COMM 100. Fundamentals of Human Communication. 3 hours.

Emphasis on strategies for public speaking, public presentations, and conducting meetings. Effective approaches to audience analysis, speaker/presenter credibility, using evidence, argument development, delivery, and planning meetings. Course Information: No Credit given toward major in Communication. Some sections may be offered fully online or in a blended-online and classroom course setting. Consult the Schedule of Classes for the mode of instruction. Use of computer and internet access is required for all online and blended sections. A high speed connection, while not required, is strongly suggested. Individual and Society course.

COMM 101. Introduction to Communication. 3 hours.

Introduction to central concepts in communication, including key terms and theories, specific contexts and key debates. Course Information: Some sections may be offered fully online or in a blended-online and classroom course setting. Use of computer and internet access is required for all online and blended sections. A high speed connection, while not required, is strongly suggested. Individual and Society course.

COMM 102. Introduction to Interpersonal Communication. 3 hours.

Effective communication in human relationships; verbal and nonverbal messages; reflective listening, disclosure, showing affection, empathy, assertiveness; handling interpersonal conflict; cultural and gender differences. Course Information: Some sections may be offered fully online or in a blended-online and classroom course setting. Consult the Schedule of Classes for the mode of instruction. Use of computer and internet access is required for all online and blended sections. A high speed connection, while not required, is strongly suggested. Individual and Society course.

COMM 103. Introduction to Media. 3 hours.

Conceptualizing mass communication. Internal and external controls. Media and minorities. Individual and societal functions of the media. Individual and societal effects of the media. Course Information: Some sections may be offered fully online or in a blended-online and classroom course setting. use of computer and internet access is required for all online and blended sections. A high speed connection, while not required, is strongly suggested. Individual and Society course.

COMM 105. Black Film, 1900 - Present: Images, Individuals and Ideas on Screen. 3 hours.

Examination of the history of black people in film – looking both at films by black people in the United States and the diaspora, and at the relationship between black filmmakers, performers, and audiences to national and global film industries. Course Information: Same as BLST 105 and MOVI 105. Creative Arts course, and US Society course.

COMM 140. Fundamentals of Social Media and Communication. 3 hours.

Instruction and practice in the composition, analysis and dissemination of messages that employ media and social media in professional contexts. Course Information: Some sections may be offered fully online or in a blended-online and classroom course setting. Consult the Schedule of Classes for the mode of instruction. Use of computer and internet access is required for all online and blended sections. A high speed connection, while not required, is strongly suggested. Individual and Society course.

COMM 200. Communication Technologies. 3 hours.

Historical, social, and personal impact of different kinds of technology on communication and culture. Issues related to identity, infrastructure, ability, information, access, popular culture, and diversity. Course Information: Same as MOVI 200. Some sections may be offered fully online or in a blended-online and classroom course setting. Use of computer and internet access is required for all online and blended sections. Consult the schedule of classes for mode of instruction. A high speed connection, while not required, is strongly suggested. Prerequisite(s): ENGL 160 and ENGL 161.

COMM 201. Statistics in Communication Research. 3 hours.

Processes of communication research as a social science; variables, hypotheses, and theories; conceptual and operational definition; sampling; research design; statistics; use of computers for research. Course Information: Prerequisite(s): Credit or concurrent registration in COMM 101; and Credit or concurrent registration in COMM 102; and Credit or concurrent registration in COMM 103 ; and MATH 090 or MATH 105 or any other advanced math course with a minimum grade of C, or math placement above MATH 090 or MATH 105.

COMM 203. Gender, Race, Inclusion and Diversity (GRID) in Communication. 3 hours.

Focus on gender, race, inclusion, and diversity (GRID) in professional, personal, and social communication contexts. Emphasis on empathy, equity, intersectionality, cultural identity, dialogue, class, power, ability, work, technology, and mobility. Course Information: Some sections may be offered fully online or in a blended-online course setting. Consult the Schedule of Classes for mode of instruction. Use of computer and internet access is required for all online and blended sections. A high speed connection, while not required, is strongly suggested. Prerequisite(s): ENGL 160 and ENGL 161.

