University of Michigan - Flint

University of Michigan-Flint Current Course Scedule

The following courses are offered through the Communication Department. To check on the current course offerings, visit the online course schedule. The information below includes the name of each course, pre-requisites, number of credits, general education requirements fulfilled by the course, and a short description.

COM 140 History of Graphic Design (3)f
Chronological survey of graphic design through slide lectures. How graphic design responded to (and affected) international, social, political and technological developments since 1450. Emphasis on printed work from 1880 to present and its relationship to other visual arts and design disciplines. Also listed as ART 140.

COM 160 Introduction to Graphic Design Theory and Process (3)f
Introduction to contemporary graphic design topics including theory, professional practice, creative workflow, career paths, digital graphics hardware and software usage, copyright, and ethics. Also listed as ART 160 and THE 160.

COM 163 Rhetoric of Hate and Fear (3)h/vi2
Examination of appeals to hate, fear, and related emotions and the place of such appeals in moral, political and ideological reasoning and persuasion. Critical analyses of assertions and arguments of individuals and groups active in contemporary American society, including paramilitary groups, radical religious movements and cults, anti-Semitic organizations, and extremist black and white supremacy groups. Theoretical analyses of the thinking of such groups and the place of such thinking in modernism and postmodernism. Emphasis on conspiracy theories, religious fanaticism, racism, misogyny and extreme anti-homosexuality. Also listed as PHL 163.

COM 200 Survey of Communication Theory (3)
Introduction to major theories of communication as applied to the interpersonal, organizational, and mass communication processes. Emphasis on the variety of disciplinary approaches to the study of communication, including psychological, sociological, and rhetorical.

COM 204 Fundamentals of Debate and Forensics (3)
Theories, structure and skills of debate and forensics. Emphasis on research, library and notetaking skills. Practice of competitive speaking skills and of research and oratorical skills as applied to national Competitive Intercollegiate Debate and Forensics. National debate topics and Michigan Intercollegiate Speech League activities. Students demonstrate abilities in classroom debates and in forensics activities. Also listed as THE 204.

COM 210 Introduction to Public Speaking (3)
Practical introduction to public speaking, exploring its basic tenets through speeches given in the classroom. Also listed as THE 210.

COM 213 Oral Interpretation of Literature (3)f
Oral communication of prose and poetry. Analysis of texts, methods of meeting problems inherent in their presentation, group and individual reading before the class, criticism, and possible public performance. Also listed as THE 213.

COM 225 Principles of News and Feature Writing (Pre-req: ENG 112) (3)
Fundamentals of writing news and feature stories. Techniques of newspaper writing, principles of objective reporting, interviewing style, copy-editing, and journalistic responsibility.

COM 226 Advertising (3)
Principles of effective advertising strategy and design. Emphasis on developing and coordinating messages for a variety of media including newspapers, radio, and television.

COM 231 Language and Law (3)vi2
Language in the American judicial process; legal language reform, the role of the linguist as expert witness, comprehension of jury instructions, effects of language variation on witness credibility, legal rights of linguistic minorities. Also listed as LIN 231.

COM 241 History and Criticism of Mass Communication (3)
Analysis and history of mass media/communication and the development of critical theories.

COM 242 Telecommunication Performance (3)
Introduction to performance principles and techniques in the electronic media. Examination of a variety of performance genres such as announcing, interviewing, reporting, and editorial argument.

COM 252 Two-Dimensional Computer Art (Pre-req: ART 160 or consent of instructor) (3)f
Introduction to digital graphic design fundamentals and use of computer software in studio practice. Survey of major computer graphics software programs, including page layout, vector drawing, animation, and bit-map imaging. Also listed as ART 252 and THE 252.

COM 261 Foundations of Organizational Communication (3)
Analysis of the forms and functions of communication within organizations. Examines basic theories of the management of communication processes in organizations.

COM 262 Interviewing (3)
Principles and practices of interviewing. Survey of information interviews with an emphasis on broadcast journalism, employment interviewing, counseling/helping interviews.

COM 272 Film Genre (3)f
Examination of a selected film genre (the gangster film, the western, science fiction, war films, Film Noir, etc.) or selected topical focus. Viewing, discussion and writing about film. Class time may be extended to accommodate screenings. Also listed as THE 272.

COM 281 Principles of Interpersonal Communication (3)
Intensive analysis of the dimensions of intrapersonal and interpersonal communication, designed to identify the philosophy, theories and strategies which underlie effective human communication.

