University of Missouri - Kansas City : Communication Studies (COMM-ST)

An introduction to the dimensions of effective platform speaking with special emphasis on developing critical listening skills. Lecture, performance, and discussion. Every semester.

3 hrs

COMM-ST 140 Principles Of Communication

An interdisciplinary introduction to the study of contemporary communication studies including a consideration of intrapersonal, interpersonal and public communication. Lecture. For non-majors only. Offered: Fall or winter.

3 hrs

COMM-ST 212 Argumentation And Debate

A study of the nature of logical discourse generated through the preparation and presentation of oral argument within the framework of the debate format. Lecture, performance and discussion. Offered: Fall and winter.

3 hrs

COMM-ST 213 Argumentation And Critical Thought

An introduction to the theory and application of argument construction. The course is designed to examine the fundamental strategies of critical thinking and to help understand the relationships among critical thought and argumentation development and refutation. This course is designed for application across many fields and is not specific to debate or oral argument. Lecture, discussion. Prerequisite: None. Offered: Fall.

3 hrs

COMM-ST 220 Introduction: Modern Communications Media

A comprehensive survey of the content, structure and control of the communications media in American society--newspaper, motion pictures, radio and television; providing an informational frame of reference that will enable discerning students to formulate and apply useful critical concepts in evaluating America's media environment. Every semester.

3 hrs

COMM-ST 230 Introduction To Film Studies

The course is an introduction to the study of film as an art form and industrial practice. Students are introduced to the basic terms and concepts of film theory, including theories of film editing and mise-en-scene while becoming familiar with the basic "canon" of major films and directors that form the foundations for the academic field of film studies. Prerequisites: ENGLISH 110. Offered: Spring and Fall

3 hrs

COMM-ST 250 Introduction To Film And Video Methods

This course is a comprehensive examination of film and video production methods and visual literacy. It is the foundation and prerequisite for all film, video, and new media production courses. It is also the professional media production overview course for advertising, public relations, and other creative, non-technical communications careers. Prerequisite: None Offered: Spring,Fall

3 hrs

COMM-ST 265 Media Photoimaging

An introduction to the production and manipulation of photographic images as they are applied in the print publishing medium, multi-image, and multimedia communications. Photography will be examined as a fundamental medium for the study of visual communication and the techniques of creating specifically meaningful images. This course will provide an essential familiarity with the terminology, concepts, practices, and process variables involved in photographic direction and production supervision, and will also introduce the basics of image composition, manipulation, and quality control. Offered: On Demand.

3 hrs

COMM-ST 281 Animation

This course provides an introduction to animation production techniques and an overview of the history of American animation arts. We will address both stop-motion and computer animation using industry standard software.

3 hrs

COMM-ST 303 WI Introduction To Journalism

Introduction to the styles and techniques of reporting and writing basic news through assignments in straight news, features and in-depth stories. Exposure to the history and principles of American journalism. Practical application in writing news and news feature articles. Also offered as ENGLISH 303WI.

3 hrs

COMM-ST 308 Introduction To The Study Of Human Communication

This course serves to introduce students to the basic theories, perspectives and methodologies used (historically and currently) in the study of speech, interpersonal and mass communication.

3 hrs

COMM-ST 308 WI Introduction To The Study Of Human Communication

This course serves to introduce students to the basic theories, perspectives and methodologies used (historically and currently) in the study of speech, interpersonal and mass communication. Writing Intensive course.

3 hrs

COMM-ST 311 Radio & Television Performance

A study of the specialized radio and television performing and operating situations and techniques simulated and evaluated in studio sessions. Lecture, discussion and performance. Prerequisite: None.

3 hrs

COMM-ST 312 Advanced Public Speaking

Advanced study of rhetorical theory and its application to the presentation and criticism of public discourse. Prerequisite: COMM-ST 110. Offered: Fall & Winter.

3 hrs

COMM-ST 312 P Advanced Public Speaking

Advanced study of rhetorical theory and its application to the presentation and criticism of public discourse. Prerequisite: COMM-ST 110. Offered: Fall & Winter.

