Catalog & Student Handbook

Communication Courses

Please note that the frequency of course offerings below is subject to change without notice, because of changes in faculty availability, sabbaticals and leaves, and other circumstances. Please consult the latest Schedule of Classes (and supplement), myBerea, revisions to online Catalog & Student Handbook, and/or the Program Coordinator to determine if a course will be offered during a certain term or year, especially if Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is a factor.

COM 100

Intro to Communication

Offered: Typically Fall and Spring terms

A skill approach to the study of communication. Students will deliver speeches and participate in interpersonal communication exercises and activities to increase competence in assertiveness, expressiveness, and skills that enhance communication. Students will learn effective listening.
1 Course Credit

COM 103

Competitive Debate Practicum

Prerequisite: Permission of the Director of Forensics

Offered: Typically Fall and Spring terms

Intensive study of public speaking through experience in co-curricular speech and debate activities. Students will participate in competitive intercollegiate speech and debate, as well as on-campus speaking activities, and will receive individual and group training in oral communication. May be repeated for credit up to one (1) full course credit.
1/4 Course Credit

COM 103A

Comp Spch & Interp Practicum

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor

Offered: Typically Fall and Spring terms

Intensive study of public speaking through experience in co-curricular speech and interpretation activities. Students will participate in competitive intercollegiate speech and interpretation events, as well as on-campus speaking activities, and will receive individual and group training in oral communication. May be repeated for credit up to one (1) full course credit.
1/4 Course Credit

COM 103B

Competitive Debate Practicum

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor

Offered: Typically Fall and Spring terms

Intensive study of argumentation and public speaking through experience in co-curricular debate activities. Students will participate in competitive intercollegiate debate, as well as on-campus speaking activities, and will receive individual and group training in oral communication. May be repeated for credit up to one (1) full course credit.
1/4 Course Credit

COM 186

Special Topics

Prerequisites: Determined by instructor

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes."
1/2 to 1 Course Credit

COM 201

Argumentation and Debate

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered 2011-2012)

An examination of the theory and process of argumentation and debate. Students investigate and participate in reasoned advocacy with emphasis on evidence selection, analysis, and critical decision making, inference, and refutation. Practical Reasoning (PR).
1 Course Credit

COM 203

Persuasion

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered in Spring 2011)

The study of the art of developing means of persuasion. Students will investigate scholarship from both humanistic and behavioral perspectives to learn about processes of social influence. Designed to help students become astute consumers of persuasion and to improve their persuasive writing and speaking skills. Practical Reasoning (PR).
1 Course Credit

COM 206

Interpersonal Communication

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered 2011-2012)

The study of human communication as a foundation of personal identity and growth, as well as a means of interacting with others. Students will examine theories of the interpersonal communication process; consider how gender, culture, and social context affect communication; and assess the effectiveness of their own interpersonal communication. NOTE: Noncredit for students who completed COM 101.
1 Course Credit

COM 207

Intercultural Communication

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered Spring 2011)

An examination of the relation of culture and communication. Students will study the fundamental themes and theories of communication among members of diverse cultures. Students will engage in learning experiences intended to develop their skills in constructive intercultural communication. NOTE: Noncredit for students who completed COM 102.
1 Course Credit

COM 211

Broadcast Journalism I

Offered: Typically Alternate Fall Terms

A gateway course to the braodcasting minor. It offers basic skill instruction in camera operation, lighting, audio, broadcast directing, and single and multiple-source editing with emphasis on underlying principles of video technology. At the end of the course, students will also have thorough knowledge of broadcasting including writing, interviewing and script development. Arts Perspective
1 Course Credit

COM 220

Theories of Communication

Prerequisite: COM 100

Offered: Typically annually (next offered Spring 2010)

Survey of theories of communication. Students investigate communication models and theories pertaining to interpersonal, intercultural, nonverbal, group, organizational, and mass communication. Social Science Perspective. NOTE: Noncredit for students who completed COM 300. 1 Course Credit
1 Course Credit

COM 222

Per St:Telling Stories (THR)

Performance studies is a way to communicate to an audience through the performance of aesthetic texts such as prose, poetry, and drama. By combining these genres in a single performance, the emotional, intellectual, and aesthetic impact can be enhanced. In this class students will learn analytical, creative, and performance skills as they incorporate written and oral reflection and analysis to develop performances that combine published work with their own texts to effectively communicate an audience.
1 Course Credit

COM 284

Wrkshp-Composition/Rhet (ENG)

Prerequisite: GSTR 210 or permission of instructor

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered 2011-2012)

A course that allows students to further explore and practice
writing skills in topics such as written argumentation, prose style,
and research writing. Conducted as a workshop, with student and
instructor criticism of work. May be repeated for credit, provided
the topic differs from those previously studied.
1 Course Credit

COM 286

Special Topics

Prerequisites: Determined by instructor

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes."
1/2 to 1 Course Credit

COM 302

Organizational Communication

Prerequisite: COM 100

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered Fall 2010)

The study of communication in organizational life. Students will explore research and study theories that focus on the function of communication in nonprofit, civic, service-related, and corporate cultures.
1 Course Credit

COM 305

Interracial Communication(AFR)

Prerequisite: GSTR 210 or permission of instructor

Offered: Typically alternate years (first offered Spring 2011)

An examination of the role of communication in the construction of race as a basis for similarity/difference; the ways that communication about race form a basis for individual, cultural, and national identities; and theories about interracial and intercultural communication. Considers communicative dynamics of interracial conflict, friendships, intimate relationships, families, and work relationships through readings, discussion, writing- and research-based assignments, and media examples. NOTE: Noncredit for students who completed COM 386: Interracial Communication in Spring 2009.
1 Course Credit

