Course Descriptions

SP 100 INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNICATION (4)

Overview of major topic areas in communication, including models of communication, social uses of language, communication codes-verbal/nonverbal, listening and communication in interpersonal, group, intercultural, public and mass media contexts. Application of theory through skills development and community focused assessments.

SP 212 MASS COMMUNICATION & SOCIETY (4)

A survey of the development of print, broadcast, and film media as social, cultural, and economic forces in American society. Examination of news media and their relationship to American political institutions. Discussion of advertising as an economic and popular cultural force. Survey of major trends in mass communication research. Class research project examines content of contemporary commercial media.

SP 215 INTRO TO INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION (4)

This course is designed to give a theoretical understanding of the process and role of communication (both mass and interpersonal) when faced with cultural plurality. The course will provide a background of classical theories in intercultural communication, and in inter-disciplinary areas (cultural studies, gender studies, cultural anthropology, political science, and international development) where culture and communication have been theorized. Discussions will focus on the changing cultural terrain in the United States and upon internationalization and globalization of mass or popular culture as it impacts other parts of the world.

SP 218U INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION (4)

Study of communication concepts, processes, and practices in interpersonal contexts with application of principles and concepts to actual interpersonal communication situations. Includes situational management and behavioral repertoire development, verbal/nonverbal code features structuring conversation and relationships, characteristics of functional relational systems, intercultural/inter-ethnic factors.

SP 220 PUBLIC SPEAKING (4)

Research, writing and delivery skills for oral presentation in a variety of settings, including multi-cultural. Equal consideration given to speech preparation and delivery with critical thinking, argument forms and audience analysis emphasized. Issues of speech anxiety addressed.

SP 227 NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION (4)

The study of nonverbal communication as related to verbal communication. Course emphasis on theories and typologies of nonverbal behavior. Consideration of the influence of such factors as para-language, body movement, eye behavior, touch space, time, and physical and social environments. Course requirements include completion and report of a personal research project.

SP 230 LISTENING (4)

Development, review, analysis, training, and practice in the "five motives for listening" - discriminative, comprehensive, critical, appreciative, and therapeutic. Opportunity to evaluate listening efficiency. Listening projects are designed for application in business, interpersonal and social contexts.

SP 311 COMMUNICATION INQUIRY (4)

The primary objectives of this course are to help you become an informed and critical consumer of social science research related to communication, and to be able to design and conduct simple, but effective research projects. You will learn to: formulate a clear research question, and identify the research question in an article; design and implement a research project using a variety of methods; read, evaluate, and interpret an academic or applied research report; critically evaluate research methods and results; understand, explain, and apply basic research concepts; and explain the relationship of research, theory, and knowledge with respect to human communication.

SP 312 MEDIA LITERACY

Focuses on building critical skills for evaluating mass media, going beyond the ways that messages represent the world to the ways that messages and the institutions that produce them actually constitute the social world. Primary issues include cultural domination and empowerment; public opinion and the legitimizing role of the media; mass culture and ideology; cultural opposition; the political-economy of news media; and the general role of media in political socialization. Extensive in-class and small-group media analysis.

SP 313U COMMUNICATION IN GROUPS (4)

Focuses on communication processes in small, decision-making groups. Students examine the relation between actual communicative behaviors of group members and group structure, functions, and outcomes. Topics include leadership emergence and enactment, quality of problem solving strategies utilized, the impact of socio-cultural and institutional features on small group communicative practices. Theoretical application in the critical analysis of various group settings and effective communication in ongoing group projects. Includes focus on teleconferencing and videoconferencing.

SP 314 PERSUASION (4)

A consideration of concepts, principles, and theories related to persuasion, and a consideration of the role of persuasive communication in public discourse. Opportunity for practical application of principles in student projects. SP 100 or SP 220 recommended.

SP 317U COMMUNICATING ABOUT VIOLENCE AND CHILDREN

Examination of theory and practice for the improvement of communication with children (primarily grades K-6), regarding issues of child abuse (emotional, physical, sexual, and domestic violence). Professional and interpersonal contexts are addressed. Multiple communication issues in relationship to children and violence include: cultural values and beliefs, stereotypes, media representations, language use, nonverbal communication, power, control and conflict.

SP 318U FAMILY COMMUNICATION (4)

This course will provide you with an understanding of the theories and practices of Family Communication. It will propose a framework for discussing the communication, sociological and psychological aspects of family communication and relating them to daily life examples, with an emphasis on communication theory. You will learn about how families communicate rules, roles, and stories that are essential to the process of meaning-making in the family and to itsdevelopment. You will be asked to analyze theories such as social construction theory, identity theory, and systems theory and apply them to the family context.

