COMM 111 - Public Speaking (3)
Public communication as it relates to informative and persuasive discourse. The theory
and practice of public speaking in informative and persuasive contexts. (Bacc Core Course)
COMM 114 -
Argument and Critical Discourse (3)
Examination of argumentation as a part of human interaction and investigation. The course
emphasizes the processes by which people give reasons to gain adherence and to justify beliefs
and actions. The course includes readings, writing, and presentations concerned with the
nature of arguments, processes of arguing, and argument criticism. (Bacc Core Course)
COMM 180 - Introduction to the Rhetoric of Film (3)
The motion picture from prephotographic eras to the present; individuals responsible for
major advances in theory and technique. The motion picture and social influence. Films viewed
for discussion and analysis. Film fee required.
COMM 221 - Forensics (3)
Laboratory experience in debate, public speaking, and interpretation of literature. Preparation
for intercollegiate debate and forensics participation.
COMM 280 - Media Communication in the Information Age (3)
A survey of the traditional media of mass communication and the new and emerging media
technologies: their development, role in contemporary society and impact upon the public.
The influence of mediated communication upon living in the information society. (SS)
COMM 312 - Advanced Public Speaking (3)
Advanced theory and practice in public speaking. Simulated public speaking situations,
audience analysis, and rhetorical strategies will be emphasized. Students will prepare and
present a variety of public speeches. PREREQ: COMM 114 or COMM 111.
COMM 314 - Argumentation (3)
Concepts and processes of argumentation, systems of logic, critical analysis of contemporary
efforts to influence. Examination of arguing to gain adherence and argumentation as a way
of knowing. Development of cases and argument briefs for presentation. PREREQ: COMM 114.
(H)
COMM 316 - Advanced Persuasion (3)
Advanced theory and practice in persuasion, with evidence on social and behavioral science
research. Examination of the cognitive and affective aspects of persuasion, focusing particularly
on the audience. Consideration of persuasion in interpersonal relations, organizations, public
advocacy, and public relations. PREREQ: COMM 111. (SS)
COMM 318 - Advanced Interpersonal Communication (3)
Advanced theory and practice in communication in interpersonal relations. PREREQ: COMM
218. (H)
COMM 320 - Introduction to Rhetorical Theory (3)
Introduction to the basic theories of rhetoric, as well as the background of rhetoric as
a discipline in speech communication. (H)
COMM 321 - Introduction
to Communication Theory (3)
Introduction to 20th century models, theories, and empirical research programs in communication.
Survey of selected theories and social scientific methods across diverse contexts in communication.
(SS)
COMM 322 - Small-Group Problem Solving (3)
Theory and practice of small-group decision making. Group processes of problem solving
and decision by consensus. The history and role of group problem solving in a democratic
society. Group power, leadership, and roles. Experience with problems of fact, value, and
policy. PREREQ: COMM 218. (SS)
COMM 324 - Communication in Organizations (3)
Examination of the nature and role of communication in formal and informal organizations.
Introductory survey of central issues in the study of organizations, including corporate
communication, leadership, organizational effectiveness, power, organizational culture, management
styles, organizational conflict, and decision making. (SS)
COMM 326 - Intercultural Communication (3)
Perspectives, theories, and experiences of communication in intercultural, cross-cultural,
and pan-cultural relations. (SS)
COMM 328 - Nonverbal Communication (3)
The study of human communication behavior that transcends the spoken and written word;
nondiscursive symbolism. The course examines the relationship between nonverbal and verbal
communication behavior and nonverbal communication skill development. Topics addressed include
space, distance, the environment, touch, gesture, facial expression, and gaze as communication.
(SS)
COMM 350 - Debate and Forensics Workshop (3)
Laboratory experience in debate, public speaking, and interpretation of literature. Preparation
for intercollegiate debate and forensics participation. PREREQ: Departmental approval required.
COMM 368 - Propaganda and Social Control (3)
Case studies, examples, and analyses of direct and indirect influences upon thought, belief,
and action involving mass media of communication, including film, theatre, radio, television,
posters, and art objects. Historical approach using film, tape, and recordings for student
analysis and discussion. (SS)
COMM 372 - Visual Rhetoric (3)
The course will survey the major theories of semiotics. Using semiotics as a foundation,
students will explore the nature of the rhetoric of the visual image. (H)
COMM 377 - Sign Language Communication (3)
A study of issues associated with being deaf. Teaching basic mastery of Oregon Signed English
and manual alphabet.
COMM 379 - Sign Language II (3)
Expands the student's signing vocabulary and contrasts grammatical structures of Signing
Exact English (SEE), American Sign Language (ASL), and Pidgin Signed English (PSE). Issues
associated with hearing impairment will be discussed in depth. PREREQ: COMM 377.
