Department of Communication Studies
Chair: Dr. Timothy Levine
The Department of Communication Studies is concerned with human interaction and communication in all of its forms. The department offers concentrations in Communication Management, Sports Communication, and Mass Communication.
Students interested in studying communication should consult the department chair or college advisor as well as the requirements set by the College of Arts and Sciences.
Major in Communication Studies with Communication Management Concentration
The Communication Management concentration is designed for students interested in the general principles and applications of communication from interpersonal relationships to organizational and health settings, to the theory and practice of public dialogue. A minor is available in Communication Management for non-majors.
Major in Communication Studies with Sports Communication Concentration
The Sports Communication Concentration is designed to prepare students for careers in the fastest growing area within the field of communication. Sports communications includes sports information, sports media relations, sports administration, and sports management.
Major in Communication Studies with a Mass Communication Concentration
The Mass Communication concentration allows students to specialize in journalism, broadcasting, or public relations. Minors are available in Mass Communication. A Minor is required for a degree in Mass Communication.
Specializations
Students interested in developing a concentration in mass communication may select from one of three specializations available in the department: journalism, broadcasting, or public relations. Students specializing in one of the mass communication specializations may also major or minor in communication management.
Journalism
The curriculum in journalism is designed to prepare students for work with newspapers, magazines and company publications. In addition to courses in writing, reporting, and editing, the journalism program frequently offers special courses aimed at meeting the media demands of Birmingham, its people, and its publications.
Broadcasting
Students in broadcasting prepare for professional careers in digital media, television production, news operations, or management. In addition to skills courses, students are given a strong theoretical foundation designed for both the media professional and the potential graduate student in mass communication.
Public Relations
Public relations is a pre-professional program designed to acquaint students with the theoretical knowledge and the practical skills necessary to master all aspects of the public relations process. The program stresses writing, oral and analytical skills, ethical reasoning, problem solving, strategic thinking, media selection, and identification of publics. Students receive hands-on experience in developing client representation skills as well as strengthening essential team-building, networking and leadership skills. Students also participate in the internship program which gives them actual on-the-job experience.
Accelerated Learning Opportunities
The Department of Communication Studies offers a Communication Management Master's (ABM) option for high-achieving undergraduate students. All CM Graduate classes may be used for undergraduate BA in Communication Studies through the ABM, excluding: CM 618, CM 675, CM 698, CM 699.
- Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Communication Studies and a Concentration in Communication Management
- Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Communication Studies and a Concentration in Mass Communication - Broadcasting
- Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Communication Studies and a Concentration in Mass Communication - Journalism
- Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Communication Studies and a Concentration in Mass Communication - Public Relations
- Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Communication Studies and a Concentration in Sports Communication
Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Communication Studies and a Concentration in Communication Management
| Requirements | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses 1 | ||
| CMST 105 | Introduction to Human Communication | 3 |
| CMST 110 | Introduction to Interpersonal Communication and Relationships | 3 |
| CMST 494 | Communication Research Methods | 3 |
| Communication Management Electives | 30 | |
| Select 30 credit hours from the following courses. At least 6 hours must be taken at the 400 level.: | ||
| History of Mass Media (Required Courses) | ||
| Introduction to Political Campaign Communication | ||
| Human Communication in Everyday Life | ||
| Classical Theories of Social Influence | ||
| Applied Communication Theory | ||
| Interviewing | ||
| Communications and Teamwork | ||
| Organizational Communication | ||
| Ethics and Leadership | ||
| Persuasion Communication | ||
| Argumentation Theory | ||
| Gender, Sex Similarities and Differences in Communication | ||
| Introduction to Public Relations | ||
| Propaganda and Public Persuasion | ||
| Health Communication | ||
| Health Communication Campaigns | ||
| Professional Presentations | ||
| Instructional Communication | ||
| Pragmatics and Human Interaction | ||
| Contemporary Philosophies of Communication | ||
| Organizational Communication Project | ||
| Nonverbal Communication | ||
| Language and Thought | ||
| Intercultural & International Communication | ||
| Cyborg Communication | ||
| Communication in Social and Personal Relationships | ||
| Seminar in Political Communication | ||
| Media Criticism | ||
| Communication and Social Movements in America | ||
| Seminar in Health and Medical Communication | ||
| Internship | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| Special Topics in Communication Studies | ||
| Total Hours | 39 | |
Students must make a C or better in their requirements for the major.
Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Communication Studies and a Concentration in Mass Communication - Broadcasting
| Requirements | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses 1 | ||
| CMST 103 | History of Mass Media | 3 |
| CMST 105 | Introduction to Human Communication | 3 |
| CMST 210 | Media Writing | 3 |
| CMST 283 | Visual Media Production I | 3 |
| CMST 315 | Ethics and Leadership | 3 |
| CMST 370 | Introduction to Broadcast Media | 3 |
| CMST 402 | Mass Communication Law | 3 |
| Mass Media Internship | ||
| Select two internship hours: | 2 | |
| Internship | ||
| Writing | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Media Writing II | ||
| Copywriting for Broadcast Media | ||
| Media and Design | ||
| Select two of the following: | 6 | |
| Audio Production | ||
| Social Media Strategy and Management | ||
| Digital Design and Animation | ||
| Visual Media Production II | ||
| Live Studio Production | ||
| Major Electives | ||
| Select three hours from the following: | 3 | |
(not previously taken) | ||
| Investigative Reporting | ||
| Media Writing II | ||
| Interviewing | ||
| Communications and Teamwork | ||
| Introduction to Advertising | ||
| Persuasion Communication | ||
| Sports in the Mass Media | ||
| Audio Production | ||
| Communication and Sports | ||
| Introduction to Public Relations | ||
| Sports and Media Relations | ||
| Propaganda and Public Persuasion | ||
| Feature Writing | ||
| Social Media Strategy and Management | ||
| Digital Design and Animation | ||
| Copywriting for Broadcast Media | ||
| Visual Media Production II | ||
| Select six hours from the following: | 6 | |
| (not previously taken) | ||
| Professional Presentations | ||
| Nonverbal Communication | ||
| Intercultural & International Communication | ||
| Seminar in Political Communication | ||
| Live Studio Production | ||
| Internship | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| Special Topics in Communication Studies | ||
| Communication Research Methods | ||
| Impacts of Social Media | ||
| Total Hours | 41 | |
- 1
Students must make a C or better in all classes required for the major.
Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Communication Studies and a Concentration in Mass Communication - Journalism
| Requirements | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses 1, 2 | ||
| CMST 103 | History of Mass Media | 3 |
| CMST 105 | Introduction to Human Communication | 3 |
| CMST 210 | Media Writing | 3 |
| CMST 306 | Investigative Reporting | 3 |
| CMST 308 | Media Writing II | 3 |
| CMST 350 | Publication Editing and Design | 3 |
| CMST 360 | Feature Writing | 3 |
| CMST 402 | Mass Communication Law | 3 |
| CMST 494 | Communication Research Methods | 3 |
| CMST 495 | Mass Media and Society | 3 |
| Mass Media Internship | ||
| Take at least two hours in the following: | 2 | |
| Internship | ||
| Major Electives | ||
| Select nine credit hours from the following: | 9 | |
| Introduction to Interpersonal Communication and Relationships | ||
| Introduction to Political Campaign Communication | ||
| Classical Theories of Social Influence | ||
| Applied Communication Theory | ||
| Interviewing | ||
| Ethics and Leadership | ||
| Introduction to Advertising | ||
| Persuasion Communication | ||
| Argumentation Theory | ||
| Sports in the Mass Media | ||
| Communication and Sports | ||
| Introduction to Public Relations | ||
| Sports and Media Relations | ||
| Propaganda and Public Persuasion | ||
| Crisis Management | ||
| Social Media Strategy and Management | ||
| Digital Design and Animation | ||
| Sports Communication Practicum | ||
| Issues in Global Communication | ||
| Seminar in Political Communication | ||
| Internship | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| Special Topics in Communication Studies | ||
| Total Hours | 41 | |
| 1 | Completion of CMST 105 automatically satisfies the Core Curriculum Area IV Speech requirement. |
| 2 | Students must make C or better in their requirements for the major. |
Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Communication Studies and a Concentration in Mass Communication - Public Relations
| Requirements | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses 1, 2 | ||
| CMST 105 | Introduction to Human Communication | 3 |
| CMST 210 | Media Writing | 3 |
| CMST 315 | Ethics and Leadership | 3 |
| CMST 339 | Introduction to Public Relations | 3 |
| CMST 340 | Public Relations Principles | 3 |
| CMST 402 | Mass Communication Law | 3 |
| CMST 440 | Public Relations Methods I | 3 |
| CMST 442 | Conducting Public Relations Campaigns | 3 |
| Mass Media Internship | ||
| Take at least two hours in the following: | 2 | |
| Internship | ||
| Writing | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Media Writing II | ||
| Introduction to Advertising | ||
| Feature Writing | ||
| Professional Presentations | ||
| Major Electives | ||
| Select three courses not previously taken | 9 | |
| History of Mass Media | ||
| Introduction to Interpersonal Communication and Relationships | ||
| Communications and Teamwork | ||
| Organizational Communication | ||
| Ethics and Leadership | ||
| Introduction to Advertising | ||
| Persuasion Communication | ||
| Argumentation Theory | ||
| Public Relations Methods II | ||
| Sports and Media Relations | ||
| Propaganda and Public Persuasion | ||
| Crisis Management | ||
| Social Media Strategy and Management | ||
| Digital Design and Animation | ||
| Health Communication | ||
| Nonverbal Communication | ||
| Communication in Social and Personal Relationships | ||
| Seminar in Political Communication | ||
| Internship | ||
| Communication Research Methods | ||
| Special Topics in Communication Studies | ||
| Impacts of Social Media | ||
| Total Hours | 38 | |
- 1
Students can minor in Communication Management.