COMM 204. Gender and Popular Culture. 3 hours.

Analysis of representations of gender and sexuality in popular and material culture, using contemporary theories. Focus is on US popular culture. Course Information: Same as GWS 204. Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing or above; or consent of the instructor. Recommended background: Credit or concurrent registration in GWS 101 or Credit or concurrent registration in COMM 102 or Credit or concurrent registration in GWS 102 or Credit or concurrent registration in COMM 103. Individual and Society course, and US Society course.

COMM 205. The Health Media Environment. 3 hours.

Health issues coverage in the media (traditional, social, and future); misinformation, disinformation, fake news, health literacy, best practices. Foundational theory on health, news, and the media. Course Information: Some sections may be offered fully online or in a blended-online and classroom course setting. Consult the Schedule of Classes for the mode of instruction. Use of computer and internet access is required for all online and blended sections. A high speed connection, while not required, is strongly suggested. Prerequisite(s): Completion of the English Composition requirement.

COMM 206. Public Relations and Digital Media. 3 hours.

The basics of public relations strategy applied to a contemporary digital media environment. The ethics and practice of public relations. Course Information: Prerequisite(s): ENGL 160 and ENGL 161.

COMM 207. The Mass Media and Politics. 3 hours.

Impact of mass media coverage on political attitudes and the conduct of American politics. Communication policies and media institutions in times of rapid technological change. Course Information: Same as POLS 207. Some sections may be offered fully online or in a blended-online and classroom course setting. Consult the Schedule of Classes for the mode of instruction. Use of computer and internet access is required for all online and blended sections. A high speed connection, while not required, is strongly suggested. Prerequisite(s): One course in political science, sociology or contemporary history.

COMM 210. Race, Media and Culture. 3 hours.

The construction and dissemination of race through mediated structures. Includes but not limited to news, television, children's literature, advertising, movies, music, social media, and video games. Course Information: Prerequisite(s): Completion of the English Composition requirement.

COMM 216. Digital Journalism. 3 hours.

Basics, best practices, and ethics of digital journalism. Assembling, producing, and publicizing news content for the contemporary digital news environment. Course Information: Some sections may be offered fully online or in a blended-online and classroom course setting. Consult the Schedule of Classes for the mode of instruction. Use of computer and internet access is required for all online and blended sections. A high speed connection, while not required, is strongly suggested. Prerequisite(s): ENGL 160 and ENGL 161.

COMM 220. Social Media and Marketing. 3 hours.

The basics of marketing in the social media age.Theoretical and practical strategies used by corporations and non-profits to leverage digital communication and enhance brand identity, loyalty, and consumer engagement. Course Information: Course may be offered in a traditional, blended, or online format. Use of computer and internet access is required for all online and blended sections. Consult the Schedule of Classes for the mode of instruction. Prerequisite(s): ENGL 160 and ENGL 161.

COMM 225. Advertising and Society. 3 hours.

History and ethics of advertising in society and culture. Focus on controversies and exemplars, visual and design theory, and advertising processes. Emphasis on digital content creation, critique, and impact on society. Course Information: Some sections may be offered fully online or in a blended-online course setting. Consult the Schedule of Classes for mode of instruction. Use of computer and internet access is required for all online and blended sections. A high speed connection, while not required, is strongly suggested. Prerequisite(s): ENGL 160 and ENGL 161.

COMM 230. AI and Journalism. 3 hours.

Reporting with Artificial Intelligence (AI). Focus on knowledge production, research & experimentation. Infusion of AI tools into workflow. Ethical & legal copyright issues. Fact checking & transparency in the production & publishing process with AI. Course Information: Some sections may be offered fully online or in a blended-online and classroom course setting. Consult the Schedule of Classes for the mode of instruction. Use of computer and internet access is required for all online and blended sections. A high speed connection, while not required, is strongly suggested. Prerequisite(s): ENGL 160 and ENGL 161.

