Course Descriptions
Undergraduate courses
Click the arrow for more informationCOM 100T: Transitions (3)
This transitions course is designed to assist students in their transition to Murray
State University. Content includes orientation to the specific areas of study; university
procedures, policies and resources; strategies for personal and academic success;
and extracurricular opportunities. Only one transitions course will count toward graduation.
Graded pass/fail.
COM 131: Introduction to Interpersonal Communication (3)
Communication in an interpersonal environment. Topics studied include interpersonal
perception, verbal and nonverbal communication, conflict reduction and language and
its use. Will not satisfy requirements for organizational communication major or minor.
COM 160: Managing Public Speaking Anxiety (1)
This course assists highly apprehensive students in developing strategies to manage
public speaking anxiety. The communication needs of each student are identified and
individualized action plans are developed. Graded pass/fail. Prerequisite: Instructor
permission. Corequisite: COM 161.
COM 161: Introduction to Public Speaking (3)
Organization and presentation of ideas through participation in frequent speech activities.
Students present speeches to inform, solve problems and persuade. Communication needs
of the individual students are considered and guidance is given by the instructor.
COM 201: Communication Foundations & Theory (3)
This course explores theoretical constructs of the speech communication discipline.
A survey from classical through contemporary perspectives of human discourse. Focus
is on the development of the major content areas of the field. Corequisite: COM 161.
COM 215: Introduction to Sports Communication (3)
An introduction to the theories and processes of sports communication. Surveys the
communication processes of sport fans, coaches, athletes, teams, organizations and
society. Application of these theories and processes to careers in sports communication,
research and administration is emphasized.
COM 260: Communication Ethics (3)
An introduction to the ethical challenges and responsibilities of being a competent
communicator in a diverse and changing world. Students will learn to apply ethical
theory and reasoning to a variety of communication processes and contexts.
COM 261: Debate and Advocacy (3)
Review and apply debate and advocacy skills, including the ability to develop, organize,
present, refute and analyze well-reasoned arguments. Appropriate for individuals seeking
preparation for those professions where advocacy of ideas is essential (e.g., law,
business, teaching, ministry).
COM 315: Coaching as Communication (3)
This course explores the craft of sports coaching as a communication enterprise. Examines
how communication variables and techniques differ as coaches communicate with athletes,
recruits, other coaches, administrative personnel, families and other external constitutes.
Task, career, relational and generative context of coach communication are examined.
Prerequisite: COM 215.
COM 331: Interpersonal Communication (3)
In-depth study of communication and interpersonal relations.
COM 340: Intercultural Communication (3)
Designed to explore communication principles from the viewpoint of different western
and non-western cultures.
COM 345: Diversity, Communication and the Workplace (3)
This course provides an in-depth understanding of communication’s role in maintaining
workplace relationships with others marked by differences. Students examine a wide
variety of diversity markers that affect communication processes (e.g., age, race,
gender, sexual orientation, social class, physical ability and body image). Emphasis
is placed on recognizing and valuing diversity in the workplace. Students learn to
utilize communication strategies that strengthen workplace relationships and maximize
the participation of diverse others.
COM 353: Team Communication and Leadership (3)
The study of communication principles and leadership strategies for effective teamwork.
Focus is on communication and leadership skills that produce team cohesion, synergy
and productivity. Communication theory is applied to analyze leadership roles in team
projects, decision-making and conflict management.
COM 361: Career Presentations (3)
A study of presentation techniques within business and professional contexts. Presentations
made to staff, clients and constituents as well as conference and keynote addresses
will be studied and practiced. Students will create and deliver presentations tailored
to their individual career objectives. Prerequisite: COM 161.
COM 367: Communication and Critical Thought (3)
The course explores the relationship between communication and critical thought. Based
on the rhetorical traditions of oral discourse, students will explore argumentation,
negotiation, reason, fallacy, language and evaluation of information as each relates
to critical thinking.
COM 372: Communication in Educational Environments (3)
Special communication needs of teachers of any discipline. Students develop an understanding
of communication concepts applicable to the classroom as well as communication skills
useful in other aspects of educational environments. Course content is developed through
readings, lectures, discussions, structured activities and classroom visitations.
Course provides the teacher an experiential and cognitive understanding of the role
of communication in the educational environment.
COM 380: Organizational Communication and Leadership (3)
A study of concepts, theories and processes of human communication in organized workplaces.
Emphasis is given to the nature and function of human communication in different organizational
structures and designs.
COM 384: Communication Skills for Professionals (3)
A study of applied communication skills for professionals in for-profit and nonprofit
organizations. Emphasis is given to oral and written communication techniques for
providing performance feedback, conducting interviews, managing meetings, delivering
training, promoting strategy and change, maintaining organizational identity and image
and responding to organizational crises.
