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WHAT IS COMMUNICATION STUDIES?
HOW DO YOU BECOME A COMMUNICATION STUDIES MAJOR?
HOW DO YOU BECOME A COMMUNICATION STUDIES MINOR?
REQUIREMENTS FOR A B.A. IN COMMUNICATION STUDIES
CATEGORIES OF POSITIONS HELD BY COMMUNICATION STUDIES GRADUATES
WHAT IS COMMUNICATION STUDIES?
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 and institutional 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 B.A. and M.A. programs in Communication Studies help 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, and student services coordinator (see page 4 for more information). Also, undergraduate and graduate study can assist the student in pursuing advanced studies for law, the ministry, and higher education. Both B.A. and M.A. students majoring in the Department of Communication Studies are encouraged to take cognate or allied course work in other fields and departments; typical areas for minors and double majors in recent years have included: Human and Family Development, Political Science and Public Administration, Sociology, Psychology, Social Work, Anthropology, Business Administration, Education, and Journalism. Back to index
As faculty members in the Department of Communication Studies, we are committed to promoting knowledge, criticism, and practical application of human communication. We educate students to be critical observers of social problems, to participate effectively in public life as citizens, and to become involved in culturally diverse personal and professional relationships in their communities.
HOW DO YOU BECOME A COMMUNICATION STUDIES MAJOR?
Entering students or students who desire to change majors will be admitted to a pre-communication studies major (PCOM). Students will be admitted to the major after completing a minimum of 15 University credits including COMM and 111 and two additional Communication Studies courses (note: PCOM students may not take any 300- or 400-level courses in the department). If you wish to be admitted to the COMM major, please bring a copy of your transcript to our department Administrative Assistant. Your transcript will be reviewed and you will be notified of your acceptance into the department.
HOW DO YOU BECOME A COMMUNICATION STUDIES MINOR?
Students will be admitted to the minor after completing a minimum of 15 University credits including COMM 111 and two additional Communication Studies courses. If you wish to be admitted to the COMM minor, please bring a copy of your transcript to our department Administrative Assistant. Your transcript will be reviewed and you will be notified of your acceptance into the department.
PCOM students are advised by Peer Advisors in University College. Please go to the Lommasson Center, room 269, to make and appointment with a peer advisor. Once you are accepted into the department, you will select a faculty advisor with whom you will work to plan your course of study. You will meet each semester with your advisor during designated advising times (and more often if you wish). At this time you will receive approval to pre-register for courses. No PCOM or COMM majors can be sectioned into courses without an advising number.
If you would like advising concerning the minor, please contact the department office to make an appointment to speak with the Department Chair.
REQUIREMENTS FOR A B.A. IN COMMUNICATION STUDIES
All majors in Communication Studies must complete COMM 110S, 111A, 230S, 250L, 460, and a course in statistics (either SOC 202, MATH 241, PSYC 220, HHP 486, or an equivalent course). A minimum of 36 (but no more than 65) COMM credits, with 18 of those credits in courses numbered 300 and above, is required.
To meet the Upper-Division Writing Expectation of General Education, majors in Communication Studies must successfully complete one of the following courses: COMM 377, 410, 421, 422, 424, 452, 455, 480, 481 or another course specially approved for this purpose by the University curriculum committee.
Interested students may elect a special option within Communication Studies. Enrollment in an option is not required. Communication Studies offers three options; (a)Organizational Communication, (b)Communication and Human Relationships and, (c)Rhetoric and Public Discourse.
Organizational Communication Option
The organizational communication option focuses on the internal and external affairs of a variety of types of organizations and institutions, including businesses, governmental agencies, health care providers, labor unions, educational systems, religious groups, non-profit advocacy groups, social movements, and so forth. The course work in this area includes offerings of a more theoretical and historical nature and courses with a more practical skill-building orientation. Both are important to a well-rounded understanding of the world of work today, as they are to the development of citizenship within a complex organizational society.
Students in the Organizational Communication option must fulfill all the core requirements in Communication Studies (COMM 110S, 111A, 230S, 250L, 460, and a course in statistics). In addition, students must take at least 4 courses from the following: COMM 240, 321, 322, 420, 412, 451, or approved special topics classes (that is, an approved class numbered 295, 395, or 495).
