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University of San Diego
Communication Studies
Camino Hall 126
5998 Alcalá Park
San Diego, CA 92110
Phone: (619) 260-4040
Fax: (619) 260-4205
jbartoli@sandiego.edu
Department Chair
Kristin Moran
kmoran@sandiego.edu
Media Contact
Melissa Wagoner
mwagoner@sandiego.edu
(619) 260-4659
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Course Descriptions
101 Introduction to Human Communication (3)
An examination of the principles and contexts of human communication. Some of the principles surveyed are perception, listening, nonverbal communication, and persuasion. The primary contexts examined include interpersonal, group, organizational, and public communication. This course is a prerequisite for all upper-division Communication Studies courses, and fulfills a core curriculum requirement in the social sciences.
130 Introduction to Media Studies (3)
This course offers an introduction to the examination of media and media literacy. Students learn about the origins, history, and development of mass media. Additionally, the present structure, characteristics, and challenges in the areas of radio, television, and cable are addressed. Fulfills a core curriculum requirement in the social sciences.
203 Public Speaking (3)
An introduction to several forms of public communication. Emphasis is placed on the development and practice of public speaking about salient political, cultural, and social issues. Students are taught an audience-sensitive approach to the invention, arrangement, and delivery of public messages. Fulfills a core curriculum requirement in the social sciences.
220 Introduction to Media Writing (3)
A general introduction to the skills and strategies associated with print and electronic journalism. Students are exposed to methods of news gathering, reporting, writing, and editing. The elements of the news story, interviewing, and the news conference are among the topics covered.
300 Human Communication Theory (3)
This course provides a comprehensive survey of the various theories that comprise the communication studies discipline. Students are exposed to the dominant philosophical, conceptual, and critical perspectives germane to communication as a distinct academic pursuit. This class is intended as an overview of both speech communication and media studies traditions and is a recommended prerequisite to all upper-division courses in Communication Studies. Prerequisite: COMM 101.
325 Interpersonal Communication (3)
An examination of the dynamics of one-to-one communication. Various humanistic and social scientific perspectives are explored. Emphasis is placed on the individual as an active participant/consumer in interpersonal communication settings. Prerequisite: COMM 101.
326 Nonverbal Communication (3)
This course draws upon and scrutinizes the intersection of nonverbal and verbal communication channels, with an emphasis on the influence of nonverbal channels on communicator competence in interpersonal, media, organizational, intercultural, and group contexts. Examples of specific topics include scholarship on the theory and application of nonverbal codes (and subsequent functions), vocal variation, nonverbal channels, and context-specific communication style. Prerequisite: Communication Studies 101.
330 Media Processes and Effects (3)
This course examines the various functions or roles that media perform for individuals and society. Specific topics include: the influence that economic, political, and aesthetic forces have on media programming; the structure and functions of media organizations; and theories and studies of media effects. The development of informed, critical consumption of mass media messages is emphasized. Prerequisite: COMM 130.
336 or 336W Communication Criticism (3)
This course explores scholarly methods of media analysis, including structuralism, narrative media analysis, genre criticism, ideological criticism, and semiotics. This course emphasizes the importance of symbolic qualities of mediated messages. Prerequisites: COMM 130.
338 Media and Conflict (3)
This course examines the role media play in the progression and public perceptions of conflict. Relevant topics will include media and military intervention, portrayals of protest movements, and news and entertainment coverage of crime, rumors, domestic politics, violence, and ethnicity. It is recommended that students complete COMM 130 before enrolling in this course.
350 Small Group Communication (3)
An examination of theories and principles of group communication. Students study interactional and attitudinal variables which influence the nature of group communication. Topics include group norms and roles, leadership, motivation, coalition formation, communication networks, and persuasion. Prerequisite: COMM 101.
353 Organizational Communication (3)
This course examines the form and function of messages within organizations, with special emphasis on business communication. The course will focus on the role of communication in developing productive work relationships, human-resource practices, and organizational cultures. Topics include past and current management practices, communication networks and technologies, interpersonal relationships in organizations, public communication, and organizational communication assessment. Prerequisite: COMM 101.
365 Communication Research Methods (3)
An overview of communication research methodologies. Students are exposed to the prevailing paradigms of qualitative and quantitative research. The descriptive and explanatory values of historical, statistical, and survey methodologies will be examined. Ethical principles governing the process of research will also be explored. Prerequisite: COMM 101.
