Department of Communication Studies
Steve Schwarze, Chair
Communication Studies engages 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, audiences, 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.
Special Degree Requirements
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 (PCOM) majors. (PCOM) majors may enroll in 100- and 200-level COMM courses only. Students must be fully admitted as Communication Studies (COMM) majors to enroll in 300- and 400-level courses.
Core Requirements
To graduate with a degree in Communication Studies, the student must complete 36 COMM 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. The following courses are required:
- A course in statistics (does not count toward 36 credits in Communication)
- COMM 110S Introduction to Interpersonal Communication
- COMM 111A Introduction to Public Speaking
- COMM 230S Introduction to Organizational Communication
- COMM 250H Introduction to Rhetorical Theory
- COMM 460 Research Methods
To meet the Upper-division Writing Expectation for the major in Communication Studies, students must successfully complete one of the following courses: COMM 377, COMM 410, COMM 413, COMM 421, COMM 422, COMM 424, COMM 455, COMM 480, COMM 481 or another course approved for this purpose by the University curriculum committee.
Options and Allied Fields
COMM majors are advised to take courses in other allied disciplines throughout the University that will provide an increased understanding of communication, such as anthropology, business, English, environmental studies, linguistics, management, marketing, political science, psychology, social work, and sociology and women's and gender studies.
Students also are encouraged to consider a second major and/or minor in fields that complement their communication degree. For instance, students interested in helping professions and associated content areas (e.g., children, families, aging) may choose the human and family development minor or the minor in gerontology. Student 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 in the rhetoric and public discourse should consider the minor in women's and gender studies or climate change.
Students can integrate courses in other fields into the COMM major by pursuing one or more of the options listed below.
Communication and Human Relationships Option
Students who elect to concentrate in communication and human relationships must complete:
All the core requirements listed previously.
At least five courses from the following: COMM 202S (Nonverbal Communication), 311 (Family Communication), 380 (Gender and Communication), 410 (Communication in Personal Relationships), 412 (Communication and Conflict), 413 (Communication and Conflict-Writing) and 451S (Intercultural Communication).
At least four courses from the following list: ANTY 227, 427 (ANTH 227, 427); COUN 485; EDEC 310 (C&I 355); HFD 412; NAS 342; PSYX 230S, 233, 345, 339, 360S, 385S, 348 (PSYC 240, 245, 336, 340, 350S, 351S, 385); SOCI 220S, 275S, 330, 332, 350 or 382 (SOC 220, 275S, 300, 330S, 340, or 350); SW 300, 420, 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.
Organizational Communication Option
Students who elect to concentrate in organizational communication must complete:
All the core requirements listed previously.
At least five courses from the following: COMM 240 (Communication in Small Groups), COMM 321 (Principles of Public Relations), COMM 322 (Public Relations Writing), COMM 412 (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), COMM 425 (Communication in Health Organizations), and COMM 451S (Intercultural Communication).
At least three courses from the following list: ANTY 220S (ANTH 220S), BGEN 320E (MGMT 320E), BGEN 360 (MGMT 368), BMGT 340S (MGMT 340S), BMGT 357 (MGMT 457), BMGT 480 (MGMT 480), MGMT 344; BMKT 325 (MKTG 360), BMKT 343 (MKTG 363), BMKT 412 (MKTG 412); PSCI 361, 462, 466, 467 (PSC 361, 460, 466 and 467); SOCI 306, 345, 371 (SOC 306S, 320, 370S).
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.
Rhetoric and Public Discourse Option
Students who elect to concentrate in rhetoric and public discourse must complete:
All the core requirements listed previously.
At least four courses from the following: COMM 241 (Persuasive Communication), 242 (Argumentation), 350 (Persuasive Speaking and Criticism), 377 (Rhetoric, Nature and Environmentalism), 379 (Consumption, Media, and the Environment), 380 (Gender and Communication), 455 (Rhetorical Criticism and Theory), 480 (The Rhetorical Construction of "Woman"), and 481 (The Rhetoric of U.S. Women's Activism).
At least four courses from the following: ANTY 122S (ANTH 102); CCS 203; ECNS 433, 445 (ECON 440, 445); ENST 320, 367, 421 (EVST 167H, 367, 420); HSTA 102H, 262, 321, 322, 344, 387, 388, or 478; HSTR 272E, 302, 364 ,384E (HIST 152H, 262, 357, 358,362, 370H, 371H 226E, 301H, 364, 335E); MAR 101L; PHL 235 (PHIL 211), PHL 427E (EVST 427); PSCI 250E, 342, 343, 352, 355, 444, 471 or 474 (PSC 150E, 342, 343, 352, 355, 444, 471 or 472); SOCI 220S, 225, 325, 350, 470, 485 (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
| First Year |
A |
S |
| COMM 110S Introduction to Interpersonal Communication |
- |
3 |
| COMM 111A Introduction to Public Speaking |
3 |
- |
| COMM elective |
- |
3 |
| WRIT 101 (ENEX 101) Composition |
3 |
- |
| M 116 (MATH 117) Probability and Linear Mathematics |
3 |
- |
| General Education |
6 |
9 |
| |
15 |
15 |
| Second Year |
A |
S |
| COMM electives |
- |
6 |
| COMM 230 Organizational Communication |
3 |
- |
| COMM 250H Introduction to Rhetorical Theory |
3 |
- |
| STAT 216 (MATH 241) or PSYC 222 (PSYC 220) or SOCI 202 (SOC 202) or HHP 486 |
3-4 |
- |
| General Education |
3 |
3 |
| Electives |
3 |
6 |
| |
15-16 |
15 |
| Third Year |
A |
S |
| COMM Writing course |
3 |
- |
| COMM 460 Communication Research Methods |
- |
3 |
| Upper-division COMM electives |
3 |
3 |
| Upper-division electives |
- |
9 |
| Electives |
9 |
- |
| |
15 |
15 |
| Fourth Year |
A |
S |
| Upper-division COMM electives |
3 |
3 |
| Upper-division electives |
9 |
- |
| Electives |
3 |
12 |
| |
15 |
15 |
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 (PCOM) 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 COMM courses, with at least 9 credits in 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. Credit not allowed for both COMM 110S and COM 150S.
