Communication (COM) Courses | Chaminade University

Course Descriptions

Communication (COM)

COM-101 Introduction to Communication (3)

Introduction to major forms of communication. Activities for students to learn effective communication skills for two-person, small groups, and public situations. Examinations and application of basic principles of message development for personal and public speech.

COM-190 Communication Seminar (1)

This course introduces students to the communication field. It explores careers in professional communication with an emphasis on responsibilities, demands, and opportunities in various occupational areas. Students will gain exposure to ethical issues as well as technical dimensions of the various branches of the field.

COM-200 Introduction to Mass Communication (3)

Survey of the history and purpose of mass communication. Examination of the various career areas (advertising, broadcasting, journalism and public relations) is done through practical, cross-media projects.

COM-250/L Digital Video Production /Laboratory (3/1)

Study of the basic skills of performance and single-camera field production in broadcasting. Students learn to operate a video camera and introduced to video and audio editing techniques. They work individually and in groups throughout the semester to create short videos.
Prerequisite: COM-101
Corequisites: COM-250, COM-250L

COM-274 Writing for Mass Communication (3)

Developing and practicing writing skills for advertising, broadcasting, journalism, and public relations. Introduction to the study and practice of law and ethics in determining news values, gathering information, and communicating clearly and accurately for mass audiences. Grammar and mechanics and Associated Press style are emphasized.

English 102 and Communication 101 are prerequisites for all upper division courses.

COM-302 Data Journalism (3)

Lecture course addressing the use and misuse of data and statistics in media. Data inputs into, and impact upon, the journalistic and communications process will be addressed through case studies. Data distillation techniques and storyboarding will be covered, with practical examples. Cross-listed with DS-302.
Prerequisites: EN-102, COM-101, DS-200, and MA-331

COM-310 Intercultural Communication (3)

Major concepts in the study of communication with people from different cultural backgrounds. Values, beliefs, expectations, customs, and attitudes of various ethnic groups are studied to facilitate communication across cultural boundaries.
Prerequisites: EN-102, COM-101

COM-320 Professional Presentations (3)

Theory and practice in the more advanced forms of informative and persuasive speaking. Incorporation of visual communication aids and presentation graphics. Critical analysis of principal speakers and speeches.
Prerequisites: EN-102, COM-101

COM-325 Digital Photography I (3)

Study the basics of still photography technology, the elements of good composition, and visual storytelling. Students apply their learned skills to facilitate social change, by documenting needs or working groups to teach others photo skills. Service-Learning.
Prerequisites: EN-102, COM-101

COM-330/L Intermediate Video Production/Laboratory (3/1)

Fundamentals of scripting, single-camera field production, use of professional equipment, and editing are developed through a series of practical exercises.
Prerequisite: COM-250, COM-250L, COM-101, EN-102
Corequisites: COM-330, COM-330L

COM-350/L Studio Video Production/Laboratory (3/1)

The fundamentals of serving as a member of a multi-camera studio production crew are developed through a series of practical exercises. Each student will learn and practice a variety of roles and responsibilities.
Prerequisites: COM-250, COM-250L, COM-101, EN-102
Corequisites: COM-350, COM-350L

COM-360 Social Media Communication (3)

Social Media Communication explores the theories behind this type of communication and provides practical knowledge in the use of social media tools. Students learn how to strengthen their online presence, and improve their communication and presentation skills on the web. Topics include LinkedIn, Facebook, Google search techniques, Tumblr blogs, Cloud Storage, Twitter, Prezi, and the newest trends in social media services.
Prerequisites: EN-102, COM-101

COM-361 Podcasting & Audio Production (3)

Students will learn the theories, concepts and practices of digital audio production. Students will design and produce digital audio for podcasts, social media applications and video presentations and applications.
Prerequisites: EN-102, COM-101

COM-370 Media Copywriting (3)

Study and practice of principles in interviewing, news writing, and journalistic reporting. Focuses on the careful research and objective writing required for print and online media.
Prerequisites: EN-101, COM-101, COM-200, COM-274
Corequisites: COM-371 recommended

COM-371/L Communication Practicum/Laboratory (3/1)

Practical experience in newspaper production, including writing, editing, and photojournalism. The course includes peer mentoring and supervision opportunities.
Prerequisites: EN-102, COM-101, COM-274, or instructor permission
Corequisites: COM-371, COM-371L

COM-375 Public Relations (3)

Study of the principles and scope of public relations. Practice in techniques used with special attention to publicity writing image projection and public relations campaigns. Service-Learning.
Prerequisites: EN-102, COM-101, COM-200, COM-274

COM-378 Digital Graphics and Design (3)

Emphasizes the visual aspects of communication by focusing on the creative process of using art and technology through computer-assisted page design and layout.
Prerequisites: EN-102, COM-101, COM-200

COM-380 Special Topics (3)

Selected topics in communication offered periodically.

