COMM – Communication
Courses Offered
Lower Divison | Upper Divison | Graduate
Not more than four credits total of COMM 113, COMM 114, COMM 116, COMM 117, COMM 118, COMM 119, COMM 214, COMM 313, COMM 314, COMM 316, COMM 317, COMM 318, COMM 319 or COMM 414 may be applied toward fulfillment of Communication Departmental major requirements, except as required in the Communication, Secondary Education degree program. Not more than 12 credits total of COMM 113, COMM 114, COMM 116, COMM 117, COMM 118, COMM 119, COMM 214, COMM 313, COMM 314, COMM 316, COMM 317, COMM 318, COMM 319 or COMM 414 may be counted toward any undergraduate degree requirements.
Lower Division
COMM 101 FUNDAMENTALS OF COMMUNICATION (3-0-3)(F/S)(DLS). Fundamental principles of verbal, nonverbal, written, and visual communication with an introduction to relational and organizational communication, public communication, and media studies.
COMM 112 REASONED DISCOURSE (3-0-3)(F/S)(DLS). Introduction to logical reasoning and the role of the advocate in a free society. Analysis of propositions, issues, arguments, evidence, fallacies of arguments, and various systems of reasoning. Preparation for and participation in activities designed to apply the principles of logical reasoning in the public forum.
COMM 113 COMMUNICATION ACTIVITIES: PRSSA (Variable 1-3)(F/S). Participation in Public Relations Student Society of America. Course may be repeated for credit. PREREQ: PERM/INST.
COMM 114 COMMUNICATION ACTIVITIES: FORENSICS (2-0-1)(F/S). Preparation for and participation in intercollegiate forensics (speech and debate) competition and community speaking activities. Course may be repeated for credit. PREREQ: PERM/INST.
COMM 116 COMMUNICATION ACTIVITIES: STUDIO TELEVISION FOR COMMUNITY (3-0-3)(F/S). Production of television programming for community organizations and citizens for airing on TVTV. Course may be repeated for credit.
COMM 117 COMMUNICATION ACTIVITIES: UTP (Variable 1-3)(F/S). Production of video programming for University Television Productions. Course may be repeated for credit.
COMM 118 COMMUNICATION ACTIVITIES: STUDENT RADIO (2-0-1)(F/S). Participation in audio programming for Student Radio. Course may be repeated for credit. PREREQ: PERM/INST.
COMM 119 COMMUNICATION ACTIVITIES: STUDENT NEWSPAPER (Variable 1-3)(F/S). Participation in production of student publications. Course may be repeated for credit. PREREQ: PERM/INST.
COMM 131 LISTENING (3-0-3)(F/S). Theory and practice of our most-used communication skill. Analysis of variables as they promote or impede the process of listening.
COMM 160 COMMUNICATION AND CULTURE I (3-0-3)(F/S). Introduction to the study of communication and culture. Examination of central concepts and theories in the field of communication and cultural studies, and focus upon current issues and theoretical perspectives in the study of rhetoric, communication relationships, and the art and performance of communication.
COMM 171 MASS MEDIA AND SOCIETY (3-0-3)(F/S). An examination of the role of mass media in contemporary society. Emphasis on the inter-relationships between media and other social and political institutions, and on critical analysis of current media issues.
COMM 211 VOICE STUDY FOR MEDIA AND LIVE PERFORMANCE (3-0-3)(F/S). Introduction to studies of vocal credibility, announcing as a profession, voice science and American dialects. Offers skill development in performance genres such as news announcing, broadcast advertising, oral essays and live dramatization.
COMM 214 INTERCOLLEGIATE DEBATE (1-0-1)(F/S). Preparation for and participation in intercollegiate tournament debate. Course may be repeated for credit. COREQ: COMM 114 or 314.
COMM 221 INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION (3-0-3). Examination of interaction between persons. Focuses on an awareness of how the self, the communication process, and contexts affect interpretations, outcomes, and relationships.
COMM 231 PUBLIC SPEAKING (3-0-3)(F/S). Analysis of methods and techniques of message composition. Practice in the presentation of public speeches.
COMM 267 THE FILM GRIP’S ROLE (1-0-1)(F/S). Introduction to working on a film set: protocol, chain of command, terminology and handling of equipment.
COMM 268 INTRODUCTION TO VIDEO PRODUCTION (3-0-3)(F/S). Introduction to the theory and practice of video production. Emphasis is placed on using video as an effective means of human communication and self-expression.
COMM 269 INTRODUCTION TO AUDIO PRODUCTION (3-0-3)(F/S). Introduction to the technologies of audio production, as well as aesthetic approaches and production strategies for different types of audio programs. Emphasis is placed on using audio as an effective means of human communication and self-expression. Students will have the opportunity to develop proposals and programs for Boise State Radio.
