Approved Courses
The following list includes undergraduate courses that have been approved as of June 2010. Courses added after that date do not appear in this list. Courses eliminated after that date may still appear. Not every course is offered regularly. Students should consult the Schedule of Classes at www.testudo.umd.edu to ascertain which courses are actually offered during a given semester.
COURSE NUMBERING SYSTEM
| Number |
|
Eligibility |
| 000-099 |
|
Non-credit course |
| 100-199 |
|
Primarily freshman course |
| 200-299 |
|
Primarily sophomore course |
| 300-399 |
|
Junior, senior course not acceptable for credit toward graduate degrees |
| 386-387 |
|
Campus-wide internship courses; refer to information describing Experiential Learning |
| 400-499 |
|
Junior, senior course acceptable for credit toward some graduate degree |
| 500-599 |
|
Professional School course (Dentistry, Architecture, Law, Medicine) or post-baccalaureate course |
| 600-899 |
|
Course restricted to graduate students |
| 799 |
|
Master Thesis credit |
| 899 |
|
Doctoral Dissertation credit |
Use the search box below to view the approved courses.
Courses in "COMM-Communication"
COMM - Communication
COMM 100 Foundations of Oral Communication (3)
Restriction: Must not have completed COMM107. Credit only granted for:
COMM100 or COMM107.
Prerequisite for advanced communication courses. A study of oral
communication principles, including verbal and nonverbal language,
listening, group dynamics, and public speaking. Emphasis in this course
is upon the application of these principles to contemporary problems and
upon the preparation of different types of oral discourse.
COMM 107 Oral Communication: Principles and Practices (3)
Credit only granted for: ARCH403, COMM107, COMM200, ENES143, HLTH420,
INAG110, JOUR130 or THET285.
A study of and practice in oral communication, including principles
of interviewing, group discussion, listening, informative briefings,
and persuasive speeches.
COMM 125 Introduction to Interpersonal Communication (3)
Concepts of interpersonal communication including perception, language
and meaning, nonverbal communication, listening and feedback.
COMM 170 Foundations of Listening (3)
Role, process, and levels of listening behavior and the development of
listening skills.
COMM 200 Critical Thinking and Speaking (3)
Credit only granted for: ARCH403, COMM107, COMM200, ENES143, HLTH420,
INAG110, JOUR130, OR THET285.
Theory and practice of persuasive discourse analysis and composition.
Research techniques, logical and rhetorical conceptions of argument, and
technical principles for persuading in public venues.
COMM 207 Oral Communication for Engineers (1)
Prerequisite: ENES100.
An exploration of oral communication skills which prepares engineers to
engage in interpersonal communication in professional and international
settings, communicate effectively in group environments, and deliver
listenable presentations.
COMM 220 Small Group Discussion (3)
Principles, methods and types of interaction occurring in small groups
with an emphasis on group discussion and decision-making.
COMM 230 Argumentation and Debate (3)
A study of the fundamental principles of reasoning, analysis, and
evidence preparation of debate briefs and presentation of standard
academic debate.
COMM 231 News Writing and Reporting for Public Relations (3)
Two hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory per week. Restriction:
Must be in Communication program; and (Sophomore standing; or Junior
standing). Or permission of ARHU-Communication department. Credit only
granted for: JOUR201, JOUR201P, JOUR231, or COMM231. Formerly: JOUR231.
Introduction to writing and researching news and information media for
public relations; laboratory in news-gathering tools and writing
techniques for public relations.
COMM 232 News Editing for Public Relations (3)
Two hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite:
Minimum grade of C- in COMM231; or students who have taken courses with
similar or comparable course content may contact the department. And
permission of ARHU-Communication department. Restriction: Must be in
Communication program. Credit only granted for: JOUR202, JOUR202P,
JOUR232, or COMM232. Formerly: JOUR232.
Copy editing, graphic principles and processes, news and information
technologies for public relations.
COMM 250 Introduction to Communication Inquiry (3)
An introduction to the field of communication. Definitions, models, and
contexts of communication; rhetorical theory and rhetorical criticism of
discourse.
COMM 269 Special Topics in Study Abroad II (1-6)
Repeatable to 15 credits if content differs.
Special topics course taken as part of an approved study abroad program.
