Communication Studies Courses | 2024-2025 Academic Catalog | SIU

(University Core Curriculum) [IAI Course: C2 900] This course provides theory and practical application relevant to students' development of basic oral communication competencies appropriate to a variety of contexts as situated in a culturally diverse world.

Credit Hours: 3

Designed for students with high speech anxiety that are reluctant to enroll in Communication Studies 101 or are currently enrolled in 101. This course provides exercises and opportunities to significantly lessen and control communication apprehension. Pass/Fail only.

Credit Hours: 1

(University Core Curriculum) This course fosters appreciation of cultural diversity through a critical examination of human communication - from everyday conversation to cultural formation - as performance. Lecture and discussion format with consideration of primary texts drawn from multicultural literature and popular culture.

Credit Hours: 3

Public speaking has adapted to new modes of transmitting public discourse, and there is still much in the oratorical tradition that can effectively inform digital public speaking. The texts employed and the topics discussed explore ways public discourse operates in on-line settings, including various social media and video-blogging forums. An important part of this discussion will not only be the development of speaking skills and facility with basic social media technology, but also the development of critical thinking and listening skills. This course has two specific purposes: (1) to enhance students' ability to create and present on-line public discourse and (2) to demonstrate the persisting usefulness of basic principles of rhetorical theory and criticism. Prerequisite: CMST 101 with a grade of C or better or equivalent.

Credit Hours: 3

This course provides an expansive survey of communication concepts that foster awareness of self and others. Students will explore how understanding communication can help effectively navigate everyday interactions in personal and professional contexts. This course will enhance understandings of identity, relationships, social inequality, media representation, and organizational norms.

Credit Hours: 3

This course provides practical application for intercultural theory beyond the classroom, within the context of globalization. Students will learn how intercultural communication can prepare him/her for life beyond college, including workplace diversity, career preparation, international business contexts and more. Assignments will culminate in a portfolio that will prepare students for their future in an increasingly globalized world.

Credit Hours: 3

Introduction to small group communication and the small group process. Special emphasis given to problem-solving discussion groups.

Credit Hours: 3

Theoretical approaches and contemporary research on patterns of interpersonal communication in romantic, friendship, family, and work relationships. Emphasis on developing skills for analyzing interpersonal processes through close description and interpretation. Satisfies the College of Liberal Arts Writing-Across-the-Curriculum requirement for communication studies majors.

Credit Hours: 3

A competency-based learning course focused on essential communication skills needed to succeed in business and professional settings, including the workplace. Topics include interpersonal communication and emotional intelligence, business writing style, advanced public speaking and presentation techniques, and (pre-) employment processes and documents. Prerequisite: CMST 101 or concurrent enrollment. Course materials fee: $35.

Credit Hours: 3

[IAI Course: MC 913] Introduction to public relations theories, philosophies and principles for agency, business, governmental and not-for-profit organizations. Historical perspectives, current and future trends, professional associations and career opportunities explored.

Credit Hours: 3

(University Core Curriculum) This course provides an introduction to communication between/among people from different cultures, focusing on the application of intercultural communication theory and research. This course has a globalization and social justice focus. Class assignments and exercises examine everyday encounters with individuals from different races, ethnicities, religions, nationalities, genders, ages, sexual orientations, and physical abilities. Credit cannot be earned in both CMST 301I and CMST 341.

Credit Hours: 3

Advanced study and practice of the principles of composition, revision and delivery of effective public speeches. Satisfies the CoLA Writing-Across-the-Curriculum requirement for communication studies majors. Prerequisite: CMST 221 or consent of instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

Through the study of argument, evidence, reasoning, and oral advocacy this course seeks to ensure competence in the ascertainment of truth by investigation and research and the establishment of truth through proof. The ultimate rationale for the course is the discovery and support of intelligent decisions. Prerequisite: CMST 101 or consent of instructor; CMST 221 recommended.

Credit Hours: 3

The means of influencing individuals and groups through communication. Emphasizes the shaping of others' values, beliefs, attitudes and behavior. Provides theoretical information about and practice in persuasive speaking for sources and targets of persuasion. Satisfies the CoLA Writing-Across-the-Curriculum requirement for communication studies majors.

Credit Hours: 3

Examination of the elements and structure of intercultural and transracial communication in the United States and in global contexts. Designed to analyze and describe the interactions between social perception and expression as manifest in verbal and nonverbal behavior. Prerequisite: CMST 101 or CMST 262 or consent of instructor. Credit cannot be earned in both CMST 301I and CMST 341.