COMM 271 INTRODUCTION TO MEDIA (3-0-3)(F/S)(CID). Examines constructions of reality in mass communication with an emphasis on the relationship between media and power in society. The course aims to help students become more aware and empowered as consumers and producers of media. PREREQ: ENGL 102.
COMM 273 REPORTING AND NEWS WRITING (3-0-3)(F/S). Fundamentals of reporting, from techniques of interviewing and fact-gathering through the construction of the news story. Emphasis on accuracy, conciseness, and clarity in writing. Study of newspaper styles, usage, grammar, punctuation, capitalization, and the use of copy editing symbols. PREREQ: ENGL 102, ability to use keyboard, and PERM/INST.
COMM 278 PRINCIPLES OF PUBLIC RELATIONS (3-0-3)(F). Public relations as a professional field: history, theory, principles, and practices.
COMM 279 PUBLIC RELATIONS CAMPAIGNS (3-0-3)(S). Social science research as applied to public relations, case study analysis, construction, and implementation of campaigns. PREREQ: COMM 278.
Upper Division
Upper-division courses in the Department of Communication (those with a course number of 300 or higher) require advanced academic performance. Admittance to upper-division courses requires students have met general university requirements for junior standing and fulfill course specific prerequisites.
COMM 302 RESEARCH METHODS (3-0-3)(F/S)(CID). Historical, critical, descriptive, and experimental research methods and tools in communication. Students design, conduct, report, and evaluate research projects. PREREQ: ENGL 102.
COMM 304 PERSPECTIVES OF INQUIRY (3-0-3)(F/S)(CID). A study of the sources and nature of knowledge, assumptions about knowledge, processes by which knowledge is developed, and perspectives of theoretical inquiry. PREREQ: ENGL 102 and upper-division standing.
COMM 307 INTERVIEWING (3-0-3)(F/S). Communication behavior in two-person situations. Practical experience in various types of interviews as confronted in business, in education, and in the professions.
COMM 313 COMMUNICATION ACTIVITIES: PRSSA (Variable 1-3)(F/S). Participation in Public Relations Student Society of America. Course may be repeated for credit. PREREQ: PERM/INST.
COMM 314 COMMUNICATION ACTIVITIES: FORENSICS (2-0-1)(F/S). Preparation for and participation in intercollegiate forensics (speech and debate) competition and community speaking activities. Course may be repeated for credit. PREREQ: PERM/INST.
COMM 316 COMMUNICATION ACTIVITIES: STUDIO TELEVISION FOR COMMUNITY (3-0-3)(F/S). Production of television programming for community organizations and citizens for airing on TVTV. Course may be repeated for credit.
COMM 317 COMMUNICATION ACTIVITIES: UTP (Variable 1-3)(F/S). Production of video programming for University Television Productions. Course may be repeated for credit. PREREQ: PERM/INST.
COMM 318 COMMUNICATION ACTIVITIES: STUDENT RADIO (2-0-1)(F/S). Participation in audio programming for Student Radio. Course may be repeated for credit. PREREQ: PERM/INST.
COMM 319 COMMUNICATION ACTIVITIES: STUDENT NEWSPAPER (Variable 1-3)(F/S). Participation in production of student publications. Course may be repeated for credit. PREREQ: PERM/INST.
COMM 321 RHETORICAL THEORIES (3-0-3)(F/S). Examination of theories concerning the complexity of interaction among ideas, messages, and people, including analysis of various message strategies.
COMM 331 MESSAGE ANALYSIS AND CRITICISM (3-0-3)(F/S). An evaluation of methods of analyzing and criticizing messages and their application to making critical appraisals of public communication.
COMM 332 CONTEMPORARY PUBLIC COMMUNICATION (3-0-3)(F/S). The nature, function, and influence of public communication in contemporary society. An examination of major events and issues in an attempt to identify particular characteristics of public dialogue which reflect, reinforce, and alter public opinion.
COMM 341 NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION (3-0-3)(F/S). An examination of the function of nonverbal behavior codes in communication.
COMM 351 INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION (3-0-3). An analysis of societal and cultural influences on interpersonal communication. A critical examination of communication within and among subcultures as well as across cultural boundaries.
COMM 356 COMMUNICATION IN THE SMALL GROUP (3-0-3)(F/S). A study of human interaction in small groups. A blending of theory and practical experience focusing upon group development, roles, norms, team building, problem-solving, conflict, and leadership.
COMM 360 MEDIA AESTHETICS AND CULTURE (V-V-3)(S). Examination of the form and cultural values of mass media programs, the relationship between audiences and media products, and approaches to critical analysis of media products. One lab credit may be included.
