0801. Contemporary American Social Movements (3 s.h.) RCI: GU.

Social movements range from identity-based movements (such as the civil rights movement and the gay and lesbian rights movement) to issue-based movements (such anti-globalization and animal rights) to ideological movements (such as the free software movement and the green movement). The course introduces students to contemporary American social movements and their counter-movements, dominant strategies and tactics movements use to communicate with a larger public, and individual campaigns within the larger framework of social movement from both theoretical and applied perspectives.

0901. Honors Contemporary American Social Movements (3 s.h.) RCI: GU.

Social movements range from identity-based movements (such as the civil rights movement and the gay and lesbian rights movement) to issue-based movements (such anti-globalization and animal rights) to ideological movements (such as the free software movement and the green movement). The course introduces students to contemporary American social movements and their counter-movements, dominant strategies and tactics movements use to communicate with a larger public, and individual campaigns within the larger framework of social movement from both theoretical and applied perspectives.

1111. Public Speaking (3 s.h.) F S SS.

(Formerly: STOC 0065.)

Students will prepare, present, and evaluate speeches on significant topics of public concern in professional settings. Students will learn principles of public speaking and of critical thinking: the discovery and evaluation of arguments and evidence, organization, style, audience analysis and adaptation, speech composition, and presentation skills. At least five individual, graded speeches are required in this course. Class size is limited and class meetings focus on helping students develop public speaking skills through in-class activities, collaborative learning, and peer critiques. This course helps students give professional presentations in an increasingly diverse workplace.

Note: Departmental foundation requirement. Students currently taking English 0701 may not register for this course.

1112. Communicating Leadership (3 s.h.) F SS.

(Formerly: STOC 0070.)

This course introduces students to leadership studies from a communication perspective. Leadership will be considered in a variety of contexts, including group leadership, for-profit and non-profit organizational leadership, and elected and non-elected public leadership. Through all course activities (e.g., readings, discussion, and case studies) students will gain a broad understanding of how leadership emerges and is enacted on a daily basis through communication.

2111. Introduction to Communication Theory (3 s.h.) S SS.

(Formerly: STOC 0100.)

This course introduces students to the field of communication through an examination of historical and contemporary communication theories. Students will learn to analyze communication theories from a variety of areas, including interpersonal, small group, organizational, mass, and public communication, and integrate these theories into their daily communication practices.

Note: Departmental foundation requirement. Not recommended for students with fewer than 30 credit hours.

2112. Strategies and Tactics of Persuasion (3 s.h.) F S.

(Formerly: STOC 0160.)

Persuasion viewed from the perspectives of the persuader and the persuadee. The course is designed to make students more effective in both roles, and also to raise troubling ethical questions. It covers politics, product advertising, religious cults, education, and much more. This course offers extensive use of media in conjunction with readings, lecture-discussions, and assignments.

Note: Departmental foundation requirement.

2222. Argumentation (3 s.h.) F S.

(Formerly: STOC 0164.)

Students learn the basic principles of making arguments. Includes ways of analyzing arguments, organizing ideas, providing evidence for claims, and preparing briefs. Students prepare speeches and debates on current public policy issues.

2296. Campaigns and Movements in America (3 s.h.) F S. RCI: XC.

(Formerly: STOC R150.)

Cross Listed with STOC 2996 (H150), Honors Campaigns and Movements in America.

This course introduces students to the guiding ideas and communication strategies of social movements, groups that seek support from a larger public in efforts to exert influence and gain power in behalf of a cause they consider just. Recent examples of interest include lesbian rights, environmental protection, and anti-globalization.

Note: This course can be used to satisfy a university Core Studies in Race, Writing Intensive, and American Culture (XC) requirement. Although it may be usable towards graduation as a major requirement or university elective, it cannot be used to satisfy any of the university GenEd requirements. See your advisor for further information.

2333. Discussion Methods (3 s.h.) F S SS.

(Formerly: STOC 0167.)

A “hands-on” survey of discussion methods, focusing on group problem-solving techniques and panel discussions. Students will gain experience in group leadership, group participation, and criticism of group interactions.

2440. Special Topics in Public Relations (3 s.h.) F S SS.

(Formerly: STOC 0139.)

This course focuses on subject matter not covered by regular departmental courses. Topics announced in advance.

