Department of Communication,
Division of Social Sciences,
Ellison Hall 4840;
Telephone (805) 893-4479
E-mail: comminfo@mail.lsit.ucsb.edu
Website: www.comm.ucsb.edu (will open in a new browser window)
Department Chair: Michael Stohl
Contents:
Tamara D. Afifi,, Ph.D., University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Assistant Professor (interpersonal communication, family communication)
Walid A. Afifi,, Ph.D., University of Arizona, Associate Professor (uncertainty and information management, interpersonal and relational communication, health communication)
Andrew J. Flanagin, Ph.D., University of Southern California, Associate Professor (effects of organizational communication and information technologies, collective action in organizations)
Howard Giles, Ph.D., D.Sc., University of Bristol, Professor (language and intercultural communication, intergenerational communication)
Kenneth Harwood, Ph.D., University of Southern California, Adjunct Professor (economic analysis of communication services)
Laura Jansma, Ph.D., UC Santa Barbara, Continuing Lecturer (theory, conflict management, gender, internship experience, intentional communities)
Daniel G. Linz, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin, Professor (mass-media policy and law, mass-media effects)
Miriam J. Metzger, Ph.D., University of Southern California, Associate Professor (media effects, new technologies, political communication)
Charles Mullin, Ph.D., UC Santa Barbara, Continuing Lecturer (mass media and society, communication and law, statistical analysis)
Dorothy Imrich Mullin, Ph.D., UC Santa Barbara, Continuing Lecturer (communication and law, mass media and children, quantitiative research methods)
Karen K. Myers, Ph.D., Arizona State University, Assistant Professor (organizational communication, organizational assimilation, workgroups’ emotions, identity, leadership)
Robin Nabi, Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania, Associate Professor (persuasion, emotion, mass media effects, health communication)
W. James Potter, Ph.D., Florida State University, Professor (media processes, effects, and literacy; theory and methods)
Scott A. Reid, Ph.D., University of Queensland, Associate Professor (intergroup communication, social identity, language and power, social influence)
Ronald E. Rice, Ph.D., Stanford University, Arthur N. Rupe Professor of the Social Effects of Mass Communication (internet and new media, organizational communication, communication campaigns, communication networks)
David R. Seibold, Ph.D., Michigan State University, Professor (small group and organizational communication)
Cynthia Stohl, Ph.D., Purdue University, Professor (group and organizational communication, globalization and international organizations, networks, worker participation programs)
Michael S. Stohl, PhD., Northwestern University, Professor (globalization, international organizations, political communication)
René Weber, PhD./Dr.rer.nat., University of Technology Berlin/Germany, Assistant Professor (media effects, audience research, cognitive neuroscience, research methods and statistics)
John M. Wiemann, Ph.D., Purdue University, Professor (interpersonal and nonverbal behavior, communicative competence)
Bruce Bimber, Ph.D. (Political Science)
Diane M. Mackie, Ph.D. (Psychology)
Brenda N. Major, Ph.D. (Psychology)
Anthony Mulac, Ph.D., University of Michigan, Professor Emeritus
Edwin R. Schoell, Ph.D., University of Denver, Professor Emeritus
Communication studies focus on how people construct, use, and interpret messages across multiple channels and types of media to inform, persuade, manage, relate, and influence each other within and across social contexts and cultures. Students trained in the communication discipline find employment in a wide range of local, state, national, and global organizations in professions ranging from the media industry, law, education, and social services to management in profit and nonprofit organizations.
Globalization, increased interconnectedness, new communication technologies, and changing social values are reshaping patterns of social interaction, home and work experiences, domestic and international politics, and economic activity. The department’s three core areas, interpersonal and intergroup, organizational, and media communication, respond to these changes in many ways.
Communication is one of the fastest growing areas of study among UCSB’s undergraduate students. The communication program offers an array of courses across three different areas of interest: interpersonal/intergroup, media, and organization communication.
The major emphasizes the understanding of communicative events - their psychological, social, and philosophical implications and aspects - the development of knowledge in these areas, and the use of empirical and critical tools for assessing the impact and quality of message transmission. Mass media effects, interpersonal and nonverbal communication, health, group, organizational, and global communication, new communication technologies, intercultural communication, and policies are just a few areas in which faculty members in UCSB’s Department of Communication are teaching and conducting research. Although the implications of media production and distribution are emphasized within the curriculum, the department does not provide instruction in production processes.
Bachelor of Arts - Communication
The major in communication consists of two tiers of courses: pre-major (Communication 1, 87, 88, 89); and upper-division courses.
