Communication | Courses


Course Descriptions


G-CM 120 Introduction to Human Communication
3 hours
An introduction to the elements of the communication process in its personal and social aspects. Students will examine the breadth of the field of communication including intrapersonal, interpersonal, small group, mass media, organizational, intercultural, and public communication. Written communication skills will be emphasized through specific assignments. (Fall)

CM 130 Interpersonal Communication
3 hours (Language Intensive)
An oral communication course designed to acquaint students with the basic concepts of human communication as well as the more specialized skills needed to develop and maintain interpersonal relationships. Self-concept, self-disclosure, perception, relationship development, and mass media portrayals of interpersonal relationships are among the major units covered along with special attention given to communication on the job, in the classroom, and in intercultural contexts. (Spring, even years)

CM 135 Journalism
3 hours
A study of contemporary journalism with an emphasis on writing and reporting the news for new media. The course includes publication of student work in an online publication. (Fall, odd years)

CM 140 Public Speaking
3 hours
Study and practice of a wide range of formal and informal public speaking activities. Students will focus on developing an extemporaneous delivery of speeches based on experience with and research of topics. Students will practice multiple types of speeches including speeches to inform, to persuade, and for special occasions. (Fall even years)

CM 210 Multimedia Storytelling I
3 hours
An introduction to the use of text, graphics, digital photography and video, and audio (including voices, ambient sound, and music) for telling compelling multimedia stories for delivery over the Web or by DVD. Prior completion of IT 110 Web Interface Tools, EN 135 Journalism, and AR 203 Photography recommended but not required. (Fall, even years)

CM 218 Business and Professional Communication
3 hours (Language Intensive)
This course is designed to expose students to strategies for effective communication in a business environment. Students will learn skills to improve both oral and written communication. Topics include using technology to enhance presentations, nonverbal communication in the workplace, and communicating about discrimination. (Fall, spring)

G-CM 221 Intercultural Communication
3 hours (Language Intensive)
This course provides a broad overview of the study in communication both between and within nations, cultures, and subcultures. Students will investigate issues related to communication between people of different cultural orientations and also examine how cultural others are misperceived in interpersonal interactions and misrepresented in the media. Students will examine tensions between cultures and discuss ways to approach them by delving Into specific cultural and communication rituals different form our own. (Spring, odd years)

CM 305 Editing
3 hours
An introduction to editing in the electronic environment of paginated publications and the World Wide Web. Includes copy and digital photo editing, headline writing, typography, and layout and design for traditional publications as well as for Web pages. (Spring, even years)

CM 310 Public Relations
3 hours
A study of the fundamental principles, strategies, and skills used in contemporary public relations. The course aims to give students practice in analyzing and responding ethically to PR issues and in researching, planning, writing, and designing a variety of PR materials. (Interterm, odd years)

CM 315 Journalism Practica
1 hour each
Experience for students on the campus newspaper or other student publication. May be repeated, with not more than two hours in any one emphasis and six hours maximum. (Fall, spring)

CM 315A Journalism Practicum: Reporting
Gathering and writing news for the campus paper or other student publication. Prerequisite: Consent of publication’s faculty adviser.

CM 315B Journalism Practicum: Editing
Copy editing, headline writing, and production management for the campus newspaper or other student publication. Prerequisite: Selection by the board of publications to an editorial position or consent of the publication’s adviser.

CM 315C Journalism Practicum: Layout and Design
Designing and creating camera-ready copy using a desktop publishing system. Prerequisite: EN 305 Editing or TE 230 Graphic Design or consent of the publication’s adviser.

CM 315D Journalism Practicum: Advertising
Selling and designing advertisements for the campus publications. Prerequisite: Selection by the board of publications to an advertising position.

CM 315E Journalism Practicum: Photojournalism
Taking, developing, and printing photographs for student publications. Prerequisite: AR 203 Photography or consent of the publication’s adviser.

CM 315F Journalism Practicum: Multimedia
Developing multimedia stories for online student publications. Prerequisite: EN 210 Multimedia Storytelling I or consent of the publication’s adviser.

CM 325 Conflict Communication
3 hours
This course examines issues related to sources of conflict in communication. Orientations to conflict and the management of conflict will be examined. A critique and synthesis of conceptual approaches and research is covered that pertains to conflict in interpersonal, organizational, and public communication settings. (Fall, odd years)

CM 330 Persuasion
3 hours
An examination of theories of persuasion, persuasion variables, principles of effective persuasion, and persuasion in interpersonal, small group, organizational and mediated contexts. In addition to studying verbal persuasion, students will examine the nature of visual persuasion in everyday life, learn how to manipulate the formal elements of visual imagery to deliver a persuasive message, discover how visual imagery influences behavior, develop strategies to protect themselves from the unwanted messages images convey, and learn how to use persuasion wisely in their own creations. (Fall, even years)

CM 340 Gender Communication
3 hours
This course examines the influence of gender on communication in interpersonal, instructional, organizational and mass mediated contexts. Topics of examination include interpersonal violence, discrimination, and other contemporary social problems. Focus will be given to understanding gender as a cultural group, (Fall, odd years.)

CM375 Junior Seminar in Communication
1 hour
In-depth study of media theory and ethics. (Fall)

CM 380 Research Methods
2 hours
An introduction to the qualitative and quantitative research methods including surveys, experiments, and ethnographies in communication. Students will learn how to search for, comprehend, and create research documents. Ethics and professional conduct will be included in class discussions. (Spring, odd years)

CM 410 Multimedia Storytelling II
3 hours
Advanced study and practice in the use of text, graphics, digital photography and video, and audio for telling compelling multimedia stories for delivery over the Web or by DVD. Prerequisite: EN 210 Multimedia Storytelling I. (Fall, odd years beginning 2009)

CM 475 Senior Seminar in Communication
2 hours
Experience in planning, conducting, and reporting a significant communications project. In addition to the communications project, students will develop an electronic portfolio demonstrating their readiness to enter the communications profession. (Spring)

CM 388 Career Connections in Communication
4-8 hours
An internship in a career-related position. For communication majors and minors only.

Individual Courses Available
295/495 Field Experience 1-4 hours
299/499 Independent Study 1-4 hours
388 Career Connections 1-12 hours
445 Readings and Research 1-4 hours


For complete MC course descriptions and schedules please refer to the latest Course Catalog 07-08 (1.5MB .pdf) and Schedule 08-09 (2.5MB .pdf).

 



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Becki Bowman
bowmanb@mcpherson.edu

800.365.7402
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