Degree Requirements for the Major in Rhetoric and Communication
General Program B.A.: A minimum of 36 credits
including: A Com 100M; a computing course
(A Cas 200 or B Msi 215 or A Csi 101N or
A Csi 201N); a statistics course (A Mat 108
or B Msi 220 or A Soc 221 or R Crj 281 or
A Psy 210) or logic (A Phi 210L); A Com 265;
one course from either A Com 203 or 212; and
15-18 additional credits in the Department of
Communication as advised (of which at least
12 credits must be at the 300-level or
above); and 3-6 credits of supporting courses
(outside the Department of Communication), as
advised.
A Com 265 is restricted to A-E grading after
matriculation at Albany.
Honors Program
The honors program in rhetoric and
communication is designed to provide
opportunities for the most talented and well-
motivated students to work closely with each
other and with the faculty.
Students may apply for admission at any point
during a semester and may reapply if rejected
after the close of that semester or
thereafter. Decisions of the Honors Committee
on admission are final and not subject to
review or appeal.
Applications for admission will be approved
if the student meets the following criteria:
The applicant is a major in the department,
with a 3.50 average in the required courses
for admission to the major.
The applicant has completed at least two
full-time semesters of college study at
Albany, with an overall average of at least
3.50, or the equivalent in the case of
transfer students.
Admission to the program will be on a
provisional basis for any student with fewer
than 12 credits in communication. Upon
completion of 12 credits, admission will be
finalized.
Students in the honors program are required
to complete a minimum of 36 credits, meeting
all requirements of the major, except for a
special requirement among courses at the 300
level or above as follows: instead of 6
credits of electives at the 300 level or
above, students in the honors program must
complete either an honors project for 6
credits (A Com 499), or a senior honors
project for 3 credits (A Com 499) plus 3
credits in a graduate course in communication
(for undergraduate credit) with approval of
the undergraduate director.
Students will be put on program probation by
the Honors Committee at the end of any
semester in which their cumulative average in
the major falls below 3.50 or their term
average that semester is below 3.30.
Students will be dismissed from the program
if they are placed on program probation in
two consecutive semesters, or if they receive
a grade below B in A Com 499. Students
dismissed from the program cannot be
readmitted unless the grades on which
dismissal is based were in error and are
officially changed.
After completion of the requirements above,
the records of candidates will be reviewed by
the Departmental Honors Committee, who shall
recommend to the department candidates for
the degree with honors in rhetoric and
communication.
Internship Program
Students may apply for the department's
internship program, which offers enrollment
in A Com 390 or A Com 392 and A Com 393Z
combined with work in the field either at the
state legislature or at another host agency.
See course descriptions for A Com 390, A Com
392, and A Com 393Z.
Combined B.A./M.A. Program
The combined B.A./M.A. program in rhetoric
and communication provides an opportunity for
students of recognized academic ability and
educational maturity to fulfill integrated
requirements of undergraduate and master's
degree programs from the beginning of the
junior year. The program provides an
integrated and focused curriculum in
communication that allows the upper-level
student exposure to advanced knowledge in
theory and substantive areas and
opportunities for participation in research.
A carefully designed program can permit a
student to earn the B.A. and M.A. degrees
within nine semesters.
The combined program requires a minimum of
141 credits, of which at least 33 must be
graduate credits. In qualifying for the B.A.,
students must meet all University and college
requirements, including the requirements of
the undergraduate major described previously,
the minor requirement, the minimum 90 credit
liberal arts and sciences requirement,
general education requirements, and residency
requirements. In qualifying for the M.A.,
students must meet all University and college
requirements as outlined in the Graduate
Bulletin, including completion of a minimum
of 33 graduate credits and any other
conditions such as a research seminar,
thesis, comprehensive examination,
professional experience, and residency
requirements. Up to 12 graduate credits may
be applied simultaneously to both the B.A.
and M.A. programs.
Students are considered as undergraduates
until completion of 120 graduation credits
and satisfactory completion of all B.A.
requirements. Upon meeting B.A. requirements,
students are automatically considered as
graduate students.
Students who have completed a minimum of 6
credits of course work in rhetoric and
communication may apply for admission to the
combined degree program in rhetoric and
communication at the beginning of their
junior year or after the successful
completion of 56 credits, but no later than
the accumulation of 100 credits. A cumulative
grade point average of 3.20 or higher and
three supportive letters of recommendation
from faculty are required for consideration.