Preparation for the major. Students must complete each of the following requirements before petitioning the department to change from pre-major to major status: (1) Communication 1, 87, 88, and 89. (2) Communication 1, 87, 88, 89 must be completed with a combined grade-point average in these four courses of 3.0 or better. (3) In completing the four courses above, students must earn no grade lower than a C-.
Before these preparatory requirements are completed, and after the completion of at least one of the four courses above (Communication 1, 87, 88, 89); students intending to become communication majors are strongly encouraged to declare pre-communication as their major. Upon successful completion of these requirements, students may petition for full major status, generally prior to the accumulation of 100 units, but not after the completion of 144 units. Admission to the pre-major does not guarantee admission to the communication major regardless of the number of communication units taken.
Upper-division major. Forty upper-division units are required for the major. There are no specific required courses, but the following credit requirements and limitations are in effect: (1) By petition, students may apply one elective course outside the Department of Communication from the following courses: Anthropology 110; Chicana/o Studies 138; Environmental Studies 124; Geography 180; and Linguistics 124, 130, 132, 133, 170, 180, 185; Philosophy 100C; Political Science 154, 171; Psychology 102 (2) A total of 16 units combined of Communication 181A-B-C, 194, 199, and 199 RA may be applied to the upper-division major, with no more than 12 units of 194, 199, and 199RA combined.
Qualified majors will be sent an invitation letter to participate in the department’s senior honors program (Communication 180 and 181A-B-C) during winter quarter of their junior year. Students must have achieved junior standing with a minimum overall and major grade-point average of 3.5 at time of application. They must complete 12 upper-division major units, maintaining the 3.5 GPA, by the end of winter quarter of their junior year, in order to be admitted into the program. Eligibility requirements are subject to change. All interested transfer students should contact the undergraduate advisor early in their first quarter. Students admitted into the program enroll in a thesis preparation seminar in the spring of the junior year, and then work directly with a faculty mentor throughout the senior year to complete an in-depth project culminating in a senior thesis. Students successfully completing the program will graduate with Distinction in the Major.
Graduate Program
Graduate education in the Department of Communication is provided in interpersonal/intergroup communication, media communication, and organizational communication. Additional emphases are available in language and communication, health communication, new media communication, group communication, political communication, media literacy, human-computer interaction, information technology, communication law and policy, and global and international communication. In addition to departmental requirements, candidates for graduate degrees must meet university degree requirements found in the section "Graduate Education at UCSB.” Because the M.A. degree is designed to prepare students for the Ph.D., students without a master’s degree should apply to both degree programs. Students interested in attaining a master’s degree only will normally not be considered for the program.
Admission
In addition to departmental requirements for admission, applicants must also fulfill the university requirements for admission described in the section “Graduate Education at UCSB.” For admission to the five-year M.A./Ph.D. program, applicants will be evaluated on their undergraduate record (usually majoring in communication); statement of purpose; the verbal, quantitative, and analytical portions of the Graduate Record Examination; and three letters of recommendation. Normally, those admitted to the Ph.D. program will have pursued master’s level research by means of an empirical thesis, although this is not necessary if applicants can demonstrate research experience and/or have outstanding potential for doctoral research.
Applications may be submitted online via the Graduate Division webpage: www.graddiv.ucsb.edu. Students accepted for graduate study typically receive either fellowship support or teaching/research assistantships, although competition for these is intense. To qualify for support, applications must be received by December 15.
Degree Requirements
The department offers a plan leading to the degree of Ph.D. in communication, the successful pursuit of which demands that the student complete a high-caliber thesis for the master’s degree, normally by the end of two years. Assuming faculty endorsement of doctoral research potential, the student then works toward completing coursework, undertakes written and oral qualifying examinations, and completes a dissertation, normally by the end of three years.
At the M.A. level, students are required to take three core introductory courses in communication, 16 units in their major research area, 8 units in a minor area, and 8 statistics or tool equivalent units. (Note: The university requires master’s students following the thesis option to complete at least 20 graduate units in the major or related fields numbered either 200-299 or 596. At the Ph.D. level, students take 12 additional units in their primary research area, 8 units of theoretical breadth, 8 units of statistics, and 12 units of cognate courses outside the department. Students entering with a master’s degree from another university must consult with the graduate advisor to ensure that they have completed sufficient coursework at the master’s level. At a minimum, students should have completed one methods course in communication and two statistics courses during their M.A. work at another institution.
