04908/Communication Sciences

 

W051. Introduction to Human Communication (3 s.h.) F S. Core: WI.

Summarizes the psychological and biological bases of communication. Compares animal vs. human communication and examines human communication across a range of modalities and contexts. Topics include: verbal vs. nonverbal communication, vocal vs.sign language, normal vs. disordered communication, language acquisition processes, and aspects of social communication, such as interpersonal dynamics.

0061. Voice and Articulation (3 s.h.) F.

This course is designed to help students improve their speech production skills particularly for communication-intensive careers such as broadcasting, theater, sales, and health fields. Intensive performance practice is a major feature of the course.

0066. Interpersonal Communication Through the Life Span (3 s.h.) F S SS.

Examines the development of effective communication in relationships in family, work, and social settings. Examines how communication preferences, demands, and skills change across the age spectrum, with an emphasis on talking, thinking, and listening abilities central to communication situations across life situations.

W103. Communication Deviations and Disorders (3 s.h.) F S. Core: WI.

The impact of communication deviations and disorders on the individual and society is examined including the disabling nature of various disorders; their prevention, identification, assessment, and treatment; and the ways in which individuals deal with the social, educational, and vocational effects of these disorders. Includes observations within the scheduled class periods.

0108 . Introduction to Linguistics (3 s.h.) F S SS.

A survey of methods and results in the study of natural language syntax, phonology, semantics, historical change, and dialect variation. English is the primary language of investigation, but facts from other languages are introduced as appropriate.

Note: Only one of the following two courses may be credited toward the baccalaureate degree in Communication Sciences: Communication Science 0108; English 0108.

R110. Language and Race (3 s.h.) S SS. Core: RS.

This course will investigate language and race in order to evaluate accurately and objectively many common beliefs about the connections between the two. We will demonstrate how all languages systematically organize sounds, grammar, and meanings with a special emphasis on the structure of African American English. We will investigate how particular ways of speaking may or may not affect one's thought patterns or social identity, and study public policy issues involving language and race.

0116. Marital and Family Communication (3 s.h.) F S.

How communication affects the development of close relationships, particularly marriage. Topics include stages of family formation, decision making, conflict, stress, and intimacy. Communication in single parent families, stepfamilies, and homosexual couples. Family communication theory and research applied to students' lives.

0176. Small Group Communication (3 s.h.) F S.

Managing the communication process in small, face-to-face groups which make decisions and solve problems. Critical thinking, time management, maintaining member commitment, and productive use of conflict are among topics emphasized. Activities include videotaped discussions and extended group projects.

0201. Research Methods in Communication Sciences (3 s.h.) F.

Introduces quantitative research methods in the communication sciences. Covers a variety of study domains including field/descriptive, correlational, survey, clinical, ethnographic, and experimental research designs. Students learn various research methods for addressing particular types of research questions. Concepts covered include types of variables, parametric and nonparametric inferential statistics, sampling designs, hypothesis testing, and publication policies.

0209. Phonetics and Phonology (3 s.h.) F S.

The sound structure of language is explored through analysis and discussion of data from various languages, although English is emphasized. Students are trained in transcription of speech into the International Phonetic Alphabet, and they are introduced to the theory and practice of phonetic and phonological analysis.

0210. Psycholinguistics (3 s.h.) F.

This course concerns the structure and processing of human language. Topics include parsing, lexical retrieval, sentence production and comprehension, and interactions between language use, perception, and memory.

W211. Syntax (3 s.h.) S. Core: WI.

This course investigates the structure of sentences in natural language, drawing data from a number of languages including English. Theoretical issues related to the analysis of a variety of sentence patterns are explored.

0214. Conflict and Communication (3 s.h.) F SS.

Description of conflict process and communication in interpersonal and organizational relationships. Concepts examined include conflict styles, phases of conflict, face-saving, attribution and conflict, cooperative and competitive approaches to negotiation, and methods of third party intervention.

0233. Basic Speech Science (4 s.h.) S.

Prerequisite: Physics C067, Communication Sciences 0209.

An in-depth study of speech production, including respiration, phonation, articulation, and acoustics. An introduction also to the domain of speech perception. Includes classroom and laboratory instruction, basic readings, and current theoretical papers.

