Communication Degrees Online

Courses Offered

Comm 210. Interpersonal Communication
Interpersonal communication is the study of face-to-face interaction and the creation of meaningful relationships. In this course, we will explore and develop five areas of interpersonal communication skill: interpretive competence, self competence, role competence, goal competence, and message competence. Topics include family systems, self identity, intimate relationships, gender issues, power, language, and non-verbal communication.

Four Credits, Johnston, DeVries, Fall Semester

Comm 360. The Art & Science of Persuasion
This course provides a comprehensive view of persuasion by analyzing how persuasion operates at both an interpersonal and a social level. The analysis of persuasive contexts includes discussions of popular culture, news media, advertising, cults, social movements, politics, law, families and interpersonal relationships. The study of persuasion will be applied to personal communication skills such as: the production of ethical persuasive messages, and critical media literacy skills.

Four Credits, Johnston, Spring Semester/ Odd Years

Comm 371. Communicating Across Differences: Intercultural and Gender Communication
This course addresses the social construction of inequality, specifically focusing on how communication processes are the means by which gender, race, class, nationality, culture and ethnicity are created, and are also the means by which individuals can resist personal participation in perpetuating systems of inequality. Through encountering multicultural experiences, interviewing people in different social positions, and engaging in exercises and simulations, we will learn to broaden our self-identities and our understanding of others by learning about the experiences, feelings, and views of people in social situations different from our own. Note: this course is cross-listed with Women’s Studies.

Four Credits, Johnston, Spring Semester/Even Years

Comm 460. Communication Theory
There are a number of different ways of knowing incorporated in communication research. This part of Communication 460 will focus on social scientific studies that contribute to our knowledge and understanding of communication. We will first address the status of theory and research in several areas that are reluctant to your personal lives: marriage, family, persuasion, interpersonal competence, conflict, intercultural communication, and gender communication. In the process of exploring these areas we will learn a number of theories of communication, learn how to read journal research articles, and learn how to think critically about theories of communication. Next, we will explore meta-theoretical issues of communication and address the strengths and limitations of social scientific studies to enhance our understanding of meaning, language processes, culture, social construction of reality, and power.

Genuine career prospects
The combination of Graphic Communication and History will give you a wide range of skills including written and oral communication, information handling, problem-solving, and analysis of both written and visual material. Our students are particularly attractive to publishers, but are also well qualified for a wide variety of jobs including publishing, management, public relations, museums and galleries, and the leisure and heritage industries. More generally, the development of analytical and communication skills means that graduates are also sought after in a wider range of careers including banking and commerce, marketing, IT, civil service and finance. The course is also an excellent platform for continuing on to an MA or PhD here at Reading or elsewhere.

What you will study
The Department of Typography & Graphic Communication is a design department that also teaches the history and theory of design. This allows us to offer Graphic Communication combined with other subjects. If you choose Graphic Communication and History you will spend roughly half of your time in each department. You will study the history and theory of typography and graphic communication together with history and will also be introduced to practical design work.

Year 1
Core modules
Introduction to the history of graphic communication
Introduction to typographic theory and practice
Approaches to twentieth century history
Landmarks in twentieth century history

Some Optional Modules
Digital design methods
Directed study in history

Year 2
Core Modules
History of graphic communication
Theory of typographic and graphic language

Some Optional Modules
Typographic detailing
Modern British history: the changing role of the state
Practice of entrepreneurship
The development of modern Britain: town and country since 1800
The medieval west 1050-1200
Union and disunion: the United States
Women in Society: a comparison of Britain and America

Final Year
Dissertation
Optional Modules
1688: Monarchy and revolution in Britain
Design and creative print production
Ephemera studies
Five wars and three republics: France 1870-1962
From Darwin to death camps? Evolution and eugenics in European society, 1859-1945
History of letterforms and typography
‘Integrating America?’: immigrants in American society
Museum Studies
Packaging literature
Practice of EntrepreneurshipRituals, myths and magic in early modern Europe
Sex and society in Victorian Britain
The Weaker Sex? Women in Britain, 1850-1914
Twentieth century book design

Course Description

Major Core Courses
G90084 Communication Theory I
Aims to introduce major communication theories, thereby contribute to students understanding the fundamentals of communication study, in association with its characteristics, scopes, subjects and perspectives.

