Communications


Com 101 Public Speaking I
An introduction to the fundamentals and elements of public speaking organization, and performance. This course may be taken on a pass/no pass basis. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits.


Com 110 Interpersonal Communications
Introduction to communication skills of listening, perception, language usage, nonverbal communication, and conflict resolution. Emphasis is placed on effective modes of communication and methods for overcoming barriers to interpersonal communication. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits.

Com 151 Introduction to Mass Communications
From Gutenberg to web sites, starting with the book and pamphlet, the course deals with a series of mass media forms --such as the telegraph, film, radio, television. Since mass culture is now being splintered apart and segmented by digital narrowcasting forms like the web site, the course raises the question: What is happening to mass communications? (Offered every semester.) 3 credits.


Com 160 Introduction to Advertising
A study of the integrated marketing communications model, recognizing the importance of coordinating all of the promotional mix elements to develop an effective communications program. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits.


Com 202 Speech Team
Prerequisite, Com 101. The Speech Team activity course will focus on designing, preparing, and presenting public speeches that are common to the collegiate forensic environment, including individual speaking events, parliamentary debate and mock trials. Emphasis is placed on developing research, group communication, public speaking and critical thinking skills to prepare for and participate in intercollegiate tournaments representing Chapman University. The course may be repeated for credit. (Offered every semester.) 1-3 credits.


Com 210 Theories of Persuasion
An introduction to the methods of persuasion from Aristotelian rhetoric to contemporary tactics and techniques found in advertising, political and product campaigns, and salesmanship. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits.


Com 211 Introduction to Intercultural Communication CH II
Prerequisite, Com 110. Designed to explore similarities and differences in the communications process from a variety of cultures with an emphasis on comparing Chinese and Japanese cultures to American and European cultures. Special emphasis is given to the historical development of a culture in terms of world view and the impact of that world view on intercultural communication through the ages. Students will experience practical application of theory and research to intercultural communication and will learn methods and techniques for effective communication across cultures. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits.


Com 215 Communicating About Business
Communicating About Business is an overview of the communications business as a “business” and the terms and concepts necessary to understand and communicate about a client’s business. Students will be introduced to basic business principles and the terminology used to describe business practices. In addition, students will gain an understanding of the communication and business skills required in the operation of a communication business such as a public relations or advertising firm or a department responsible for these functions within a corporation. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits.


Com 229 Experimental Course
Designed to provide additional opportunities to experimental areas and subjects of special interest. May be repeated for credit provided course content is different. (Offered when appropriate.) 3 credits.


Com 240 Argumentation and Debate
Prerequisites, Com 101, 110. Recommended, Com 210. The course focus is on logical analysis and reflective thinking in designing, preparing, and presenting public speeches that are common to the public speaking environment, including Lincoln/Douglas debates. Emphasis is placed on developing the skills of research, group communication, public speaking and critical thinking. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits.


Com 251 Issues in Mass Communication
Prerequisites, Com 151. An in-depth exploration of the personal, ethical, social, political and economic issues raised by the increasing impact, power and ubiquity of the mass media in the United States and around the world. Is the world a better place because of the mass media? This course attempts to answer that question. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits.


Com 270 Internet Communications
An overview of the ways in which electronic communications channels and tools have transformed the practice of public relations. Study and practice in using and evaluating programs of communication using electronic tools. Emphasis will be on the effective use of these tools in managing relationships of key target audiences in support of organizational goals and objectives. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits.


Com 290 Independent Internship
Additional credit opportunities are available for students eager to develop skills by associating with professional agencies. Consult advisor. 1-3 credits.


Com 301 Public Speaking II
Prerequisite, Com 101 or other approved public speaking course. Designed to provide a more in-depth study of classical and contemporary principles of rhetoric and rhetorical criticism, this course provides concentrated work in speech structure, delivery, and criticism. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits.


Com 305 Desktop Publishing
An introduction to desktop publishing, using Adobe PageMaker 6.5 software and the use of computers for layout, design, and publication of a variety of public relations-oriented materials. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits.


Com 329 Experimental Course
(Same as Com 229.) 3 credits.

Com 341 Mock Trial
Prerequisite, Com 101. Mock Trials is a practical course allowing the student to form advocacy teams, composed of lawyers and witnesses, who will develop skills and knowledge of courtroom procedure and engage in mock trial regional competition representing Chapman University at the end of the course. (Offered Interterm.) 3 credits.


Com 351 Propaganda and Public Opinion CH I
Prerequisites, Com 151, 210. From Polis to Polls: an introduction to political persuasion, from Aristotle to modern polling and “sound bites.” Starting with classical Hellenic rhetoric, particularly Aristotle’s applications to politics, the course deals with how the so-called “Western” tradition of political rhetoric has been extended worldwide to mass-media based societies favoring the ideologies of democracy, capitalism, fascism, communism, etc. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits.


Com 352 Twenty-First Century Marketing Communication
Prerequisites, Com 151 and Com 251. An exploration of the practice of integrated marketing communication. No longer can organizations depend on either advertising or public relations to reach the audiences they need. What is necessary is an integrated approach using both disciplines as well as the tools of sales promotion and direct marketing. Used together, these communication methods constitute the practice of MarCom or Marketing Communications. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits.


Com 360 Copy Writing
Prerequisite, Com 160, Eng 215. A comprehensive introduction to the art and craft of copy writing, with emphases given to creative strategy, advertising’s ethical dimension, and various formats for print and electronic media. Copy writing assignments offer the student hands-on experience in this information age skill to prepare students for the creative challenges of the advertising or related marketing communications industries. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits.


