Courses

Surveys foundational texts and contemporary research in argumentation. Analysis of distinctions between philosophical and rhetorical approaches to argument. Critical analysis of major theoretical and methodological traditions and topics with an emphasis on social dimensions of argument. Prereq., graduate standing or instructor consent. Recommended prereq., COMM 5320.

Traces select traditions in social and/or cultural theory, emphasizing how these traditions affect and are affected by the field of rhetoric studies. Examines the origins and resolutions of major debates in social and/or cultural theory from a rhetorical perspective. Prereq., graduate standing or instructor consent. Recommended prereq., COMM 5320.

Acquaints students with the main types of discourse analysis: conversation analysis, critical discourse analysis, and rhetorically-informed discourse approaches. Teaches how to conduct discourse analysis, including transcribing, selecting excerpts, documenting inferences, and linking to scholarly controversies. Prereq., graduate standing or instructor consent. Prerequisites: Restricted to Graduate Students only.

Educates students in one of a selected set of methodological specializations used in the study of human interaction. May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours on different topics. Prereq., graduate standing or instructor consent.

Focuses on key processes in interpersonal communication relevant to understanding interaction at the dyadic, group, and organizational levels. Examines theory and research on selected interpersonal processes such as facework/identity, support/emotional communication, relational communication, and conflict in interaction. Prereq., graduate standing or instructor consent.

Examines theory, method, and application of grounded practical theory, an approach to building normative theory through description, critique, and theoretical reconstruction of situated communication practices. Semester project involves analysis of a sample of discourse from a public or field observation setting. Prereq., graduate standing or instructor consent. Recommended prereq., COMM 5210.

Focuses on cultural diversity in human communication. There are two main objectives: to acquaint students with classic and contemporary readings that articulate the relationship between communication and culture, and to introduce them to methodologies they can use to develop a cultural approach toward a variety of observable forms and practices of communication. Prereq., COMM 5425.

Examines theory, research, and practice associated with facilitating group interaction processes (e.g.,group creation, conflict communication management, conversation and discussion, task accomplishment, and team communication), including facilitation associated with teaching an introductory group interaction course. Prereq., graduate standing or instructor consent. Recommended prereq., COMM 5420. Prerequisites: Restricted to Graduate Students only.

Explores the history, routine communicative practices, common interactional troubles, cross-cultural differences, and expectations about "Ideal" communicative conduct for workplace and public meetings. Seminar project involves field study of a meeting group. Prereq., graduate standing or instructor consent. Recommended prereq., Comm 6030.

Explores theory and research on communication processes associated with collaboration and decision making in contemporary organizations, particularly as they are influenced by participation programs, technology, and team structures. Prereq., graduate standing or instructor consent. Recommended prereqs., COMM 5620 and 6010. Prerequisites: Restricted to Graduate Students only.

Reviews theory and philosophy of organizations and organizing where communication processes are seen as constitutive. Focuses on discursive and material practices in the formation and change of organizational structure, culture, and operation. Prereq., graduate standing or instructor consent. Recommended prereq., COMM 5620.

Addresses the role of communication in cultural change efforts in organizations. Topics include the nature and function of organizational cultures, the role of leadership, ethical issues, and member involvement in change processes. Specific organizational cases are highlighted throughout. Prereq., graduate standing or instructor consent. Recommended prereq., COMM 5620.

Examines how social roles influence communication practices, the development of relationships, and the impact of relationships on identity. Considers these processes in contexts such as personal relationships and institutional settings. Topic varies. May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours on different topics. Prereq., graduate standing or instructor consent. Prerequisites: Restricted to Graduate Students only.

May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours. Prerequisites: Restricted to Graduate Students only.

May be repeated up to 18 total credit hours.

All doctoral students must register for not fewer than 30 hours of dissertation credit as part of the requirements for the degree. For a detailed discussion of doctoral dissertation credit, refer to the Graduate School section.