Course Descriptions
COMT - Communication & Theatre
LA 600, (406) 657-2178
COMT 101 Fundamentals of Communication 3 cr. Provides instruction in oral competencies expected of university students. Major topics presented include interaction skills, public speaking and mass media awareness.
* COMT 110 Interpersonal Communication 3 cr. Offers a theoretical and practical understanding of interpersonal communication processes. The course aims to develop the student's perception and expression skills to communicate successfully in a variety of contexts.
* COMT 130 Introduction to Public Speaking 3 cr. Develops the student's speaking abilities. Students acquire an understanding of basic rhetorical theory and its application in a variety of speech situations. Listening, speaking and critiquing abilities are emphasized. This course addresses the following topics: speech preparation and delivery, forming and fielding questions, audience analysis, listening skills, critiquing and speaker anxiety.
* COMT 150 Introduction to Theatre and Performance 3 cr. Introduces the student to various aspects of theatre and performance with the goal of enhancing the student’s enjoyment of drama and performance art. Provides the student with an understanding and an appreciation of the art of theatre.
* COMT 155 Global Cinema 3 cr. Offers students an artistic appreciation of the diversity of cinema around the world. Develops a broadened multicultural perspective through surveying films from Asia, Europe, North and South America. Encourages students to view cinema as a means of interpreting culture. (Special fee).
* COMT 160 Introduction to Intercultural Communication 3 cr. Examines communicative encounters among people of different cultural, ethnic, and minority groups. Local, national, and global in scope, the course also analyzes identity, verbal and nonverbal communication, popular culture, intercultural relationships, and multicultural communication in applied settings. Practical guidelines for enhancing intercultural interactions will be offered while noting the layers of complexity in communicating across cultural boundaries.
COMT 201 Technology for Communication (TN) 3 cr. Offered ONLY Online. Provides instruction in computer-mediated communication competencies expected of Communication and Theatre Majors. Topics presented include advanced word processing, multimedia presentations, desktop publishing, Internet, spreadsheet, database, etc.
COMT 210 Group Dynamics 3 cr. Increases the student’s awareness of communication processes in small group discussions. The course should help the student to become more comfortable in group situations, to learn to observe discussions more capably, to listen carefully to the ideas of others, to develop techniques to facilitate group decision-making, and to become aware of the function of roles in communication situations.
COMT 222 Media Writing 3 cr. Introduces students to fundamentals of newsgathering in print and broadcast journalism. The course covers basic skills necessary for newsgathering such as reporting techniques, story composition, and interviewing methods.
COMT 230 Advanced Public Speaking 3 cr. Prerequisite: COMT 130 or Consent of Instructor. Enhances the public skills of students who have already mastered the basic principles of oral communication. Emphasizes audience analysis and adaptive speech behaviors with the goal of developing speakers with polished skills for a variety of real world situations.
* COMT 250 Introduction to Acting 3 cr. Uses theatre games and scripted material to introduce the student to basic concepts of the art of acting. Helps the student to develop an appreciation for the art of acting both from the point of view of the audience and the performer.
COMT 256 Visual Elements of Performance Studies (TN) 3 cr. Focuses on analysis, design, and construction of the visual/physical aspects of performance. This class explores creating a physical environment for performance. Based on traditional theatrical tools (set/lighting design and construction, costumes, makeup), students will also be encouraged to work with video production techniques leading to documentary design options. Non-traditional tools such as found objects, expanded definitions of performance space, and experimental design processes will also be explored.
COMT 290 Internship: Media V 1-3 cr. Prerequisites: COMT 222 and/or consent of instructor. Provides on-site observational opportunities with related forms of mass media.
COMT 292 Seminar V 1-3 cr. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Provides students an opportunity to investigate intensively topics pertinent to the field of Communication and Theatre.
COMT 293 Workshop V 1-5 cr. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Provides an opportunity for experimental study in an area of Communication and Theatre.
COMT 296 Cooperative Education/Internship V 1-9 cr. Provides university credit for a sophomore work experience in the area of Communication and Theatre supervised by faculty. Learning agreement must be completed prior to registration (restricted).