Credit Hours: 3

Students will explore the production, consumption, and dissemination of popular culture in the global marketplace. They will apply intercultural and cultural studies theories and concepts to popular culture texts such as film, television, music, advertising, gaming, second life, Facebook, and Twitter. The examination of popular culture will be centered around how popular culture influences understanding of identity/ies, identity differences, intercultural communication, and intercultural relationships. This course will enhance self-reflexivity, understanding, and knowledge concerning the implications of popular culture in our everyday lives and within intercultural interactions.

Credit Hours: 3

A survey of the nonverbal factors that influence the communicative interaction among persons. Review research findings and conduct projects germane to nonverbal communication. Readings, discussions, and research projects. Prerequisite: CMST 262 or consent of instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

Introduction to the phenomenology of human communication and social process. Analysis and description of interpersonal communication in the development and operation of human communities. Special emphasis is given to the nature of persons, consciousness, and communication exchange in society.

Credit Hours: 3

Theory and practice in performance as a method for literary study, with emphasis on the student as performer. Prerequisite: CMST 201 or consent of instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

Theory and practice in the art of storytelling with emphasis upon practical application, source materials, and historical and ethnic backgrounds.

Credit Hours: 3

Introduction to basic concepts, theories, and practices relevant to the understanding of communication in leadership positions and organizational contexts. Provides a communicatively based definition of leadership and formal organization and explores historical and contemporary theories pertaining to individual-organizational relationships.

Credit Hours: 3

Application of public relations theory and principles through training and practice in the development of public relations writing and production skills including message construction and delivery, verbal, nonverbal, and visual production work and special events components. Satisfies the CoLA Writing-Across-the-Curriculum requirement for communication studies majors. Prerequisite: CMST 281 with a grade of C or better or consent of instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

An introductory survey of quantitative and qualitative public communication research methods and techniques. Introduction to the design of research tools, sample selection, focus group methodology, and data analysis.

Credit Hours: 3

Planning, conducting, and analyzing interviews with emphasis on roles of interviewer and respondent in professional and organizational communication settings. Study of factors affecting accuracy, openness, and goal attainment in use of interview methods for evaluation and research. Individual and small group projects with selected aspects of interviewing.

Credit Hours: 3

Supervised individual and group performance in various communication arts. Emphasis on the practical application of communication skills in performance studies. May be repeated for credit up to a maximum of six hours. Limited to a total of nine hours from CMST 390A-E, CMST 490A-D, CMST 491, and CMST 494A-H. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 1-3

Supervised experience using communication skills. Emphasis on the practical application of communication skills in debate. May be repeated for credit up to a maximum of six hours. Limited to a total of nine hours from CMST 390A-E, CMST 490A-D, CMST 491, and CMST 494A-H. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 1-3

Supervised experience in various communication arts. May be repeated for credit up to a maximum of six hours. Limited to a total of nine hours from CMST 390A-E, CMST 490A-D, CMST 491, and CMST 494A-H. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 1-3

Supervised experience in communication arts. Emphasis on work with the Public Relations Student Society of America. May be repeated for credit up to a maximum of six hours. Limited to a total of nine hours from CMST 390A-E, CMST 490A-D, CMST 491, and CMST 494A-H. Special approval needed from the instructor. Course materials fee: $50.

Credit Hours: 1

Supervised experience in communication arts. Required for completion of the Professional Communicator Credential. Limited to a total of nine hours from CMST 390A-E, CMST 490A-D, CMST 491, and CMST 494A-H. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 1

An advanced examination of the purposes and processes of constructing and using theories and models in communication research. Students critically analyze existing communication theories from both social scientific and interpretive paradigms in order to explicate and evaluate their implicit and explicit assumptions about human being, knowledge, and value. For graduate students and advanced undergraduates. Satisfies the CoLA Writing-Across-the-Curriculum requirement for communication studies majors.

Credit Hours: 3

Designed to develop the student's ability to criticize public discourse, including speeches, written works and the mass media. Satisfies the CoLA Writing-Across-the-Curriculum requirement for communication studies majors.

Credit Hours: 3

An exploration of rhetorical structures and strategies in environmental policy, activism and public discourse. This course traces the significant contributions rhetoric and public debate have made in the struggle to protect environments from excessive industrial and commercial exploitation. A lecture, reading and discussion course.