2496. News Writing and Media Relations (3 s.h.) F S. RCI: WI.

(Formerly: STOC W110.)

Prerequisite: English 1002 (C050) or 0802.

This course will teach students the fundamentals of writing stories for various types of news media, including print, broadcast and web-based.

Note: Required course for all students in the Public Relations concentration. This course is a prerequisite for all Public Relations writing courses. A grade of C or higher is required in order to take upper-level PR courses.

2551. Media Information Gathering and Evaluation (3 s.h.)

(Formerly: STOC 0220.)

Prerequisite: STOC 2496 (W110).

Basic course in applied research for planning and evaluating communication campaigns.

Note: Required for the public relations sequence; recommended for the advertising sequence.

2552. Introduction to Public Relations (3 s.h.) F S SS.

(Formerly: STOC 0221.)

Overview of public relations careers, skills and responsibilities. Intended for both those who are considering a public relations career and those planning to enter any field that deals with the public.

2661. Introduction to Organizational Communication (3 s.h.) F.

(Formerly: STOC 0170.)

Organizational communication is the study of the relationship between communicating and organizing. This course introduces students to classical and contemporary theories of organizational communication and their implications for everyday communication practices. Focusing on a variety of organizational forms, including both for-profit and non-profit organizations, students will develop a strong ability to integrate their understanding of organizational communication with their current and future participation in organizations through creative and critical verbal and written analyses of communication processes.

2662. Leading Groups and Team Building (3 s.h.) S.

(Formerly: STOC 0270.)

Teams, and small groups, are an essential element of work and social life; we are constantly asked to cooperate, coordinate, and collaborate. While teamwork can be a productive, immensely satisfying and rewarding experience, too often it falls short of meeting our expectations. This class introduces students to the small group communication theories and principles that provide the basis for both understanding team building and becoming a productive group member and leader. Through (1) the study of small group communication theory, (2) the evaluation of teams in practice (from mountain climbing to virtual work teams), and (3) analyzing students’ own group experiences, students will develop the communication and analytic skills necessary to make teamwork work for you.

2671. Leading Mediated Groups and Organizations (3 s.h.) F S SS.

(Formerly: STOC 0183.)

Computer-mediated communication (CMC) and related technologies are more than tools; they fundamentally change the way we communicate - as families, friends and co-workers. Through readings, in-class and online discussion and exercises, and hands-on experience students will come to appreciate various perspectives on CMC and to understand how computer-mediated-communication and related technologies are possibly changing the way we communicate and interact in groups and organizations. This understanding will enable students to (1) envision/theorize how we can change technology to accomplish our communication goals and (2) adapt leadership and followership strategies to these changing situations.

2672. Global Communication and Leadership (3 s.h.) F.

(Formerly: STOC 0282.)

This course focuses on communication processes and issues that arise in multinational and global organizations. This course explores the relationship between culture, communication, technology, and ways of organizing across national contexts and in different types of organizations (non-profit, voluntary, civic, governmental, small business and corporate systems). The communicative and ethical dimensions of international organizing are addressed.

2696. Diverse Communication and Leadership (3 s.h.) F S SS. RCI: WI.

(Formerly: STOC W284.)

This course addresses the impact of increasingly diverse workplaces on communication and leadership theories and practices and the ways in which they shape individual and institutional responses. Through an examination of traditional and non-traditional communication and leadership theories, this course focuses on issues such as age, gender, race, sexuality and ability. This course also examines the communicative and ethical dimensions of working in, leading, and creating diverse workplaces.

2996. Honors Campaigns and Movements in America (3 s.h.) F S. RCI: XC.

(Formerly: STOC H150.)

Cross Listed with STOC 2296 (R150), Campaigns and Movements in America.

This course focuses on the struggle for black equality in America, viewed from the perspectives of campaign and social movement theory. The course begins with the civil rights movement, moves through black power and subsequent white backlash, and then examines current controversies using books that take diametrically opposed positions. Its aim in part, is to improve critical thinking and communication skills.

Note: This course can be used to satisfy a university Core Studies in Race, Writing Intensive, and American Culture (XC) requirement. Although it may be usable towards graduation as a major requirement or university elective, it cannot be used to satisfy any of the university GenEd requirements. See your advisor for further information.

