CCOMM 1500 Introduction to Communication
This course is designed to provide an introductory survey of the study of communication. We begin with a general history of the evolution of human communication, and continue by examining definitions, models, symbols, and basic concepts that relate to how we communicate. Much of the course will focus on how human beings interact, whether alone, in groups, with friends, or at work. We will examine the changing role of language in our life; the differences between oral and written communication; the role of culture, gender, social class and ethnicity when we communicate; and how people relate to inanimate objects and machines. In addition, we will look at recent studies on how babies communicate and explore the question of whether animals can communicate.
CCOMM 2502 Journalism in the Digital Age
The new journalism is the journalism of the digital age. In this course, students will be introduced to the professional practices of today’s journalists and will be introduced to the changing world of modern journalism, exploring both the traditional and the cutting edge. We will also examine some of the pressing issues and dilemmas that confront today’s journalists, who are grappling with an industry in transition. Students will have the opportunity to learn: to identify facts, and distinguish facts from spin; to fact-check and learn to identify which sources are reliable; how to utilize electronic databases to find information; how to create and deliver a news story; and the various ways that today’s journalists find and report news.