366W Interpretative Research Methods (3)
A survey of contemporary interpretive methods in communication research. This course will help students understand bases of knowledge and value of communication not covered in COMM 365. Students will be exposed to methods such as field observation, ethnography, and content analysis. Prerequisite: COMM 101.
370 or 370W Rhetorical Theory (3)
An examination of rhetorical thinking from its birth in Athens to the present time covering basic rhetorical principals and tenets. Students explore issues such as rhetoric as a humane discipline, the place of rhetoric in democracies, and the worth of rhetoric as a means of inducing change. Prerequisite: COMM 101.
376 Rhetorical Criticism (3)
This course offers an overview of the dominant methods of rhetorical criticism. Students will analyze the rhetorical qualities of various cultural texts using pre-eminent critical approaches in the field of rhetoric, such as neo-Aristotleian, Marxist, feminist, narrative, and dramatistic perspectives. Students will also assess the pragmatic and ethical dimensions of popular messages. Prerequisites: Communication Studies 101 and 300; Communication Studies 370 is recommended.
380 International Media (3)
This course examines media systems, uses, and social impact around the world, with an emphasis on trans-national comparisons of media development. Topics to be addressed include globalization of the media environment, media and national identity, communication for social change, and the influence of U.S. media on cultures around the world. It is recommended that students complete COMM 130 before enrolling in this course.
403 Advanced Public Speaking (3)
This course includes training in the types of professional presentations that occur in business, politics, education, and other forms of public communication. Through instructor and peer evaluation, students will gain proficiency in such skills as manuscript, extemporaneous, and impromptu speaking, and the use of conventional and electronic visual aids. Recommended as preparation for management, graduate work, and all levels of teaching. Prerequisite: COMM 203.
421 or 421W Advanced Journalism (3)
This course combines instruction in contemporary theories about press performance with advanced newsroom skills. The course advances students’ understanding of newsroom management, news gathering, press ethics, and the organizational norms that drive journalistic styles. Students develop advanced reporting and editing skills in completing various news assignments. Prerequisite: COMM 220.
422W Family Business Communication (3)
This course examines organizational communication theory as it applies to management, conflict resolution, and effective communication in family business contexts. Unique to family businesses is the way communication functions in the processes of management succession, compensation, ownership succession, and employee motivation. Students will also examine how cultural issues affect family-owned businesses both within and outside the United States. Students will develop and practice their written and oral skills by editing and rewriting various projects that are presented as a final portfolio of their work.
432 or 432W Film and Cultural Politics (3)
This course looks at the role of film in responding to and defining culture and politics. It focuses on mainstream, commercial, and narrative film, and includes a focus on historical and ideological approaches to film criticism. Students will be encouraged to appreciate historically significant movies, learn sophisticated methods of film criticism, and assess the contributions contemporary films make to students’ understanding of themselves and others. It is recommended that students complete COMM 336 before enrolling in this course.
435 Principles of Video Production (3)
This course provides students an opportunity to learn production skills while incorporating discussions of aesthetics, film theory, and ethics. Students are introduced to three phases of broadcast production: writing and planning (storyboarding, scripting); audio (actualities, sound effects, music); and visual production (composition, lighting, editing). By the end of the course students will produce a short video and/or audio presentation. Prerequisite: COMM 130.
445 or 445W Gender Communication (3)
This course provides an overview of the relevant research on gender issues and the construction of gender through mediated forms. Communicator styles of women and men are discussed. Attitudes and beliefs concerning female and male cultural stereotypes as they are manifested through communication are investigated. It is recommended that students complete COMM 101 before enrolling in this course.
455 Interviewing and Negotiating: Principles and Practices (3)
This course is an examination of methods and techniques applicable to a variety of interviews and negotiations. Students prepare, participate in, and critique employment, journalistic, and appraisal interviews. Students also learn techniques and principles of negotiating, including alternative dispute resolution, distributive bargaining, and principled negotiations. Prerequisite: COMM 101.
460 Persuasion and Propaganda (3)
In this course students will examine the various forms of interpersonal, public, and mass persuasion messages that they encounter daily. Students will understand rhetorical, cognitive, and behavioral theories of persuasion, with emphasis placed on propaganda and the ethical critique of human persuasion. Prerequisite: COMM 101.
462 Political Communication (3)
A survey of the centrality of communication processes in substantive areas of political activity. Areas of study include political speeches, election campaigns, debates, government and media relations, advertising and propaganda, and political movements. Special emphasis is placed on the relationship between public opinion and the use of rhetorical strategies, imagery, and symbolism.