- 2
Students must make a C or better in all their classes required for the major.
Additional Requirements
Minor
Completion of a minor is not required for this degree.
Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Communication Studies and a Concentration in Sports Communication
| Requirements | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| CMST 103 | History of Mass Media | 3 |
| CMST 105 | Introduction to Human Communication | 3 |
| CMST 494 | Communication Research Methods | 3 |
| Sports Communication Concentration Courses: | 24 | |
| Newswriting and Reporting I | ||
| Visual Media Production I | ||
| Communications and Teamwork | ||
| Communication and Sports | ||
| Sports in the Mass Media | ||
| Introduction to Public Relations | ||
| Sports Communication Practicum | ||
| Internship | ||
| Major Electives 1 | ||
| Select 6 hours from the following: | 6 | |
| Human Communication in Everyday Life | ||
| Organizational Communication | ||
| Persuasion Communication | ||
| Sports and Media Relations | ||
| Professional Presentations | ||
| Media Criticism | ||
| Mass Media and Society | ||
| Sport Psychology | ||
| Sport and Society | ||
| Total Hours | 39 | |
| 1 | At least one elective must be at the 400 level |
| 2 | Completion of CMST 105 automatically satisfies the Core Curriculum Area IV Speech requirement. |
| 3 | Students must make C or better in their requirements for the major |
| 4 | Students can minor in Communication Management |
Proposed Program of Study for a Major in Communication Management
| Freshman | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| First Term | Hours | Second Term | Hours |
| EH 101 | 3 | EH 102 | 3 |
| Blazer Core Quantitative Literacy | 3 | CMST 110 | 3 |
| CMST 101 | 3 | Blazer Core History & Meaning | 3 |
| CMST 105 | 3 | Blazer Core Thinking Broadly | 3 |
| Blazer Core Local Beginnings | 3 | Blazer Core Reasoning | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Sophomore | |||
| First Term | Hours | Second Term | Hours |
| Blazer Core Scientific Inquiry | 4 | Blazer Core Scientific Inquiry | 4 |
| Blazer Core City as a Classroom | 3 | CMST Elective | 3 |
| CMST Elective | 3 | CMST Elective | 3 |
| CMST Elective | 3 | Blazer Core Thinking Broadly | 3 |
| Blazer Core Creative Arts | 3 | General Elective | 3 |
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Junior | |||
| First Term | Hours | Second Term | Hours |
| CMST 494 | 3 | CMST Elective | 3 |
| CMST Elective | 3 | CMST 400-level Elective | 3 |
| General Elective | 3 | General Elective | 3 |
| General Elective | 3 | General Elective | 3 |
| General Elective | 3 | General Elective | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Senior | |||
| First Term | Hours | Second Term | Hours |
| CMST Elective | 3 | CMST Elective | 3 |
| CMST 400-Level Elective | 3 | General Elective | 3 |
| General Elective | 3 | General Elective | 3 |
| General Elective | 3 | General Elective | 3 |
| General Elective | 3 | General Elective | 1 |
| 15 | 13 | ||
| Total credit hours: 120 | |||
Proposed Program of Study for a Major in Mass Communication with a Broadcasting Specialization
| Freshman | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| First Term | Hours | Second Term | Hours |
| CMST 101 | 3 | EH 102 | 3 |
| Blazer Core Quantitative Literacy | 3 | CMST 105 | 3 |
| Blazer Core Creative Arts | 3 | Blazer Core History & Meaning | 3 |
| CMST 103 | 3 | Blazer Core Thinking Broadly | 3 |
| Blazer Core Local Beginnings | 3 | Blazer Core Reasoning | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Sophomore | |||
| First Term | Hours | Second Term | Hours |
| Blazer Core Scientific Inquiry | 4 | Blazer Core Scientific Inquiry | 4 |
| Blazer Core City as a Classroom | 3 | CMST 283 | 3 |
| CMST 210 | 3 | CMST 371 or 308 | 3 |
| CMST 370 | 3 | Blazer Core Thinking Broadly | 3 |
| General Elective | 3 | General Elective | 3 |
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Junior | |||
| First Term | Hours | Second Term | Hours |
| CMST 315 | 3 | CMST 402 | 3 |
| CMST Media & Design | 3 | CMST 383 | 3 |
| CMST 300-Level Elective | 3 | CMST 400-Level Elective | 3 |