COMT 310 Organizational Communication 3 cr. Introduces material related to organizational socialization, structure, climate, leadership, power, and conflict management.
COMT 320 Introduction to Mass Communication 3 cr. Introduces students to each of the major media of mass communication, focusing on historical development, commercial functions, societal impact, cultural contributions, and contemporary controversies surrounding each. Media forms explored include television, radio, the Internet, magazines, newspapers, film, and recorded music. Media support industries (advertising, public relations), media regulation, and media ethics are also surveyed. For COMT majors concentrating in Mass Communication, this class serves as the introduction to the “inner core” sequence of media study courses.
COMT 321 Theories of Media and Society 3 cr. Prerequisite: COMT 320. Examines the role of mass media in modern societies and the effects and influences of media institutions and mediated messages on individuals, communities, societies, and culture. Presents and critically examines a range of theories, scholarly opinions, and research approaches regarding media-society interrelationships.
COMT 322 Principles of Public Relations 3 cr. Prerequisite: COMT 222. Explores the fundamentals of the public relations field and develops the skills necessary for the public relations practitioner. The course provides the student with practical experience in the development of public relations materials, such as brochures and press releases, as well as the skill for the implementation of communication programs within the organization.
COMT 325 Introduction to Visual Communication 3 cr. Surveys the entire spectrum of visual media, and introduces students to the fundamentals of communication (theoretical models, the role of codes and conventions, etc.). Addresses formal developments in visual communication. Serves as a springboard to several of the more specialized offerings in the Mass Communication program.
COMT 326 New Technology and Communication 3 cr. Offered ONLY Online. Provides an understanding of new techniques as communication channels and the social, legal, and practical implications of the use of these channels in organizational and personal contexts. Topics reviewed include telecommunication policies, law and applications, the development of hypermedias such as interface of computers and cable television delivery systems, and the growth of virtual reality as an organizational training and entertainment medium.
COMT 328 Essentials of Video Production (TN) 3 cr. Prerequisite: COMT 222. Provides an introduction to video production through a focus on script writing, camera operation, and editing. Students will have the opportunity to learn to produce their own videotapes.
COMT 330 Persuasion 3 cr. Explores the history, literature, and theory of persuasive communication affording students the opportunity to examine the dynamics of change in a variety of contexts.
COMT 340 Performance for the Camera 3 cr. Provides training in on-camera performance techniques including delivery style, voice preparation, use of teleprompter and/or cue cards, and interacting with the camera. Contexts of performance to be explored include broadcast news, interviewing, press conferences, acting in commercials, and visual storytelling.
COMT 350 Performance Theory and Criticism 3 cr. Provides the student with a theoretical/conceptual framework for performance analysis. The course deconstructs notions of performance as product as well as process. Topics include the review of critical writings, contemporary theatre theory, philosophies of directing, dialogical definitions of audiences and genres, and ethnographic application.
COMT 356 Theatre Design and Technology 3 cr. Prerequisite: COMT 256. Refines communication through the media of lighting, sound, and scenic design. This course allows the student to learn the steps through which to execute a stage design. Students will explore different design strategies and apply theoretical models to theatrical and/or media productions.
COMT 358 Directing 3 cr. Prerequisite: COMT 250. Provides a guided study in interpreting and directing the play with work in developing a written concept and staging a portion of material based on that concept. It is also intended to help each student with individual rehearsal problems.
COMT 410 Advanced Interpersonal Communication 3 cr. Presents theoretical materials and case studies related to the communicational foundation of human relationships. Issues considered include: perceptual variances in cross-cultural and familial interactions, gender differences, elements of verbal/nonverbal communication, listening, developing/sustaining/struggling/ending relationships, conversing with friends, and interpersonal communication in the workplace.
COMT 414 Issues in Organizational Communication 3 cr. Prerequisite: COMT 310. Presents material related to the relationship between corporations and public decision-making, the nature of democracy in the workplace, a multiple stakeholder model of communication, diversity, negotiation, organizational politics, and dialogic communication.