Credit Hours: 3

An exploration of visual messages in public discourse and persuasive communication. This course offers tools for doing rhetorical criticism of visual messages, identifying similarities and differences between the analysis and production of verbal and visual persuasion. A lecture, readings, and discussion course.

Credit Hours: 3

(Same as WGSS 415) An exploration of advanced theories and research in gender and sexuality from communication perspectives. Course may be repeated when topics vary.

Credit Hours: 3

(Same as AFR 416 and WGSS 416) Explore the roots, contemporary manifestations, and current embodiments of Black feminist thought. Explore the works of Black women to engage in critical thinking and thoughtful dialogue that positions the valuable knowledge, experiences and perspectives of women of color at the center of inquiry while simultaneously discovering spaces for multicultural alliances. Prerequisite: CMST 301I or CMST 341 or consent of instructor or graduate standing.

Credit Hours: 3

Critical studies of speakers and issues relevant to social and political movements dominant in national and international affairs. A lecture, reading and discussion course. Students may repeat enrollment to a total of nine hours.

Credit Hours: 3

An exploration of advanced theories and techniques in performance studies. Topics vary and are announced in advance. Students may repeat enrollment in the course, since the topics change. Lecture, discussion, class projects.

Credit Hours: 3-6

Study of language in use in social interactions in various cultural and communicative contexts. Topics include components of language, language change and diversity, speech acts, conversational structure, dialects, gender and language, bilingual and multilingual cultures, child language acquisition, and language use in institutional contexts. Prerequisite: CMST 301I or CMST 341, or consent of instructor or graduate standing.

Credit Hours: 3

Advanced study of intercultural communication in domestic and global intercultural contexts. Course incorporates intercultural communication research with specific focus on application theory in professional contexts and in service of public advocacy and/or social justice. Prerequisite: CMST 301I (or CMST 341) or consent of instructor or graduate standing.

Credit Hours: 3

Nature, development, and functions of verbal and nonverbal behavior; application of psychology theories and research to the communication process in individuals and groups. Emphasis on the systemic nature of communicative behavior.

Credit Hours: 3

Study of theories of language, its use, and consequences, with particular attention to general semantics, semiotics, and poststructuralism and their influence on communication research and criticism.

Credit Hours: 3

This course analyzes performance in everyday life in a variety of social, cultural, and historical contexts. The class explores genres such as conversations and personal narratives, folklore and oral traditions, festivals and celebrations, ceremonies and rituals, media events and politics. Topics of reading, discussion, and original research may range from performative elements in language and social interaction to performances of selfhood, identity, and personality.

Credit Hours: 3

(Same as AFR 447) Via intercultural theories and methods, this course explores histories, relationships, interactions and recent events by positioning racial and ethnic perspectives at the center of inquiry. The course critically examines the complexities of race, racism and ethnicity by focusing on how people communicate across racial and ethnic differences in different contexts. Prerequisite: CMST 301I or CMST 341, or consent of instructor or graduate standing.

Credit Hours: 3

Introduction to communication theories and practices informing the training of individuals and groups anticipating extensive interactions with persons from differing cultural communities. The course provides content and learning opportunities aimed toward the design, development, and evaluation of effective, ethical culture-specific and culture-general intercultural training programs. Prerequisite: CMST 341 or CMST 301I or consent of instructor or graduate standing.

Credit Hours: 3

(Same as POLS 418) A critical review of theory and research which relate to the influence of communication variables on political values, attitudes, and behavior. Satisfies the CoLA Writing-Across-the-Curriculum requirement for communication studies majors.

Credit Hours: 3

This course explores contemporary tourism in a broad context of intercultural communication, rhetoric, performance, and cultural studies. Emphasis is placed on examining tourism as a popular leisure pursuit, booming multinational industry, and also as a complex medium of transnational communication and performance that transforms daily life and culture. Students will be asked to not only study tourism, but also engage in some local tourist activities as part of the experiential learning process.

Credit Hours: 3

A critical examination of small group theory and research in communication studies. Emphasis is given to the development of principles of effective communication and decision-making in the small, task-oriented groups. Prerequisite: CMST 261 or consent of instructor or graduate standing.

Credit Hours: 3

Interpersonal communication is studied as human encounter that participates in the development of human identity. Students explore the philosophical and theoretical approaches to human communication by developing concrete projects that examine the role of relationships in the construction and alteration of values and priorities.