G0G90085 Research Methods in Communication I
Introduces students to the whole process of research, from raising questions to reach conclusions, as an independent researcher.

G0G03160 Research Methods in Communication II
Help students understand the way in which to conduct communication research in methodological way. It also deals with communication statistics.

G0G03796 Communication Theory II
Intends to study a higher-level of communication researches, based on the preliminary knowledges of -Communication Theory Ⅰ-.

Major Electives-
G0G03162 New Media Journalism Research
Study and discuss the increasing effect of mass media in contemporary society with relevant theories in journalism and mass communication.

G0G03164 Topical Seminar in Journalism
Discuss the topical issues revolving around contemporary Korean journalism.

G0G03165 Photojournalism Research
Help students understand the concept, function and technique of photojournalism. It also provides the historical background of Korean photojournalism. Also, course will provide practice of developing and printing films.

G0G03166 Studies on News Reporting I
Course will provide the way in which to gather reporting materials, write, and report.

G0G03168 Studies on Video Journalism I
Course will provide the way in which to gather reporting materials, write, and report especially for video journalism.

G0G03170 Media Law and Ethics
Help students better understand the journalism law and ethics.

G0G03171 Journalism Engineering
Help students understand the relationship between communication technology and journalism in engineering view point.

G0G03172 Politics and Media
Help students understand the relationship between political power and communication. Course will discuss the political function of journalism and journalistic effect on voters in political view.

G0G03173 Broadcasting in Korea
Examines histories, systems, programming and productions of Korea’s broadcasting. The social role and influence of Korea’s broadcasting will be discussed in pursuit of its desirable future perspective.

G90086 Studies on Information Society and New Media
Studies modes and characteristics of new media. Good and bad aspects of new media are critically examined, focusing on their political, social and cultural impacts and implications.

G0G03174 Seminar on Media Theories
Discusses the critical issues in media theories, based on social, political and cultural theories of media, democracy, nation, civic society and public sphere.

G0G03175 Seminar on Broadcasting
Deals with broad issues related to broadcasting, in combination of theories and current social affairs.

G0G03176 Communication and Culture
Studies the basic ideas in the field of communication and culture, referring to the comtemporary cultural studies and critically examining their potentials and limitations.

G0G03178 Television Analysis and Criticism
Critically and comprehensively analyses television programs and their social implications.

G90088 Studies on Visual Production I
Studies aesthetical logics of the production of television programs. Students can also improve their skils and sensibility of television programmes through studios practices.

G0G03179 Studies on Visual Production II
Explores various styles and techniques of visual programs in depth. Students are also to participate in producing visual works in various genres.

G0G03180 Documentary Research
Aims to understand the documentary in a broad scope, in both theory and practice. The whole production process of documentary is covered, from planning, research, shooting, editing and so on.

G0G03181 Research on Media Industry
Studies micro-economics and industrial organization theories, towards a comprehensive understanding of economic phenomena in media industries including newspapers, broadcastings and new media.

G0G03182 Media Policy Research
Examines legal issues related to broadcasting and telecommunication industries. Important case studies are focused on in particular, in the perspective of the past and present legal systems of media.

G0G03183 International Communications
In keeping a critical interest in the development of communication technologies, studies interrelations between the international order of society and that of communication.

G90087 Consumer Psychology
This course provides a detailed insight into psychological processes and their importance to understanding buyer behavior, and appreciates how an understanding of consumer psychology can help in the creation of more effective marketing strategies.

G0G03184 Media Planning
Development of media objectives, strategies, and budgets and implementation of media plans for advertising and public relations. Each student prepares and presents a media plan.

G0G03185 International Advertising
This course focuses on the managerial, economic, legal, and cultural aspects of multinational advertising.

G0G03186 Case Study of Advertising Campaign
Examination of important current areas in advertisng research and theory.

G0G03187 Case Study of Public Relations
Examination of important current areas in public relations research and theory.

