Alan L. Sillars, Chair

Communication studies is a growing discipline that is engaged in both social-scientific and humanistic approaches to the analysis, understanding and improvement of human communication. The discipline traces its roots to ancient Greek and Roman studies of the functions of public discourse in society, but in the twentieth century communication came to embrace the studies of interpersonal and small group interaction, human relations in organizations, media and society, and intercultural interaction. Although interdisciplinary in spirit, the discipline has a core of knowledge, theory and concepts concentrating on such things as symbols, messages, interactions, networks, and persuasive campaigns. Uniting the field is the belief that the role of communication in human experience is basic to comprehending complex situations and problems in the modern world. The discipline has roles in both the broad traditions of liberal arts education and in the development and refinement of practical skills.

The Department of Communication Studies at The University of Montana-Missoula focuses on three broad areas of study: interpersonal interaction and human relationships, organizational communication, and rhetoric and public discourse. The knowledge and skills the student may acquire in each of these areas are important to functioning effectively in one's personal life, at work, and as a citizen of the larger society in a rapidly changing world.

The program in Communication Studies helps to prepare students for such diverse professions as: public relations officer, marketing analyst, human resources or personnel manager, community mediator, political speech writer, health communication trainer, social services director, or student services coordinator. Also, undergraduate and graduate study can assist the student in pursuing advanced studies for law, the ministry, and higher education. Students majoring in Communication Studies are encouraged to take allied course work in other fields and departments; typical areas for minors and double majors in recent years have included: Human and Family Development, Political Science and Public Administration, Sociology, Psychology, Social Work, Anthropology, Business Administration, Education, and Journalism.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the communication studies major, a student must satisfy the following requirements:

1. Overall G.P.A. of 2.5.
2. Completion of COMM 111A and two other lower-division COMM courses.

Students who intend to major in communication studies but who have not yet met the above requirements are admitted to the program as pre communication majors. Pre communication majors may enroll in 100 and 200 level courses only. Students must be fully admitted as communication studies majors to enroll in 300 and 400 level courses. Before a student can graduate, he or she must meet the requirements to become a communication studies major.

Special Degree Requirements back to top

Refer to graduation requirements listed previously in the catalog. See index.

Core Requirements

To graduate with a degree in communication studies, the student must complete 35 total communication credits with 18 of those credits in courses numbered 300 or above. A maximum of 6 credits in COMM 360 may count toward a major in communication studies. In addition, the following courses are required:

1. a course in statistics
2. COMM 110S Introduction to Interpersonal Communication
3. COMM 111A Introduction to Public Speaking
4. COMM 250L Introduction to Rhetorical Theory
5. COMM 460 Research Methods

To meet the Upper-division Writing Expectation for a major in Communication Studies, students must successfully complete one of the following courses: COMM 330, COMM 420, COMM 455, or another course approved for this purpose by the University curriculum committee.

Allied Fields

The major is advised to take courses in other academic units throughout the University that will provide an increased understanding of communication, such as anthropology, English, linguistics, management, political science, psychology, social work, and sociology. Of particular interest to students interested in helping professions and associated content areas (e.g., children, families, aging) is the human and family development minor.

Organizational Communication Option

Students who elect to concentrate in organizational communication must complete:

1. All the core requirements listed previously.
2. COMM 320-Introduction to Organizational Communication.
3. At least 3 courses from the following: COMM 220 (Professional Communication), 240 (Communication in Small Groups), 420 (Advanced Organizational Communication), 412 (Interpersonal Conflict), and 451 (Intercultural Communication).
4. 4 courses from the following list: ANTH 220S, BADM 100S, 340S; MGMT 344, 368, 440; MKTG 363; SOC 110S, 306S, 320; PSC 361 or 460.

All courses should be selected in consultation with a department faculty advisor.

