COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

COM – Communications

COM 123 – Fundamentals of Public Speaking: 3 credits

A basic course in public speaking designed to provide both theory and practice in principles of effective speech composition and communication.

COM 136 – Mass Media & Society: 3 credits

Overview of the history, organization, economics, content, control, and effects of mass communications on society. Examination of mass media industries, including print, broadcast, cable, film, telephony, and the internet. All Digital Media Majors must enroll in DIG 102 concurrently.

COM 137 – Introduction To Music Industry: 3 credits

A survey course of the music, recording, and entertainment industries. Students study the development of these industries in the United States from an aesthetic, technical, and historical perspective. Topics include: artists, engineers, studios, live performance, songwriting and publishing, career paths, and contracts and copyrights.

COM 143 – Communication Theory: 3 credits

A study of the theories of human and mass-mediated communication with an emphasis on research and writing. Topics include communication system theory, signs and languages, discourse, message reception and receiving, social and cultural realities, and critical theories.

Prerequisites: ENG 123 and COM 123

COM 163 – Introduction to Digital Media: 3 credits

Survey of the history, present, and future of media including television, radio, communication policy, online video, social media, and the Web. This course covers technological, social, and economic implications for users, producers, and distributors of traditional and new media.

COM 293 – Intercultural Communication: 3 credits

An introductory course in communications between those of various cultures dealing with core culture and value orientation. The silent language and problems of Americans in other cultures are brought into focus.

COM 301 – Freelancing & Self-Branding: 3 credits

This course covers topics in freelancing, starting a business, branding, and social media marketing. Featuring a skill-building approach to course topics, this course equips students to start and publicize their own business using available tools and techniques. Students will learn to establish their personal businesses ethically and legally. Prerequisites: 1) Jr. Standing & 2) Course must be part of major requirements.

COM 303 – Interpersonal Communications: 3 credits

The study of the nature of interpersonal communication theory, processes and relationships. Examines face to face interactions using cognitive learning, skills training, and experiential techniques to better understand and interact with others. Includes practice in personal application of communications principles.

COM 323 – Business Communication: 3 credits

This course will help students understand the skills needed for effective written and oral communication in the business environment. The course examines interpersonal and public communication skills. 

Prerequisites: ENG 123, COM 123 and BUS 313

COM 332 – Christ, Communication & The Digital Mission: 3 credits

This course will explore the creation of digital content through the lens of communication and a Christian worldview. Students will explore methods of communication like homiletics as well as art theory to better explore methods of expression. This course will ask the questions “Why should we, as Christians, create digital content?”, “What is the digital preacher?” and “How can we move forward the Great Commission of Matthew 28 through the modern paradigm of digital media?” Analyzing art, communication theory, digital media, specific texts, and the Bible, this course will seek to answer those questions.

COM 373 – Design & Visual Language: 3 credits

This course helps students develop the intellectual skills necessary for analysis, understanding and creation of media messages in the many formats of today’s high-density visual environment. Students will be introduced to the syntax, grammar and rhetoric of visual communications. The course also surveys current trends in interactive media, marketing and advertising on the internet and various forms of e-commerce. Assignments explore information architecture and how visual design, writing style and navigation logic affect interactive marketing success.

COM 403 – Social Media Management: 3 credits

This course will introduce principles of social media management, including social media planning, content development, insights and analysis. Students will explore current platforms and tools, as well as how to craft effective social media strategies. Communication and public relations theories and techniques will be explored through case Studies and real-world application.

COM 413 – Digital Marketing & Analytics: 3 credits

Students will work on implementing digital techniques and skills including setting goals, crisis management, and customer service. Emphasis will be placed on Social Media Marketing, Search Engine Marketing, Search Engine optimization, and Analytics. Attention will be given not just to strategic planning but control content creation and the analysis of analytics for Social, SEM, SEO. Students will apply branding strategies and corporate narrative to a variety of projects.

COM 436 – Small Group Communication: 3 credits

This course will examine the theories and practice of small group communication, with an emphasis on Biblical perspective and practical application to give students the understanding, experience, and resources necessary to effectively function in a variety of small group settings in way that faithfully represents the love of Christ through their actions and group relationships.

COM 454 – Crisis Communication & Media Relations: 3 credits

Analysis of corporate, institutional and governmental conflict and crises. Consideration given to nature of social conflict, negotiation, problem-solving, crisis planning, news conferences and press releases.

COM 483 – Digital Media Internship: 3 credits

An internship is designed to allow upper-level students to experience the professional world while they are still involved in their academic training. This provides them with both an understanding of the relationship of their academic preparation to their career aspirations and the demands that will be placed upon them in the professional world. One 3-credit internship is required between their junior and senior year. An additional 3-credit internship may be allowed with the approval of the Digital Media faculty. Qualifications: Junior or Senior standing and with department approval.

COM 491, 492 or 493 – Topics in Communications: 1-3 credits

Special topics of varied interest are offered as needed and as resources permit.

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