A quarterly research colloquium is required of all graduate students in the department and directed research units are strongly encouraged throughout a student’s program of study.
Optional Ph.D. Emphasis in Human Development
Students pursuing a Ph.D. in this department may petition to add an emphasis in human development. The interdisciplinary program in human development (IHD) involves faculty from the Ph.D. programs in communication, counseling/clinical/school psychology, education, linguistics, psychology, and sociology. The program focuses on developmental theory and research across the lifespan, and may be particularly relevant to the dissertation research of some students. The program features a structured set of courses that are taught individually and collaboratively by faculty from a variety of disciplines.
Students who petition to add the emphasis in human development must fulfill the following requirements in addition to the requirements for the Ph.D. in their home department: (1) six quarters of proseminar Interdisciplinary 592; (2) four courses in addition to the proseminar, two of which must be outside the student’s home department; (3) a minimum of one member of the student’s doctoral committee must be a ladder faculty member officially affiliated with the interdisciplinary program in human development. Consult the department for additional information.
Optional Ph.D. Emphasis in Quantitative Methods in the Social Sciences
Students pursuing a Ph.D. in this department may petition to add an interdisciplinary emphasis in quantitative methods in the social sciences (QMSS). This interdisciplinary emphasis involves faculty from the Ph.D. programs in Communication, Economics, Education, Geography, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, and Statistics and Applied Probability. The areas of specialization of the participating faculty include advanced regression modeling techniques, multivariate statistics, bootstrap estimation methods, demography, econometrics, psychometrics, social network theory, mathematical psychology, spatial statistics, survey research, and educational and psychological assessment. The QMSS emphasis helps students to attain the competencies needed to conduct quantitative social science research through core design and analysis classes, courses in advanced and specialized methodologies, and participation in interdisciplinary colloquia and research projects.
Each admitted student will develop, with his or her advisor, an individual contract listing the QMSS requirements to be completed. The contract must include the following:
- Two quarters of calculus, one quarter in linear algebra, and a one-year statistics sequence (These requirements can be waived if equivalent courses have already been completed).
- Attendance for at least three quarters at the ongoing QMSS seminar series, including presentation of at least one paper.
- Completion of at least three quantitative methods courses (excluding those listed above) or at least two of which are outside the student’s home department.
- A Ph.D. dissertation that is centrally focused on an issue that is appropriate to the QMSS emphasis. The dissertation may make a contribution to methodological theory or may involve an advanced or innovative application.
- A dissertation committee that includes at least one QMSS faculty member from outside the student’s home department.
Consult the department for additional information.
Optional Ph.D. Emphasis in Technology and Society
Students pursuing a Ph.D. in this department may petition to add an emphasis in technology and society. The emphasis brings together doctoral students in engineering, social sciences, and the humanities to engage in multidisciplinary coursework and research into the cultural and societal changes resulting from the use of new information technologies. The emphasis features a structured set of courses that may be taught individually and collaboratively by faculty across disciplines: Anthropology, Communication, Computer Science, English, History, Media Arts and Technology, Political Science, and Sociology.
To be eligible for admission to the emphasis, students must be enrolled in good standing in the department. Petitions for adding the emphasis can be made at any time in a student’s graduate career, but typically will be made after at least one successful year of study in the home department. Work completed prior to admission that meets emphasis requirements (as determined by the Ph.D. Emphasis Faculty Executive Steering Committee) may be counted towards its completion.
Requirements for completing the optional emphasis in technology and society include:
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Gateway Technology and Society Colloquium. Students must complete a 1-unit colloquium that brings together students and faculty from multiple disciplines to explore various approaches to studying technology and society. In addition to helping students understand similarities and differences in conceptualization and knowledge production across disciplines, the seminar promotes interaction among students from different departments.
-
Graduate Coursework. Students must complete four 4-unit courses with a grade of B or better, two each from Area 1 (Culture and History) and Area 2 (Society and Behavior). Area 1 courses explore the humanistic study of cultures, histories and meanings as they intersect with technology. Area 2 investigates the social scientific study of technology in relationship to human behavior, organizations, and social structures. One course from the student’s home department can be applied toward meeting this requirement. Students can petition to substitute a non-listed course, subject to approval by the Technology and Society Faculty Executive Committee.
-
Dissertation. A student’s dissertation must have relevance to at least one of the two Emphasis areas. In addition, the student’s dissertation committee must include a member from another department participating in the emphasis. Exceptions are subject to approval by the Technology and Society Faculty Executive Committee.
