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UnderGRADuate / Courses
COMM 101 (1010) – Cases in Communication
Fall. 3 Credits. MWF 1:25-2:10. B. Lewenstein.
Through analysis of cases, this course introduces students to key principles and theories in the study of human communication. Cases cover personal situations, entertainment, national crises, business situations, new technologies, and other contexts. The goal is to understand the links between these daily activities, "mid-range" theories of human behavior, and broad social concepts of modernity and post-modernity.
COMM 130(1300) - Visual Communication
Spring. 3 credits. Lec 01, T R 9:05-9:55; lab, T 2:30-4:25; W 10:10-12:05; 12:20-2:15, 2:30-4:25. C. Scherer.
Introduction to visual communication theory. Examines how visuals influence our attention, perspectives, and understanding. Uses examples of visuals drawn from advertising, TV news, documentaries, entertainment movies, print, and interactive media develop a theoretical framework for becoming more visually aware and for thinking more critically about how visuals influence us.
COMM 131 (1310) - Writing about Communication
Spring. 3 credits. Co-requisite: COMM 130. T R 10:10-11:25, 11:40-12:55, 1:25-2:40, 2:55-4:10. L. Van Buskirk and staff.
Students develop skill in various writing styles and genres. This course explores communication practices and theories as they are observed and studied in personal and professional contexts. Assignments polish students' ability to gather information, analyze information, integrate ideas about communication, and express those ideas clearly and cogently. Several assignments focus on visual communication theories explored in Comm 130.
COMM 201(2010) - Oral Communication
Fall, spring, or summer. 3 credits. Limited to 20 students per sec (fall and spring) or 15 students per sec (summer). Priority given to juniors and seniors, then sophomores. Fluency in spoken English assumed. Sections meet first day of class even if it is before lecture. Students absent twice during first week of class are dropped from course roster. Students must drop the course by the end of the second week to allow people from the wait list in. K. Berggren, T. Russo, and staff.
Through theory and practice, students develop self-confidence and competence in researching, organizing, and presenting material to audiences. Students give four graded speeches, write short papers, perform speaker evaluations, and engage in other speech-related activities.
COMM 203(2030) - Argumentation and Debate
Fall, spring, and summer. 3 credits. W 1:25-4:25. S. Nelson.
Students learn the principles of argumentation and debate. Topics emphasize Internet database research, synthesis of collected data, policy analysis of evidentiary quality, refutation of counter claims, identification of logical fallacies, risk evaluation, framing of issues, and coherent storytelling. Prepares students to work with a great range of opinion and evidence. Emphasizes different viewpoints, including those of different cultures. Assumptions are interrogated.
COMM 220 - Contemporary Mass Communication
Fall or summer. Fall: lec, M W F 12:20-1:10. E. Nisbet.
The processes and effects of mass communication systems. Topics include the evolution of communication media, current knowledge about mediated communication, and the role of communication in contemporary social issues.
COMM 245(2450) - Psychology and Social Computing (also INFO 245[2450])
Fall. 3 credits. T R 10:10-11:25. J. Hancock.
Course focuses on understanding online communication through principles of cognitive and social psychology, and aspects of the Internet that defy traditional psychological understandings. Topics include impression formation and management, deception and trust, group dynamics, social support, "Internet addiction," online pornography, and organizational impacts of new communication technology.COMM 260(2600) - Science Writing for Public Information
COMM 263(2630) - Organizational Writing
Fall, spring, or summer. 3 credits. Limited to 25 students per sec. Prerequisite: junior, senior, or graduate standing; college-level writing course. Fall: Lec 01, M W F 9:05-9:55; lec 02, M W F 10:10-11:00; lec 03, M W F 11:15-12:05. Spring: Lec 01, M W F 10:10-11:00, lec 02, M W F 11:15-12:05. L. Van Buskirk and staff.
Students write from the point of view of various organizations, including businesses, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. This course emphasizes appropriate representation of the writer's organization, audience analysis, and clear and effective written presentation of detailed content. Assignments include text for web sites, reports, proposals, memoranda, letters, and e-mail.
COMM 272(2720) - Principles of Public Relations and Advertising
Summer. 3 credits. Not open to freshmen. Staff.