COMM 380 - Image and Myth in Film (3)
Film as a medium for creating, reflecting, and defining values, roles, styles, conflicts,
problems, strategies, expectations, and institutions in American life. Various methods of
analysis and evaluation are applied to film as an agent and artifact. Film images of the
frontier, war, women, men, justice, America, progress, and beauty are explored. Film fee
required. (H)
COMM 382 - Telemedia Design and Production (4)
Study and practice of communication through telemedia (video, audio, computer), and emphasis
on the principles of telemedia authorship. The study includes telemedia distribution systems
and effects on audiences.
COMM 385 - Communication and Culture in Cyberspace (3)
Covers history and culture of the Internet, as well as social, political, and economic
issues of computer-mediated communication. (H)
COMM 401 - Research (1-16)
PREREQ: Departmental approval required.
COMM 402 - Independent Study (1-16)
PREREQ: Departmental approval required.
COMM 403 - Thesis (1-16)
PREREQ: Departmental approval required.
COMM 405 - Reading and Conference (1-16)
PREREQ: Departmental approval required.
COMM 406 - Projects (1-16)
PREREQ: Departmental approval required.
COMM 407 - Seminar (1-16)
PREREQ: Departmental approval required.
COMM 408 - Workshop (1-16)
PREREQ: Departmental approval required.
COMM 410 - Communication Internship
(1-16)
An assignment in a private or public business or agency. The student observes or works
in one or more departments of the enterprise, perhaps in one area of interest or specialization
(e.g., public relations, training, personnel, research and planning). Work is supervised
by the agency staff, supervising department faculty member(s) provide academic evaluation.
12 credits maximum. COMM 410 PREREQ: Major with minimum of 21 credits and departmental approval.
COMM 510 PREREQ: Graduate committee approval. Graded P/N.
COMM 412 - Topics In Speech Communication (3)
Contemporary issues in speech communication: appraisal and discussion of current theories,
trends, research methods, problems, or applications. May be repeated for up to 9 credits.
PREREQ: 9 credits of speech communication.
COMM 414 - Communication Research Methods (3)
Communication research and its relationship to theory. Quantitative and qualitative methods
of investigation in speech communication. Experimental and non-experimental research design;
naturalistic observation; issues of reliability and validity; statistical analysis. Standards
and principles of writing and reporting research. PREREQ: COMM 321 or instructor approval.
COMM 416 - Ethnography of Communication (3)
Study and practice of using ethnography of communication as a research method for developing
theory in communication studies; topics include data collection, analysis, and writing ethnographic
reports. PREREQ: COMM 321. (SS)
COMM 418 - Interpersonal Communication Theory and Research (3)
Current theory, research, and practice in interpersonal communication. Issues addressed
may include compliance gaining, nonverbal behavior, family communication, gender issues,
impression formation, rules, and human relations. PREREQ: COMM 321 or instructor approval.
(Writing Intensive Course) (SS)
COMM 422 - Small Group Communication Theory and Research (3)
Current theory, research, and practice in communication and small group communication.
Issues addressed may include leadership, decision making, problem solving, training, and
human relations. PREREQ: COMM 321 or instructor approval. (Writing Intensive Course) (SS)
COMM 425 - Communication and Youth Outreach (4)
Examines the role of communication outreach when working with youth. Study and examination
of applied youth communication theory and research. Topics may include establishing communication
boundaries, communicating identity, anti-smoking and anti-drug campaigns, social exclusion,
effects of media, and pro-social communication. Students are required to volunteer in a youth
context coordinated by the instructor. Taught only on the OSU-Cascades Campus.
COMM 426 - Intercultural Communication: Theories and Issues (3)
Advanced study in intercultural communication theoretical developments and research directions.
Topics addressed may include intercultural research methods, training, language and culture,
acculturation, and intercultural effectiveness. PREREQ: COMM 321 and COMM 326, or instructor
approval. (SS)
COMM 427 - Cultural Codes in Communication (3)
Study and examination of the contextualized use of communication within speech communities
and cultures; topics include the cultural patterning of communication and cultural communication
theory.
COMM 430 - Theoretical Issues in Communication Theory (3)
Review of conceptual, philosophical, ontological, epistemological, and methodological issues
in the development of theories in human communication; application to contemporary, empirical
human communication research. PREREQ: COMM 321 or instructor approval.
COMM 432 - Gender and Communication (3)
Investigation of impact of sex and gender on communication in conflict, decision-making,
leadership, nonverbal messages, language, and interpersonal relationships. Focus on definitions
of sex and gender in regard to knowledge, social constructs, and self-development. PREREQ:
COMM 321 or instructor approval. (SS)
COMM 440 - Theories
of Conflict and Conflict Management (3)
Conflict on a variety of levels: intrapersonal, interpersonal, group, public, and social.
Conflict in a variety of contexts: relationships, family, organizations, community, and society.
Constructive and destructive means of confronting and managing conflict; social and psychological
aspects of conflict; conflict analysis; causes of conflict; conflict and peace, social order,
and social change; case studies of conflict. PREREQ: COMM 321 or instructor approval. (SS)
COMM 442 - Bargaining
and Negotiation Processes (3)
Theory and practice of bargaining and negotiation as means of settling disputes, with emphasis
on the role of communication. Strategies and tactics of distributive and integrative bargaining
orientations. Negotiation preparation and experience through case studies and simulations.
