Department of Communication Studies
The Department of Communication Studies offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies, a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Studies (with or without certification). The department also offers a minor in Communications. Recommendations concerning a student’s minor and course requirements are made to the department head by academic advisors.
The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication Studies
| Required Courses | ||
| General Education Requirements 1 | 42 | |
| COMS 110 | Mass Comm and Society | 3 |
| COMS 304 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| COMS 310 | Communication Law | 3 |
| COMS 406 | Group Process and Decision Making | 3 |
| ENGL 309 | Technical Writing and Document Design | 3 |
| HIST 101 | World History To 1700 2 | 3 |
| HIST 102 | World History Since 1700 2 | 3 |
| Foreign Language 101, 102, 201, 202 | 14 | |
| Total Hours | 77 | |
Additional Required Courses for Concentrations
Public Relations Event Management
| COMS 211 | Media Writing | 3 |
| COMS 220 | Promotional Writing | 3 |
| COMS 311 | Writing For Publication | 3 |
| COMS 320 | Public Relations | 3 |
| COMS 340 | Persuasion | 3 |
| COMS 420 | Event Planning and Management | 3 |
| COMS 425 | Public Relations Cases and Campaigns | 3 |
| COMS Electives | 6 | |
| PHIL 301 | Ethics in the Professions 3 | 3 |
| ENGL 310 | Technical Writing and Editing | 3 |
| ENGL 312 | Graphics and Technical Writing | 3 |
| ENGL 412 | Technical Writing with Computer Applications | 3 |
| MKTG 314 | Marketing | 3 |
| MKTG 316 | Consumer Behavior | 3 |
| or MKTG 415 | Marketing Research | |
| MKTG 318 | Promotional Strategy | 3 |
| Total Hours | 48 | |
Journalism and Broadcasting
| COMS 211 | Media Writing | 3 |
| COMS 214 | Photography | 3 |
| COMS 215 | Broadcast Journalism | 3 |
| COMS 308 | Digital Video Production | 3 |
| COMS 311 | Writing For Publication | 3 |
| COMS 318 | News and Magazine Editing | 3 |
| COMS 409 | Advanced Reporting | 3 |
| COMS 412 | Rhetorical and Communication Theory | 3 |
| Advanced COMS Electives | 3 | |
| PHIL 301 | Ethics in the Professions 4 | 3 |
| ENGL 310 | Technical Writing and Editing | 3 |
| ENGL 312 | Graphics and Technical Writing | 3 |
| ENGL 412 | Technical Writing with Computer Applications | 3 |
| ENGL 420 | Writing for Electronic Mediums | 3 |
| Electives | 4 | |
| Total Hours | 46 | |
Speech Communication
| COMS 201 | Voice And Performance | 3 |
| COMS 303 | Debate | 3 |
| COMS 308 | Digital Video Production | 3 |
| COMS 332 | Intercultural Communication | 3 |
| COMS 404 | Organizational Communication | 3 |
| COMS 412 | Rhetorical and Communication Theory | 3 |
| PHIL 201 | Introduction to Logic 5 | 3 |
| Select two of the following: | 6 | |
| Technical Writing and Editing | ||
| Graphics and Technical Writing | ||
| Advanced Composition | ||
| Technical Writing with Computer Applications | ||
| Writing for Electronic Mediums | ||
| Electives (15 hours Advanced) | 21 | |
| Total Hours | 48 | |
| 1 | Please see Academic Information section. |
| 2 | Course may be counted toward general education requirement. |
| 3 | Course may be counted toward general education requirement. |
| 4 | Course may be counted toward general education requirement. |
| 5 | Course may be counted toward general education requirement. |
The Bachelor of Science Degree in Communication Studies
| Required Courses | ||
| General Education Requirements 1 | 42 | |
| COMS 110 | Mass Comm and Society | 3 |
| COMS 304 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| COMS 310 | Communication Law | 3 |
| COMS 406 | Group Process and Decision Making | 3 |
| ENGL 309 | Technical Writing and Document Design | 3 |
| Electives | 15 | |
| Total Hours | 72 | |
Additional Required Courses for Concentrations
Public Relations Event Management
| COMS 211 | Media Writing | 3 |
| COMS 220 | Promotional Writing | 3 |
| COMS 311 | Writing For Publication | 3 |
| COMS 320 | Public Relations | 3 |
| COMS 340 | Persuasion | 3 |
| COMS 420 | Event Planning and Management | 3 |
| COMS 425 | Public Relations Cases and Campaigns | 3 |
| COMS Electives | 6 | |
| PHIL 301 | Ethics in the Professions 2 | 3 |
| MKTG 314 | Marketing | 3 |