For additional information and a current list of courses, please contact the graduate advisor or visit www.technology-society.ucsb.edu
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Communication Courses
1. Introduction to Communication
(4) Staff
Prerequisite: not open to seniors.
Survey of basic concepts, principles, and models of communication. Introduction to the importance of communication in intrapersonal, interpersonal, small group, organizational, and mass media contexts.
87. Statistical Analysis for Communication
(4) Staff
Not open for credit to students who have completed PSTAT 5AA-ZZ or Sociology 3 or EEMB 30 or Psychology 5 or equivalent.
An introduction to basic statistical concepts and applications in communication. Through lecture and computer labs, students will be exposed to statistical applications for advanced coursework in the major.
88. Communication Research Methods
(4) Staff
An introduction to social scientific research designs used in the field of communication, including survey research, experimental design, content analysis, and field research.
89. Theories of Communication
(4) Staff
Prerequisite: Communication 1.
An introduction to major theories and theoretical influences in the field of communication, in the areas of interpersonal, small group, organizational, and mass communication.
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101. Media Literacy
(4) Staff
Prerequisite: upper-division standing; communication and interdisciplinary majors only.
Designed for majors.
An introduction to media courses. Overview of the key skills, knowledge structures of the media industries, the content those industries produce, and effects of that content on individuals and society.
106. Small Group Communication
(4) Staff
Prerequisites: upper-division standing; open to communications and interdisciplinary majors only.
Designed for majors.
Theory and research in communication in groups, teams, and work units in a variety of organizational contexts. Includes sections in which students observe and analyze communication processes in small group projects and exercises.
107. Interpersonal Communication
(4) Staff
Prerequisites: upper-division standing; open to communications and interdisciplinary majors only.
Designed for majors.
Survey of theory and research in interpersonal communication, including social and intimate relationships and conversational interaction.
109. Language and Social Identity
(4) Reid
Prerequisites: upper-division standing; open to communications and interdisciplinary majors only.
Social psychology of language and communication examined from the “social identity approach.” From this perspective, which claims that our attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors flow from our self-conceptions as group members, we investigate concepts such as stereotyping, power and CMC.
110. Language and Communication Processes
(4) Staff
Prerequisites: upper-division standing; communication and interdisciplinary majors only.
Designed for majors.
Theory and research on the role of language in various communication contexts. Topics include: the nature of signs and symbols; language, perception and thought; social psychological factors in verbal encoding; and language and impression formation.
111. Nonverbal Communication in Human Interaction
(4) Staff
Prerequisites: upper-division standing; communication and interdisciplinary majors only.
Designed for majors.
Review of theories and empirical research on structure and function of nonverbal messages in interaction, including body and facial gestures, paralinguistics, touch, territory, environment, and physical appearance. Students conduct and report original studies or applied research projects on nonverbal communication.
113. Media Effects on Individuals
(4) Staff
Prerequisites: upper-division standing; communication and interdisciplinary majors only.
Designed for majors.
The effects of media communication on individual cognitive processes and the social environment. Emphasis on media effects on individual attitudes, family interaction, children, perceptions of minorities, sex-role stereotyping and other outcomes.
114. Media Effects on Society and Institutions
(4) staff
Prerequisites: upper-division standing; communication and interdisciplinary majors only.
Designed for majors.
Examines the role that mass media institutions play in society. The history and functions of various media are explored from contrasting social and political viewpoints, with empirical theory and research used where possible to support and/or challenge these viewpoints.
115. Interactive Media Theory and Design
(4) Staff
Prerequisites: upper-division standing; communication and interdisciplinary majors only.
Designed for majors.
Examines cognitive, emotional, social, behavioral processes and effects of interactive media. Students apply theories of communication, psychology, and human-computer interaction to the design of content for computer-based media (Internet, interactive games, portable wireless devices, smart toys, interactive television).
116. The Internet, Communication, and Contemporary Society
(4) Staff
Prerequisites: upper-division standing; communication and interdisciplinary majors only.
Designed for majors.
Applies theories of interpersonal, group, organizational and community communication to understanding Internet communication and its social implications. Explores Internet’s historical, technical, relational, economic, legal, political, and social dimensions.
117. Persuasion
(4) Staff
Prerequisites: upper-division standing; communication and interdisciplinary majors only.
Designed for majors.
Analysis and synthesis of current persuasion theory to understand how messages influence attitudes and behaviors. Topics covered include: theories for altering attitudes and behaviors, the persuasion process, and the use of persuasion in applied contexts.
