COMMUNICATION (CA)

1997-1998 Bulletin Information

For current bulletin information see www.southalabama.edu/bulletin

CA 100 Introduction to Communication 4 cr
Course examines various approaches people take to communicating. Focuses on developing an awareness of how and why we communicate and why we do not always communicate effectively. Includes consideration of variables related to interpersonal, group, public, and mass-communication contexts.

CA 101 Introduction to Mass Communication 4 cr
Course examines the functioning of mass communication in contemporary society, including the political, economic, and social environment. The structure and functions of newspaper, magazine, film, radio, television and public relations industries are examined. The impact of the media on individuals and institutions is explored.

CA 102 Diction: An Introduction to Phonetics 4 cr
A phonetic approach to speech communication concerned with the standards and practices of pronunciation and word selection. The International Phonetic Alphabet is the vehicle used to develop an awareness of speech encoding. Regional dialects are compared.

CA 110 Public Speaking 4 cr
A beginning study of the principles of speech communication as they relate to speaker-audience communication. An opportunity is provided the student in developing the arts of audience and subject analysis, research, critical thinking, organization, language, and delivery of speeches. This course includes a video-component. Fee.

CA 200 Survey of Communication Theory 4 cr
Introductory survey of theoretical orientations in the field of human communication. Focuses on alternative explanations regarding elements of the communication process, models of communication, the communication act, and the communication relationship. Prerequisites: EH 101 and 102.

CA 202 Vocal Effectiveness 4 cr
A principles-and-practice approach for individuals interested in achieving a high level of vocal control for personal or professional application. Attention to individual interest of students enrolled.

CA 205 Nonverbal Message Exchange 4 cr
Course examines how nonverbal messages act to create impressions and to regulate verbal communication. Emphasis on the major message codes through which individuals send messages to each other without words - e.g., how we send space -and how those codes can be used for more effective sending and receiving messages.

CA 207 The Verbal Message System 4 cr
Examination of the verbal dimension of human communication, including focus on message construction, message elements, and message impact. The course deals with the verbal message system in interpersonal and mass mediated contexts.

CA 210 Argumentation 4 cr
Examines the role of argumentation in a democratic society and aims to develop critical thinking and reasoned advocacy. Course makes functional a knowledge of tests of evidence and the modes of logical reasoning. Students participate in various forms of argumentation and debating.

CA 211 Interpersonal Communication 4 cr
A study of communication behavior in the interpersonal setting. Focuses on development of knowledge, trust, understanding, supportiveness, etc., in a relationship, and their collective impact on the communication exchange.

CA 230 Communication in Organizations 4 cr
Application of communication principles and techniques to those aspects of one's life in an organization that have been shown to be the most difficult and troublesome parts of the communication milieu in the world of work. Includes interviewing, conference participation, leadership decisions, conflict management, and organizational change as communication phenomena.

CA 240 Television Production I 4 cr
Theory and practice of television production. Concentrates on exploring the uses of television in varied contexts, including corporate, community, and broadcasting applications. Fee.

CA 244 Introduction to Radio Production 4 cr
Introduction to the theory and techniques of radio production. Emphasis on the effective use of words, music, and sound. Students create and critique radio dramas, public affairs and documentary programming, commercials, promotional and public service announcements, and music programs. Equipment is furnished; students are responsible for purchasing supplies (audio tapes). Fee.

CA 250 Radio & Television Performance 4 cr
Course focuses on the unique aspects of radio and television as communication media. Different styles of delivery for various media projects will be studied - broadcast news, advertising, and entertainment. Course also focuses on restraints and requirements of the individual medium on the practice of broadcast delivery. Fee. Prerequisite: CA 110.

CA 275 Small Group Discussion 4 cr
Theory and practice in leading and participating in group discussions. Special focus on group problem solving and the management of conflict in group meetings. This course includes a video-component. Fee.

CA 279 Gathering Information for the Media 4 cr
An examination and study of the skills required for gathering information for news stories. The course will cover such topics as how to interview, how to research public records, how to analyze scientific studies, how to evaluate information sources and information received, how to use databases and other library reference sources, how to find and use expert sources, how to develop search strategies, and identifying ethical problems in information gathering for the media. Fee. CA 279 and CA 280 can be taken simultaneously and are prerequisites for upper level reporting and writing classes.