G0G03188 Seminar of Advertising & P.R.
Survey and analysis of current advertising & PR issues and practices.

G0G03189 Seminar of Advertising Management
The course concentrates on advertising as a business-building activity and examines the concepts, perspectives, and practices that advertising decision makers can employ to maximize the value of advertising.

G0G03190 Principle of Advertising Production
Theory and practice of visual communication in telecommunication and print media, with particular attention to the latest creative approaches being applied in advertising and public relations.

G0G03192 New Media & Advertising
New Media, including emerging media and information technology; new media practices; media convergence; wireless and mobile communications; effects of new media on advertising and PR practices.

G0G03193 Production of Internet Advertising
The defining concepts, differences, and current practices of advertising on the Internet.

G0G03194 Theory of Advertising Effects
A study of the development of selected communication theories as related to advertising and public relations.

G0G03195 Advertising & Society
An advanced survey of the academic and professional literature underlying the contemporary practice of advertising and public relations.

G0G03197 Principle of MPR
The application of marketing and PR principles to the solution of integrated communications management problems.

G0G03228 Audience Studies
Studies basic theories of media audiences and the history of audience researches. Students in this class are expected to cultivate a certain degree of knowledges and capabilities to conduct media audience researches in various methodologies.

G0G03417 Media Economics
Explains important theoretical frames accounting for structures of media industries, strategic behaviors of media companies and media users’ behaviors. Old and new media are comprehensively discussed, from terrestrial broadcasting, cable TV, satellite TV and the internet.

G0G03418 Film and Television Criticism
Explores theories and methodologies on the criticism of contemporary visual texts. This class questions how to analyse texts, genres and authors, and how to critique them.

G0G03789 Internet Mediated Communication
Research on Internet-mediated communication from the individual, interpersonal, and mass communication perspectives.

G0G03790 Theory of Digital Content Industry
Theories of uses and consumption of digital media content that are diversified and specialized.

G0G03791 Modern Digital Technology Research
Analysis of the characteristics and issues of new communication technologies, focusing on Korean society.

G0G03792 Multimedia Design Studio
Production of multimedia content with sound, images, and video, applying information architecture and interface design.

G0G03793 Design for Digital Content
Studies on digital content by analysing Web media and the content production process.

G0G03794 Digitalized Animation Research
Analysis of the digitalized animation creation process and related issues.

G0G03795 Project Management for Web Media
Research on Web media information and services that are needed for Web media planners and Web media project managers.

CURRICULA

Communication Major
The Communication Studies major combines theory with application in a wide range of communicative experiences. Required courses include Public Speaking & Rhetoric (or Forensics), Writing for the Media, Communication Theory, Research Methods in Communication, Intercultural Communication, Persuasion Theory, and Rhetorical Theory & Criticism. In consultation with their advisors, Communication Studies majors also complete at least one additional course in each of the following: message production, the media’s relationship with culture, and corporate communication. Majors select other communication courses to complete the major requirements. Majors also contribute to the campus literary magazine, radio station, TV news, intercollegiate forensics, the Spring Film Festival, the Communication Association and theater.

English Major, Leading to Teaching Certification (7–12) in English & Communication
This program leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree combines English, education, and communication studies. The Department of Communication Studies contributes significantly to the coursework in this major. See the Department of English for course plan.

Degree Requirements
Students must meet all university requirements for a master’s degree and complete all couses (required , sequence and elective ) with a grade of “B” or higher in each course.

The M.A. in Communications and Training requires a common core of courses. The core concentrates on the essential connections between the sequences; awareness of the common aspects in research; and, finally, the application to various media and technology.

Some required and selective courses are offered only once per academic year. Students are strongly advised to register well in advance of the commencement of courses, and to consult closely with their assigned advisors upon entering the program to ensure individual study plans are aligned with the university schedule.

