Communication
Bachelor of Arts
The Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in communication is designed to prepare graduates for a variety of careers in the field of communication. Students will have a solid grounding in the discipline and the opportunities to choose a concentration in social and digital media, organizational communication leadership, or film production through the Georgia Film Academy. The program will emphasize media literacy, information technology literacy, critical thinking, research, and strong writing and oral communication skills to meet workforce needs as well as prepare students for further study. Students will be required to earn a grade of C or better in COMM 1110 and all 2000- and upper-level communication courses.
Area A: Essential Skills ** | ||
ENGL 1101 | English Composition I | 3 |
ENGL 1102 | English Composition II | 3 |
MATH 1101 | Intro to Mathematical Modeling | 3 |
or MATH 1111 | College Algebra | |
or MATH 1401 | Elementary Statistics | |
Area B: Institutional Options | ||
Beginning Fall 2022, incoming (entering) students with 29 hours or fewer college credits will take only a Perspectives course for their one-hour Area B credit. | ||
COMM 1110 | Fundamentals of Speech | 3 |
Select one of the following electives: | 1 | |
Intro to Greek Mythology | ||
Creative Writing | ||
Natural Hazards | ||
Appalachian Hist-Special Topic | ||
Sports Hist & Amer Character | ||
Health and Wellness Concepts | ||
Mystery Fiction in Pop Culture | ||
Christian Fiction/Pop Culture | ||
Race and Ethnicity in America | ||
PRSP Elective (See advisor) | ||
Area C: Humanities/Fine Arts * | ||
Choose one to two ENGL course(s): | 3-6 | |
Topics in Literature & Culture | ||
World Literature I | ||
World Literature II | ||
British Literature I | ||
British Literature II | ||
American Literature I | ||
American Literature II | ||
Intro to Film as Literature * | ||
If only one ENGL course chosen, add one of the following: | 0-3 | |
Art Appreciation | ||
Expressions of Culture I | ||
Expressions of Culture II | ||
Music Appreciation | ||
World Music | ||
American Music | ||
Theatre Appreciation | ||
Area D: Science/Mathematics/Technology ** | ||
Eight Credit Hours of Lab Science Electives: | 8 | |
Astronomy of the Solar System and Astronomy of Solar Sys. Lab | ||
Stellar and Galactic Astronomy and Stellar & Galac. Astronomy Lab | ||
Environmental Studies | ||
Principles of Biology I | ||
Principles of Biology II | ||
Botany | ||
Principles of Entomology | ||
Survey of Chemistry | ||
Principles of Chemistry I | ||
Principles of Chemistry II | ||
Principles of Geology | ||
Historical Geology | ||
Geology & the Environment | ||
Introductory Physics I | ||
Introductory Physics II | ||
Principles of Physics I | ||
Principles of Physics II | ||
Select one of the following electives: ** | 3-4 | |
Astronomy of the Solar System | ||
Stellar and Galactic Astronomy | ||
Environmental Studies | ||
Principles of Biology I | ||
Principles of Biology II | ||
Botany | ||
Principles of Entomology | ||
Survey of Chemistry | ||
Principles of Chemistry I | ||
Principles of Chemistry II | ||
Principles of Programming I | ||
Principles of Programming II | ||
Introduction to Data Science | ||
Environmental Hazards | ||
Principles of Geology | ||
Historical Geology | ||
Geology & the Environment | ||
Precalculus Mathematics | ||
Elementary Statistics ** | ||
Applied Calculus | ||
Calculus and Analytic Geom I | ||
Calculus and Analytic Geom II | ||
Introductory Physics I | ||
Introductory Physics II | ||
Principles of Physics I | ||
Principles of Physics II | ||
Area E: Social Sciences | ||
HIST 2111 | United States History to 1877 | 3 |
or HIST 2112 | United States Hist since 1877 | |
POLS 1101 | American Government | 3 |
PSYC 1101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