3220. Special Topics in Public Communication (3 s.h.) F S SS.

(Formerly: STOC 0266.)

Variable topics in Public Communication not covered by regular departmental course offerings. Topics announced in advanced.

3234. Speech Writing in Public Communication (3 s.h.) F S SS.

(Formerly: STOC 0261.)

Prerequisite: STOC 1111 (0065) or permission of the instructor.

Students prepare speeches for their own presentation and ghost write speeches for others. Emphasis on audience analysis, speech construction, style, persuasion, and manuscript preparation. Includes study of practices of prominent speechwriters and their speeches, as well as great speeches in American history.

3282. Independent Study in Public Communication (1 to 4 s.h.) F S SS.

(Formerly: STOC 0367.)

Arranged each semester, please consult with the instructor.

3323. Political Communication (3 s.h.) F.

(Formerly: STOC 0260.)

Theory and research communication in political contexts, including framing of election campaigns, roles of the news media in reporting and editorializing, war propaganda, and symbolic action in conflicts between social movements and agents of social control.

3333. Rhetorical Theory (3 s.h.) F.

(Formerly: STOC 0264.)

Introduction to classical and contemporary theories of speechmaking and other advocacy. Issues to be addressed include rhetoric’s relationship to truth, knowledge, ethics, politics, and judgment.

3382. Independent Study in Public Communication (1 to 3 s.h.) F S SS.

(Formerly: STOC 0368.)

Arranged each semester, please consult with the instructor.

3385. Internship in Public Communication (3 s.h.) F S SS.

(Formerly: STOC 0369.)

Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing. Minimum GPA of 3.0 in the major required. Permission of department chair or StOC’s Internship Director required for registration.

Arranged each semester.

3396. Analysis of Public Discourse (3 s.h.) S. RCI: WI.

(Formerly: STOC W350.)

Methods of analyzing speeches and other types of advocacy. Critical approaches including neo-Aristotelian, metaphoric analysis, genre analysis, analysis of form and structure, argument analysis, etc. Students present written and oral critiques of a variety of rhetorical artifacts.

3440. Special Topics in Public Relations (3 s.h.) F S SS.

(Formerly: STOC 0239.)

Subject matter not covered by regular departmental course offerings. Topics announced in advance.

3483. Directed Projects in Public Relations (3 s.h.) F S SS.

(Formerly: STOC 0338.)

Advanced reading in Public Relations topics.

Note: Hours arranged.

3543. Fundamentals of Public Relations Writing (3 s.h.) F S SS. $.

(Formerly: STOC 0223.)

Prerequisite: STOC 2496 (W110) and STOC 2551 (0220); STOC 2552 (0221), or permission of instructor.

Preparation of public relations materials such as news releases, letters, memos, and other external and internal communications.

3582. Independent Study in Public Relations (1 to 3 s.h.) F S SS.

(Formerly: STOC 0334.)

Arranged each semester. Arrange through Public Relations concentration director.

3585. Internship in Public Relations (3 s.h.) F S SS.

(Formerly: STOC 0337.)

Prerequisite: Major in STOC, Junior or Senior status. Minimum GPA of 3.0 in the major. Permission of StOC’s Internship Director required for registration.

Organized professional work under supervision in public relations organization.

3596. Advanced Public Relations Writing (3 s.h.) F S. RCI: WI. $.

(Formerly: STOC W323.)

Prerequisite: STOC 2496 (W110); STOC 2551 (0220); STOC 2552 (0221), and STOC 3543 (0223), or permission of instructor.

Preparation of materials such as brochures, speeches, annual reports, proposals, reports to management, radio and TV copy, and client presentations.

3663. Research Methods (3 s.h.) F.

This course provides a basic introduction to non-rhetorical research methods in communication scholarship. Focus is given to understanding how the question asked drives the theory utilized, method employed, data collected, and results reported. A variety of research methods and domains are covered, including ethnographic survey and experimental methodologies. In addition, students will learn (1) how these methods can be used to assess interaction in organizations and groups and (2) how leaders and other organizational members can utilize research results to facilitate interaction and performance.

3670. Special Topics in Organizational Leadership (3 s.h.) F S SS.

(Formerly: STOC 0285.)

Variable topics in Organizational Leadership.