Communication and Human Relationships Option

Students who elect to concentrate in communication and human relationships must complete:

1. All the core requirements listed previously.
2. At least 5 courses from the following: COMM 202S (Nonverbal Communication), 310S (Communication and Emotion), 380 (Gender and Communication), 410S (Communication in Personal Relationships), 411 (Family Communication), 412 ( Interpersonal Conflict), and 451S (Intercultural Communication).
3. At least 4 courses from the following list: AAS 327; ANTH 327, 328S, 446S; C&I 355; HFD 412; NAS 342H; PSYC 116S, 240S, 245, 345, 346, 350S, 358; SOC 210S, 275S, 300, 330S, 340, 395, 421; SW 322S or 422.

All courses should be selected in consultation with a faculty advisor. Students electing this option are encouraged to minor in Human and Family Development.

Rhetoric and Public Discourse Option

Students who elect to concentrate in rhetoric and public discourse must complete:

1. All the core requirements listed previously.
2. At least 4 courses from the following: COMM 241S (Persuasive Communication), 242 (Argumentation), 350 (Persuasive Speaking and Criticism), 380 (Gender and Communication), 450E (Ethics in Communication), and 455 (Rhetorical Criticism and Theory).
3. At least 3 courses from the following: ENLT 120L, EVST 167H, 367, 427E; HIST 152H, 301H, 335E, 357, 358, 370H, 362, 364, 371H; PHIL 211, 471; PSC 150E, 341, 342, 461, 471 or 472; SOC 470.

All courses should be selected in consultation with a faculty advisor.

Suggested Course of Study back to top

Requirements for a Minor

To be admitted to the communication studies minor, a student must satisfy the following requirements:

1. overall G.P.A. of 2.5.
2. completion of COMM 111A and two other lower-division COMM courses.

Students who intend to minor in communication studies but who have not yet met the above requirements are admitted as pre communication minors. Pre communication minors may enroll in 100 and 200 level courses only. Students must be fully admitted as communication studies minors to enroll in 300 and 400 level courses.

Once admitted to earn a minor, the student must complete a minimum of 20 credits in communication studies courses, with at least 9 credits in communication studies courses numbered 300 and above. A maximum of 6 credits in COMM 360 may count toward a minor in communication studies.

Courses

U = for undergraduate credit only, UG = for undergraduate or graduate credit, G =for graduate credit. R after the credit indicates the course may be repeated for credit to the maximum indicated after the R.

U 110S Introduction to Interpersonal Communication 3 cr. Offered autumn and spring. An overview of the process of human communication with special emphasis on analyzing communication patterns and improving interpersonal communication skills.

U 111A Introduction to Public Speaking 3 cr. Offered every term. Preparation, presentation, and criticism of speeches. Emphasis on the development of public speaking techniques through constructive criticism. Credit not allowed for both COMM 111A and COM 160A.

U 173 Introduction to Language 3 cr. Offered autumn. Same as LING 173. A survey of the elements of language (structure, meaning, and sound) including language use in its social and cultural contexts.

U 195 Special Topics Variable cr. (R 9) Offered intermittently.Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one time offerings of current topics.

U 202S Nonverbal Communication 3 cr. Offered spring. Nonverbal code systems and how they function in human communication including gestures, facial expressions, personal space, and others.

U 203 Listening 3 cr. Offered spring. Principles and practices of effective cognitive and empathic listening skills.

U 220 Professional Communication 3 cr. Offered autumn and spring. Principles and practices of effective interviewing in a variety of professional situations including screening of clients and job candidates, performance appraisal, and data-gathering. Advanced public speaking in professional contexts.

U 240S Communication in Small Groups 3 cr. Offered autumn and spring. Theory and research related to communication patterns, cohesion, leadership, and decision making. Experiences provided in task oriented groups and field analyses of group processes provided.

U 241S Persuasive Communication 3 cr. Offered spring. The use of communication in attitude and behavior change as experienced in personal, organizational, and public contexts.