CA 280 Writing for the Media (W) 4 cr
An examination and study of the skills required for writing news stories for broadcast and print journalism outlets. The course covers defining news, prioritizing facts in news stories, making news judgments, news genres, Associated Press style rules, writing mechanics, achieving clarity in writing, and editing your own work. Fee. CA 279 and CA 280 can be taken simultaneously and are prerequisites for upper level reporting and writing classes. Prerequisites: EH 101 and EH 102; typing ability of 30 wpm.

CA 281 Editing and Layout 4 cr
Principles and practices of selection and preparation of written and pictorial materials for newspapers, magazines, and related media. Layout and design, production planning, and related topics. Fee. Prerequisite: CA 280.
CA 286 Principles of Public Relations 4 cr
An overview of the principles and techniques of public relations. Concentrates on the role of public relations in our society, the audience for public relations, and the mass media as public-relations vehicles.

CA 290 Special Topics 4 cr
A variable-topics course treating communication concepts and topics relevant to the disciplines. May be repeated once when course content changes.

CA 300 Foundations of Communication Research 4 cr
Introduction to research foundations in the field of communication. Includes historical, critical, descriptive, and experimental methods. Fee. Prerequisites: CA 200.

CA 310 Persuasion 4 cr
Basic theories and techniques of persuasion and their application to typical communication situations and problems in today's society.

CA 315 Gender and Communication 4 cr
Survey of research and theory concerning the differences in communication between men and women and the effects and functions of communication between men and women.

CA 320 Media Planning and Scripting 4 cr
Study and practice in the techniques and decisions involved in planning and scripting for radio, television, and film media. Focus on the impact of production values (producing, directing, scripting, hardware, talent, etc.) on final production. Special scripting and planning projects.

CA 325 Applied Communication Workshop 4 cr
A workshop stressing practical applications of the principles and theories of communication disciplines to those settings and problems in the world of work that are of special interest to the students enrolled. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

CA 340 Television Production II 4 cr
A continuation of CA 240. The focus of this course is on advanced production techniques, processes, and skills. Analysis of television production as a communication process, program formats, advanced production equipment and facilities, production unit management, and the role of the director. Fee. Prerequisites: CA 101 and 240.

CA 343 Film History 4 cr
An examination of the development of motion pictures from 1893 to the present. Films representing major periods, movements, and styles will be examined. Fee.

CA 344 Film & Television Genres 4 cr
A study of the formation and evolution of film and television genres including comedy, science fiction, western, epic, and others. Selected genres will be studied in terms of their structure and cultural history. Fee.

CA 350 Broadcast News 4 cr
Course includes both writing for the broadcast media and exploring broadcast news operations. Assignments include writing broadcast news stories and evaluating broadcast news operations. Lectures cover the characteristics of broadcast news, news styles, news policy, and ethics and responsibility in broadcast news. Fee. Prerequisite: CA 101, 240, 279, 280, and 340.

CA 351 Social Effects of Mass Communication 4 cr
Examination of the interaction between mass communication and the social institutions of American society. Current research literature in the field will be analyzed and methods of improving the system will be discussed. Prerequisite: CA 101 or permission of instructor.

CA 352 Media Literacy in the Information Age 4 cr
Study of how to be a good consumer of mass media messages. Topics include how media messages are affected by media production techniques, media technology, professional values, and the media's political-economic structure. Prerequisite: CA 101.
CA 356 Broadcast/Cable Program Management 4 cr
An examination of programming strategies in broadcast and cable television. Focuses on the decision-making process used by programming executives, the internal and external constraints on decision making, and the particular strategies used for programming a variety of radio and television formats.

CA 364 Principles of Advertising Management 4 cr
Course examines the role of advertising in contemporary society. The managing, planning, targeting and media strategies of advertising are included. The legal and other restraints on advertising are explored.