3 hrs

COMM-ST 314 WI Reporting

A seminar of practical application in advanced reporting. Assignments to cover news events and to pursue in-depth news reports on the campus and off. Work is turned in on deadline and critiqued by the instructor. Also offered as ENGLISH 313. Prerequisite: ENGLISH 110, ENGLISH 225, and successful completion of the WEPT.

3 hrs

COMM-ST 317 Persuasion

A study of the rhetorical, psychological and ethical principles of influencing and controlling individuals and groups, and of the methods of adapting to various attitudes and audiences through the preparation, presentation and evaluation of persuasive speeches. Lecture, discussion and performance. Prerequisite: COMM-ST 110. Offered: On demand.

3 hrs

COMM-ST 320 Mass Media, Culture And Society

A critical exploration of the role of mass media (and its reception) in the social construction of reality. The course employs theoretical, analytical and empirical approaches derived from multidisciplinary sources, particularly "critical theory" semiology, post-structuralism, psychoanalysis and ethnography. Term paper required. Prerequisite: Offered: Every semester.

3 hrs

COMM-ST 322 Oral Performance In Speech Communication

This course is designed to develop and strengthen oral communication for students pursuing careers in pre-law, media, human resources, and education as well as increase the skills of potential professional speakers. The student will learn to develop emotional, vocal, physical, and non-verbal skills through an investigation of poetry, prose, and non-fiction literature. Through the process of reading, studying, investigating, rehearsing, and performing literary and nonliterary works, the students will learn to pay particular attention to the voice embodied in a given text and the cultural and social context within which that voice speaks. Prerequisite: COMM-ST 110. Offered: Fall and Winter.

3 hrs

COMM-ST 331 WI Mass Media In America

Writing intensive. Social History of the development of mass media, radio, film and television, from Marconi's first experiments to the present. Emphasis placed on relationship of American culture and American media. Term paper required. Prerequisite: Successful completion of the WEPT. Offered: Fall.

3 hrs

COMM-ST 339 Film Theory And Criticism

The course serves to locate the film medium within the study of human communication while developing an understanding of the effects of film on the individual and society with an emphasis on understanding the film medium as both an art form and a reflection of a social system with national, cultural & sub-cultural components. Term paper required. Offered: Spring

3 hrs

COMM-ST 341 Rhetorical Theory And Criticism

An analysis of significant public discourse within the context of social protest and political rhetoric with attention to applying methods of communication criticism in evaluating the effectiveness of persuasive advocacy aimed at social change. Fall.

3 hrs

COMM-ST 341 WI Rhetorical Theory And Criticism

Writing intensive. An analysis of significant public discourse within the context of social protest and political rhetoric with attention to applying methods of communication criticism in evaluating the effectiveness of persuasive advocacy aimed at social change. Prerequisite: Successful completion of the WEPT.

3 hrs

COMM-ST 343 Group Dynamics

A study of strategies and communication relationships unique to non-dyadic situations, with an emphasis on the integral structure of leadership, roles, norms and task functions. Discussion. Offered: On demand.

3 hrs

COMM-ST 344 Communication In Organizational Settings

An examination of the major elements of interpersonal, group, and oral communication competence essential to human interaction in organizational settings. The course focuses on developing communication competencies and increasing theoretical understanding of the communication process within the organizational context. COMM-ST 110 OR COM-ST 308. Offered: Fall/Winter.

3 hrs

COMM-ST 344 WI Communication In Organizational Settings

An examination of the major elements of interpersonal, group, and oral communication competence essential to human interaction in organizational settings. The course focuses on developing communication competencies and increasing theoretical understanding. Prerequisite(s): COMM-ST 110 or COMM-ST 308 and WEPT.

3 hrs

COMM-ST 351 WI Fundamentals Of Writing For The Media

Writing intensive. Analysis of individual differences and common characteristics of copy for eye and ear, with emphasis on the application of both verbal and visual imagery in the process of communicating the writer's ideas and intentions. Weekly written assignments and critical analysis of the student's work. Prerequisites: COMM-ST 110 and successful completion of the WEPT. Offered: Fall and winter.

