The Department of Communication

118 Fine Arts Bldg. • Box 19107 • 817-272-2163 • www.uta.edu/communication

The degree Bachelor of Arts in Communication is offered in broadcast communication, journalism, and speech communication. The department curricula provide students with an overview of the role and function of communication in society. These courses present a broad academic exposure, including theories, skills, techniques, critical analysis, historical perspectives, and aesthetic appreciation.

The Department of Communication seeks to emphasize theories and techniques which give students the ability to adapt to rapid changes in communication technology.

Within the major disciplines, specializations are available in advertising, broadcast news, broadcast management, news-editorial journalism, photojournalism, public relations, organizational communication, and oral communication. Additionally, there are three specializations for teacher certification: secondary teaching level in journalism, secondary teaching level in speech communication, and elementary teaching level in speech communication. A suggested plan of study for each is available from the office of the Department of Communication.

Requirements for a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication

English

Six hours of composition.

Literature

Three hours of English or foreign language literature or other approved substitute.

Liberal Arts Elective

Three hours above the freshman level of literature, or social and cultural studies designated as taught in the College of Liberal Arts, or fine arts or philosophy, or technical writing.

Foreign Language

1441, 1442, 2313, and 2314 or equivalent.

Political Science

2311, 2312.

History

Six hours of American history or three hours of American and three hours of Texas history.

Mathematics

Six hours (level of college algebra or higher).

Science

11 hours—eight hours in single lab natural science (biology, chemistry, geology, or physics) and three hours in science or approved social science. The natural science core requirement was changed just prior to publication of the catalog, and there was not sufficient time for all departments to make corresponding revisions in their degree requirements. Students should refer to the core curriculum requirement on page 38 of this catalog and also consult with their academic advisor.

Social/Cultural Studies

Three hours of designated courses in archaeology, classical studies, communication, economics, history, humanities, linguistics, political science, social or cultural anthropology, social/political/cultural geography, social psychology, sociology or women's studies.

Fine Arts

Three hours from architecture, art, dance, music, or theatre arts.

Electives

Sufficient to give the total number of hours required for a degree.

Major

A minimum of 39 semester hours, 18 of which must be 3000/4000-level courses. A student must complete the requirements for one of the departmental specializations.

Minor

18 hours, six of which must be 3000/4000 level, selected after consulting with an adviser.

Total

128 hours, of which at least 36 must be 3000/4000 level, plus exercise and sport activities (EXSA) or ROTC or marching band as required.

Department of Communication

Degree Programs

Broadcast Communication

Broadcast News
JOUR 1345, BCMN 2360, BCMN 1355, BCMN 2357, BCMN 2358, BCMN 3340, BCMN 3341 or 3350. COMM 4310, BCMN 4340, COMM 4000-level elective. Nine elective hours, 3 of which must be advanced.

Broadcast Management
JOUR 1345, BCMN 2360, ADVT 2337, BCMN 2357, BCMN 3318, BCMN 3319, BCMN 4319 or 4360, BCMN 4320, COMM 4310, COMM 4000-level elective. Nine hours electives in the department.

Journalism

News-Editorial Journalism
JOUR 1345, 2340, 2346, 3328, 3345, 4326 and 4327.
COMM 3300, 4305, 4310, and another COMM 4000-level course. Six hours electives in the department.

Photojournalism
JOUR 1345, 2340, 2346, 3303, 3341, and 4341.
COMM 3300, 4305 and 4310.

Three hours from JOUR 4326, 4327.
Nine hours electives in the department.

Advertising

JOUR 1345, 3303; ADVT 2337, 3304, 3305, 3306, 3307 and 4301.
COMM 3300, 4310, and another COMM 4000-level course.

Six hours electives in the department. Public Relations

JOUR 1345, 2340, 2346, 3303, and either JOUR 3345 or PREL 4395.
PREL 2338, 3339, 3355, 4320, and 4316.
COMM 4310.

