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Department of Communication Studies

Betsy Bach, 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 complete 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 36 total communication credits with 18 of those credits in courses numbered 300 or above. A maximum of 6 credits in COMM 360 and a maximum of 6 credits in COMM 398 may count toward a major in communication studies. In addition, the following courses are required:

1. a course in statistics (does not count toward 35 credits in Communication)
2. COMM 110S Introduction to Interpersonal Communication
3. COMM 111A Introduction to Public Speaking
4. COMM 230S Introduction to Organizational Communication
5. COMM 250L Introduction to Rhetorical Theory
6. 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 377, COMM 410, COMM 421, COMM 422, COMM 424, COMM 455, COMM 480, COMM 481 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, while students interested in non-profit organizations should consider the minor in non-profit administration. Students are encouraged 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. At least 5 courses from the following: COMM 240S (Communication in Small Groups), COMM 321 (Introduction to Public Relations), COMM 322 (Public Relations Writing), COMM 412S (Communication and Conflict), , COMM 421 (Communication in Nonprofit Organizations), COMM 422 (Communication and Technology in Organizations), COMM 423 (Practical Issues in Organizational Communication), COMM 424 (Risk, Crisis and Communication), and COMM 451S (Intercultural Communication).
3. 3 courses from the following list: ANTH 220S, BADM 100S, MGMT 340S; MGMT 344, 368, 440, 457 or 480; MKTG 360, 363, 412; SOC 306S, 320, 370S; PSC 361, 460, 466 and 467.

Students may petition to count appropriate special topics or transfer courses upon recommendation of the student’s advisor. 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), 311 (Family Communication), 380 (Gender and Communication), 410S (Communication in Personal Relationships), 412S (Communication and Conflict), and 451S (Intercultural Communication).
3. At least 4 courses from the following list: ANTH 201N, 327, 328S; COUN 485; C&I 355; HFD 412; NAS 342H; PSYC 240S, 245, 336, 340, 350S, 351S, 385; SOC 220, 275S, 300, 330S, 340, or 350; SW 300, 420, 422, 460.

Students may petition to count appropriate special topics or transfer courses upon recommendation of the student’s advisor. 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), 377 (Rhetoric, Nature and Environmentalism), 379 (Consumption, Media, and the Environment), 380 (Gender and Communication), and 455 (Rhetorical Criticism and Theory), 480 (The Rhetorical Construction of “Woman”), and 481 (The Rhetoric of U.S. Women’s Activism).
   
3. At least 4 courses from the following: ENLT 120L, EVST 167H, 367, 420, 427E; HIST 152H, 301H, 335E, 357, 358, 362, 364, 370H, 371H; PHIL 210, 211, 226E, 429E, 471; PSC 150E, 341, 342, 352, 353, 355, 444, 461, 471 or 472; SOC 220, 225, 325, 340, 470 or 485.

Students may petition to count appropriate special topics or transfer courses upon recommendation of the student’s advisor. All courses should be selected in consultation with a faculty advisor.

Suggested Course of Study

Requirements for a Minor

To be admitted to the communication studies minor, a student must complete 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. Credits beyond this maximum do not count toward a degree.

Communication Studies (COMM)

U 110S Introduction to Interpersonal Communication 3 cr. Offered yearly. 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 Language Culture and Society 3 cr. Offered yearly. 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 yearly. 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 230S Organizational Communication 3 cr. Offered yearly. 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 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 yearly. 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 yearly. 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 251S International and Development Communication 3 cr. Offered spring. International Communication is concerned with information exchange across national borders while Development Communication focuses on the historical, current, and prospective role of communication in social change, improving living conditions, and enhancing life prospects–mainly in developing countries.

U 260 Communication in the Workplace 3 cr. Offered yearly. Addresses communication skills needed in business and professional contexts. Focus on developing a working knowledge of theory and skills for interpersonal communication, group communication, and business writing. Concepts include communication processes, diversity in the workplace, nonverbal communication, technical communication, communication with customers, and employment communication. Course objectives are met via Blackboard, the University’s online course management system.

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 311 Family Communication 3 cr. Offered yearly. 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.

U 321 Introduction to Public Relations 3 cr. Offered yearly. The many uses of communication in the endeavor of public relations. Communication theories and models including interpersonal communication, organizational communication, and mass communication are applied to explore the internal and external communication behaviors associated with public relations.

U 322 Public Relations Writing 3 cr. Offered yearly. Prereq., COMM 321 recommended. Writing documents to create relationships between organizations and their public such as press releases, fact sheets, brochures, and speeches.

