Communication
http://www.pacific.edu/college/communication/
Phone: (209) 946-2505
Location: Psychology/Communication Building
Qingwen Dong, Chair
Jon Schamber, Department Director of Graduate Studies
Programs Offered
Master of Arts in Communication
- Communication Education
- Communication Studies
- Political Communication
- Media and Public Relations
The Department of Communication offers graduate-level instruction that leads toward the Master of Arts degree. The degree program combines training in communication theory, methodology and practice for students who desire knowledge and skills for solving work-related communication problems and for students who intend to enter doctoral programs. The program offers four concentrations of study:
- Communication Education
- Communication Studies
- Political Communication, and
- Media and Public Relation
Three of the concentrations provide options for taking coursework from related disciplines that provide graduate students with an interdisciplinary approach to the study of communication. Each concentration is designed for students who regard knowledge of communication as important for their chosen professional careers but may or may not hold a bachelor’s degree in communication.
The nature of the discipline of communication requires students to possess a high level of proficiency in written and spoken English. For this reason, students who come from non-English speaking cultures should only apply for the program if they have extensive training and experience in speaking and writing in the English language.
Thesis and Non Thesis Options
The thesis option (Plan A) requires 28 units of coursework and 4 units of thesis. Students must successfully complete a 6-hour written comprehensive examination and a 1-hour oral examination administered by a committee of three professors prior to starting the thesis. Students must also successfully defend a thesis proposal before a committee of three professors prior to collecting data for the thesis. The thesis must contribute to the body of knowledge of the field in a significant manner.
The non-thesis option (Plan B) requires 32 units of coursework. Students must also successfully complete a 12-hour written comprehensive examination and a 2-hour oral examination administered by a committee of three professors. Four hours of the written comprehensive examination covers material from a “landmark works in communication” list developed by the department faculty.
Grade Point Requirements
Candidates for a graduate degree must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0. No grade below a B- (2.7) counts toward the degree program in any course at the 200 level. No grade below a B (3.0) counts toward the degree program in any course at the 100 level.
Students who seek admission to the Department of Communication must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or above in all upper-division undergraduate study and complete the Graduate Record Examination with satisfactory results.
Graduate Assistant Requirements
A full-time graduate assistant normally takes 8 units. Graduate assistants who seek to take more than 8 units must receive department approval and approval of the Graduate Dean.
Master of Arts in Communication Concentration Communication Education
Students must complete a minimum of 32 units with a Pacific cumulative grade point average of 3.0 in order to earn the master of arts degree in communication with a concentration in communication education.
COMM 261 Critical and Qualitative Research Methods 4 COMM 262 Quantitative Research Methods 4 COMM 271 Graduate Seminar: Rhetorical Thought 4 COMM 272 Graduate Seminar: Interpersonal Communication 4 COMM 276 Communication in Learning Settings 4 Select one of the following courses from the School of Education: Pluralism in American Education Curriculum Theory Seminar: Multicultural Education Or an approved course by advisor Select one of the following: 4 Graduate Seminar: Mass Communication Graduate Seminar: in Public Relations Media Relations Political Communication Graduate Internship Graduate Practicum Or an approved course by the advisor Select one of the following options: 5 Thesis Option Plan A Graduate Research Thesis 6-hour written comprehensive examination 1-hour oral examination Non-Thesis Option Plan B Graduate Independent Study COMM Course (200 level) 12-hour written comprehensive examination 2-hour oral comprehensive examination
Master of Arts in Communication Concentration Political Communication
In order to earn the master of arts degree in communication with a concentration in political communication, students must complete a minimum of 32 units with a Pacific cumulative grade point average of 3.0.
COMM 261 Critical and Qualitative Research Methods 4 COMM 262 Quantitative Research Methods 4 COMM 271 Graduate Seminar: Rhetorical Thought 4 COMM 273 Graduate Seminar: Mass Communication 4 COMM 278 Political Communication 4 Select one of the following: 4 POLS Elective (One approved elective from Political Science department) COMM Course (200 level course) COMM 287 Graduate Internship 2 OR 4 Select one of the following options: 4 Thesis Option Plan A Thesis 6-hour written comprehensive examination 1-hour oral comprehensive examination Non-Thesis Option Plan B COMM Course (200 level course) 12-hour written comprehensive examination 2-hour oral comprehensive examination
Master of Arts in Communication Concentration Media and Public Relations
Students must complete a minimum of 32 units with a Pacific cumulative grade point average of 3.0 in order to earn the master of arts degree in communication with a concentration in media and public relations.