Six hours electives in the department.

Speech

Organizational Communication
SPCH 1301, 2304, 2305, and 3309.

COMM 3300.
Six hours from SPCH 3310, 3316, 3320.
Six hours from SPCH 4300, 4315, 4320, 4322.
Six hours from COMM 4000-level courses (COMM 4315 recommended).

Six hours electives in the department.

Oral Communication
SPCH 1301, 2304, and 3310.

COMM 3300.
SPCH 3312 or 4302.
Six hours from SPCH 3321, 3322, 3323.

Three hours from SPCH 4300, 4321, or 4360.
Six hours from COMM 4000-level courses (COMM 4315 recommended).

Nine hours electives in the department.

Teacher Certification

Department specializations which provide for teacher certification are the following: secondary teaching level in journalism, or speech communication; elementary teaching level in speech communication. Students interested in Texas Teacher Certification should consult the School of Education section of this catalog for the most recent changes in requirements regarding admission to teacher education, completion of University programs in preparation for certification, and eligibility for certification after graduation. Students whose major is taken in the Department of Communication will complete at least 30 semester hours in the major field.

Students seeking teacher certification with a major in a communication field should follow the sections below:

•Secondary certification, Journalism major requirements

(30 semester hours):
COMM 1300, 3300, and 4310.
JOUR 1345, 2340, 2346, 3335, and 3345.
JOUR 3350 or 4326.
Three additional hours of advanced JOUR.

•Secondary certification, Speech Communication major requirements (30 semester hours):
COMM 1300
SPCH 1301, 1302, 2304.
SPCH 3305 or 3307.
Six hours from SPCH 3321, 3322, or 3323.

Six hours from SPCH 3309, 3310, 3312, 3315, 3316 or 3320.

Three hours from SPCH 4300, 4302, 4321 or 4360.

•Elementary certification, Speech Communication Specialization requirements (30 semester hours):
COMM 1300.
SPCH 1301, 1302, 2304.

SPCH 3305 or 3307.

Six hours from SPCH 3321, 3322 or 3323.
Six hours from SPCH 3309, 3310, 3312, 3315, 3316, or 3320.

Three hours from SPCH 4300, 4302, 4321, or 4360.

Computer and Oral Competency

Students majoring in the Department of Communication are required to demonstrate computer use and oral communication competencies.

Computer use proficiency can be demonstrated by (a) successful completion of CSE 1301 or equivalent; (b) passing the University proficiency test measuring practical applications, ability and fundamental knowledge of computers; or (c) successful completion of department/program specific options such as COMM 3300, JOUR 1345, 3303, PREL 3339, ADVT 3304, 3305, or 3306.

Oral communication proficiency can be demonstrated by (a) successful completion of SPCH 1301, 2305, 3302, 3315, or 4315; (b) passing the University proficiency test measuring oral communication competency; or (c) department/program specific options such as ADVT 4301, PREL 4316, or BCMN 1355.

Students should discuss these options with their undergraduate advisor who may also provide a list of other courses approved by the University to meet these requirements.

Department of Communication Faculty

Chair

Professor

Associate Professors

Assistant Professors

Communication (COMM)

Prefix and number in parentheses following the U.T. Arlington course number and title is the Common Course Number designation.

1300. INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNICATION (3-0) 3 hours credit (COMM 1307). Application of communication theories and principles to human communication; from the oral tradition to the printing press, photography, electronic media, and information technology.

3300. COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (3-0) 3 hours credit. Theory and function of computers, the Internet, and World Wide Web as applied in communication and media; uses, applications, software, research strategies, and building web sites. Ethical and legal issues.

Prerequisite for COMM 4000-level courses: Junior standing.

4300. COMMUNICATION RESEARCH (3-0) 3 hours credit. Introduction to communication research, design, and methodology. Readings and criticism in interpersonal, public address, and mass communication research; project required. visual methodology into the creation of concepts and copy for the primary ad media. Includes consumer and business media and direct advertising. Prerequisites: JOUR 1345 and ADVT 2337.