COMT 416/516 Leadership and Communication 3 cr. Offered ONLY Online. Presents material related to leadership theories, leader-participant relations, vision/mission/goals, structure and design, culture, capacity building, and social responsibility.
COMT 420/520 Media Advertising (TN) 3 cr. Provides instruction in the research composition, and the measurement of advertising messages in both commercial and public information contexts. Students will explore the appropriate media choices to accomplish the mission set forth in their communication. The course culminates with the presentation of a completely developed advertising project.
COMT 421/521 Communicating Through the Internet 3 cr. Offered ONLY Online. Examines the major principles influencing the construction and dissemination of online communication. May address topics such as the conventions of web page design, effective utilization of the internet as a communication channel, differentiating useful messages from spam, and identifying the strengths and limitations of online communication.
COMT 422/522 Issues in Public Relations 3 cr. Prerequisite: COMT 322. Explores advanced public relations strategies and the role of public relations in society. Topics may include (but are not limited to) Corporations and their publics, Not-for-profit public relations, Socially responsible marketing, Public relations theory, Crisis communication, and Public Relations for Multicultural Audiences.
COMT 425/525 Media Criticism 3 cr. Prerequisites: COMT 320 and COMT 321. Engages students in the in-depth exploration, analysis, and criticism of the media as foundational components of democracies, as economic institutions, as producers of text (rhetoric), and as meaning-making systems. Students will learn a variety of critical methods and apply them to the analysis of pressing contemporary issues of media and society.
COMT 426/526 Case Studies in Public Relations 3 cr. Uses actual cases to assess strategic decisions concerning internal and external publics and appreciate the accompanying ethical, legal, economic, psychological, organizational, political, and media impact of such decisions.
COMT 427/527 Public Relations Ethics 3 cr. Explores ethical issues in public relations from a case study approach. Students will critically examine the structures, work, and business of the public relations industry and discuss the implications of ethical standards applied to the field.
COMT 428/528 Advanced Video Production (TN) 3 cr. Prerequisite: COMT 328. Provides instruction in advanced video production techniques including camera operation, sound design, lighting, and scriptwriting. Examines studio production systems and equipment. Activities include the production of video projects including news packages and other short video programs designed by the instructor. Graduate students will be required to present an extensive research paper/project.
COMT 429/529 The Law of Public Communication 3 cr. Examines major principles in communication law that influence media and public relations professionals. Students will become familiar with landmark court decisions and contemporary issues in first amendment jurisprudence.
COMT 431/531 Political Communication 3 cr. Explores communication methods and strategies employed by political campaigns to influence voters. Students will analyze political discourse produced by national, state, and local campaigns in order to understand the communication patterns and interactions that occur.
COMT 440/540 Popular Culture and Cultural Studies 3 cr. Prerequisites: COMT 320 and 321. Provides an introduction to the history, theory, and practice of studying popular culture. Explores a variety of theoretical approaches to pop culture, including classical Marxism, the Frankfurt School, structuralism, feminism, and postmodernism. Throughout the course, theoretical methodologies will be illustrated through their ability to interpret and/or decode cultural objects ranging from HBO television to science fiction to hip hop. Students will be encouraged to take these applications as models for their own work in choosing, reading, and analyzing specific instances of pop culture.
COMT 450 Performance Skills for Professionals 3 cr. Prerequisite: COMT 250 or consent of instructor. Trains students in the master application of performance studies techniques and the reification of theoretical principles. Students incorporate voice, movement, kinesthetics, text analysis, oral interpretation, storytelling, and visual design techniques in performances designed to encourage audience awareness and interaction. Course will focus on a dynamic interaction between performer and audience across a broad genre/discipline range, including education, performing arts, business, and communication.
COMT 461/561 Multicultural Mass Communication 3 cr. Prerequisites: COMT 320 and COMT 321. Explores and critically analyzes mass mediated communication in a multicultural world and the U.S. as a multicultural nation. Provides an understanding of the roles of media corporations and media texts in the construction of cultural, subcultural, and individual identities. Considers media as transnational businesses, as expressive forms, and as mirrors and shapers of culture. Investigates theories, practices, and outcomes of mediated cultural imperialism and the unique role played by U.S. media organizations and U.S.-produced texts.
