Undergraduate Catalog 2022-2023

Department of Communication

Dr. Anthony Harkins, Interim Chair
Email: Anthony.Harkins@wku.edu

Ivan Wilson Center for Fine Arts, Office 130
Phone: (270) 745-3296; Fax: (270) 745-3295
Website: https://www.wku.edu/communication

The Department of Communication offers four undergraduate majors (Advertising, Communication Studies, Corporate and Organizational Communication, and Public Relations) that prepare students for understanding the complexities of communication in the modern world. We also house three certificates (Digital Advertising, Strategic Communications, and Workplace Communication). Our majors and certificates are designed to be part of a broad-based liberal arts curriculum that is essential for a well-rounded education.

Student Activities

Membership is available and encouraged in the professional student organizations associated with the department including the Lambda Pi Eta Honor Society, the American Advertising Federation, and the Public Relations Student Society of America. In addition to providing fellowship for students with common interests, these groups participate in regional and national competitions, and help host field trips, lectures, professional workshops, and career days.

Faculty

Professor

Kumi Ishii PhD (Communication Studies), Kent State University Kent Campus, 2004

Angela M. Jerome PhD (Communication Studies), University of Kansas Main Campus, 2002

Jennifer Mize Smith PhD (Communication), Purdue University Main Campus, 2006

Holly J. Payne PhD (Communication), University of Kentucky, 2003

Cliff P. Shaluta MA (Speech), Marshall University, 1983

Blair C. Thompson PhD (Communication Studies, Educational Psychology), University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2007

Associate Professor

Clint Haynes MA (Communication), Western Kentucky University, 1998

Jie-Young Kong PhD (Communication), Arizona State University-ALL, 2012

Kenneth D. Payne MA (Journalism), Marshall University, 1992

Heather M. Strode MA (Communications), Western Kentucky University, 1998

Assistant Professor

Joseph M. Hoffswell PhD (Communication), University of Missouri-Columbia, 2017

Instructor I

Emily J. Adkins MA (Organizational Communication), Western Kentucky University, 2021

Michael C. Catlett MA (Communication), Western Kentucky University, 2009

Steven J. Momorella MA (Strategic Communication), University of Delaware, 2021

Instructor II

Bruce A. Crawley MA (Communications), University of Kentucky, 1977

Charlotte A. Elder MA (Communication), Western Kentucky University, 1998

Jessica M. McClanahan MA (Communication), Western Kentucky University, 2003

Donna K. Schiess EdD (Educational Leadership, Organizational Leadership), Western Kentucky University, 2011

Patricia L. Witcher MA (Communication), Western Kentucky University, 2002

Senior Instructor

Gary K. Hughes PhD (Communication), University of Kentucky, 2014

Advertising (AD)

AD 210    Software Studio    3 Hours

An introduction to the industry standard software to edit photos, create logos/branding packages, illustrations and layouts for print and interactive media. Note: Permission of instructor may be required.

Equivalent(s): SOM 210

Course Fee: $85

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020; fall 2020; spring 2021; fall 2021; spring 2022; fall 2022

AD 240    Advertising in a Digital World    3 Hours

Explores the theory and practice of incorporating digital technology into global advertising communication campaigns. Core topics include consumer research, modern branding strategy, and message delivery. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code K-LG

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020; summer 2020; fall 2020; winter 2021; spring 2021; summer 2021; fall 2021; winter 2022; spring 2022; summer 2022; fall 2022

AD 300    Research in Advertising and Public Relations    3 Hours

Prepares students to perform and supervise preliminary research in advertising and public relations environments. Includes consumer analysis, media tracking, attitude measurement, copy testing, online research and evaluation of externally supplied research. Note: Permission of instructor may be required.