SP 320 ADVANCED PUBLIC SPEAKING (4)

Designed for students who have basic experience in choosing, researching, organizing, and presenting speeches, and who wish to augment their skills in being a more dynamic and effective public speaker. The course requirements will include several speeches presented in class, one speech which must be presented in a different setting, written rhetorical analysis, practice in impromptu speechmaking, having one speech video taped for discussion and critique, as well as sharpening skills in audience-centeredness. Prerequisite: SP 220.

Sp 322 Political Communication has been revised ...see Sp 420/520

SP 324 CRITICAL THINKING AND ARGUMENTATION (4)

A study of the relationship among evidence, reasoning, and argument. Course examines formal reasoning as well as practical argument in its actual forms and uses in everyday life. Primary emphasis upon students' ability to analyze evidence, forms of reasoning, and arguments that structure public issues of the day. Strongly recommended for all speech majors.

SP 329 ORAL PRESENTATION AND PERFORMANCE (4)

The oral interpretation of the literature of prose and poetry. Concerned with the study of meaning in selected pieces of literature, and the development of vocal skills for the effective communication of meaning to others. Projects in public presentation and program development.

SP 337U COMMUNICATION & GENDER (4)

The principal objective of this course is to separate myths, assumptions, notions, etc. from the facts realities, truths, etc. about gender and about communication. We will examine the relationship between our beliefs and our knowledge in order to unravel many current "fallout" contradictions in gender information and the communication process. Some of these are: gender anger; similarity blindness; gender difference as a "catch all" explanation for gender problems; the facts of differences being confused with attitudes about differences; barriers to interpersonal to social need attainment; good communicating is confused with feeling good; and communicator choices rather thancommunication "just happens."

SP 340 INTERVIEWING (4)

A study of principles for effective interviewing with emphasis upon information gathering, in-depth interviewing. Examine interview structures, preparation of interview schedules, question phrasing, approaches to interviewer-interviewee relationship. Specific interview contexts will vary among employment, performance approach will beexamined from both interviewer and interviewee perspectives. Prerequisite: upper-division standing. SP 218 recommended.

SP 410 WAIT! DON'T SEND THAT EMAIL YET! (2 credit course)

Email writing skills as communication. In this course, you will learn about proper email format, etiquette, responding to difficult emails, and refresh your grammar skills. This is a practical course to build your email writing skills. The focus for this class is development of clear, appropriate written communications. Students will understand importance of good email communication. Improve writtencommunication skills. Improve email-writing skills in terms of clarity, tone, and organization. Identify types and appropriate uses of email.

SP 412/512 EMPIRICAL THEORIES OF MASS COMMUNICATION (4)

Surveys social scientific theories of mass communication. Prerequisite: SP 212 or SP 311, Mth 243, SP 314, or Psy 342 recommended.

SP 415/515 PROBLEMS OF INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION (4)

This course will build upon the theories and issues discussed in the introductory course by including contemporary and classical literature on multicultural and intercultural communication. The purpose of this course will be to identify and analyze politically constructed categories of race, age, class, gender in society against the backdrop of debates on multiculturalism in the US. The course will examine these categorizations of race, class, etc. in their historical, social and cultural context, and how those have influenced mass-mediated and interpersonal communication. The course will use massmedia (television, radio, daily print media, music) texts to provide examples of how we understand "difference" and "otherness" in our daily lives. Prerequisite: SP 215.

SP 416/516 THEORIES OF COMMUNICATION (4)

This course examines the major lines of theoretical development in the study of human communication, as well as examiningtheir diverse and alternative assumptive bases for theory construction and critical analysis. Particular attention given to questions ofcausal or practical necessity, and reductionistic or holistic analysis of communication process and phenomena. Required participation of students in a group project to investigate and report to class on a specific theory. Prerequisite: 6 credits upper-division communication.

SP 417/517 COMMUNICATION AND CONFLICT (4)

This course examines assumptions underlying the selection of communicative behaviors in conflict situations, and the assessment of choices for expected or desired consequences. Interpersonal, group, organizational, intercultural and international settings are examined. Examination of traditional and nontraditional approaches to conflict management. Required development of case study applying concepts of the course, and class presentation. Prerequisite: one of SP 218, 313, 314, 324.

