Course Descriptions

COMM 500 Qualitative Research Methods (3)
Study of qualitative research methodologies. This program-required course will explore theoretical paradigms, qualitative methods, and practical applications for qualitative research in communication studies.

COMM 501 Communication Theory (3)
This seminar course provides an advanced understanding of communication as a discipline and its usefulness in different contexts. Students will be richly exposed to the discipline of communication as they learn about the theories of communication and the role communication plays in different contexts: relational, public, group and cultural, and organizational communication contexts. Theories covered in this course will strategically focus on the communication tracks of our graduate program, that critical cultural and organizational communication theories.

COMM 600 Introduction to Communication and Advocacy (3)
This course will offer a broad introduction to the field of communication in terms of communication-based theories and research. Throughout the course of the semester, students will learn about communication principles that hold particular importance to the understanding of communication and advocacy. 

COMM 603 Instructional Communication (3)
This course is designed to prepare, develop, enhance, and prove instructional expertise of culturally relevant knowledge of communication pedagogy. Students will explore mixed theories, methods, and strategies to prompt development of current and future instructors’ philosophical foundations as well as approaches to teaching. 

COMM 698 Special Topics in Communication Studies (3)
An in-depth examination of a communication studies topic. Course content varies by topic. May be repeated for credit if a different topic is covered.  

COMM 700 Advanced Organizational Communication (3)
This course lays the foundations for an advanced exploration of the complex and dynamic communication processes in creating and sustaining organizational life. Emphasis is placed on globalization of organizational approaches and processes. 

COMM 701 Organizational Advocacy (3)
Using a combination of concepts from rhetorical criticism, organizational communication, and management studies, the course analyzes how organizations use symbols to influence organizational impressions, advocate for particular positions, and develop and sustain organizational culture. Students will also be better prepared to responsibly and effectively analyze and create these messages.

COMM 703 Organizational Communication and Globalization (3)
The course introduces students to a comprehensive, global perspective on organizational communication. In this course, we will examine the role of communication in creating and sustaining organizational life. Students will learn about the multidisciplinarity of organizational communication theories and concepts, highlighting global and multicultural concerns. The course will also provide analysis of contemporary organizational life by engaging with material that stimulates imaginative ways of thinking about work and organizing.

COMM 705 Global Leadership Communication (3)
This course provides a practical review of leadership communication theories and concepts, as well as strategies for evaluating and understanding the dynamics of leadership in a global context. The emphasis is on using interpretive and critical perspectives to examine the role of communication in producing global leadership competencies. Students will increase their own leadership capabilities through feedback, reflection, and practice.

COMM 751 Critical/Cultural Studies (3)
This seminar explores the convergence of critical/cultural communication (CCC) studies, a convergence that has earned status as a distinct line of scholarly inquiry. Students will gain experience in reading, discussing, critiquing, and writing work which falls under the umbrella of CCC studies.

COMM 752 Cultural Rhetorics (3)
Critical and cultural approaches to rhetorical meaning-making and criticism with an emphasis on theories of power, fragment/ conjunctural analysis, and theory as method. 

COMM 753 Advocacy and Performance (3)
This seminar emphasizes foundational ideas, practices, and traditions of performance and communication studies in order to explore how to do advocacy work via performance traditions. Students will gain experience in reading, discussing, critiquing, writing, and producing performance work.

COMM 754 Advanced Intercultural Communication (3)
This graduate seminar course provides an advanced understanding of the intersections of communication and culture at different levels (individual, community, and societal). In this course, students will be exposed to, and engage in, different intercultural communication topics, theories, and concepts at both micro and macro levels of culture. Beyond understanding what differences may exist within and between cultures, students will be trained in understanding the principles of communicating with cultural awareness and sensitivity.

COMM 795 Independent Study in Communication Studies (1-6)
Directed study through readings, projects, papers or seminars. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units. Prerequisite: 15 units of graduate-level courses or consent of department.

COMM 800 Thesis (1-6)
Students will have the opportunity to work with a faculty member in their area of interest, who will then supervise their thesis alongside two other faculty members. The thesis should align with one of the areas of focus of the graduate program. Students are encouraged to engage in research that contributes to important social issues in the local community. 

COMM 801 Internship (1-6)
The student will write a proposal and goals for an internship that includes local community projects, organizations, or K-12. Internship is 40 hours per credit. To engage in member-checking, a final white paper will be presented to a faculty committee and community partner(s).