CA 365 Communication Strategies in Advertising 4 cr
Study of communication elements in advertising. Focuses on copywriting, movement, space, color, and design components as persuasive strategies. Creative planning is stressed. Prerequisite: CA 364.

CA 380 Public Affairs Reporting (W) 4 cr
An advanced course in analyzing, interpreting, and reporting governmental affairs at local, state, and national levels. Opportunity available to publish assignments in the local news media. Fee. Prerequisite: CA 280.

CA 381 Feature Writing 4 cr
A writing course directed toward the publication of magazine articles. Involves the techniques of research, feature-writing style, manuscript preparation, and submission. Fee. Prerequisite: CA 280.

CA 386 Public Relations Communication Methods (W) 4 cr
Study of audio, visual, and written tools and techniques with emphasis on public relations writing and editing. Fee. Prerequisites: CA 101, 280, 286 and 300.

CA 388 History of Journalism 4 cr
The role of journalism in American society from the Revolution to the present. This course is also listed as History 388.

CA 390 Special Topics 1-4 cr
An advanced variable-topic course treating communication concepts and topics relevant to the discipline. May be repeated twice for up to twelve hours' credit.

CA 394 Directed Studies 1-4 cr
Directed individual study of literature in an area of need and interest to the student. May be repeated for a maximum of six hours' credit. Prerequisites: Approval of the instructor and department chair. Open to students with sixteen hours in the field.

CA 400 Contemporary Theories of Human 4 cr
Communication An advanced investigation of communication theory in context. Prerequisite: CA 300.

CA 410 Persuasion in Context 4 cr
An advanced examination of and application of persuasive techniques in communication situations and contexts (e.g., field, laboratory, interpersonal, small group, nonverbal, mass communication).

CA 411 Advanced Interpersonal Communication 4 cr
Focuses on the literature and theory of interpersonal behavior. This course develops a framework for unifying our understanding of such communication concerns as aggression, conformity, intimate behavior, interpersonal attraction, and conflict management. Prerequisite: CA 211.

CA 422 Rhetorical Theory: Classical to Modern 4 cr
The origin and theories of the art of speaking (oratory) from the classical Greek period to modern America.

CA 430 Advanced Organizational Communication 4 cr
Study and application of organizational and communication theory of assessment of organizational and communication needs. Critical analysis of intervention programs and strategies. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing.

CA 440 Advanced Television Postproduction 4 cr
Theory and practice of television postproduction. Concentrates on exploring and understanding the concepts and technology involved in advanced video post-production for a variety of applications including commercial, corporate and community outlets. Fee. Prerequisites: CA 240, 340 and consent of instructor.

CA 445 Ethics and Social Responsibility in 4 cr
Communication (W) Study of social responsibility and ethics in communication. Acquaints student with ethical standards and expectations society has for communicators. Prerequisites: CA 300 plus one additional upper-division CA course.

CA 455 Law of Communication 4 cr
Study of the broad application of principles of law to American communication, including study of free speech, freedom of information, mass media law and regulation including libel, copyright, and right of privacy. Prerequisite: CA 200 or 351.

CA 469 Advising Non-College-Level Publications 4 cr
Designed for students entering the publications profession as well as the person now supervising the non-college-level publications program. The course will include the advising and administering of the publications program--yearbook, newspaper, news magazines, literary magazine--staffing, planning, philosophical, legal and ethical constraints. Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in CA 280 or permission of instructor.

CA 470 Issues in Publication Design 4 cr
Covers the importance of visuals to overall communications efforts in corporate or public communication. Topics covered include publication design theory, audience considerations, message analysis, use of color and visual impact priorities. Focuses on planning and production of printed materials such as newsletters, brochures, annual reports or other promotional literature. Creation of comprehensive Visual Communications Package required as part of the class. Fee. Prerequisites: Senior standing and ability to use a full-service word-processing computer program.

CA 475 Communication and Group Processes 4 cr
The nature of small group processes. Leadership, communication, and decision making in small groups. Prerequisites: Junior or Senior standing.

CA 480 Depth Reporting 4 cr
Advanced practice in and study of in-depth, investigative, and interpretative reporting for mass media. Opportunity to publish assignments in the local media. Fee. Prerequisite: CA 380.