3 hrs

COMM-ST 354 Introduction to Screenwriting

An introduction to the form and language of the motion picture screenplay. Students will learn to create a workable blueprint for a movie and undertake an in-depth examination of visual storytelling. This will include understanding the basics of dramatic structure, scene and sequence construction and the role of dialogue. Emphasis will be placed on students mastering the accepted movie industry format of the screenplay. They will also adapt a short story and revise it after giving and receiving feedback in small groups. Prerequisites: CommSt 230. Offered: Fall

3 hrs

COMM-ST 363 Radio Production I

A study of the techniques of producing audio material for use in radio, in concerts, on film, on television and in the recording studio. Lecture, discussion, and laboratory. Offered: Fall.

3 hrs

COMM-ST 371 Television Studio

A study of the principles and techniques of multi-camera television studio production, with emphasis on introducing and developing intermediate skills using professional broadcast equipment and real-time live production technologies. Lecture, discussion, and laboratory. Prerequisite: COMM-ST 250 or COMM-ST 270. Offered: Spring.

3 hrs

COMM-ST 373 Intermediate Media Production

Emphasis on digital production and non-sync 16mm film. Students produce, direct and edit a significant narrative, documentary or experimental project. Lecture, discussion and laboratory. Prerequisite: COMM-ST 250 Offered: Spring

3 hrs

COMM-ST 376 History Of The Film Industry

A history of the development of the American film industry from 1900 to the end of the studio era. The course will stress such issues as studio production, censorship, the economics of production and the selling of mass culture through the film medium. Term paper required. On demand.

3 hrs

COMM-ST 377 Interpersonal Communication

An intensive analysis of the dimensions of intrapersonal and interpersonal communication designed to identify the philosophies and methods which underwrite effective human communication. Lecture and discussion. Offered: Fall and Spring.

3 hrs

COMM-ST 377 WI Interpersonal Communication

Writing intensive. An intensive analysis of the dimensions of intrapersonal and interpersonal communication designed to identify the philosophies and methods which underwrite effective human communication. Lecture and discussion. Prerequisite: Successful completion of the WEPT (effective FS93). Offered: Fall and winter.

3 hrs

COMM-ST 378 Computer-Mediated Communication

Examination of the nature of human communication on the Internet. Design function, content innovations of computer mediated communication discussed, with emphasis on technology as a means of interpersonal communication. Research, essays, and participation in online environment required. Prerequisite: None Offered: On demand

3 hrs

COMM-ST 378 WI Computer Mediated Communication

Examination of the nature of human communication on the internet. Design, function, content innovations of computer mediated communication discussed, with emphasis on technology as a means of interpersonal communication. Research, essays, and participation in online environment required. Prerequisite: Successful completion of the WEPT EXAM Restrictions: Writing Intensive. Successful completion of the WEPT Exam required. Offered: Fall 2003.

3 hrs

COMM-ST 379 African American Images in Film

This course examines the historical and social evolution of African Americans in film from the early 1900s to the present. The course will provide an overview of contributions from African Americans in cinema and trace their impact in Hollywood through critical analysis. Films show what a society accepts and rejects, therefore the course will consider major themes, historical movements, and how films capture societal issues. Most of the discussions will focus on images in front of the camera, although works from African Americans behind the camera may be explored as well. Offered: Fall & Winter.

3 hrs

COMM-ST 380 Contemporary Media Topics

3 hrs

COMM-ST 382 Advanced Media Topics

Variable content: Media Arts and Media Studies Topics will be addressed in this course including film/video production and post-production techniques, and analytical evaluation of recent trents in media. Prerequisite: Topic Dependent Restrictions: Approval of instructor Offered: Winter

3 hrs

COMM-ST 383 Cross-Cultural Journalism & Mass Media

Cross-Cultural Journalism & Mass Media provides journalistic tools for traditional and new media coverage of diverse ethnic, gender, ability and ideological groups inside and outside the United States. The critical role of diverse voices in a democracy will be discussed.Students at UMKC and the Missouri School of Journalism participate in joint lectures transmitted by UMKC and MU instructors from their respective campuses.