General Foundations Courses
A Com 100M Human Communication: Language and Social Action (3)
General Education: SS
Introduction to human communication in terms
of an examination of the communication needs,
processes, and results that typically occur
in different social settings. Corequisite(s):
A Com 100Z.
A Com 265 Introduction to Communication Theory (3)
Approaches to the study of human
communication. Consideration of major
research findings, methods and
conceptualizations in such areas as
persuasion, interpersonal communication,
group communication, organizational
communication, and mass communication. For
rhetoric and communication majors completing
their major requirements as outlined in this
bulletin or subsequent editions, A Com 265 is
restricted to A-E grading after matriculation
at Albany. Prerequisite(s): A Com 100M.
Courses in Public Communication
A Com 203 Speech Composition and Presentation (3)
Introduction to the composition and
presentation of speeches. Course includes
guided practice in topic development,
organization, and the oral presentation of
various kinds of speeches.
A Com 212 Argumentation and Debate (3)
Study of and practice in the methods of
argument. Special emphasis upon skills needed
in oral argumentation.
A Com 238 Introduction to Mass Communication (3)
Survey of electronic and print media with
emphasis on structural analysis, content
analysis, and research.
A Com 345 Argumentative Methods (3)
Composition and criticism of argumentative
discourse stressing the nature of issue,
proposition, evidence, and form. Theory of
rhetorical and scientific argument is also
included. A Com 345Z is the writing intensive
version of A Com 345; only one may be taken
for credit.
A Com 345Z Argumentative Methods (3)
General Education: WI
A Com 345Z is the writing intensive version
of A Com 345; only one may be taken for
credit.
A Com 355 Introduction to Rhetorical Theory (3)
The writings of major theorists, from
Aristotle to figures of the 20th century.
A Com 355Z is the writing intensive version
of A Com 355; only one may be taken for
credit. Prerequisite(s): junior or senior
class standing, or permission of instructor.
A Com 355Z Introduction to Rhetorical Theory (3)
General Education: WI
A Com 355Z is the writing intensive version
of 355; only one may be taken for credit.
Prerequisite(s): junior or senior class
standing, or permission of instructor.
A Com 370 Theories of Mass Media (3)
The theories, research methods, and empirical
research findings related to the effects of
mass communication on individuals and
society. Prerequisite(s): A Com 238 and A Com
265, or permission of instructor.
A Com 376 Empirical Studies of Persuasion (3)
Empirical approaches to attitude and behavior
change brought about by communication.
Prerequisite(s): A Com 265 or permission of
instructor.
A Com 378 Studies in Public Persuasion (3)
Application of the student's critical skills
to the rhetoric of a particular public figure
or movement; or to the rhetorical practice of
a particular historical period or genre of
public persuasion, such as television
advertising, propaganda in mass movements,
American campaign rhetoric. A Com 378Z is the
writing intensive version of A Com 378. May
be repeated for a total of 9 credits with
changes in topic. Prerequisite(s): junior or
senior class standing, or permission of
instructor.
A Com 378Z Studies in Public Persuasion (3)
General Education: WI
A Com 378Z is the writing intensive version
of A Com 378; may be repeated for a total of
9 credits when topic differs.
Prerequisite(s): junior or senior class
standing, or permission of instructor.
A Com 380 Political Campaign Communication (3)
This course examines from both a theoretical
and a practical standpoint the planning,
execution, and evaluation of campaign
communication strategies. It focuses mainly
on modern presidential campaigns-the
organization, the candidate, the audience,
and the media. Forms examined include
speeches, debates, television commercials,
polling, news stories, and interpersonal
contact. This course often has a co-
requirement of A Com 297 for 1 credit.
Prerequisite(s): junior or senior class
standing or permission of instructor.
A Com 465 Studies in Communication Theory (3)
Study of a selected topic in communication
theory; e.g., nonverbal communication,
consistency theory, or mass communication.
May be repeated for a total of 9 credits with
changes in topic. Prerequisite(s): A Com 265,
and junior or senior class standing.
Courses in Interpersonal/Intercultural Communication
A Com 201 Interpersonal Communication (3)
Introduction to those aspects of
communication which typify interpersonal
relationships. Included are experientially
acquired insights into, and theoretical
considerations of, interpersonal
communication.
A Com 204 Group Communication (3)
The theory and practice of small group
interaction. Examination of both group
dynamics and cognitive processes, as they
relate to group deliberation.
