Graduate Communication Course Descriptions

CU-500. Introduction to the New Media Society. 3.00 Credits.

This course will provide a foundation to understanding the communication process at various levels of interaction. In addition to covering general theories that have practical applications, it will guide students in analyzing and evaluating strategies to achieve personal and professional goals at the intrapersonal, interpersonal, group, organization and socio/cultural levels. Because many, if not most, communication interactions these days involve some form of electronic and/or digital technology, this course will also explore the current mass media environment and how to be media literate within it.

CU-501. Communication Research.. 3.00 Credits.

This course teaches the concepts of market research, and exposes students to the process of finding, analyzing and using information to make strategic marketing and communication decisions. The course will teach two distinct communication research methods: a) Quantitative (polling, online research, surveys), and b) Qualitative (focus groups, in-depth interviewing, ethnography, observational). Students will give presentations of their research findings and marketing recommendation in class reports.

CU-504. Public Relations. 3.00 Credits.

Public Relations is used to shape the opinions of target audiences. This course involves research and theory in the following PR disciplines: organizational and interpersonal communications, as well as media studies. Students will learn the psychological and sociological processes that drive group behavior, and how those studies are used in the relationship between organizations and the public in which they seek to communicate and persuade. Students will become familiar with the differences between in-house and agency Public Relations, and how the two groups interact.

CU-506. Marketing Communication/Branding. 3.00 Credits.

Branding has become a critical key in a fiercely competitive marketplace. This course explores the link between brand equity and business performance. Students will explore how the realities of a changing media landscape are forcing companies to rethink traditional brand-building practices. Marketing concepts and the principles of analysis will be explained. Other topics will include market segmentation, value proposition, and targeting. Students will engage in critical thinking, case analyses, market research, and present strategic analysis that persuades a business decision maker to invest in their brands.

CU-510. Communication Law Ethics and Policy. 3.00 Credits.

This course examines how courts, legislatures, and regulatory agencies react to constant change in communication technologies - ranging from television and to telecommunications to the Internet. We will focus on specific technological advances to explore the way legal, economic, social, and technological forces shape and are harnessed by legal system. The course will draw on leading communications law cases and FCC and FTC actions.

CU-512. Social Networking & New Media. 3.00 Credits.

This course is part class and part workshop, covering social networking and other trends that are producing complex and subtle changes in business communications. Topics include blogging, YouTube, Second Life and various social networking sites and their emerging role for private businesses, their products, and markets. Attention is paid to current trends in convergence, creativity, collaboration and community as modern media replaces earlier forms of communication and attracts more active --- and interactive ---audiences. The goal of the course is for students to familiarize themselves with various social networking theories, perspectives, sites, tools, and strategies, and to critique, consult on and create social networking plans.

CU-515. Interpersonal Communication. 3.00 Credits.

The course reviews existing and emerging theoretical perspectives relevant to the context of interpersonal communication. Emphasis is on theories of message production and reception, identity management, relationship development, and related processes. Methods of investigation unique to the study of interpersonal interaction are also addressed. Students have the option of taking this course as an elective instead of CU590 Internship 1.

CU-526. Capstone Project and Seminar 1. 3.00 Credits.

This first part of the final course in the Strategic Communication program provides a forum for students to demonstrate their mastery of the principles and best practices of strategic communications. Students identify an organization or issue facing a challenge and act as an independent communications consultant for that organization. The recommended communications strategy is presented in the form of a final written proposal and an oral presentation and defense in front of a review board of faculty and the student's program advisor. Prerequisites: CU-500 CU-501 CU-502 CU-504 CU-506 CU-508; Course Type(s): Capstone.

CU-527. Capstone Project and Seminar 2. 3.00 Credits.

Students finish the second part of their Capstone experience, analyzing data gathered and writing a journal-caliber paper. Prerequisites: CU-500, CU-501, CU-504, CU-506, CU-508 OR GB-511, CU-510, CU-512; Course Type(s): Capstone.

CU-590. Internship I. 3.00 Credits.

The course integrates students' advanced study in a specialty area of communication and public relations with a job experience in the field. Students who are already established in a career, however, also have the option of taking an elective course in the MBA program or the Interpersonal Communication course instead of an internship.

CU-646. Crisis Communications. 3.00 Credits.

The need for effective crisis communication is a valuable asset for an organization, especially now in a 24-hour news cycle and with multiple social media outlets. The focus of the course is to identify, define and prepare students to proactively and effectively respond to crisis situations.

CU-697. Topics in Global Strategic Comm & Pr. 3.00 Credits.

This course offers in-depth readings, case studies, and discussions in current issues in global strategic communication and public relations. Lectures and site visits on a trip to a foreign locale will provide a first-hand look at how strategic communications work in other nations and under different media systems and regulatory environments, providing real-world examples of what they do and the challenges they face. In addition, students will become immersed in a nation's culture through visits to museums and historical sites in addition to meeting media communication professionals. Additional course fee of $50. Course Type(s): International (Travel).