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.