school of communication course descriptions
Listed below are the course descriptions for School of Communication Summer Sessions courses.
School of CommunicationCMUN 101 Public Speaking and Critical Thinking
This introductory course is designed to supply students with the skills of public address, a fundamental understanding of critical thinking practices, foundational tenets of communication theory, a grasp of the relationship between context and communication, and a sense of the social responsibility that comes with the capacity for communication.
CMUN 160 Communication Practices
An introduction to communication as a practical discipline that studies communication practices within the social, historical, and political contexts in which they have emerged. This class will emphasize the major shifts in communication, from oral to literate to post-literate forms.
CMUN 217 Ethics and Communication
Prerequisite: CMUN 150 or 160
This course explores various approaches to ethical decision-making and applies that process to diverse aspects of every day, contemporary life. Students learn to discern a wide variety of ethical issues concerning communication behavior, apply systematic ethical analysis to various communication situations, and explain their analyses clearly.
CMUN 222 Introduction to Cinema
This course is an introduction to the study of cinema as a complex medium of communication. This course will provide students with the basic terminology, observational skills, and theoretical background for the study of film aesthetics, language, cultural analysis, history, and the production of cinematic texts. Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the basic approaches to film studies such as formal analysis, critical practices, and narrative studies.
CMUN 250 Mass Media Advertising
Prerequisites: CMUN 160 or 160
This introduction to advertising provides an overview of the theory and hands-on practice of advertising including planning, strategy, creative development, and media planning. Elements of direct response, promotion, Internet, and public relations are also presented. Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the principles of advertising and practice creative and decision-making skills in developing an advertising campaign.
CMUN 265 Public Relations
Prerequisites: CMUN 160 or 160
This course introduces the theory and practice of public relations in communicating and establishing relationships with diverse publics. Topics include professional roles and ethical responsibilities, strategies and tools, media resources, and public relations writing. Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the roles and practices of the public relations professional, develop PR plans, and create a portfolio or writing samples.
CMUN 271 Reporting and Writing
Prerequisites: UCWR 101
Current issues in US journalism with strong emphasis on developing skills in news reporting, interviewing, and writing.
CMUN 381 Practicum-Communication
Prerequisites: Approval of instructor and chair
Advanced practical experience in organizational/interpersonal/public communication. May be repeated for a total of 9 hours, but only 6 may count toward the major. Students gain advanced practical experience the field of communication.
CMUN 382 Practicum-Journalism
Prerequisites: Senior standing and permission of journalism director
Independent investigation of a specialized topic or issue with clearly defined ethical component. This is an integrative course taken in the final semester of program. Student integrates applied areas of program in researching and writing of depth article and considers ethical dimension of reporting.
CMUN 384 Practicum-Film
Prerequisites: Approval of instructor and chair
Advanced practical experience in film projects. May be repeated for a total of 9 hours, but only 6 may count toward the major. Students gain advanced practical experience in film production.
CMUN 396 Internship/Communication
Please contact the department for details.
CMUN 398 Directed Study
Prerequisites: Instructor and departmental approval
Independent research under the supervision of a designated faculty member. May be repeated for a total of 9 hours, but only 6 may count toward the major. Students gain experience and use skills they have developed in their field of interest to work on independent research.