The concentration in communication studies allows students to select coursework with a more diverse approach to the study of communication.  Students do not focus on a single area of the communication discipline but, rather, study the field in more general terms.

ALL Communication Studies majors who entered BEFORE SEPTEMBER 2007 must meet with the Director of Undergraduate Advising for CJN and file a plan of study for their major. Substitutions will be discussed at that meeting.

Required Courses in Communication Studies

CJN 101 – Introduction to Communication

An introduction to the discipline addressing social science, humanities and practical art approaches to the study of communication. Students investigate the broad themes and foundational concepts which unify the discipline in order to understand the diverse fields, functions and purposes of communication.

1 term – 4 credits.

Normally offered every semester

CJN 103 – Presentation Skills

The development, delivery and analysis of rhetorical messages. Stress on broad theories of rhetorical analysis in a historical context and pragmatic experience in delivering oral messages.

1 term – 4 credits.

Normally offered every semester.

CJN 405 – Communication Theory

An interdisciplinary examination of the development of communication theories from the classical tradition to the modern perspectives of rhetoricians, scientist, psychologist, sociologists, philosophers and others.

Prerequisite: CJN majors with Senior standing.

1 term – 4 credits.

Normally offered every semester.

CJN 235 – Argument & Advocacy

Modern applications of argument in political, social, and legal situations. Emphasis on development of arguments, analysis, use of evidence and delivery of oral and written arguments.

1 term – 4 credits.

Normally offered yearly.

OR

CJN 275 – Advanced Public Speaking

Intensive training in public speaking techniques employing a variety of speaking situations.

1 term – 4 credits.

Normally offered every semester.

CJN 215 – Interpersonal Communication

Analysis of communication behavior in individual and group environments.

Topics include conflict, leadership, common communication difficulties, communication roles and reflective thinking.

1 term – 4 credits.

Normally offered yearly.

OR

CJN 265 – Team and Small Group Communication

Analysis of the concepts and theories of communication in small groups and teams. Improvement of problem-solving, decision making, analysis and evaluation skills in the team environment. The study and practice of merging trends in team dialogue, team

learning, team development and leadership.

1 term – 4 credits.

Normally offered yearly.

CJN 335 – Persuasion

Analysis of persuasive techniques particularly those used by communicators in their attempt to gain public acceptance.

1 term – 4 credits.

Normally offered yearly.

CJN 485 – Rhetoric of Protest and Reform

Examines the persuasive strategies of social reform movements with special emphasis on the civil rights, women’s rights and gay rights movements in the United States.

1 term – 4 credits.

Normally offered alternate years. C a

OR

CJN 489 – Political Communication

Examination of special circumstances created by politics and their impact on attempts at persuasion. Case studies of famous

politicians and political campaigns are combined with discussion of current trends in media and politics.

1 term – 4 credits.

Normally offered alternate years.