Prerequisite(s): (AD 240 with a minimum grade of C or COMM 200 with a minimum grade of C or PR 255 with a minimum grade of C) and (MATH 109 or MATH 115 or MATH 116 or MATH 117)

Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Industrial Education (081) , Visual Arts (514) , Corp. Organ. Communication (522) , News/Editorial Journalism (716) , Marketing (720) , Mass Communication (725) , Broadcasting (726) , Advertising (727) , Public Relations (763) or Communication Studies (792)

Course Fee: $50

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020; spring 2021; spring 2022

AD 310    Visual Concepts in Advertising    3 Hours

Analyze, create, and organize visual elements of persuasive and sponsored messages across media, targeting specific audiences for measurable impact. Note: Permission of instructor may be required.

Prerequisite(s): (AD 210 with a minimum grade of C or SJB 201 with a minimum grade of C) and AD 240 with a minimum grade of C

Course Fee: $85

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020; fall 2020; spring 2021; fall 2021; spring 2022; fall 2022

AD 321    Communications Analytics in Public Relations and Advertising    3 Hours

Introduction to practical application of the platforms, tools, data sources, and distribution channels of communications analytics in public relations and advertising.

Prerequisite(s): PR 255 or AD 240 or COMM 212 or permission of instructor

Equivalent(s): COMM 321, PR 321

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

AD 330    Branding    3 Hours

Process of creating and projecting a distinctively authentic personality for a business. Covers traditional and digital methods of branding, with a focus on user experience. Note: Permission of instructor may be required.

Prerequisite(s): (AD 300 with a minimum grade of C or COMM 300 with a minimum grade of C or PS 301 with a minimum grade of C or SOCL 302 with a minimum grade of C)

Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2020; spring 2021; fall 2021; spring 2022; fall 2022

AD 349    Advertising Media    3 Hours

Study and evaluation of principal advertising media, including newspapers, magazines, trade publications, radio, television and outdoor. Includes consideration of media and audiences, media rates, budgeting, negotiating, scheduling and evaluations. Note: Permission of instructor may be required.

Prerequisite(s): (COMM 300 with a minimum grade of C or PS 301 with a minimum grade of C or AD 300 with a minimum grade of C or SOCL 302 with a minimum grade of C)

Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2020; spring 2021; fall 2021; spring 2022; fall 2022

AD 400    Special Topics Advertising    3 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)

Various advertising topics not covered elsewhere in the curriculum. Note: Permission of instructor may be required.

Prerequisite(s): (COMM 200 with a minimum grade of C or ENG 300 with a minimum grade of C)

Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of Freshman may not enroll.

Course Fee: $85

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020; spring 2021

AD 410    Portfolio    3 Hours

Students collaborate to research, create and promote websites and/or applications for commercial and non-commercial projects. Synthesizes all elements of user-experience design and branding.

Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Advertising (727) or Advertising (Seeking Adm) (727P)

Course Fee: $85

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020; fall 2020; spring 2021; fall 2021; spring 2022; fall 2022

AD 415    Study Abroad in Advertising    3 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)

Advertising and culture in international and cross-cultural locations. Repeatable once for a total of 6 hours.

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

AD 489    AD Internship or Practicum    3 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)

Prerequisite(s): 18 hours in the major, and permission of instructor. For departmental majors only. Professional -quality experience outside or inside the University for a fixed period of time. Follow-up with consist student reports and employer evaluation. Open only to Advertising majors. Course will be repeatable once for credit (only 3 hours will count for credit toward major).

Restriction(s): Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Junior or Senior.

Enrollment is limited to students in Advertising (727)

Course Fee: $85

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020; summer 2020; fall 2020; spring 2021; fall 2021; spring 2022; fall 2022

AD 495    Independent Study in Advertising    1-6 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)

Develops directed research in Advertising. Students must submit a written petition for faculty approval of the study in the semester prior to enrolling. Note: Permission of instructor.

Prerequisite(s): COMM 200 with a minimum grade of C

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020; summer 2020; fall 2020; spring 2021

Communication (COMM)

COMM 142    Forensic Practicum I    1 Hour

Individualized coaching and intercollegiate competitive experience in debate and individual events. Note: Active participation on the forensic team required.

Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2020; fall 2021; fall 2022

COMM 144    Forensic Practicum II    1 Hour

Individualized coaching and intercollegiate competitive experience in debate and individual events. Note: Active participation on the forensic team required.