| General Elective | 3 | General Elective | 3 |
| General Elective | 3 | General Elective | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Senior | |||
| First Term | Hours | Second Term | Hours |
| CMST 491 | 2 | CMST 400 Level Elective | 3 |
| CMST Media & Design | 3 | General Elective | 3 |
| General Elective | 3 | General Elective | 3 |
| General Elective | 3 | General Elective | 3 |
| General Elective | 3 | General Elective | 2 |
| 14 | 14 | ||
| Total credit hours: 120 | |||
Proposed Program of Study for a Major in Mass Communication with a Journalism Specialization
| Freshman | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| First Term | Hours | Second Term | Hours |
| EH 1011 | 3 | EH 1021 | 3 |
| Blazer Core Quantitative Literacy | 3 | CMST 103 | 3 |
| Blazer Core Creative Arts | 3 | Blazer Core History & Meaning | 3 |
| CMST 101 | 3 | Blazer Core Thinking Broadly | 3 |
| CMST 105 | 3 | Blazer Core Reasoning | 3 |
| Blazer Core Local Beginnings | 3 | ||
| 18 | 15 | ||
| Sophomore | |||
| First Term | Hours | Second Term | Hours |
| Blazer Core Scientific Inquiry | 4 | Blazer Core Scientific Inquiry | 4 |
| Blazer Core City as a Classroom | 3 | CMST 308 | 3 |
| CMST 210 | 3 | CMST 402 | 3 |
| CMST Elective (300 level or above) | 3 | Blazer Core Thinking Broadly | 3 |
| General Elective | 3 | General Elective | |
| 16 | 13 | ||
| Junior | |||
| First Term | Hours | Second Term | Hours |
| CMST 306 | 3 | CMST 360 | 3 |
| CMST 350 | 3 | CMST 495 | 3 |
| General Elective | 3 | CMST 300-level Elective | 3 |
| General Elective | 3 | General Elective | 3 |
| General Elective | 3 | General Elective | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Senior | |||
| First Term | Hours | Second Term | Hours |
| CMST 491 | 2 | CMST 300-Level Elective | 3 |
| CMST 494 | 3 | General Elective | 3 |
| General Elective | 3 | General Elective | 3 |
| General Elective | 3 | General Elective | 3 |
| General Elective | 3 | General Elective | 2 |
| 14 | 14 | ||
| Total credit hours: 120 | |||
Proposed Program of Study for a Major in Mass Communication with a Public Relations Specialization
| Freshman | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| First Term | Hours | Second Term | Hours |
| EH 1011 | 3 | EH 102* | 3 |
| Blazer Core Quantitative Literacy | 3 | CMST 101 | 3 |
| Blazer Core Creative Arts | 3 | Blazer Core History & Meaning | 3 |
| CMST 105 | 3 | Blazer Core Thinking Broadly | 3 |
| Blazer Core Local Beginnings | 3 | Blazer Core Reasoning | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Sophomore | |||
| First Term | Hours | Second Term | Hours |
| Blazer Core Scientific Inquiry | 4 | Blazer Core Scientific Inquiry | 4 |
| Blazer Core City as a Classroom | 3 | CMST 339 | 3 |
| CMST 210 | 3 | CMST Writing Requirement | 3 |
| CMST 315 | 3 | Blazer Core Thinking Broadly | 3 |
| General Elective | 3 | General Elective | 3 |
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Junior | |||
| First Term | Hours | Second Term | Hours |
| CMST 340 | 3 | CMST Major Elective | 3 |
| CMST 402 | 3 | CMST 440 | 3 |
| General Elective | 3 | General Elective | 3 |
| General Elective | 3 | General Elective | 3 |
| General Elective | 3 | General Elective | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Senior | |||
| First Term | Hours | Second Term | Hours |
| CMST 442 | 3 | CMST Major Elective | 3 |
| CMST Major Elective | 3 | CMST 491 | 2 |
| General Elective | 3 | General Elective | 3 |
| General Elective | 3 | General Elective | 3 |
| General Elective | 3 | General Elective | 2 |
| 15 | 13 | ||
| Total credit hours: 120 | |||
Minor in Communication Management
A minor for non-majors consists of the following:
| Requirements | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Select any two of the following: | 6 | |
| Media & Society | ||
| Public Speaking | ||
| History of Mass Media | ||
| Introduction to Human Communication | ||
| Introduction to Interpersonal Communication and Relationships | ||
| Four Additional 300 or 400 Level Courses | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 18 | |
A grade of C or better is required for courses applying to this minor.