Select one of the following electives: | 3 | |
Intro to Cultural Anthropology | ||
Principles of Macroeconomics | ||
Principles of Microeconomics | ||
Introduction to Geography | ||
Intro to Human Geography | ||
Intro to Physical Geography | ||
World Civilization to 1500 CE | ||
World Civilization since 1500 | ||
United States History to 1877 | ||
United States Hist since 1877 | ||
Intro to World Religions | ||
Intro to Philosophical Issues | ||
Logic and Critical Thinking | ||
Intro to Political Science | ||
State and Local Government | ||
Comparative Politics | ||
International Relations | ||
Psychology of Adjustment | ||
Human Development | ||
Introduction to Sociology | ||
Social Problems | ||
Area F: Major Related (Grades of C or better required.) * | ||
COMM 1100 | Human Communications | 3 |
COMM 2000 | Intro to Mass Communication | 3 |
COMM 2110 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
Choose one Foreign Language Sequence: | 6 | |
Elementary French I | ||
Elementary French II | ||
Intermediate French I | ||
Intermediate French II | ||
or | ||
Elementary German I | ||
Elementary German II | ||
or | ||
Elementary Spanish I | ||
Elementary Spanish II | ||
Accelerated Elementary Spanish | ||
Intermediate Spanish I | ||
Intermediate Spanish II | ||
Choose one of the following electives: | 3 | |
World Literature I | ||
World Literature II | ||
British Literature I | ||
British Literature II | ||
American Literature I | ||
American Literature II | ||
Intro to Film as Literature * | ||
Expressions of Culture I | ||
Expressions of Culture II | ||
Music Appreciation | ||
Theatre Appreciation | ||
Practicum in Theatre (must be taken three times to receive credit here) | ||
Play Development | ||
Children's Theatre | ||
Upper-Division Communication Core: | ||
COMM 3100 | Intro to Communication Theory | 3 |
COMM 3301 | Communication for Prof Setting | 3 |
COMM 3400 | Organizational Communication | 3 |
COMM 4180 | Media Effects | 3 |
COMM 4010 | Qual Res Methods Communication | 3 |
COMM 4020 | Quant Research Methods Comm | 3 |
COMM 4400/ENGL 4410 | Studies in Film | 3 |
COMM 4425 | Intercultural Communication | 3 |
COMM 4602 | Mass Media and Society | 3 |
COMM 4999 | Senior Seminar in Communicatio | 3 |
Choose one Concentration: | ||
Organizational Communication Leadership Concentration: | ||
COMM 3000 | Intro to Public Relations | 3 |
COMM 4100 | Integrated Marketing Comm | 3 |
Organizational Communication Leadership Electives: | 9 | |
Principles of Advertising | ||
Writing for Electronic Media | ||
Persuasive Communication | ||
Listening | ||
Readings in Leadership & Commu | ||
Communication Small Grps/Teams | ||
Humor Communication | ||
Political Communication | ||
Intro to Video Production | ||
Introduction to Screenwriting | ||
Content Strategy & Adobe Suite | ||
Graphi Design Tools | ||
Special Topics Communication | ||
Communication Internship | ||
Interperson Comm/Conflict Mgmt | ||
Princ Health Communication | ||
Law & Ethics in Communication | ||
Gender and Communication | ||
Technical Writing | ||
Optional Minor or Upper-Level Electives | 15 | |
Digital/Social Media Concentration: | ||
COMM 4200 | Social Media Communication | 3 |
COMM 4300 | Emerging Media | 3 |
Digital/Social Media Communication Electives: | 6-9 | |
Intro to Public Relations | ||
Principles of Advertising | ||
Writing for Electronic Media | ||
Persuasive Communication | ||
Intro to Video Production | ||
Introduction to Screenwriting | ||
Content Strategy & Adobe Suite | ||
Graphi Design Tools | ||
Special Topics Communication | ||
Communication Internship | ||
Integrated Marketing Comm | ||
Princ Health Communication | ||
Mass Media & Popular Culture | ||
Law & Ethics in Communication | ||
Optional Minor or Upper-Level Electives | 15-18 | |
Film Studies Concentration: | ||