3685. Internship in Organizational Leadership (3 s.h.) F S SS.

(Formerly: STOC 0399.)

Prerequisite: Major in STOC; Junior or Senior standing required. Minimum GPA of 3.0 in the major required. Permission of department chair or StOC’s Internship Director required for registration.

Students undertake a semester-long internship that directly furthers their practical knowledge of organizational leadership. Students will be supervised and graded by the internship coordinator or other suitable faculty member. The final grade is based on work journals, a final paper, attendance at meetings, the supervisor’s report, and a portfolio of all work created during the experience.

3774. Communicating Organizational Change (3 s.h.) F S SS.

(Formerly: STOC 0380.)

Prerequisite: STOC 2661 (0170) or permission of instructor.

Students will examine the various reasons for and processes of organizational change. Concepts covered include leading change, collaborative change, facilitating stakeholder involvement and acceptance, communication strategies for change (including internal and external public relations), and maintaining change.

3775. Organization Networks and Networked Organizations (3 s.h.) F S SS.

(Formerly: STOC 0383.)

Prerequisite: STOC 2661 (0170) or permission of instructor.

This course investigates the emergence of networked organizations, especially global network organizations. In addition, students will learn how social network analysis can be used to understand organizational structure and interaction from government bureaucracies to terrorist networks.

3782. Independent Study in Organizational Leadership (3 s.h.) F S SS.

(Formerly: STOC 0397.)

Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing. Permission of supervising instructor.

Students will undertake an independent study of an area of organizational leadership not otherwise offered. The study and results of that study (e.g., a paper) will be completed under the supervision of a faculty member. A syllabus must be filed within the first week of class.

3796. Independent Research in Organizational Leadership (3 s.h.) F S SS. RCI: WI.

(Formerly: STOC W398.)

Prerequisite: Permission of Program Director. Junior or Senior standing required. Minimum GPA of 3.0 required.

Under the supervision of a faculty member, students will undertake an independent research project. This project may be completed at the students’ own initiative or be part of a larger faculty research project. Students will plan, execute and write-up a research project. Data may be archival, ethnographic, participant response, or experimental. The final result will be a submission-quality research paper. Students will be strongly encouraged to submit their papers to conferences and/or publications. A syllabus or research agreement must be filed within the first week of class.

4220. Special Topics in Public Communication (3 s.h.) F S SS.

(Formerly: STOC 0366.)

Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing or permission of the instructor. Minimum GPA of 3.0 required.

Methods of analyzing speeches and other types of advocacy. Critical approaches including neo-Aristotelian, metaphoric analysis, genre analysis, analysis of form and structure, argument analysis, etc. Students present written and oral critiques of a variety of rhetorical artifacts.

4440. Special Topics in Public Relations (3 s.h.) F S SS.

(Formerly: STOC 0339.)

Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing and STOC 2496 (W110).

Advanced readings in Public Relations topics.

4670. Special Topics in Organizational Leadership (3 s.h.) F S SS.

(Formerly: STOC 0385.)

Variable topics in organizational leadership.

Note: Seminar format.

4839. Seminar in Public Communication (3 s.h.) S.

(Formerly: STOC 0360.)

Content and format variable. Emphasis on research on special topics in public communication and communication advocacy, e.g., political advertising, rhetoric of social issues, rhetorical genre, interpersonal influence, presidential communication, rhetorical masterpieces, etc. Could be single topic, individual topics, group project.

Note: Capstone course for Public Communication majors.

4859. Public Relations Management and Case Problems (3 s.h.) F S.

(Formerly: STOC 0324.)

Prerequisite: STOC 2496 (W110), STOC 2551 (0220), STOC 3543 (0223), or permission of instructor.

Public relations management principles. Study of current trends in public relations. Development of case studies and proposals for a variety of public relations audiences, including investors, employees, the community, government, and consumers.

Note: Capstone course for STOC’s Public Relations majors.

4879. Collaborative Advocacy (3 s.h.) S.

This capstone course will allow students to understand, observe and facilitate inter-organizational efforts at problem-solving and social change within the public sphere. Employing principles of service learning, students will engage in a semester-long project where they facilitate a change within the public sphere by bringing multiple agents together to address and share concerns.

Note: Capstone course for STOC’s Organizational Leadership majors.
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