Survey of the fields of public relations and advertising. Describes organizations, jobs, and functions in the industry. Covers the roles of public relations and advertising in society, the economic system, and organizations; psychological and sociological principles as bases for appeals; strategies for media selection and message execution. Introduction to research and regulation.
COMM 276 – Cases in Communication and Social Influences
Spring. 3 credits. Pre-requisite: COMM 101. TR 10:10 - 11:25. P. McLeod.
Social influence is one of the most basic and important functions of communication. Through case studies, exercises and field projects the course will address issues ranging from influence between individuals to influence at national and international levels.
COMM 282(2820) – Research Methods in Communication Studies
Fall. 3 credits. Pre- or co-requisite: Sophomore standing. Lec, MW 11:15-12:05; Lab W 2:30-3:20; 3:35-4:25; R 12:20-1:10; 1:25-2:15; 2:30-3:20; 3:35-4:25. C. Yuan.
The course covers social scientific methods to solve communication research problems empirically. Topics include basic principles of social scientific research, random sampling, questionnaire design, experimental research design, focus group techniques, and basic descriptive and inferential statistics. Students will also learn basic data manipulation, presentation and analysis techniques using SPSS and EXCEL.
COMM 284(2840) - Sex, Gender, and Communication
Fall. 3 credits. Not open to freshmen. T R 2:55-4:10. L. Van Buskirk.
Explores the personal, career, social, and economic implications of male and female gender categories. Topics include theories of male and female gender construction, social structures, personal relationships, and gender concerns in the workplace.
COMM 285(2850) - Communication in Life Sciences (also S&TS 285[2851])
Spring. 3 credits. M W F 10:10-11:00. B. Lewenstein.
Environmental problems, public health issues, scientific research--in each of these areas, communication plays a fundamental role. From the mass media to individual conversations, from technical journals to textbooks, from lab notes to the web, communication helps define social issues and research findings. This course examines the institutional and intellectual contexts, processes, and practical constraints on communication in the life sciences.
COMM 301(3010) - Business and Professional Presentation
Fall and spring. 3 credits. Prerequisite: COMM 201; second-semester sophomore, junior, or senior standing. Lec, M W 11:15-12:05; sec, T 12:20-2:15 and 2:30-4:25; W 1:25-3:20; R 10:10-12:05. B. Earle.
The study and practice of written and oral communication skills used in formal and informal organizations. These skills include interviews; informative, persuasive, and special-occasion speeches; reports; discussions; and Powerpoint presentations. Students study and practice the organizational, analytical, and presentational skills needed in contexts suited to their own business and professional career goals.
COMM 303(3030) - Speech and Debate Practicum
Fall and spring. 2 credits. Prerequisite: Program in Speech and Debate members; permission of instructor; completion of one year in program. TBA. S. Nelson.
Students learn how to prepare for CEDA (Cross Examination Debate Association) debate, Lincoln-Douglas debate, or individual speaking events. The class is divided into four groups according to level of experience; therefore, it may be repeated to a maximum of 8 credits.
COMM 310: Communication and Decision Making in Groups
Spring. 3 credits. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing required. Communication majors will be given preference. TR 2:55-4:10. P. McLeod.
This course will provide students with a greater understanding of information sharing, persuasion, and decision development in small work groups. Through practical exercises, class discussions and lectures, students will learn first hand about factors that affect group performance. The course will be taught in an interactive hands-on format that emphasizes application of tested theory.
COMM 320 - Mass Media and Society
Spring. 3 credits. Lec, T R 11:40-12:55. T. Gillespie.
This course builds on mass communication research and the study of culture and technology to investigate the social, political, and technological dynamics of contemporary media. We investigate how mass media frames our experience of the world and shapes our political involvement in it, and at how mass media intersects with our sense of identity and role in culture.
COMM 345(3450) - Human-Computer Interaction Design (also INFO 345[3450])
Spring. 3 credits. T R 10:10-11:25. D. Cosley.
Gives students insight into the design of computer interfaces and software from the user's point of view. Students come to understand how hardware and software design influence the interaction between people and computers. Using assigned readings, demonstrations, and projects, students examine issues and trade-offs in interaction design and invent and evaluate alternative solutions.
COMM 349(3490) - Media Technologies (also S&TS 349[3491)
Spring. 3 credits. Offered odd – numbered years. T R 1:25-2:40. T. Gillespie.
