Undergraduate Course Offerings for the Current School Year
Trying to plan your year? Click here to see what we intend to offer this year. Please note that this schedule is subject to change.
Undergraduate Courses - Lower Division
1. Introduction to Communication
Basic terms, concepts, and contexts of communication
are introduced. These are organized into three basic
analytic categories: factors influencing message encoding,
the nature of messages, and message uses and effects.
87. Statistical Analysis for Communication
An introduction to basic statistical concepts and
application in communication. Through lecture and
computer labs, students will be exposed to statistical
applications for advanced coursework in the major.
88. Communication Research Methods
The theoretical and practical concerns underlying
procedures most commonly used in communication research.
Students wiil interpret findings of communication
research and better understand research methods. The
course serves as preparation for advanced coursework
in communication.
89. Theories of Communication
Discussion of the process of communication theory
construction, inclding a survey of social science
paradigms and major theories of communication.
Undergraduate Courses - Upper Division
106.
Small Group Communication
Theory and research in communication in group and
work unit contexts. Includes experiential laboratory
in which students observe and analyze communication
processes in small groups.
107. Interpersonal Communication
Survey of theories of interpersonal communication in
social and intimate relational contexts, with particular
attention to role enactment, deterioration of relationships,
and communicative competence.
109. Language and Social
Identity
Social psychology of language and communication examined
from the "social identity approach." From
this perspective, which claims that our attitudes, beliefs,
and behaviors flow from our self-conceptions as group
members, we investigate concepts such as stereotyping,
power and CMC.
Comm 109 Readings
110. Language and
Communication Processes
Theory and research on the role of language in various
communication contexts. Topics include: the nature
of signs and symbols; language, perception and thought;
social psychological factors in verbal encoding and
language and impression formation.
111. Nonverbal Communication in Human Interaction
A review of theories and empirical research on the role
of paralinguistic and kinesic message-behaviors in face-to-face
communication. Students will conduct and report original
field or laboratory studies of nonverbal communication.
113. Media Effects on Individuals
The effects of media communication on individual cognitive processes and the social environment. Emphasis on media effects on individual attitudes, family interaction, children, perceptions of minorities, sex-role stereotyping and other outcomes.
114. Media Effects on Society & Institutions
Examines the role that mass media institutions play in society. The history and functions of various media are explored from contrasting social and political viewpoints, with empirical theory and research used where possible to support and/or challenge these viewpoints.
115. Interactive Media Theory & Design
Examines cognitive, emotional, social, behavioral processes and effects of interactive media. Students apply theories of communication, psychology, and human-computer interaction to the design of content for computer-based media (Internet, interactive games, portable wireless devices, smart toys, interactive television).
116. The Internet,
Communication, and Contemporary Society
Applies theories of interpersonal, group, organizational and community communication to understanding Internet communication and its social implications. Explores Internet's historical, technical, relational, economic, legal, political, and social dimensions.
117. Persuasion
Analysis and synthesis of current persuasion theory
to understand how messages influence attitudes and
behaviors. Topics covered include: theories for altering
attitudes and behaviors, the persuasion process, and
the use of persuasion in applied contexts.
118. Communication Technology and Organization
Examines the interaction between communication technologies and organization, including theories of technology and agency, diffusion of innovations, effect of communication technologies on the nature of work, impact of communication technologies on privacy, security, public policy, and virtual, global, network organizations.
119. Communication and Aging
Introduction to our changing communication needs as
we age, the dynamics of intergenerational contact,
and communicative consequences of being elderly.
120. Interviewing
Theory and Practice
Analysis of the interview as a unique communication
context, including the application of theoretical
concepts and practice in designing and conducting
interviews of various types (e.g., surveys, employment,
information giving, counseling).
121. Communication
and Conflict
Theory and research on communication and conflict in
various contexts. Experiential laboratory in which students
observe and analyze conflict through the use of simulations
and exercises.
122. Micro- and Macro-Organizational Communication
Application of communication theory and research to established
organizations, with special emphasis on communication
causes, correlates, and consequences of internal and external organizational communication
processes at individual, group, and organizational and societal
levels of analysis.
123.Cultural Influences on Communication
Cross-cultural influences on communication processes.
May deal with face-to-face or electronically
mediated communication.
124.
Family Communication
Communication strategies and patterns in intimate,
enduring relationships. Topics include partner
selection, parenting, marital roles and conflict.
126. Gender and Communication
Nonverbal and verbal differences and similarities in
the messages of male and female communicators Topics
include: acquisition of gender-linked differences, effects
they have in interpersonal settings, and their modification
through interpersonal accommodation.
128. Intergroup Communication
Survey of theory and research concerning language
and communication between various social groups (e.g.,
intersocial and interethnic groups), with emphasis
on understanding the role communication plays in integrating
and differentiating group members.