COMM 288 Communication Internship (1-6)
Prerequisite: Permission of ARHU-Communication department. Repeatable to
6 credits if content differs.
An individual experience arranged by the student with the instructor.
Does not satisfy communication major requirements. 45 hours of
supervised internship per credit hour with communication professional.
Not a substitute for COMM386.
COMM 298 Selected Topics in Communication (3)
Repeatable to 6 credits if content differs.
Special topical study of contemporary issues in communication.
COMM 324 Communication and Gender (3)
The creation of images of male and female, and masculine and feminine,
through communication, the differences in male and female communication
behaviors and styles, and the implications of those images and styles
for male-female transactions.
COMM 330 Argumentation and Public Policy (3)
Contemporary theories of argumentation with special emphasis on methods
of formulating and critiquing public policy argument.
COMM 340 Communicating the Narrative (3)
The role of narratives in communicating messages and development of
strategies to effectively communicate the narrative form through
storytelling, oral reading, and anecdotes.
COMM 350 Public Relations Theory (3)
Prerequisite: COMM231 or COMM250. Restriction: Must be in Communication
program. Credit only granted for: COMM350 or COMM430.
The historical development and contemporary status of public relations
in business, government, associations and other organizations.
Application of communication theory and social science methods to the
research, planning, communication and evaluation aspects of the public
relations process.
COMM 351 Public Relations Techniques (3)
Prerequisite: COMM232 and COMM350. Restriction: Must be in Communication
program. Credit only granted for: COMM351 or JOUR331. Formerly: JOUR331.
The techniques of public relations, including news releases,
publications and printed materials, audio-visual techniques, speeches
and special events. Application of these techniques in laboratory and
field projects.
COMM 352 Specialized Writing in Public Relations (3)
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C- in COMM351. Restriction: Must be in
Communication program. Credit only granted for: COMM352 or JOUR332.
Formerly: JOUR332.
Public Relations writing for science, technology, health, medicine,
corporate finance, educational policy, law and government in broadcast
and technical media, as well as newspapers, magazines, proposals,
speeches and correspondence.
COMM 354 Public Relations Programs (3)
Prerequisite: COMM350. Credit only granted for: COMM354 or JOUR334.
Formerly: JOUR334.
Analysis of eight major programs typically carried out by public
relations professionals: employee relations, media relations, financial
relations, member relations, governmental relations, community
relations, fundraising and dealing with activist public.
COMM 360 The Rhetoric of Black America (3)
An historical-critical survey of the rhetoric of Black Americans from
the colonial period to the present.
COMM 369 Special Topics in Study Abroad III (1-6)
Repeatable to 15 credits if content differs.
Special topics course taken as part of an approved study abroad program.
COMM 370 Mediated Communication (3)
Prerequisite: COMM250. Restriction: Junior standing or higher.
Analysis and critique of structure, performance, content, effects, and
future of mediated communication.
COMM 371 Communication and Digital Media (3)
Restriction: Must be in Communication program. Credit only granted for:
COMM371 and COMM398V. Formerly: COMM398V.
A basic introduction to communication in the digital age. Through class
lectures, assignments and projects, students will learn to effectively
use new media for the purpose of strategic message creation and
management used in the field of communication. Students will apply the
basics of visual layout skills and the principles of visual design to
create messages using words and images.
COMM 375 Documentary Theory and Practice (3)
Restriction: Must be in Communication program.
A historical and theoretical introduction to documentary films and
videos. Students will explore the power of documentaries to address
socially significant issues.
COMM 376 Communication through Advocacy Short Film (3)
Restriction: Must be in Communication program. Credit only granted for:
JOUR202, JOUR202P, JOUR232, or COMM232.
Explores the theory and practice of contemporary communication and
advocacy short form video.
COMM 382 Essentials of Intercultural Communication (3)
Credit only granted for: COMM382 or COMM482.
Introduction of major theories and concepts of intercultural
communication; examination of processes that make up cultural
differences; and use of intercultural communication competence skills.
COMM 383 Urban Communication (3)
A study of communication variations in the urban setting with emphasis
on communication problems encountered in ethnic relations. Strategies
for improving communication.
COMM 386 Experiential Learning (3-6)
Prerequisite: Permission of ARHU-Communication department. Restriction:
Junior standing or higher; and must be in Communication program.
Supervised internship experience with communication professionals.
Relation of academic training to professional experience.