Com 370 Principles of Public Relations
Prerequisite, Com 210. Examination of the social, psychological, economic, and political foundations of public relations; and the integration of the behavioral sciences, management, and communication theories into a profession. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits.


Com 371 Writing for Public Relations
Prerequisite, Eng 103 or equivalent; Eng 215 or instructor’s consent. A comprehensive introduction to the various forms of public relations writing such as news and feature releases. Beginning with basic writing and organizational principles, the course introduces the student to persuasive writing designed to meet specific communication objectives. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits.


Com 395 Communications Research
Prerequisites, Com 110 and Com 151. Students will become familiar with research methods commonly used by communications scholars and practitioners who specialize in communicating within and on behalf of an organization through advertising, public relations, and associated areas. Students will learn how to conduct and evaluate research in order to design and test persuasive strategies and effective messages. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits.


Com 401 Public Speaking III
Prerequisites, Com 101, 210, 301, Ftv 351. Designed for advanced students, this course focuses on persuasive speaking skills used in politics, social change, organizational needs, sales presentations, news media coverage, and commercials, and highlights discrete factors in persuasion, such as problems in determining the effect of persuasive messages, source credibility, and message variables (Offered every semester.) 3 credits.


Com 402 Speech Team
Prerequisites, Com 101. The Speech Team activity course will focus on designing, preparing, and presenting public speeches that are common to the collegiate forensic environment, including individual speaking events, parliamentary debate and mock trials. Emphasis is placed on developing research, group communication, public speaking and critical thinking skills to prepare for and participate in intercollegiate tournaments representing Chapman University. The course may be repeated for credit. (Offered every semester.) 1-3 credits.


Com 410 Organizational Communication
Prerequisites, Com 101, 110. Instruction includes a mix of theory and practice of interpersonal communication in organizational settings. Major research theories are experienced through analysis of case studies and guided role play of typical situations in organizations. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits.


Com 429 Experimental Course
(Same as Com 229.) 3 credits.


Com 440 Conflict, Negotiation and Power
Prerequisites, Com 110, 210 and 351. Aspects of personal power and global power will be studied in relationship to conflict resolution. Theory and application: Students will apply theoretical methods using real world case studies. Emphasis is on early recognition of unhealthy conflict, accurate diagnosis of its causes and the development of effective communication based intervention strategies. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits.


Com 442 Group Dynamics and Leadership
Prerequisites, Com 110, 210. This course is designed to provide the student with the skills necessary to participate effectively in problem-solving groups. Instruction includes theory and technique. Competencies in group communication are developed through in-class exercises, case studies. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits.


Com 451 Analyzing Trends in Mass Communication
Prerequisites, Com 120, 210. This course examines changing trends in communication, with a focus on the social impact of technologies. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits.


Com 460 Student Advertising Agency
Prerequisites, Com 160, Mktg 200, Com 360. An introduction to the experience of working with an advertising agency through designing campaign and communication strategies and materials for real world clients. In this course, students will meet with clients, discuss their needs, develop plans to answer those needs, and create the finished projects to implement their plans. (Offered Interterm.) 3 credits.


Com 461 Case Studies in Advertising
Prerequisites, Com 160, Mktg 200, Com 360. An intensive study of the applications of advertising theory and principles to specific advertising cases in business and non-profit organizations. Research, discussion, and written situation analysis to determine if case studies were successful. Particular attention given to target market analysis, message strategies, and media objectives. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits.


Com 462 Advertising Campaigns
Prerequisites, Com 160, Mktg 200, Com 360. This is the capstone course for the Advertising emphasis. Study and practice in planning, implementing, and evaluating effective advertising campaigns. An examination of advertising strategy as it fits into the overall marketing plan, development and testing of creative concepts, and the design of advertising campaigns using multiple media channels. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits.


Com 470 Public Relations Case Studies
Prerequisite, Com 370. An intensive study of the application of public relations theory and principles to the problems of business, non-profit, and special interest organizations. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits.


Com 471 Advanced Public Relations Writing
Prerequisite, Com 371. Building on the skills and forms studied in Com 371, the student creates a complete press kit and develops the skills necessary for such public relations tasks as writing public relations, advertising, and broadcast copy. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits.


Com 472 Student Public Relations Agency
Prerequisites, Eng 215, Com 210, 370. An introduction to the experience of working with a public relations agency, through designing campaign and communication strategies and materials for real world clients. In this course, students will meet with clients, discuss their needs, develop plans to answer those needs, and create the finished products to implement their plans. May be repeated for credit. (Offered Interterm and/or spring semester.) 3 credits.


Com 475 Public Relations Campaigns
Prerequisites, Com 370, 371. This is the capstone course for the Public Relations emphasis. Study and practice in planning, implementing, and evaluating effective programs of communication. Emphasis will be on the use of a wide variety of communication techniques in support of organizational goals and objectives. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits.


Com 490 Independent Internship
(Same as Com 290.) 1-3 credits.


Com 493 Ethical Controversies in Communication
Prerequisites, Com 210, 351. This is the capstone course for the Speech Communication emphasis. The goal is to provide an in-depth understanding and application of ethical standards in a variety of communication contexts. Students will explore alternative ways of evaluating and responding to communication problems. Students will be able to identify, describe and apply appropriate features of ethical communication interventions. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits.


Com 495 Seminar in Communications Research
Prerequisites, Com 395. This is the capstone course for Mass Communication. A seminar in current methods and research studies dealing with Communications, culminating in a student research project. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits.


Com 499 Individual Study
Individual research and projects. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits. 1-3 credits.