Prerequisite(s): COMM 142

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020; spring 2021; spring 2022

COMM 145    Fundamentals of Public Speaking and Communication    3 Hours

Focuses on the preparation and delivery of public speeches (informative and persuasive), with skills development in listening, teamwork, and interpersonal communication contexts. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code F-OC | OC

Course Fee: $5

Recent Term(s) Offered: winter 2020; spring 2020; summer 2020; fall 2020; winter 2021; spring 2021; summer 2021; fall 2021; winter 2022; spring 2022; summer 2022; fall 2022

COMM 154    New Media Literacy    3 Hours

Develops a framework to access, analyze, evaluate, create and interact with messages in a variety of digital forms, including social media. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code E-SB | SB

Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2020; summer 2021; fall 2021; spring 2022; summer 2022; fall 2022

COMM 200    Communication Foundations    3 Hours

Introduces foundational communication contexts, theories, and processes. Note: Permission of instructor may be required. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code F-W2 | WC

Prerequisite(s): (COMM 145 or COMM 161 or COMN 145C or COMN 161C or SCOM 145 or SCOM 161 or SPCH 145C or SPCH 161C or TRAN A3-L or KGET C-A3 or COMM A3-L or SCOM A3-L or COMM FOC-L or TRAN FOC-L or KGET F-OC) and (ENG 100 or ENGL 100C or KGET F-W1 or KGET C-A1 or ENG A1-L or ENG FW1-L or TRAN A1-L or TRAN FW1-L or TRAN A3-L or KGET CA3 or COMM A3-L or COMM FOC-L or TRAN FOC-L or KGET F-OC or ENG 100E)

Recent Term(s) Offered: winter 2020; spring 2020; summer 2020; fall 2020; winter 2021; spring 2021; summer 2021; fall 2021; winter 2022; spring 2022; summer 2022; fall 2022

COMM 212    Intro Digital Texts and Media    3 Hours

Students will study the rhetorical, critical, and ethical dimensions of digital composing, producing genres such as web-based videos, podcasts, blogs, websites, and video essays.

Prerequisite(s): ENG 100

Equivalent(s): ENG 212

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

COMM 240    Effective Listening    3 Hours

Studies contextual, psychological and logical bases of listening and training in listening for comprehension, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. Focuses on critical listening skills in face-to-face, mediated, interactive and public settings.

Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2020; summer 2021; fall 2021; spring 2022; summer 2022; fall 2022

COMM 242    Forensic Practicum III    1 Hour

Individualized coaching and intercollegiate competitive experience in debate and individual events. Note: Active participation on the forensic team required.

Prerequisite(s): COMM 144

Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2020; fall 2021; fall 2022

COMM 244    Forensic Practicum IV    1 Hour

Individualized coaching and intercollegiate competitive experience in debate and individual events. Note: Active participation on the forensic team required.

Prerequisite(s): COMM 242

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020; spring 2021; spring 2022

COMM 245    Argumentation and Debate    3 Hours

Introduces argumentation and debate, emphasizing construction, analysis, and refutation of arguments. Classroom experience is provided in academic debating.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021

COMM 247    Voice and Diction    3 Hours

Develops pleasing voice quality, correct articulation, distinct enunciation and diction free from substandard pronunciation.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020; fall 2020; spring 2021; spring 2022

COMM 260    Organizational Interviewing    3 Hours

Offers fundamental principles and practices of interviewing from both interviewer and interviewee perspectives. Requires application of course content to interview process. Note: Permission of instructor.

Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of Freshman may not enroll.

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

COMM 300    Introduction to Communication Research Methods    3 Hours

Introduces rhetorical, qualitative, and quantitative methods of inquiry used in Communication research. Note: Permission of instructor may be required.

Prerequisite(s): COMM 200 (may be taken concurrently) with a minimum grade of C and (MATH 109 or MATH 115 or MA 109C or MA 115C or MATH 116 or MATH 116E or MATH 117)

Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2020; fall 2021

COMM 315    Sport Communication    3 Hours

Introduces students to the management of communication and public relations within sport.