Minor in Mass Communication
| Requirements | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| CMST 103 | History of Mass Media | 3 |
| CMST 210 | Newswriting and Reporting I | 3 |
| Communication Studies Electives | ||
| Under advisement by the Program Director of Broadcasting, Journalism or Public Relations, select four 300-level or 400-level Mass Communication courses. | 15 | |
| Broadcasting | ||
| Visual Media Production I | ||
| Introduction to Advertising | ||
| Social Media Strategy and Management | ||
| Digital Design and Animation | ||
| Introduction to Broadcast Media | ||
| Visual Media Production II | ||
| Visual Media Production III | ||
| Journalism | ||
| Applied Communication Theory | ||
| Interviewing | ||
| Introduction to Public Relations | ||
| Propaganda and Public Persuasion | ||
| Nonverbal Communication | ||
| Media Citizenship | ||
| Public Relations | ||
| Introduction to Public Relations | ||
| Public Relations Principles | ||
| Social Media Strategy and Management | ||
| Public Relations Methods I | ||
| Conducting Public Relations Campaigns | ||
| Total Hours | 21 | |
A grade of C or better is required for courses applying to this minor.
Honors in Communication Studies
The Honors Program in Communication Studies offers an enhanced and challenging academic experience for exceptional and highly motivated undergraduate students, especially those considering graduate school. Students who complete the program will graduate “With Honors in Communication Studies.”
Eligibility and Application Process
To be eligible, a student must be a declared Communication Studies major and must have a cumulative, institutional, and Communication Studies GPA of 3.5 or above.
Requirements
- Fulfill the normal requirements for the Communication Management major or Mass Media concentrations.
- Submit a completed Communication Studies Honors Program application form to the Director of Departmental Honors for approval. Students must secure permission of the Director and their mentor in order to enter the Communication Studies Honors Program.
- Maintain and graduate with a cumulative, institutional, and Communication Studies GPA of 3.5 or above.
- Successfully complete and defend (no later than four weeks before graduation) an Undergraduate Honors Thesis conducted under the supervision of a faculty member in the department.
Contact
- For more information and/or admission to the Communication Studies Honors Program, please contact the Chair of the Department.
Courses
CMST 100. Media & Society. 3 Hours.
Examines the impact of mediated messages on society. What theories help to shape perception and understanding of the interplay between media, society, and human behavior.
CMST 101. Public Speaking. 3 Hours.
Effective public speaking. Analysis, research, organization, delivery, to enhance speaking performance. This course meets Blazer Core Curriculum Communicating in the Modern World.
CMST 103. History of Mass Media. 3 Hours.
The history of newspapers, books, magazines, radio, television, cinema, recording industry, and the internet, focusing on current events, civic responsibilities and the role, value of diversity when appropriate. Ethics and Civic Responsibility are significant components of this course.
CMST 105. Introduction to Human Communication. 3 Hours.
Communication and persuasion as ideas in Western thought, ranging from Greek to contemporary period. This course meets Blazer Core Curriculum Communicating in the Modern World.
CMST 110. Introduction to Interpersonal Communication and Relationships. 3 Hours.