SP 418/518 ADVANCED INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION (4)

This is a theory course in which students analyze current concepts and theories related to interpersonal communication, comparing and contrasting various models and their relative adequacy in representing the complexity of communication processes. The impact on actual communicative practices is examined. The influence of particular historical perspectives and contemporary issues and trends on interpersonal communication is analyzed through evaluation of empiricaldata and general cultural texts. Research project required. Prerequisite: SP 218.

SP 419/510 GOSSIP & SHOP TALK: INTERPERSONAL CHALLENGES AT WORK (4)

Assessment of speaking and listening competencies in the work environment and investigation of gossip as communication phenomena withcultural, historical, ethical, judicial, organizational and political influences. Designed for students in professions where communicationcompetencies are central to their positions, for those interested in developing as communication professionals or for those interested in learning about the seemingly intangible factors which contribute to the casually referred to "people problem" in the workplace. Assessment of positive and negative interpretations of gossip; techniques to improve communication climates. Recommended prerequisite: junior- or senior-level standing.

Sp 420/520 POLITICAL COMMUNICATION (4)

An analysis of the relationship of communication to the exercise of politics and political power. Topics may include the ethicsand practices of electoral politics, political ideologies, political advertising, propaganda, public opinion formation, the role of mass media as a source and form of political communication, speech writing,public policy writing and analysis, political news writing, and political campaigning. The focus is on how communication strategies and media can be used to organize consent or dissent to ruling parties, representatives, and ideas. Sp. 212 recommended.

SP 422/522 CRITICAL THEORIES IN MASS COMMUNICATION (4)

Surveys critical institutional theories of mass communications. Primary focus is analysis of the relationship between media and communications institutions and the state and other social institutions. Prerequisite: SP 212 or graduate standing.

SP 423/523 ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION (4)

Application of communication theory to the study of face-to-face interaction in the organizational context. Examination of the relationships between structural variable in the organization and informal communication channels, including analysis of leadership style, decision making, conflict management, and other interpersonal and group communication events. Course requirements include completion and report of a personal research project. Prerequisite: upper-division standing. SP 218 and SP 313 recommended.

SP 426/526 THE RHETORICAL TRADITION (4)

Survey of the major contributors, themes, and theory development in the 2500 year rhetorical tradition examining public discourse in the management of human affairs. Among the periods examined will be Classical, Enlightenment, contemporary 20th century, and post-modernist. Special attention given to the significance of earlier treatments of rhetoric to contemporary circumstances. Prerequisite: SP 314 or SP 324.

SP 427/527 ISSUES IN INTERNATIONAL COMMUNICATION (4)

A study of historical and contemporary theories and practices in the conduct of trans border communications. Topics may include international communication issues of law, diplomacy, conflict, the Cold War, international organizations, mass media, information, advertising and news flows, and social-economic development, as well as discussions of specific cases of cultural and institutional communication, spoken, written and produced, in various industrial and developing societies. Prerequisite: upper division standing or graduate standing.

Sp 430/530 ADVANCED SPEAKING AND LISTENING SKILLS

Advanced work in the theory and practice of effective speaking and listening, employee and client relations, and competency assessment. Addresses characteristics that differentiate effective fromineffective communication. Develop and implement a model for communication skill building through behavior modification.

SP 436/536 COMMUNICATION & COGNITION (4)

Course intended for graduate students and seniors who have already taken at least one 400 level theory seminar, will use cognitive and social-cognitive concepts to explore how people conceptualize knowledge with respect to communication about controversial topics. The course is structured as a research seminar: every student is expected to engage actively in course- related research throughout the quarter, and to be prepared at each class meeting to report on progress to date, and to relate his or her own work to the topic under discussion forthat meeting. Pre-requisites include completion of SP 416/516, SP 412/512, or a similar theory course in another social science discipline and senior or graduate standing.

SP 437/537 URBAN COMMUNICATION (4)

Course utilizes a cultural, contextual approach to the study of urban communication structures, processes and practices. Macro and micro features are examined with the goal of understanding the role of communication in structuring social life in urban environments.Relevant theoretical perspectives on urban life are examined and multiple dimensions of verbal and nonverbal communication codes analyzed for their meaning features and particular configurations in urban contexts. Theoretical and empirical approaches taken recognize urban centers as multicultural environments. Research project required. Prerequisites: upper division standing or graduate standing.

