Courses (100 and 200 Level)
Introductory
COMM 100 - Process of Communication
COMM 105 - Public Speaking
COMM 130 - Mass Communication Systems
COMM 205 - Research Literature in Communication
Research and Analysis Skills
COMM 200Q - Research Methods in Communication
COMM 290 - Practicum in Comm (Research Assistant)
Interpersonal Communication
COMM 210 - Persuasion and Attitude Change
COMM 211 - Advanced Persuasion
COMM 220 - Interpersonal Communication
COMM 225W - Small Group Communication
COMM 250 - Nonverbal Communication
COMM 251W - Advanced Nonverbal Communication
COMM 291 - Practicum in Communication - Internship
Mass Communication
COMM 215 - Communication Campaigns & Applied Research
COMM 230 - Effects of Mass Media
COMM 231W - Media Literacy and Criticism
COMM 264 - Design of Human Communication Systems
COMM 271 - Communication and Change
COMM 288 - TV Production
COMM 291 - Practicum in Communication (Internship)
International Communication
COMM 270W - Global Communication
COMM 271 - Communication and Change
COMM 272 - Cross Cultural Communication
COMM 273W - State, Media, and Society
Breadth Courses
COMM 222 - Government Communication
COMM 226 - Organizational Communication
COMM 241 - Mass Media and Political Process
COMM 243 - Protest and Communication
COMM 245 - Gender and Communication
COMM 260 - Information and Communication
COMM 261/261W - Computer Mediated Communication
COMM 262 - New Communication Technologies
COMM 280 - Communication Process in Advertising
COMM 282 - Public Relations
Lower Division Courses
COMM 100 - Process of Communication
A study of modern communication theories and principles useful in understanding how people affect and are affected by others through communication. Emphasis is upon analysis of communication and communication research rather than upon communication performance. (Required for all core courses. Honors section not currently taught in Storrs. )
COMM 105 - Public Speaking
Theory and practice in the principles of public communication: identification of purpose, organization, evidence, audience analysis, language and presentation. COMM 105 is a basic public speaking course. Each student gives five or six speeches of about five to seven minute duration. (Both semesters. Three credits.)
COMM 130 - Mass Communication Systems
The history, organizational structure, economics and functioning of technologically-based communication systems and the relationship of these factors to mass communication issues and social effects. (Both semesters. Three credits. Recommended for people considering mass media careers. COMM 130 is Recommended Preparation for COMM 270W and COMM 262; it is Required Preparation for COMM 273W, COMM 264 and COMM 241; it is a Prerequisite for COMM 282 and COMM 280.)
Communicatian Core Courses
COMM 200Q - Research Methods in Communication
The scientific approach as it specifically applies to communication (Both semesters. Three credits. Prerequisite: COMM 100 or consent of instructor.)
COMM 210 - Persuasion and Attitude Change
Introduction to theories of attitude formation, change and reinforcement. Research is used to evaluate past and present models of persuasion. (Both semesters. Three credits. Prerequisite: COMM 100 or consent of instructor.)
COMM 220 - Interpersonal Communication
An introduction, analysis and critique of recent theories of interpersonal communication. Topics include person perception, theories of communication management, and the structural analysis of face to face communication behavior. (Both semesters. Three credits. Prerequisite: COMM 100 or consent of instructor.)
COMM 230 - Effects of Mass Media
An analysis of the roles of the mass media and of the effects they exert on individuals and society (Both semesters. Three credits. Prerequisites: COMM 100 or consent of instructor.)
Communication Electives
COMM 200Q - Research Methods in Communication
The scientific approach as it specifically applies to communication (Both semesters. Three credits. Prerequisite: COMM 100 or consent of instructor.)
COMM 205 - Introduction to Research Literature in Communication
A survey of research in major sub-areas of communication. (First semester. Three credits. Required preparation: COMM 220, COMM 200Q, COMM 230 and COMM 210 or consent of instructor.)
COMM 211 - Advanced Persuasion and Communication
Advanced consideration and criticism of selected modern persuasion theories and research in communications. (Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: COMM 210 or consent of instructor.)
COMM 215 - Communication Campaigns and Applied Research
Application of media, persuasion, and social change theories to the design of communication campaigns, including focus groups, interviews and other background research. Students will work with community organizations. (Second semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: COMM 200Q or STAT 100V or STAT 110V. Recommended Preparation: COMM 130, COMM 230 and COMM 210.)
