COM 101 ORAL COMMUNICATION. (3)
Introduction to the principles and practices of basic oral communication. Modification of existing behavior and/or the addition of new skills necessary in everyday interpersonal and public communication situations. Open to all students.

COM 102 INTRODUCTION TO MASS COMMUNICATION. (3)
A survey of the mass media, including principles, practices, development, history, and place in society. Open to all students.

COM 103 INTRODUCTION TO MEDIA TECHNOLOGY. (3)
Laboratory and demonstration. Audio and video equipment operation and production techniques including an introduction to digital photography. Primary emphasis on basic television production techniques and video streaming technology. Open to all students.

COM 200 WRITING FOR THE MEDIA. (3) Prerequisites: EN 101, BU 157 or demonstrated typing ability.
A foundation course in news gathering and writing for print and broadcast media including newspapers, magazines, radio, television, advertising, and public relations. Practical applications on radio station WMUW and campus newspaper, The Spectator.

COM 201 INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION. (3) Prerequisite: COM 101.
An analysis of the fundamentals of interpersonal communication and small group principles and practices.

COM 204 ANNOUNCING FOR THE MEDIA. (3) Prerequisites: COM 101, COM 103.
Study, practice, and application of basic announcing techniques for radio and television.

COM 210 MEDIA ADVERTISING, MANAGEMENT & SALES. (3) Prerequisite: COM 200 OR bu 333 FOR BUSINESS MAJORS.
Survey of contemporary advertising’s core components from initial concepts to final advertising executions, distinguishing the diversity in marketing, promotion and public relations specialization. Theoretical approaches will include persuasive campaigns, writing platforms for all media, and discussion of legal, regulatory, social and public policy environments of modern advertising. Practical applications will be enhanced specifically through selling advertising for campus newspaper, The Spectator (print and online versions), as well as through projects including integrated computer applications.

COM 303 IMAGES OF WOMEN IN FILM. (3)
An examination of how women have been depicted on celluloid in both American and international films, from the early silents to today's liberated cinema. Emphasis is placed on the student's ability to evaluate the presentation of women in these films, based within the context of the society and the era that produced individual films as well as the place of women within a traditionally male-dominated commercial business industry, and how that presentation has evolved since the early days of the cinema.

COM 307 ADVANCED WRITING FOR THE MEDIA. (3) Prerequisite: COM 200.
Survey of principles and concepts regarding in-depth reporting, how to gather information from sources, how to observe and adequately parlay those observations in writing, how to verify material and how to assemble stories for several mediums, including print, broadcast, public relations, web media. Theoretical discussions regarding journalism morality, copyright issues and other media law aspects. Practical applications will focus on writing articles for The Spectator and other news sources.

COM 320 MASS COMMUNICATION AND SOCIETY. (3) Prerequisite: COM 307.
Basic principles and theories of mass communication and public opinion. Open to all students.

COM 325 VISUAL DESIGN. (3) Prerequisite: COM 200 OR COM 303.
Course addresses visual literacy in both theory and practical application. Theoretical approaches to visual perception, ethical issues related to images and copyright issues are enhanced by traditional practical applications to include media print products (fliers, folders, booklets, magazines and newspapers) as well as multimedia production and editing of publications. Students will use 35mm photography, digital photography, and software applications necessary to address the visual elements of integrated design.

COM 331 AUDIO PRODUCTION. (3) Prerequisites: COM 103, COM 200,  and COM 204.
An audio production course with emphasis on production of announcements and programs. Particular attention given to program content, aesthetics, as well as programming practices in commercial and non-commercial radio in light of competing and emerging media. Practical application on campus radio station WMUW.

COM 401/402 PRACTICUM. (1)
Practical experience in broadcasting will be gained through assigned work with WMUW, the university radio station and The Spectator, the campus newspaper and print journalism.  Journalism students will be responsible for news-related assignments, including gathering, writing, editing, and announcing. Broadcast students will be responsible for assignments in other areas of station operations.

COM 413 PUBLIC RELATIONS. (3) Prerequisites: COM 307, COM 325, or approval of instructor.
An overview of the principles and proven techniques in gaining public acceptance for a product, an occasion, a cause, or an institution along with governmental public affairs. Crises Management by the Public Relations Professional will be a recurring and important component. Attention is given to writing the publicity article, preparing brochures, planning promotion campaigns for selected subjects through various mass media and crises communication. Also included will be the Legal Environment and Ethics involved in Public Relations. Case studies of practiced techniques and application of principles and ethics of public relations.

COM 431 VIDEO PRODUCTION. (3) Prerequisite: COM 331.
A production course with emphasis on producing and directing video programs as well as the business and programming practices in competing and emerging media.

COM 454 PROBLEMS IN MASS COMMUNICATION. (3) Prerequisites: Advanced standing and permission of instructor.
Independent study. Projects will be assigned to fit student needs and/or interests.

COM 460 INTERNSHIP. (3) Prerequisites: Advanced standing, and a 2.5 QPA overall and in major.
A practical, structured program of work experience with a participating employer. Interns must be employed a minimum of 120 hours, must be supervised by the employer and a faculty member, and must have a tangible academic component (journal, research paper, portfolio, etc.), which should be submitted at the end of the internship period. Internship may be taken twice for a total of 6 hours.

COM 465 COMMUNICATION SENIOR SEMINAR. (3) Prerequisite: Senior standing.
Capstone course in communication that includes survey of current literature, critical analysis of international communication, and examination of issues and problems of the mass media especially relevant to students' career interests.