| MKTG 316 | Consumer Behavior | 3 |
| or MKTG 415 | Marketing Research | |
| MKTG 318 | Promotional Strategy | 3 |
| ENGL 310 | Technical Writing and Editing | 3 |
| ENGL 312 | Graphics and Technical Writing | 3 |
| ENGL 412 | Technical Writing with Computer Applications | 3 |
| Electives | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 51 | |
Journalism and Broadcasting
| COMS 211 | Media Writing | 3 |
| COMS 214 | Photography | 3 |
| COMS 215 | Broadcast Journalism | 3 |
| COMS 308 | Digital Video Production | 3 |
| COMS 311 | Writing For Publication | 3 |
| COMS 318 | News and Magazine Editing | 3 |
| COMS 409 | Advanced Reporting | 3 |
| COMS 412 | Rhetorical and Communication Theory | 3 |
| Advanced COMS Elective | 3 | |
| PHIL 301 | Ethics in the Professions 3 | 3 |
| ENGL 310 | Technical Writing and Editing | 3 |
| ENGL 312 | Graphics and Technical Writing | 3 |
| ENGL 412 | Technical Writing with Computer Applications | 3 |
| ENGL 420 | Writing for Electronic Mediums | 3 |
| Electives | 9 | |
| Total Hours | 51 | |
Speech Communication
| COMS 201 | Voice And Performance | 3 |
| COMS 303 | Debate | 3 |
| COMS 308 | Digital Video Production | 3 |
| COMS 332 | Intercultural Communication | 3 |
| COMS 404 | Organizational Communication | 3 |
| COMS 412 | Rhetorical and Communication Theory | 3 |
| PHIL 201 | Introduction to Logic | 3 |
| Select two of the following: | ||
| Technical Writing and Editing | ||
| Graphics and Technical Writing | ||
| Advanced Composition | ||
| Technical Writing with Computer Applications | ||
| Writing for Electronic Mediums | ||
| Electives (12 hours Advanced) | 21 | |
| Total Hours | 42 | |
Level 8-12 Certification
| COMS 102 | Public Speaking 1 | 3 |
| COMS 201 | Voice And Performance | 3 |
| COMS 303 | Debate | 3 |
| COMS 412 | Rhetorical and Communication Theory | 3 |
| Advanced COMS Elective | 3 | |
| Additional teaching field or minor/electives (Advanced) | 9 | |
| EDU 320 | Professional Development I-Understanding Learners | 3 |
| EDU 330 | Professional Development II:Effective Instruction | 3 |
| EDU 430 | Professional Development III | 3 |
| EDU 435 | Issues In Professional Development | 3 |
| EDU 490 | Practicum in Teaching | 6 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Child and Adolescent Psychology | ||
| Elementary Statistics for the Behavor Sciences | ||
| Child Development | ||
| RDG 351 | Content Area Reading | 3 |
| PHIL 201 | Introduction to Logic | 3 |
| Total Hours | 51 | |
| 1 | Please see Academic Information section. |
| 2 | Course may be counted toward general education requirement. |
| 3 | Course may be counted toward general education requirement. |
Additional Information for the BS in Communications with Certification:
- No substitutions are allowed for any COMS course listed on certification plan.
- No Tarleton COMS course may substitute for another Tarleton COMS course.
- A transfer course must be a direct translation for a COMS course listed on the certification plan.For admission to the teacher certification program, each certification candidate must pass a public speaking competency exercise upon completion of COMS 101, 102, or 301, but no later than the first semester of the junior year.
- The presentation will be a 7-10 minute persuasive speech evaluated by three Communications faculty members.
- Student must pass the presentation with a combined score of 80 or better.
- If a student fails to complete the presentation with a score of 80 or better, he/she may request to repeat the presentation within the same semester.
- After one semester, any student wishing to repeat the public speaking requirement must make an alternative presentation.
- The presentation will be judged for a variety of communication skills including organization, appropriate style of delivery for subject matter, ability to communicate concepts to an audience clearly, articulation, and diction.
- Before being allowed to take the TExES, each candidate must pass the departmental “mock” TExES examination in partial fulfillment of requirements for COMS 485.
- Each student will take a mock exam based on the format for the TExES.
- Students are required to pass each section of the mock exam with a grade of 80 percent or better before taking TExES.
