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A survey of the discipline of communication studies with emphasis on multiple epistemological, theoretical, and methodological issues relevant to the systematic inquiry and pursuit of knowledge about human communication.  This course explores the basic history, assumptions, principles, processes, variables, methods, and specializations of human communication as an academic field of study.

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1. Foundations – Definitions and Context
2. History of Communication Study
3. Verbal and Nonverbal Communication
4. Basic Communication Theory
5. Basic Communication Research Methods
6. Specializations May Include:
   1. Rhetoric
   2. Forensics
   3. Argumentation
   4. Persuasion
   5. Public Communication
   6. Mass Communication
   7. Interpersonal Communication
   8. Group Communication
   9. Intercultural Communication
   10. Gender Communication
   11. Organizational Communication
   12. Oral Interpretation/Performance Studies
   13. Communication Ethics
   14. Family Communication
   15. Emerging Specializations
       1. Health Communication
       2. New Technologies
       3. Computer Mediated Communication

At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:

1. Explain and apply the basic concepts of the field of communication.
2. Discuss the history of the study of human communication.
3. Critically discuss and write about human communication theories and events.
4. Compare and contrast the basic research methods for the evaluation of human communication phenomena.
5. Explain the contextual, cultural, and social foundations of human communication.
6. Demonstrate a basic knowledge of the specializations comprising the communication discipline.
7. Demonstrate an understanding of ethical perspectives in communication.
8. Summarize and explain an expanded world perspective that demonstrates an appreciation of the diverse range of individuals, communities, and viewpoints.

Quizzes and examinations, projects, oral and written assignments, class participation, and other outside assignments.

Sarah Trenholm, Thinking Through Communication (latest edition).

Boston: Pearson/AB, 2008.  

Julia Wood, Communication Mosaics (latest edition), Wadsworth.

Tubbs and Moss, Human Communication, Principles and Contexts (latest edition). McGraw-Hill.

Bourhis, J. Adams, C., Titsworth, S. & Hunter, L. Style Manual for Communication Studies.  (latest edition).  McGraw-Hill.

Dues, M. & Brown, M. (latest edition). Boxing Plato’s Shadow: The study of human communication.  McGraw-Hill.

Griffin, M. (latest edition). A First Look at Communication Theory.  McGraw-Hill Higher Education

Introduction, communications, comms, speech