130. Political Communication
Overview of the role of communication in politics
and public opinion. Will explore research on the content
of a variety of forms of political communication and
the cognitive, attitudinal, and behavioral effects
of this communication on the public, including both
children and adults.
131. Organizational Communication: A Global Perspective
Focuses on communication processes and issues that arise in multinational and global organizations. Explores the relationship amoung culture, communication, technology, and ways of organizing across national contexts and in different types of organizations (non-profit, voluntary, civic, governmental, small business and corporate systems).
132. Electronic Media Policy and Regulation
Introduction to the process by which communication
policy is constructed, including analysis of the role
of key participants. Survey of the fundamental regulatory
structure governing broadcasting and other electronic
media. Examination of current media policies.
133. Media and Children
Examines children's and adolescents' reactions to mass media and interactive media. Includes analysis of children's cognitive processing of media and study of effects in such areas as violent portrayals, prosocial messages, advertising content. Considers policy implications of research
134. Societal Influences on the Shape and Effects of Media
Examines the factors that affect the shape and influence of news, politics, and entertainment media messages, including media gatekeepers, audiences, institutions/organizations, technologies, the government, and culture. Ê
137. Global Communication,
International Relations and the Media
Examines the nature, role and influence of the global
communication on international relations and the relationship
between the media and policy making and advocacy.
139. Communication and Emotion
Overview of emotion and its role in communication. Addresses theoretical
perspectives on emotion; issues of emotional display and recognition;
and different emotions' effects in interpersonal, media, and social systems
contexts.
150.
Group Communication in Multiple Contexts
This course integrates social and behavioral sciences
with the latest communication approaches to group behavior.
For example, students will develop an understanding
of how communication networks within and outside a particular
group constitute the essential nature of group processes.
151. Advanced Interpersonal
Communication
Intensive analysis of current theory and research
in a selected area of interpersonal communication,
with special attention to theory development and testing.
Topics vary each quarter.
152. Advanced Organizational
Communication
Intensive analysis of current theory and research
in selected areas of organizational communication.
Topics include organizational communication diagnosis
and auditing, organizational innovation and change,
and communication management.
153. Communication and Global Advocacy Networks
Examines the nexus of communication and global advocacy networks. Explores how non-governmental organizations communicate and organize and their interactions with governmental and corporate actors and the implications for global civil society.
155. Health Communication
Explores theory, research, and practice regarding the impact of various types of messages (intrapersonal, interpersonal, and/or media) on people's health knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, and outcomes.
158. Advanced Language
and Communication Processes
Intensive scrutiny of current theory and research
on linguistic aspects of communication. Topics will
vary each quarter.
160AA-ZZ. Special Topics in Communication
Investigation of current theory and research in a selected area of communication. Variable topics in media, interpersonal or organizational communication, depending on the instructor.
170. Communication
Law
A historical survey of the development of the concept
of free speech, and a study of First Amendment controversies
in the United States during the twentieth century.
171. Quantitative
Methods
The methodology for quantitative research in communication.
Computation of standard statistical procedures, measurement
theory, and experimental design.
172. Advanced Communication
Theory and Research
Integration and synthesis of theories and research
between at least two core areas of communication.
Variable topics, such as family relationships, health,
or intercultural communication will be the focus of
these integrations.
180. Senior Honors
Seminar
Seminar offered spring quarter covering methodological,
theoretical, and procedural issues involved in undertaking
a senior thesis.
181A-B-C. Senior Honors
Thesis
Independent work with faculty sponsor culminating
in senior thesis.
191. Applying Communication
to Internships in Organizations
Integrate field work experience with communication
theory and current literature. Weekly lecture to be
concurrent with internship in the field of communication.
Lecture topics include theories of interpersonal communication,
organization structures, management, and communication
styles.
194. Group Studies
for Advanced Students
Selected topics in accordance with instructor's area
of specialization.
199. Independent Studies
in Communication
Students must have 1) attained upper-division standing;
2) a minimum 3.0 grade-point average for the preceding
three quarters; 3) have completed at least two upper-division
courses in communication. Students are limited to
5 units per quarter and 30 units total in all 98/99/198/199/199RA
courses combined. Written proposal required.
199RA. Independent
Research Assistance in Communication
1-5 units. Coursework shall consist of faculty supervised
research assistance.
Graduate Courses
200. Communication Theory Construction
The nature of theory and theory building in human
communication.
201. Communication Theory
This course provides a broad overview to the study
of human communication by surveying theories of language,
interpersonal communication, persuasion, small group
communication, organizational communication, and
mass communication.
204A. Research Methods in Communication
Criticism of behavior research in communication.
204B. Applications in Research Methods in Communication
Prerequisite: Communication 204A or consent of instructor.
The course provides students with hands-on experience
with computer programs designed for analysis of communication-related
data. Analyses include multiple regression, MANOVA,
log linear and other advanced techniques.