3307. ADVERTISING CASE STUDIES (3-0) 3 hours credit. Advertising policy, procedure, strategies and implementation, case review, including media and agency decision-making, as well as client, consumer, industrial and institutional execution. Prerequisites: ADVT 3304 and 3305.

4301. ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS (3-0) 3 hours credit. Advanced study of advertising, marketing, and communication theories. Development of advertising plans for specific business firms by students working as account service groups. Prerequisites: JOUR 3303, ADVT 3304, 3305, 3306 and 3307.

4391. CONFERENCE COURSE (3 hours credit as arranged). Topic assigned on an individual basis, covering individual research or study in the designated areas. Can be taken more than once when topic varies. Prerequisite: permission of department.

4393. SPECIAL TOPICS (3-0) 3 hours credit. Special studies in advertising. Topic varies from semester to semester. May be repeated when topic changes, for a maximum of six credit hours. Prerequisite: permission of department.

4395. PROFESSIONAL INTERNSHIP (0-10) 3 hours credit. Individual research while working with business and industry. Individual conference to be arranged. Prerequisite: appropriate junior level course completed in student's option and permission of supervising professor and department. Graded P/F.

Broadcast Communication (BCMN)

1355. BROADCAST DICTION (3-0) 3 hours credit. Application of the phonetic alphabet to improve vocal processes, articulation, and pronunciation. Practice in the reading of broadcast copy. Credit will be given for only one of BCMN 1355, THEA 1302, or SPCH 1302.

2357. RADIO PRODUCTION (3-1) 3 hours credit. The fundamentals of radio broadcasting. The techniques of announcing, interviewing, script writing, programming, types of radio production, audience analysis, and vocational opportunities. Students participate in typical broadcasting activities. $25 course fee.

2358. TELEVISION WORKSHOP (2-2) 3 hours credit. Fundamentals of television broadcasting, including programming concepts, writing, lighting, and switching practices. $25 course fee.

2360. INTRODUCTION TO BROADCASTING (3-0) 3 hours credit. A survey of historical and contemporary operations and functions of broadcasting. How broadcasting and the electronic media operate, including understanding of stations, distribution methods and facilities, regulation and the FCC, networks, advertising agencies, audience ratings, and new technologies.

3318. BROADCAST SALES (3-0) 3 hours credit. Process of developing an effective sales staff in the telecommunication industry. Sales policies, procedures, techniques, time-management, client relationships, closing, and sales service are discussed. Prerequisites: BCMN 2357.

3319. BROADCAST MANAGEMENT (3-0) 3 hours credit. Management procedures, policies, and responsibilities in the successful operation of telecommunication industries. Areas covered are planning, problem-solving, personnel, facilities, government, financial resources, and public service. Prerequisites: BCMN 2357.

4305. COMMUNICATION AND SOCIETY (3-0) 3 hours credit. Readings and analysis of the role of communication in modern society; its impact on contemporary social, cultural, political, and intellectual trends.

4310. COMMUNICATION LAW AND REGULATIONS (3-0) 3 hours credit. Study of constitutional, statutory, and administrative regulations as applied to print media, broadcast media, advertising, and film; rights, responsibilities, and ethics.

4315. COMMUNICATION THEORY (3-0) 3 hours credit. Study of communication theories; interpersonal, organizational, mass media, and intercultural.

4325. COMMUNICATION HISTORY (3-0) 3 hours credit. Evolution and trends in forms of human communication; development of symbols and media technology with attention to their effects on society.

4330. POLITICAL COMMUNICATION (3-0) 3 hours credit. Communication theories, principles, and strategies in modern political campaigns and events.

4335. INTERNATIONAL-INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION (3-0) 3 hours credit. Cultural, ethnic, and cross-national differences in communication. National systems of communication are compared.

