The University of Michigan Department of Communication Studies 1225 South University Avenue Ann Arbor, MI 48104-2523 tel: (734)

764-0420 fax: (734) 764-3288 e-mail: comm.studies.dept@umich.edu web: www.lsa.umich.edu/comm/index.html

Undergraduate Course Descriptions (Not all courses are offered every term.)
COMM 101. The Mass Media. (4 credits) First- and second-year students only; others with permission of instructor. Prerequisites enforced on Wolverine Access. This course provides an introduction to the history and impact of mass media on American culture through advertising, news, radio, television programming, the Internet, and popular music. It reviews ideological, technological, and regulatory developments that produced our existing media system; and analytical tools and techniques that enhance media literacy. Topics include: media's role in shaping attitudes towards race, gender, sexuality and class; relationship between media and society; and language and skills for critically evaluating media's assumptions and techniques. This course is one of four prerequisites required for students to have competed before declaring a Communication Studies concentration. (SS). May not be repeated for credit. COMM 102. Media Processes and Effects. (4 credits) First- and second-year students only; others with permission of instructor. Prerequisites enforced on Wolverine Access. Americans are immersed in the media like fish in water. The average adult spends two-thirds of his or her waking time consuming media, often more than one type at a time. Many people believe the media have little effect, but research shows they are wrong. This course describes the effects of media on thoughts, feelings, attitudes, and behaviors, and reasons why the media affect us. It includes review and evaluation of media research articles and participation in media research studies. This course is one of four prerequisites required for students to have completed before declaring a Communication Studies concentration. (SS). May not be repeated for credit. COMM 111. Workshop on Managing the Information Environment. (1 credit) First- and second-year students only; others with permission of instructor. Prerequisites enforced on Wolverine Access. This hands-on workshop focuses on mastery of the rapidly developing and expanding electronic information environment. Skills include the use of electronic communication systems, online search and retrieval, Web authoring, data management, image manipulation, critical evaluation of information resources, and formal presentation of research findings. The course also introduces a range of campus information resources, including the university computing environment, university library system, and remote access to the Internet and World Wide Web. Group assignments teach strategies needed to discover, evaluate, and communicate research findings within a university environment. This course is one of four prerequisites required for students to have completed before declaring a Communication Studies concentration. (Excl). May not be repeated for credit. Offered mandatory credit/no credit. COMM 211. Evaluating Information. (4 credits) Primarily for first- and second-year students. Prerequisites COMM 101 or 102 are enforced on Wolverine Access. This course teaches the fundamental thinking skills necessary for critical evaluation of research-based arguments, especially those based on quantitative information. Such skills are required to be a critical consumer of mass media or an intelligent scholar of media processes and effects. It also introduces generic logical and statistical concepts through analysis and discussion of specific cases drawn from reporting in the mass media, research on media effects, and audience research. Hands-on exercises and projects improve logical and quantitative reasoning skills. This course is one of four prerequisites required for students to have completed before declaring a Communication Studies concentration. (SS). (QR/1). May not be repeated for credit. COMM 321. Undergraduate Internship. (1-3 credits) Requires junior standing, concentration in Communication Studies, and permission of instructor. Internship credit is not retroactive and must be prearranged. Offered mandatory credit/no credit. Cannot be used to satisfy Communication Studies electives in a Communication Studies concentration plan. May be repeated for a total of 6 credits. No more than 3 credits can be earned in a single academic term, and no more than 6 credits total can be received through any combination of internships. The internship is designed to provide Communication Studies concentrators limited credit for appropriate practical work experience. Student assessment is based on the academic merit of the work performed, evaluation of the final paper, satisfactory completion of the internship, and written recommendation of the internship sponsor. Registration is by permission of instructor only. The COMM 321 proposal application form is available in the Department office or online and must be submitted to the faculty internship coordinator by the specified deadline. (EXPERIENTIAL). (Excl). COMM 351. Understanding Media Industries. (4 credits) All sections fulfill the Upper Level Writing Requirement (ULWR). Prerequisites COMM 101 or 102 are enforced on Wolverine Access. This course guides students through an introductory exploration of the complex and rapidly evolving media industries in the U.S. by examining the influence of media industry organization and practices on society. It offers a comprehensive overview of how and why the industries work, as well as the broader theoretical and practical implications
