Communication Studies

CST

050I

INDEPENDENT STUDY

Credit hours to be arranged

See Independent Study Program, Section II.

CST

070

INTERNSHIP

Two credit hours

Can consist of practical and/or clinical experience in any area of communications.

See Internship Program, Section II.

CST

102

INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION

Three credit hours

An introduction to one-on-one communication which emphasizes the initiating, maintenance, and dissolution of relationships. The concepts of people perception beginning with the “self” are studied in terms of verbal and nonverbal cues, gender, and multicultural variables. Listening, conflict management, and self-presentation are included.

CST

106

INTRODUCTION TO HUMAN COMMUNICATION

Three credit hours

Introduction to the human communication process with emphasis on the principles, variables,
and social contexts of communication.  A primary goal of this course is to provide an introduction to the field of Communication Studies.  Topics covered inthe course include interpersonal, group, nonverbal, intercultural, organizational, persuasive, and mass communication.

CST

112

PUBLIC SPEAKING

Three credit hours

A practical general course introducing the elements of speaking in public. Emphasis on ethics in public speaking, controlling nervousness, the importance of listening, audience analysis, speech purposes, selecting and researching topics, speech organization, language for oral style, delivery techniques including nonverbal communication skills, and use of basic support visuals. Student assignments will move from simple to relatively complex presentations.

CST

120

STRATEGIES IN PUBLIC RELATIONS

Three credit hours

This course shall focus on public relations from a value driven perspective. Students will learn the fundamentals of public relations. A focus will be given to how public relation strategies can be employed to support philanthropies and other forms of community involvement. The difference between ethical and unethical public relations is detailed.

CST

203

FAMILY COMMUNICATION

Three credit hours

Prerequisite CST 106

This course examines the following family interaction pattern: parent/child communication, sibling dynamics, marital communication, and interaction dynamics with extended family members. Cultural, ideological, and economical factors influencing families are also examined.

CST

206

BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL SPEAKING

Three credit hours

Prerequisite CST 112

A course designed to develop skill in the preparation and delivery of professional public speeches. Critical analyses, video sessions and conferences will be used to develop critical thinking and analytical skills. Emphasis will be placed on emerging technology used in public presentations.

CST

207

GROUP COMMUNICATION AND LEADERSHIP

Three credit hours

Prerequisite CST 112

A practical course with emphasis on discussion techniques and leadership actions in the group setting. How to lead, facilitate, and participate in group meetings. Emphasis on choosing and using meeting procedures for achieving group goals, group decision making and problem solving, managing conflicts in meetings, special techniques in meetings, and the development of strategies for productive meetings.

CST

230

PRACTICUM IN PUBLIC RELATIONS

One to three credit hours

Prerequisite CST 120 or consent of instructor

Students will work on actual public relations campaigns that benefit the community. Each campaign must be approved and supervised by an instructor. This course can be repeated.

CST

263

SEMINAR

Two to four credit hours

The study of current topics of concern within the communication area. May be repeated more than once provided the subject or topic is different.

CST

285D

INTRO TO INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION

Three credit hours

This course will analyze difficulties in communicating across cultural boundaries,
misunderstandings arising from cultural differences, and techniques for living and
working successfully in a multicultural setting.  The course utilizes films, simulation
games and other experiential learning techniques.  Appropriate for any student
interested in being a genuine citizen of the world. 

CST

307

NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION

Three credit hours

Prerequisite CST 106

A course tailored to engage students in learning how nonverbal processes related to facial, eye, artifactual, spatial, tactile, paralinguistic and temporal communication influence human interaction.

CST

312

INTRO TO COMMUNICATION RESEARCH METHODS

Three credit hours

Prerequisite CST 106 and Junior or Senior status

The primary objective of this course is to introduce the student to the analysis and evaluation of communication research, applying this knowledge to the development of professional writing and performance skills. Techniques of argumentation including development of propositions, use of evidence and ethical considerations will be a main focus. Students will design and carry out a pilot study.

CST

313

ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION

Three credit hours

Prerequisite CST 106 or consent of the instructor

This course examines how oral communication is exchanged among corporate member and the extent to which such interaction influences managerial/subordinate relation-ships. The learning environment entails discussing case study readings, conducting exercises, and completing a project.

CST

324

STUDIES IN COMMUNICATION

Three credit hours

Prerequisite CST 106 or consent of the instructor. Course may be repeated as the topic changes.

This course examines current topics of concern within the communication area. Topic offerings to include health communication, communication and aging, listening, conflict communication, communication education, black rhetoric, political communication, legal communication, or gender communication.

CST

410

PERSUASIVE CAMPAIGNS

Three credit hours

Prerequisite CST 106

This course covers the fundamentals of public relations.  Students will learn how to
produce press releases, home pages, brochures, and other communication tools.  Students
will create and implement a persuasive campaign relying on theories and strategies
learned in the course.

CST

412

ADVANCED COMMUNICATION RESEARCH METHODS

Three credit hours

Prerequisites CST 312, Junior standing, can be taken concurrently with CST 476

The course focuses on the completion of student research projects proposed in CST-312
using established procedures and/or designs.  Students are exposed to qualitative and
quantitative approaches.  The student will gain hands-on research experience, analytical
skills, scientific writing abilities, and oral presentation skills.  Completion of an
investigation utilizing the APA (American Psychological Association) writing format
and the use of SAS or SPSS will be required.

CST

413

HUMAN COMMUNICATION THEORY

Three credit hours

Prerequisites: Junior or Senior standing

A course designed to familiarize students with prominent communication theories. Students will think critically about theoretical issues and discover how communication theories pertain to their lives.

CST

415

STUDIES IN PUBLIC REATIONS

Three credit hours

Prerequisite: Junior standing

Current topics within the PR area will be studied including research, case studies, writing,
or other specified areas of public relations.   Course may be taken more than once
provided the subject or topic is different.

CST

420

CAPSTONE IN PUBLIC RELATIONS

Three credit hours

Prerequisite: CST 410, CST 415

Students enrolled in this course will learn the public relations writing techniques and
formats necessary for the profession.  This portfolio will include press releases for print,
radio and television, media kits, backgrounders, advertising copy, and other public
relations writing.

CST

463

SEMINAR

Two to four credit hours

An advanced current topic in communication. May be repeated, provided that the topic is different.

CST

476

CAPSTONE

Three credit hours

Prerequisites Senior standing, can be taken concurrently with CST 412. Course must be repeated if grade is below C

Majors enrolled in this course will learn the technology needed to conduct a Web-based portfolio that documents their learning experiences. This portfolio will include a resume, recommendation letters, samples of speaking presentations, communication-related papers, projects, and documentation of experiential learning.