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
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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 410, 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
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First Year |
A
|
S
|
COMM
110S Introduction to Interpersonal Communication |
3
|
-
|
COMM
111A Introduction to Public Speaking |
-
|
3
|
COMM
250L Introduction to Rhetorical Theory |
-
|
3
|
ENEX
101 Composition |
3
|
-
|
MATH
117 Probability and Linear Mathematics |
3
|
-
|
General
Education |
6
|
9
|
Total |
15
|
15
|
Second
Year |
|
|
COMM
electives |
-
|
9
|
MATH
241 or PSYC 220 or SOC 202 or HHP 486 |
3-4
|
-
|
General
Education |
10
|
-
|
Electives |
3
|
6
|
Total |
16-17
|
15
|
Third Year |
|
|
COMM
330 Message Composition (Writing course) |
3
|
-
|
COMM
460 Communication Research Methods |
-
|
3
|
Upper-division
COMM electives |
6
|
-
|
Upper-division
electives |
-
|
12
|
Electives |
6
|
-
|
Total |
15
|
15
|
Fourth Year |
|
|
Upper-division
COMM electives |
3
|
3
|
Upper-division
electives |
9
|
-
|
Electives |
3
|
11
|
Total |
15
|
14
|
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 back
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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. 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 131 American Sign Language I 3 cr. Offered autumn. Focus
on receptive and expressive discourse and the cultural features that
shape the language. Vital aspects of language, deaf culture and community.
Credit not allowed toward a major in minor in Communication Studies.
U 132 American Sign Language II 3 cr. Offered spring. Prereq.,
COMM 131. Further study of American Sign Language, its grammar, syntax
and cultural features. Development of competence and fluency in ASL.
Credit not allowed toward a major or minor in Communication Studies.
U 173 Introduction to Language 3 cr. Offered intermittently.
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 intermittently.
Nonverbal code systems and how they function in human communication
including gestures, facial expressions, personal space, and others.
U 220 Professional Communication 3 cr. Offered intermittently.
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 intermittently.
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 intermittently.
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 intermittently.
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 intermittently.
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 intermittently.
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
intermittently. 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 intermittently. 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 intermittently.
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 intermittently.
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 510 Seminar in Personal Relationships 3 cr. (R 6) Offered
intermittently. 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 intermittently.
Prereq., consent of instr.
G 514 Alternative Dispute Resolution 3 cr. Offered autumn.
Same as LAW 614. A study of the varieties of dispute resolution vehicles
outside the court process. Focus on a 40-hour component of practical
skills training for the mediation practitioner. Topics include the
mediation model, interest-based negotiation and effective communication.
G 520 Seminar in Organizational Communication 3 cr. Offered
intermittently. (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 intermittently.
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 572 Family Law Mediation 2 cr. Offered autumn. Same as LAW
672. Interdisciplinary course on advanced mediation skills with a
focus on family mediation including divorce and other types of family
problems. Psychological issues for both children and parents, power
balancing, gender issues and interest-based negotiation model.
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 every term.
Prereq., consent of instr.
G 599 Thesis Variable cr. (R 6) Offered every term. Prereq.,
consent of instr.
Faculty back
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Professors
Betsy Wackernagel Bach, Ph.D., University of Washington, 1985
Wesley N. Shellen, Ph.D., Ohio University, 1973 (Emeritus)
Alan L. Sillars, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin Madison, 1980 (Chair)
William W. Wilmot, Ph.D., University of Washington, 1970 (Emeritus)
Associate Professors
Sara E. Hayden, Ph.D., University of Minnesota, 1994
James H. Polsin, Ph.D., University of Kansas, 1971 (Emeritus)
Melanie R. Trost, Ph.D., Arizona State University, 1990
Assistant Professors
Patricia O. Corarrubias, Ph.D., University of Washington, 1999
Shiv Ganesh, Ph.D., Purdue University, 2000
Stephanie Hamel, Ph.D., University of Texas, 2002
Steve Schwarze, Ph.D., The University of Iowa, 1999 (Visiting)
Stephen M. Yoshimura, Ph.D., Arizona State University, 2002
Adjunct Instructors
Julie Benson-Rosston, M.A., The University of Montana, 1990
Rebecca O. Fielding, M.A., The University of Montana, 1998
Art Lusse, J.D., St. Louis University School of Law, 1970
Mary Morrison, M.Ed., The University of Michigan, 1976
Debra C. Stevens, M.A., The University of Montana, 1987
Valann Valdeson, M.A., University of Washington, 1977
Christina Yoshimura, M.A., Arizona State University, 2000