COMM 261 Critical and Qualitative Research Methods 4 COMM 262 Quantitative Research Methods 4 COMM 273 Graduate Seminar: Mass Communication 4 COMM 275 Graduate Seminar: in Public Relations 4 Select one of the following: 4 Media Relations Political Communication Select one of the following courses from the Department of Sports Sciences or School of Business: 4 Advanced Sport Marketing and Promotions Management and Organizational Behavior Negotiation Leadership Or an approved course by advisor Select one of the following: 4 Graduate Internship Graduate Practicum Select one of the following options: 4 Thesis Option Plan A Thesis 6-hour written comprehensive examination 1-hour oral comprehensive examination Non-Thesis Option Plan B COMM Course (200 level elective or an approved course by advisor) 12-hour written comprehensive examination 2-hour oral comprehensive examination
Master of Arts in Communication Concentration Communication Studies
Students must complete a minimum of 32 units with a Pacific cumulative grade point average of 3.0 in order to earn the master of arts degree in communication with a concentration in communication studies,
COMM 261 Critical and Qualitative Research Methods 4 COMM 262 Quantitative Research Methods 4 Select five of the following: 20 Graduate Seminar: Rhetorical Thought Graduate Seminar: Interpersonal Communication Graduate Seminar: Mass Communication Graduate Seminar: in Public Relations Communication in Learning Settings Media Relations Political Communication Graduate Practicum Graduate Internship Select one of the following options: 4 Thesis Option Plan A Thesis 6-hour written comprehensive examination 1-hour oral comprehensive examination Non-Thesis Option Plan B COMM Course (200 level elective) 12-hour written comprehensive examination 2-hour oral comprehensive examination
Communication Courses
COMM 200. Communication & Consulting. 3 Units.
This course explores topics related to the work of communication consultants. Through the course readings, presentations, workshops and other assigned work, students will acquire an understanding of the consulting process, including the role of the consultant, methods for undertaking a needs assessment, strategies for conducting training programs, and techniques for exaluating the work of consultants.
COMM 201. Applied Public Relations. 3 Units.
this course examines public relations strategies and tactics, as applicable to politics, non-profits and education. It will explore public affairs, public outreach and crisis management, and prepare students to communitcate and utilize public relations with internal and external audiences.
COMM 202. Public Communication Campaigns. 3 Units.
The course is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of communication theory as it relates to attitudes and behavior changes involving public communication campaign issues. The course will also develop an understanding of the application of various quantitative and qualitative research methods to the design, execution, and evaluation of public communication campaigns.
COMM 203. New Communication Technology. 3 Units.
The course is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of a range of new communication technology and to give students basic skills and theoretical principles for their application to public communication through presentations, readings, videos placed on iTunes University and exercises. In addition, the course will enable students to identify, internalize and practice the necessary components of using new media technology for effective public communication.
COMM 204. Med. Relations:New Media World. 3 Units.
The purpose of this course is to discuss and debate media relations principles and practices in relation to government, corporations, and public policy. From a scholarly examination of this unique and important form of communication, the course will survey the current trends and issues, and determine the validity of existing theories of media relations management from government, corporate, and community perspectives.
COMM 205. Communication/Decision Making. 3 Units.
The purpose of this course is to assess communication strategies in decision making. From a scholarly examination of communication theories and decision making stages, the course will focus on the significance of communicating, administering, and evaluating decision making in professional environments.
COMM 206. Mgmt of Organizational Comm. 3 Units.
This course examines both theoretical and applied approaches concerning the role of communication in various aspects of organizational function, such as motivation, leadership, decision-making, conflict management, and message management.
COMM 207. Advanced Professional Comm.. 3 Units.
This advanced course both builds on basic oral and written professional communication skills, and goes well beyond them. The goals of this course are to provide opportunities for students to polish communication skills in different contexts, and to provide practice in and feedback on the interactive communication skills essential to successful professionals.
COMM 214. Argumentation and Advocacy. 4 Units.
This course introduces students to the theory and practice of argumentation, that is a method of decision-making that emphasizes reason giving evidence. The course includes instruction in debating, research, and critical writing, as well as advanced topics in the study of public deliberation. Prerequisites: three courses from COMM 027, 031, 043, 050 with a GPA of 2.5 or better, or permission of the instructor.