118. Communication Technology and Organization
(4) Flanagin
Prerequisites: upper-division standing; communication and interdisciplinary majors only.
Designed for majors.
Examines the interaction between communication technologies and organization, including theories of technology and agency, diffusion of innovations, effect of communication technologies on the nature of work, impact of communication technologies on privacy, security, public policy, and virtual, global, network organizations.
119. Intergenerational Communication
(4) Giles
Prerequisites: upper-division standing; communication and interdisciplinary majors only.
Designed for majors.
Introduction to our changing communication needs as we age, the dynamics of intergenerational contact, and communicative consequences of being elderly.
120. Interviewing Theory and Practice
(4) Staff
Prerequisites: upper-division standing; communication and interdisciplinary majors only.
Designed for majors.
Analysis of the interview as unique communication context, including the application of theoretical concepts and practice in designing and conducting interviews of various types (e.g., information gathering, career, recruitment, selection, appraisal, grievance, exit, journalistic, sales, survey).
121. Communication and Conflict
(4) Staff
Prerequisite: upper-division standing; communication and interdisciplinary majors only.
Designed for majors.
Theory and research on communication and conflict dynamics in various contexts. Students use theoretical concepts to analyze conflict in different situations and in their daily lives.
122. Micro- and Macro-Organizational Communication
(4) Staff
Prerequisites: upper-division standing; communication and interdisciplinary majors only.
Designed for majors.
Application of communication theory and research to established organizations, with special emphasis on communication causes, correlates, and consequences of internal and external organizational communication processes at individual, group, organizational, and societal levels of analysis.
123. Cultural Influences on Communication
(4) Staff
Prerequisites: upper-division standing; communication and interdisciplinary majors only.
Designed for majors.
Cross-cultural influences on communication processes. May deal with face-to-face or electronically mediated communication.
124. Family Communication
(4) Staff
Prerequisites: upper-division standing; communication and interdisciplinary majors only.
Designed for majors.
Communication strategies and patterns of interaction in family relationships. Topics include closeness and affection, disclosure, sibling interaction, adolescence, parenting, marital roles and conflict.
126. Gender and Communication
(4) Staff
Prerequisites: upper-division standing; communication and interdisciplinary majors only.
Designed for majors.
Identification of sex-role stereotypes and discriminatory issues for both sexes. Awareness of gendered-communication patterns across interpersonal, mediated, and organizational contexts and the theoretical attempts to explain them. Students create applied research projects attempting to modify sexist communication patterns.
128. Language and Intergroup Communication
(4) Giles
Prerequisites: upper-division standing; communication and interdisciplinary majors only.
Designed for majors.
Survey of theory and research concerning language and communication between various social groups (e.g., intersocial and interethnic groups), with emphasis on understanding the role communication plays in integrating and differentiating group members.
129. Law Enforcement, Communication, and the Community
(4) Giles
Prerequisites: upper-division standing; communication and interdisciplinary majors only.
Designed for majors.
Introduction to the complex facets of modern-day law enforcement. Intends to enhance effective relations between the community and law enforcement. Lectures from policing agencies and academics are supplemented by practical experiences via field trips and an extensive ridealong.
130. Political Communication
(4) Staff
Prerequisites: upper-division standing; communication and interdisciplinary majors only.
Designed for majors.
Overview of the role of communication in politics and public opinion. Exploration of research on the content of a variety of forms of political communication and the cognitive, attitudinal, and behavioral effects of this communication on the public.
131. Organizational Communication: A Global Perspective
(4) Staff
Prerequisites: upper-division standing; communication and interdisciplinary majors only.
Designed for majors.
Focuses on communication processes and issues that arise in multinational and global organizations. Explores the relationship among culture, communication, technology, and ways of organizing across national contexts and in different types of organizations (non-profit, voluntary, civic, governmental, small business and corporate systems).
132. Electronic Media Policy and Regulation
(4) Staff
Prerequisites: upper-division standing; communication and interdisciplinary majors only.
Designed for majors.
Introduction to the process by which communication policy is constructed, including analysis of the role of key participants. Survey of the fundamental regulatory structure governing broadcasting and other electronic media. Examination of current media policies.
133. Mass Communication and Children
(4) Staff
Prerequisites: upper-division standing; communication and interdisciplinary majors only.
Designed for majors.
Examines children’s and adolescents’ reactions to mass media and interactive media. Includes analysis of children’s cognitive processing of media and study of effects in such areas as violent portrayals, prosocial messages, advertising content. Considers policy implications of research.