COM 284 Gender and Communication (Pre-req: at least sophomore standing) (3)s
Analysis of gender/communication issues, including how women and men use language differently, how women and men are portrayed in language, and how language reflects and recreates social reality. Also listed as LIN 284 and WGS 284.

COM 299 Topics in Communication Theory and Criticism (3)
Special areas of communication theory and approaches to communication criticism. Possible offerings: the rhetoric of social movements; film genres and social change; persuasion and propaganda; studies of specific figures in the history of public address. May be elected twice. Only three credits may apply toward the concentration in Communication.

COM 300 Introduction to Research Methods in Communication (Pre-req: at least junior standing and two 200-level courses in communication or consent of instructor) (4)
Case study introduction to qualitative and quantitative methods of research in communication. Historical, critical, experimental, and survey methodology in research in communication.

COM 301 Ethical Issues in Communication (Pre-req: at least junior standing, COM 200, an additional 200-level course in communication, a course in philosophy; or consent of instructor) (3)h
Examination of ethical principles involved in interpersonal and public communication. Analysis of individual and institutional responsibilities in all forms of communication. Does not count as a prerequisite for any philosophy course, nor toward any philosophy major or minor. Also listed as PHL 301.

COM 304 Advanced Public Speaking (Pre-req: COM 204 or 210; or consent of instructor) (3)f
Advanced communication theory related to public speaking with a special emphasis on persuasion theory Advanced delivery and presentation techniques applied to a variety of settings. Also listed as THE 304.

COM 316 Advanced Advertising (Pre-req: COM 226) (3)
How agency teams create competitive proposals for clients. Examination of various media, cost comparisons, and techniques of utilization. Guidelines and practice in setting creative and advertising objectives for meeting client-established marketing objectives, developing a complete advertising proposal, and presenting it to board of industry representatives. Mirrors agency life in small to medium sized markets.

COM 320 Rhetorical Theory and Criticism (Pre-req: at least junior standing, COM 200, an additional 200-level course in communication) (3)
Historical approaches to rhetorical theory from Aristotle to the present. Particular emphasis on contemporary theories and critical methods such as Burke, feminist, cultural, historical-critical. Students are expected to select and apply a specific critical method to a specific communication artifact: speech, film, television, news.

COM 331 Communication Law (Pre-req: COM 241 or a concentration in speech or consent of instructor) (3)
Analysis of legal limitations and privileges of speech, publication, and broadcasting. Critical examination of major court decisions on free speech, fair comment, libel and slander, rights to privacy and to knowledge, fairness doctrine, licensing of media and deregulation.

COM 332 Theories of Mass Communication (Pre-req: COM 241 or a concentration in speech or consent of instructor) (3)
Critical survey of the theoretical literature in the processes and effects of mass communication. Emphasis on political, social, and economic structures and functions of the media in contemporary cultures.

COM 335 Introduction to Web Graphics and Design (Pre-req: ART 145 (MCC) or ART 252 or consent of instructor) (3)f
Introduction to aesthetic and technical concerns of creating and designing with graphics on the World Wide Web (WWW). Web pages, graphic formats, digital capture, color management, browser and computer platform choice, and interactivity. Students execute and maintain a personal WWW site as part of coursework. Also listed as ART 335.

COM 338 Communications in Business (Pre-req: ENG 112; at least junior standing) (3)
Theory and practice of business communications. Audience; content and tone; collection and arrangement of data; selection of form, strategy, and medium. Practical applications to management, including oral, written and audio-visual presentations. Also listed as ENG 338.

COM 340 Graphic Design in Communication (Pre-req: at least junior standing, two 200-level courses in communication; or consent of instructor) (3)f
Theory and application of concepts, materials and tools utilized in the creation of organizational printed materials. Introduction to the techniques of page design, layout, and illustration. Projects include brochures, newsletters, and in-house publications. Speakers and tours. Also listed as ART 340.

COM 341 Audio Production (Pre-req: COM 200 or 204 or 210; or consent of instructor) (3)
Fundamental theories of audio and audio program production, including basics of digital audio, studio and remote recording; demonstration of the importance of sound in electronic media and how its use affects media productions. Through application of audio concepts in the radio laboratory and critiques of radio projects and programs, students gain requisite skills to successfully design and execute audio strategies for media.

COM 342 Video Production (Pre-req: communication concentration or consent of instructor) (3)
Principles and practices of planning, producing and directing video productions. Focus on the development of competent and cooperating production teams in live news, interview and discussion, and informational and instructional programming.

COM 343 Telecommunication Programming (Pre-req: COM 241 or consent of instructor) (3)
Analysis of types and formats of broadcast programming. Includes research of public needs, developing cooperative or competitive strategies and scheduling, and creating alternative approaches for public radio and television.

