Communication Studies Courses
Courses for Undergraduates Only
Courses for Undergraduates and Graduates
Courses for Graduates Only
Courses for Undergraduates Only
CMST 101. Fundamentals. 3 cr.
Focus is on the total range of communication behaviors we engage in within the contexts of intrapersonal, interpersonal, small group, organizational, public speaking, and mass communication.
CMST 102. Voice and Diction. 3 cr.
A non-technical approach to developing expressive speech. Emphasis is on phonetics, the mechanics of vocal sound, and oral readings.
CMST 109. Forensic Speaking Laboratory. 1 cr.
Supervised participation in the intercollegiate debate program. May be repeated for a maximum of three hours credit.
CMST 110H. Honors Speech Communication. 3 cr.
Speech taught more as a liberal art than as a technical art. Emphasis on developing effective rhetorical skills, problem-solving, critical thinking, and the place of values in establishing humane goals. Presentations required. Prerequisite: Admission to the Honors Program or permission of the Undergraduate Honors Council. Substitutes for either CMST 101 or 201.
CMST 118. Interpersonal Communication. 3 cr.
Stresses practical application of communication concepts and skills. Emphasis on self-concept, language, perception, listening, nonverbal communication, and resolution of interpersonal skills development.
CMST 201. Public Speaking. 3 cr.
The process of public communication, including an understanding of audience to produce, evaluate, and critique public expression in public arenas.
CMST 260. Small Group Communication. 3 cr.
Introduction to small group participation and leadership. Small group variables included for study are group structure, climate, goals, roles, norms, conflict, and rhetorical sensitivity. Special emphasis given to application of
concepts within problem-solving discussion groups.
CMST 304. Intercultural Communication. 3 cr.
A study of communication principles between members of different cultures. Distinctions among verbal and non-verbal code systems regarding various aspects of culture will be examined. Prerequisite: CMST 101, 118, or consent of instructor. May not be used as a substitute for a foreign language.
CMST 305. Oral Interpretation. 3 cr.
Oral reading of prose and poetry with emphasis on determining and interpreting the thought and emotional content of selections of literature.
CMST 310. Communication and Conflict. 3 cr.
A study of the theory and practice of communication strategies and styles in conflict situations. The course will look at conflict in interpersonal and/or professional settings. Prerequisite: CMST 101, 118, 201 or consent of the instructor.
CMST 311. Argumentation and Debate. 3 cr.
Argumentation as a method for critical inquiry. Emphasis on debate as argument exemplar with instruction in analysis, reasoning, and use of evidence. Participation in debates. (Formerly Speech 311-Debate.)
CMST 325. Special Topics. 3 cr.
Study of various communication contexts, problems, and issues. A. Rhetoric and Public Address; B. Forensics; C. Interpersonal Communication; D. Organizational Communication; E. Communication Theory; F. Instructional Communication. Prerequisite: CMST 101, 118, 201 or consent of Department Head.
CMST 330. Persuasion. 3 cr.
A review of general theoretical approaches to persuasion and influence with focus on principles of persuasive communication and application of persuasive strategies. Prerequisite: CMST 101 or 201 or consent of instructor. (Formerly
Speech 230 - Persuasion.)
CMST 335. Nonverbal Communication. 3 cr.
The process of generating and interpreting messages from such nonverbal sources as space, physical appearance, time, facial expressions, and other nonverbal codes explored for effects on interpersonal relationships. Prerequisite: CMST 101, 118, 201.
CMST 341. Communication and Gender. 3 cr.
Exploration of how gender and communication interact, exploring how gender influences communication, how gender is communicated, and how communication influences our understandings of gender and what it means to be gendered beings. Prerequisite: CMST 101, 118, or 304 or approval of the instructor.
CMST 344. Organizational Communication 3 cr.
An introduction to the principles and theories of competent organizational communication. You will learn about the research and practice in this field.
CMST 450. Communication Theory. 3 cr.
An analysis and evaluation of predominant communication theories that identify fundamental communicative forces in human action. Prerequisite: CMST 101, 330, or approval of instructor.
CMST 490. Internship. 2 cr.
One semester of supervised industry service. Academic requirements include a final paper and presentation. Prerequisites: completion of 15 hours of Communication Studies coursework and the approval of the academic advisor, faculty internship supervisor and site manager.
CMST 491. Directed Study. 1-3 cr.
Directed study in A. Rhetoric and Public Address; B. Forensics; C. Communication Studies; D. Oral Interpretation. May be repeated for a total of 6 crs. Prerequisites: Approval of department head.
Courses for Undergraduates and Graduates
CMST 405. Advanced Public Communication. 3 cr.