Equivalent(s): SPM 315

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020; spring 2021; spring 2022

COMM 321    Communications Analytics in Public Relations and Advertising    3 Hours

Introduction to practical application of the platforms, tools, data sources, and distribution channels of communications analytics in public relations and advertising.

Prerequisite(s): PR 255 or AD 240 or COMM 212 or permission of instructor

Equivalent(s): AD 321, PR 321

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

COMM 330    Leadership Communication    3 Hours

Studies the role that communication plays in various leadership contexts and situations. Note: Permission of instructor may be required.

Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of Freshman may not enroll.

Recent Term(s) Offered: winter 2020; spring 2020; summer 2020; fall 2020; winter 2021; spring 2021; summer 2021; fall 2021; winter 2022; spring 2022; summer 2022; fall 2022

COMM 342    Forensic Practicum V    1 Hour

Individualized coaching and intercollegiate competitive experience in debate and individual events. Note: Active participation on the forensic team required.

Prerequisite(s): COMM 244

Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2020; fall 2021; fall 2022

COMM 344    Forensic Practicum VI    1 Hour

Individualized coaching and intercollegiate competitive experience in debate and individual events. Note: Active participation on the forensic team is required.

Prerequisite(s): COMM 342

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020; spring 2021; spring 2022

COMM 345    Advanced Public Speaking    3 Hours

Advances the preparation and delivery of public speeches including speeches to explain a concept, technical speeches, speeches to convince, speeches to actuate, speeches to entertain, and speeches for special occasions. Note: Permission of instructor may be required.

Prerequisite(s): (COMM 145 with a minimum grade of C or COMM 161 with a minimum grade of C or COMN 145C with a minimum grade of C or COMN 161C with a minimum grade of C or SCOM 145 with a minimum grade of C or SCOM 161 with a minimum grade of C or SPCH 145C with a minimum grade of C or SPCH 161C with a minimum grade of C)

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020; fall 2020; spring 2021; fall 2021; spring 2022; summer 2022; fall 2022

COMM 346    Persuasion    3 Hours

Introduces basic theories of persuasion and attitude change. The course emphasizes communication theory and rhetorical perspectives of persuasion. Note: Permission of instructor may be required.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020; fall 2020; spring 2021; fall 2021; spring 2022; fall 2022

COMM 348    Interpersonal Communication    3 Hours

Introduces students to the fundamentals of interpersonal communication, including interpersonal skills, theory, and research. Note: Permission of instructor may be required.

Prerequisite(s): COMM 145 with a minimum grade of C

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020; fall 2020; spring 2021; fall 2021; spring 2022; fall 2022

COMM 349    Small Group Communication    3 Hours

Studies group dynamics, interaction and communication in group situations. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code K-SY

Prerequisite(s): 21 hours of Foundations and Explorations Courses, or junior status

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020; fall 2020; spring 2021; summer 2021; fall 2021; spring 2022; fall 2022

COMM 362    Organizational Communication    3 Hours

Introduces theoretical approaches to human communication in organizations. Note: Permission of instructor may be required.

Prerequisite(s): (COMM 200 (may be taken concurrently) with a minimum grade of C or ENG 300 (may be taken concurrently) with a minimum grade of C)

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020; summer 2020; fall 2020; spring 2021; summer 2021; fall 2021; winter 2022; spring 2022; summer 2022; fall 2022

COMM 363    Interracial Communication    3 Hours

Prerequisite(s): COMM 263. Examines the role of race as a social construct in communication within and between identified racial groups. Race is studied as a significant factor in cultural identity, communication practices, and as central to perceptions and attributions made intra- and interracially.

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

COMM 364    Crisis Communication    3 Hours

Examines communicative pre-crisis preparation and post-crisis response strategies. Note: Permission of instructor may be required.

Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2020; fall 2021; fall 2022

COMM 365    Intercultural Communication    3 Hours

Introduces concepts and principles from the communication discipline for examining, analyzing, and evaluating challenges and opportunities of engaging cultural differences in peoples' face-to-face and mediated communication interactions in today's increasingly interdependent and interconnected world. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code K-SC

Prerequisite(s): 21 hours of Foundations and Explorations Courses, or junior status

Recent Term(s) Offered: winter 2020; spring 2020; fall 2020; spring 2021; summer 2021; fall 2021; spring 2022; summer 2022; fall 2022

COMM 374    Gender Communication    3 Hours

Examines communication behaviors as affected by gender, including assessment of communication differences reflected in organizational, interpersonal, and mass communication modes.

Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of Freshman may not enroll.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020; spring 2021; spring 2022

COMM 388    Seminar in Political Communication    3 Hours

Focuses on the roles, processes, and effects of communication within the context of politics. This course is required of all Political Communication Certificate students. Note: Permission of instructor may be required.

Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of Freshman may not enroll.

Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2020

COMM 400    Special Topics in Communication    3 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)

Offers students courses on various communication topics not covered specifically in the curriculum. Note: Permission of instructor may be required.

Prerequisite(s): (COMM 200 with a minimum grade of C or ENG 300 (may be taken concurrently) with a minimum grade of C)

Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of Freshman may not enroll.

Recent Term(s) Offered: winter 2021; spring 2021; spring 2022

COMM 415    Study Abroad in Communication    1-3 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)

Study of communication interactions, processes, and culture in international and cross-cultural locations. Repeatable up to six hours.

Recent Term(s) Offered: winter 2020; winter 2022

COMM 440    Health Communication    3 Hours

Examines and analyzes the critical role communication plays in health campaigns, health care delivery, health care contexts, and in health behavior change. Note: Permission of instructor.

Prerequisite(s): (COMM 200 with a minimum grade of C or ENG 300 with a minimum grade of C)

Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of Freshman may not enroll.

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

COMM 442    Forensic Practicum VII    1 Hour

Individualized coaching and intercollegiate competitive experience in debate and individual events. Note: Active participation on the forensic team required.

Prerequisite(s): COMM 344

Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2020; fall 2021; fall 2022

COMM 444    Forensic Practicum VIII    1 Hour

Individualized coaching and intercollegiate competitive experience in debate and individual events. Note: Active participation on the forensic team required.

Prerequisite(s): COMM 442

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020; spring 2021; spring 2022

COMM 448    Advanced Interpersonal Communication    3 Hours

Designed as a survey of research and theory in interpersonal communication. Note: Permission of instructor.

Prerequisite(s): COMM 348 with a minimum grade of C

Recent Term(s) Offered: winter 2020

COMM 450    Family Communication    3 Hours

Designed as a survey of research and theory in family communication. Note: Permission of instructor may be required.

Prerequisite(s): COMM 348 with a minimum grade of C

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

COMM 451    Communication in the Digital Age    3 Hours

Examines various types of computer-mediated communication available in contemporary organizations. Note: Permission of instructor may be required.

Prerequisite(s): (COMM 200 with a minimum grade of C or ENG 300 (may be taken concurrently) with a minimum grade of C)

Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of Freshman may not enroll.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020; spring 2022

COMM 462    Advanced Organizational Communication    3 Hours

Integrates and applies studies of organizational communication theory and research. Note: Permission of instructor may be required.

Prerequisite(s): COMM 362 with a minimum grade of C

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020; spring 2021; spring 2022

COMM 463    Advanced Intercultural Communication    3 Hours

Advances understanding and application of intercultural communication theory and research for examining, analyzing, and evaluating challenges of engaging cultural difference in today's interconnected world. Note: Permission of instructor may be required.

Prerequisite(s): (Social Cultural- C or Higher or Local to Global - C or Higher)

Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2020; fall 2021; fall 2022

COMM 470    Organizational Relationships    3 Hours

Examines the positive and negative elements of workplace relationships and their importance to organizational and personal well-being. Note: Permission of instructor may be required.