PREREQ: COMM 321 or instructor approval. (SS)
COMM 444 - Third Parties
in Dispute Resolution: Mediation and Arbitration (3)
Philosophies, strategies, practices, and characteristics of mediation and arbitration processes
in the settlement of conflicts and disputes. Study of the role of the third party neutral
in the peace making process. Case studies and simulations in mediation and arbitration. PREREQ:
COMM 321 or instructor approval. (SS)
COMM 446 - Communication
in Internation Conflict and Disputes (3)
Examination of the nature of international conflicts and disputes and the roles culture
and communication play in resolving them constructively. Analysis of negotiation, mediation,
and international law as approaches to dealing with international political, economic, cultural,
and religious disputes. Scrutiny of contemporary world conflicts. PREREQ: COMM 321 or instructor
approval. (Bacc Core Course) (SS)
COMM 454 - Advanced Argumentation (3)
Advanced study in classical and current theories of the persuasive and epistemological
functions of argumentation. Examination of the dominant contemporary theorists, including
Toulmin, Perelman, and Willard. Analysis of research and applied perspectives, including
conversational argument, argument fields, the philosophy of argument, argument as rhetoric,
and argument in contexts. PREREQ: COMM 320 or instructor approval. (H)
COMM 456 - Rhetoric: 500 BC to 500 AD (3)
History and philosophy of rhetorical principles. PREREQ: COMM 320 or instructor approval.
(Writing Intensive Course) (H)
COMM 458 - Rhetoric: 500 AD to 1900 (3)
History and philosophy of rhetorical principles. PREREQ: COMM 320 or instructor approval.
(Writing Intensive Course) (H)
COMM 458 - Contemporary Theories of Rhetoric (3)
A survey of contemporary rhetorical theories from 1900 to the present. PREREQ: COMM 320
or instructor approval. (Writing Intensive Course) (H)
COMM 460 - Rhetoric of Revolutionaries and Reactionaries: 1750 to 1900 (3)
Speech criticism; great American speakers, relation of their speaking to the history of
ideas; rhetoric and political, social, and religious movements. PREREQ: COMM 320 or instructor
approval. (H)
COMM 462 - Rhetoric of Revolutionaries and Reactionaries: 1900 to Present (3)
Speech criticism; great American speakers; relation of their speaking to the history of
ideas; rhetoric and political, social, and religious movements. PREREQ: COMM 320 or instructor
approval. (H)
COMM 464 - Rhetorical Criticism (3)
Explores the approaches to the criticism of rhetoric, including aesthetic, social movement,
genre, feminist, and other modes of criticism. PREREQ: COMM 320 or instructor approval.
COMM 466 - Ethics of Rhetoric (3)
Examines the ethical questions raised by the use of persuasive discourse, including the
derivation of standards of ethical persuasion and approaches to ethical judgment about persuasion.
PREREQ: COMM 320 or instructor approval. (H)
COMM 472 - The Rhetoric of Popular Culture (3)
A survey of theories of popular culture from Arnold to Hall. Students will examine various
artifacts of popular culture and the influences they exert. (H)
COMM 476 - Issues in the Freedom of Speech (3)
Examination of the theories of free expression and case materials related to tests of free
speech in key U.S. Supreme Court cases. The course emphasizes the context of social and political
movements from which the cases arise. PREREQ: COMM 320 or instructor approval. (H)
COMM 478 - Political Campaign Rhetoric (3)
Theory, research and methods of political campaign rhetoric. Topics include rhetorical
strategies and tactics in advertising, national conventions, broadcast debates, media coverage
and public opinion polls. PREREQ: COMM 320 or instructor approval.
COMM 480 - History of Media Communication (3)
The study of the changing nature, character and structure of the national and multinational
media systems. The past, present, and future of mediated communication technology, the production-process-distribution
of information, public policy and regulation, and audiences. PREREQ: COMM 280. (SS)
COMM 482 - The Media in Culture and Society (3)
The study of the societal-cultural impact on the media, and their effect upon individuals,
social, cultural, political, economic, and leisure structures and systems. Special focus
on the issues of media in shaping values, molding opinions, and reflecting/projecting attitudes,
beliefs, and behaviors, including media's role in racial, gender, and familial relations.
PREREQ: COMM 280. (SS)
COMM 484 - Media Criticism (3)
A critical examination of the media analysis of content, forms and deployment of media
messages and products. A critical study of the structure, functions and economics of media
systems. A consideration of media ethics and responsibilities in relation to news and information,
entertainment, advertising and marketing, and social-cultural influence. PREREQ: COMM 280.
(SS)
COMM 486 - Media Aesthetics (3)
Aesthetics and the visual/aural media. Theories and principles of creating and structuring
visual and aural imagery. Analysis of creative film, video works and artists. PREREQ: COMM
382 or instructor approval required.