COMM 234. History of Television. 3 hours.

A critical history of television. Course Information: Same as ENGL 234 and MOVI 234. Some sections may be offered fully online or in a blended-online and classroom course setting. Consult the Schedule of Classes for the mode of instruction. Use of computer and internet access is required for all online and blended sections. A high speed connection, while not required, is strongly suggested. Prerequisite(s): ENGL 160 and ENGL 161.

COMM 240. Data Journalism. 3 hours.

The basics of journalism/reporting in the social media age. Theoretical and practical strategies used gather, analyze, and report data for current events, crime, politics and other news topics toward crafting interactive storytelling. Course Information: Some sections may be offered fully online or in a blended-online and classroom course setting. Use of computer and internet access is required for all online and blended sections. A high speed connection, while not required, is strongly suggested. Prerequisite(s): ENGL 160 and ENGL 161.

COMM 250. Social Media and Society. 3 hours.

Social media platforms as they affect crucial social, political, and economic aspects of society. Course Information: Some sections may be offered fully online or in a blended-online and classroom course setting. Consult the Schedule of Classes for the mode of instruction. Use of computer and internet access is required for all online and blended sections. A high speed connection, while not required, is strongly suggested. Prerequisite(s): ENGL 160 and ENGL 161.

COMM 254. Future Television. 3 hours.

The expansion of television and the forces shaping its future. Course Information: Some sections may be offered fully online or in a blended-online and classroom course setting. Consult the Schedule of Classes for the mode of instruction. Use of computer and internet access is required for all online and blended sections. A high speed connection, while not required, is strongly suggested. Prerequisite(s): ENGL 160 and ENGL 161.

COMM 260. Games as Social Technology. 3 hours.

Games as networked and collaborative technologies. Focus on community building and interaction; the social impact of gaming; use of gaming technologies for communication; representation in gaming. Course Information: Prerequisite(s): Completion of the English Composition requirement.

COMM 270. Digital Influencers. 3 hours.

Examines digital influencers and influencer culture. Focus on history, branding, content creation and analytics. Emphasis on impact on society, popular communication, and culture. Course Information: Some sections may be offered fully online or in a blended-online course setting. Consult the Schedule of Classes for mode of instruction. Use of computer and internet access is required for all online and blended sections. A high speed connection, while not required, is strongly suggested. Prerequisite(s): ENGL 160 and ENGL 161.

COMM 294. Introductory Topics. 3 hours.

Introductory analysis of contemporary issues in media, technology, and communication. Topics vary per semester and instructor. Course Information: Some sections may be offered fully online or in a blended-online and classroom course setting. Consult the Schedule of Classes for the mode of instruction. Use of computer and internet access is required for all online and blended sections. A high speed connection, while not required, is strongly suggested. Prerequisite(s): ENGL 160 and ENGL 161.

COMM 301. Communication Research. 3 hours.

Designs and measurements for conducting empirical analyses of communication activities in both laboratory and business settings. Course Information: Some sections may be offered fully online or in a blended-online and classroom course setting. Consult the Schedule of Classes for the mode of instruction. Use of computer and internet access is required for all online and blended sections. A high speed connection, while not required, is strongly suggested. Prerequisite(s): COMM 101 and COMM 102 and COMM 103; and Credit or concurrent registration in COMM 200. Open only to juniors and seniors and quantitative reasoning requirement met.

COMM 303. Communication and Culture. 3 hours.

Examination of the relationship between communication and culture through an exploration of the general theoretical principles linking cultural influences and communicative acts. Course Information: Some sections may be offered fully online or in a blended-online and classroom course setting. Consult the Schedule of Classes for the mode of instruction. Use of computer and internet access is required for all online and blended sections. A high speed connection, while not required, is strongly suggested. Prerequisite(s): COMM 101 and COMM 103; and Credit or concurrent registration in COMM 102; and Credit or concurrent registration in COMM 200.

