2010-2011 HBU Catalog - Houston Baptist University

COMM 2313 Public Speaking
Prerequisite: COMM 1313 or COMM 1323
A performance course designed to help students improve their speaking. Various communication situations are studied
with emphasis on the organized extemporaneous speech.
COMM 3323 Communication Theory
Prerequisite: COMM 1313 or COMM 1323
The class provides a comprehensive view of the theoretical traditions that influence our understanding of
communication.
COMM 3324 Legal Communication
Prerequisite: COMM 1313 or COMM 1323
This course examines the central role that communication occupies in the study, practice, and understanding of the
legal process. Students will be introduced to key elements of the communication process relevant in legal settings, learn
basic and advanced principles of trial advocacy through participation in a mock trial.
COMM 3325 Rhetorical Theory
Prerequisite: COMM 1313 or COMM 1323
A study of the substance, structure, and style of human discourse, as well as its role in the creation and understanding
of meaning. Rhetorical theorists provide frameworks to consider rhetoric as a way of knowing.
COMM 3334 Argumentation and Advocacy
Prerequisite: COMM 1313 or COMM 1323
This course explores the nature, types, effects, and ethical dimensions of argument. Current public policy issues will be
considered in classroom discussions, with the goal of teaching students how to express themselves clearly in speaking
and writing.
COMM 3336 Crisis Communication
Prerequisite: COMM 1313 or COMM 1323.
A critical examination of public response to crisis and criticism from a communication perspective. A rhetorical
framework is used to critique and construct responses to corporate, governmental, and personal public relations crises.
Theories from Aristotle to contemporary public relations professionals are considered and applied.
COMM 3345 Small Group Communication
Prerequisite: COMM 1313 or COMM 1323
An opportunity to focus on communicating in small groups as speakers and as listeners: considering roles, leadership,
decision-making, conflict-management, problem solving, and other activities in family, professional, and avocational
environments.
COMM 3354 Nonverbal Communication
Prerequisite: COMM 1313 or COMM 1323
This course explores the nature and impact of nonverbal communication in our culture, including space, time, body
language, touch, physical appearance, and the environment.
COMM 3355 Social Movement Rhetoric
Prerequisite: COMM 1313 or COMM 1323
This course explores the nature of social change from a rhetorical perspective. Movements to be considered will
include, but not limited to, civil rights, free speech, Vietnam, gender equity, and the environment.
COMM 3363 Organizational Communication
Prerequisite: COMM 1313 or COMM 1323
This course examines traditional and creative communication models, with opportunities for case study, role-playing,
and simulation to increase personal communication effectiveness and to better understand the organizational world.
The effects of globalization, technology, corporate downsizing, and entrepreneurship will be analyzed.
COMM 4181, 4281, 4381 Special Topics
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor
Directed study of a minimum of thirty clock hours for each hour of credit. Topics and projects are selected based on
student interest and need.
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