Course Descriptions

Undergraduate courses

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COM 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

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COM 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)

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)

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)

COM 680: Advanced Organizational Communication and Leadership (3)

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.