U 242 Argumentation 3 cr. Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., sophomore standing. Development of argumentation skills and critical judgment in decision making and debate. Includes criticism, construction, presentation, and refutation of spoken and written arguments.

U 250L Introduction to Rhetorical Theory 3 cr. Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., COMM 111A. An overview of rhetorical theory including an exploration of classical rhetoric, British and Continental rhetorical theory, and contemporary theories of language and persuasion.

U 295 Special Topics Variable cr. (R 9) Offered intermittently. Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one-time offerings of current topics.

U 310S Communication and Emotion 3 cr. Offered autumn and spring. Study of how emotion pervades communication; how emotion is communicated verbally and nonverbally; how communicating or withholding emotion affects well-being; how emotion is managed effectively through communication; how emotion is woven into the larger social, moral and cultural fabric.

U 320 Organizational Communication 3 cr. Offered spring. Theory and research on communication in organizations. Focus on topics such as productivity, power, culture, socialization, technology and globalization covering a wide range of organizations including corporations, government, educational institutions , non-profit agencies and media organizations.

U 330 Message Composition 3 cr. Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., ENEX 101 and COMM 111A, and one lower division writing course. The preparation and presentation of oral and written messages with an emphasis on organization, style, and comparison of effective oral and written communication.

U 350 Persuasive Speaking and Criticism 3 cr. Offered spring.Prereq., COMM 111A. The persuasive process through the criticism and creation of speeches and other rhetorical artifacts emphasizing the role persuasion plays in creating and shaping our culture.

U 360 Forensics/Honors 1-3 cr. (R-12) Offered every term. Prereq., COMM 111A or COMM 242 or equiv. Preparation and participation in competitive speech and debate, including British Parliamentary debate and National Individual Events Tournament (NIET) speeches. The team travels to regional competitions and hosts on-campus and intermural debates and speaking events. Up to 6 credits may apply toward a major or minor in communication studies.

U 380 Gender and Communication 3 cr. Offered autumn. Same as WS 380. The meaning of gender in our culture and how gender is displayed and perpetuated through our private and public verbal and nonverbal interactions.

U 395 Special Topics Variable cr. (R 9) Offered intermittently. Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one time offerings of current topics.

U 398 Cooperative Education Experience Variable cr. (R 6) Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., consent of instr. Extended classroom experience which provides practical application of classroom learning during placements off campus. Prior approval must be obtained from the faculty supervisor and the Center for Work-Based Learning.

UG 410S Communication in Personal Relationships 3 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq., COMM 110S. An examination of the functions, types, and historical context of close personal relationships with an in depth study of the role of communication in friendships and romantic relations.

UG 411 Family Communication 3 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq., COMM 110S. An examination of communication in husband wife, parent child, and extended family relationships. Topics include intimacy, power, decision making, problem solving, identity formation, and interpersonal perception.

UG 412 Interpersonal Conflict 3 cr. Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., COMM 110S. The nature of interpersonal struggles across a variety of contexts, focusing on styles, tactics, power, goals, negotiation, and conflict intervention modes such as mediation.

UG 420 Advanced Organizational Communication 3 cr. (R-9) Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., COMM 320. Focus on one of a set of specific topics. Topics include communication and quality of worklife, communication and power in organizations, communication and organizational socialization, and communication and new technologies in organizations. Specific topics vary by semester. Credit not allowed for repeat of the same topic.

UG 450E Ethics in Communication 3 cr. Offered spring. Prereq., lower division course in Perspective 5 or consent of instr. The study of ethical issues in human communication in relation to traditional Western value systems.

UG 451S Intercultural Communication 3 cr. Offered autumn and spring. Communication principles and processes in cross cultural environments. Non Western cultures are emphasized by contrasting them to Western communication norms.

UG 455 Rhetorical Criticism and Theory 3 cr. Offered autumn. Introduction to study of rhetorical criticism and theory. Current theoretical and methodological issues and approaches including traditional criticism, experiential criticism, dramatism, narrative criticism, feminist criticism, postmodern criticism.