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of the media industry. Here we understand the business of media as a component of its status as culture. (Excl). May not be repeated for credit. COMM 361. The Media and Public Affairs. (4 credits) All sections fulfill the Upper Level Writing Requirement (ULWR). Prerequisites COMM 101 or 102 are enforced on Wolverine Access. This course provides an understanding of production, dissemination, and reception of mediated news content. Topics include: the elements influencing production of news content, including individual, organizational, political, economic, and cultural factors; public journalism as an alternative to current journalism practices; perspectives on media effects as a process; and various views on the role of new media in promoting civic life. (Excl). May not be repeated for credit. COMM 371. Media, Culture and Society. (4 credits) All sections fulfill the Upper Level Writing Requirement (ULWR). Prerequisites COMM 101 or 102 are enforced on Wolverine Access. This course explores the historical rise of mass media and the impact on modern society and culture. It considers the dynamic impact of radio and television broadcasting on the rise of urban industrial mass society and popular commercial culture through music, print and electronic advertising, consumerism, and emergence of affluent society. The course also studies modern media institutions, politics, and forms and processes of social change and identity formation, such as class, ethnicity, gender, race, and sexuality. (Excl). May not be repeated for credit. COMM 381. Mass Media and the Individual: Uses and Impact. (4 credits) All sections fulfill the Upper Level Writing Requirement (ULWR). Prerequisites COMM 101 or 102 are enforced on Wolverine Access. This course discusses media effects research and theory on social psychological processes by examining the role of individual differences in selective exposure and reception of topics such as violence, advertising, stereotypes (e.g. gender, race, and sexual identity), news and politics, fan culture, and developmental and emotional responses to media content. It also studies the positive and negative impact media have on attitudes and behaviors. (Excl). May not be repeated for credit. COMM 431. Supreme Court News Coverage. (3 credits) This seminar evaluates media coverage of the U.S. Supreme Court, in the context of long-range factors affecting the ability of news media to function in a democracy. This seminar will examine the scope and content of print, broadcast, and new-media news reporting on major cases before the court. How accurately, fairly, and adequately do news organizations cover the cases as they proceed through the legal system? Does the media help the American public gain a sufficiently thorough understanding of the complex legal issues and social impact of each case? In addition to gaining a broad overview of media coverage of current and recent cases, each student will select one case from the current or past court term and study media coverage of it in detail. (Excl). May not be repeated for credit. COMM 432. Foreign News Coverage. (3 credits) This course investigates coverage of foreign news as a reflection of the structure and function of media systems. What factors influence media decisions on covering events overseas? What criteria do the media use for deciding which events to report and at what length, and how valid are these criteria? What value systems do they reflect? How successfully do the media make foreign news relevant to American readers, listeners, and viewers? What special problems do foreign correspondents face? COMM 351 or 371 strongly recommended. (Excl). May not be repeated for credit. COMM 437. Short Seminar in Journalistic Performance. (1-2 credits) This course investigates long-range factors affecting the ability of the news media to perform their functions in a democratic society. Topics vary by section and term. (Excl). May be repeated for a maximum of 4 credits. COMM 439. Seminar in Journalistic Performance. (3 credits) This course investigates long-range factors affecting the ability of the news media to perform their function in a democratic society. This course is an arranged, periodic seminar made possible through the support of the Marsh Visiting Professor Fund. When such opportunities to offer the seminar arise, descriptions are made available in the Department of Communication Studies office. Topics vary by section and term. (Excl). May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits. COMM 441. Independent Reading. (3-4 credits) This course is intended for individualized instruction in subject areas not covered by scheduled courses. Must be arranged with a Communication Studies faculty member and approved by the Department. A maximum of 3 credits from COMM 441 or 442 may apply to the concentration requirements (additional credit may be applied to the general bachelors degree requirements). (Excl). (INDEPENDENT). COMM 442. Independent Research. (3-4 credits) This course is intended for individualized instruction in subject areas not covered by scheduled courses. It is a course of study designed for original, individualized student research under the direction of faculty supervisor. Must be arranged with a Communication Studies faculty member and approved by the Department. A maximum of 3 credits from COMM 441 or 442 may apply to the concentration requirements (additional credit may be applied to the general bachelors degree requirements). (Excl). (INDEPENDENT). COMM 451. Ethics Issues in Journalism. (3 credits) This course focuses on problems in journalistic ethics at a time of growing concern over standards of news coverage, as exemplified in the Lewinsky case. The course provides an historic overview of traditional journalistic ethics. Coupled with that