COMM 216. Rhetorical Theory and Criticism. 4 Units.
This course strives to help students derive insight into how symbolic processes affect human awareness, beliefs, values, and actions. The course treats criticism and analysis as methods of inquiry into the nature, character, and effects of human communication. It addresses various methods of rhetorical criticism in terms of their central units of analysis and typical intellectual concerns. Prerequisite: COMM 160 or permission of the instructor.
COMM 233. Doc Film as Persuasive Comm. 4 Units.
This course is a survey of documentary film beginning at the turn of the century and contineing through contemporary productions from a historical and rhetorical perspective. Students explore documentary film's origins and trace out its development in relation to its use and reception as students become familiar with the history of the documentary, the evolution of the genre, its rhetorical construction and its cultural influences.
COMM 237. PR Case Studies and Problems. 4 Units.
This advanced course in public relations engages students in case study research and application of public relations principles. Written and oral presentations with adherence to professional standards of excellence are required. Prerequisite: COMM 135.
COMM 239. Theory of Mass Communication. 4 Units.
This course is an overview of major theories and research in mass communication. Students examine the application of theories that explain and predict communication effects of political campaigns, advertising, entertainment, and information. Theoretical areas covered include socialization, information, diffusion, advertising, persuasion, and uses of gratification's research. The state, function, and form of theory in mass communication is discussed. Prerequisite: COMM 160 or permission of the instructor.
COMM 245. Human Communication Theory. 4 Units.
Students study contemporary understandings of human interaction. Beginning with epistemological issues as a framework, the course examines theory building, foundation theories of our discipline, and contextual theories.
COMM 247. Nonverbal Communication. 4 Units.
The course examines major dimensions of non-verbal behavior exhibited by human beings in social interactional contexts. Special emphasis is given to such areas as human proxemics, kinesics, vocalics, haptics, and artifactual codes. Prerequisite: COMM 043 or permission of the instructor.
COMM 249. Introduction to Organizational Communication. 4 Units.
This course takes both a theoretical and an applied approach to introduce the student to the role of communication in various aspects of organizational functioning, such as motivation, leadership, decision-making, conflict management, message management, etc. Prerequisites: COMM 043 and COMM 027 or permission of the instructor.
COMM 252. Public Relations Administration. 4 Units.
Theoretically grounded, the course focuses on how public relations managers can effect change. Communication strategies for effective leadership and motivation of public relations professionals are emphasized. The course enhances critical skills of managment for the understanding of public relations research, action/planning, communication and evaluation. Prerequisites: COMM 135 and COMM 137 (may be taken concurrently). Senior standing.
COMM 255. Persuasion. 4 Units.
This course is a survey of social psychological and communication approaches to social influence. Both past and contemporary theorizing are explored, and the methods of empirical research is discussed. Prerequisite: COMM 027 or permission of the instructor.
COMM 260. Communication Research Methods. 4 Units.
Students study of research methods appropriate for examining communication-related problems. Topics for the course include historical-critical methods, descriptive methods, experimental methods, statistical models for data analysis and resarch reporting and writing. A minimum GPA of 2.5 is required. Prerequisites: COMM 027, 031, 043, or permission of the instructor. Recommended for sophomores.
COMM 261. Critical and Qualitative Research Methods. 4 Units.
The course provides a graduate-level introduction to qualitative methods used in communication studies. Topics covered provide an overview of rhetorical analysis, critical and cultural studies, ethnography, and case studies in public relations. The course emphasizes the connection between the theoretical foundations of qualitative inquiry and their applications to communicative interactions. Applications include the writing of criticism, field work in ethnography, and case studies.
COMM 262. Quantitative Research Methods. 4 Units.
This course develops expertise in undertaking quantitative research at the graduate level. The seminar focuses on various quantitative methods, that include content analysis, survey research, experimental design, and scale construction, as well as statistical techniques for analyzing quantitative data.
COMM 271. Graduate Seminar: Rhetorical Thought. 4 Units.
This course provides a graduate level introduction into the theory and practice of rhetorical criticism. The course focuses on the role of the critic and six modes of criticism which are as follows: generic criticism, cluster, narrative criticism, narrative criticism, ideological criticism, metaphoric criticism, and fantasy theme criticism.
COMM 272. Graduate Seminar: Interpersonal Communication. 4 Units.