Our efforts to communicate, share culture, and drive social agendas depend on the tools we've developed. However, our commonplace notions of communication and media regularly overlook the role of the material technologies that are so crucial to them. This course considers the technologies of media (including printing, photography, film, telegraph, telephone, radio, television, and computer networks) as an opportunity to think about the intersection of technology, communication, and its social context.
COMM 350(3500) - Writing for Magazines
Fall. 3 credits. Limited to 25 students. Prerequisite: junior, senior, or graduate standing or permission of instructor; college-level writing course. No drops after third week. M 1:25-4:25; lab, R 1:25-2:15. S. Conroe.
Course in nonfiction freelance writing for magazines. Intensive fact writing to help students communicate more effectively through the medium of the printed word in magazines. Art and techniques of good writing are studied; magazines in many fields of interest are reviewed. All articles are analyzed and returned to the student to rewrite and submit to a magazine. Extensive out-of-class writing assignments.
COMM 352(3520) - Science Writing for the Mass Media (also S&TS 352[3521])
Spring. 3 credits. Limited to 24 students. Not open to freshmen. Prerequisite: college-level writing course. Lec, M W 11:15- 12:05 lab, W 12:20-2:15. B. Lewenstein and S. Conroe.
How to write about science, technology, and medicine for the mass media. Discussion topics include accuracy, simplicity, comprehensiveness, risk communication, and the history and social structure of science. Writing assignments focus on writing news and feature stories for newspapers and magazines, with excursions into newsletters, and other media.
COMM 353(3530) - Science Writing Practicum
Spring. 1 credit. Prerequisite: COMM 260, COMM/S&TS 352, ENGRC 350, or permission of instructor. B. Lewenstein.
Students cover the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, held in February each year. Before the meeting, students review science writing techniques and issues. At the meeting, students meet with science writers and attend press conferences and scientific sessions. Students write at least two stories. Students are responsible for all costs of travel, lodging, and meals.
COMM 376(3760) - Planning Communication Campaigns
Fall. 3 credits. Pre- or co-requisites: COMM 282 or equivalent social research course. T R 11:40-12:55. K. McComas.
Provides a theoretical and practical overview of the audiences, messages, and evaluation of communication campaigns. Includes principles of planning and evaluation relevant to several kinds of campaigns. Topics include discussion of campaign goals, objectives, strategies, and tactics; research design and implementation; audience segmentation; message construction; and techniques of evaluation. Considers common methods of data collection (e.g., focus groups, experiments, surveys) and analysis of campaign-related data sources.
[COMM 382(4932) - Advanced Communication Research
Fall. 3 credits. Prerequisite: COMM 282 or equivalent social research course. C. Yuan.
Advanced approaches to methods of data collection and analysis in communication research for students who intend to complete advanced research projects such as honors research or other independent studies and who have preliminary research under way. Every week the class examines one or two research situations in detail, analyzes specific problems connected to the method used, and discusses strategies for data analysis and presentation. This format provides all students--independent of their specific thesis topic--with an in-depth understanding of the methods used in communication research and how they are applied to specific projects.]
COMM 398(3980) - Issues in Teaching Communication
Fall and spring. 1 credit. Pre- or co-requisite: junior or senior standing; present or past undergraduate teaching assistant for COMM course. Alternate M 7:30-9:10 p.m. K. Berggren.
Seminar bringing together novice educators to discuss ideas, experiences, and practice. Integration of theory into actual education efforts is challenging for professional educators. Novice teachers are not aware of their common experiences, much less of a theoretical component to education. In discussions of actual teaching experiences, literature reviews, research reports, textbook chapters, curriculum, and evaluation tools, students examine new ideas and practices. The primary goal of the seminar is to enrich and deepen the novice teaching experience.
COMM 405(4050) - Community Service Practicum
Fall and spring. 1 credit; may be repeated once for credit. Meets 1 hour weekly, time TBA. S. Nelson.
Students share their communication talents in structured experiences in which they design and implement a speech or debate project in local schools or the community.
COMM 410(4100) - Organizational Communication: Theory and Practice
Spring. 3 credits. Limited to 15 students per lab. Prerequisite: junior, senior, or graduate standing; COMM 101 or permission of instructor. Lec, M W 11:15-12:05; lab 01, W 12:20-2:15; lab 02, W 2:30-4:15; lab 03, R 12:20-2:15; lab 04, R 2:30-4:15. C. Yuan.