Film Studies Certification + | 18 | |
Intr to On-Set Film Production | ||
or GFA 1040 | Intr Film & TV Post-Prodcution | |
or GFA 1500 | Digital Ent, Esports&Game Dev. | |
Choose electives from below in consultation with advisor depending upon the GFA 1000-level course chosen. | ||
GA Film & TV Prod Internship | ||
or GFA 4000 | TV & Digital Ent Apprenticeshi | |
GFA Set Construction & Paint | ||
or GFA 3010 | Production Design I | |
GFA Lighting & Electric | ||
or GFA 3020 | Motion Picture Set Lighting I | |
Grip & Rigging | ||
Edit w/Avid Media Composer 100 | ||
or GFA 3040 | Edit w/ Avid Media Composer | |
Special Effects Make-Up | ||
GFA Production Accounting | ||
Sound Design/Avid Media Compos | ||
or GFA 3140 | Sound Design Avid Pro Tool 100 | |
Event Mgmt Digit Ent & Esports | ||
or GFA 3510 | Digital Ent&Esports Event Desi | |
Host&Casting Digit Ent&Esports | ||
or GFA 3520 | Digital Ent&Esport & Game Dev | |
Production Design II | ||
Motion Picture Set Lighting II | ||
Adv Edit w/Avid Media Comp200 | ||
Adv Sound Dsgn w/Avid Comp200 | ||
Upper-Level COMM Electives | 12 | |
Total Hours | 120-121 |
- *
ENGL 2201 is strongly suggested in Area C or F.
- **
MATH 1401 is strongly suggested in Area A or D.
- +
Students who desire to pursue the Georgia Film Academy concentration should speak with their advisor and the chair of the department to register for these courses, which are by chair approval. Courses are 3-6 credits each and are taught at one of the following:
- Georgia Film Academy, 461 Sandy Creek Road, Fayetteville, GA
- Northern Hub Facility, 6305 Crescent Drive, Norcross, GA
- Southern Crescent Technical College, 501 Varsity Road, Griffin, GA
Courses
COMM 1100. Human Communications. 3-0-3 Units.
Provides a broad approach to oral communication skills including intrapersonal, interpersonal, small group, and public speaking. Presents students with an introduction to communication as a field of academic study. In addition, students will be required to demonstrate proficiency in various communication techniques, including public speaking, group presentations, and critical listening skills.(F,S)
Prerequisites: ENGL 0999 unless exempt.
COMM 1110. Fundamentals of Speech. 3-0-3 Units.
Presents the basic principles of effective oral communication. Emphasizes planning, researching, organizing, and presenting types of speeches used in business, educational, and political activities. Gives special attention to informative and persuasive extemporaneous speeches. (F,S,M) Pre- or co-requisite ENGL 0999, unless exempt.
COMM 2000. Intro to Mass Communication. 3-0-3 Units.
Provides a historical and social overview of the mass media and their relationship to the mass communication process in a modern society.(F, S, M)
Prerequisites: COMM 1110 and ENGL 1101 with grades of C or better.
COMM 2110. Interpersonal Communication. 3-0-3 Units.
Focuses on the development of assertiveness, leadership, conflict resolution skills, critical thinking, and greater understanding of the complexities of the communication process. Practical and theoretical applications for all theories and concepts will be discussed.(F, S)
Prerequisites: COMM 1110 with a grade of C or better; ENGL 1101.
COMM 3000. Intro to Public Relations. 3-0-3 Units.
An introduction to the history, role, and functions of public relations, including public relations theory, ethics, and industry and career issues.(F)
Prerequisites: COMM 1110 with a C or better; and COMM 2000 or permission of instructor.
COMM 3001. Principles of Advertising. 3-0-3 Units.
Explores advertising and promotion as related to level of economic growth, cultural influences, and sociological environments.(S)
Prerequisites: COMM 1110 with a C or better; COMM 2000 or permission of instructor.
COMM 3100. Intro to Communication Theory. 3-0-3 Units.