Preparation and delivery of the principal types of speeches, with some attention to the miscellaneous types of speeches; rhetorical criticism. An effort is made to arrange outside speaking engagements for members of the class. Prerequisite: CMST 110H or 201.
CMST 420. Performance Studies. 3 cr.
Theory and practice in the art of group oral presentation of literature; selection, analysis, and arrangement of materials for oral interpretation; program planning for public presentation; emphasis on Reader’s Theatre. Prerequisite: CMST 305 or consent of instructor.
CMST 426. Health Communication. 3 cr.
The study of effective communication perspectives and skills helpful in providing integrated, coordinated services between various allied health professions. Prerequisite: CMST 118, 304, 310, or approval of instructor.
CMST 451. American Public Address. 3 cr.
Provides a study of American public address from colonial times to the present. Prerequisite: CMST 101, 201, or approval of instructor.
CMST 452. Criticism of Contemporary Communication. 3 cr.
This course examines various aspects of contemporary communication. Prerequisites: CMST 101, 201, or approval of the instructor.
CMST 453. Rhetoric of Social Movements. 3 cr.
This course examines social movement. Prerequisite: CMST 101, 201, or approval of instructor.
CMST 462. Advanced Small Group Communication. 3 cr.
Studies of group action, interaction, and leadership designed to apply small group theory. Emphasis on the nature of group communication as exemplified in the discussion/conference model. Prerequisite: CMST 260 or 101 or consent of instructor.
Courses for Graduates Only
CMST 501. Rhetorical Theory. 3 cr.
Analysis of significant developments in rhetorical theory from classical to modern times.
CMST 502. Nonverbal Communication. 3 cr.
An examination of central principles of nonverbal communication, a theoretical application of how these principles can be used, and a description of how knowledge of nonverbal cues can increase communication effectiveness. Prerequisite: CMST 101, 118, or 260 or consent of instructor.
CMST 503. Rhetoric Criticism. 3 cr.
Analysis of significant developments in methodologies for performing rhetorical criticism.
CMST 504. Intercultural Communication. 3 cr.
The study of recent research and theory of intercultural communication examining cross-cultural perspectives on such research issues as language, training, intercultural communication competence, and related issues. Prerequisite: CMST 101 or 118 or consent of instructor.
CMST 510. Communication Theory. 3 cr.
Review, analysis, and evaluation of major theories of human communication. Emphasis on heuristic factors that may guide future communicative efforts in human relations.
CMST 518. General Semantics. 3 cr.
A study of the relationship between language, thought, and behavior. Formulations from the works of Alfred Korzybski and neo-Korzybskian interpreters are presented. General semantics is discussed as an interdisciplinary approach to knowledge.
Relationships are made to contemporary problems in human affairs.
CMST 520. Political Communication. 3 cr.
A critical review and analysis of contemporary theoretical approaches related to means of political persuasion, contexts, and research methodology. Prerequisite: CMST 201 or 330 or consent of instructor.
CMST 525. Special Topics. 3 cr. Maximum, 9 cr.
A. Rhetoric and Public Address; B. Forensics; C. Interpersonal Communication; D. Organizational Communication; E. Communication Theory; F. Selected Topics in Speech Communication.
CMST 526. Communication in Gerontology. 3 cr.
The study of communication processes among gerontological professionals, staff, patients, healthcare providers, and administrators. Emphasis on research strategies and practical learning experiences as tools for facilitating interaction. (Same as Gerontology 526.)
CMST 530. Advanced Studies in Persuasion. 3 cr.
A review of the history of persuasion research. Theories and methods of studying persuasion are synthesized and related to contemporary problems of social influence. Prerequisite: CMST 201 or 330 or consent of instructor.
CMST 541. Communication and Gender. 3 cr.
This course is an advanced study exploring how our gendered lives influence relationships. Special attention will be given to theory and research of, and on, the ways gender and communication interact. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
CMST 544. Advanced Studies in Organizational Communication. 3 cr.
Advanced studies in organizational life emphasizing research and theory. Students will study current research in the field and conduct research in an organization. Students will be encouraged to extend and develop theory. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
CMST 550. Advanced Studies in Interpersonal Communication. 3 cr.
Analyses of relational development, maintenance, and change in the contexts of working relations, friendships, and families. Prerequisites: CMST 101, 118, or permission of instructor.
CMST 591. Directed Study. 1-6 cr.
Individual study in A. Rhetoric and Public Address; B. Forensics; C. Interpersonal Communication; D. Organizational Communication; E. Communication Theory; F. Instructional Communication. Maximum of 6 hours of Directed Study can be applied to any graduate degree. Prerequisite: Approval of instructor and Department Head.
CMST 599. Thesis. 1-6 cr.
Grades of CR (Credit) or NC (No Credit) will be awarded.