0234. Basic Hearing Science (4 s.h.) F SS.

Prerequisite: Physics C067.

The physics of sound, acoustics, sound measurement, anatomy, and physiology of the auditory periphery, neuroanatomy, and neurophysiology of the auditory central system, and an introduction to psychoacoustics.

0235. Human Neuroscience (4 s.h.) F S.

Introduction to the anatomy, organization, and function of the human nervous system, with an emphasis on the disorders that result from damage to the brain.

0301. Speech and Language Development (3 s.h.) S.

Prerequisite: Communication Sciences 0108 or 0210 or English 0108; Communication Science 0209.

The acquisition of language by children is investigated and related to broader issues in cognitive science, development, and the theory of knowledge. Students are required to conduct observations of language behavior in preschool children.

0314. Negotiation and Mediation (3 s.h.) F S.

Principles of cooperative and competitive negotiation are reviewed with emphasis on understanding of the impact of situational factors on appropriate negotiation approach. Mediation and other forms of third party intervention are discussed. Skill development in negotiation and mediation addressed.

0331. Language and Deafness (3 s.h.)

See description for Communication Sciences H391.

0339. Independent Study in Communication Sciences (1 - 3 s.h.) F S SS.

Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing and permission of the department.

Special projects undertaken under staff supervision by qualified students, preferably those with graduate school potential.

0350. Organizational Communication (3 s.h.) F.

Classical and contemporary theories of organizational structure and management and their relationship to communication practices. Emphasis on organizations as cultures and analysis of cases and real-life situations.

W360. Field Research in Communication (3 s.h.) S. Core: WI.

Study of communication in practical settings. Introduction to the process of field research with experience in participant observation and interviewing. Semester project involves field study in setting of the student's choice with guidance from instructor.

0376 . Group and Intergroup Processes (3 s.h.) S.

Prerequisite: Communication Sciences 0176.

Decision-making and problem-solving processes in small groups with special emphasis on team processes. Relationship between communication process and outcomes such as quality of decision, consensus, and group member satisfaction.

H390 . Honors in Communication Sciences (3 s.h.) F S.

Prerequisite: Permission of the department.

Students are expected to write and support a major paper under the supervision of a designated honors adviser. The work must be of honors quality and accepted by the honors adviser and a second reader. Students who complete this course satisfactorily and perform 20 hours of volunteer work, internship, or fieldwork in consultation with the honors adviser will be graduated with honors in Communication Sciences.

Note: Open to all senior Communication Sciences majors whose GPA is 3.5 or better both within the major and overall with no grade below B in the major. Eligible seniors should consult the assigned academic adviser for details.

H391/0331 . Language and Deafness (3 s.h.) F.

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor for non-honors students.

An introduction to the major topics of deaf studies: the linguistic structure of American Sign Language, how modality of production-perception shapes language organization (comparisons of signed and spoken languages), deaf culture, deafness and minority cultures, deafness and child development, issues and options in deaf education, deafness in old age.

0396 . Internship in Communication (3 s.h.) F S SS.

Prerequisite: Permission of undergraduate coordinator; major in communication sciences; grade point average 3.0 or better; pre-registration required for this course.

Work experience in a communication-related job in business, government, or a private agency. Analysis of the work experience in light of communication concepts.

0399 . Applied Project Seminar (3 s.h.) F S.

This capstone experience provides students with an opportunity to design and complete an applied communication project in their area of interest. The project can be done in conjunction with an internship opportunity. Students meet with faculty to design, execute, analyze, and report on their experience. Throughout the process, students meet to share information and receive feedback.

W436 . Orientation to Clinical Management (3 s.h.) S. Core: WI.

Prerequisite: Senior class standing with at least 80% of coursework in the major completed.

This course is designed to provide information about the principles underlying the diagnostic and therapeutic processes in communication disorders, with particular reference to speech and language disorders, and to begin to train students in the application of these principles. The application of principles is accomplished in two-hour laboratory sessions held periodically throughout the first half of the semester and weekly during the second half of the semester. These labs will be conducted in individual two-hour blocks that complement students' schedules.