This course provides the student who has achieved a general understanding of interpersonal communication issues the opportunity to choose and explore a particular area of special interest. The first phase of the course focuses on discussion of several theories of interpersonal behavior. Beginning approximately the fourth week of class, each student brings in and presents two or more abstracts of published articles related to the interest area. The last session(s) provides the opportunity for students to share their conclusions with the others. Each student completes a paper which presents a research proposal in the area of interest. The term paper is due the last scheduled day of classes.
COMM 273. Graduate Seminar: Mass Communication. 4 Units.
The purpose of this course is to provide an introduction to mass communication theory and scholarship from three different scholarly perspectives: the social science or traditional paradigm, the critical theory paradigm, and the ethnographic paradigm. Students are not only exposed to the literature in each of these areas, but they are also asked to conduct small scale studies from two of the three paradigms. Because the class is a seminar, student presentations and discussion are the major activity during class time.
COMM 275. Graduate Seminar: in Public Relations. 4 Units.
The Graduate Seminar in Public Relations is designed through in-depth study and research to formalize understanding of Public Relations: theory and practice, functions in organizations and role in society. Students study concepts and theories related to public relations role in social systems. A "mock" APR tests knowledge at the end of the semester with both a written and an oral examination.
COMM 276. Communication in Learning Settings. 4 Units.
This graduate seminar is designed to develop knowledge of current communication education research and effective communication strategies for teaching undergraduate courses in communication.
COMM 277. Media Relations. 4 Units.
This course is to discuss and debate media relations, principles, and practice.
COMM 278. Political Communication. 4 Units.
This course is designed to provide a grounding in rhetorical approaches to persuasion in a political context, to acquaint students with the range of political ideologies, and to examine the theoretical and pragmatic opportunities and obstacles to advocacy in the current mediated content of national, regional, or location politics.
COMM 287. Graduate Internship. 2 OR 4 Units.
COMM 289. Graduate Practicum. 2 OR 4 Units.
COMM 291. Graduate Independent Study. 2-4 Units.
COMM 295. Graduate Seminar. 4 Units.
COMM 297. Graduate Research. 1-4 Unit.
COMM 299. Thesis. 2 OR 4 Units.
Communication Competence
1. Research, organize and deliver oral presentations effectively. 2. Write clearly, critically and persuasively.
Analytic Capacity
1. Analyze and evaluate scholarly communication literature. 2. Apply communication theories, concepts, or principles of best practice and research methods to study or solve communication issues and problems.
Professionalism
1. Exhibit professional behaviors while undertaking work in a professional setting.
Communication Faculty
Qingwen Dong, Chair, Professor, 1996, BA, Beijing Second Foreign Language Institute, 1983; MA, University of Missouri-Columbia, 1990; PhD, Washington State University, 1995.
Marlin Bates, Assistant Professor, 2005, BA, University of the Pacific, 1996; MA, 1999; PhD, Pennsylvania State University, 2004.
Teresa G. Bergman, Associate Professor, 2006, BA, University of California, Berkeley, 1978; MA, San Francisco State University, 1991; PhD, University of California, Davis, 2001.
Kenneth D. Day, Professor, 1987, BS, Indiana University, 1970; MA, 1975; PhD, 1980.
Heather Hether, Assistant Professor, 2011, BA York Universiy, 1992; MA, 2003, 2007; PhD University of Southern California, 2009.
Randall J. Koper, Professor, 1985, BA, Michigan State University, 1974; MA, 1984; PhD, 1985.
R. Alan Ray, Assistant Professor, 1987, BS, Memphis State University, 1977; MA, 1980; PhD, University of Missouri, 1986.
Jon F. Schamber, Professor, 1980, BA, University of the Pacific, 1974; MA, 1975; PhD, University of Oregon, 1982.
Paul Turpin, Assistant Professor, 2007, BA University of California, Berkeley, 1994; MA, University of Southern California, 1997; PhD 2005.
http://www.pacific.edu/college/communication/
Phone: (209) 946-2505
Location: Psychology/Communication Building
Qingwen Dong, Chair
Jon Schamber, Department Director of Graduate Studies
Programs Offered
Master of Arts in Communication
- Communication Education
- Communication Studies
- Political Communication
- Media and Public Relations
The Department of Communication offers graduate-level instruction that leads toward the Master of Arts degree. The degree program combines training in communication theory, methodology and practice for students who desire knowledge and skills for solving work-related communication problems and for students who intend to enter doctoral programs. The program offers four concentrations of study:
- Communication Education
- Communication Studies
- Political Communication, and
- Media and Public Relation
Three of the concentrations provide options for taking coursework from related disciplines that provide graduate students with an interdisciplinary approach to the study of communication. Each concentration is designed for students who regard knowledge of communication as important for their chosen professional careers but may or may not hold a bachelor’s degree in communication.