Study of management communication processes in formal organizations. Applies relevant organizational behavior and communication principles in today's business environment; examines formal and informal communication networks.
COMM 420(4200) - Public Opinion and Social Process
Spring. 3 credits. Offered even-numbered years. Prerequisite: COMM 282. M W 2:55-4:10. J. Shanahan.
The course provides a scientific and applied overview of the concept of "public opinion" and its implications for macrosocial processes. The concept's historical development in fields such as political science, social psychology, and communication science is reviewed, followed by a closer look at what is meant by "measuring" public opinion. For example, is public opinion measured by summing across individual opinions, or are there macro-level dynamics of public opinion that go beyond what individuals in a society think?
COMM 421(4210) - Communication and the Environment
Spring. 3 credits. Lec, M W 2:55-4:10. Offered odd-numbered years. J. Shanahan
Students investigate how values, attitudes, social structure, and communication affect public perceptions of environmental risk and public opinion about the environment. A primary focus is mass media's impact on public perceptions of the environment, how the media portray the environment, and discussion of the implications of public consumption of environmental content.
COMM 422(4220) - Psychology of Television (and Beyond)
Fall. 3 credits. Prerequisites: introductory psychology or HD 120 or COMM 120 or 116. Lec, M W F 12:20-1:10. M. Shapiro.
Survey of knowledge about how people mentally process television and other audiovisual communication technologies--including movies, video games, virtual reality, and the Internet. Topics include why people watch, what happens mentally when they watch, how people understand and mentally process media, and how media psychologically influence beliefs, attitudes, thinking, and emotion.
COMM 428(4280) - Communication Law
Spring. 3 credits. Prerequisite: junior, senior, or graduate standing or permission of instructor. Lec, M W F 11:15-12:20. D. Grossman.
This course deals with the law governing communication media. Topics include First Amendment concepts, restraints on newsgathering and dissemination, libel, invasion of privacy, copyright protection, regulation of broadcast and nonbroadcast electronic media, advertising law, and current legal issues unique to online communication.
COMM 429 (4290) – Copyright in the Digital Age (also INFO 429 [4290])
Fall. 3 credits. MW 2:55-4:10. Even numbered years. T. Gillespie.
This course looks at recent legal and cultural battles about digital copyright, to investigate how participation in a digital world is structured: who speaks, what they can say, who hears, and with what consequences. We use these cases to look at the collision of authorship and the market, technology and law, individual and institution, culture and power.
COMM 440(4400) - Advanced Human-Computer Interaction Design (also INFO 440[4400])
Fall. 3 credits. Prerequisite: COMM/INFO 245 or permission of instructor. T R 10:10-11:25. D. Cosley.
Focuses on the design of computer interfaces and software from the user's point of view. The goal is to teach user interface designs that serve human needs while building feelings of competence, confidence, and satisfaction. Topics include formal models of people and interactions, collaborative design issues, psychological and philosophical design considerations, and cultural and social issues.
COMM 445(4450) - Seminar in Computer-Mediated Communication (also INFO 445[4450])
Fall. 3 credits. Prerequisite: COMM/INFO 245. T R 11:40-12:55. J. Walther and J. Hancock.
Focuses on reading and evaluating the theories and research methodologies used to investigate communication via computer systems. Assignments include student collaborations using electronic conferencing and other advanced communication technologies, as well as reflections on and evaluations of these collaborations in light of current theories and research findings. Topics include virtual teams, videoconferencing, and others as they emerge.
COMM 450(4500) - Language and Technology (also INFO 450[4500])
Spring. 3 credits. T R 11:40-12:55. J. Hancock.
Examines how new communication technologies affect the way we produce and understand language and modify interaction with one another. Focuses on the collaborative nature of language use and how Internet technologies affect the joint activities of speakers and listeners during the construction of meaning in conversation.
COMM 456 (4560) - Community Involvement in Environmental Decisions
Spring. 3 credits. TR 1:25-2:40. Junior or senior standing or by permission of instructor. K. McComas.
Community involvement is an essential part of environmental decision making, but it is also one of the most challenging aspects of the decision making process. Through selected readings and course activities, this class will examine both traditional and contemporary methods of community involvement. When evaluating the methods, the class will discuss how social structures work to define criteria for success.