- A student who fails a section of the mock exam may retake just the failed section within the same semester.
- A student who does not successfully pass all parts of the mock exam within the semester of the initial exam must retake the entire mock examination.
- Students seeking certification must meet with the COMS certification representative at least once a semester.
- The departmental certification representative will review specific COMS requirements with each student. Candidates for certification will then be required to sign an acknowledgment form.
Courses
COMS 101. Fundamentals of Speech Communications. 3 Hours.
This course is designed to improve the individual's understanding of the human communication process. Classroom exercises involve the student in interpersonal, small group, and presentational speaking situations. Special emphasis on developing communication skills needed to check and validate perceptions, control language usage, and analyze and improve reasoning processes.
COMS 102. Public Speaking. 3 Hours.
An introduction to the principles and practice of presentational communication. Methods of topic analysis, research, evidence evaluation, organization, and delivery are covered. Students participate in several classroom presentations.
COMS 110. Mass Comm and Society. 3 Hours.
Places mass media in historical perspective; explores the relationships among media; examines the structure of the American communications system and compares it to international communications systems. Analyzes the social, economic, and political implications of modern society's reliance on mass communications. Explores the ways in which the mass media provides images of our world.
COMS 201. Voice And Performance. 3 Hours.
Oral presentation of literary forms with emphasis on the vocal mechanism and phonetics. Interpretative readings in prose, poetry, and drama are directed to help students gain a sensitivity to literary genre and develop effective speech habits through vocal analysis, guided practice, and class drills emphasizing pronunciation, enunciation, and articulation. Credit for both COMS 201 and THEA 201 will not be awarded.
COMS 207. Audio Production. 3 Hours.
The course fee will cover the cost of required materials, upgrades, and lab maintenance. Materials include tapes, batteries, cables (USB 2.0 and Firewire) and audio recorders. Equipment related to the audio recorders may include mini-disks, format or flash media cards, and computer software (e.g., Adobe Audition). Course Fee $10. Lab Fee $5.
COMS 211. Media Writing. 3 Hours.
Fundamentals of news writing and reporting. Students will learn basic newspaper style and compose stories using traditional stylebook techniques. Students will learn how to write stories for both print, broadcast and online medida.Prerequisite ENGL 111, ENGL 112,.
COMS 214. Photography. 3 Hours.
Fundamentals of camera operation, film development and printing. Study in the use and layout of photography in newspaper and magazines. Students will learn new photographic technology as well as traditional applications. Course fee $10. Lab fee $10.
COMS 215. Broadcast Journalism. 3 Hours.
A study of broadcast news practices. The basic rules of broadcast news writing will be reviewed and stories will be written and delivered for both radio and television. Studio and newsroom procedures will be examined.
COMS 220. Promotional Writing. 3 Hours.
Study and practice in the techniques of writing promotional materials for public relations and event management purposes, with emphasis on creativity and on matching style and medium to targeted publics.
COMS 301. Business and Prof Speaking. 3 Hours.
A study of verbal and nonverbal communication as it functions in business and professional organizations. Special emphasis will be given to developing oral language proficiency, interviewing, small decision-making groups, oral reporting, and organizational communication.
COMS 303. Debate. 3 Hours.
An introduction to the principles of argumentation and debate. Subject material will include research, evidence, reasoning, case construction, refutation, and delivery. Classroom debating will provide students with opportunities to observe and participate in competitive debating. This course is particularly applicable to those anticipating study in pre-law. Prerequisites: COMS 101, 102 or permission of the department head.
COMS 304. Interpersonal Communication. 3 Hours.
A course designed to improve individual communication skills relevant to human relationships. The development and maintenance of interpersonal (one-to-one) relations are examined, with special emphasis on identifying and correcting communication breakdown. A portion of the course will be devoted to exercises designed to improve interpersonal skills. Prerequisite: COMS 101 or 301 or permission of the department head.
COMS 308. Digital Video Production. 3 Hours.
Introduces students to the collaborative process of narrative and non-narrative production while fostering the creation of an individual voice. Students learn the basic techniques and aesthetics of single-camera production, including shot composition, lighting and graphic effects. Students also learn techniques of digital post-production editing. Course Fee $20. Lab Fee $5.
COMS 309. Interviewing. 3 Hours.
This class teaches communication skills essential for a professional career. It integrates theoretical principles from the text with in-class practice of interviewing and being interviewed. Students learn to identify, explain, and apply essential elements of successful interviews to several types of interviews.
COMS 310. Communication Law. 3 Hours.