COMM 361 ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION (3-0-3)(F/S). Examination and application of historical and contemporary communication theory to the study of organizing processes within and between various types of organizations. PREREQ: Upper-division standing or PERM/INST.
COMM 362 LEGAL AND ETHICAL ISSUES OF MASS MEDIA (3-0-3)(F/S). Examination of media-related ethical and legal issues facing media practitioners and the public.
COMM 363 ADVANCED JOURNALISTIC WRITING (3-0-3)(F/S). Advanced instruction in various forms of journalistic writing, including feature and critical writing. PREREQ: Upper-division standing.
COMM 364 VISUAL COMMUNICATION (3-0-3)(F/S). Theory and practice of various forms of visual communication, including photography and graphics.
COMM 365 FILM STYLES AND GENRES (2-2-3)(F/S). Viewing a variety of international cinema masterpieces from different periods. Analyze and discuss these films in terms of formal elements, historical/social context, and industrial constraints. Concepts of genre, authorship and ideology will also be introduced, providing requisite critical tools for analysis of a wide range of film art.
COMM 368 ADVANCED AUDIO PRODUCTION (3-0-3)(F/S). Advanced work in the theory and practice of audio-production, including advanced production techniques, aesthetic strategies, and multi-track recording and computer-based nonlinear editing. PREREQ: COMM 269.
COMM 369 VIDEO POST-PRODUCTION (3-0-3)(F/S). Production strategies and techniques of computer-based video editing, graphics and animation. PREREQ: COMM 268.
COMM 370 ADVANCED VIDEO PRODUCTION (3-0-3)(F/S). Advanced work in theory and practice of video production. Development and production of full-length video programs. PREREQ: Upper-division standing and COMM 369 or PERM/INST.
COMM 373 REPORTING PUBLIC AFFAIRS (3-0-3)(F/S). Theory and practice of covering governmental and community affairs. Examination of the beat system and developing sources. PREREQ: COMM 273 or PERM/INST.
COMM 382 PUBLIC RELATIONS WRITING (3-0-3)(F/S). Students will learn to establish intent, evaluate information, set priorities, and tailor writing to meet the needs of different audiences in a variety of media with clarity, insight, and skill. PREREQ: COMM 278.
COMM 390 (DISPUT 390)(SOC 390) CONFLICT MANAGEMENT (3-0-3)(F/S). Examination of the causes of conflict, conflict management theory, and conflict management techniques applied in interpersonal, intergroup, organizational, and community settings. Discussion and skill development through experiential learning will focus on such conflict management techniques as interpersonal management, mediation, arbitration, negotiation, and reconciliation. May be taken for credit in COMM, DISPUT, or SOC but not for more than one department. PREREQ: COMM 101 or SOC 290, upper-division standing.
COMM 401 METHODS OF TEACHING COMMUNICATION (3-0-3)(F/S). Analysis and planning of curriculum for speech communication. A study of instructional materials, classroom techniques and methods, development of behavioral objectives, and management of curricular programs. PREREQ: Admission to Secondary Teacher Education Program or PERM/INST.
COMM 412 PERSUASION (3-0-3)(F/S). Emphasis on theories of persuasion. Examination of variables and message strategies relevant to the persuasive process. Application of theory through the analysis and/or construction of persuasive messages.
COMM 413 PUBLIC RELATIONS CASE STUDIES (3-0-3)(F). Examination of public relations issues, contexts, and applications through case study research. Analysis of public relations cases in order to develop research ability and agility in the application of PR methods and theory in a wide variety of situations. PREREQ: COMM 279 and upper-division standing.
COMM 414 INTERCOLLEGIATE DEBATE (1-0-1)(F/S). Preparation for and participation in intercollegiate tournament debate. Course may be repeated for credit. COREQ: COMM 114 or COMM 314.
COMM 421 THEORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF COMMUNICATION (3-0-3)(F/S). Explores various generic philosophies of communication and the perspectives of inquiry they imply, culminating in the articulation of a theory of communication. PREREQ: Upper-division standing.
COMM 431 SMALL GROUP THEORY AND RESEARCH (3-0-3)(F). Advanced study of variables affecting and theories explaining the communicative interaction of small groups.
COMM 432 ADVANCED ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION (3-0-3)(F/S)(FF). Exploration and analysis of recent theory and research related to advanced topics in organizational communication. PREREQ: COMM 361 and senior standing.
COMM 441 ADVANCED PUBLIC PRESENTATION (3-0-3)(F/S)(FF). Theory and practice in various forms of public communication including public speaking, oral interpretation, storytelling, oral history production, conversation art from ethnographic study, and group performance. PREREQ: COMM 231 and upper-division standing.