COM 344 Telecommunication Management (Pre-req: COM 241 or consent of instructor) (3)
Analysis of special problems of managing talent, sales and marketing of air time, promotion and evaluation of programs.

COM 361 Public Relations (Pre-req: ENG 112, COM 200; or consent of instructor) (3)
Theory, philosophy, and function of agency, business, and institutional relations with the public through newspaper, radio, television, and other media. Procedures for researching, planning, implementing and evaluating public relations campaigns, with special emphasis on writing and publicity problem solving.

COM 362 Communication Behavior in Organizations (Pre-req: COM 261 or consent of instructor) (3)
Investigation of theories and models of communication in organizational settings. Emphasis on analysis and diagnosis of communication patterns and consideration of methods for implementing appropriate and effective communication practices in organizations.

COM 363 Conflict Management (Pre-req: COM 200 or consent of instructor) (3)
Intensive theoretical investigation of communication barriers and breakdowns in interpersonal and public settings. Focus on the management of conflict through effective communication.

COM 368 Teaching Speech in Middle and Secondary Schools (Pre-req: prior or concurrent election of EDU 303) (3)
Methods, materials and objectives of speech education in middle and secondary schools; modern trends in instruction; problems and procedures in teaching and directing theatre, debate, discussion, and other speech activities. Scheduled for the winter of odd-numbered years. Also listed as EDU 368 and THE 368.

COM 371 Advanced Public Relations (Pre-req: COM 361 or consent of instructor) (3)
Advanced theory with emphasis on management of the public relations function as a purposive, goal-directed activity. Practical applications in development of a comprehensive public relations program; production of program materials and activities; and evaluation of programs conducted by companies, non-profit institutions, and government agencies. Advanced writing techniques for specialized and mass speechwriting.

COM 381 Intercultural Communication (Pre-req: COM 200 or consent of instructor) (3)
Critical investigation of the complexities of communication between cultures. Centers on communication not only between nations, but between groups distinguished by race, gender, religion and class.

COM 382 Small Group Communication (Pre-req: COM 200 or consent of instructor) (3)
Theories of small group communication in problem solving and decision making situations. Focus on the relationship of leadership to group interaction strategies and communication styles.

COM 390 Independent Research (Pre-req: consent of instructor) (1-3)
Research study by qualified students under the supervision of the instructor. Research may use a variety of methodological approaches in communication (i.e., critical, historical, quantitative).

COM 391 Directed Readings in Communication (Pre-req: COM 300, consent of instructor) (1-2)
Designed to allow students to explore facets of communication studies that may not be presented in regular course offerings.

COM 392 Cooperative Education Experience in Communication (Pre-req: at least junior standing, consent of the program advisor and the Director of Cooperative Education; previous election of BUS 290 recommended) (3)
Job assignment planned jointly by student, program advisor, supervisor, and a representative of the Cooperative Education Program. Duties involved should relate to the student's academic program and progress, and increase in responsibility and difficulty during the period of assignment. A paper describing problems encountered and methods of handling them is required. Supervisor submits a written evaluation of student's progress.

COM 398 Internship in Art and Communication (Pre-req: consent of instructor) (1-3)
Hands-on work experience and exploration of career opportunities in the art and communications fields. Selected placement of qualified students in commercial or non-profit organizations. Also listed as ART 398.

COM 407 Seminar in Oral Interpretation (Pre-req: consent of instructor and a lower level course appropriate to the area elected) (1-3)f
Also listed as THE 407.

COM 416 Special Projects in Oral Presentation (Pre-req: consent of instructor and a lower level course appropriate to the area elected) (1-3)f Graded ABCD>N.

COM 428 Seminar in Communication (Pre-req: senior standing; COM 301, 304, 320; or consent of instructor) (3)
Reading, discussion, oral and written reports on topics selected from current literature in communication. Students must submit an academic portfolio for Departmental review and approval during the 2nd week of the term as part of the Departmental Assessment program. May be reelected to a total of six credits as topics change.

COM 495 Honors Thesis I (Pre-req: permission of the Honors Council or its designate. Consent of the Communication Program Director. Open only to Honors Program students) (4)
Credit and grade will not be given until successful completion of COM/HON 496. Also listed as HON 495.

COM 496 Honors Thesis II (Pre-req: permission of the Honors Council or its designate. Consent of the Communication Program Director. Prior or concurrent election of COM/HON 495. Open only to Honors Program students) (4)
Also listed as HON 496.