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is a detailed study of changing values in news coverage as media decision makers adapt to social, economic and technological changes. The course highlights such problems as sensationalism, infotainment, anonymous sources, hidden cameras, punditry, the lowering of the wall of separation between the business and editorial sides of news organizations, invasions of privacy, and the personal behavior of journalists. The course studies journalists' responsibilities to their profession and to the public, and examines proposed solutions to the problems of ethics violations. COMM 351 or 371 strongly recommended. (Excl). May not be repeated for credit. COMM 452. Media Law and Policy. (3 credits) This course covers the basic principles of the First Amendment and how they apply to media policy, practice, and regulation. Topics include First Amendment theory, hate speech, prior restraints and media censorship, defamation, indecency, obscenity, and advertising regulation. COMM Studies 351 or 371 strongly recommended. (Excl). May not be repeated for credit. COMM 453. U.S. Media History. (3 credits) This course places the development of American mass media in historical perspective. It surveys the evolution of the mass media from colonial times to the present, focusing on the development of contemporary forms: the newspaper, magazine, broadcasting, and motion picture. Changes in the structure of the media are examined in connection with historical and economic trends in American society. While there are no specific prerequisites, a general grounding in American history is recommended. COMM 351 or 371 strongly recommended. (Excl). May not be repeated for credit. COMM 454. Media Economics. (3 credits) This course examines economic theory and its applications to media systems. Focuses on problems in the economics of the information industry, including market structure, concentration of ownership, pricing policies, product differentiation, advertising behavior, and economic performance. Attention given to the interaction of economics, media practices, and technologies. COMM 351 or 371 strongly recommended. (Excl). May not be repeated for credit. COMM 455. New Media and Information Society. (4 credits) Some say the Internet changes everything. Will new media (YouTube, amateur bloggers, and peer-to-peer file sharing) put the traditional media (commercial newspapers and television) out of business? This course reviews the underlying media and marketing economics, audience psychology, evolving digital technology, and changing legal framework for public communication. COMM 351 or 371 strongly recommended. (Excl). May not be repeated for credit. COMM 458. Special Topics in Media Systems. (3-4 credits) This course investigates topics relating to structure and function of media systems. Topics vary by section and term. COMM 351 or 371 strongly recommended. (Excl). May be repeated for a maximum of 8 credits. COMM 459. Seminar in Media Systems. (3 credits) This course investigates advanced topics relating to the structure and function of media systems. Topics vary by section and term. COMM 351 or 371 strongly recommended. (Excl). May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits. COMM 462/MKT 407. Designing Persuasive Communication. (3 credits) This course investigates the changes in business, technology, and design that are reshaping the words and images, the form and content of persuasive mass communication. It investigates emerging strategies for reaching global and regional audiences, discusses the impact of new technologies and media convergence, and examines the social and ethical issues that underlie persuasive strategies. COMM 361 or 381 strongly recommended. (Excl). May not be repeated for credit. COMM 463. Computer Mediated Communication. (3 credits) This course investigates the role of computer-mediated communication (CMC) in modern life. The course explores various social contexts in which CMC plays a role. In addition, it reviews various brances of social theory that can be applied as lenses for viewing the social implications of CMC in our lives. Comm 381 strongly recommended. (Excl). May not be repeated for credit. COMM 464. Social Consequences of Mobile Communication. (3 credits) This course examines the social consequences of mobile communication and the role that mobile communication technology plays in the reformulation of everyday life. It explores adoption patterns, international perspectives on mobile communication, intersections between mass and interpersonal communication, and theoretical approaches. COMM 381 strongly recommended. (Excl). May not be repeated for credit. COMM 466. Internet, Society and the Law. (3 credits) This course examines the development, regulation and impact of the Internet in American society. It focuses on the expanding legal implications of new technology and how judicial and political apparatus keep pace with the Internet's everexpanding influence. COMM 351 or 371 strongly recommended. (Excl). May not be repeated for credit. COMM 468. Special Topics in Mass Communication Processes. (3-4 credits) This course investigates topics related to basic processes of mediated communication. Topics vary by section and term. COMM 361 or 381 strongly recommended. (Excl). May be repeated for a maximum of 8 credits.