3 hrs

COMM-ST 384 Documentary Film

The purpose of this course is to familiarize students with the history, terminology, film making techniques, film makers and cultural/societal influences of documentary film. Five distinguishing characteristics will be examined in terms of 1) subjects, 2) purposes, points of view, or approaches, 3) forms, 4) production methods and techniques and 5) experiences they offer to audiences. Prerequisites: None. Offered: Every winter.

3 hrs

COMM-ST 385 Documentary Production

This course is designed to familiarize students with the basics of documentary production from an artistic, ethical, and practical results-oriented perspective. Prerequisite(s): COMM-ST 250 or Consent of Instructor. Offered: Fall

3 hrs

COMM-ST 388 Media Ethics

This course is designed to sensitize the ethical considerations the underlie the conventions and practices of print, broadcast, and internet media. By placing traditional and new media in a wider intellectual context than is generally possible under the daily demands of producing news, information, and entertainment, it seeks to produce a larger sense of media as industry and as a career choice.

3 hrs

COMM-ST 390 Forensic Activities

Participation in the intercollegiate forensic program. A practicum in debate, discussion, oratory and other forensic activities. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Offered: Summer, fall, winter.

1-4 hrs

COMM-ST 391 The World(S) Of Alfred Hitchcock

The course offers an historical study of the film art of Afred Hitchcock. The course gives special attention to the director's work in the silent cinema of the U.K., Hitchcock's early major British sound films, his arrival in the United States, his major World War II propoganda films, the directors maturing into a major influence on world cinema in the 1940s, and Hitchcock's "masterworks" of the 1950s-1960s. Offered: On Demand

3 hrs

COMM-ST 392 Great Directors Of Foreign Film

The course is an introduction to the major films and directors of the international cinema. Particular attention will be given to the influence of German Expressionism, Italian "Neo-Realim," the "French New Wave, the "New German Cinema" of the 1970s, post-Franco Spanish cinema, and the national cinemas of South America, India, China, and Japan. Offered: On Demand

3 hrs

COMM-ST 393 History Of The Hollywood Musicals

The course offers an historical survey of the development of the film musical as a major Hollywood film genre from the introduction of the sound film in 1927 to current manifestations of the genre. The course gives particular attention to the development of the studio musicals of the 1930s, the role of the musical during World War II, the "Golden Age" of the MGM musical in the 1950s-60s, and the effects on the traditional Hollywood musical of the Vietnam Era social upheavals. Offered: On Demand

3 hrs

COMM-ST 394 The World Of "Film Noir"

The course offers an historical survey of the development of "film noir" as a major film genre. The course examines the major characteristics that define "film noir" and offers an introduction to the historical roots of this genre in German Expressionism, as well as the social and political context for the development of "film noir" as a hollywood studio genre in the late 1940s. Particular attention is given to the social/ political conditions of the 1950s that contributed to both the rise and decline in popularity of "film noir" during the Cold War, as well as the film genre's revival in the "neo-noirs" of the 1970s. Offered: On Demand

3 hrs

COMM-ST 400 Special Studies

(A-N) This is an upper-level course on a subject which is not a part of the regular department offering. The course results from one or more of the following: (1) the expressed desire of students (2) the broadened or refocused scholarship of a member of the communication studies faculty (3) the temporary presence of a scholar whose specialization is not reflected in the department's regular offerings (4) the conclusion by the department that the course meets a community need (5) the effort of the Communication Studies faculty to provide an interdisciplinary approach to an era or topic. The course is experimental in the sense that it is a "one-time" offering with the potential of repetition or modification, depending upon student, faculty and community response. On demand.