I. Required Courses (7-9 Hours)
COMS 500 Introduction to Graduate Communications and Training (2)
COMS 815 Survey of Research Literature (3)
COMS, MCOM, or HPT Internship/Project/Thesis (2-4)
II. Sequence Courses (15 -18 Hours)

Select one of the following sequences:

Communication Studies Sequence: *
COMS 635 Interpersonal Communication (3)
COMS 810 Communication Theory (3)
COMS 825 Graduate Communication Research (3)
COMS 850 Organizational Communication, Change and Development (3)

Select three credit hours from the following:
COMS 611 Philosophy of Human Communication (3)
COMS 805 Communications Seminar(3)
COMS 860 Communication Training (3)
COMS 861 Problems in Applied Communication (3)
COMS 864 Interdisciplinary Team Process (3)

* Students in the Communication Studies Sequence must . have completed COMS310 or its equivalent before taking COMS810

Media Communications Sequence:
MCOM740 Trends in Communications Technologies (3)
MCOM803 Contemporary Issues: (3)
MCOM830 Graduate Seminar in Media Communications (3)

Select three credit hours from the following :
COMS645 International Communications(3)
MCOM660 Non-Broadcast TV Operations (3)
MCOM730 The Screenplay Project (3)
MCOM751 Journalism Seminar (3)

Select three credit hours from the following :
MCOM655 Seminar in Advertising and Public Relations (3)
MCOM725 Advanced Producing for Film/TV (3)
MCOM755 Media Management (3)

Select three credit-hours from the following :
COMS579 Creative Stratergies in Advertising in Public Relations(3)
MCOM561 Advertising and Society(3)
MCOM565 Broadcasting in America(3)
MCOM566 Broadcast Programming History(3)

Human Performance & Training Sequence
HPT 520 Training Product Design (3)
HPT 755 Introduction to Human Performance and Training Technologies (3)
HPT 810 Need/Task Analysis in Human Performance and Training (3)
HPT 815 Training Techniques (3)
HPT 856 Consulting and Teamwork in Human Performance and Training (3)
HPT 865 Advanced Field Project(1)
HPT 880 Internship(1)

Students in the HP&T sequence need to fulfill IBSTPI (International Board of Standards for Training, Performance and Instruction) suggested standards by selecting 14 credit hours of selectives from among the following:

COMS 850 Organizational Communication, Change, and Development (3)
HPT 522 Traning Topics (3)
HPT 820 Principles of Message Design (3)
HPT 821 Scriptwriting for Instruction and Training (3)
HPT 825 Research in Human Performance and Training (3)
HPT 847 Evaluation/Cost Benefit Analysis in Human Performance and Training (3)
HPT 852 Solving Performance Problems (3)
HPT 858 Project Management in Human Performance and Training (3)
HPT 861 Performance in Organizations (3)
HPT 880 Internship: (1-4)

III. Electives (12-15 Hours)
(If a student chooses the Human Performance and Training Sequence, the selectives listed above must be taken in place of electives.)
In consultation with advisor, select 12 to 15 hours of graduate credit appropriate to the student’s career interest(s). At least six hours must be taken within the Communications and Traning Program.Students must complete atleast one 800 level course as a elective.

25 Introduction to Communication Studies (3) Miller
Introduction to historical and intellectual development of the field. Students survey the origins of contemporary theory; learn about fundamental concepts, models, investigative tools, and contexts of communication; and explore a variety of professional opportunities awaiting communication graduates.

40 Public Communication (3) Staff
Study and practice of the basic techniques of public speaking used to inform, to entertain, and to persuade audiences. Emphasis on the speech-building process: audience analysis, research, development, composition, organization, style, delivery, and criticism.

41 Interpersonal Communication (3) Staff
Study and practice of the role of verbal and nonverbal communication in ritual, information and perspective sharing, problem solving, and relationship formation, maintenance, and dissolution. Designed to raise awareness of the complexity and power of the communication process in daily life and to help students develop interpersonal skills cognitively, affectively, and behaviorally.

42 Business and Professional Speaking (3) Staff
Study of the communication process in business and professional organizations; practice in interviewing, small group communication, and public presentations. For non-majors and non-minors only.

100 Communication Theory (3) Critchfield
Inquiry into the nature and function of communication theory as a framework for the study of communicative behavior. Emphasis is placed on analysis of paradigmatic approaches in rhetorical, interpersonal, and mass communication theories and models, and on examination of contemporary research literature in communication. Prerequisite: Comm 25.

