Communication Arts Courses

COM110  Principles of Design: Communication (4)
Studies foundational art elements and visual dynamics of communication design. Composition, balance, emphasis, color and form studied through sequence of design exercises, assigned design projects and related readings. Includes work both of pure design and of graphic arts. Prerequisite: major or permission of instructor. Course fee.

COM200 Christian Perspectives on Communication Arts (2)
Introduces biblically and theologically informed approaches to communication arts. Principles and examples of artistry of symbolic action studied and practiced. Develops fundamental communication competencies involved in constructively critical cultural agency.

COM210 Perspectives on Communication in Culture (4)
Tracks status of rhetorical theory and practice in cultural formations of Western tradition from classical times to present. Explores how symbolic actions mediate cultural traditions and practices, disclosing sensibilities of justice, excellence, knowledge and prudence. (Alternate years. Offered 2008-09.)

COM211  Writing for the Media (4)
Develops advanced writing skills in context of genres found in contemporary communication media such as news stories, editorials, scriptwriting and advertising. Prerequisite: major or permission
of instructor.

COM212/ENG212 Introduction to Creative Writing (4)
See ENG212 course description under English.

COM213/POL213  Political Communication: Votes, Groups, Media (4)
See POL213 course description under Political Studies.

COM218/ENG218 Creative Writing: Nonfiction (4)
See ENG218 course description under English.

COM222  Journalism I: News Writing (4)
Studies all facets of reporting news. Experience in techniques of interviewing, information gathering and writing news stories. Prerequisite: COM or ENG major or permission of instructor.

COM240 Public Speaking (4)
Introduces fundamental skills and perspectives of presentational speaking. Building on classical standards, develops greater skill and poise in making presentations. Cultivates discernment of timing and appropriateness in speech that serves listeners in their circumstances, helping them respond freely, lovingly and truthfully. Prerequisite: major or permission of instructor.

COM242 Interpersonal Communication (4)
Examines how communication functions in relationships of mutual influence. Based on understanding verbal and nonverbal skills, explores models for listening and responding, managing conflict, and developing and adjusting various kinds of relationships. (Alternate years. Not offered 2008-09.)

COM248  Intercultural Communication (4)
Studies communication dynamics of intercultural engagement. Based on fundamental perspectives related to communication and culture, explores how communication practices disclose and articulate cultural diversity. Emphasizes awareness of cultural values and pursues incarnational model for reducing cultural misunderstandings and enhancing appreciative interaction.

COM252 Introduction to Mass Communication (4)
Examines how media of mass communication both reflect and influence our culture. Considers how knowledge of environment and models for social interaction are affected by mediated communication, and how financial and organizational structures of media influence content and approach.

COM254 Introduction to Digital Video Production (4)
Introduces basic equipment, pre- through postproduction procedures and techniques, and aesthetic and narrative perspectives in digital video production. Students complete individual and group productions. Prerequisite: major or permission of
instructor. Lab fee.

COM310 Contemporary Communication Theories (4)
Surveys influential perspectives on communication developed during past 100 years. Examines social-scientific, humanistic and performative schools of thought on how symbolic action can be understood and adjusted. Prerequisite: COM200.

COM314/ENG314 Creative Writing: Fiction (4)
See course listing under English.

COM315/ENG315 Creative Writing: Playwriting (4)
See course listing under English.

COM316/ENG316 Creative Writing: Poetry (4)
See course listing under English.

COM317/ENG317 Screenplay Writing (4)
Examines principles of screenplay writing with constant practice. Coursework includes extensive analysis of student work and established models. Prerequisite: COM212/ENG212 or COM211/ENG211 or permission of instructor. (Alternate years. Offered 2008-09.)

COM324 Journalism II: Feature Writing (4)
Examines principles and practice in writing features and articles; rewriting process; how to interview, get stories,
and get published. Prerequisite: COM222.

COM325 Advanced Writing for Public Relations and Advertising (4)
Studies and practices many forms of promotional and public relations writing including press releases, public service announcements, magazine queries, securing television and radio interviews, coverage memos, media alerts, features, trade press releases, newsletters, backgrounders and public relations presentations. Prerequisite:
COM211. (Alternate years. Not offered 2008-09.)

COM344 Art of Persuasion (4)
Examines elements, domains, implications and challenges of persuasion. Engages variety of theories for understanding and evaluating persuasion, grappling with issues of effectiveness, ethics and eloquence in interplay of creativity and critique. Cultivates greater insight into conditions of being persuaded and greater discernment in responding to and offering persuasion. Prerequisite: major or permission of instructor.

COM346 Responding to Civic Discourse (4)
Develops skills of creative response to symbolic action employing traditional and contemporary critical methods. Focusing on developing timely responses to rhetorical acts, gives special attention to rhetoric offered in arenas of civic conflict. (Alternate years. Offered 2008-09.)

COM356 Responding to Visual Media (4)
Studies criteria by which people evaluate the visual media of film and television. Students learn and practice established and innovative critical approaches, articulating meaning and value of wide range of visual texts.

COM358 Film and TV Genres (4)
Studies film and television genres, including history and theory of creating and understanding visual media by type. Examines definitions, meanings, cultural roles and blending of genres. Creative and analytic projects required. (Alternate years. Not offered 2008-09.)

COM371 Selected Topics (2 or 4)
Explores topics not regularly taught but of interest to majors. May enroll more than once if topic changes. Prerequisites set by instructor. Lab fee for some topics.

COM381 Independent Study (2 or 4)
See description under independent courses. Lab fee for some topics.

COM419/ENG419 Advanced Studies in Creative Writing (4)
See ENG419 course description under English.

COM420 Media, Ethics and Culture (4)
Synthesizes and extends concepts and skills developed throughout communication arts major. Capstone course focuses on appraising and responding to powerful and pervasive influence of media in contemporary culture. Students develop both critical and creative thesis projects. Prerequisites: senior standing and major.

COM425 Internship: Writing/Media (2 or 4)
Supervised learning experience in appropriate professional setting combining on-the-job work experience with related academic study. Interns maintain journal, produce portfolio and write reflective paper in addition to on-site assignments. Must be prearranged with supervisor and Registrar's Office. Prerequisites: junior or senior class standing, previous coursework in field of interest and minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50.

COM440/ENG440 The Literary Journal (4)
See ENG440 course description under English.