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. Recommended prereq., COMM 5320. Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Traces select traditions in social and/or cultural theory, emphasizing how those 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. Recommended prereq., COMM 5320. Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
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 findings to scholarly controversies. Requisites: 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. Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Examines theory, method, and application of grounded practical theory, an approach to building normative theory through description, critique, and theoretical reconstruction of situated communicative practices. Semester project involves analysis of a sample of discourse from a public or field observation setting. Recommended prereq., COMM 5210. Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Focuses on cultural diversity in human communication, acquainting students with classic and contemporary readings that articulate relationships between communication and culture, and introducing them to methodologies used to develop a cultural approach toward a variety of observable forms and practices of communication. Recommended prereq., COMM 5425. Requisites: 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. Recommended prereq., COMM 6030. Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Surveys historical and contemporary developments in media and communications policy, emphasizing social and cultural dimensions. Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Develops a theoretical framework with which to recognize and analyze ethical issues as they arise in the media. Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Anthropological and interpretative exploration of cultural practices of media audiences. Addresses theoretical and methodological implications of studying audiences from a culturalist perspective,with particular focus on media audience practices. Students engage in field research projects related to course content. Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Introduces fundamental methods for understanding the construction of meaning in film, television, popular music and advertising. Traces the study of popular culture through film theory, mass media analysis and cultural studies. Surveys various strands of research that seek to understand popular culture and its effects. Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
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. Recommended prereqs., COMM 5620 and COMM 6010. Requisites: 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. Recommended prereq., COMM 5620. Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Addresses the role of communication in cultural change efforts in organizations. Topics include the nature and function of organizational cultures, role of leadership, ethical issues, and member involvement in change processes. Specific organizational cases are highlighted throughout. Recommended prereq., COMM 5620. Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Examines history of communication, including the means (technologies) of communication, social practices (institutional, collective, individual) that intersect with the study of communication and media, and cultural forms (texts, products). Situates the study of media, technology, and culture within historical contexts, comparative historical research, media archaeology, genealogy and media history. Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Examines how social roles influence communicative 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. Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Visual communication involves understanding both perception of messages and construction of them. Students analyze their visual thinking abilities and develop habits of visual analysis and criticism, as well as visual communication skills. Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