COMM 304. Gender and Communication. 3 hours.

Speech differences and universals across genders. Talk in gendered interaction. Communication in romantic relationships. Gender issues in work and other settings. Course Information: Same as GWS 304. Some sections may be offered fully online or in a blended-online and classroom course setting. Consult the Schedule of Classes for the mode of instruction. Use of computer and internet access is required for all online and blended sections. A high speed connection, while not required, is strongly suggested. Prerequisite(s): COMM 101 and COMM 103 and Credit or concurrent registration in COMM 102 and Credit or concurrent registration in COMM 200; or GWS 204.

COMM 305. Technology and Wellness. 3 hours.

Wellness within new media technology studies. Focus on how wellness is communicated, branded, and supported and/or hindered through digital media. Emphasis on healthism, moralization, social support, capitalism, neoliberalism, and misinformation. Course Information: Some sections may be offered fully online or in a blended-online course setting. Consult the Schedule of Classes for mode of instruction. Use of computer and internet access is required for all online and blended sections. A high speed connection, while not required, is strongly suggested. Prerequisite(s): COMM 101 and COMM 103 and Credit or concurrent registration in COMM 102; and Credit or concurrent registration in COMM 200.

COMM 306. Organizational Communication. 3 hours.

Examination of communication issues in organizational settings. Exposure to topics such as rules, networks, leadership, and decision making as well as methods of analyzing communication problems. Course Information: Some sections may be offered fully online or in a blended-online and classroom course setting. Consult the Schedule of Classes for the mode of instruction. Use of computer and internet access is required for all online and blended sections. A high speed connection, while not required, is strongly suggested. Prerequisite(s): COMM 101 and COMM 103; and Credit or concurrent registration in COMM 102; and Credit or concurrent registration in COMM 200.

COMM 309. Environmental Communication. 3 hours.

Description and analysis of communication practices about environmental issues with attention to conflict resolution, media coverage, advocacy initiatives and marketing campaigns. Course Information: Prerequisite(s): COMM 101 and COMM 103; and Credit or concurrent registration in COMM 102; and Credit or concurrent registration in COMM 200.

COMM 311. Interviewing and Communication. 3 hours.

Study of the forms and principles of information-seeking interviews, with special attention to fact-finding and data gathering missions. Course Information: Prerequisite(s): COMM 101 and COMM 103; and Credit or concurrent registration in COMM 102 and Credit or concurrent registration in COMM 200.

COMM 315. Group Communication. 3 hours.

Study and practice in the theories and techniques of group communication; the nature of small group decision-making; observation and analysis of established work groups. Course Information: Prerequisite(s): COMM 101 and COMM 103; and Credit or concurrent registration in COMM 102; and Credit or concurrent registration in COMM 200.

COMM 316. Writing for the Electronic Media. 3 hours.

Principles of writing applied to the presentation of information in electronic media. Practical applications and analysis of relations between form and content. Course Information: Prerequisite(s): COMM 101 and COMM 103; and Credit or concurrent registration in COMM 102; and Credit or concurrent registration in COMM 200.

COMM 323. Argument and Persuasion. 3 hours.

Analysis and application of historical and contemporary theories of argument and persuasion as they function to form or change opinions and beliefs. Course Information: Same as ENGL 356. Some sections may be offered fully online or in a blended-online and classroom course setting. Consult the Schedule of Classes for the mode of instruction. Use of computer and internet access is required for all online and blended sections. A high speed connection, while not required, is strongly suggested. Prerequisite(s): Prerequisite(s): COMM 101 and COMM 103; and Credit or concurrent registration in COMM 102; and Credit or concurrent registration in COMM 200. English majors or minors must seek approval from the Communication department.

COMM 326. Public Relations and Social Responsibility. 3 hours.