A Com 304 Conference and Group Leadership (3)
Advanced study of small group deliberation,
with special emphasis upon theories of group
leadership as they apply in business and
professional group communication settings.
Prerequisite(s): A Com 204 or permission of
instructor. May not be offered during 1999-
2000.
A Com 367 Theories of Interpersonal Communication (3)
The theories, research methods, and
representative research findings related to
experimental and observational studies of
interpersonal communication. Prerequisite(s):
A Com 201 and 265, or permission of
instructor.
A Com 371 Theories of Intercultural Communication (3)
General Education: HD
Communication between people from different
cultures and/or subcultures, including racial
and ethnic groups. Focus is upon appropriate
theories, concepts, research findings, and
practice in intercultural settings.
Prerequisite(s): A Com 265, or permission of
instructor.
A Com 373 Communication Codes (3 or 6)
The patterns of communication behavior in
everyday life. Emphasizes both language and
nonlanguage behavior, and the various social
contexts in which interaction occurs. Topics
include social and cultural rules for
structuring messages and the basis for
interpreting behaviors. Course includes major
components in both theory and research on
this topic, including a research paper.
Course will be scheduled intensively during
the semester to reflect the number of credits
to be earned. Prerequisite(s): junior or
senior class standing. May not be offered
during 1999-2000.
A Com 465 Studies in Communication Theory (3)
Study of a selected topic in communication
theory; e.g., nonverbal communication,
consistency theory, or mass communication.
May be repeated for a total of 9 credits when
topic differs. Prerequisite(s): A Com 265,
and junior or senior class standing.
Courses in Organizational Communication/Telecommunication
A Com 369 Theories of Organizational Communication (3)
Theoretical models and empirical studies of
communication within complex organizations.
In-depth case study of one or more
organizations. Prerequisite(s): A Com 265 or
permission of instructor.
A Com 465 Studies in Communication Theory (3)
Study of a selected topic in communication
theory; e.g., nonverbal communication,
consistency theory, or mass communication.
May be repeated for a total of 9 credits with
changes in topic. Prerequisite(s): A Com 265,
and junior or senior class standing.
Courses in Applied Studies
A Com 297 Research Practicum (1-3)
Supervised participation in established
research projects. Course may be repeated for
a total of 6 credits, but only a maximum of 3
credits may be applied toward major
requirements. Prerequisite(s): permission of
instructor. S/U graded.
A Com 390 Internship in Communication (1-3)
Supervised participation in rhetorical or
communicative practices. May be repeated for
a total of 3 credits. This course is meant to
provide practical experience and cannot be
counted among the 12 additional credits in
"A Com" courses at the 300 level required for
majors. Open only to majors and minors in
their junior or senior years with cumulative
averages of at least 2.50. Prerequisite(s):
A Com 265, and permission of undergraduate
director. S/U graded.
A Com 392 Internship in Operational and Applied Communication Theory (9)
Supervised field placement in an approved
setting. Cumulative average of at least 2.50
required. (Open only to rhetoric and
communication majors and minors, except with
permission of instructor.) Student attends a
weekly seminar (A Com 393) and prepares a
major project and weekly reports in
conjunction with that seminar. Does not
satisfy major or minor requirements.
Internships are open only to qualified
juniors and seniors who have an overall grade
point average of 2.50 or higher.
Corequisite(s): A Com 393 or 393Z and
permission of instructor. S/U graded.
A Com 393Z Seminar in Operational and Applied Communication Theory (6)
General Education: WI
Advanced applications of rhetoric and
communication theory. Participants will
complete a major project describing in detail
each segment of their work. Each participant
will also complete five ten-page analytical
papers in addition to a series of weekly
seminar papers. (Open only to rhetoric and
communication majors and minors, except with
permission of instructor.) Yields credit
toward rhetoric and communication major or
minor. Corequisites: A Com 392 and permission
of instructor.
A Com 397 Independent Study and Research in Communication (1-3)
Directed reading and conferences on selected
topics. Course may be repeated for a total of
6 credits. Prerequisite(s): A Com 265, and
permission of instructor and department
chair.
A Com 499 Senior Honors Project (3-6)
Design and implementation of an investigation
of some clearly defined problem in rhetoric
and communication, under faculty supervision.
Students may repeat this course once, for a
maximum of 6 credits, for those projects
requiring two consecutive semesters of study.
Prerequisite(s): admission to the honors
program in communication; enrollment by
permission of the director of undergraduate
studies.