Introduces the students to the diverse insights and approaches to the process of human communication, examining the philosophical and empirical backgrounds to the theories and the practical applications of the theories. The class will emphasize interactivity and use of communication skills as it examines theories of rhetorical, group, mass, interpersonal, and intercultural communication.(F)
Prerequisites: COMM 1110 with a C or better; COMM 2000.
COMM 3101. Writing for Electronic Media. 3-0-3 Units.
Non-fiction writing for television, radio, and the Internet focusing on issues such as public affairs, commercials, documentaries, and narrative pieces. (F) Prerequisite: COMM 1110 with a C or better; and COMM 2000 or instructor permission
COMM 3220. Persuasive Communication. 3-0-3 Units.
Focuses on the development of critical evaluation, research, and persuasive speaking skills. Individual oral presentations, small group problem-solving discussions, and debating contexts will be considered.(S)
Prerequisites: COMM 1110 with a C or better; ENGL 1102.
COMM 3301. Communication for Prof Setting. 3-0-3 Units.
Introduces baccalaureate students outside of the School of Business to the purposes, modes, and desired outcomes of oral and written communication in the business and professional workplace. Topics will include internal and external correspondence such as letters, email, reports, and newsletters; communication tasks involved in gaining employment; understanding the contemporary workplace environment; communicating in groups and teams; and public presentation for training and sales.(F,S, M online)
Prerequisites: ENGL 1102 with a grade of C or better; COMM 1110 with a grade of C or better; successful completion of at least 30 credit hours.
COMM 3330. Advanced Communication Skills. 3-0-3 Units.
(F through eMajor)
Prerequisites: COMM 1110 with a C or better.
COMM 3350. Listening. 3-0-3 Units.
This course teaches students to understand the complexity of listening and the nature of listening in the human communication process. This course will stress six skill areas: 1) hearing messages, 2) understanding messages, 3) remembering messages, 4) interpreting messages, 5) evaluating messages, and 6) responding to messages. (F, alternate years) Prerequisite: COMM 1110 with a C or better; COMM 2110
COMM 3400. Organizational Communication. 3-0-3 Units.
Introduces students to the processes and principles that explain the way organizations communicate both internally and externally. Examines topics such as organizational cultures, conflict management, initiating change, leadership, team building, globalization, technology, and organizational diversity, etc. Exposes students to organizational communication from a historical and theoretical perspective, as well as an examination of current trends.(F)
Prerequisites: COMM 1110 with a C or better; ENGL 1102.
COMM 3405. Readings in Leadership & Commu. 3-0-3 Units.
Examines leadership theory in light of the communication discipline (in reference to communication theory and practice) and offers opportunities for students to understand leadership theory and to examine practices of communication in leadership across multiple sectors of social, educational, and political contexts. (F, alternate years) Prerequisites: COMM 1110 and COMM 2000
COMM 3425. Communication Small Grps/Teams. 3-0-3 Units.
Examines the theories behind small group interaction with a view to equipping students to perform leadership roles in small educational discussion groups, work teams, parliamentary style meetings, and decision-making groups. Emphasis will be placed on practical application, listening skills, conflict resolution, arriving at consensus, creativity, and critical thinking with many opportunities for leadership development.(F, alternate years)
Prerequisites: COMM 1110 with a C or better; COMM 2000.
COMM 3500. Humor Communication. 3-0-3 Units.
Explores humor as a communication device in a variety of contexts including, but not limited to, interpersonal communication, public address, organizational communication, language health communication, humor theory, intercultural communication, and humor in the media. Focuses on theoretical moorings and application to real-world settings.(S)
Prerequisites: COMM 1110 with a C or better; ENGL 1101.
COMM 3510. Political Communication. 3-0-3 Units.
This course will examine political campaigns, elections, and American politics with regard to the use of communication. Strategic communication and planning campaign strategies will also be covered.(When needed)
Prerequisites: COMM 1110 with a C or better; COMM 2000; COMM 3100.
COMM 3700. Intro to Video Production. 3-0-3 Units.