4340. CORPORATE COMMUNICATION (3-0) 3 hours credit. Examines organizational communication strategies with special emphasis on how communication affects corporate constituencies. Corporate image and identity are linked to corporate advertising, press releases, financial communication, internal communication and crisis communication.

4393. COMMUNICATION TOPICS (3-0) 3 hours credit. Seminar in interdisciplinary topics. Prerequisite: upper division standing. May be repeated when topics vary.

4394. Honors Thesis/Senior Project. Required of all students in the University Honors College. During the senior year, the student must complete a thesis or a project under the direction of a faculty member in the major department.

Journalism (JOUR)

Prefix and number in parentheses following the U.T. Arlington course number and title is the Common Course Number designation.

1345. WRITING FOR MASS MEDIA (2-2) 3 hours credit (COMM 2309). News gathering and writing techniques as applied to newspapers, broadcast media, and public relations with practice in research and writing.

2340. PHOTOJOURNALISM I (2-2) 3 hours credit. Basic theory and techniques of photojournalism; introduction to electronic digital photography and editing; professional, technical, and esthetic values.

2346. REPORTING (2-2) 3 hours credit (COMM 2310). Complex journalistic stories with emphasis on ethics, interviewing, and writing of general news stories, features, and specialized stories. Prerequisites: JOUR 1345.

3303. COMMUNICATION GRAPHICS (3-0) 3 hours credit. History, current practice, principles and trends in typography, imaging, pre-press and production, sheet finishing, bindery, paper and ink, logo design, advertising layout, publication design, and computer layout, design, and publishing.

3328. PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORTING (3-0) 3 hours credit. Research in planning and writing techniques required for covering such public affairs news sources as governmental offices, bureaus, and agencies. Experience in covering local governmental agencies. Prerequisite: JOUR 2346.

3335. STUDENT PUBLICATION ADVISORY PROCEDURES (3-0) 3 hours credit. Problem-solving approaches to sponsorship of student publications; editorial policies, advertising sales and promotions, business procedures, and staff motivation techniques.

3341. PHOTOJOURNALISM II (2-2) 3 hours credit. Advanced electronic imaging techniques as applied to newspapers, magazines, and public relations. Prerequisites: JOUR 2340.

3345. NEWS EDITING (2-2) 3 hours credit. The function of the editor and copy editor; extensive practice in newspaper page makeup, headline writing, and copy editing. Prerequisite: JOUR 2346.

3350. MAGAZINE EDITING (2-2) 3 hours credit. Theory and techniques of magazine editing, content and design with practice in editing, layout, graphics, principles and problems of general and specialty magazines, and company publications and business journals.

4326. MAGAZINE WRITING (3-0) 3 hours credit. Nature, function, and structure of articles for magazines and newspapers. Research and interviewing techniques; extensive practice in writing.

4327. OPINION AND PERSUASIVE WRITING (3-0) 3 hours credit. Reading and analysis of the forms of persuasive writing, including editorials, commentaries, reviews, and interpretive articles.

4341. PHOTOJOURNALISM III (2-2) 3 hours credit. Electronic imaging in news, illustrative, narrative, and essay formats. Readings in visual communication research, law, and ethics. Prerequisite: JOUR 3341.

4391. CONFERENCE COURSE (3 hours credit as arranged). Topic assigned on an individual basis, covering individual research or study in the designated areas. Can be taken more than once when topic varies. Prerequisite: permission of department.

4393. SPECIAL TOPICS (3-0) 3 hours credit. Special studies in journalism. Topic varies from semester to semester. May be repeated when topics change, for a maximum of six credit hours. Prerequisite: permission of department.

COMMUNICATION 4395. PROFESSIONAL INTERNSHIP (0-10) 3 hours credit. Individual research while working with business and industry. Individual conference to be arranged. Prerequisite: appropriate junior level course completed in student's option and permission of supervising professor and department. Graded P/F.