204C. Advanced Topics in Research Methods and Statistical Analysis
Provides students with experience in advanced topics in multivariate statistics and computer programs. Analyses includes multiple regression, MANOVA, log linear analyses, and other advanced techniques.
206. Group Communication
Readings on research concerning group processes from social and behavioral sciences, with special attention to latest communication apporaches to group interaction. Design of research projects on small group communication.
222A. Micro Organizational
Communication
Classical/administrative, human relations/resources, systems, interpretive/cultural, and critical approaches to organizational communication. Theory and research on organizational structures and environments; power, authority and influence; communication networks; leadership; decision making; assimilation and socialization; innovation and change; and strategic communication.
222B. Macro Organizational Communication
An organizational communicative perspective on globalization and a global perspective on organizational communication processes. Review of theories and research that address processes of organizational convergence and divergence, contemporary organizational practices, and opportunities and consequences associated with globalization.
222C. Seminar: Technology and
Organization
Examination of critical issues in contemporary communication theory and research
implicating advanced communication and information technologies and their relation
to organizational dynamics, structure, and change.
224. Family Communication
Theory and research on communication in familial relationships. Focus on development, maintenance, and disintegration of families. Special consideration is given to developmental stages of families (attachment) and families with members who are failing to function in some capacity.
226. Seminar: Gender and Communication
Nonverbal and verbal differences and similarities
in the communication of males and females. Theoretical
perspectives include the gender-linked language effect,
speech accommodation theory, and sex-role stereotypes.
Acquisition and maintenance of gender-l inked differences
are discussed.
228. Intergroup Communication
Analysis of theory and research related to intergroup
relations, with special attention to the role of
language use and variation as a means of communicating
about intergroup relations.
229. Intergenerational Communication and Aging
Theory, research and practice in communication and
aging. Focus on intergenerational discourse, age
identity and psychological well being.
232. Media Law & Policy
Survey of the fundamental and regulatory policies
governing electronic mass media, emphasizing broadcast
television. Considers both structural and content-based
regulation. Analyzes the policymaking process as
well as the outcome of major communication po licy
decisions.
234. Cognition and Mass Communication
Prerequisites: Communication 200, 201, 214, or consent
of instructor.
Review of current research of theories in the cognitive
processing of mass media. Special consideration will
be given to attention and memory for television.
250. Contemporary Issues in Communication Science
Prerequisites: Communication 200 and 201.
Critical examination of a selected aspect of contemporary
communication theory and research. Topic varies from
year to year.
500. Teaching College Communication
Theory of teaching communication at the college level. Topics include self-presentation, facilitating discussion, constructing examinations, grading examinations and term papers, providing feedback, and professionalism. Ê
501. Apprentice Teaching
Prerequisites: Communication 500 (may be taken concurrently).
No unit credit allowed toward advanced degree.
Application of theory to the practices of teaching
college courses in communication. Students will issue
assignments, conduct class discussions, score tests,
and assign grades under the supervision of the faculty
member who is the course director.
502. Practicum for Teaching Associates
Prerequisites: Communication 500 or equivalent. No
unit credit allowed toward advanced degree.
Theory and practice of teaching undergraduate classes
in communication. Topics include the selection of
behavioral objectives, selection of texts and other
materials, creation of syllabi, preparation of lectures
and assignments, administration of examinat ion,
and maintenance of standards.
503. Research Practicum
No unit credit allowed toward advanced degree.
A practicum for research associates.
505. Issues in Communication Research
Prerequisites: graduate standing. Enrollment is mandatory
each quarter that a student is in residence; units
do not fulfill degree requirements.
Presentation of research completed or in progress
by students, faculty and guest speakers followed
by critical discussion of the issues raised.
593A-Z. Directed Reading
Prerequisite: consent of instructor. May be repeated
for maximum of 12 units.
Individual tutorial. Provides students with the same material as a regular course except it is conducted on an individual basis with a faculty member. Written contract describing the course, readings, and assignments should be submitted to the departmental graduate adviser.
594A-Z. Special Topics
Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
Special seminar on research subjects of current interest.
595A-Z. Group Studies
Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
Critical review of research in selected fields.
596A-Z. Directed Research
Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
Individual tutorial. Provides students with supervised research experience including any of the following: reviewing literature, formulating research questions, designing measures, collecting and analyzing data, and writing papers. Written proposal must be approved by the departmental graduate advisor.
597A-Z. Preparation for the Qualifying Examination
Prerequisite: consent of advisor. No unit credit
allowed toward advanced degree.
Directed individual preparation for the master's
or doctoral qualifying examination.
598A-Z. Master's Thesis Research and Preparation
Prerequisite: consent of thesis advisor.
The thesis is done under the direction of the chair of a student's thesis committee.
599A-Z. Dissertation Preparation
Prerequisite: consent of dissertation advisor; advancement
to candidacy.
This course is reserved for writing the dissertation.