COMT 465 Communication Theory (WR) 3 cr. Prerequisite: consent of instructor or junior standing. Provides the student with a theoretical/conceptual framework for understanding human communication.
COMT 470/570 Capstone Project 3 cr. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Explores how people apply their knowledge of communication in practical contexts. Addresses applied topics such as dealing with conflict, conducting meetings, leading effectively, managing rumors, advocacy, and political communication. Graduate students will be required to present an extensive research paper/project.
COMT 480/580 Health Communication 3 cr. Explores key findings in health communication research and practice, focusing on a wide range of media (e.g., brochures, posters, radio, television, telephone hotlines, Internet) and a wide range of health objectives (e.g., STD/HIV prevention, smoking cessation, cardiovascular disease prevention). We will examine the literature and key health communication campaigns to determine what are the key ingredients of successful or effective approaches in each medium, for different types of messages and target audiences.
COMT 481/581 Media for Social Change 3 cr. Examines the application of commercial campaign technologies to the analysis, planning, execution, and evaluation of programs designed to influence the voluntary behavior of target audiences in order to improve their personal welfare and that of their society.
COMT/HHP/HADM 482/582 Women, Media and Health 3 cr. Corequisites: COMT 480/580, COMT 481/581. Analyzes gaps in basic health care needs for women, both domestically and abroad, emphasizing the role of mass media both in promoting and hindering basic reproductive health. A special emphasis will be placed on women’s reproductive rights and the ways in which political movements have limited and advanced needs in this area.
COMT 488 Topics in Communication 3 cr. Prerequisite: Senior class standing or consent of instructor. Provides Senior students with the opportunity to research, prepare, and present before the faculty a final project that exemplifies the culmination of their course of study as Communication and Theatre majors.
COMT 490 Internship V 1-3 cr. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Provides on-site observational opportunities.
COMT 490 Media Internship: Senior Project V 1-3 cr. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Provides onsite observational opportunities with selected forms of mass media.
COMT 491 Independent Study V 1-3 cr. Prerequisites: consent of instructor and chairperson of department. Provides an opportunity for students of outstanding ability to explore material not covered by regular Communication and Theatre courses.
COMT 492 Seminar V 1-3 cr. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Provides students an opportunity to investigate intensively topics pertinent to the field of Communication and Theatre. This course may be offered ONLY Online.
COMT 493 Workshop V 1-5 cr. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Provides an opportunity for experimental study in areas Communication and Theatre.
COMT 496 Cooperative Education/Internship V 1-9 cr. Provides university credit for a work experience in the area of Communication and Theatre, supervised by faculty. Learning agreement must be completed prior to registration (restricted).
Graduate Level Courses
The following are graduate level courses. Please refer to the Graduate Catalog for the course descriptions.
COMT 502 Research Methods 3 cr.
COMT 510 Advanced Interpersonal Communication 3 cr.
COMT 514 Issues in Organizational Communication 3 cr.
COMT 416/516 Leadership and Communication 3 cr.
COMT 420/520 Media Advertising 3 cr.
COMT 422/522 Public Relations 3 cr.
COMT 426/526 Case Studies in Public Relations 3 cr.
COMT 427/527 Public Relations Ethics 3 cr.
COMT 428/528 Advanced Video Production 3 cr.
COMT 429/529 The Law of Public Communication 3 cr.
COMT 565 Communication Theory 3 cr.
COMT 470/570 Capstone Project 3 cr.
COMT 588 Colloquium in Communication 3 cr.
COMT 590 Internship 3 cr.
COMT 591 Independent Study 3 cr.
COMT 592 Seminar 3 cr.
COMT 593 Workshop 3 cr.
COMT 596 Cooperative Education/Internship V 1-9 cr.
COMT 598 Project 3 cr.
COMT 599 Thesis 6 cr.
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