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 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.
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 240 Communication in Small Groups 3 cr. Offered autumn and spring. Theory and research related to communication roles, collaboration, cohesion, leadership, and decision-making. Experiences provided in task oriented groups and field analyses of group processes.
U 241 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 250H 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 251X International and Development Communication 3 cr. Offered yearly. International Communication is concerned with information exchange across national borders while Development Communication focuses on the historical, current, and prospective role of communication technologies in social change, improving living conditions, and enhancing life prospects-mainly in developing countries.
U 260 Communication in the Workplace 3 cr. Offered intermittently. Explores 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.
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 Portfolio 3 cr. Offered yearly. 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 Lincoln Douglas and Parliamentary debate. The team travels to regional competitions and hosts on-campus and intramural 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 ENST 377 (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 Communication, Consumption and Climate 3 cr. Offered every other year. Same as NRSM 379 (EVST 379) and CCS 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 WGS 380. The meaning of gender in our culture. Examines how gender is displayed and perpetuated through social institutions such as the media and 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 that 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. Offered C/NCR only.
UG 410 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 relationships.
UG 412 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. Credit is not allowed for both COMM 413 and COMM 412.
U 413 Communication and Conflict-Writing 3 cr. Offered yearly. Conceptual and practical discussions of communication and conflict in interpersonal relationships, organizational settings and overall cultural milieu. Fulfills Upper-Division Writing requirement for Communication Studies majors. Credit is not allowed for both COMM 413 and COMM 412.
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 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, development, and assessment. Students will carry out a training or consultation project (e.g., planning, execution, and evaluation) to sharpen the issues explored.
UG 424 Risk, Crisis and Communication 3 cr. 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 425 Communication and Health Organizations 3 cr. Offered every other year. This course explores the key issues at the intersection of health communication and organizational communication by considering communication processes that occur in a number of distinct contexts of health organizations. Through case studies and health campaigns students explore contemporary concerns and theory in the area of health communication.
UG 451 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 yearly. 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. coreq., 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. Same as WGS 480. 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, 1960-1982 3 cr. Offered every other year. Same as WGS 481. 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 485 Communication and Health 3 cr. Offered yearly. Theory and research on the health correlates of human interaction.
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. Offered C/NCR only.
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 readings illuminates 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 yearly. 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 515 Environmental Negotiation & Mediation 3 cr. Same as NRSM 515 and ENST 515. This course prepares students to effectively engage in multiparty negotiation on natural resource and environmental issues. It is grounded in theory and provides an opportunity to develop practical skills in both negotiation and facilitation/mediation. Guest speakers, case studies, and simulations allow students to develop, test, and refine best practices. The course is face-paced, highly interactive, and serves as the second of three required courses in the Natural Resources Conflict Resolution Program.
G 520 Seminar in Organizational Communication 3 cr. Offered every other year. (R-6) Prereq., consent of instr. Introduction to theories and research in organizational communication. Topics include culture, networks, structure, technology, identity, power, resistance, gender, and globalization. Overall emphasis on foundational readings and recent research developments.
G 540 Seminar in Instructional Communication 3 cr. Offered every other year. Prereq., consent of instr. Instruction in the theories, concepts, principles, and skills employed university level classroom communication and instruction.
G 541 Teaching the Basic Course 2 cr. (R-8) Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., consent of instr. Offered C/NCR only.
G 555 Seminar in Rhetorical Criticism and Theory 3 cr. Offered annually. Introduction to contemporary issues in rhetorical criticism and theory. Methods reviewed 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 ENST 575 (EVST 575). The study of how advocates use symbols to influence meaning and action in environmental controversies. Rhetorical theory is used to identify, analyze, and evaluate persuasive strategies and tactics.
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 only 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
Betsy Wackernagel Bach, Ph.D., University of Washington, 1985
Associate Professors
Joel Iverson, PH.D., Arizona State University, 2003
Greg Larson, Ph.D., University of Colorado, 2000
Steve Schwarze, Ph.D., The University of Iowa, 1999 (Chair)
Stephen M. Yoshimura, Ph.D., Arizona State University, 2002
Christina Yoshimura, Ph.D., Arizona State University, 2004
Lecturer
David Airne, M.A. North Dakota State University, 1998
Adjunct Instructor
Phyllis Bo-yuen Ngai, Ed.D., The University of Montana, 2004
Emeritus Professor
William W. Wilmot, Ph.D., University of Washington, 1970
Emeritus Associate Professor
James H. Polsin, Ph.D., University of Kansas, 1971