Public Relations (PREL)

2338. INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC RELATIONS (3-0) 3 hours credit. Principles and methods of building goodwill and obtaining publicity; process of influencing public opinion; analysis of media; implementation of public relations programs.

3339. PUBLIC RELATIONS METHODS (2-2) 3 hours credit. The theory and practice of selecting the appropriate mass media channels to reach and influence specialized groups, with practice in public relations writing. Prerequisite: PREL 2338 and JOUR 2346.

3355. PUBLIC RELATIONS CASE STUDIES (3-0) 3 hours credit. The use of case studies to study the techniques of goal-setting and strategy-selection as applied in actual programs and under varying information conditions. Prerequisite: PREL 2338.

4316. PUBLIC RELATIONS CAMPAIGNS (3-0) 3 hours credit. The study of advanced public relations campaign strategies based on research techniques; campaign development, implementation and assessment. Prerequisites: PREL 3339, 3355, and either JOUR 3345, 3350, or 4326.

4320. PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGEMENT (3-0) 3 hours credit. Public relations management decision-making in areas of operation, personnel, content, promotion, finance, and governmental regulations. Prerequisite: PREL 3339 and 3355.

4391. CONFERENCE COURSE (3 hours credit as arranged). Topic assigned on an individual basis, covering individual research or study in the designated areas. Can be taken more than once when topic varies. Prerequisite: permission of department.

4393. SPECIAL TOPICS (3-0) 3 hours credit. Special studies in public relations. Topic varies from semester to semester. May be repeated when topic changes for a maximum of six credit hours. Prerequisite: permission of department.

4395. PROFESSIONAL INTERNSHIP (0-10) 3 hours credit. Individual research while working with business and industry. Individual conference to be arranged. Prerequisite: appropriate junior level course completed in student's option and permission of supervising professor and department. Graded P/F.

Speech (SPCH)

Prefix and number in parentheses following the U.T. Arlington course number and title is the Common Course Number designation.

0185. FORENSICS (0-4) 1 hour credit (SPCH 1144). Preparation for and participation in intercollegiate and intersquad forensic activities. Students engage in supervised research, development of debate skills and individual speaking activities. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.

1301. FUNDAMENTALS OF SPEECH (3-0) 3 hours credit (SPCH 1311). Stress on development of the individual's speaking abilities and confidence in a variety of speaking situations.

1302. VOICE AND DICTION (3-0) 3 hours credit (SPCH 1342). Designed to improve the quality of the individual's speech. Enunciation, articulation, pronunciation, and the fundamentals of voice production. The phonetic alphabet as a visual means of teaching auditory differences.

2304. GROUP COMMUNICATION PRINCIPLES (3-0) 3 hours credit. Principles and practice of effective interaction within small groups including meeting planning, agenda setting, conflict management, and decision making. .

2305. BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION (3-0) 3 hours credit (SPCH 1321). Insight into communication skills. Designed to give the student experience in interviewing, business presentations, organizational reports, and the relationship of visual and oral presentations to business.

3302. PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION (3-0) 3 hours credit. Theory and practice in written and oral presentations with an emphasis on business and technical professions.

3305. ARGUMENTATION AND DEBATE (3-0) 3 hours credit. An advanced course in the development of effective argument. Research, presentation, and criticism of logic-based advocacy. Prerequisite: six hours of speech.

3307. SPEECH ACTIVITIES (3-0) 3 hours credit. Theory and practice of extracurricular activities in speech.

3309. ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION (3-0) 3 hours credit. Communication functions within formally structured social systems such as business, government, and education. Emphasis on conceptual schemes for conducting analysis of training programs in organizational communication. Prerequisite: six hours of speech.

3310. GROUP COMMUNICATION THEORY (3-0) 3 hours credit. Characteristics of group communication including group function and formation, norms, cohesion, problem solving, leadership, and ethics. Prerequisite: SPCH 2304.

