2009-11 Marian University Course Catalog, fall 2010 edition

COM 201
Communication for
Intentional Communities 1 credit
Prerequisites: Participation in the Dorothy Day House or the
Peter Maurin House during the current semester. This course
provides students in the Dorothy Day House and the Peter
Maurin House with academic instruction in practical
communication skills for living in an intentional community.
Students explore topics such as community building, conflictresolution,
consensus based decision making, and strategies
for fostering open dialogue. The course also includes a
dialogic forum for reflecting on the group’s mission and
practice. Students may enroll in the course more than once.
Graded S/U. (SEM)
COM 203
Forensics 2 credits
Prerequisite: Participation in the Marian University Speech
Team and travel to tournaments. In this enhancement course,
students are provided with academic instruction in prepared,
extemporaneous, and impromptu speaking as well as the oral
interpretation of literature as they prepare for intercollegiate
competition. This class is repeatable. (SEM)
COM 210
The Rhetorical Life 3 credits
Prerequisite: 101. Rhetorical theory explores the many ways
that words and symbols shape our view of the world.
Unfolding the multifaceted dimensions of “the rhetorical
life,” students explore the persuasive influence of language,
knowledge, culture, and all socio-political action. Students
will also evaluate the ethical implications of rhetorical texts
from film and TV, political speeches and social movements,
and interaction over the Internet. (FAL)
COM 221
The Art of Dialogue 3 credits
Prerequisite: 101. The debate over controversial issues such
as abortion, gay rights, and affirmative action is often so
heated that communication breaks down. This course
investigates the theory and practice of dialogue. Dialogue is a
way of talking together when we vehemently disagree.
Emphasizing skills for empathetic listening and managing
conflict, the class will explore how dialogue can create shared
understanding. (SPR)
COM 223
Argumentation and Debate 3 credits
Prerequisite: 101. The course provides an introduction to
argumentation theory grounded in the classroom experience
of academic debate. Through stretching research skills,
evaluating evidence, investigating informal logic, and
performing the refutation of claims, this course provides a
comprehensive overview of making and questioning
arguments. (2FO)
COM 235
Oral Interpretation of Literature 3 credits
Prerequisite: COM 101. Students select, analyze, rehearse,
and perform a variety of texts such as prose, poetry, and
dramatic literature. The course teaches vocal and physical
techniques for communicating literature as well as theoretical
perspectives that inform interpretation and performance.
Cross-listed as THE 235. (ADD)
COM 310
Rhetorical Criticism 3 credits
Prerequisite: 210. Investigating metaphor, narrative,
ideology, and other rhetorical dynamics, the course surveys
methods for analyzing rhetorical texts. Significant
contemporary texts of public and popular culture are studied
to exemplify critical principles. Critiquing various persuasive
messages, students will turn the tools of rhetorical criticism
to engaged social criticism. (2SE)
COM 330
Speech Writing 3 credits
Prerequisite: 101. This course introduces students to the
methods and techniques of effective speech writing. As they
practice writing for the ear, students will exercise various
rhetorical devices, sentence patterns, and organizational
strategies. Students will also analyze exemplary speeches in
religious, political, and ceremonial contexts. A practicecentered
workshop, the course includes revising speeches as
a part of a team, speeches that will often be performed by
someone else. (2FE)
COM 351
Civil Religion in America 3 credits
Prerequisite: Junior standing. Civil religion refers to the
complex web of myths, rituals, and beliefs about the sacred
that are reflected in public discourse. This class examines the
role of religious language in public advocacy. Students
investigate topics such as the roots of American civil religion
in Judeo-Christian traditions, the relationship between civil
religion and American identity, and the challenge of
respecting religious pluralism in public debate. (ADD)
COM 352
Popular Culture and Postmodernity 3 credits
Prerequisite: Junior standing. This course explores the
seemingly chaotic cultural production, performance, and
fragmentation of identities associated with race and
ethnicity, gender and sex. Students critically assess the
framing of identity in texts ranging from clothing
advertisements to reality TV to Internet dating services. The
politics of multiculturalism in a consumer society are
explored as a vehicle for questioning what it means to
describe American culture as postmodern. (ADD)
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