UG 460 Communication Research Methods 3 cr. Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., a course in statistics. Introduction to the major types of communication research and the foundations of quantitative research methods.

UG 461 Research Seminar 1-3 cr. (R-9) Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., COMM 460 and consent of instr. Application of quantitative and qualitative research methods to specialized contexts. Emphasis on direct student involvement in research activities.

G 480 The Rhetorical Construction of "Woman" 3 cr. Offered intermittently. Topics include the early women's rights conventions, debates over marriage and divorce, "social feminism" and women's sphere, the link between gender and race; intersection of rhetoric and the contemporary understanding of femininity.

UG 495 Special Topics Variable cr. (R 9) Offered intermittently. Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one-time offerings of current topics.

UG 496 Independent Study Variable cr. (R 9) Offered every term. Prereq., consent of instr.

G 501 Seminar in Language 3 cr. (R 6) Offered autumn even-numbered years.. Prereq., consent of instr.

G 502 Seminar: Nonverbal Communication 3 cr. Offered autumn odd-numbered years. Prereq., consent of instr. Theory and research on the codes and functions of nonverbal communication.

G 510 Seminar in Personal Relationships 3 cr. (R 6) Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., consent of instr.

G 511 Survey of Interpersonal Communication 3 cr. Offered autumn even-numbered years. Prereq., graduate standing in communication studies or consent of instr. Survey of theories and research in interpersonal communication including definitions of interpersonal communication, its place in the field of communication, and methodological issues. Overall emphasis on foundational readings and recent research developments.

G 512 Seminar in Dispute Resolution 3 cr. (R 6) Offered spring. Prereq., consent of instr..

G 520 Seminar in Organizational Communication 3 cr. Offered spring. (R 6) Prereq., consent of instr.

G 521 Practical Issues in Organizational Communication 3 cr. (R 6) Offered intermittently. Prereq., consent of instr.

G 540 Seminar in Instructional Communication 3 cr. (R 6) Offered intermittently. Prereq., consent of instr.

G 541 Teaching the Basic Course 2 cr. (R 8) Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., consent of instr.

G 561 Qualitative Research Methods 3 cr. Offered autumn and spring. An emphasis on the philosophy and practice of qualitative inquiry, the development and use of descriptive frameworks, and gathering and testing qualitative data to develop human communication theory.

G 593 Professional Paper Variable cr. (R 3) Offered every term. Prereq., consent of instr.

G 594 Topical Seminar Variable cr. (R 6) Offered intermittently. Prereq., consent of instr.

G 595 Special Topics Variable cr. (R 9) Offered intermittently. Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one time offerings of current topics.

G 596 Independent Study Variable cr. (R 9) Offered intermittently. Prereq., consent of instr.

G 599 Thesis Variable cr. (R 6) Offered every term. Prereq., consent of instr.

Faculty back to top

Professors

Betsy Wackernagel Bach, Ph.D., University of Washington, 1985
Eldon E. Baker, Ph.D., Purdue University, 1966 (Emeritus)
George E. Cheney, Ph.D. Purdue University, 1985
Sally Planalp, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin, Madison, 1983
Wesley N. Shellen, Ph.D., Ohio University, 1973
Alan L. Sillars, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin Madison, 1980 (Chair)
William W. Wilmot, Ph.D., University of Washington, 1970

Associate Professors

Sara E. Hayden, Ph.D., University of Minnesota, 1994
James H. Polsin, Ph.D., University of Kansas, 1971 (Emeritus)
Assistant Professors
Shiv Ganesh, Ph.D., Purdue University, 2000
Steve Schwarze, Ph.D., The University of Iowa, 1999 (Visiting)

Adjunct Instructors

Rebecca O. Fielding, M.A., The University of Montana, 1998
Mary Morrison, M.Ed., The University of Michigan, 1976
Debra C. Stevens, M.A., The University of Montana, 1987