CA 481 Editorial Writing 4 cr
An examination of the editorial and other persuasive communications used by the print and electronic media. Fee. Prerequisites: CA 280 and 210, or 310 or 410.

CA 484 Managing Public Relations 4 cr
Study of the operation and objectives of corporate and agency public relations using the case study approach. Emphasis is given to relating the management function of decision-making and policy formation to the communication process. Prerequisites: CA 286, 300, 386 or permission of instructor.

CA 486 Public Relations Campaigns 4 cr
Researching, planning, and preparing for an integrated public relations campaign. Prerequisite: CA 386.

CA 492 Seminar 2-4 cr
An investigation of advanced topics and concepts of communication. Topics will rotate based upon disciplinary relevance and student need. May be repeated once for credit when content varies. Prerequisite: Senior standing.

CA 494 Directed Studies 1-4 cr
Investigation of questions of special interest in communication. May be repeated to a maximum of eight quarter hours, provided no repetition of subject matter occurs. Students are required to file a description of their goals and objectives for their study. This description is to be specific so that it can serve in place of a syllabus for this course. Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor.

CA 496 Professional Studies: Internship 1-4 cr
On-the-job experience in a selected communication area related to potential career selection. Supervision by communication advisor and off-campus agency required. The Internship Program may be repeated for up to twelve credits. Grading is satisfactory/unsatisfactory. This course may also be taken through the Cooperative Education Program. Prerequisites: Prior approval of internship coordinator or department chair.

CA 500 Foundations of Graduate Study in 4 cr
Communication An introduction to graduate study in the multidisciplinary field of communication. Introduction to the major subareas of the study of communication, the faculty of the department and their areas of specialization, university research facilities, university library facilities, and the organizations that support advanced study in the field of communication. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. CA 500 is a prerequisite or corequisite for all CA 500 level courses. Under special circumstances CA 500 may be waived as a prerequisite for graduate students in other majors.

CA 502 Communication Theory 4 cr
A survey of the theoretical perspectives that guide the study of human communication. Competing and complementary epistemological frameworks will be compared. Prerequisites: Graduate standing and CA 500. CA 500 may be taken concurrently.

CA 503 Communication Research Methods 4 cr
An advanced investigation of the research methodologies used in the study of communication. Analysis and development of experimental, field, survey, and historical research programs will be stressed. Prerequisites: Graduate standing, ST 175, and CA 500. CA 500 may be taken concurrently.

CA 504 Multimedia Research Methods 4 cr
An investigation into the research and design methodologies used in the multimedia communication projects. Focuses on analysis and testing of complex training materials using still images, motion video, music, sound effects and elements of screen design based on current tenets of communication theory. Prerequisites: Graduate standing, consent of advisor and CA 500. CA 500 may be taken concurrently.

CA 509 Advanced Argumentation and Persuasion 4 cr
Advanced analysis and development of persuasive messages and argumentative strategies. Ethical responsibilities of the message sender will also be addressed. Prerequisites: Graduate standing, consent of advisor and CA 500. CA 500 may be taken concurrently.

CA 512 Theoretical Foundations in 4 cr
Interpersonal Communication Review of the interpersonal communication research literature with respect to the process of mutual adaptation and negotiation. The social and psychological processes constraining and organizing interpersonal communication will be studied. Topics include verbal and nonverbal codes, message production and interpretation, conversation management, relationship definition, and interpersonal communication competence. Prerequisites: Graduate standing, consent of advisor and CA 500. CA 500 may be taken concurrently.

CA 531 Analysis of Communication in Organizations 4 cr
Analysis of interpersonal, dyadic, group, and organization-wide communication events that occur in organizational settings. Attention will be directed to the network of messages that occur in organizations and the organizational change that occurs when a message system is disrupted or changed. Organizational communication research methodologies will be introduced. Prerequisites: Graduate standing, consent of advisor and CA 500. CA 500 may be taken concurrently.
CA 535 Communication Training and 4 cr
Development Programs A review and analysis of communication training and development programs designed to solve communication problems in groups and organizations. Students will develop and present a training and development program. Fee. Prerequisites: Graduate standing, consent of advisor, and CA 500. CA 500 may be taken concurrently.