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COMM 469. Seminar in Mass Communication Processes. (3 credits) This course investigates advanced topics relating to research on basic processes of mediated communication. Topics vary by section and term. COMM 361 or 381 strongly recommended. (Excl). May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits. COMM 471. Gender Issues in the Media. (3 credits) This course examines a variety of important connections between gender and mass communication, including the role of the media in shaping notions of gender in society. The course explores the representation of women in the mass media, and critically analyzes the historical roles of women as media images, producers, and audiences. Feminist theories and their applications to the study of media are examined in detail. The female "image" in popular media is studied in its social and historical context, along with broader explorations of the social construction of masculinity and femininity and their relationships to class, race, and status in society. COMM 351 or 371 strongly recommended. (Excl). May not be repeated for credit. COMM 472. Media Criticism. (3 credits) This course surveys a variety of critical and qualitative methods commonly used to study media exploring both the practical aspects of developing studies using various methods, as well as examining the strengths and weaknesses of specific methods. We explore multiple methods, including semiotic, narrative, and ideological analysis, ethnography, interviews, focus groups, participant observation, and archival and trade research. COMM 351 or 371 strongly recommended. (Excl). May not be repeated for credit. COMM 473. Cross-Cultural Communication. (3 credits) Examines major issues concerning the nature of cross-cultural communication: the flow of information across national boundaries, unequal distribution and access to information world-wide, the varying points of view concerning the world information order. COMM 351 or 371 strongly recommended. (Excl). May not be repeated for credit. COMM 474. Mass Communication and Identity. (3 credits) Examines role of mass communication in shaping personal and social identity. Special attention is given to the manner in which ethnic cultures and subcultures are created, sustained, or altered via communication. COMM 351 or 371 strongly recommended. (Excl). May not be repeated for credit. COMM 475. Visual Communication. (4 credits) This course serves as a gateway to the compelling world of visual communications. A study of how the mind processes visual stimuli and how people respond effectively to images as followed by an intensive introduction to various forms of visual documentation, e.g. work of fine art, material artifacts, urban landscape, photographs, and typography and design. COMM 351 or 371 strongly recommended. (Excl). May not be repeated for credit. COMM 476. Media & Social Movements. (3 credits) This course explores the relationship between media and social movements through a survey and discussion of the relevant theoretical literatures and a series of case studies. COMM 351 or 371 strongly recommended. (Excl). May not be repeated for credit. COMM 478. Special Topics in Media and Culture. (3-4 credits) This course investigates topics dealing with the relationship between mass media and their social and cultural contexts. Topics vary by section and term. COMM 351 or 371 strongly recommended. (Excl). May be repeated for a maximum of 8 credits. COMM 479. Seminar in Media and Culture. (3 credits) This course investigates advanced topics dealing with the relationship between mass media and their social and cultural contexts. Topics vary by section and term. COMM 351 or 371 strongly recommended. (Excl). May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits. COMM 481/ PSYCH 481. Media and Violence. (4 credits) This course examines the psychological causes of aggressive violent behavior and the theoretical and empirical connections between violence in society and portrayals of violence in the mass media. It surveys the research on the physiological, psychological, and environmental factors implicated in the development of habitual aggressive and violent behavior and examines the theories that explain how exposure to violence in the mass media adds to the effects of these other factors causing aggressive and violent behavior.COMM 361 or 381 strongly recommended. (Excl). May not be repeated for credit. COMM 482. Children and the Media. (3 