Prerequisite(s): COMM 200 with a minimum grade of C and (COMM 348 with a minimum grade of C or COMM 362 (may be taken concurrently) with a minimum grade of C)

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022

COMM 471    Communication in Multinational Organizations    3 Hours

Overview of the significant roles of of communication in multinational organizations (MNOs). Analysis and application of theories and principles for effective communication among a diverse group of employees in various MNO contexts. Note: Permission of instructor.

Prerequisite(s): COMM 362 with a minimum grade of C

Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2020; fall 2021; fall 2022

COMM 489    Internship in Communication    3 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)

Structures appropriate supervised work with a cooperating organization. Open only to Communication Studies and Corporate and Organizational Communication majors. Note: Course will be repeatable once for credit (only 3 hours will count for credit toward major).

Prerequisite(s): COMM 200 with a minimum grade of C and COMM 362 with a minimum grade of C

Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of Freshman or Sophomore may not enroll.

Enrollment is limited to students in Corp. Organ. Communication (522) , Corp. Organ. Comm-Prep (522P) , Advertising (727) , Advertising (Seeking Adm) (727P) , Popular Culture Studies (758) , Public Relations (763) , Public Relations (Seeking Adm) (763P) , Communication Studies (792) or Communication Studies-Prep (792P)

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020; summer 2020; fall 2020; spring 2021; summer 2021; fall 2021; spring 2022; summer 2022; fall 2022

COMM 494    Capstone in Communication    1 Hour

Enables students to demonstrate knowledge of the discipline by applying Communication theories to analyze relevant/professional work experience, and illustrate career preparation/readiness.

Prerequisite(s): COMM 200 and COMM 300 (may be taken concurrently)

Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of Freshman, Junior or Sophomore may not enroll.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020; fall 2020; spring 2021; fall 2021

COMM 495    Independent Study in Communication    1-6 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)

Develops directed research in communication. Students are to submit written petitions for faculty approval of the study during the previous semester. Note: Permission of instructor may be required.

Prerequisite(s): COMM 200 with a minimum grade of C

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020; summer 2020

Popular Culture Studies (POP)

POP 201    Introduction to Popular Culture Studies    3 Hours

An interdisciplinary introduction to the major theories and subjects of the study of popular culture. The course offers a range of theoretical and methodological approaches to considering the producers, audiences and meanings of the culture of everyday life in a variety of historical and cultural contexts. Note: Permission of instructor. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code E-AH | AH

Prerequisite(s): (ENG 100 or ENGL 100C)

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020; spring 2021; spring 2022; fall 2022

POP 389    Independent Studies in Popular Culture Studies    1-3 Hours (repeatable max of 3 hrs)

Supervised individual study in a topic or area of Popular Culture Studies that is of particular interest to the student. Note: Requires instructor permission.

Prerequisite(s): POP 201

Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of Academy Junior, Academy Senior, Freshman or Sophomore may not enroll.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020; spring 2021

POP 399    Special Topics in Popular Culture Studies    3 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)

A detailed study of special topics in popular culture studies.

Recent Term(s) Offered: winter 2020

POP 498    Senior Seminar in Popular Culture Studies    1 Hour

A capstone course designed for Popular Culture Studies majors. Under the guidance of a faculty mentor, students will complete a substantial independent research or creative project and share their work with peers in a seminar setting. Note: Permission of instructor and at least 21 credit hours in major required.

Prerequisite(s): POP 201

Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of Academy Junior, Academy Senior, Freshman, Junior or Sophomore may not enroll.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020; fall 2020; spring 2021

Public Relations (PR)

PR 255    Fundamentals of Public Relations    3 Hours

Introduction to principles, practices and theory of public relations. Provides basic understanding of role played by PR in society; historical, ethical and sociological foundations of PR; and tasks and functions performed in organizations by those responsible for managing and implementing PR activities. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code E-SB | SB

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020; summer 2020; fall 2020; spring 2021; summer 2021; fall 2021; spring 2022; summer 2022; fall 2022

PR 321    Communications Analytics in Public Relations and Advertising    3 Hours

Introduction to practical application of the platforms, tools, data sources, and distribution channels of communications analytics in public relations and advertising.