COMM 222 - Government Communication
Examination of the process of communication in the various branches and levels of government. Students will review current media and government publications to develop an understanding of communication in government processes. Topics will include: issue management, lobbying, industry and interest group strategy development, government relations, grassroots action, coalition building, communication theory and practical application. (Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: COMM 100.)
COMM 224 - Introduction to Semantics
The relationship among people, words and meaning. (Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisites: COMM 100 or consent of instructor.)
COMM 225W - Small-Group Communication
Approaches, methods and findings of research in small group communication and development of an ability to engage effectively in small group situations. (Both semesters. Three credits. Required Preparation: COMM 220 or consent of instructor. Recommended Preparation: COMM 210.)
COMM 226 - Organizational Communication
Communication in formal organizations; horizontal and vertical communication; effectiveness of different organizational structures and channels; feedback; networks, norms and roles. (Second semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: COMM 220 and COMM 200Q or consent of instructor.)
COMM 230 - Effects of Mass Media
An analysis of the roles of the mass media and of the effects they exert on individuals and society (Both semesters. Three credits. Prerequisites: COMM 100 or consent of instructor.)
COMM 231W - Media Literacy and Criticism
History, analysis and evaluation of technique, content and aesthetic effect of media messages. Cultural, political, economic, and institutional factors that help define the grammar of popular mass media content; social scientific perspectives addressing how audiences learn to comprehend media content including efforts to promote media literacy.
Prerequisite: COMM 100 ; ENGL 105 or 110 or 111 or 250 . Open to sophomores or higher. Recommended preparation: COMM 130 , 241 , 262 . COMM 241 - Mass Media and Political Process
An introduction to the role of the mass media in the American political process. Topics include the relationships among the media, major political institutions and citizenry; the interplay of the media, interest groups and policy making process; and the role of the media in elections and international crises.(Either semester. Three credits. Required Preparation: COMM 130, COMM 230, and COMM 210 or consent of instructor.)
COMM 243 - Protest and Communication
Protest movements - past and current - in the light of principles, models and theories of communication. (Either semester. Three credits. Required preparation: COMM 230 or consent of instructor. With a change in content this course may be repeated once for credit.)
COMM 245 - Gender and Communication
Differences in male/female communication and the role of discourse in the production of those differences. The politics of gender and communication. (Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: COMM 100. )
COMM 250 - Nonverbal Communication
Facial expression, body movement, spatial behavior and para-language, with a consideration of applications for information theory. (First semester. Three credits. Recommended Preparation: COMM 200Q.)
COMM 251W - Advanced Nonverbal Communication
Selected issues and research techniques current in the literature. Research projects of kinetic, proxemic and/or paralinguistic behaviors involved in communication. (Second semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: COMM 250 or consent of instructor.)
COMM 260 - Information and Communication
Approaches to studying communication including cybernetics, general systems theory, information theory and human information processing. (Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: COMM 200Q or consent of instructor.)
COMM 261/261W - Computer Mediated Communication
How computer media increasingly influence communication processes and how computer media are changing society. Students will examine critically both exposure to and use of computer media with particular attention to how people use computer media and the effects of this use. Course page.
COMM 262 - New Communication Technologies
An overview of new communication technologies, their operation, future potential, dangers, and effects on social structure.
Note: Second semester. Three credits.
Prerequisites: COMM 130 Recommended Preparation: COMM 210 and COMM 230.
Course page.
COMM 264 - Design of Human Communication Systems
Application of communication theory and principles of information science to the design of modern systems of communication, with consideration given to the physical and social settings in which they will be used. (Note: Second semester. Credit and hours by arrangement. Required Preparation: COMM 130, COMM 230 or consent of instructor. With a change in content this ourse may be repeated once for credit.)
COMM 270W - Global Communication
International communication patterns: globalization of media industries; new technologies, communication in war and peace; political, economic, social and cultural effects. (Either semester. Three credits. Recommended Preparation: COMM 130.)
COMM 271 - Communication and Change
The role of communication and communication technologies in social change, diffusion of new ideas, and education. Special application to third world development. (First semester. Three credits. Recommended Preparation: OMM 230 and COMM 210 or consent of instructor.)
COMM 272 - Cross-Cultural Communication
Communication behavior within and across subcultures. (Either semester. Three credits. Recommended Preparation: COMM 220.)