Presents the basic skills in pre-production, video production, and post-production. Specific skills will include storyboarding, lighting, audio recording, cinematography, and non-linear audio and video production.(F)
Prerequisites: COMM 1100, COMM 2000, and COMM 2110.
COMM 3705. Introduction to Screenwriting. 3-0-3 Units.
Covers the most important aspects of the art and craft of writing for the screen. Topics include techniques for generating ideas, the drafting process, classical screenplay structure, conflict, characterization, dialogue, writing visually, analyzing one’s own work and the work of others as a screenwriter, dealing with notes/feedback, scene structure, revision, and other tools of the trade.(S, alternating years)
Prerequisites: ENGL 1102 with a C or better.
COMM 3710. Content Strategy & Adobe Suite. 3-0-3 Units.
An exploration of the planning and execution of branded content strategies across varying platforms. Students will learn about theoretical frameworks and practices regarding content creation and evaluation. The underlying theories in the course will ensure that students can adapt to the rapidly evolving scope of content creation for the web.(F)
Prerequisites: COMM 1110 with a C or better; ENGL 1102.
COMM 3720. Graphi Design Tools. 3-0-3 Units.
This course introduces students to the basic tools of Adobe Photoshop CC, Illustrator CC, InDesign CC, and Acrobat CC. These are the primary tools of professional graphic designers worldwide. Using project-based learning, this course will assist the student to acquire and develop skills that lay the foundation for producing print-and/or screen-ready communications. Material includes graphic design elements and principles, appropriate typeface choices and visuals, and utilizing learning production development skills (project scheduling, peer review, and redesign), in order to communicate visually in an effective manner to a specific target audience.
Prerequisites: COMM 1110, ENGL 1102.
COMM 3900. Special Topics Communication. 3-0-3 Units.
Offers an examination of rotating topics relevant to the field of communication. This course may be repeated twice for credit when topics vary.(When needed)
Prerequisites: COMM 1110 with a C or better; ENGL 1102.
COMM 4000. Communication Internship. 0-10-3 Units.
Provides experience in applying communication skills in a variety of professional environments, including large corporations, media outlets (television, radio, newspapers, etc.), educational institutions, and others. Application and credit arrangements should be made through the department in advance, normally by mid-semester prior to the internship. Repeatable for a maximum of 6 credit hours.(F, S, M)
Prerequisites: COMM 1110 with a C or better; 15 hours of COMM coursework and permission of instructor.
COMM 4001. Applied Research Methods. 3-0-3 Units.
Builds on COMM 3310 to strengthen communication majors’ knowledge and proficiency in conducting mixed-methods research that includes qualitative and quantitative methods, in analyzing and interpreting data to include basic descriptive and inferential statistical analyses, and drawing defensible conclusions. The instructor may allow individualized or group projects to teach these skills. Methods valuable to academic and industry research will be included. Students will learn about Institutional Review Board approval, selecting methodologies, conducting data collection and analysis, and presenting findings orally and in writing. Presentation in a public forum is also possible.(F)
Prerequisites: COMM 3310 and 3100.
COMM 4010. Qual Res Methods Communication. 3-0-3 Units.
Through presentation of scholarly readings and immersion into one’s own in-depth research project, this course explores a variety of qualitative research approaches, taking into account issues of epistemology (ways of knowing), methodology (ways of examining), and representation (ways of writing and reporting). Students should achieve the following objectives through the course: 1. Gain an understanding of the theoretical, historical, and philosophical traditions ofqualitative research in Communication Studies. 2. Develop skills and methods to engage in independent/group qualitative research,including the ability to design a study, collect data, and analyze materials 3. Become familiar with how to read, interpret, write, and present qualitative research.
Prerequisites: COMM 3100.
COMM 4020. Quant Research Methods Comm. 3-0-3 Units.
This course develops students' applied understanding of quantitative research methodology relating to communication. Students will learn the essential elements of 1) conducting quantitative research involving the use of surveys, experiments, and content analysis, 2) using statistics for data analysis, and 3) writing the quantitative research report.
Prerequisites: COMM 4010.
COMM 4100. Integrated Marketing Comm. 3-0-3 Units.
