Communication Studies (COMM)

COMM 100 - Introduction to Public Communication Credits 3

Development of communication skills in public speaking. The course will include presentational skills, attention to multicultural communication encounters, audience analysis, speech opportunities, research, organization and critical thinking. Note(s): This course is in teach-out; it will no longer be offered once the Communication Studies program is fully taught out. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

COMM 170 - Small Group Communication Credits 3

This course focuses on the individual's communication in a group setting: leadership in groups; group communication norms and processes with emphasis on problem solving and conflict management techniques. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

COMM 200 - The Rhetorical Act Credits 3

This course develops student understanding of rhetoric as the foundation to all effective communication. Based on a communication model that recognizes the rhetorical situation as a determining factor in all communication decisions, the course provides students with instruction on gathering, organizing, and presenting information appropriate for the audience, context, and purpose of the communication event. Students will understand their role as both communicator/audience and will be asked to deliver/critique oral and written products to demonstrate their development of rhetorical skills. Core Curriculum: Approved for Core - Communication. Note(s): Students should take this course in the second semester of their Freshman or the first semester of their Sophomore year at Biola; ideally, a student would have had a COMM 100 (public speaking) or other fundamentals of communication course as part of their high school curriculum; if students have already fulfilled the COMM Core requirement, then COMM 200 may be taken as an option for a lower division COMM elective. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

COMM 235 - Interpersonal Communication Credits 3

This course focuses on developing communication skills in the dyadic setting including emphasis on essential preconditions, conflict management, interpersonal relationships, nonverbal behavior and creative supportive climates. Core Curriculum: Approved for Core - Communication. Note(s): Course has been revised and renumbered from COMM 270. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

COMM 254 - Communication Theories Credits 3

Descriptions and applications of communication theories such as symbolic interaction, relational theories, narrative paradigm and selected group operational theories. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

COMM 272 - History of Communication Credits 3

A historical and interdisciplinary analysis of the development of communication studies theories, concepts, and practices from the classical rhetorical tradition to the present. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

COMM 275 - Communication in the Workplace Credits 3

This class is designed to help you succeed in your academic, professional and personal life, particularly by developing a practical and theoretical understanding regarding workplace communication. Each of you begins this class with your own, individual experiences, perspectives and expectations. Learning and growing in the concept of work-life will provide you with a practical “tool belt” of specific methods and critical thinking abilities to: (a) Develop your capacity to conceptualize and apply valuable workplace communication strategies, (b) Strengthen your analytical and critical thinking skills, (c) Increase your ability in writing and presenting your thoughts, including content organization and delivery, (d) Equip you with career essentials: creating and/or polishing your resume, interview competence and rhetorical sensitivity, and (e) Utilize library resources and develop effective researching approaches. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

COMM 280 - Oral Interpretation Credits 3

Learning to read types of literature aloud in a manner that enhances and enriches the audience's understanding and appreciation of that literature. Core Curriculum: Approved for Core - Communication. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

COMM 281 - Argumentation and Debate Credits 3

Effective oral communication: invention, analysis, evidence, methods of attack and defense and arrangement of ideas. Core Curriculum: Approved for Core - Communication. Note(s): Course has been revised and renumbered from COMM 181; this course is in teach-out and will no longer be offered once the Communication Studies program is fully taught out. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

COMM 282 - Intercollegiate Forensics Credits 2

Practical speech experience in debate and individual speaking events. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.
Repeat Limit (total number of credits): 4.

COMM 320 - Advanced Public Communication Credits 3

Additional experience in improving public speaking skills in power point presentations, critiquing of speeches, and groups presentations. Speeches include: Semiotics Analysis; Apologetics Speech; Tribute Speech; and Group Presentation. Note(s): This course is in teach-out; it will no longer be offered once the Communication Studies program is fully taught out. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 100.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

COMM 344 - Communication Internship Credit 1

A portfolio-driven, introductive learning experience beyond the university classroom via working in a company, business or media-related organization. This course will allow students to explore their interest, aptitude and stamina for work within their chosen area of communication or media-related organization or ministry. This course is aimed at providing students with a beginning portfolio of work suitable for applying to an advanced internship. Note(s): Forty-five hours of internship are required for each academic credit; may be taken multiple times for credit. Grade Mode: A, C.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate level.
Repeat Limit (total number of credits): 2.

COMM 348 - Rhetoric of Media Studies Credits 3

Rhetorical criticism and evaluation of communicative messages in film, television, theatre, popular music, the popular press/books, and Internet. Note(s): This course has been revised and renumbered from COMM 469. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

COMM 368 - Methods of Communication Research Credits 3

Methodology for communication research, with attention to quantitative and qualitative research. Includes sampling, questionnaire design, introduction to statistics, ethnography, and other qualitative methodologies. Students conduct survey research projects. Learning to read and evaluate research components is an expected learning outcome. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

COMM 382 - Intercollegiate Forensics Credits 2

Practical speech experience in debate and individual speaking events. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.
Repeat Limit (total number of credits): 4.

COMM 385 - Persuasive Communication Credits 3

Techniques of persuasive speaking and communication persuasion theories. Experience in the preparation and delivery of speeches. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

COMM 386 - Forms of Public Communication Credits 3

Application, practice and analysis of selected communication forms from a rhetorical perspective. Sections offered in political, social issues and nonverbal communication. Note(s): May be taken multiple times with different course content. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.
Repeat Limit (after first attempt): 10.

