Communication, Theatre Emphasis Courses

COM 381. Theatre Workshop: Directing. 1 hour credit, fall and spring
Additionally, in this course the student will explore theories and approaches to directing a theatrical production and be responsible for directing various aspects of the play currently being produced by the department. This course may be taken twice for credit.

COM 172, 272, 372, 472. Forensics Workshop. 1 hour credit, fall and spring
The workshop is designed for those students who are actively involved in college debate or forensic activities. Each course may be taken twice for credit.

COM 113. Basic Speech. 3 hours credit, fall and spring
A basic communications course designed to assist the student in developing the ability and the ease to effectively communicate with various audiences, including one-to-one, one-to-many, and group communication. Concepts studied include organization, presentation skills, and critical listening. Both the textual study of rhetoric and the individual practice of interpersonal, group communication and public speaking are utilized.

COM 173. Introduction to Theatre. 3 hours credit, odd years, fall
An introductory study of the various aspects of theatre, including historical development, performance, management, and technical production. Emphasis is given to the interaction of theatre and society and how this interaction has played a part in development of both theatre and societies.

COM 243. Oral Interpretation. 3 hours credit, even years, spring
The study and practice of the art of interpreting non-dramatic literature as public performance. Both analysis of various literary genres and oral presentation are utilized. Prerequisite: COM 113 with a grade of "B" or above.

COM 273. Communication Theory. 3 hours credit, even years, spring
Designed to acquaint students with a theoretical overview of the field of communication from the laws, systems, and rules perspectives. Topics include interpersonal communication, organizational communication, persuasion, and small group communication.

COM 283. Interviewing. 3 hours credit, even years, spring
Provides students with an understanding of the interviewing process. Students learn the fundamentals of interviewing and then apply them through in-class simulations. Prerequisite: COM 113.

COM 302. Diction. 2 hours credit, odd years, spring, crosslisted as MUS 302.
A study of the fundamentals of pronouncing and reading the following languages: Latin, French, English and German. Emphasis is given to learning and being able to use the International Phonetic Alphabet. Prerequisites: Permission of Instructor.

COM 303. Drama Survey. 3 hours credit, odd years, spring . Crosslisted as ENG 303.

A survey of the development of dramatic literature throughout its history. Play scripts are read and studied as literary genre, as well as the beginning of a possible performance. Careful attention is given to a thorough analysis of scripts and the necessity of understanding the analysis in order to understand the drama.

COM 312. Acting. 3 hours credit, years, fall
A study of the various acting methods. Course time is spent in acquiring knowledge of acting methods and then applying that knowledge to increase the students' acting abilities.

COM 313. Radio and Television. 3 hours credit, even years, fall
The student will study and discuss the history and practices of the broadcast media as well as some of the philosophical responsibilities of these modes of communication. The class may also produce a radio program. Prerequisite: COM 113.

COM 322. Technical Theatre. 3 hours credit, odd years, spring
An in-depth study which provides students with guided, practical experience in working with the technical aspects of theatre. This course will cover set construction, costuming, lighting, and design. Students will be required to complete a project which demonstrates their acquired skills. Prerequisite: COM 173.

COM 333. Interpersonal Communication. 3 hours credit, fall, and odd years spring
An examination of the principles of interpersonal communication. The course provides a theoretical foundation for dyadic interaction, which is tested through practical application. Topics include perception, self-concept, relationships and conflict. Prerequisite: COM 113.

COM 342. Directing. 3 hours credit, odd years, fall
Guided experience in basic principles and major styles of stage directing. Course time is spent acquiring knowledge of directing methods and then applying the knowledge to improve the students' directing skills.

COM 353. Principles of Advertising. 3 hours credit, odd years, fall
Intense study of advertising, the process and practice. Planning, formulating, implementing and evaluating of campaigns. Social responsibilities and legal restrictions of advertising. Case studies assigned for discussion and evaluation. Prerequisite: COM 113.

COM 364. Written Journalism. 3 hours credit, even years, spring. crosslisted as ENG 364
Basic reporting techniques, lead and story writing, headline writing, feature articles, editorials and copy editing. Prerequisites: COM 113 and ENG 123.

COM 373. Small Group Communication. 3 hours credit, even years, fall
Presents a theoretical approach to small group communication which is then applied practically. Emphasis is on problem-solving contexts, but consideration is given to other forms of small group communication. Prerequisite: COM 113.

COM 383. Organizational Communication. 3 hours credit, odd years, spring
Studies communication in the context of management and organizational structure. It looks at communication in the organization through different theoretical perspectives. Prerequisite: COM 113.

COM 398. Special Topics in Theatre. 1 hour credit, fall
Topics in Theatre is a course designed to give students experience in specialized theatrical areas needed to succeed in a professional career in theatrical arts. Topics include: A. Make-up B. Costuming C. Stage Movement D. Stage Lighting. Prerequisite: COM 173.

COM 403. Planning and Producing Music Production. 3 hours credit, spring. crosslisted as MUS 403.
An introduction to the principles and practices used to successfully handle the following musical experiences: Musicals, swing/show choirs, variety shows, etc. Choreography, sound systems, repertoire, auditioning, programming, rehearsing, and casting are some of the more salient concepts studied.

COM 412. Play Production. 2 hours credit, spring
A capstone course designed to synthesize the knowledge gained from previous theatre courses through a directed theatrical project in the students choice of specialization. Possible projects include direct a full length play, or an intense acting project such as acting in a one actor show. Requires permission of the instructor. Prerequisite: Must be a senior having completed 90 percent of their theatre courses.

COM 413. Persuasion. 3 hours credit, even years, fall
A detailed study of the theoretical foundations for various methods of persuasion. This course also focuses on the ethical implications of persuasion. Prerequisite: COM 113 or permission of instructor.

COM 414. One Act Play. 1 hour credit, fall
Students will apply theories and approaches to the directing of a One Act play. Students are responsible for choosing a show, casting, directing, all technical aspects of the production, and seeing the show through completion. Prerequisite: COM 342.

COM 423. Public Relations. 3 hours credit, odd years, spring
Overview of the history, theory, research techniques and applications of public relations. Introduction to public relation writing and design. Projects include conference set-up, brochure preparation, and news releases. Focuses on critical analysis of public relations problems and remediation. Prerequisite: COM 113 or permission of instructor.

COM 433. Shakespeare. 3 hours credit, odd years, fall, Crosslisted as ENG 433
Studies the Bard's major tragedies, comedies, and romances, placing them in their historical, intellectual, critical, and dramatic contexts. Prerequisites: Junior or Senior standing.

COM 443. Advanced Public Speaking. 3 hours credit, even years, fall
An advanced course for those students with a high level of speech experience and interest, involving a more in-depth examination of communication. Rhetorical theory and reasoning, interpersonal skills and persuasion are explored, with additional practice in public speaking. Prerequisite: 113 or permission of instructor.

COM 498. Special Topics in Theatre. 3 hours credit, fall
Content of course is structured according to student demand and faculty availability. Each version allows an in-depth study of a field in Theatre. Topics may not be repeated for credit. Juniors majoring in theatre may enroll with permission of the Department Head. Prerequisite: COM 173.