COM 386: Corporate Communication (3)
A study of strategic corporate communication processes that manage the dynamic needs
of internal and external stakeholders. Examines how systemic discourse among corporations
and their diverse stakeholders facilitates survival in the competitive business environment.
Corporate communication processes for managing reputation, sustaining social responsibility,
engaging employees, navigating change and resolving organizational crises are examined.
COM 390: Communication Research (3)
An introduction to the quantitative and qualitative research methods used to study
communication. Emphasis is placed on familiarity with scholarly publications, understanding
various research methodologies and critique of basic and applied research findings.
The connection between theory, research and decision-making is highlighted.
COM 401: Contemporary Issues in Communication (1–3)
Studies of interest to faculty and students (e.g., effective mentoring skills, communication
and the family, health communication, gender issues). A different subject is examined
each time the course is offered, with the topic being announced one semester in advance.
Variable credit is assigned on the basis of the instruction hours (15-20 hours per
unit of credit). Enrollment is open to juniors and seniors and may be repeated once
for a total of six hours.
COM 422: Communication and Technology (3)
Examines how technology impacts communication processes in personal and organizational
contexts. This course explores theories, concepts, and research associated with computer-mediated
communication, mobile devices, social networking and virtual teams. Students will
develop competencies related to effective interpersonal and organizational communication
via technology.
COM 439: Conflict and Communication (3)
Examines conflict process as communication phenomena. Explores theories of conflict
communication and develops competencies for a range of professional and interpersonal
contexts by applying theory to practice.
COM 461: Persuasive Communication (3)
Course explores theories and concepts of persuasive communication strategies. Emphasis
is placed on examining persuasive strategies used in attitude change. Ethical problems
related to persuasion, audience analysis and dialogue, rationality and the free marketplace
of ideas are also explored. Students develop and present a persuasive campaign. Prerequisite:
COM 161.
COM 488: Cooperative Education (1–3)
A meaningful, planned and evaluated work experience related to the career and educational
objectives of the student for which he/she may receive academic credit and possible
financial remuneration. May be repeated for a maximum of six hours from any 488/489
courses. Graded pass/fail. Prerequisite: permission from chair.
COM 489: Cooperative Education (1–3)
A meaningful, planned, and evaluated work experience related to the career and educational
objectives of the student for which he/she may receive academic credit and possible
financial remuneration. May be repeated for a maximum of six hours from any 488/489
courses. Graded pass/fail. Prerequisite: permission from chair.
COM 510: Internship (3–6)
A course designed for students to get experience in the application of theory to practical
situations. Businesses and organizations selected to participate draw from qualified
students with skills in organizational communication, forensics, technical theatre
or acting. May be repeated for a total of six hours. Graded pass/fail. Prerequisite:
senior standing or consent of instructor.
COM 530: Seminar in Interpersonal Communication (3)
A study of the contemporary approaches to interpersonal communication with opportunities
for practical application of those approaches in diverse interpersonal situations.
COM 553: Advanced Team Communication and Leadership (3)
Survey of theory, research and current practices relevant to the study of team communication
and leadership. Students will examine communicative behavior of productive teams and
effective leaders and participate in team building exercises.
COM 577: Organizational Learning and Dialogue (3)
Explores organizations as systems of learning based on productive alternative forms
of human communication. Theories and tools of dialogue and organizational learning
are applied to contemporary workplace practices. Prerequisite: COM 385
COM 580: Advanced Organizational Communication and Leadership (3)
Survey of theory and research relevant to the study of organizational communication.
Students will examine how communication processes shape and reshape the activities
of organizing within and between organizations. Prerequisites: senior standing and
COM 385.
COM 594: Directed Individual Study in Communication Theory (3)
A course designed to meet the needs of individuals and groups who wish to explore
topics not covered in other organizational communication courses or to do in-depth
study of an issue introduced in another course. A proposal of study must be approved
by the instructor during the first week of classes. General areas of study from which
specific topics can be drawn include interpersonal communication, small group communication,
and communication within organizations. May be repeated for a maximum of six hours.
Graded pass/fail.
COM 595: Senior Seminar in Communication (3)
Capstone course for majors and minors in organizational communication surveys theoretical
and applied content areas within the discipline. Requirements include a major paper,
presentation and a one-hour oral exam. Graded pass/fail. Prerequisite: consent of
instructor.
Graduate courses
Click the arrow for more informationCOM 603: Seminar in Communication Variables (3)
Variables affecting communication including perception, language, attitudes and cognitive
processes. Research related to each variable will be examined.
COM 610: Internship (3–6)
A course designed for students to get experience in the application of theory to practical
situations. Businesses and organizations selected to participate draw from qualified
students with skills in organizational communication, forensics, technical theatre
or acting. May be repeated for a total of six hours. Graded pass/fail.