134. Societal Influences on the Shape and Effects of Media
(4) Metzger
Prerequisites: upper-division standing; communication and interdisciplinary majors only.
Designed for majors.
Examines the factors that affect the shape and influence of news, politics, and entertainment media messages, including media gatekeepers, audiences, institutions/organizations, technologies, the government, and culture.
136. Collaborative Technologies and the Dynamics of Organization
(4) Flanagin
Prerequisites: upper-division standing; communication and interdisciplinary majors only.
Designed for majors.
Focuses on the nature of collaboration within and across organizations, in view of contemporary technologies. Issues examined include nature of collaboration, support of group work, virtual groups, information sharing, knowledge management, collective action, e-commerce, and new forms of organizing.
137. Global Communication, International Relations and the Media
(4) M. Stohl
Prerequisites: upper-division standing; communication and interdisciplinary majors only.
Designed for majors.
Examines the nature, role, and influence of the global communication on international relations and the relationship between the media and policy making and advocacy.
138. Advertising Literacy
(4) Potter
Prerequisites: upper-division standing; communication and interdisciplinary majors only.
Designed for majors.
Introduction to the advertising industry, its procedures and its effects on our society as well as on us as individuals.
139. Communication and Emotion
(4) Nabi
Prerequisites: upper-division standing; communication and interdisciplinary majors only.
Designed for majors.
Overview of emotion and its role in communication. Addresses theoretical perspectives on emotion; issues of emotional display and recognition; and different emotions’ effects in interpersonal, media, and social systems contexts.
145. Media Entertainment
(4) Staff
Prerequisites: upper-division standing; communication and interdisciplinary majors only.
Designed for majors.
Investigation and analysis of the enjoyment, selection, appreciation, understanding, and production of media entertainment and popular culture.
150. Group Communication in Multiple Contexts
(4) Staff
Prerequisites: upper-division standing; communication and interdisciplinary majors only.
Designed for majors. May be repeated for credit to a maximum of 12 units.
Integrates social and behavioral sciences with the latest communication approaches to group behavior. Students develop an understanding of how communication networks within and outside of a particular group constitutes the essential nature of group processes.
151. Advanced Interpersonal Communication
(4) Staff
Prerequisites: Communication 107; open to upper-division communication and Interdisciplinary majors only.
Designed for majors.
Intensive analysis of current theory and research in interpersonal communication, with special attention to theory development and testing.
152. Advanced Organizational Communication
(4) Staff
Prerequisites: upper-division standing; communication and interdisciplinary majors only.
Designed for majors. May be repeated for credit to a maximum of 12 units.
Intensive analysis of current theory and research in selected areas of organizational communication. Topics include organizational communication diagnosis and auditing, organizational innovation and change, and communication management.
153. Communication and Global Advocacy Networks
(4) M. Stohl
Prerequisites: upper-division standing; communication and interdisciplinary majors only.
Designed for majors.
Examines the nexus of communication and global advocacy networks. Explores how non-governmental organizations communicate and organize their interactions with governmental and corporate actors and the implications for global civil society.
155. Health Communication
(4) Staff
Prerequisites: upper-division standing; communication and interdisciplinary majors only.
Designed for majors.
Explores theory, research, and practice regarding the impact of various types of messages (intrapersonal, interpersonal, and/or media) on people’s health knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, and outcomes.
160AA-ZZ. Special Topics in Communication
(4) Staff
Prerequisites: upper-division standing; communication and interdisciplinary majors only.
May be repeated for credit to a maximum of 12 units.
Investigation of current theory and research in a selected area of communication. Variable topics in media, interpersonal or organizational communication, depending on the instructor.
170. Communication Law
(4) Staff
Prerequisites: upper-division standing; communication and interdisciplinary majors only.
Designed for majors.
A historical survey of the development of the concept of free speech, and a study of First Amendment controversies in the United States during the twentieth and twenty-first centuries.
172. Advanced Communication Theory and Research
(4) Staff
Prerequisites: upper-division standing; communication and interdisciplinary majors only.
Designed for majors. May be repeated for credit to a maximum of 12 units.
Integration and synthesis of theories and research between at least two core areas of communication. Variable topics, such as family relationships, health, or intercultural communication will be the focus of these integrations.
175AA-ZZ. Senior Capstone in Communication
(4) Staff
Prerequisites: consent of instructor; senior standing; communication and interdisciplinary studies majors only.
Designed for majors.
A project-based course in a specific topic area of communication designed to give students a chance to apply the skills and knowledge learned in the major and the opportunity to work intensively in groups on a real world project.