COMM 388 Communication Practicum (1-3)
Prerequisite: Permission of ARHU-Communication department. Repeatable to
3 credits if content differs.
Supervised professional-level practice in communication.
COMM 398 Selected Topics in Communication (3)
Repeatable to 6 credits if content differs.
Topical study of contemporary issues in communication.
COMM 399 Honors Thesis (3)
Nine hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: Permission of
ARHU-Communication department. Restriction: Must be in Communication
program. Repeatable to 6 credits if content differs.
COMM 400 Research Methods in Communication (3)
Prerequisite: COMM250; and Must have an introductory course in
statistics. Restriction: Must be in Communication program.
Philosophy of scientific method; role of theory; research ethics;
empirical research methods (measurement, sampling, design, analysis).
COMM 401 Interpreting Strategic Discourse (3)
Prerequisite: COMM250. Restriction: Must be in Communication program.
Principles and approaches for practical analysis of discourse designed
to shape audience opinion.
COMM 402 Communication Theory and Process (3)
Prerequisite: COMM250. Restriction: Must be in Communication program.
Philosophical and conceptual analysis of communication theories.
COMM 420 Theories of Group Discussion (3)
Current theory, research and techniques regarding small group process,
group dynamics, leadership and decision-making.
COMM 421 Communicating Leadership (3)
Not open to students who have completed COMM498L.
Examines the nature of leadership, theories of leadership from a
communication perspective, relationships between leadership, authority,
power, and ethics. Explores leadership responsibilities, commitments,
and actions.
COMM 422 Communication Management (3)
Communication policies, plans, channels, and practices in the management
of the communication function in organizations.
COMM 423 Communication Processes in Conferences (3)
Group participation in conferences, methods of problem solving, semantic
aspects of language, and the function of conferences in business,
industry and government settings.
COMM 424 Communication in Complex Organizations (3)
Structure and function of communication within organizations:
organizational climate and culture, information flow, networks and role
relationships.
COMM 425 Negotiation and Conflict Management (3)
Role of communication in shaping negotiation and conflict processes and
outcomes.
COMM 426 Conflict Management (3)
Recommended: COMM425; and COMM250; and COMM402.
Role of communication in managing conflict processes.
COMM 427 Crisis Communication (3)
Credit only granted for: COMM398C or COMM427. Formerly: COMM398C.
Explores theories and research related to communication before, during,
and after a crisis. Students examine the fundamentals of organizational
communication, crisis management, and strategic and crisis communication
planning before examining case studies of a number of real-life crises:
organizational crises, natural disasters, accidents, terrorism
incidents, health crises, and major crises of credibility.
COMM 430 Public Relations Theory and Techniques (3)
Prerequisite: JOUR201; or students who have taken courses with similar
or comparable course content may contact the department. And permission
of ARHU-Communication department. Restriction: Must not have completed
COMM350. Credit only granted for: COMM350, COMM430, COMM630, or (JOUR530
and JOUR630). Formerly: JOUR530.
Theories relevant to the strategic management of public relations and
techniques used in programs to communicate with publics of organizations
COMM 435 Theories of Interpersonal Communication (3)
Prerequisite: COMM400; or permission of ARHU-Communication department.
Major theoretical approaches and research trends in the study of
interpersonal communication.
COMM 436 Interpersonal Arguing (3)
Prerequisite: COMM400 and COMM250. Restriction: Must be in Communication
program. Credit only granted for: COMM436 or COMM498I. Formerly:
COMM498I.
An examination of face to face arguing.
COMM 450 Ancient and Medieval Rhetorical Theory (3)
Prerequisite: COMM250. Restriction: Must be in Communication program.
Credit only granted for: COMM450 or COMM650.
A survey of rhetorical theory in the ancient and medieval periods.
Emphasis is placed on the theoretical problems that gave rise to its
development within both periods. Authors include Isocrates, Plato,
Aristotle, Cicero, Quintilian, Hermogenes, Martianus Capella, Aurelius
Augustine, Alberic of Monte Cassino, Geoffrey of Vinsauf and Robert of
Basevorn.
COMM 451 Renaissance & Modern Rhetoric Theory (3)
A survey of rhetorical theory in the renaissance and modern periods.