U 350 Persuasive Speaking and Criticism 3 cr. Offered yearly. 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 every other year. 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 379 Consumption, Media, and Environment 3 cr. Offered every other year. Same as EVST 379. Analyzes consumption as a communication practice, investigates discourses that promote consumption, and illuminates environmental impacts on consumption.

U 380 Gender and Communication 3 cr. Offered yearly. 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 Internship 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 Internship Services office. A maximum of 6 credits of Internship (198, 298, 398, 498) may count toward graduation.

UG 410S Communication in Personal Relationships 3 cr. Offered yearly. 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 412S Communication and Conflict 3 cr. Offered autumn and spring. Conceptual and practical discussions of communication and conflict in interpersonal relationships, organizational settings and overall cultural milieu. Topics include culture, power, styles, negotiation and bargaining, mediation, dissent, dispute systems, and crisis communication.

UG 421 Communication in Nonprofit Organization 3 cr. Offered yearly. Prereq., COMM 230S. Focuses on issues in nonprofit organizational communication at macro and micro levels. Topics include: organizational identity, change processes, public relations, fund-raising, advocacy, socialization, stress and burnout, board management and professionalization.

UG 422 Communication and Technology in Organizations 3 cr. Offered every other year. Prereq., COMM 230S. This course takes a critical look at the influence of communication technologies on organizational communication. Students will examine how the world of work is changing due to new technologies and explore the social and ethical implications of technical innovation, adoption and use.

UG 423 Practical Issues in Organizational Communication 3 cr. Offered every other year. Prereq., COMM 230S. Emphasis on the theoretical and practical issues involved in communication training and consultation. Overview of theoretical models followed by the “nuts and bolts” of communication training and consultation. Students will carry out a consultation project (e.g., planning, execution, and evaluation) to sharpen the issues explored.

UG 424 Risk, Crisis and Communication 3cr. Offered every other year. This course explores the communicative dynamics that both prevent and cause organizational crisis. Through case studies, the class examines how people plan, communicate and make good decisions in high risk situations, as well as how to manage crisis public relations effectively.

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.

U 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 every other year. Topics include the early women’s rights conventions, debates over marriage and divorce, social feminism, woman suffrage in Montana, and intersections between gender and race.

UG 481 The Rhetoric of U.S. Women’s Activism, 1960-Present 3 cr. Offered every other year. Explores the rhetoric surrounding contemporary women’s social “activism” in the U.S. Topics include women’s rights, women’s liberation, consciousness raising as a rhetorical form, reproductive rights, sexuality, and intersections between gender, race, and class.

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 yearly. Prereq., consent of instr. Examines theory and research on the process and functions of communication in personal relationship contexts. Interdisciplinary reading illuminate the dynamics of communication in the development, maintenance, and deterioration of romantic relationships, friendships, and family relationships. Discussion and assignments center around theoretical, methodological, and practical issues in research on communicative activities and events in personal relationships.

G 511 Survey of Interpersonal Communication 3 cr. Offered every other year. 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 Interpersonal Conflict 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 every other year. (R-6) Prereq., consent of instr.

G 540 Seminar in Instructional Communication 3 cr. (R-6) Offered every other year. 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 every other year. 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 every year. 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 every other year. 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 585 Communication Across the Sciences 3 cr. Offered yearly. Focus on communication practices that facilitate interdisciplinary interactions across the sciences and result in more competent communication. Offered to graduate student trainees enrolled in the M-EID program.

G 593 Professional Paper Variable cr. (R-6) 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-9) Offered every term. Prereq., consent of instr.

Faculty

Professors

• Sara E. Hayden, Ph.D., University of Minnesota, 1994
• Alan L. Sillars, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin, 1980 (Chair)
• Betsy Wackernagel Bach, Ph.D., University of Washington, 1985

Associate Professors

• Greg Larson, Ph.D., University of Colorado, 2000
• Steve Schwarze, Ph.D., The University of Iowa, 1999
• Stephen M. Yoshimura, Ph.D., Arizona State University, 2002

Assistant Professors

• Joel Iverson, Ph.D., Arizona State University, 2003
• Christina Yoshimura, Ph.D., Arizona State University, 2004

Adjunct Instructors

• Phyllis Bo-yuen Ngai, Ed.D., The University of Montana, 2004
• Art Lusse, J.D., St. Louis University School of Law, 1970
• Mary Morrison, M.Ed., The University of Michigan, 1976

Emeritus Professor

• William W. Wilmot, Ph.D., University of Washington, 1970

Emeritus Associate Professor

• James H. Polsin, Ph.D., University of Kansas, 1971