2009-2010 Catalog - Graduate School - Bethel University

Course DescriptionsCOMM615 • Quantitative Research Methods(COMG)3 creditsIntroduction to social science research methods with a special emphasis on surveyconstruction and statistical analysis. Development of skills in designing, interpreting,and evaluating research designs within the literature, as well as undertakingresearch of their own.COMM620 • Cross-Cultural Communication(COMG)3 creditsAnalysis of intercultural communication competence, examining international,ethnic, and racial differences. Exploration of paralinguistic and nonverbal influencesin cross-cultural contexts. Theological impacts will be considered.COMM625 • Qualitative Research Methods(COMG)3 creditsIntroduction to qualitative research methods in the study of interpersonal, group,and mass communication. Learners will evaluate and critique exemplary qualitativestudies, as well as design and analyze an actual research study of their own.COMM630 • Topics in Contemporary Communication(COMG)2 creditsProblems/issues that confront communicators in today’s culture. Topics may includeissues such as honesty and civility in political communication; role of massmedia in reporting versus interpreting issues; policies and practices of corporationsand their impact on the public; and changes in public communication inlight of technological impacts.COMM645 • Public Presentations(COMG)3 creditsConcentration on the preparation, delivery, and evaluation of public presentations.Learners will develop research skills, analyze presentations, and increase proficiencyin organizing public speeches, increasing focus for impact. Class includesvideotaping and analysis. Peer and professor evaluations are focal. Observationand critiques of speeches outside of class are required.COMM670 • Group Communication and Conflict(COMG)3 creditsExamination of group dynamics, theory, and research on a practical level. Explorationof personal and professional communication styles and how such stylesimpact group dynamics, conflict communication, team building, and leadership.Perspectives used to examine areas are corporate, academic, and biblical settings.Includes history, theory, ethics, and case studies. Prerequisite: COMM676.84