AD. Advertising
FM. Family Communication
IP. Interpersonal Communication
SX. Sex, Cencorship, and the Judiciary
180. Senior Honors Seminar
(4) Flanagin
Prerequisites: upper-division standing; open to communication majors only.
Designed for majors.
Seminar offered spring quarter covering methodological, theoretical, and procedural issues involved in undertaking a senior thesis.
181A-B-C. Senior Honors Thesis
(4) Flanagin
Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
A three-quarter sequence course with grades given for each course after completion of 181C.
Independent work with faculty sponsor culminating in senior thesis.
191. Applying Communication to Internships in Organizations
(4) Staff
Prerequisites: upper-division standing; open to communication majors only; consent of instructor.
Designed for majors.
Integrate field work experience with communication theory and current literature. Weekly lecture to be concurrent with internship in the field of communication. Lecture topics include theories of interpersonal communication, organizational structures, management, and communication styles.
194. Group Studies for Advanced Students
(1-12) Staff
May be repeated for a maximum of 12 units.
Selected topics in accordance with instructor’s area of specialization.
199. Independent Studies in Communication
(1-5) Staff
Must have a minimum 3.0 grade-point average for the preceding three quarters. Students are limited to 5 units per quarter and 30 units total in all 98/99/198/199/199AA-ZZ courses combined. Written proposal required.
199RA. Independent Research Assistance in Communication
(1-5) Staff
Must have a minimum 3.0 grade-point average for the preceding three quarters. Students are limited to 5 units per quarter and 30 units total in all 98/99/198/199/199AA-ZZ courses combined. Written proposal required.
Coursework shall consist of faculty supervised research assistance.
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200. Communication Theory Construction
(4) Staff
Prerequisite: graduate standing.
The nature of theory and theory building in human communication.
201. Communication Theory
(4) Staff
Prerequisite: graduate standing.
Provides a broad overview to the study of human communication by surveying theories of language, interpersonal communication, persuasion, small group communication, organizational communication, and mass communication.
204A. Research Methods in Communication
(4) Staff
Prerequisite: graduate standing.
A survey of research methods in the social sciences applicable to communication research.
204B. Applications in Research Methods in Communication
(4) Linz
Prerequisites: Communication 204A; graduate
standing.
Provides students with hands on experience with basic statistics and computer programs applicable to the analysis of communication related data.
204C. Advanced Topics in Research Methods and Statistical Analysis
(4) Staff
Prerequisites: Communication 204A; graduate
standing.
Provides students with experience in advanced topics in multivariate statistics and computer programs. Analyses includes multiple regression, MANOVA, log linear analyses, and other advanced techniques.
206. Group Communication
(4) Seibold
Prerequisite: graduate standing.
Readings on research concerning group processes from social and behavioral sciences, with special attention to latest communication apporaches to group interaction. Design of research projects on small group communication.
207. Interpersonal Communication
(4) Staff
Prerequisite: graduate standing.
Analysis of theory and research related to interpersonal communication processes.
210. Language and Communication Processes
(4) Reid
Prerequisite: graduate standing.
Social psychology of language and communication examined from the “social identity approach.” From this perspective, which claims that our attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors flow from our self-conceptions as group members, we investigate concepts such as stereotyping, power and CMC.
213. Mass Media, the Individual, and Society
(4) Staff
Prerequisite: graduate standing.
The cognitive and social psychological effects of mass media on the individual and society. Focus is on empirical research as it informs communication theory.
222A. Micro and Macro Organizational Communication
(4) Seibold
Prerequisite: graduate standing.
Classical/administrative, human relations/resources, systems, interpretive/cultural, and critical approaches to organizational communication. Theory and research on organizational structures and environments; power, authority and influence; communication networks; leadership; decision making; assimilation and socialization; innovation and change; and strategic communication.
222B. Organizational Communication: A Global Perpsective
(4) C. Stohl
Prerequisite: graduate standing.
An organizational communicative perspective on globalization and a global perspective on organizational communication processes. Review of theories and research that address processes of organizational convergence and divergence, contemporary organizational practices, and opportunities and consequences associated with globalization.
222C. Technology and Organization
(4) Flanagin
Prerequisite: graduate standing.
Examination of critical issues in contemporary communication theory and research implicating advanced communication and information technologies and their relation to organizational dynamics, structure, and change.
224. Family Communication
(4) Staff
Prerequisite: graduate standing.