Students in the Organizational Communication Option must also complete 4 courses outside of COMM from the following list:ANTH 220, BADM 100S, MGMT 340S, 344, 368, 440, MKTG 360, 363, SOC 110S, 306S, SOC 320, PSC 361, 460, or other approved course. Courses should be selected in consultation with a department faculty advisor.
Communication and Human Relationships Option
The Human Relationships option focuses on communication through face-to-face interaction. It includes the study of basic processes of verbal and nonverbal messages, but also on the complex processes of conflict management, relationship development, lifespan development, gender, and family dynamics. The option is particularly applicable to professional interests pertaining to social services, families, children, aging, and other facets of interpersonal relations and human development.
Students in the Human Relationships option must fulfill all of the core requirements for Communication Studies (COMM 110S, 111A, 230S, 250L, 460, and a course in statistics). In addition, students must take at least 5 courses from the following: COMM 202, 380, 410S, 411, 412, 451 or approved special topics classes (that is, an approved class numbered 295, 395, or 495).
To enhance this option, students are encouraged to minor in Human and Family Development. Moreover, students are required to take 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, 422, or other approved course. All courses should be selected in consultation with your faculty advisor.
Rhetoric and Public Discourse Option
The Rhetoric and Public Discourse option focuses on the development and analysis of public messages. Courses in this emphasis explore issues of persuasion, argumentation, message composition, and message evaluation. Specific attention is paid to the interplay between social structures and public discourse. Courses emphasize both practical skills and theory. This option is particularly relevant to career positions emphasizing public communication and persuasion in areas such as law, government, and private or nonprofit organizations.
Students in the Rhetoric and Public Discourse option must fulfill all the core requirements for Communication Studies (COMM 110S, 111A, 230S, 250L, 460, and a course in statistics). Students must also take at least 4 courses from the following: COMM 241S, 242, 350, 377, 380, 455, 480, 481, or approved special topics classes (that is, an approved class numbered 295, 395, or 495).
To enhance the option, students must take an additional 4 courses from the following list: ENLT 120L, EVST 167H, 367, 420, 427E, HIST 152H,301H, 335E, 357, 358, 362E, 364E, 370H, 371H, PHIL 210, 211, 429E, 471, PSC 150E, 341, 342, 352, 353, 461, 471, 472, SOC 470, or other approved course. Courses should be selected in consultation with a department faculty advisor.
Minors must complete 20 COMM credits, including COMM 111. At least 9 credits must be in Communication courses numbered 300 and above.
The Department of Communication Studies offers more than forty different undergraduate and graduate courses, some on an alternate year basis. Typically, freshmen are encouraged to take 100-level courses, while sophomores take 200-level classes. Juniors and seniors take 300- and 400-level courses. The courses offered at each level are:
- U 110S(3) Introduction to Interpersonal Communication- An overview of the process of human communication with special emphasis on analyzing communication patterns and improving interpersonal communication skills.
- U 111A(3) Introduction to Public Speaking- Preparation, presentation, and criticism of speeches. Emphasis on the development of public speaking techniques through constructive criticism.
- U 130 (3) American Sign Language I- Focus on receptive and expressive discourse and the cultural features that shape the language. Credit not allowed toward a major or minor in Communication Studies.
- U 131 (3) American Sign Language II- 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 (3) Language, Culture and Society. Students explore theories about language, thought, and culture; language and gender, race, and social class; and language acquisition, variation, change, and death.
- U 195 (V) Special Topics (R-9) This course is offered at the discretion of the department. A special topics course is offered by a particular professor who wishes to teach a course unlike the ones currently taught.
- U 202S (3) Nonverbal Communication- Nonverbal code systems and how they function in human communication including gestures, facial expressions, personal space, and others.
- U 230S (3) Introduction to Organizational Communication- Theory and research on communication and organizations. Covers topics as productivity, power, culture, technology and globalization, covering a wide range of organizations.
- U 240S(3) Communication in Small Groups- 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(3) Persuasive Communication- The use of communication in attitude and behavior change as experienced in personal, organizational, and public contexts.
- U 242 (3) Argumentation- 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(3) Introduction to Rhetorical Theory- 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 (V) Special Topics (R-9)- See description for COMM 195.