COM-387 Communication Internship (1 to 3)

Internships in communication fields: advertising, broadcasting, journalism, or public relations. Three semester hours may be used to fulfill major requirements in Communication; nine semester hours only in any combination of practice and internships may be used to fulfill the total number needed for graduation.
Prerequisites: junior or senior standing and approval of advisor.

COM-422 Communication Through Cinema (3)

Enjoy 15 movies selected from three different genres, such as American classics; summer blockbusters; anti-heroes; films based on graphic novels; documentaries; musicals; specific directors; and more. Discuss, compare, and contrast the films from a communications perspective. A great way to expand your media literacy.
Prerequisites: EN-102, COM-101

COM-425 Digital Photography II (3)

Advanced study of still photography technology, further perfecting the elements of good composition and visual storytelling. Students apply their learned skills to facilitate social change, by documenting need or working in groups to teach others photo skills. Service-Learning.
Prerequisite: EN-102, COM-101, COM-325, or instructor permission

COM-430/L Advanced Video Production/Laboratory (3/1)

Students work independently with service oriented clients to develop a Service-Learning product that uses technical skill in video, advanced camera and editing theory & operation. They also critique and analyze the use of professional media.
Prerequisite: EN-102, COM-101, COM-330, COM-330L
Corequisites: COM-430, 430L

COM-431 Integrated Marketing Communication (3)

Public relations and advertising promotions are integrated marketing communications. Topics include theory, budgeting, communication, media forms, creativity, coordination, and evaluation of campaigns.
Prerequisites: EN-102, COM-101, COM-200, COM-375, BU-200 , MKT-301 or permission of instructor

COM-433 Media Law and Ethics (3)

Examines the secular and religious perspectives of law and ethics in the media communication fields. The study includes First Amendment issues, prior restraint, defamation, privacy and copyright. Perspectives on personal and social meaning and moral judgement within contemporary writers in philosophy and theology of communication.
Prerequisites: EN-102, COM-101, COM-200, RE-103, or RE-205 or permission of the instructor

COM-437/L Marketing Research/Laboratory (3/1)

Students learn the purpose of consumer research and how to implement a market research project. The class explores traditional types of research designs, as well as newer ethnographic approaches for both quantitative and qualitative. Ethical issues related to the practice of consumer research are also covered.
Prerequisites: EN-102, COM-101, MKT-301
Corequisites: COM-437, COM-437L

COM-440 Marketing Strategy (3)

This course addresses the organization and coordination of the total marketing program, including the marketing mix elements, market research, market segmentation, and positioning in a case analysis format. Students will understand the interrelationships among all elements of marketing critical to strategic decision-making. Students develop a strategic marketing plan for a real organization, providing hands-on experience with the process.
Prerequisites: EN-102, COM-101, MKT-301, COM-437, COM-437L, senior standing

COM-450/L Studio Video Production II/Laboratory (3/1)

Students develop the ability to supervise a video production and group collaboration in a television studio environment. They also design and set up an appropriate studio operation and direct on-air talent from studio floor and control room for a video news/magazine show.
Prerequisites EN-102, COM-101, COM-350, COM-350L
Corequisites: COM-450, COM-450L

COM-461 Storytelling: My Heroic Journey So Far(3)

COM-462 Media Literacy for a Better World (3)

COM-471/L Communication Practicum II/Laboratory (3/1)

Students learn to budget content for a news publication, use standard editing marks to edit and rewrite stories and captions using industry-standard graphic design software to deliver print ready files to a publisher. They also supervise each step of the design process from concept development to production, and completion of an actual published newspaper. Typical work includes selecting photos, cropping and design of photo page layouts.
Prerequisites: EN-102, COM-101, COM-371
Corequisites: COM-471, COM-471L

COM-476/L Integrated Campaigns/Laboratory (3/1)

Study, development, and application of advertising, marketing, and public relations strategies. Emphasis on business management and media relations as effective tactics on mass audiences. Participation in competitive campaigns or Service- Learning projects provides opportunities for hands-on experience.
Prerequisites: EN-102, COM-101, COM-431 or permission of instructor
Corequisites: COM-476, COM-476L