Foundational public relations (PR) theory and practices. Focus on how PR plays a more active role in the betterment of organizations and society. Emphasis on corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and case studies. Course Information: Some sections may be offered fully online or in a blended-online and classroom course setting. Consult the Schedule of Classes for the mode of instruction. Use of computer and internet access is required for all online and blended sections. A high speed connection, while not required, is strongly suggested. Prerequisite(s): COMM 101 and COMM 103; and Credit or concurrent registration in COMM 102; and Credit or concurrent registration in COMM 200.

COMM 330. Mass Media and Popular Culture. 3 hours.

A theoretical and analytical examination of the media and popular arts as cultural artifacts. Focus on form, content, design, and effects of cultural commodities. Course Information: Prerequisite(s): COMM 101 and COMM 103; and Credit or concurrent registration in COMM 102; and Credit or concurrent registration in COMM 200.

COMM 335. Digital Storytelling. 3 hours.

Overview of traditional storytelling followed by introduction to tools of digital storytelling. Focus on storytelling to communicate meanings about self, identity, community. Emphasis on digital ways of creating narratives that include and diversify. Course Information: Some sections may be offered fully online or in a blended-online course setting. Consult the Schedule of Classes for mode of instruction. Use of computer and internet access is required for all online and blended sections. A high speed connection, while not required, is strongly suggested. Prerequisite(s): COMM 101 and COMM 103 and Credit or concurrent registration in COMM 102; and Credit or concurrent registration in COMM 200.

COMM 350. Personal Relationships and Technology. 3 hours.

Analysis of personal connections in the digital age. Focus on romantic relationships, friendships, families and other social relationships. Topics include identity, intimacy, and relationship development. Course Information: Some sections may be offered fully online or in a blended-online and classroom course setting. Consult the Schedule of Classes for the mode of instruction. Use of computer and internet access is required for all online and blended sections. A high speed connection, while not required, is strongly suggested. Prerequisite(s): COMM 101 and COMM 103; and Credit or concurrent registration in COMM 102; and Credit or concurrent registration in COMM 200.

COMM 360. Public Relations Campaigns. 3 hours.

Theory and analysis of public relations campaigns. Focus on strategic communication, campaign process, research, and analysis. Emphasis on case studies, campaign plan development, and professional collaboration practice. Course Information: Some sections may be offered fully online or in a blended-online course setting. Consult the Schedule of Classes for mode of instruction. Use of computer and internet access is required for all online and blended sections. A high speed connection, while not required, is strongly suggested. Prerequisite(s): COMM 101 and COMM 103 and Credit or concurrent registration in COMM 102; and Credit or concurrent registration in COMM 200.

COMM 394. Special Topics in Communication. 3 hours.

Analysis of contemporary or historical issues in media and communication. Course Information: May be repeated to a maximum of 9 hours if topic is different for each registration. Some sections may be offered fully online or in a blended-online and classroom course setting. Consult the Schedule of Classes for the mode of instruction. Use of computer and internet access is required for all online and blended sections. A high speed connection, while not required, is strongly suggested. Prerequisite(s): COMM 101 and COMM 103; and Credit or concurrent registration in COMM 102; and Credit or concurrent registration in COMM 200.

COMM 410. Race, Gender and Representation: Black Bodies in Media and Mass Culture. 3 or 4 hours.

Examines the ideological, cultural and economic structures that shape the representation of Black subjects in performance, visual arts, and mass media, paying close attention to gender and sexuality. Course Information: 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Same as BLST 410 and GWS 410. Recommended background: Three or more credit hours in Black Studies or consent of the instructor.

COMM 416. Conflict and Communication. 3 or 4 hours.

Students learn to manage and resolve conflict in business, governmental, and community settings. Practical analysis of interpersonal and group conflict cases. Course Information: 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite(s): COMM 301.

COMM 423. Discourse and Rhetoric. 3 or 4 hours.