The nature of the discipline of communication requires students to possess a high level of proficiency in written and spoken English. For this reason, students who come from non-English speaking cultures should only apply for the program if they have extensive training and experience in speaking and writing in the English language.
Thesis and Non Thesis Options
The thesis option (Plan A) requires 28 units of coursework and 4 units of thesis. Students must successfully complete a 6-hour written comprehensive examination and a 1-hour oral examination administered by a committee of three professors prior to starting the thesis. Students must also successfully defend a thesis proposal before a committee of three professors prior to collecting data for the thesis. The thesis must contribute to the body of knowledge of the field in a significant manner.
The non-thesis option (Plan B) requires 32 units of coursework. Students must also successfully complete a 12-hour written comprehensive examination and a 2-hour oral examination administered by a committee of three professors. Four hours of the written comprehensive examination covers material from a “landmark works in communication” list developed by the department faculty.
Grade Point Requirements
Candidates for a graduate degree must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0. No grade below a B- (2.7) counts toward the degree program in any course at the 200 level. No grade below a B (3.0) counts toward the degree program in any course at the 100 level.
Students who seek admission to the Department of Communication must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or above in all upper-division undergraduate study and complete the Graduate Record Examination with satisfactory results.
Graduate Assistant Requirements
A full-time graduate assistant normally takes 8 units. Graduate assistants who seek to take more than 8 units must receive department approval and approval of the Graduate Dean.
Master of Arts in Communication Concentration Communication Education
Students must complete a minimum of 32 units with a Pacific cumulative grade point average of 3.0 in order to earn the master of arts degree in communication with a concentration in communication education.
| COMM 261 | Critical and Qualitative Research Methods | 4 |
| COMM 262 | Quantitative Research Methods | 4 |
| COMM 271 | Graduate Seminar: Rhetorical Thought | 4 |
| COMM 272 | Graduate Seminar: Interpersonal Communication | 4 |
| COMM 276 | Communication in Learning Settings | 4 |
| Select one of the following courses from the School of Education: | ||
| Pluralism in American Education | ||
| Curriculum Theory | ||
| Seminar: Multicultural Education | ||
Or an approved course by advisor | ||
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Graduate Seminar: Mass Communication | ||
| Graduate Seminar: in Public Relations | ||
| Media Relations | ||
| Political Communication | ||
| Graduate Internship | ||
| Graduate Practicum | ||
Or an approved course by the advisor | ||
| Select one of the following options: | 5 | |
| Thesis Option Plan A | ||
| Graduate Research | ||
| Thesis | ||
6-hour written comprehensive examination | ||
1-hour oral examination | ||
| Non-Thesis Option Plan B | ||
| Graduate Independent Study | ||
COMM Course (200 level) | ||
12-hour written comprehensive examination | ||
2-hour oral comprehensive examination | ||
Master of Arts in Communication Concentration Political Communication
In order to earn the master of arts degree in communication with a concentration in political communication, students must complete a minimum of 32 units with a Pacific cumulative grade point average of 3.0.
| COMM 261 | Critical and Qualitative Research Methods | 4 |
| COMM 262 | Quantitative Research Methods | 4 |
| COMM 271 | Graduate Seminar: Rhetorical Thought | 4 |
| COMM 273 | Graduate Seminar: Mass Communication | 4 |
| COMM 278 | Political Communication | 4 |
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
POLS Elective (One approved elective from Political Science department) | ||
COMM Course (200 level course) | ||
| COMM 287 | Graduate Internship | 2 OR 4 |
| Select one of the following options: | 4 | |
| Thesis Option Plan A | ||
| Thesis | ||
6-hour written comprehensive examination | ||
1-hour oral comprehensive examination | ||
| Non-Thesis Option Plan B | ||
COMM Course (200 level course) | ||
12-hour written comprehensive examination | ||
2-hour oral comprehensive examination | ||
Master of Arts in Communication Concentration Media and Public Relations
Students must complete a minimum of 32 units with a Pacific cumulative grade point average of 3.0 in order to earn the master of arts degree in communication with a concentration in media and public relations.