SP 447/547 COMMUNICATION AND AGING (4)

Individuals communicate with people of different ages every day: in families, at school, at work, and elsewhere. An awareness of communication processes across the life span has been associated with more effective personal and professional intergenerational relationships, as well as more successful and satisfying experienceswith aging. This course focuses on the process of aging from a communication studies perspective. Topics include theories of successful aging, social construction of aging, attitudes and ageism, communication and intimacy across the life span, and mass communication theory applied to media construction of "age". Family/intergenerational, organizational, friendship, health care and intercultural contexts are also examined.

SP 452U/SP 552 GENDER AND RACE IN THE MEDIA (4)

Primarily examines the representations of gender and race, including age, class and sexual orientation in various media (mainstream and alternative), and examines approaches which may be usedto interpret these representations. In addition, considers the potential impact that media institutions have on people's lives, political decisions and social relations. The overall aim is for students to understand how their own cultural identities affect their media consumption and social positioning.

SP 457U/557 THE LANGUAGE OF VIOLENCE (4)

Examination of violent language as a reflection of culture. Students identify violent attitudes, themes, contradictions, metaphors, etc. implicit and explicit in our language. Verbal abuse and verbal aggression, violent words and metaphors in everyday speech, and the use of descriptive language to evaluative language when classifying acts ofviolence provide insight into the notion of a "public violent mind." Students also examine messages in violent entertainment, news reports,Internet, and other media. Course may be taken once for credit.

SP 511 INTRODUCTION TO GRADUATE STUDIES (4)

SP 513 SEMINAR: COMMUNICATION IN INSTITUTIONAL CONTEXTS (4)

Various configurations and features of institutional life are examined. The impact of culture, politics, media on organizational communicative structures and processes, communication consultation, institutional-community interface are among the topics covered. Current research is examined. Students conduct an organizational research project. Prerequisite: graduate standing or instructor permission.

SP 514 SEMINAR: COMMUNICATION, CULTURE AND COMMUNITY (4)

Examination and analysis of human symbolic activity as the management of meaning, with the capacity to shape and influence thought, action, and world view. Particular attention given to assumptions regarding intent, effects, meaning, understanding, and interpretation, and their implications for studying persuasion from modernist and post-modernist perspectives.

SP 521 QUANTITATIVE METHODS IN COMMUNICATION RESEARCH (4)

An examination of the methods of empirical research in communication. Emphasis is upon selected research designs, data collection and analysis, data input for computer analysis with statistical packages, results interpretation, and writing reports of completed research. Prerequisite: at least one course in statistics.

SP 525 SEMINAR: INTERNATIONAL COMMUNICATION AND CULTURE (4)

Study and analysis of the international dimensions of communication. Focus is on understanding the cultural and power contexts and differences among and between peoples and institutions that establish the boundaries in the exchange of meanings, values, and ideas. Emphasis is given to questions of cultural, economic and political sovereignty in the pursuit of national, regional, and personal identity and development.

SP 528 SEMINAR: COMMUNICATION IN RELATIONAL CONTEXTS (4)

Advanced work in interpersonal communication theories, and concepts such as family, aging, and conflict. Critique of current research in light of such considerations as cultural constraints, shifts in relational definitions and configurations and the like. Research project. Prerequisite: SP 518, graduate standing or permissionof instructor.

SP 531 QUALITATIVE METHODS IN COMMUNICATION RESEARCH (4)

An examination of naturalistic methods of communication research and their assumptive bases. Particular attention given to descriptive, interpretive, and critical approaches for analysis, and to specific techniques of participant observation, interviewing, and textual analysis. Critical examination of selected research as models for original student research. Prerequisite: SP 511.

SP 533 SEMINAR: ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION (4)

Examines the communication implications of evolving perspectives in organizational theory, as well as cultural factors which may influence communication processes in the organizational context. Different approaches to assessing organizational communication processes are considered with relevance to enhancing organizational effectiveness and facilitating organizational transition and change. Course requirements include completion and report of a personal research project. Prerequisite: SP 423 or consent of instructor.

SP 541 METHODS OF RHETORICAL CRITICISM (4)

An examination of philosophical and conceptual bases of contemporary rhetorical theory and their implications for the conduct of rhetorical criticism. Selected approaches to criticism examined, along with exemplars for analysis. Special attention given to critical invention, and to the social positioning of the critic. Students will select and examine a specific example of contemporary rhetoric utilizing the concepts of the course. Prerequisite: SP 511.

SP 556 LANGUAGE, MEANING AND INTERPRETATION (4)

Exploration of cognitive, linguistic, and interpretive approaches of emerging interest in the study of human communication. Specific topics vary with instructor. Prerequisite: Sp 511 and Sp 516 (or equivalent courses from other departments), graduate standing or consent of instructor.