Credit Hours: 3

Study of sources, patterns, and outcomes of conflict in relationships within interpersonal, familial, organizational, managerial, or intercultural relationships. Emphasis on interactive, systems-level analysis of naturally occurring conflict episodes. Practice in managing conflicts, reframing, negotiation, and mediation.

Credit Hours: 3

Study and practical training in approaches to more effective interpersonal and intrapersonal communication. Using real-life experiences from political encounters and interpersonal conflicts to inner dialogue, this class offers a way to deepen peaceful connection and understanding with ourselves and others through honesty, empathy, and being "fully present" in the moment. Restricted to CMST major or consent of instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

An introduction to philosophical approaches to the study of communicative interaction. Topics include the relation of meaning and conceptual structures to bodily experience and the interpretative nature of communicative interaction.

Credit Hours: 3

Topical study of the role genre plays in analyzing, scripting, and performing literature and other textual forms. Students may repeat enrollment in the course since topics change. Prerequisite: CMST 201 or 370 or 371 with a grade of C- or better or consent of the instructor or graduate standing.

Credit Hours: 3

Study and practice of mixed performance methods such as live performance with digital, projected or other media. Reading, discussion, and performance projects.

Credit Hours: 3

An exploration of culture, ritual, narrative, community and personal identity as performance. Readings, field work and assignments focus on performance ethnography, communicative dimensions of performance and performance epistemology. Prerequisite: six hours of performance studies or consent of instructor or graduate standing.

Credit Hours: 3

Theory and practice of staging texts with emphasis on adaptation, scripting, and directing. Prerequisite: CMST 201 or consent of instructor or graduate standing.

Credit Hours: 3

Contemporary performance practices as critical and persuasive tools. Develops skills in reading, writing, analyzing and performing a broad range of texts to acquaint students with methods for composing performance. Prerequisites: CMST 201 or CMST 370 or CMST 371 with a grade of C- or better or consent of instructor or graduate standing.

Credit Hours: 3

Study of theoretical and practical issues in solo performance staging with special emphasis on textual production, scripting, social context, and performance practice. Advanced study in individual performance as a method of textual study as well as theory and practice in solo performance as an aesthetic event and rhetorical act. Prerequisites: CMST 201 or CMST 370 or CMST 371 with a grade of C- or better or consent of instructor or graduate standing.

Credit Hours: 3

Exploration of leadership communication, current leadership trends, existing leadership theories, and contemporary or historic leaders through case-based teaching. Students apply interpersonal, persuasive, and organizational communication theory to real scenarios. Students discuss communication strategies and tactics leaders use to build relationships and achieve goals. Students will discuss strategies for leading diverse teams, building equitable systems, and encouraging inclusion among team members.

Credit Hours: 3

Advanced course in public relations case analysis and campaign planning. Students critique public relations campaigns created by various profit, nonprofit and agency organizations. Students also design and implement public relations campaigns from problem identification through evaluation stages. Satisfies the CoLA Writing-Across-the Curriculum requirement for communication studies majors. Prerequisite: CMST 381 and 382 with a grade of C or better or consent of instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

Explores the role of public relations within sports and recreation organizations and the relationship between these industries and the media. Students will plan and conduct a fund-raising event, may attend athletic competitions, and learn about careers in the sports and recreation fields.

Credit Hours: 3

This course is designed for senior-level and graduate communication students who want to apply the knowledge, skills, and abilities developed during their course of study to career development scenarios. This course uses project-based learning and offers learners the opportunity to enhance their ability to use communication tools and techniques to improve their career portfolios and provide coaching and consulting services from a communication perspective. Restricted to CMST major or consent of instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

Advanced application of contemporary theories in communication studies, particularly those related to principles of rhetoric and persuasion, in digitally mediated environments. Course topics cover the generation, management, and consumption of digital communication within social media and other Web platforms. Includes writing content strategy plans and study of tools used to curate, analyze, and interpret digital documents and information.

Credit Hours: 3

Study of ethical communication practices within the framework of the public relations profession. Course teaches the Public Relations Society of America Code of Ethics, and also prepares students to construct their own ethical guidelines for communicating professionally. Individual projects and group case studies are used to familiarize students with many of the ethical dilemmas faced by public relations professionals. Prerequisite: CMST 281 with a grade of C- or better or graduate standing.