COMM 466(4660) - Public Communication of Science and Technology (also S&TS 466[4660])
Spring. 3 credits. Prerequisite: COMM 260 or 352, ENGRC 350, or permission of instructor. Offered even-numbered years. M W 2:55-4:10. B. Lewenstein.
Explores the structure, meanings, and implications of public communication of science and technology (PCST). Examines the contexts in which PCST occurs, looks at motivations and constraints of those involved in producing information about science for nonprofessional audiences, and analyzes the functions of PCST. Ties existing ideas about PCST to general communication research, and leads to developing new knowledge about PCST. Format is primarily seminar/discussion.
COMM 476(4760) - Communication Fellows Program
Spring. 2 credits. Prerequisites: communication seniors selected based on goals and academic preparation; permission of instructor. Fee for three-day trip: $150. M 2:55-4:10. B. O. Earle.
Series of lectures, seminars, and guest speakers exploring the planning, evaluation, and policy-making process. Includes a three-day trip to a metropolitan area to visit corporate leaders, administrative agencies, and policymakers.
COMM 480(4800) - Independent Honors Research in Social Science
Fall or spring. 1-6 credits. Prerequisite: undergraduate standing; requirements met for honors program. Times TBA. Staff.
Students who have successfully completed COMM 382 register for no more than 3 credits. Students who have not completed an advanced research methods course may register for up to 6 credit hours.
COMM 486(4860) - Risk Communication
Fall. 3 credits. T R 1:25-2:15; lab, R 2:30-4:25. C. Scherer.
Examination of theory and research related to the communication of scientific information about environmental, agricultural, food, health, and nutritional risks. Concentrates on social theories related to risk perception and behavior. Examines case studies involving pesticide residues, waste management, water quality, environmental hazards, and personal health behaviors. Emphasizes understanding, applying, and developing theories.
COMM 494(4940) - Special Topics in Communication
Fall, spring, or summer. 1-3 credits, variable. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. S-U grades optional.
Study of topics in communication not otherwise provided by a department course and determined by the interest of the faculty and students.
COMM 496(4960) - Communication Internship
Fall or spring. Work component and variable. 1 credit; may be repeated once for a total of 2 credits. Prerequisite: COMM major or minor (first-, second-, third-, or fourth-year) for 1 credit (minimum 60 hours). K. Berggren.
Students receive a structured, on-the-job learning experience under the supervision of communication professionals in cooperating organization. A minimum of 60 hours of on-the-job work is required; the number of work hours beyond 60 is left to the discretion of the intern and the supervising company. A final paper linking communication theory to practical work experience is required. All internships must be approved before the work experience segment by the internship coordinator.
COMM 497(4970) - Individual Study in Communication
Fall or spring. 1-3 credits; may be repeated to 6 credits with different supervising faculty member. Prerequisite: 3.0 GPA. Students must register using independent study form (available in 140 Roberts Hall).
Individual study under faculty supervision. Work should concentrate on locating, assimilating, synthesizing, and reporting existing knowledge on a selected topic. Attempts to implement this knowledge in a practical application are desirable.
COMM 498(4980) - Communication Teaching Experience
Fall or spring. 1-3 credits; may be repeated to 6 credits with different courses. Intended for undergraduates desiring classroom teaching experience. Prerequisite: junior or senior standing; 3.0 GPA (2.7 if teaching assistant for skills development course); permission of faculty member who supervises work and assigns grade. Students must register using independent study form (available in 140 Roberts Hall).
Periodic meetings with the instructor cover realization of course objectives, evaluation of teaching methods, and student feedback. In addition to aiding with the actual instruction, each student prepares a paper on some aspect of the course.
COMM 499(4990) - Independent Research
Fall or spring. 1-3 credits; may be repeated to 6 credits. Prerequisites: senior standing; 3.0 GPA. Students must register using independent study form (available in 140 Roberts Hall).
Permits outstanding students to conduct laboratory or field research in communication under appropriate faculty supervision. The research should be scientific: systematic, controlled, empirical. Research goals should include description, prediction, explanation, or policy orientation and should generate new knowledge.
For other course information, visit Cornell's courses, classes, and exam page.