COM 310

Communication and Gender (WST)

Prerequisite: GSTR 210 or permission of instructor

Offered: Typically alternate years (first offered 2011-2012)

An examination of the role of gender in communication at the interpersonal, public, and cultural levels. Includes the study of historical and contemporary scholarship on gender; media representations of femininity and masculinity; similarities and differences in communication styles among the genders; and the role played by communication in the shaping of gender. NOTE: Noncredit for students who completed COM/WST 386: Communication and Gender in Spring 2008 or COM/WST 486: Gender Communication in Spring 2006.
1 Course Credit

COM 311

Broadcast Journalism II

Prerequisite: COM 211

Offered: Typically Alternate Spring Terms

An advanced workshop course in the modes, practice, and ethics of broadcasting with a dual focus on talent and production. The workshop will feature exercises in: anchoring, interviewing, lighting and studio design, editing, live set management, and news programming. While developing knowledge and skills, students will also be challenged to engage in critical thinking and reflexivity as they learn how to develop accurate, ethical, and engaging multimedia news programming.
1 Course Credit

COM 312

Mass Communication

Offered: Typically annually (next offered Fall 2010)

The study of the relationship between mass communication and mass culture. Students examine the dynamic nature of print and electronic media, with specific attention on how television affects cultural norms and choices. NOTE: Noncredit for students who completed COM 202.
1 Course Credit

COM 315

Public Relations

Prerequisite: GSTR 210 or permission of instructor

Offered: Typically alternate years (first offered 2011-2012)

Emphasizes both the theory and practice of public relations by exploring the evolution of the field, the range of roles and responsibilities public relations practitioners assume in a variety of settings, the significant issues and trends that have shaped the practice of PR, and by providing an opportunity to create from scratch a PR campaign for a local community partner. Addresses the ethics of public relations practice and how values shape an organization’s ability to build successful relationships with its publics. NOTE: Noncredit for students who completed COM 386P: Public Relations in Fall 2009.
1 Course Credit

COM 386

Special Topics

Prerequisites: Determined by instructor

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes."
1/2 to 1 Course Credit

COM 390A

Independent Study

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 390; senior standing for 490

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director’s approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 390/490A; others will be 390/490B.
1 Course Credit

COM 390B

Independent Study w/o ALE

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 390; senior standing for 490

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director’s approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 390/490A; others will be 390/490B.
1 Course Credit

COM 395

Internship

Prerequisite: Sophomore, junior, or senior standing

Offered: Typically every term

An experiential learning experience individually designed for students with a special academic interest requiring integration of classroom learning with practical experience. Includes on-campus seminars with academic sponsors, as well as non-classroom experience. One to 3 course credits in one regular term; 1.5 course credits in Summer One Term; or 1 to 2 course credits in Summer Two Term may be taken in Internships. Requires the approval of two faculty sponsors and the Program assumes the responsibility for determining credit allowance. The Coordinator of Internships gives final approval for Internship proposals. All Internships meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) requirement.
1 to 3 Course Credits

COM 397A

Team Initiated Study

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 397; senior standing for 497

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director’s approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 397/497A; others will be 397/497B.
1 Course Credit

COM 397B

Team Initiated Study w/o ALE

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 397; senior standing for 497

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director’s approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 397/497A; others will be 397/497B.
1 Course Credit

COM 398

Directed Study

Prerequisites: Will vary, but always will include permission of instructor

Offered: Typically on a limited basis as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course organized and directed by faculty and approved by the Program Director or Department Chairperson to meet the particular interests and/or needs of specific students.
1 Course Credit

COM 410

Senior Seminar-Communication

Prerequisite: COM 220 (formerly 300) and senior standing

Offered: Typically every Fall Term

An advanced seminar, normally taken in the senior year, with readings and research leading to the production and presentation of a formal research paper or project. NOTE: Noncredit for students who have completed COM 400.
1 Course Credit

COM 486

Special Topics

Prerequisites: Determined by instructor

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes."
1/2 to 1 Course Credit

COM 490A

Independent Study

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 390; senior standing for 490

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director’s approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 390/490A; others will be 390/490B.
1 Course Credit

COM 490B

Independent Study w/o ALE

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 390; senior standing for 490

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director’s approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 390/490A; others will be 390/490B.
1 Course Credit

COM 495

Internship

Prerequisite: Sophomore, junior, or senior standing

Offered: Typically every term

An experiential learning experience individually designed for students with a special academic interest requiring integration of classroom learning with practical experience. Includes on-campus seminars with academic sponsors, as well as non-classroom experience. One to 3 course credits in one regular term; 1.5 course credits in Summer One Term; or 1 to 2 course credits in Summer Two Term may be taken in Internships. Requires the approval of two faculty sponsors and the Program assumes the responsibility for determining credit allowance. The Coordinator of Internships gives final approval for Internship proposals. All Internships meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) requirement.
1 to 3 Course Credits

COM 497A

Team Initiated Study

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 397; senior standing for 497

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director’s approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 397/497A; others will be 397/497B.
1 Course Credit

COM 497B

Team Initiated Study w/o ALE

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 397; senior standing for 497

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director’s approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 397/497A; others will be 397/497B.
1 Course Credit

COM 498

Directed Study

Prerequisites: Will vary, but always will include permission of instructor

Offered: Typically on a limited basis as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course organized and directed by faculty and approved by the Program Director or Department Chairperson to meet the particular interests and/or needs of specific students.
1 Course Credit

Notice and Disclaimer

This online publication is the official text of the Berea College Catalog & Student Handbook. Berea College reserves the right to amend, revise, or modify content within this publication at any time.

Communication