- U 321 (3) Introduction to Public Relations - Students are introduced to the responsibilities of public relations practitioners through an exploration of relevant communication theories, models, and skills.
- U 322 (3) Public Relations Writing - Students are taught to write documents frequently used by public relations practitioners; such as press releases, backgrounders, and brochures.
- U 350 (3) Persuasive Speaking and Criticism- 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 (1-3) Forensics/Honors. (R-12)- 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 in Communication Studies.
- U 377 Rhetoric, Nature and Environmentalism 3 cr. 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 (3) Gender and Communication- Same as WS 380. An examination of the production and meaning of gender in our culture. Emphasis is placed on how gender is displayed and perpetuated through our private and public verbal and nonverbal interactions.
- U 398 (3) Cooperative Education Internship- 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.
- UG410S(3) Communication in Personal Relationships <Prereq., COMM 110>- 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 411 (3) Family Communication <Prereq., COMM 110>- 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 (3) Communication and Conflict <Prereq., COMM 110>- Conceptual and practical discussions of communication and conflict as they play themselves out in interpersonal relationships, organizational settings and overall cultural milieu. Covers concepts and topics such as culture, power, interpersonal styles, negotiation and bargaining, mediation, dissent, dispute systems, and crisis communication.
- UG 420 (3) Advanced Organizational Communication (R-9)- This course builds on the introductory course (COMM 230S), with each offering focusing on one of a set of specific topics. Among these areas are: communication and nonprofit organizations, communication and power in organizations, communication and organizational socialization, and communication and new technologies in organizations.
- UG COMM 441 (3) Persuasive Communication Campaigns- Persuasive communication theories and practices applied to the development, implementation, and evaluation of communication campaigns. Focus on health, social action, and political campaigns.
- UG451S(3) Intercultural Communication- Communication principles and processes in cross cultural environments. Non Western cultures are emphasized by contrasting them to Western communication norms. For other courses related to intercultural communication, please visit Cultural & Global Competence Training by Multicultural Learning Solutions (MLS)
- UG452(3) Cultural Codes in Communication- Students study the fundamental ties between communication and culture or the codes speakers use in daily life within the U.S. COMM majors may use this course to fulfill the upper-division writing requirement.
- UG 455 (3) Methods of Rhetorical Criticism- Introduction to the 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(3) Communication Research Methods <Prereq., a course in statistics>- Introduction to the major types of communication research and the foundations of quantitative research methods.
- UG 461 (3) Research Seminar <Prereq., COMM 461 and Consent of Instructor>- Application of quantitative and qualitative research methods to specialized contexts, with emphasis on student involvement in research activities.
- UG 480 (3) The Rhetorical Construction of "Woman" Topics include the early women's rights conventions, debates over marriage and divorce, social feminism, woman's suffrage in Montana, and intersections between gender and race.
- UG 481 (3) The rhetoric of US Women's Activism, 1960-Present.
Explores rhetoric of second and third wave feminist movement(s). Topics include the feminine mystique, reproductive rights, sexuality, race, family, work.- UG 496 (V) Independent Study. (R-9)- Course content to be arranged between instructor and student. You must fill out a contract with your independent study director before you register for the class.
CATEGORIES OF POSITIONS HELD BY COMMUNICATION STUDIES GRADUATES
In 1995, over 400 of our former majors were surveyed as part of a department-wide assessment. In the survey, we requested that people provide information about their employment following graduation. Here is what we found:
Position Held Percent Holding Position
Sales/Marketing/Advertising 23%
Electronics, Airline, Insurance, Tourism, Securities, Mortgage, Hotel, Financial
Manager/Supervisor 11%
Environmental, Telecommunications, Retail Marketing, Sports, Education
Teacher 9%
College, Flight School, High School, Special Education
Coordinator/Administrator/Director 8%
Non-Profits, Education, Government, Hospital, Airlines, Community Service, Programs and Special Events
Consultant/Trainer 4%
Owner 4%
Restaurant, Guide Service, Insurance
Social Services 4%
Human Resources/Personnel 3%
Public Relations 2%
Examples of other jobs held were Minister/Priest, Realtor, Counselor, Lawyer, Publisher, Librarian, Computer Programmer, Diplomat (Foreign Service), Political Analyst, Illustrator, Probation Officer, and TV Producer.