Emphasis is placed on the theoretical trends that dominate rhetorical
thinking during both periods--especially in Great Britain. Authors
include Wilson, Sherry, Rainolde, Day, Hyperius, Cox, Ramus, Talon,
Bacon, Pascal, Fenelon, Sheridan, Campbell, Blair, and Whately.
COMM 453 The Power of Discourse in American Life (3)
The potential of language forms and strategic discourse to create,
perpetuate, and alter patterns of political and cultural behavior. The
influence of contemporary political and cultural discourse on public
understanding, public policy, and day-to-day life.
COMM 454 Rhetoric of the 1960s (3)
Prerequisite: COMM401; or permission of ARHU-Communication department.
Restriction: Must not have completed COMM453 (Spring2003).
Study of key rhetoric of the 1960s. Treats rhetoric of relevant
Presidents and several protest movements including civil rights,
anti-war, and women's liberation. Contrasts traditional modes of
argument with alternative rhetorical forms.
COMM 455 Speechwriting (3)
The study of message strategies in order to research and develop
effective speech texts appropriate to speakers and their audiences in
various public contexts.
COMM 458 Seminar in Political Communication (3)
Prerequisite: COMM250. Repeatable to 6 credits if content differs.
The examination of special topics for and theories of political
communication.
COMM 460 Public Life in American Communities, 1634-1900 (3)
Ways that Americans have used their voice to create public life. Focus
is on the diverse social communities that have characterized American
life and the place and characteristics of oral discourse in each.
COMM 461 Voices of Public Leadership in the Twentieth Century (3)
Study of the use of speaking in the power struggles of the twentieth
century. Focus is on important speakers of the century, their social and
policy influence, and the struggle to expand the diversity of voices
with power in the public sphere.
COMM 468 Seminar in Mediated Communication (3)
Prerequisite: COMM402, COMM450, COMM350, or JOUR350. Restriction: Junior
standing or higher. Repeatable to 6 credits if content differs.
The examination of special topics related to the study of mediated
communication.
COMM 469 The Discourse of Social Movements (3)
Recommended: COMM401. Restriction: Junior standing or higher. Repeatable
to 6 credits if content differs.
Study of key social movements that have influenced American social and
political life. In alternate years the Civil Rights Movement and the
Rhetoric of Women's Suffrage and Abolitionism. Consideration of how
groups excluded from or marginalized in American political life affect
social change.
COMM 470 Listening (3)
The principles of listening behavior.
COMM 471 Public Communication Campaigns (3)
Prerequisite: COMM200; or permission of ARHU-Communication department.
Diffusion theory and its implications for public communication
campaigns.
COMM 472 Nonverbal Communication (3)
Nonverbal communication in human interaction theory and research on
proxemics, kinesics and paralanguage as expression of relationship,
affect and orientation within and across cultures.
COMM 475 Persuasion (3)
Bases of persuasion, with emphasis on recent experimental developments
in persuasion.
COMM 476 Language, Communication, and Action (3)
The nature of communication as symbolic action. Topics include language,
meaning, intention, understanding, and consequences of communication.
COMM 477 Discourse Analysis (3)
Concepts of textual and discourse analysis applied to speech situations.
COMM 478 Communication Colloquium (1)
Repeatable to 4 credits if content differs.
Current trends and issues in the field of communication, stressing
recent research methods. Recommended for senior and graduate student
majors and minors in communication.
COMM 482 Intercultural Communication (3)
The major variables of communication in an intercultural context:
cultural, racial and national differences; stereotypes; values; cultural
assumptions; and verbal and nonverbal channels.
COMM 483 Senior Seminar in Public Relations (3)
Prerequisite: COMM351 and COMM400. Credit only granted for: COMM483 or
JOUR483. Formerly: JOUR483.
Integration of theory, techniques and research methods into the
planning and execution of public relations campaigns for specific
organizations. Analysis of research on the case studies of public
relations.
COMM 488 Communication Portfolio Project (1)
Restriction: Senior standing; and must be in Communication program.
Repeatable to 3 credits if content differs.
Preparation of the professional communication portfolio.
COMM 489 Topical Research (1-3)
Prerequisite: Permission of ARHU-Communication department. Repeatable to
6 credits if content differs.
Individualized research projects conducted with a faculty sponsor.
COMM 498 Seminar (3)
Restriction: Permission of instructor; and Senior standing.
Present-day communication research.
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