3312. BACKGROUNDS OF PUBLIC ADDRESS (3-0) 3 hours credit. Traditional works pertinent to theories of communication. Emphasis on discovering the traditional bases shared by empirical and critical studies of rhetorical communication. Prerequisite: six hours of speech or permission of department.

3315. EFFECTIVE ORAL PRESENTATION (3-0) 3 hours credit. Development of oral proficiency in a pedagogical situation. Primary presentational methods in groups and instructional settings.

3316. COMMUNICATION IN HUMAN RELATIONS (3-0) 3 hours credit. The human communication process within the social, business, and family context. Theories and principles of interpersonal communication and perception of self and others. Prerequisite: six hours of speech.

3320. INTERVIEW PRINCIPLES (3-0) 3 hours credit. Theory and research of interviewing as it relates to information-gathering and responses in broadcast communication, print media, surveys, and organizational environments. The psychology of question formulation and responses. Prerequisite: six hours of speech.

3321. ORAL INTERPRETATION OF PROSE (3-0) 3 hours credit. The fundamental principles of oral interpretation and techniques of interpretation. Stresses background research concerning author and type of material. Prose is emphasized. Prerequisite: six hours of speech or theatre.

3322. ORAL INTERPRETATION OF TEXTS (3-0) 3 hours credit. Traditional principles of oral interpretation, as well as contemporary performance approaches, will be developed. Primary literary emphasis will be on poetry and drama. Prerequisite: six hours of speech or theatre.

3323. ORAL INTERPRETATION OF CHILDREN'S LITERATURE (3-0) 3 hours credit. Designed to help the oral reader select, analyze, and read aloud, for audiences of children and adults. Storytelling for children included. Credit will not be granted for THEA 3323 and SPCH 3323. Prerequisite: six hours of speech or theatre.

Prerequisite for SPCH 4000-level courses: Appropriate 3000-level course completed in student's specialization.

4300. PERSUASIVE COMMUNICATION (3-0) 3 hours credit. Analysis of the means by which persuasive communication affects individuals and society. Extensive reading of theories of techniques of persuasion. Study of the adaptation of motivational appeals, structural strategies, and other persuasive techniques in interpersonal and public contexts.

4302. MODERN PUBLIC ADDRESS (3-0) 3 hours credit. Analysis of major 20th-century forms of public address and speakers. Application of various models for criticism and public address. Prerequisite: SPCH 3312.

4315. BUSINESS PRESENTATIONS (3-0) 3 hours credit. The role of internal and external informative presentations in business organizations. Extensive readings and practice with an emphasis on research, development, organization, and critical evaluation of oral and visual presentations. Prerequisite: appropriate 3000-level course completed in student's specialization.

4320. MANAGERIAL COMMUNICATION (3-0) 3 hours credit. Analysis of the role of the business manager; readings in research and theory with emphasis on problem-solving and motivation.

4321. READERS THEATRE (3-0) 3 hours credit. Readers interpret various kinds of literature for an audience. Analysis and criticism of literature are stressed. Prerequisite: SPCH 3321, 3322 or 3323.

4322. COMMUNICATION TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT (3-0) 3 hours credit. The process of analyzing communication problems and providing training skills for businesses and organizations. Emphasizes practical knowledge of facilitating skill improvement in verbal and nonverbal communication.

4360. SPEECH DYNAMICS (3-0) 3 hours credit. Activities and theories involved in developing speaking and listening skills.

4391. CONFERENCE COURSE (3 hours credit as arranged). Topics assigned on an individual basis, covering research or study in the designated areas. Can be taken more than once when topic varies. Prerequisite: permission of department.

4393. SPECIAL TOPICS (3-0) 3 hours credit. Special studies in speech. Topics will vary from semester to semester. May be repeated once when topics vary. Prerequisite: permission of department.

4395. INTERNSHIP (0-10) 3 hours credit. Individual research while working with business and industry. Individual conference to be arranged. Prerequisite: Appropriate junior level course completed in student's option and permission of supervising professor and department. Graded P/F.