Examines First Amendment case law and state and federal regulations of speech and media. Provides historical and contemporary analyses of the laws of defamation; obscenity; fighting words; and time, place and manner restrictions. Issues such as copyright, privacy, and freedom of information will also be covered. Prerequisite: 3 hours of COMS or approval of department head.
COMS 311. Writing For Publication. 3 Hours.
Study and practice in the techniques of writing contemporary nonfiction for publication, with special attention given to methods of research and markets for literary material. Numerous private conferences. Prerequisite: 12 hours of ENGL or approval of department head.
COMS 318. News and Magazine Editing. 3 Hours.
The basics of story placement and layout, copy and style editing. This course would emphasize the role and responsibilities of different editorial departments as well as the overall responsibility of editorial management. Prerequisites : COMS 131, COMS 3113 and ENGL 310 or consent of the instructor.
COMS 320. Public Relations. 3 Hours.
An introduction to the theory, history, and principles of public relations programs for profit and nonprofit organizations, including fundraising, media relations, crisis management, ethics, social responsibility, management counseling, campaign basics, professionalism, and related topics. Teamwork with nonprofit clients is an integral part of the course, as is portfolio development.
COMS 332. Intercultural Communication. 3 Hours.
A study of intercultural communication theories and how they shape interpersonal, small group, and public interactions. Students will observe, participate, and analyze intercultural interactions on campus and in the community.
COMS 340. Persuasion. 3 Hours.
A study of persuasive communication theory in interpersonal, small group, and public settings. Emphasis on audience analysis, ethics, motivational factors, source credibility, compliance gaining and theories of attitude change. Prerequisites: COMS 101, 102 or 301.
COMS 401. Advertising. 3 Hours.
Analysis of advertising in modern media. Study of the history, design, and effects of advertising. Students will also study the uses of different media for advertising purposes. Credit for both COMS 401 and MKTG 401 will not be awarded.
COMS 404. Organizational Communication. 3 Hours.
An advanced study of communication as it takes place in business and industrial settings. Special attention will be given to managerial communication, communicator style, channels and networks, and organizational communication consulting. Prerequisite: COMS 301.
COMS 406. Group Process and Decision Making. 3 Hours.
A study of small group theory and process. Special attention will be given to leadership, organization, group analysis, and interaction. Students will observe and participate in small group discussions on contemporary issues. Prerequisites: COMS 110, 304, 310.
COMS 409. Advanced Reporting. 3 Hours.
A capstone course for Journalism students. This course will provide advanced studies for reporting, news writing, newsgathering, interviewing, records evaluation and investigative techniques. Students will be required to submit articles for publication and provide evidence of superior writing skills. Prerequisites: COMS 131, 213, 310, 311, and 318.
COMS 412. Rhetorical and Communication Theory. 3 Hours. [WI]
A general survey of classical through contemporary rhetorical and communication theory. Emphasis on how theories have been and are being applied in criticism of public address and rhetorical movements and in contemporary communication research. Prerequisites: COMS 101, 102 or permission of the department head.
COMS 420. Event Planning and Management. 3 Hours.
Application of public relations processes to the planning and management of special events in various types and styles. Topics include theme development, budgeting, creative design, logistics, promotions, monitoring, client liaison, evaluation, and other relevant aspects of event planning and management.
COMS 425. Public Relations Cases and Campaigns. 3 Hours.
Critical case analysis and campaign development applying the four-step campaign process central to professional practice of public relations. Emphasis is on critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making. Prerequisites: C or better in COMS 420, MKTG 318 and MKTG 316 or 415.
COMS 484. Communications Internship. 3 Hours.
Approved and supervised work experience in communications related positions. May be repeated once for a total of 6 hours of academic credit. Prerequisites: Junior standing and 12 hours COMS or approval of department head. Field experience fee $50.
COMS 485. Seminar. 1-3 Hours.
Content varies according to the needs and desires of the students. When topic varies, course may be taken for credit more than once. Prerequisite: Junior classification or approval of department head.
COMS 486. Communications Problems. 1-3 Hours.
A course featuring independent reading, research, and discussion under personal direction of instructor, topics vary according to student need. Open to students of senior classification with department head approval.
Dr. Charles Howard, Head
Davis Hall Room 411
Box T-0230
(254) 968-9149
www.tarleton.edu/communications
Associate professors: C. Howard, G. Wakefield
Assistant professors: J. Edwards, S. Maben
Instructors: T. Holley, C. Horton, D. Malone