COMM 387 - Organizational Communication Credits 3

The dynamics of organizational communication centering in systems, structures and patterns of work/workplace communication; the role of communication in organizational development. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

COMM 390 - Jesus the Rhetor Credits 3

This course will examine the rhetoric of Jesus in the ancient world in which he lived and make application to our rhetorical action as believers in the present age. The course will examine major elements of rhetorical action (public communication, interpersonal communication, intercultural communication, etc.) used by Jesus in his earthy life and ministry and make application to the rhetorical action of Christians today. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

COMM 392 - Engaging Perspectives Credits 3

Utilizing communication theory (e.g., cognitive complexity, perspective-taking, symbolic maps, communication climates) and the wisdom of the Scriptures, students will learn to identify and winsomely engage a person’s worldview. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

COMM 403 - Organizational Rhetoric Credits 3

In this course students will extend their development by engaging in seminal texts, discussions, and case-studies focusing on Organizational Rhetoric, the link between applied practices existing in organizational settings and the philosophical tenets of persuasion as identification, resulting in a mastery understanding of this area. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

COMM 432 - Rhetorical Theories Credits 3

Major theories of rhetorical and public address from classical to contemporary periods. Note(s): This course is in teach-out; it will no longer be offered once the Communication Studies program is fully taught out. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 254.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

COMM 440 - Communication Internship Credits 1-3

For students prepared to gain practical experience. Usually off campus in a work situation. Note(s): This course is in teach-out; it will no longer be offered once the Communication Studies program is fully taught out. Grade Mode: A, C.
Restriction(s): Must be Junior Class, or Senior Class; and Undergraduate Level.
Repeat Limit (total number of credits): 6.

COMM 444 - Advanced Communication Internship Credits 2

A portfolio-driven, advanced learning experience beyond the university classroom via working in a company or business organization. This course will allow students to explore their interest, aptitude and stamina for work within their chosen area of communication. This course is aimed at providing students with an advanced portfolio of work suitable for applying to entry level positions in their field. Note(s): Forty-five hours of internship are required for each academic credit; may be taken multiple times for credit. Grade Mode: A, C.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate level.
Repeat Limit (total number of credits): 4.

COMM 445 - Teaching Assistant Credits 1-3

Grade assignments and/or exams, learning how to use rubrics and to apply communication pedagogy in comments and marks. Proctor exams and assist with teaching, research, and administrative duties as needed. Note(s): Special approval required; contact the Communication Studies Office for details. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Junior Class, or Senior Class; and Undergraduate Level.
Repeat Limit (after first attempt): 10.

COMM 450 - Communication Practicum Credits 1-3

Directed practical experience in the various fields of communication. Note(s): This course is in teach-out; it will no longer be offered once the Communication Studies program is fully taught out. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.
Repeat Limit (total number of credits): 6.

COMM 465 - Rhetorical Criticism Credits 3

Evaluation and assessment of communication sources and artifacts. Application of critical methodologies (e.g., pentadic, narrative, feminist, metaphoric, generic) to generate scholarly commentary. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 254.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.
Course Fee: $100.

COMM 469 - Rhetoric of Media Studies Credits 3

Rhetorical criticism and evaluation of communicative messages in film, television, theatre, popular music, the popular press/books, and Internet. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Junior Class, or Senior Class; and Undergraduate Level.

COMM 470 - Communication Seminar Credits 1-3

Various aspects and problems in the fields of communication. Note(s): May be taken multiple times with different course content; $70 fee may apply. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.
Repeat Limit (after first attempt): 10.

COMM 472 - Intercultural Communication Credits 3

Relationship between communication and culture with emphasis on factors affecting the quality and processes of interpersonal communication between persons of different cultures or subcultures. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

COMM 473 - Communication and Diversity Credits 3

Study and analysis of intercultural communication and identity within the context of the United States. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.
Course Fee: $50.

COMM 474 - Advanced Studies in Communication Behavior Credits 3

Selected communication topics varied by semester. Sections offered include: gender studies, relational studies, family communication, leadership communication, and engaging worldviews. Note(s): May be taken multiple times for credit with different course content. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.
Repeat Limit (after first attempt): 10.

COMM 480 - Directed Research Credits 1-3

Individual research in areas of communication determined in consultation with the instructor. Note(s): Special approval required. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.
Repeat Limit (total number of credits): 3.

COMM 490 - Conflict and the Christian Credits 3

This course is designed to facilitate practical, theoretical, critical, and theological analysis of the role of communication in interpersonal conflict and negotiation. This will include an examination of conflict styles, theories, and strategies in conjunction with a practical modeling of communication practice and Christian ethics. This course will evaluate relevant contexts for conflict including workplace, family, church, both interpersonally and organizationally. Note(s): This course is in teach-out; it will no longer be offered once the Communication Studies program is fully taught out. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

COMM 492 - Authentic Communication Credits 3

In this course, students will study the foundations of authentic communication through the development of a biblical vision and action plan for influencing some particular aspect of the culture. Students will learn to identify and explain the central characteristics of what it means to be a counter-public. Note(s): This course is in teach-out; it will no longer be offered once the Communication Studies program is fully taught out. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

COMM 495 - Advanced Methods of Research Credits 3

In this course students will complete a previous proposed research study. This includes: a) learning how to complete the NIH training and application to complete your research to the universities PHRRC (Protection for Human Rights in Research), b) building a robust literature review, c) collecting and interpreting data, d) submitting a research study to NCA (National Communication Association, and e) completing a full research study. Students will extend their development by reading previous studies, methods of communication research, and engaging in the link between communication and their research topic, resulting in a mastery understanding of this area. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 368.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.
Course Fee: $50.

COMM 496 - Ethnography in Communication Studies Credits 3

This course focuses on a major method of communication research based on place and everyday interaction. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 368.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.