475 Intercultural Communication (3)
This course allows students to explore intercultural communication theory and research within both broad and interpersonal contexts. Topics include similarities and differences in values, norms, interethnic/intergroup communication, and adaptation, and the course explores mindful ways of enhancing such encounters. It is recommended that students complete COMM 300 before enrolling in this course.
480 OR 480W Advanced Topics in International Media (3)
This upper-division elective provides students an opportunity for an in-depth analysis and examination of media systems in a particular region of the world and/or transnational connections around a particular international cultural practice. Topics will vary according to the instructor and interest. General themes may include Latin American Media Systems, British Media Systems, Asian Cinema or Global Youth Culture. Course may be repeated as topics vary. It is recommended that students complete COMM 130 and COMM 380 before enrolling in this course.
482 or 482W Children and Media (3)
This course is an overview of the relevant research on the role of electronic media in the lives of children. Some topics include: sex role stereotypes, violence; advertising; relationships, body image; and materialism. Students will also explore the positive influence of electronic media including its use for pro-social and educational purposes. It is recommended that students complete COMM 130 and COMM 330 before enrolling in this course.
485W Writing for Media (3)
This course provides students an opportunity to learn skills and strategies associated with writing and production in various media forms. Course material surveys the industry standards media professionals bring to their work, as well as academic criticism of these practices. Students will learn how to create and criticize a variety of media texts, including news packages, television narratives, and advertisements. Prerequisite: COMM 220 is recommended.
488 Global / Virtual Team Development (3)
This course is designed to further students’ understanding of small group theory, development, and research and explore how groups develop into teams. Students will have the opportunity to work in multicultural and virtual teams by providing you with basic diversity training and development, and research. The course emphasizes a wide range and scope of topics related to teams and teamwork by addressing issues such as finding alternative solutions to problems, reaching decisions, making recommendations, and understanding the process of team and organizational development as a whole.
491 Vista Staff (1-3)
Students interested in receiving journalism experience may participate in the publication of the USD student newspaper The Vista by serving as staff writers, editors, or working in other available positions. Enrollment is by consent of instructor.
492 USDtv Staff (1-3)
Students interested in gaining experience in broadcasting may work for the campus television station, USDtv. Students are eligible to be on-air talent, serve as producers, editors, marketing personnel, or other available positions. Enrollment is by consent of instructor.
494 Special Topics in Communication Studies (3)
Selected topics in Communication Studies will be examined.
495 Senior Project (2-3)
This seminar is a capstone course in which seniors produce an original research or creative project. The course addresses research methods, critical thinking, and the writing process. Students will present the results of their work. Recommended for students planning on pursuing graduate studies.
496 Research Practicum (1-3)
The goal of the Advanced Research Practicum is to provide communication studies majors with an applied experience in the conduct of original academic research by assisting on a faculty-led scholarly project. The practicum is designed to build expressly on the knowledge students gain in COMM 365 or COMM 366 – the department’s research methods courses. Students will meet with a faculty member, with whom a research relationship is pre-established, on an on-going basis to discuss the research project, assess the student’s role and responsibilities, and to discuss the process of conducting scholarly research. Students may participate in a range of research activities, including but not limited to: survey construction and design, project management, participant solicitation, experimental research, qualitative interviewing, focus group moderation, fieldwork, literature searches, data entry, data analysis, critical analysis, political economy inquiries, and writing of instruments and manuscripts. Students must register with a specific faculty member with whom they complete a contract outlining the roles and responsibilities of the student and faculty member. It is required that students complete either COMM 365 or 366 prior to enrollment in the Advanced Research Practicum.
498 Communication Studies Internship (2-3)
An experiential education course in which students participate as interns in either radio or television, public relations, advertising, or some facet of organizational communication. Open only to communication studies majors or minors of second-semester junior status or higher. No more than 3 internship units may be applied toward the major or minor. Students should consult the communication studies intern coordinator or go to www.sandiego.edu/commstudies/interns for details about enrollment and qualification. Prerequisite: Students must either have completed or be concurrently enrolled in COMM 300; second-semester junior status or higher.
499 Independent Study (1-3)
Students interested in completing a special project with guidance from a faculty member may consider an independent study. Students should consult a faculty member who has expertise in their interest area and be prepared to explain their intended project or research question(s). The student and instructor agree upon specific requirements. Registration is by consent of instructor and requires the completion of the independent study form.
