This course is an introduction to the study of communication through the observation and analysis of empirical (i.e. aspects of the observable world) data. It will stress how to form appropriate questions from the theories (or hunches, dreams etc.) and rigorously test these propositions (quantitatively and qualitatively) to see how well they correspond to the world outside ourselves. An added benefit of the course will be to show how to be a more informed judge of the claims of others. The format of the course is lecture/discussion.

This course surveys relevant theoretical developments in the field of communication. While exploring the major theoretical paradigms that inform and guide the study of human communication, students receive insight into the significance and meaning of their own day-to-day communication activities and discover how theories provide complementary and viable explanations for analyzing as well as assessing the impact of communication in relational, group and organizational contexts.

An introduction to the factors that shape communication between two people. Topics include self-concept formation, perception, message formation, verbal and nonverbal communication, active listening, and defensiveness. (Relational) (Formerly CMNS 211)

A survey of the variables operating in group interactions. Combines principles with practice through participation in small group experiences. Topics include group formation, group formats, organizational approaches, decision-making models, group observation and evaluation. (Group) (Formerly CMNS 212)

This course focuses on the role of communication in organizational life. Attention will be devoted to exploring how communication simultaneously shapes and is shaped by organizations. Topics include conflict and mediation, stress and social support, the supervisor-subordinate relationships, workplace diversity, organizational consultation and new communication technologies in organizations. (organizational) (Formerly CMNS 251)

Explores specialized topic within the field of interpersonal communication. Past topics have included: emotions & communication, gender & its relation to interaction, the "social construction" of interpersonal realities, etc. (Formerly CMNS 311)

This seminar explores how communication, across a variety of topics, can be understood with respect to the theory of evolution. Specifically, this course examines how millions of years of human evolution influences how people interact in their personal and social relationships. (Formerly CMNS 312)

This course surveys various conceptual areas generally subsumed under the broad rubric of nonverbal communication. Topics include: physical appearances, gestures, face and eye behavior, vocalics, proxemics, touch, time, environmental contexts as well as application of nonverbal behaviors to specific interpersonal communication contexts. (Relational, Group, Organizational) (Formerly CMNS 313)

This course surveys topics relevant to understanding communication phenomena in the setting of the family. Topics include: family systems, patterns, meaning, themes, roles and types, family life cycles, stressors and conflict, changing family forms and contexts. (Relational, Group, Organizational) (Formerly CMNS 314)

This course overviews the theory and practice of communication in the health care setting. Topics include the dynamics of doctor-patient interaction and the cursory nature of health care campaigns. (Organizational, Relational)

Advanced undergraduate course in small group communication. Students develop skills and abilities in identifying various factors that contribute to the success and failure of group decision-making in organizational contexts. Class sessions will focus on theories, research, and practices in group processes, and their applications to issues in real life. (Formerly CMNS 316)

Examines selected topics in group communication processes. Topics may include group creativity, communicating in virtual teams, conflict in groups, and group facilitation. (Formerly CMNS 317)

This course examines the role of communication in the development, maintenance, and deterioration of romantic attachments. Topics include attraction, intimacy and self-disclosure, attachment beliefs, jealousy, satisfaction, commitment, trust, betrayal, conflict, autonomy, interdependence, etc. (Relational) (Formerly CMNS 318)

This course explores the "dark side" of interpersonal communication by examining the growing literature on the troubling or problematic aspects of close relationships. Topics covered include relational dilemmas, relational control and dominance, hurtful messages, paradoxical communication, social predicaments, relational transgressions, privacy violations, physical abuse, verbal aggression, etc. (Formerly CMNS 319)

Explores the use of deceptive communication in social and personal relationships from a range of theoretical perspectives including ethics, evolutionary biology, linguistics, social and developmental psychology and jurisprudence. (Formerly CMNS 320)

Explores major theoretical assumptions of current persuasion research. Examines causes and effects of effective and ineffective persuasion.Analyzes persuasive skills and strategies for a variety of persuasion applications, e.g. political, interpersonal, intercultural, and advertising. (Formerly CMNS 329)

The goal of this course is provide students with a research-based understanding of the role of communication within dating relationships. Accordingly, this course traces the life-cycle of a dating relationship. Specifically, this course begins by examining initial interactions that are potentially romantic and could turn into dating interactions. Next, the course focuses on how people engage in dating relationships and the factors that influence relationships. Finally, the course concludes with what happens after dating (i.e., long term commitment/marriage, relational termination, or the death of a partner). (Formerly CMNS 340)

Examines how human beings move through the world of work, paying particular attention to the role communication plays in this process. Influences that help shape people's perceptions of work during youth and adolescence are reviewed, as are those that help individuals develop expectations about life in particular organizations prior to entry. In addition, the class focuses on new hire adjustment, the processes by which "rookies" gradually become "veterans" in the workplace, and covers voluntary and involuntary retirement. (Organizational) (Formerly CMNS 350)

Focuses on the communicative implications of such cultural elements as values, heroes, rites, rituals, symbolism and storytelling. Analyzes and presents ways of adapting to the diverse components of a culture. (Organizational) (Formerly CMNS 352)

Explores the impact of change on the day to day work experience of organizational members. How culture, management philosophy and individual performances are influenced by change. Political, symbolic interactional, and human resource perspectives are explored. (Organizational) (Formerly CMNS 353)

Studies theory and practice of interviewing. Course focuses each term on a particular interview application (journalistic, employment, research, etc.) and examines strategies appropriate for interviewer and interviewee. Covers planning, conducting and evaluating interviews as well as relevant legislation. (Formerly CMNS 354)

Examines the theory and process of conflict in interpersonal and organizational contexts. Focuses upon the causes, types, and theories of conflicts as well as upon practical approaches to dispute resolution. Topics include: social-psychological as well as process perspectives of conflict; personal conflict style/s; conflict sources; destructive versus constructive interaction cycles; impression management; conflict escalation or diminishment; and resolution strategies. (Formerly CMNS 355)

This is an advanced undergraduate course in small group communication that addresses how teams can benefit from effective leadership. Class materials will focus on various leadership theories and research, and their applications to leadership issues in real-life organizational teams. Students will acquire knowledge about what separates successful leaders from their unsuccessful counterparts, learn analytical tools to observe, diagnose, and choose appropriate responses to different leadership and team-related problems, and have opportunities to recognize and reflect on one?s own leadership skills in team context.

Examines how to partner with a client to facilitate constructive organizational change and behavioral growth in the workplace. Focuses on contemporary consulting through case studies. Previous courses in organizational, small group, or interpersonal communication are suggested. (Formerly CMNS 356)

Topics covered in this course might include: communication and customer service, assessment and intervention in organizations, comparative management, democratic participation in organizations, gender in the workplace, etc. (Formerly CMNS 357)

This course is for communication majors and minors who meet eligibility requirements. Students will learn career planning skills, explore the organizations in which they work, gain an understanding of how they contributed to their organizations, and discuss societal and world issues, as they affect their workplaces. Students are required to work 10 hours per week while enrolled in the course. Students must cmplete the Communication Internship orientation workshop. Students registering for a hybrid section must also attend five 2-hour class meetings.

This course is for students who wish to receive academic credit for a second or third internship. Must be a Communication major or minor who has completed CMN 394 or ISP250 and meets eligibility requirements. Must be taken concurrently with an internship. Topics include building and managing a communication career, effective networking, and leadership development.