM 335 Communication Law and Ethics
COMM 373 Social Media