| COMM 261 | Critical and Qualitative Research Methods | 4 |
| COMM 262 | Quantitative Research Methods | 4 |
| COMM 273 | Graduate Seminar: Mass Communication | 4 |
| COMM 275 | Graduate Seminar: in Public Relations | 4 |
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Media Relations | ||
| Political Communication | ||
| Select one of the following courses from the Department of Sports Sciences or School of Business: | 4 | |
| Advanced Sport Marketing and Promotions | ||
| Management and Organizational Behavior | ||
| Negotiation | ||
| Leadership | ||
Or an approved course by advisor | ||
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Graduate Internship | ||
| Graduate Practicum | ||
| Select one of the following options: | 4 | |
| Thesis Option Plan A | ||
| Thesis | ||
6-hour written comprehensive examination | ||
1-hour oral comprehensive examination | ||
| Non-Thesis Option Plan B | ||
COMM Course (200 level elective or an approved course by advisor) | ||
12-hour written comprehensive examination | ||
2-hour oral comprehensive examination | ||
Master of Arts in Communication Concentration Communication Studies
Students must complete a minimum of 32 units with a Pacific cumulative grade point average of 3.0 in order to earn the master of arts degree in communication with a concentration in communication studies,
| COMM 261 | Critical and Qualitative Research Methods | 4 |
| COMM 262 | Quantitative Research Methods | 4 |
| Select five of the following: | 20 | |
| Graduate Seminar: Rhetorical Thought | ||
| Graduate Seminar: Interpersonal Communication | ||
| Graduate Seminar: Mass Communication | ||
| Graduate Seminar: in Public Relations | ||
| Communication in Learning Settings | ||
| Media Relations | ||
| Political Communication | ||
| Graduate Practicum | ||
| Graduate Internship | ||
| Select one of the following options: | 4 | |
| Thesis Option Plan A | ||
| Thesis | ||
6-hour written comprehensive examination | ||
1-hour oral comprehensive examination | ||
| Non-Thesis Option Plan B | ||
COMM Course (200 level elective) | ||
12-hour written comprehensive examination | ||
2-hour oral comprehensive examination | ||
COMM 200. Communication & Consulting. 3 Units.
This course explores topics related to the work of communication consultants. Through the course readings, presentations, workshops and other assigned work, students will acquire an understanding of the consulting process, including the role of the consultant, methods for undertaking a needs assessment, strategies for conducting training programs, and techniques for exaluating the work of consultants.
COMM 201. Applied Public Relations. 3 Units.
this course examines public relations strategies and tactics, as applicable to politics, non-profits and education. It will explore public affairs, public outreach and crisis management, and prepare students to communitcate and utilize public relations with internal and external audiences.
COMM 202. Public Communication Campaigns. 3 Units.
The course is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of communication theory as it relates to attitudes and behavior changes involving public communication campaign issues. The course will also develop an understanding of the application of various quantitative and qualitative research methods to the design, execution, and evaluation of public communication campaigns.
COMM 203. New Communication Technology. 3 Units.
The course is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of a range of new communication technology and to give students basic skills and theoretical principles for their application to public communication through presentations, readings, videos placed on iTunes University and exercises. In addition, the course will enable students to identify, internalize and practice the necessary components of using new media technology for effective public communication.
COMM 204. Med. Relations:New Media World. 3 Units.
The purpose of this course is to discuss and debate media relations principles and practices in relation to government, corporations, and public policy. From a scholarly examination of this unique and important form of communication, the course will survey the current trends and issues, and determine the validity of existing theories of media relations management from government, corporate, and community perspectives.
COMM 205. Communication/Decision Making. 3 Units.
The purpose of this course is to assess communication strategies in decision making. From a scholarly examination of communication theories and decision making stages, the course will focus on the significance of communicating, administering, and evaluating decision making in professional environments.
COMM 206. Mgmt of Organizational Comm. 3 Units.
This course examines both theoretical and applied approaches concerning the role of communication in various aspects of organizational function, such as motivation, leadership, decision-making, conflict management, and message management.
COMM 207. Advanced Professional Comm.. 3 Units.