COM 622: Communication Technology in Organizations (3)
An in-depth study of how new communication technologies affect traditional processes
relevant to organizational life. Special emphasis is given to theories, research and
applications of computer-mediated communication, social media, group decision support
systems and virtual teams in organizations.
COM 630: Seminar in Interpersonal Communication (3)
A study of the contemporary approaches to interpersonal communication with opportunities
for practical application of those approaches in diverse interpersonal situations.
COM 631: Interpersonal Communication at Work (3)
A survey of theory, research, and practice relevant to the study of contemporary approaches
to interpersonal communication in organizational contexts. Students will examine individual
communicative behaviors in the workplace and the impact those behaviors have on co-workers,
superiors, subordinates and organizational life.
COM 635: Customer Communication (3)
A survey of communication theories, research and strategies for improving customer
service and relations. Emphasis will be placed on analyzing customer communication
processes, diagnosing communication breakdowns, resolving conflict, improving customer
feedback, managing customer relations and creating an organizational culture of customer
service.
COM 636: Health Communication (3)
A comprehensive study of health communication in varied contexts ranging from intrapersonal
and interpersonal to organizational and mediated. This course introduces students
to theoretical frameworks guiding current scholarship in health communication. Students
will also improve their own communication competence in health care contexts.
COM 639: Seminar in Conflict Resolution (3)
Designed to illustrate the central role of communication in resolving conflict within
various organizational entities. The course will focus on conflict resolution skills
required in such environments as management and labor, public administration, families
and education. A particular area of concentration will be selected each semester.
COM 640: Seminar in Intercultural Communication (3)
Analysis of theories and research in intercultural communication. Application of theories
and research to contemporary intercultural issues in organizations.
COM 644: Graduate Cooperative Education (3)
May be repeated for a maximum of six credits. Graded pass/fail. Prerequisite: permission
of chair.
COM 653: Advanced Team Communication and Leadership (3)
Survey of theory, research and current practices relevant to the study of team communication
and leadership. Students will examine communicative behavior of productive teams and
effective leaders and participate in team building exercises.
COM 661: Theories of Persuasion and Argumentation (3)
Classical and modern theories of persuasion and argumentation. Behavioral theory and
research are examined and the effects of various forms of argument and attitude change
are studied. Ethical standards of persuasion and argumentation are explored.
COM 672: Communication in Instructional Environments (3)
Communication in a variety of instructional contexts with focus on introductory courses
at the college level. Emphasis is placed on the literature, philosophies and theories
concerning communication instruction.
COM 673: Organizational Training and Development (3)
Specific problem areas in communication structures within particular organizations
are identified. A concentrated examination is made of areas of assessment, diagnosis,
prescription, intervention and evaluation of communication problems within the organization.
COM 677: Organizational Learning and Dialogue (3)
Explores organizations as systems of learning based on productive alternative forms
of human communication. Theories and tools of dialogue and organizational learning
are applied to contemporary workplace practices.
COM 680: Advanced Organizational Communication and Leadership (3)
Survey of theory and research relevant to the study of organizational communication.
Students will examine how communication processes shape and reshape the activities
of organizing within and between organizations.
COM 682: Seminar in Crisis Communication (3)
A comprehensive study of crisis communication in organizations. From preparation and
planning to post-crisis recovery, this class helps students develop a thorough understanding
of each phase of organizational crisis as well as different types of crises that occur
within organizations. Emphasis is placed on how communication functions to manage
and resolve organizational crises.
COM 685: Seminar in Organizational Communication and Leadership (3)
Detailed studies in organizational communication of interest to faculty and students.
A contemporary topic, to be announced one semester in advance, is examined each time
the course is offered. Past topics include consulting, mentoring, gender communication
and subordinate-superior relations. The course may be repeated once for a total of
six hours.
COM 687: Leadership Communication (3)
An advanced study of the strategic communication processes and skills of leading in
diverse organizational contexts. The course emphasizes self-analysis and the development
of leadership communication skills through the application of related theories.
COM 689: Foundations of Organizational Communication and Leadership (3)
A survey of the development of organizational communication from early communication
thinkers to contemporary individuals who have contributed theory and influenced the
discipline.
COM 690: Research Methods in Organizational Communication and Leadership (3)
Review of research methodologies and application of research methods used in the study
of communication variables.
COM 693: Readings in Communication Research (3)
Students read 4,000 - 5,000 pages of research in a particular area of interest. Usually
the product is a research paper written in a publishable format. Permission of the
graduate advisor is required prior to enrollment. Graded pass/fail.
COM 694: Directed Individual Study in Organizational Communication and Leadership (3)
The student has the opportunity to pursue specific areas of research under the supervision
of the participating faculty member. Particular expectations are negotiated between
the student, department, and faculty member. May be repeated once for a maximum of
six hours. Graded pass/fail.
COM 698: Thesis (3)
COM 699: Thesis (3)