This class introduces students to interpersonal communication theory and research. We focus on the foundations of interpersonal communication (self, perception, and emotion) and how they influence our relationships with friends, family, romantic partners, and professional coworkers. We explore relationship challenges, conflict, and maintenance; and examine the practical skills and critical self-reflection associated with competent communication.
CMST 210. Media Writing. 3 Hours.
Recognizing story, gathering information and media writing. Emphasis on writing skills including grammar, punctuation, word choice, conciseness and accuracy. This is a foundational course for all mass communication majors and minors.
Prerequisites: EH 102 [Min Grade: C](Can be taken Concurrently) or EH 107 [Min Grade: C]
CMST 255. Introduction to Political Campaign Communication. 3 Hours.
A discussion of current theories and practices related to political campaign communication. This will included relevant media theories, campaign strategies, campaign financing, speech writing, and other topics as they relates to political campaigning.
CMST 283. Visual Media Production I. 3 Hours.
An introduction to digital video production. The course covers the full production process from planning to recording to editing visual media, with instruction in composition, storytelling, camera and audio operations, and editing software.
CMST 305. Applied Communication Theory. 3 Hours.
Major theoretical approaches to issues involved in human communication. Various psychological and sociological conceptualizations of communication process.
CMST 306. Investigative Reporting. 3 Hours.
Gathering and writing in-depth news; covering courts, police, schools, and county and city governments.
Prerequisites: MC 210 [Min Grade: C] or CMST 210 [Min Grade: C] or MC 106 [Min Grade: C]
CMST 308. Media Writing II. 3 Hours.
Practice in gathering and writing news, with experience in writing under pressure of deadlines and covering beats.
Prerequisites: CMST 210 [Min Grade: C] or MC 210 [Min Grade: C] or MC 106 [Min Grade: C]
CMST 309. Interviewing. 3 Hours.
Theory and practice in various types of interviews, such as employment, counseling, research, and journalistic.
CMST 310. Communications and Teamwork. 3 Hours.
Theories of small group communication and practice in decision making in various group formats as part of organizational structure.
CMST 311. Organizational Communication. 3 Hours.
This course introduces students to organizational communication theories, models, and processes and how to apply these principles in organizational communication exercises.
CMST 315. Ethics and Leadership. 3 Hours.
Theory and research on ethics, leadership and communication management. Specific attention to contexts in which leaders and managers function.
CMST 320. Introduction to Advertising. 3 Hours.
Survey of history, methods, techniques, and strategy involved in creating an advertising campaign.
CMST 321. Persuasion Communication. 3 Hours.
An introduction to the study and practice of persuasive discourse using both the rhetorical and behavioral science traditions.
CMST 322. Argumentation Theory. 3 Hours.
Bases of argument and nature of issues in controversy. Evidence, logic, refutation, and argumentative formats. Recommended for pre-law as well as general students.
CMST 323. Deception. 3 Hours.
This course examines theory and research on the topic of human deception from the perspective of Truth Default Theory. Topics include verbal and nonverbal aspects of deception, prevalence of deception, deception motives, information manipulation, truth-bias, and improving accuracy.
CMST 324. Gender in Communication. 3 Hours.
This class introduces students to gender and how it influences communication and relationships in a variety of personal and professional contexts. Theory, research, and historical perspectives are reviewed and applied to interpersonal, family, romantic, educational, health, and organizational contexts.
CMST 326. Sports in the Mass Media. 3 Hours.
An introduction to the study of communication as it relates to sports. Topics include discussions of athlete-coach interactions, fan behaviors, and media coverage of sporting events.
CMST 330. Audio Production. 3 Hours.
Basics of recording and mixing audio for multimedia projects with applications for film, television, radio, and digital media.
CMST 335. Communication and Sports. 3 Hours.
An introduction to the study of communication as it relates to sports. Topics include discussions of athlete-coach interactions, fan behaviors, and media coverage of sporting events.
CMST 339. Introduction to Public Relations. 3 Hours.
Survey of public relations in the United States. Relationships among marketing, advertising and public relations.
CMST 340. Public Relations Principles. 3 Hours.
Relationship of business, industrial, educational, health, and service institutions to audiences. Public relations as management function in areas of communication analysis, counseling, and public information activities.
Prerequisites: (CMST 210 [Min Grade: C] or MC 210 [Min Grade: C]) and (CMST 339 [Min Grade: C] or CM 339 [Min Grade: C] or MC 339 [Min Grade: C])
CMST 343. Public Relations Methods II. 3 Hours.