CA 540 Moving Image Structure and Process 4 cr
An analysis of moving-image form and process for decision makers who supervise, produce, and/or evaluate electronic and/or film media for organizations. Theories of narrative and rhetoric and of moving-image syntax provide principles for structuring media content and managing the production process. Fee. Prerequisites: Graduate standing, consent of advisor and CA 500. CA 500 may be taken concurrently.

CA 546 Ethics and Responsibility in Corporate 4 cr
and Public Communication Advanced analysis and interaction between organizations and the social institutions of American society. Study of the literature and communication ethics and social responsibility. Prerequisites: Graduate standing, consent of advisor and CA 500. CA 500 may be taken concurrently.

CA 549 Mass Media and Social Effects 4 cr
A study of the role of corporate and public communication in the American social structure, including mass media extensions and impact upon institutions. Consideration of historical, legal, social, and economic issues. Prerequisites: Graduate standing, consent of advisor and CA 500. CA 500 may be taken concurrently.

CA 556 Corporate and Public Communications Law 4 cr
A survey of the law as it deals with public communication. The course provides a working knowledge of First Amendment theory, copyright, trademark, advertising, contracts, access and administrative laws as they relate to the public relations environment. Prerequisites: Graduate standing, consent of advisor and CA 500. CA 500 may be taken concurrently.

CA 557 Telecommunications Management Systems 4 cr
An examination of the management strategies in telecommunications radio, television, cable, satellite, and the new communication industries. Focus on the decision-making process used by telecommunications executives, the internal and external constraints on decision making, and the particular strategies used for managing a variety of telecommunications industries. Prerequisites: Graduate standing, consent of advisor and CA 500. CA 500 may be taken concurrently.

CA 558 Communication Technology Systems 4 cr
An examination of the new communication technology systems with an emphasis on how they reconfigure patterns of communications organizations, production, storage, and dissemination. The role of communication technology systems today and tomorrow, and implications for organizational, local, national, and international contexts will be studied. Fee. Prerequisites: Graduate standing, consent of advisor and CA 500. CA 500 may be taken concurrently.
CA 576 Investigation of Group Communication 4 cr
An in-depth analysis of study of group communication theories. Topics to be covered include: decision making, conflict, conformity, leadership, and observation methods. Prerequisites: Graduate standing, consent of advisor and CA 500. CA 500 may be taken concurrently.

CA 585 Public Relations Administration 4 cr
A comprehensive analysis of public relations as a management function. Examination of the public relations function within organizations, their problems, and procedures. An in-depth look at relevant social science theories that explain common public relations problems. Study of these theories to understand the effects of different public relations techniques. Prerequisites: Graduate standing, consent of advisor and CA 500. CA 500 may be taken concurrently.

CA 590 Special Topics in Communication 2-4 cr
A detailed examination of selected topics in communication theory. Topic announced prior to registration. Course may be repeated once when subject matter varies. Prerequisites: Graduate standing, consent of advisor and CA 500. CA 500 may be taken concurrently.

CA 592 Seminar in Communication Theory 2-4 cr
Departmental seminar investigating a selected field of communication theory through in-depth evaluation of its accompanying body of literature. Topic announced prior to registration. Course may be repeated once when subject matter varies. Prerequisites: Graduate standing, consent of advisor and CA 500. CA 500 may be taken concurrently.

CA 594 Directed Study in Communication 1-4 cr
Independent research in field, laboratory, or library under the direction of a member of the graduate faculty. Prerequisite: Graduate standing, consent of advisor, and approval of Department chair.

CA 595 Project in Communication 1-6 cr
Work on a significant communication problem within the student's area of specialization. Project will involve analysis of the problem, development of significant communication theory applications, and administration of the solution suggested by the analysis. Project will be designed in consultation with the major advisor and approved by the student's advising committee.

CA 599 Thesis 1-6 cr
Six hours of 599 credit may be applied toward the M.A. degree by students selecting to write a thesis.

Courses of Instruction

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