Theory and research on communication in familial relationships. Focus on development, maintenance, and disintegration of families. Special consideration is given to developmental stages of families (attachment) and families with members who are failing to function in some capacity.
228. Intergroup Communication
(4) Giles
Prerequisite: graduate standing.
Analysis of theory and research related to intergroup relations, with special attention to the role of language use and variation as a means of communicating about intergroup relations.
229. Intergenerational Communication and Aging
(4) Giles
Prerequisite: graduate standing.
Theory, research and practice in communication and aging. Focus on intergenerational discourse, age identity and psychological well being.
232. Mass Media Law and Policy
(4) Linz
Prerequisite: graduate standing.
Survey of the fundamental and regulatory policies governing electronic mass media, emphasizing broadcast television. Considers both structural and content-based regulation. Analyzes the policy-making process as well as the outcome of major communication policy decisions.
234. Cognition and Mass Communication
(4) Staff
Prerequisites: Communication 200 and 201; graduate standing.
Review of current research of theories in the cognitive processing of mass media. Special consideration will be given to attention and memory for television.
250. Contemporary Issues in Communication Science
(4) Staff
Prerequisites: Communication 200 and 201; graduate standing.
May be repeated for a maximum of 12 units.
Critical examination of a selected aspect of contemporary communication theory and research. Topic varies from year to year.
252. Management Communication: Theory and Practice
(4) Staff
Prerequisites: consent of instructor; graduate standing.
Traditional managerial functions examined in terms of communication theory/research. Focus on leadership, advocacy, strategic communication; recruitment selection and development of top performers; new forms of organizing, group processes, team functioning; appraisal systems; feedback/motivation/performance; organizational innovation and change.
500. Teaching College Communication
(3) Staff
Prerequisite: graduate standing.
Theory of teaching communication at the college level. Topics include self-presentation, facilitating discussion, constructing examinations, grading examinations and term papers, providing feedback, and professionalism.
501. Apprentice Teaching
(3) Staff
Prerequisites: Communication 500; graduate standing.
No unit credit allowed toward advanced degree.
Application of theory to the practices of teaching college courses in communication. Students issue assignments, conduct class discussions, prepare and deliver lectures, score tests, and assign grades under the supervision of the faculty member who is the course director.
502. Practicum for Teaching Associates
(3) Staff
Prerequisite: Communication 500.
No unit credit allowed toward advanced degree.
Theory and practice of teaching undergraduate classes in communication. Topics include the selection of behavioral objectives, selection of texts and other materials, creation of syllabi, preparation of lectures and assignments, administration of examination, and maintenance of standards.
503. Research Practicum
(3) Staff
No unit credit allowed toward advanced degree.
A practicum for research associates.
505. Issues in Communication Research
(1) Staff
Prerequisite: graduate standing.
Enrollment is mandatory each quarter that a student is in residence; units do not fulfill degree requirements.
Presentation of research completed or in progress by students, faculty and guest speakers followed by critical discussion of the issues raised.
593AA-ZZ. Directed Reading
(2-4) Staff
Prerequisites: consent of instructor; graduate standing.
Individual tutorial. Provides students with the same material as a regular course except it is conducted on an individual basis with a faculty member. Written contract describing the course, readings, and assignments should be submitted to the departmental graduate adviser.
594AA-ZZ. Special Topics
(1-4) Staff
Prerequisites: graduate standing; consent of instructor.
Special seminar on research subjects of current interest.
595AA-ZZ. Group Studies
(4) Staff
Prerequisites: graduate standing; consent of instructor.
Critical review of research in selected fields.
596AA-ZZ. Directed Research
(2-4) Staff
Prerequisites: consent of instructor; graduate standing.
Individual tutorial. Provides students with supervised research experience including any of the following: reviewing literature, formulating research questions, designing measures, collecting and analyzing data, and writing papers. Written proposal must be approved by the departmental graduate adviser.
597AA-ZZ. Preparation for the Qualifying Examination
(1-4) Staff
Prerequisite: consent of graduate advisor; graduate standing.
No unit credit allowed toward advanced degree.
Directed group or individual preparation for the master’s or doctoral qualifying examination.
598AA-ZZ. Master’s Thesis Research and Preparation
(1-12) Staff
Prerequisite: consent of thesis advisor; graduate standing.
The thesis is done under the direction of the chair of a student’s thesis committee.
599A-Z. Dissertation Preparation
(1-12) Staff
Prerequisites: consent of instructor; advancement to candidacy; graduate standing.
Course is reserved for writing the dissertation.