Exploration of interconnections between language and social practices with attention to multiple components of discursive situations: senders, receivers, context, code, media, and content. Course Information: Same as ENGL 463. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite(s): COMM 301. English majors or minors must seek approval from the Communication department.

COMM 425. Digital Advocacy. 3 hours.

Social media, social movements and advocacy efforts in the digital era. Topics covered include hashtag activism, global movements, digital activism, online mobilization around social injustice. Course Information: Some sections may be offered fully online or in a blended-online and classroom course setting. Consult the Schedule of Classes for the mode of instruction. Use of computer and internet access is required for all online and blended sections. A high speed connection, while not required, is strongly suggested. Prerequisite(s): COMM 301.

COMM 430. Media, Information and Society. 3 or 4 hours.

Dissemination of information via mass media involving social functions and significant questions about facts, truth, knowledge and values. Course Information: 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Some sections may be offered fully online or in a blended-online and classroom course setting. Consult the Schedule of Classes for the mode of instruction. Use of computer and internet access is required for all online and blended sections. A high speed connection, while not required, is strongly suggested. Prerequisite(s): COMM 301.

COMM 433. Mobile Media and the City. 3 hours.

Relationship between contemporary technologies - new media, urban screens, mobile and wireless technologies, ubiquitous computing - and cities. Foundational theory on mobile media and communication. Course Information: Prerequisite(s): COMM 301.

COMM 434. Global Communication Systems. 3 or 4 hours.

Structure and flow of international communication. Media organization systems. International impact of new media and information technology. Impact of U.S. media reporting on foreign affairs. Course Information: 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite(s): COMM 301.

COMM 435. Data, Privacy and Ethics in the Digital Age. 3 hours.

Datafication and privacy. Topics include commodification of personal information through various devices and platforms; the quantified self; legal, ethical, and contextual approaches to privacy; politics of algorithms. Course Information: Prerequisite(s): COMM 301.

COMM 440. Technology, Social Justice, and Sustainable Futures. 3 hours.

Complex interplay between technology, humans and the environment. Anthropocene and climate change. Sustainable design. Electronic waste. Environmental racism. Futurology and Afrofuturism. Technological diffusion and planned obsolescence. Course Information: Prerequisite(s): COMM 301; or approval of the department.

COMM 445. Politics of Platforms. 3 hours.

Exploration of the politics embedded in digital platforms’ policies and practices. Topics include content moderation, mis/disinformation, AI, digital activism, privacy and surveillance, influence, and community. Course Information: Some sections may be offered fully online or in a blended-online and classroom course setting. Use of computer and internet access is required for all online and blended sections. A high speed connection, while not required, is strongly suggested. Prerequisite(s): COMM 301.

COMM 458. Minorities and Communication. 3 or 4 hours.

Description and analysis of the processes through which ethnic and racial perceptions shape public discourse. Course Information: 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite(s): COMM 301.

COMM 460. Visual Communication. 3 or 4 hours.

Exploration of processes through which meaning is derived from visible signs, and the role of media images in the cultural context. Course Information: 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite(s): COMM 301.

COMM 465. Video Games and Society. 3 hours.

Games and their complex socio-cultural impact on society. Explores what games say about the nature of identity, community, presence, learning, and communication. Course Information: Prerequisite(s): COMM 301.

COMM 467. Public Opinion and Political Communication. 3 or 4 hours.

Nature of public opinion and political communication systems. Patterns of opinion distribution and its measurement. Forces shaping public opinion and its impact on public policy. Course Information: Same as POLS 467. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite(s): POLS 200 or the equivalent or consent of the instructor.

COMM 470. Communication and Music. 3 hours.

Study of music as a medium of communication, including the use of various platforms of music creation, performance, and consumption, roles of fans, musicians, and the music industry, and the use of AI and cultural practices in music. Course Information: Some sections may be offered fully online or in a blended-online and classroom course setting. Consult the Schedule of Classes for the mode of instruction. Use of computer and internet access is required for all online and blended sections. A high speed connection, while not required, is strongly suggested. Prerequisite(s): COMM 301.

