COM Communications

COM 412 Advanced Message Design and Creation

dwaddell — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 22:49:23 +0000

COM 412 Advanced Message Design and Creation dwaddell Fri, 10/24/2025 - 15:49

Advanced Message Design and Creation builds on foundational communication skills by focusing on the design and production of persuasive, creative, and audience-centered messages across a variety of media. Students will learn how to develop content strategies, design messages that align with brand identity, and adapt content for multiple formats including blogs, podcasts, video, and digital storytelling platforms. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, argumentation, and ethical responsibility in message creation, as well as mastery of professional style conventions. By the end of the course, students will produce polished original work that demonstrates advanced skills in concept development, platform adaptation, and professional presentation. Prerequisite: COM 345 and COM 327

3 COM Communications

COM 377 Research and Methods in Communication

dwaddell — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 22:43:58 +0000

COM 377 Research and Methods in Communication dwaddell Fri, 10/24/2025 - 15:43

Communications Research and Methods provides an introduction to the research practices that support effective professional communication. The course emphasizes the ability to locate, evaluate, and apply accurate and unbiased information in communication contexts, with attention to the role of research in maintaining credibility and trust. Students will examine both qualitative and quantitative approaches to communication research, including methods of audience analysis and the interpretation of media use data. While academic perspectives on research are included, the focus is on applications that support professional communicators, particularly those working independently. Students will complete two applied research projects that require the use of research tools to verify accuracy, analyze audiences, and inform communication strategies.

3 COM Communications

COM 333 Ethics in Communication

dwaddell — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 22:41:57 +0000

COM 333 Ethics in Communication dwaddell Fri, 10/24/2025 - 15:41

Ethics in Communication introduces students to the ethical foundations and philosophies that shape communication practices across media and professional contexts. While drawing on journalism as a historical foundation, the course expands to include independent and entrepreneurial communicators such as content creators, freelancers, influencers, and digital media professionals. Students will examine major ethical theories and standards and apply them to case studies that explore truth-telling, transparency, privacy, representation, accountability, and the impact of digital platforms. Special attention will be given to the ethical dimensions of AI in communication, including issues of authorship, accuracy, disclosure, and responsible use of emerging tools. Emphasis is placed on ethical decision-making in real-world communication situations, particularly where individuals act without the oversight of traditional institutions. By the end of the course, students will be prepared to recognize ethical dilemmas, evaluate competing responsibilities, and apply ethical reasoning to guide their professional communication practice

3 COM Communications

COM 150 Foundations of Digital Presence

dwaddell — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 22:36:31 +0000

COM 150 Foundations of Digital Presence dwaddell Fri, 10/24/2025 - 15:36

This course introduces students to the foundational concepts and tools for building a professional digital presence. Students will explore personal branding, online identity, audience engagement, and content strategy across different modes of communication (e.g., podcast, video, written word, etc.) via multiple platforms. Emphasis is also placed on reflective analysis of both planning and content, ethical participation in digital spaces, and the creation of an initial digital presence plan that students can build on throughout their academic and professional journey. Prerequisites: SPE 103

3 COM Communications

COM 327 Visual Communication