Graphics, brochure and newsletter design, slide shows, broadcast PSAs, and multimedia presentations.
Prerequisites: CMST 340 [Min Grade: C] or MC 340 [Min Grade: C]
CMST 350. Publication Editing and Design. 3 Hours.
News selection, copy editing, picture editing, and headline writing.
Prerequisites: CMST 210 [Min Grade: C] or CM 210 [Min Grade: C] or MC 106 [Min Grade: C]
CMST 353. Sports and Media Relations. 3 Hours.
An examination of the role of media relations in the sports communication environment. Students will acquire multiple competencies, including writing press releases, putting together media kits and media guides, preparing press conferences, and arranging interviews for sports personalities.
CMST 356. Propaganda and Public Persuasion. 3 Hours.
Theory and practice of propaganda with emphasis on mass media as tools of propagandist. Nazi, Soviet, and U.S. propaganda analyzed and critiqued in context of communication theory and ethics.
CMST 360. Feature Writing. 3 Hours.
Finding subjects, collecting information, interviewing, writing, and marketing magazine and newspaper features.
Prerequisites: CMST 210 [Min Grade: C] or MC 210 [Min Grade: C] or MC 106 [Min Grade: C]
CMST 364. Crisis Management. 3 Hours.
The course will provide sufficient knowledge about crisis management in order to perform professional duties with all available information in how to anticipate and respond to a crisis—both negative and positive. Historical and traditional responses to crises will be examined, and particular instances of response by corporations, politicians, and government to disasters and catastrophic events analyzed. A crisis environment and preparation of a response will be simulated.
Prerequisites: EH 101 [Min Grade: D] or CMST 210 [Min Grade: D]
CMST 365. Social Media Strategy and Management. 3 Hours.
Basics of strategic design and management for social media.
CMST 366. Digital Design and Animation. 3 Hours.
Basics of design for digital media, including web and motion graphics.
CMST 370. Introduction to Broadcast Media. 3 Hours.
Broadcasting and digital technology, history of radio and television, economics of broadcasting, government regulation of industry, and assessment of media in society.
CMST 371. Copywriting for Broadcast Media. 3 Hours.
Copywriting for freelance, in-station, agency, corporate in-house, and institutional settings.
Prerequisites: CMST 103 [Min Grade: C] or MC 101 [Min Grade: C]
CMST 380. Health Communication. 3 Hours.
This class introduces students to the theory, research, and practice of health communication. Emphasis upon patient and caregiver perspectives; communication contexts, relationships, and campaigns.
CMST 382. Health Communication Campaigns. 3 Hours.
This class provides students with a fundamental awareness and comprehension of and ability to apply a broad range of communication concepts, theories, and practices as they apply to the area of health.
CMST 383. Visual Media Production II. 3 Hours.
Advanced digital video production for media applications on the web, television and film.
Prerequisites: CMST 283 [Min Grade: C] or MC 283 [Min Grade: C]
CMST 391. Sports Communication Practicum. 3 Hours.
The student will gain practical experience by working in a sports environment on a regular basis. The experience will be directed by a communication studies faculty member, while the day-to-day experiences of the student will be directed by a supervisor in the work environment.
CMST 400. Professional Presentations. 3 Hours.
Advanced speaking and delivery techniques in professional settings. Audience analysis, professional delivery, research, and application of theories of persuasion.
Prerequisites: CMST 101 [Min Grade: C]
CMST 401. Instructional Communication. 3 Hours.
Communication problems in the classroom. Translation of data into lecture discussion. Empirical research on verbal and nonverbal elements of effective presentation.
CMST 402. Mass Communication Law. 3 Hours.
Legal limitations and privileges affecting publishing and broadcasting. Major court decisions. Fair comment, libel, right of privacy, fairness doctrine, and license renewal.
CMST 403. Pragmatics and Human Interaction. 3 Hours.
This class examines how people use language to create meanings within conversations; with a focus on the nature of language, speech act theory, conversation analysis, face and face maintenance, sexism in language, conversation implicature, honesty, and deception.
CMST 411. Organizational Communication Project. 3 Hours.
Theory and research in communication audits of organizations.
Prerequisites: CMST 311 [Min Grade: C] or CM 311 [Min Grade: C]
CMST 413. Nonverbal Communication. 3 Hours.