COMM 451 COMMUNICATION PRACTICUM (Variable 1-4)(F/S). Directed study emphasizing the practical application of skills and theory relevant to human communication. An opportunity to focus on areas of special interest to the student. May be repeated for a total of four credits.
COMM 466 COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIAL CHANGE (3-0-3)(F/S). The history and evolution of communication and mass communication technologies, focusing upon the social/cultural impact of such technologies.
COMM 467 MASS COMMUNICATION AND DEMOCRACY (3-0-3)(F/S). Study of the role of mass communication in the democratic process, focusing upon the ways mass media both contribute to and inhibit the development of a viable public sphere and effective political process.
COMM 470 THE FILM PRODUCER’S ROLE (3-0-3)( F/S). Examines the film industry in terms of financing, distribution and exhibition of films, the interaction between art and business in film production, and skills for working with creative talent. PREREQ: Upper-division standing and PERM/INST.
COMM 471 ADVANCED INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION (3-0-3)(F/S)(FF). Examination of recent theory and research related to advanced topics in interpersonal communication. PREREQ: COMM 221 and senior standing.
COMM 475 ADVANCED STUDIES IN COMMUNICATION THEORY AND PHILOSOPHY (3-0-3)(F/S)(FF). Reading of seminal literature in communication theory and philosophy. Writing of position papers in a seminar environment that highlight current debates over how best to conceptualize “communication.” PREREQ: senior standing and PERM/INST.
COMM 480 STUDIES IN JOURNALISTIC COMMUNICATION (3-0-3)(F/S). Advanced instruction in theories about, history of, and preparation of nonfiction content for the mass media. Content varies from semester to semester. Subjects may include public affairs reporting, journalism history, documentary scriptwriting, etc. Course may be repeated for credit.
COMM 481 STUDIES IN INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION (3-0-3)(F/S). Examination of issues, contexts, and particulars of interpersonal communication. Content varies from semester to semester. Subjects may include: conflict management, general semantics, male-female communication, etc. Course may be repeated for credit.
COMM 482 STUDIES IN PUBLIC RELATIONS (3-0-3)(F/S). Examination of public relations issues, contexts, and applications. Content varies from semester to semester. Subjects may include: case studies, campaign design and analysis, promotional PR, PR for diverse audiences, media strategy and planning, etc. Course may be repeated for credit. PREREQ: COMM 279 and upper-division standing.
COMM 483 STUDIES IN ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION (3-0-3)(F/S). Examines contemporary theoretical perspectives of the interdependent relationship between “communication” and “organization.” Topics may include organizational culture and symbolism, communication technologies, or virtual organizing. Content varies from semester to semester. Course may be repeated for credit. PREREQ: COMM 361 and upper-division standing.
COMM 484 STUDIES IN RHETORIC AND PUBLIC PRESENTATION (3-0-3)(F/S). Historical, theoretical, and practical study in various forms of communication presentation. Content varies from semester to semester. Subjects may include advanced public speaking, group interpretation, theory of debate, etc. Course may be repeated for credit.
COMM 485 STUDIES IN GENDER AND COMMUNICATION (3-0-3)(F/S). Instruction in gender as a variable in communicative behaviors. Content varies semester to semester. Subjects may include: gender issues in interpersonal and organizational communication; power, gender and nonverbal communication; feminist rhetoric. Course may be repeated for credit.
COMM 486 STUDIES IN MEDIA PRODUCTION (3-0-3)(F/S). Advanced work in the production of media programs, including journalism, audio and video. Specific content varies from semester to semester. Course may be repeated for credit.
COMM 487 STUDIES IN MEDIA THEORY (3-0-3)(F/S). Critical evaluation of contemporary theoretical trends and issues in the study of mass media. Content varies from semester to semester. Course may be repeated for credit.
COMM 489 ADVANCED STUDIES IN MEDIA (3-0-3)(F/S)(FF). Students produce and present media projects, productions and/or research addressing questions of media theory and practice in a seminar setting. PREREQ: Completion of all Media Production or Media Studies Emphasis Elective credits.
COMM 493 INTERNSHIP (Variable Credit). Supervised field work. For more information on internships, see University-Wide Courses in Chapter 11.
COMM 496 INDEPENDENT STUDY (1-4 Credits). Individual study of either a reading or project nature. For more information on independent study, see University-Wide Courses in Chapter 11.
COMM 498 COMMUNICATION SEMINAR (3-0-3)(F/S)(FF). Students demonstrate their ability to theorize, discover, analyze, evaluate, report, and defend a project about human communication. PREREQ: Senior standing, and completion of at least one course from each of the following departmental categories with a grade of C or better: Communication Arts, Communication Contexts, Communication Analysis and Criticism/Research, Communication Theory and Philosophy.