110 Research Methods (3) Staff
Processes of inquiry within interpersonal and public communication. Students are introduced to concepts of framing research questions, conducting literature reviews, developing a research design, using qualitative and quantitative research tools, and interpreting results of research in communication. Prerequisite: Comm 100.

120 Small Group Communication (3) Warren and Staff
The study and practice of communication in small groups, focusing on problem solving, norms, roles, and leadership. Prerequisite: Comm 25 or permission of the instructor.

140 Nonverbal Behavior (3) Critchfield and Staff
Introduction to predominant theories, principles, and problems in the study of nonverbal behavior; application of research results to everyday life. Topics include facial expression, eye behavior, physical appearance, body movement and gestures, tactile messages, vocal characteristics, use of time, spatial dynamics, gender and life-stage differences.

150 Persuasion (3) Warren
In-depth study of the principles and techniques of persuasion from both production and consumption perspectives, in both personal and mediated contexts. Emphasis on the common-premise model, with consideration of such topic areas as pathos/ethos/logos, attitude and behavior change, effectiveness, ethics, and subconscious influence. Prerequisite: Comm 25.

170 Organizational Communication (3) Critchfield
Exploration of the philosophy, process, problems, and potential of human communication within organizational contexts. May involve experiential workshops and fieldwork. Prerequisite: Comm 41, 120 or permission of instructor.

171 Professional Communication (3) Staff
Principles and theories of communication applied to situations encountered in organizational and professional environments. Development of knowledge and abilities for workplace tasks, such as interviewing, facilitating meetings, providing performance appraisals, designing and delivering instructional materials and other professional presentations.

172 Health Communication (3) Staff
Exploration of the nature, functions, and impact of relational communication in the context of health care. Both formal (health care organizations) and informal (family communication) systems may be studied. Topics can include provider–patient interaction, media and health, confirmatory communication. Prerequisite: Comm 41, 100 or permission of instructor.

173 Communication in a Mediated World (3) Staff
An exploration of human-to-human communication mediated by computer technology. Traditional communication theories are applied and adapted to the computer-mediated realm; newer theories of computer-mediated communication are addressed.

174 Intercultural Communication (3) Miller
Exploration of the process, trends, rewards, and difficulties of human communication in intercultural contexts, with an eye toward establishing guidelines for mitigating miscommunication across cultures. May involve fieldwork. Prerequisite: Comm 41 or permission of instructor.

176 Issues and Image Management (3) Staff
The issues and image management function in corporate, professional, and nonprofit organizations. Assignments may include in-class collaboration on case studies of communication campaigns and crisis communication strategies, interviews with professionals in the practice of communication management, and a communication audit of strategies and messages of a selected organization.

180 Communication Criticism (3) Miller
Evaluation of communication paradigms along critical dimensions of analysis. Prerequisite: Comm 40, 150 or permission of instructor.

190 Selected Topics (3) Staff
Topic announced in the Schedule of Classes. May be repeated for credit provided the topic differs.

196 Independent Study Staff
Independent research and special projects. Open to seniors or exceptionally well-prepared juniors majoring in communication. Before students are permitted to register, they must submit a written proposal of the plan of study and obtain approval of the faculty member who will direct the study and of the program chair.

197 Internship (3) Warren
For communication majors and minors. Student-secured internships in communication-related organizations. Students spend at least 15 hours per week doing communication-related work in a public or private organization. Meetings, reports, and/or analysis paper may be required by supervising instructor. Admission requires prior program approval. Graded on a Pass/No Pass basis.

199 Senior Seminar (3) Warren, Critchfield, and Staff
Capstone course limited to communication majors. Selected reading and discussion. Each student works on an individually designed research project throughout the term, the results of which will be presented in a major paper. Prerequisite: Comm 100, 110.

The Master of Arts (MA) degree in communication at George Mason University examines the powerful role played by communication practices in contemporary society. The program has two major areas of emphasis: strategic communication/public relations and health communication.