Prerequisite(s): PR 255 or AD 240 or COMM 212 or permission of instructor

Equivalent(s): AD 321, COMM 321

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; spring 2022; fall 2022

PR 350    Legal and Ethical Foundations of Strategic Communication    3 Hours

Study of the interconnecting legal and ethical responsibilities relevant to those in public relations, advertising, and related communication contexts.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020; spring 2021; fall 2021; spring 2022; fall 2022

PR 354    International Public Relations    3 Hours

Issues and processes relating to the practice of international public relations, including international public relations campaign and business styles.

Restriction(s): Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Academy Junior, Academy Senior, Freshman or Sophomore.

Enrollment is limited to students in Corp. Organ. Communication (522) , International Affairs (702) , News/Editorial Journalism (716) , Mass Communication (725) , Broadcasting (726) , Advertising (727) , Photojournalism (750) or Public Relations (763)

Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2020; fall 2021; fall 2022

PR 356    Digital Tactics in Public Relations    3 Hours

Examines the strategic use of digital and social media platforms and tools for public relations purposes with an emphasis on hands-on experience and skill. Lecture and lab. Note: Permission of instructor.

Prerequisite(s): PR 255 with a minimum grade of C and JOUR 202 with a minimum grade of C

Course Fee: $45

Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2020; fall 2021; fall 2022

PR 358    Public Relations Writing and Production    3 Hours

Writing and production of print and electronic messages to achieve organizational objectives. Includes writing styles appropriate for various media and publication design strategies to achieve public relations goals. Note: Permission of instructor.

Prerequisite(s): PR 255 with a minimum grade of C and JOUR 202 with a minimum grade of C

Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Public Relations (763)

Course Fee: $75

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020; spring 2021; spring 2022

PR 400    Special Topics in Public Relations    3 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)

Various public relations topics not covered specifically in the curriculum. Note: Permission of instructor.

Prerequisite(s): (COMM 200 with a minimum grade of C or ENG 300 with a minimum grade of C)

Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of Freshman may not enroll.

Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2022

PR 415    Study Abroad in Public Relations    3 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)

Public relations and culture in international and cross-cultural locations Repeatable once for a total of 6 hours.

Recent Term(s) Offered: summer 2022

PR 454    Public Relations Strategy and Planning    3 Hours

Course in conceptualizing, managing, monitoring and implementing specialized programs. Practical guidance and experience in applying logic, implementation and evaluation and development of PR case studies. Actual clients are often used. Note: Permission of instructor.

Prerequisite(s): (AD 300 with a minimum grade of C or COMM 300 with a minimum grade of C or PS 301 with a minimum grade of C or SOCL 302 with a minimum grade of C) and (PR 356 with a minimum grade of C or PR 358 with a minimum grade of C)

Course Fee: $75

Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2020; fall 2021; fall 2022

PR 456    Public Relations Management    3 Hours

Advanced course in conceptualizing, managing, monitoring and implementing specialized commercial and social programs for corporate, service and government institutions. This capstone PR course involves interaction with actual clients. Note: Permission of instructor.

Prerequisite(s): PR 454 with a minimum grade of C

Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Public Relations (763)

Course Fee: $45

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020; spring 2021; spring 2022

PR 489    PR Internship or Practicum    3 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)

Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor. For Public Relations majors only. Professional-quality experience outside or inside the University for a fixed period of time. Follow-up with consist student reports and employer evaluation. Open only to Public Relations majors. Course will be repeatable one for credit (only 3 hours will count for credit toward major).

Restriction(s): Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Junior or Senior.

Enrollment is limited to students in Public Relations (763)

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2020; summer 2020; fall 2020; spring 2021; summer 2021; fall 2021; summer 2022; fall 2022

PR 495    Study in Public Relations    1-6 Hours

Develops directed research in Public Relations. Students must submit a written petition for faculty approval of the study in the semester prior to enrolling. Note: Permission of instructor.

Prerequisite(s): COMM 200 with a minimum grade of C

Recent Term(s) Offered: None