Credit Hours: 3

An exploration of selected, current topics in public relations. Topics vary and are announced in advance. Students may repeat up to 6 hours as topic varies.

Credit Hours: 3

A supervised experience using communication skills. Emphasis on the development of skills in performance studies. May be repeated for credit up to a maximum of six hours. Limited to a total of nine hours from CMST 390A-E, CMST 490A-D, CMST 491, and CMST 494A-H. Prerequisite: twelve hours of communication studies. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 1-3

A supervised experience using communication skills. Emphasis on the development of performance skills in debate. May be repeated for credit up to a maximum of six hours. Limited to a total of nine hours from CMST 390A-E, CMST 490A-D, CMST 491, and CMST 494A-H. Prerequisite: twelve hours of communication studies. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 1-3

A supervised experience using communication skills. May be repeated for credit up to a maximum of six hours. Limited to a total of nine hours from CMST 390A-E, CMST 490A-D, CMST 491, and CMST 494A-H. Prerequisite: twelve hours of communication studies. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 1-3

A supervised experience using communication skills. Emphasis on work with the Communication Career Council. May be repeated for credit up to a maximum of six hours. Limited to a total of nine hours from CMST 390A-E, CMST 490A-D, CMST 491, and CMST 494A-H. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 1-3

Readings, creative projects, or writing projects focusing on a theoretical study of communication. The independent study should normally be completed in one semester under the tutorial supervision of a faculty sponsor. Limited to a total of nine hours from CMST 390A-E, CMST 490A-D, CMST 491, and CMST 494A-H. Not for graduate credit. Prerequisite: twelve hours of communication studies. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 1-6

Summer offering concentrating in specialized areas of performance studies. Prerequisite: CMST 201 or CMST 370 or CMST 371 with a C- or better or consent of instructor or graduate standing.

Credit Hours: 2-8

An exploration of selected current topics in communication arts and studies. Topics vary and are announced in advance; both students and faculty suggest ideas. Students may repeat enrollment in the course, as the topic varies.

Credit Hours: 3-9

A supervised experience in a professional or career setting. May be repeated for a maximum of six hours to be counted toward degree requirements. Limited to a total of nine hours from CMST 390A-E, CMST 490A-D, CMST 491, and CMST 494A-H. Not for graduate credit. Mandatory Pass/Fail. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 1-3

A supervised experience in a professional or career setting. May be repeated for a maximum of six hours to be counted toward degree requirements. Limited to a total of nine hours from CMST 390A-E, CMST 490A-D, CMST 491, and CMST 494A-H. Not for graduate credit. Mandatory Pass/Fail. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 1-3

A supervised experience in a professional or career setting. May be repeated for a maximum of six hours to be counted toward degree requirements. Limited to a total of nine hours from CMST 390A-E, CMST 490A-D, CMST 491, and CMST 494A-H. Not for graduate credit. Mandatory Pass/Fail. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 1-3

A supervised experience in a professional or career setting. May be repeated for a maximum of six hours to be counted toward degree requirements. Limited to a total of nine hours from CMST 390A-E, CMST 490A-D, CMST 491, and CMST 494A-H. Not for graduate credit. Mandatory Pass/Fail. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 1-3

A supervised experience in a professional or career setting. May be repeated for a maximum of six hours to be counted toward degree requirements. Limited to a total of nine hours from CMST 390A-E, CMST 490A-D, CMST 491, and CMST 494A-H. Not for graduate credit. Mandatory Pass/Fail. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 1-3

A supervised experience in a professional or career setting. May be repeated for a maximum of six hours to be counted toward degree requirements. Limited to a total of nine hours from CMST 390A-E, CMST 490A-D, CMST 491, and CMST 494A-H. Not for graduate credit. Mandatory Pass/Fail. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 1-3

A supervised experience in a professional or career setting. May be repeated for a maximum of six hours to be counted toward degree requirements. Limited to a total of nine hours from CMST 390A-E, CMST 490A-D, CMST 491, and CMST 494A-H. Not for graduate credit. Mandatory Pass/Fail. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 1-3

A supervised experience in a professional or career setting. May be repeated for a maximum of six hours to be counted toward degree requirements. Limited to a total of nine hours from CMST 390A-E, CMST 490A-D, CMST 491, and CMST 494A-H. Not for graduate credit. Mandatory Pass/Fail. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 1-3