1-3 hrs

COMM-ST 400 CB Cc:The African Diaspora In The Arts And Culture

This new cluster course will examine the expression of certain aspects of African culture in the African Diaspora. Black culture in the area now popularly termed "The Black Atlantic," and in particular Western Africa, the Caribbean and certain parts of South and North America, will be examined. Special attention will be paid to visual and material culture, feminist and anti-apartheid literature, and religion and spirituality. African culture is a multi-layered and complex phenomenon. An understanding of African Diastolic culture involves an analysis of the effects of historical and sociological movements, the interpretation of written culture and the effects of Africa's response to colonial intrusion. Questions concerning the transmission and transformation of African cultures will be addressed by a close investigation of visual and material culture, literary texts, and cosmological constructions of African peoples. Students will be exposed to methodologies garnered from the Arts, Literature and Religious Studies. Offered: Fall Restrictions: Sophomore or above

3 hrs

COMM-ST 400 CT Cluster Course: Healing And Cultural Diversity

3 hrs

COMM-ST 400 G Special Studies In Communication Studies

1-3 hrs

COMM-ST 400 M Special Studies In Communication Studies

1-6 hrs

COMM-ST 400 N Special Studies

1-3 hrs

COMM-ST 400 Q Special Studies In Communication Studies

1-3 hrs

COMM-ST 400 W Special Studies in Communication Studies

1-3 hrs

COMM-ST 400 Z Special Studies

1-3 hrs

COMM-ST 402 CD Cluster Course: American Social Film:Silver Screen&American Dream

This course will combine American social history and American film history. Using Hollywood entertainment films, the course will look at Hollywood as an indicator of social, political, and economic conditions in the U.S. from the early 1900s to the late 1950s. The main topics are war and the threat of war, poverty and affluence, racial tensions, censorship, and political zealotry. A paper is required, and a social history textbook, a film history textbook, a play by Arthur Miller and a collection of articles constitute core readings.

3 hrs

COMM-ST 403 CE Cc: Radical Changes Since 1945

This cluster course will focus on modernism, post-modernism and expressionism in the visual arts and literature since World War II. Lectures address intellectual movements-such as existentialism and formalism-and cultural development-such as increased impact of technology and mass media-in contemporary society. By focusing on these movements, we hope to provide an integrated view of the literature and visual arts of the period and to draw upon analogous developments in contemporary architecture, music, philosophy and film. This course is offered as a cluster with ENGLISH 300CE.

3 hrs

COMM-ST 404 CD World War I in Film: The World made Modern

This cluster course examines World War I and its legacy through the lenses of international history and film studies. It explores the origins and conduct of the "Great War," as it was called at the time, as well as its transforming effects on the modern international relations and the ongoing process of globalization. It also examines how the war spurred the growth of an infant motion picture industry, and how movies produced during the decades that followed helped shaping popular memories of the conflict-reflecting and shaping cultural discourses regarding the myth or reality of modern civilizational progress; the ethics of modern weaponry; the individual's placed in mass society; constructions of class, race, and gender; and the meaning of national identify in a globalizing world. The class will draw on selected history texts and an array of films and film clips. Cross listed with HISTORY 420CC

3 hrs

COMM-ST 405 CD Cluster Course: Race in American Film

This course examines representations of race and ethnicity in American film from the silent era onward in mainstream and countercultural traditions. It explores how social, political, and economic conditions contribute to constructions of race and ethnicity. This course is offered as a cluster course with ENGLISH 300CQ and HISTORY 300CF.

3 hrs

COMM-ST 431 Colloquium In Interpersonal Dynamics

An examination of the practical application of communication principles and theories, with focus on one of the following: health, organizational, nonverbal, intrapersonal, conflict management, computer0mediated, or intercultural communication. Prerequisite: None Offered: On demand.

3 hrs

COMM-ST 432 Press, Politics And Public Policy

Undergraduate component of COMM-ST 532. An advanced course in the study of the press and political establishments in the formation of public policy. Lecture, discussion and research.