COMM 273W - Media, State, and Society
Forms of, rationales for, and effects of state involvement in mass media. Cultural implications of transnational media influences. (Either semester. Three credits. Required Preparation: COMM 130 and COMM 230 or consent of instructor.)
COMM 280 - Communication Processes in Advertising
Covers communication theory relevant to advertising with specific application to the creative elements of art and copy. Students create actual print advertisements and radio commercials. (Covers communication theory elevant to advertising with specific application to the creative elements of art and copy. Students create actual print advertisements and radio commercials.)
COMM 282 - Public Relations
Practical application of major theories of communication and mass media to public relations practiced by organizations. Based on readings, student research and case histories. (Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: COMM 130. Required Preparation: COMM 200Q and COMM 230 or consent of instructor.)
COMM 288 - Television Production
This course provides the student with hands-on broadcast and industrial video production. The students will rotate through all studio positions for a televised production and complete field shoots and editing for an electronic field production project. Preproduction skills such as proposal and script writing, storyboarding and budgeting will be included in each class project. (Both semesters. Three credits. Prerequisite: COMM 100 and COMM 130.)
COMM 290 - Practicum in Communication
Both semesters. Credits and hours by arrangement, with a maximum of three credits per semester. May be repeated once for credit. Prerequisites: at least 12 credits of 200-level communication sciences courses which must include COMM 200Q and consent of instructor. Should be taken during the senior year.
COMM 291 - Internship in Communication
Both semesters. Credits and hours by arrangement, with a maximum of three credits per semester. May be repeated once for credit. Prerequisites: at least 12 credits of 200-level communication sciences courses and consent of instructor. Should be taken during the senior year. List of approved internship sites.
COMM 296 - Senior Thesis
Preparation of a thesis and its presentation to the department.(Either semester. Credits and hours by arrangement. Open only with consent of instructor and departmental approval.)
COMM 297 - Topics in Communication
Special topics. To be announced in advance. (Either semester. Three credits. Required preparation: core courses or consent of instructor. With a change in content, this course may be repeated for credit.)
COMM 298 - Variable Topics
Topic announced before registration. (Both semesters. Credits and hours by arrangement. Open only with consent of instructor. With a change in topic this course may be repeated for credit.)
COMM 299 - Independent Study
The purpose of COMM 299 is to allow a Communication major to further pursue an area of interest under minimal faculty guidance. This area should be one in which the student has already demonstrated a basic understanding. Majors who desire such an endeavor should (1) contact the instructor they wish to work with, (2) write a brief proposal (2 pages) for the Communication Processes Faculty to review. (Note: Both semesters. Credit and hours by arrangement. Open only with consent of instructor and departmental approval.)
Research Practicum, Communication Internship, and Independent Study
The research practicum in communication (COMM 290), communication internship (COMM 291), and independent study option (COMM 299) are variable credit courses which students may take as electives. The work settings and requirements for those courses vary widely. Consult the course descriptions for further information.
No more than 6 credits overall from COMM 290, COMM 291, or COMM 299 can be applied toward the 24 credit requirement. With respect to COMM 291, a maximum of 3 credits can be taken per semester.
Cooperative Education: Students are encouraged to explore the resources of UConn's Department of Cooperative Education. Through placement in cooperative education positions, students can take a semester off from school and work in a full-time, paid, career-related position. This gives the student an opportunity to explore career options while gaining actual work experience. Statistics provided by the Cooperative Education Department indicate that 70% of all co-op students receive job offers after graduation from their employers. Communication majors participating in the co-op program have worked in the areas of public relations, personnel, retail, advertising, management, television, publishing, and promotions. When placed into a communications job, students are able to get internship credits.
Students interested in gaining further information about the Co-op Program should contact the Cooperative Education Department on the third floor of the Wilbur Cross Building, phone number (860) 486-3013.
Preparation for 200-level Communication Courses
You will note that many 200-level Communication courses will have other courses listed as Prerequisite, Required Preparation, or as Recommended Preparation. If a course is listed as Recommended Preparation, it means that the instructor expects that you are familiar with the material in that course. If a course is listed as Required Preparation, it means that the course needs to be taken first. If the instructor waives the Required Preparation for you, you can still take the waived course for academic credit at some later time. If a course is listed as a Prerequisite, it also means that the course needs to be taken first. If the instructor waives the Prerequisite, the waived course cannot be taken for academic credit either simultaneously or at a later time.
Notice: If the course listed as a Prerequisite is a course you need to graduate (a core course or a departmental requirement) you don't want to have it waived. |