Elements of nonverbal behavior (physical appearance, gestures, space, voice) which affect communication in person-to-person situations.
CMST 415. Intercultural & International Communication. 3 Hours.
This course helps students discover how communication is influenced by culture and how culture is created and maintained through communication. In this course, students will be introduced to the process of communication between and among individuals from different cultures or subcultures.
CMST 425. Communication in Social and Personal Relationships. 3 Hours.
The course offers an in-depth examination of the role of communication in the initiation, development, maintenance, and termination of social, professional, and personal relationships.
Prerequisites: CMST 110 [Min Grade: C]
CMST 440. Public Relations Methods I. 3 Hours.
Planning and executing ongoing programs and campaigns to improve organizational and institutional relations with publics. Preparing and distributing news releases, reports, letters, pamphlets, position papers, public statements, speeches, and backgrounders.
Prerequisites: CMST 340 [Min Grade: C] or MC 340 [Min Grade: C]
CMST 442. Conducting Public Relations Campaigns. 3 Hours.
National and local programs that illustrate good and bad practices. Student teams research, plan, and design public relations campaign for client.
Prerequisites: CMST 210 [Min Grade: C] and CMST 339 [Min Grade: C] and CMST 340 [Min Grade: C] and CMST 440 [Min Grade: C]
CMST 455. Seminar in Political Communication. 3 Hours.
Emerging cross-disciplinary field of political communication. Literature and propositions surrounding key approaches, methods, and substantive areas of inquiry in political communication.
CMST 483. Live Studio Production. 3 Hours.
Applied advanced digital video production. Students work as a team to produce a live, studio-based TV show, complete with commercials.
Prerequisites: CMST 283 [Min Grade: C] or MC 283 [Min Grade: C]
CMST 491. Internship. 1-3 Hour.
Students who meet eligibility requirements may take three hours of academic credit per semester for participating in an advisor approved internship experience. All internships require a minimum of 70 hours of work per academic credit per semester.
CMST 492. Independent Study. 1-3 Hour.
The purpose of this class is to provide the student with an opportunity to conduct significant research under the direct supervision of a Communication Studies faculty member. This research is to be an extension of an existing class or classes that you have already taken. It is not to be used to replace existing classes or fulfill requirements that existing classes already fill.
CMST 493. Special Topics in Communication Studies. 3 Hours.
Topics selected by faculty.
CMST 494. Communication Research Methods. 3 Hours.
Research questions, design, methodology, data gathering, and analysis. Practice in conducting, interpreting, and communicating research findings to public. Ethical considerations of conductions research with human subjects. Ethics and Civic Responsibility are significant components of this course. Junior standing required.
CMST 495. Impacts of Social Media. 3 Hours.
This course walks you through the history of significant mass communication theories and furthers your understanding of key theories/studies in the field of media and communication. This heightened awareness is intended to encourage critical thinking among media consumers and practitioners of media production, especially in relation to social media, digital media, and other communication technologies.
Faculty
| Amsbary, Jonathan H., Professor, 1988, B.A. (New Mexico), M.A., Ph.D. (Indiana) |
| Franks, Alan E., Assistant Professor; Director, Broadcasting, 2013, B.S. (UAB); MFDI (Sydney); MFA (Montana State) |
| Hawkins, Ian, Assistant Professor, 2022, B.S., M.S. (Central Michigan), Ph.D. (Michigan) |
| Levine, Timothy R., Distinguished Professor, 2015, B.A. (Northern Arizona); M.A. (West Virginia); Ph.D. (Michigan State) |
| McCornack, Steven, Professor, 2015, B.A. (Washington), M.A., Ph.D. (Illinois at Urbana-Champaign) |
| Morrison, Kelly, Professor, 2015, B.A. (Illinois at Urbana-Champaign); M.A., Ph.D. (Michigan State) |
| Shaia, Jacquelyn S., Assistant Professor, Director, Public Relations, 2015, B.A., Ph.D. (University of Alabama); J.D. (Cumberland School of Law) |
| Shebib, Samantha, Assistant Professor, 2021, B.S. (Arizona State University), M.S. (Illinois State University), Ph.D. (Michigan State) |
| Sui, Mingxiao, Assistant Professor, 2021, B.A. (Hunan University, China), M.A. (Hunan University, China), Ph.D. (Louisiana State) |
| Yang, Fan, Assistant Professor, 2017, B.A. (China Youth University for Political Science), M.A., Ph.D. (University of Miami) |