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.
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
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 377, 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.
Students interested in new communication technology and its use
within organizations should consider the media arts minor. Students
are encourage to consider double majors and minors in a variety
of fields that might complement their communication degree.
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), 375 (Rhetoric, Nature and Environmentalism), 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
First Year |
Autumn |
Spring |
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
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.
Communication Studies (COMM)
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 377 Rhetoric, Nature and Environmentalism 3 cr. Offered
intermittently. Same as EVST 377. Survey of rhetorical texts that
shape public understanding of nature and environmental issues.
Analysis of a range of historical and contemporary environmental
texts using theoretical concepts from the rhetorical tradition.
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 555 Seminar in Rhetorical Criticism and Theory 3 cr.
Offered intermittently. Introduction to contemporary issues in
rhetorical criticism and theory. Topics include classical criticism,
dramatism, close textual analysis, ideographic criticism, narrative
criticism, feminist criticism, and postmodern criticism.
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 575 Seminar in Rhetoric and Environmental Controversy
3 cr. Offered intermittently. Same as EVST 575. The study
of how advocates use symbols to influence meaning and action in
environmental controversies. Rhetorical concepts used to examine
recurring strategies and tactics in specific controversies.
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
Professors
Betsy Wackernagel Bach, Ph.D., University of Washington, 1985
Alan L. Sillars, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin, 1980 (Chair)
Associate Professors
Sara E. Hayden, Ph.D., University of Minnesota, 1994
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
Steve Schwarze, Ph.D., The University of Iowa, 1999
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
Christina Yoshimura, M.A., Arizona State University, 2000
Emeritus Professors
Wesley N. Shellen, Ph.D., Ohio University, 1973
William W. Wilmot, Ph.D., University of Washington, 1970
Emeritus Associate Professor
James H. Polsin, Ph.D., University of Kansas, 1971