This advanced course both builds on basic oral and written professional communication skills, and goes well beyond them. The goals of this course are to provide opportunities for students to polish communication skills in different contexts, and to provide practice in and feedback on the interactive communication skills essential to successful professionals.
COMM 214. Argumentation and Advocacy. 4 Units.
This course introduces students to the theory and practice of argumentation, that is a method of decision-making that emphasizes reason giving evidence. The course includes instruction in debating, research, and critical writing, as well as advanced topics in the study of public deliberation. Prerequisites: three courses from COMM 027, 031, 043, 050 with a GPA of 2.5 or better, or permission of the instructor.
COMM 216. Rhetorical Theory and Criticism. 4 Units.
This course strives to help students derive insight into how symbolic processes affect human awareness, beliefs, values, and actions. The course treats criticism and analysis as methods of inquiry into the nature, character, and effects of human communication. It addresses various methods of rhetorical criticism in terms of their central units of analysis and typical intellectual concerns. Prerequisite: COMM 160 or permission of the instructor.
COMM 233. Doc Film as Persuasive Comm. 4 Units.
This course is a survey of documentary film beginning at the turn of the century and contineing through contemporary productions from a historical and rhetorical perspective. Students explore documentary film's origins and trace out its development in relation to its use and reception as students become familiar with the history of the documentary, the evolution of the genre, its rhetorical construction and its cultural influences.
COMM 237. PR Case Studies and Problems. 4 Units.
This advanced course in public relations engages students in case study research and application of public relations principles. Written and oral presentations with adherence to professional standards of excellence are required. Prerequisite: COMM 135.
COMM 239. Theory of Mass Communication. 4 Units.
This course is an overview of major theories and research in mass communication. Students examine the application of theories that explain and predict communication effects of political campaigns, advertising, entertainment, and information. Theoretical areas covered include socialization, information, diffusion, advertising, persuasion, and uses of gratification's research. The state, function, and form of theory in mass communication is discussed. Prerequisite: COMM 160 or permission of the instructor.
COMM 245. Human Communication Theory. 4 Units.
Students study contemporary understandings of human interaction. Beginning with epistemological issues as a framework, the course examines theory building, foundation theories of our discipline, and contextual theories.
COMM 247. Nonverbal Communication. 4 Units.
The course examines major dimensions of non-verbal behavior exhibited by human beings in social interactional contexts. Special emphasis is given to such areas as human proxemics, kinesics, vocalics, haptics, and artifactual codes. Prerequisite: COMM 043 or permission of the instructor.
COMM 249. Introduction to Organizational Communication. 4 Units.
This course takes both a theoretical and an applied approach to introduce the student to the role of communication in various aspects of organizational functioning, such as motivation, leadership, decision-making, conflict management, message management, etc. Prerequisites: COMM 043 and COMM 027 or permission of the instructor.
COMM 252. Public Relations Administration. 4 Units.
Theoretically grounded, the course focuses on how public relations managers can effect change. Communication strategies for effective leadership and motivation of public relations professionals are emphasized. The course enhances critical skills of managment for the understanding of public relations research, action/planning, communication and evaluation. Prerequisites: COMM 135 and COMM 137 (may be taken concurrently). Senior standing.
COMM 255. Persuasion. 4 Units.
This course is a survey of social psychological and communication approaches to social influence. Both past and contemporary theorizing are explored, and the methods of empirical research is discussed. Prerequisite: COMM 027 or permission of the instructor.
COMM 260. Communication Research Methods. 4 Units.
Students study of research methods appropriate for examining communication-related problems. Topics for the course include historical-critical methods, descriptive methods, experimental methods, statistical models for data analysis and resarch reporting and writing. A minimum GPA of 2.5 is required. Prerequisites: COMM 027, 031, 043, or permission of the instructor. Recommended for sophomores.
COMM 261. Critical and Qualitative Research Methods. 4 Units.
The course provides a graduate-level introduction to qualitative methods used in communication studies. Topics covered provide an overview of rhetorical analysis, critical and cultural studies, ethnography, and case studies in public relations. The course emphasizes the connection between the theoretical foundations of qualitative inquiry and their applications to communicative interactions. Applications include the writing of criticism, field work in ethnography, and case studies.
COMM 262. Quantitative Research Methods. 4 Units.
This course develops expertise in undertaking quantitative research at the graduate level. The seminar focuses on various quantitative methods, that include content analysis, survey research, experimental design, and scale construction, as well as statistical techniques for analyzing quantitative data.
