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Department of Communication Studies
Suzanne Lindsey (chair), Mary Etta Cook, Jimmy Davis, Mary Vaughn.

Vision:

The study of human communication is simultaneously one of the oldest and newest disciplines in academia. Grounded in rhetoric (ancient Greek and Roman oratory), Communication Studies stresses traditional forms of communication while adapting them to diverse contemporary communication situations. These different arenas of communication include the interpersonal realm of group dynamics, corporate communication, and complex campaigns; and the rhetorical realm of political, social and religious discourse.

Purpose:

The department offers courses which fall into two basic categories: 1) courses which enhance personal oral interaction and skills, and 2) courses which develop a more complete understanding of the nature of communication and how it shapes society. The ultimate goal is to develop sophistication in the formulation, presentation and consumption of communication.

Students are able to sharpen their skills for whatever career in professional communications they pursue, be it politics, business, entertainment, public relations, teaching, or the health industry. Many students choose to continue the learning process in graduate studies, including law, theology, and education.

Communication Studies Courses (COM)

COM 100. Communication Studies Seminar (0). Required for all communication studies majors. This zero credit seminar is offered each fall semester. Students should enroll in the seminar during the freshman year, or upon transfer to the university. The seminar is designed as an orientation to the communication studies program and to provide an opportunity for assessment of student skills and interests. Grades are awarded on a Pass/Fail basis.

COM 110. Fundamentals of Speech Communication (3). Enhances student skills in development, presentation and consumption of human communication with an emphasis on public speaking.

COM 195-495. Studies Abroad (3-18). Study in a foreign country. Individual course titles and locations are assigned for each course taken. See Studies Abroad program for details.

COM 199-499. Special Studies (1-3).

COM 201. Forensics (1). Students may earn 1 credit hour per semester of participation with Belmont Speech and Debate Team. Students may enroll each semester, but may earn no more than a total of 3 credit hours. Participation includes regular attendance at practice sessions and participation in forensic tournaments and will be evaluated on a pass/fail basis.

COM 210. Voice and Diction (3). A study of the production of speech as it applies to American English as a spoken language. Designed to improve speech patterns through application of vocal mechanics and appropriate diction techniques.

COM 220. Persuasion (3). Provides advanced skills in the development of messages that aim to influence human behavior, attitudes and values.

COM 223. Decision Making and Group Methods (3). Provides for study in theory and practice of the methods and techniques of effective leadership and participation in committee work, informal groups, and business conferences.

COM 300. Internship (1-3). Prerequisite: Permission of Intern Director. Practical training and experience in a communication organization that provides an environment for substantial growth in an area consistent with student vocational objectives. Normally taken during the senior year. A maximum of three hours will be applied toward the major or minor.

COM 314. Family Communication (3). Family relationships are often the most intense and personal of all human connections. This course invites students to explore the nature of communication in these complex webs of involuntary relationships. Through research, film, music and self-analysis, students will have the opportunity to study family communication in a variety of cultural and socio-economic contexts and make practical applications to their own experience.

COM 315. Intercultural Communication (3). The course involves studying the basic communication elements of cultural systems, the research and literature in the field, and the interpersonal interaction characteristics of specific cultures.

COM 321. The Rhetoric of Social Movements (3). This course will analyze the persuasive strategies and tactics employed by agitators and the establishment they seek to change. It explores the nature and types of social movements and the rhetorical requirements, obstacles, and needs of leaders and followers within the movement. Activists from social movements, both past and present, will visit the class to answer questions about their participation in social protest.

COM 392. Theories of Public Communication (3). Provides an overview of historical and contemporary theories regarding the functioning of rhetorical discourse in public settings. Classical readings and oral projects focus on rhetoric as a persuasive tool by which orators sway audiences and emerge as leaders in the public realm. Contemporary readings and oral projects focus on rhetoric as a means of creating and sharing a social reality via a variety of channels: public speaking, electronic media, and acts of public display.

COM 393. Theories of Interpersonal Communication (3). Provides an overview of prevalent theories of Interpersonal Communication. Through research projects and course readings, students gain rich insight into the way humans construct meaning with each other and manage their relationships in the areas of work, family, romance, friendship and everyday interaction.

COM 400. Communication Studies Advanced Seminar (0). Required of all communication studies majors during their last year of study. This zero credit seminar is offered every fall semester. Grades are awarded on a Pass/Fail basis.

COM 420. Communication Criticism (3). Provides an understanding of, and practice in, methods of criticism of public discourse. Students will develop their skills as critical receivers of communication, applying what they learn to samples of public communication that interest them most: speeches, songs, films, television and such acts of public display.

COM 424. Organizational Communication (3). Provides an understanding of theory and research regarding communication in organizations.

COM 428. Great American Oratory (3). This course examines the role rhetoric has played in the formation of the American experience by scrutinizing the communication strategies and tactics of significant American orators.

COM 492. Political Communication (3). Examines the role of communication in contemporary politics.

COM 494. Directed Studies (3). Student development of a project or study of special interest. Consent of the instructor is required.