Our strategic communication faculty teach courses on planning, developing, and executing public communication campaigns based on their expertise in public relations theory and research. Our health communication faculty explore the relationship between communication practices and the health and well-being of individuals and communities - including everything from how to improve relationships between doctors and patients to how non-profits can develop more effective health information campaigns (for example, HIV prevention campaigns).

In the end, all of our faculty - strategic and health communication faculty alike - are committed to providing our students with a strong foundation in communication theory and research while at the same time encouraging them to apply their skills in the public, private, and non-profit sectors.

In today’s workplace, the ability to communicate effectively using human relations tools, technology and media is critical. Our program encourages students to develop a broad understanding of communication theory and research while honing oral, written and production skills. A minor in communication will provide you with useful knowledge of human resources management, advertising, marketing, public relations/political campaign management, events management, speech writing, or media production. The department frequently attracts outstanding speakers and trainers actively engaged in the application of these fields of communication to strengthen the traditional learning environment.

COMMUNICATION EDUCATION
Communication educators are hired at all educational levels—elementary and secondary schools,
community colleges, colleges and universities. Most communication faculty members are found at the
collegiate level.

To teach communication in an elementary or secondary school you need to obtain certification. Each state
has its own regulations, but almost all require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in the field you will be
teaching.

Becoming an instructor at the college level usually requires a doctoral degree, though some community
colleges will hire a candidate with a master’s degree. Community colleges tend to prefer graduates who
have a general communication degree so they can teach a variety of courses. Four-year institutions,
especially research and graduate level universities, prefer candidates trained in a specific area, such as
organizational communication, rhetoric and public address, or interpersonal communication.

One question often asked by students is, “What are the job opportunities at the college level for teaching
communication?” According to a study, “more than 80 percent of those institutions currently advertising
for new faculty to fill communication positions prefer or demand the Ph.D. However, only half the number
needed to fill those vacancies will be available in the years ahead. These trends will be more severely
felt in the communications discipline than in many other academic fields, because Ph.D. production in
communication per undergraduate to be served has been declining steadily for a number of years.”20
Careers in communication education include: language arts coordinator, high school speech teacher,
forensics/debate coach, drama director, college or university professor, and speech communication
department chairperson.

Communication subjects that can enhance a career in communication education include: oral
communication, public speaking, interpersonal communication, introduction to media systems,
communication theory, research and methodology in communication, communication in the classroom,
cross-cultural communication, teaching the language arts, linguistics, sociolinguistics, developmental
communication, nonverbal communication, small group communication, oral interpretation and
performance studies, forensics, family communication, conflict resolution, argumentation, ethics of
communication, rhetorical theory and criticism, listening, discussion, and persuasion.

Communication Major - Bachelor of Arts
The Communication Studies major is designed to prepare students for careers in communication consulting and analysis, speech writing, sales, or organizational administration, as well as further graduate education in the areas of law, higher education, and ministry. The major combines practical skill development with breadth of study in the discipline of communication. The degree is granted upon completion of 125 credits as specified on page 42 of the catalog (40 credits must be in 3000- or 4000-level courses).

Communication Core 18 - 19 cr
COM1005 Introduction to Communication Studies 2
COM2107 Communication Theory 4
COM3106 Communication in Groups and Organizations (OCE) 4
COM3107 Intercultural Communication 4
COM3835 Communication Careers Seminar 0 - 1
COM4105 Mass Media and Society (WCE) 4

Communication Studies Required Courses: 16 - 19 cr
COM3105 Gender and Family Communication 4
COM4207 Global Communication and International Relations 4
COM4308 Communication Research Methods 4
SPE3175 Persuasion or 4
SPE3176 Advanced Public Speaking and Speech Writing
Workshops: 0-3
Five enrollments selected from BEM, CMC, JOU, SPE, THE courses numbered 1625, 2625-2627, 2629, 4625-4627. A maximum of three workshop credits may be applied to the major.

Courses selected from the following 10 - 13 cr
COM4805 Special Topics in Communication is recommended
Choose from upper level courses with BEM, CMC, COM, JOU, PRL, SPE, THE prefix. Other courses may be applied with approval of department chairperson.

Foreign Language 0 - 8 cr
Must achieve second semester of first-year language sequence or higher. See pages 40 and 41 of the catalog.