This course will provide students with both a theoretical and practical understanding of integrated marketing communication, such as inbound and outbound promotional channels—advertisements, direct marketing, public relations, sponsorships, sales promotion, interactive and social media, and more. (S) Prerequisite: COMM 1110 with a C or better; COMM 2000, COMM 3100, COMM 3301
COMM 4110. Interperson Comm/Conflict Mgmt. 3-0-3 Units.
Introduces students to the basic principles of effective communication and conflict interaction. Explores conflict in groups, organizations, romantic relationships, family relationships, and friendships, building from a primarily interpersonal focus to investigate how conflict occurs and is handled in broader contexts.(S, alternate years)
Prerequisites: COMM 3100.
COMM 4120. Princ Health Communication. 3-0-3 Units.
Designed for students pursuing careers in the public health, public relations in the health care industry, and health care management or administration. The course examines, communication strategies used in various segments of the health care industry and professions, important theories of health care communication, intercultural communication in health care, challenges facing health communication, patient/caregiver interaction, and health promotion campaigns. (F) Prerequisites: COMM 3301
COMM 4140. Mass Media & Popular Culture. 3-0-3 Units.
Explores contemporary popular culture via critical cultural theories that examine social dimensions such as power, gender, cultural identity, media aesthetics, and visual communication. The class will consider the impacts of the production and reception of modern media texts.(F, alternating years)
Prerequisites: COMM 2000, COMM 3100.
COMM 4180. Media Effects. 3-0-3 Units.
Examines individuals' selection, uses, and perceptions of media and the effects of media on individuals' attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors.(S)
Prerequisites: COMM 1110 with a C or better; COMM 2000, COMM 3100.
COMM 4200. Social Media Communication. 3-0-3 Units.
This course explores the evolution of social media platforms, the research methodologies and emerging research in social media platforms, and current and future trends in the industry and scholarship.(F, alternate years)
Prerequisites: COMM 1110 with a C or better; COMM 3100.
COMM 4300. Emerging Media. 3-0-3 Units.
Provides students with in-depth historical and social perspectives on newly emerged and emerging digital media, namely in the form of the internet, and explores their relationship to the communication process in contemporary society. (S, alternate years
Prerequisites: COMM 1110 with a C or better; COMM 2000, COMM 3100.
COMM 4380. Law & Ethics in Communication. 3-0-3 Units.
This first part of this course will examine the development, interpretation, and case law surrounding the First Amendment and government regulations of media; the second part will explore various philosophical approaches to ethical communication, both public and private, moving from the ancient world to modern theorists.(S, alternate years)
Prerequisites: COMM 1110 with a C or better; COMM 2000; COMM 3100.
COMM 4400. Studies in Film. 3-0-3 Units.
Examines films as texts through historical, aesthetic, thematic, and/or cultural questioning and analysis. Offerings may include Film and the Novel, Representations of Women in Film, Teen Cultures in Film, etc. (S) Prerequisite: COMM 3100
COMM 4425. Intercultural Communication. 3-0-3 Units.
Explores the meaning of culture, intercultural theories and research and examines the interactions of members of various cultures. Barriers to effective intercultural communication will be examined, as will methods of improving intercultural communication.(F and/or S, as needed)
Prerequisites: COMM 1110 with a C or better; COMM 2000.
COMM 4602. Mass Media and Society. 3-0-3 Units.
Critically explores mass media's effect and influence on society through an examination of communication theories, concepts, and principles.(F)
Prerequisites: COMM 3100; COMM 2000 with a C or better.
COMM 4711. Gender and Communication. 3-0-3 Units.
Exposes students to the theory and process of gender communication (about and between genders) from an interpersonal context perspective.(As needed)
Prerequisites: COMM 1110 with a C or better; COMM 2110.
COMM 4999. Senior Seminar in Communicatio. 3-0-3 Units.
Focuses on a problem, question, issue, or specialized subject. Topics vary.(F, S)
Prerequisites: 30 hours of upper-level Communication courses and permission of chair and advisor.