General
Foundations Courses
A Com
100 Human Communication: Language and Social Action (3)
Introduction
to human communication in terms of an examination of the communication needs,
processes, and results that typically occur in different social settings. [SS]
A Com
265X 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 265X is restricted to A-E
grading after matriculation at Albany. Prerequisite(s): A Com 100. [IL]
A Com
270 Methods of Communication Research (3)
Intermediate-level
study of research strategies, design of experiments, and field methods in human
communication. For rhetoric and communication majors completing their major
requirements as outlined in this bulletin or subsequent editions, A Com
270 is restricted to A-E grading after matriculation at Albany. Prerequisite(s):
A Com 100. Statistics course recommended.
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. [OD]
A Com
212 Argumentation and Debate (3)
Study
of and practice in the methods of argument. Special emphasis upon skills needed
in oral argumentation. [OD]
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)
A Com
345Z is the writing intensive version of A Com 345; only one may be taken
for credit. [WI]
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)
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.
[WI]
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 15 credits with changes
in topic. Prerequisite(s): junior or senior class standing, or permission of
instructor.
A Com
378Z Studies in Public
Persuasion (3)
A Com
378Z is the writing intensive version of A Com 378; may be repeated for
a total of 15 credits when topic differs. Prerequisite(s): junior or senior
class standing, or permission of instructor. [WI]
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 15
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
in 2005-2006.
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)
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. [GC; DP, if taken before Fall 2004.]
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
in 2005-2006.
A Com
375 Computer-Mediated Communication (3)
Possibly
the most important technological innovation of the latter half of the 20th
century, computer-mediated communication is revolutionizing interaction in the
global village. This course explores how social life is accomplished in a variety
of Internet CMC systems, including threaded email forums, instant messaging,
chat rooms, videoconferencing, and World Wide Web pages.
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 15
credits when topic differs. Prerequisite(s): A Com 265, and junior or senior
class standing.
Courses
in Organizational Communication
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 15
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)
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. [WI]
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
399 Oral Discourse and Civic Culture (1)
In
this course, students learn to develop oral communication skills needed to participate
more effectively in civic culture, including political, organizational, and
community contexts. Students practice a variety of discourse skills, which may
include group discussion, public speaking, questioning and responding, persuasion,
and debate. Students also respond to the contributions that others make as well
as reflect on the criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of discourse practices.
May not be offered in 2005-2006. [OD]
A Com
430 Communication on the Internet (3)
Course
applies principles of persuasion to understanding communication on the World
Wide Web. Students create a website using an HTML editor to advance an argument,
and use persuasion theory to determine quality and credibility of information
found online. Prerequisite(s): Junior or Senior class standing, or permission
of instructor.
A Com
430Z Communication on the Internet (3)
A Com
430Z is the writing intensive version of A Com 430.
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.