credits) Examines influences of the mass media on children in society. The course is designed to explore in-depth the literature on media effects, emphasizing the interaction of mass media, psychological development, and social behavior. Course readings examine both methodological and theoretical issues, drawing from work in communication, psychology, and policy studies. COMM 361 or 381 strongly recommended. (Excl). May not be repeated for credit. COMM 483. Principles of Strategic Communication and Research. (3 credits) This course introduces core concepts in strategic communication that have been developed in various persuasive communication settings, including political campaigns, advertising, and public relations. Students learn key research
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methods and interpretation of data utilized and gain some first-hand experiences in the research process, including sampling, telephone interviewing, and data analysis. (Excl). May not be repeated for credit. COMM 484/ POLSCI 484. Mass Media and Political Behavior. (4 credits) This course focuses on the role and importance of mass media in the political process. The interaction between the press, politicians, and the public during political campaigns receives detailed attention. Topics include: how news is made; campaign strategies; political advertising effects; relations between Congress, the President, and the media; and the role of mass media in political campaigns. These topics are examined through a systematic review of research in both mass communication and political science. COMM 361 or 381 strongly recommended. (Excl). May not be repeated for credit. COMM 485/ SOC 463. Mass Communication and Public Opinion. (3 credits) This course explores enduring research questions concerning mass communication and public opinion. Emphasis is given to recent research dealing with the impact of the media on public opinion. COMM 361 or 381 strongly recommended. (Excl). May not be repeated for credit. COMM 488. Special Topics in Media Effects. (3-4 credits) This course investigates topics relating to research on the effects of mass communication. Topics vary by section and term. COMM 381 strongly recommended. (Excl). May be repeated for a maximum of 8 credits. COMM 489. Seminar in Media Effects. (3 credits) This course investigates advanced topics relating to research on the effects of mass communication. Topics vary by section and term. COMM 361 or 381 strongly recommended. (Excl). May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits. COMM 491. Senior Honors Seminar I. (3 credits) Permission of instructor required. This is the first in a two-part honors seminar program and culminates in the composition of a senior honors thesis prospectus. Develops students thesis topics, choice of research methods, and selection of faculty thesis advisor. To be eligible for enrollment students must be accepted as honors concentrators during the second semester of their junior year. Admissions as an honors concentrator requires a cumulative GPA of 3.4, and at least a 3.5 in departmental course work. Qualified applicants should meet with the Honors Advisor during the second semester of their junior year to be evaluated for admission. No more than 3 credits of COMM 491-492 may be included in a Communication Studies concentration plan. (Excl). May not be repeated for credit. COMM 492. Senior Honors Thesis. (3 credits) Permission of instructor required. This is the second in a two-part honors seminar program and culminates in the composition of a senior honors thesis. Students must have successfully completed COMM 491. This course is offered only in winter term and meets only on occasion, based on a schedule to be arranged at the first class session. Students work directly with their thesis advisers, and are expected to meet regularly with them for direction and assistance. (INDEPENDENT) COMM 491 required. No more than 3 credits of COMM 491-492 may be included in a Communication Studies concentration plan. (Excl). May not be repeated for credit. LSA abbreviation requirements: (QR/1) = Quantitative Reasoning, (R&E) = Race & Ethnicity, (SS) = Social Science, (Excl) = Excluded from distribution. Students can seek complete information about LSA degree requirements from the LSA Academic Advising Office (http://www.lsa.umich.edu/saa/advising/), or from the LSA Bulletin (http://www.lsa.umich.edu/saa/publications/bulletin/).

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