COMM 271. Graduate Seminar: Rhetorical Thought. 4 Units.
This course provides a graduate level introduction into the theory and practice of rhetorical criticism. The course focuses on the role of the critic and six modes of criticism which are as follows: generic criticism, cluster, narrative criticism, narrative criticism, ideological criticism, metaphoric criticism, and fantasy theme criticism.
COMM 272. Graduate Seminar: Interpersonal Communication. 4 Units.
This course provides the student who has achieved a general understanding of interpersonal communication issues the opportunity to choose and explore a particular area of special interest. The first phase of the course focuses on discussion of several theories of interpersonal behavior. Beginning approximately the fourth week of class, each student brings in and presents two or more abstracts of published articles related to the interest area. The last session(s) provides the opportunity for students to share their conclusions with the others. Each student completes a paper which presents a research proposal in the area of interest. The term paper is due the last scheduled day of classes.
COMM 273. Graduate Seminar: Mass Communication. 4 Units.
The purpose of this course is to provide an introduction to mass communication theory and scholarship from three different scholarly perspectives: the social science or traditional paradigm, the critical theory paradigm, and the ethnographic paradigm. Students are not only exposed to the literature in each of these areas, but they are also asked to conduct small scale studies from two of the three paradigms. Because the class is a seminar, student presentations and discussion are the major activity during class time.
COMM 275. Graduate Seminar: in Public Relations. 4 Units.
The Graduate Seminar in Public Relations is designed through in-depth study and research to formalize understanding of Public Relations: theory and practice, functions in organizations and role in society. Students study concepts and theories related to public relations role in social systems. A "mock" APR tests knowledge at the end of the semester with both a written and an oral examination.
COMM 276. Communication in Learning Settings. 4 Units.
This graduate seminar is designed to develop knowledge of current communication education research and effective communication strategies for teaching undergraduate courses in communication.
COMM 277. Media Relations. 4 Units.
This course is to discuss and debate media relations, principles, and practice.
COMM 278. Political Communication. 4 Units.
This course is designed to provide a grounding in rhetorical approaches to persuasion in a political context, to acquaint students with the range of political ideologies, and to examine the theoretical and pragmatic opportunities and obstacles to advocacy in the current mediated content of national, regional, or location politics.
COMM 287. Graduate Internship. 2 OR 4 Units.
COMM 289. Graduate Practicum. 2 OR 4 Units.
COMM 291. Graduate Independent Study. 2-4 Units.
COMM 295. Graduate Seminar. 4 Units.
COMM 297. Graduate Research. 1-4 Unit.
COMM 299. Thesis. 2 OR 4 Units.
Communication Competence
1. Research, organize and deliver oral presentations effectively. 2. Write clearly, critically and persuasively.
Analytic Capacity
1. Analyze and evaluate scholarly communication literature. 2. Apply communication theories, concepts, or principles of best practice and research methods to study or solve communication issues and problems.
Professionalism
1. Exhibit professional behaviors while undertaking work in a professional setting.
Communication Faculty
Qingwen Dong, Chair, Professor, 1996, BA, Beijing Second Foreign Language Institute, 1983; MA, University of Missouri-Columbia, 1990; PhD, Washington State University, 1995.
Marlin Bates, Assistant Professor, 2005, BA, University of the Pacific, 1996; MA, 1999; PhD, Pennsylvania State University, 2004.
Teresa G. Bergman, Associate Professor, 2006, BA, University of California, Berkeley, 1978; MA, San Francisco State University, 1991; PhD, University of California, Davis, 2001.
Kenneth D. Day, Professor, 1987, BS, Indiana University, 1970; MA, 1975; PhD, 1980.
Heather Hether, Assistant Professor, 2011, BA York Universiy, 1992; MA, 2003, 2007; PhD University of Southern California, 2009.
Randall J. Koper, Professor, 1985, BA, Michigan State University, 1974; MA, 1984; PhD, 1985.
R. Alan Ray, Assistant Professor, 1987, BS, Memphis State University, 1977; MA, 1980; PhD, University of Missouri, 1986.
Jon F. Schamber, Professor, 1980, BA, University of the Pacific, 1974; MA, 1975; PhD, University of Oregon, 1982.
Paul Turpin, Assistant Professor, 2007, BA University of California, Berkeley, 1994; MA, University of Southern California, 1997; PhD 2005.