COMM 471. Communication and Sound. 3 hours.

Study of sound communication, technology, new media, and AI. Understanding of audio recording, reproduction, manipulation, and design. Theory of sound including history, technology, culture, method, and practices. Course Information: Some sections may be offered fully online or in a blended-online and classroom course setting. Consult the Schedule of Classes for the mode of instruction. Use of computer and internet access is required for all online and blended sections. A high speed connection, while not required, is strongly suggested. Prerequisite(s): COMM 301.

COMM 474. Internship. 1-8 hours.

Students work in an approved professional setting. Individual projects developed through conferences with a faculty member and a field supervisor. Course Information: May be repeated to a maximum of 8 hours. No more than 3 credit hours of COMM 474 or COMM 498 may be applied toward the major. May not be counted toward the minimum Master of Arts degree requirements. Some sections may be offered fully online or in a blended-online and classroom course setting. Consult the Schedule of Classes for the mode of instruction. Use of computer and internet access is required for all online and blended sections. A high speed connection, while not required, is strongly suggested. Prerequisite(s): Approval of the Department.

COMM 490. Seminar in Culture and Communication. 3 hours.

Analysis of contrastive cultural paradigms (interethnic, gender, class) to develop student's awareness of own socialization and cultural orientation. Course Information: Some sections may be offered fully online or in a blended-online and classroom course setting. Consult the Schedule of Classes for the mode of instruction. Use of computer and internet access is required for all online and blended sections. A high speed connection, while not required, is strongly suggested. Prerequisite(s): COMM 301.

COMM 491. Seminar in Media and Communication. 3 hours.

Analysis of contemporary or historical issues in mediated communication. Course Information: Some sections may be offered fully online or in a blended-online and classroom course setting. Consult the Schedule of Classes for the mode of instruction. Use of computer and internet access is required for all online and blended sections. A high speed connection, while not required, is strongly suggested. Prerequisite(s): COMM 301.

COMM 493. Communication and Social Networks. 3 hours.

Examines the impact and significance of social networks as a construct and platform for reshaping and restructuring of our media, political institutions, and democracy. Course Information: Some sections may be offered fully online or in a blended-online and classroom course setting. use of computer and internet access is required for all online and blended sections. A high speed connection, while not required, is strongly suggested. Prerequisite(s): COMM 301.

COMM 494. Special Topics in Communication. 3 or 4 hours.

Contemporary trends in the field of communication. Course Information: 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. May be repeated up to 2 time(s). Some sections may be offered fully online or in a blended-online and classroom course setting. Consult the Schedule of Classes for the mode of instruction. Use of computer and internet access is required for all online and blended sections. A high speed connection, while not required, is strongly suggested. Prerequisite(s): COMM 301.

COMM 495. Happiness and Social Media. 3 or 4 hours.

Examines how happiness is imagined, constructed, and lived through daily experiences with technology. Emphasis on the impact of social media on feelings of happiness. Focus on historical, cross-cultural, and diverse understandings of well-being. Course Information: 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Some sections may be offered fully online or in a blended-online course setting. Consult the Schedule of Classes for mode of instruction. Use of computer and internet access is required for all online and blended sections. A high-speed connection, while not required, is strongly suggested. Prerequisite(s): COMM 301.

COMM 498. Independent Study. 1-4 hours.

Individual investigation of special problems (student-initiated or related to faculty research). May be used for special projects, such as interdisciplinary seminars. Course Information: May be repeated to a maximum of 8 hours. No more than 3 credit hours of COMM 474 or COMM 498 may be applied toward the major. Credit earned may not be applied toward the minimum Master of Arts in Communication degree requirements. Prerequisite(s): Approval of the Department and Junior or Senior standing.