3 hrs

COMM-ST 444 WI Intercultural Communication

A consideration of communication phenomena in multicultural settings. A study of the public forum with an emphasis on the interpersonal aspects of international, intercultural, and co-cultural communication. Lecture and discussion. On demand. Prerequisite: Successful completion of the WEPT.

3 hrs

COMM-ST 446 Principles Of Advertising

A survey of advertising as an industry and a career field, examining its history and development in America, and its application in mass and special media. Specific procedures are studies for linking the development of advertising strategies, messages and campaigns to the marketing process, and for evaluation and selection of appropriate media to carry the advertising message.

3 hrs

COMM-ST 448 Principles Of Public Relations

An overview, presenting the function, purposes, procedures and practices of public relations, its role in society, industry, government and politics, and its potential as a career field. This is a survey course with primary emphasis on theory, supplemented with applied techniques.

3 hrs

COMM-ST 454 Advanced Screenwriting

This course provides students with advanced theory in narrative screenwriting, training in industry standard script analysis (called "coverage") and story editing. Students will be required to draft, revise and workshop a short film screenplay or will focus on a feature screenplay, delivering a draft and revision of the first act and a detailed outline for the rest of the script. Students will workshop feature screenplays in small groups, emphasizing the art of constructive story editing.Prerequisite: COMM-ST 354. Offered: Spring

3 hrs

COMM-ST 457 Producing And Distributing Media

Survey of Contemporary practices used in the producing, funding and distribution of media for theatrical, broadcast, home video/dvd and web-based markets. Lectures, discussion and projects. Prerequisites: None

3 hrs

COMM-ST 458 WI Publicity, Promotion And The Media

Writing intensive. A study of controlled and uncontrolled (public) media and their use to effect motivation of various target audiences, and alteration of attitudes, opinions, and beliefs in special publics; examination of the theory and nature of messages and materials generated by PR departments or counseling firms; analysis and practice in development of specialized communications materials, such as house organs, news releases, publicity and speeches to gain reaction and support from specialized groups. Prerequisite: COMM-ST 351 and successful completion of the WEPT. Offered: Fall.

3 hrs

COMM-ST 462 Public Broadcasting

A study of the development of public broadcasting, its position and responsibilities in the world of modern communications. Programming and operations concepts and philosophies of public broadcast facilities will be studied and analyzed. Prerequisite: COMM-ST 220. Offered: On demand.

3 hrs

COMM-ST 466 Electronic Journalism Performance

An advanced study of television and Internet news gathering, field production and performance for electronic media. Prerequisite: COMM-ST 456 or consent of instructor. Offered: Spring

3 hrs

COMM-ST 470 Directing

An advanced course in video techniques with emphasis on creating complex formats for broadcasting, recording and performance. Lecture, discussion, and laboratory. Prerequisite: COMM-ST 250. Offered: Spring.

3 hrs

COMM-ST 471 Advanced Media Production

An advanced course in media production techniques involving knowledge and practical use of video, film and sound equipment to create professionally competitive media productions. Lecture, discussion, laboratory and research. Prerequisites: COMM-ST 250, COMM-ST 373, and COMM-ST 354 or Instructor Consent. Offered: Fall

3 hrs

COMM-ST 478 Media Law

A comprehensive examination of the law as it pertains to advertising, public relations, journalism, commercial and electronic media, broadcast regulatory agencies, corporate speech and corporate participation in elections. Students will study topics that include the First Amendment, defamation and privacy. Court opinions and legislation will be the course's primary focus, however students will also examine contemporary and historic theory of free expression. Offered: On demand.

3 hrs

COMM-ST 483 Research Seminar In Communication Studies

This is the departmental capstone course and is required for majors in their last semester of their senior year. The course summarizes and extends student's theoretical and applied understanding of the role of communication competence in the work place and beyond. The course also focuses on refining student's research competencies and their appreciation of the cultural role of modern communication methods. Offered: Fall and Spring.

3 hrs

COMM-ST 484 Communication Studies Activities

Internships opportunities for advanced students involved in community and campus activities. Student must receive approval of advising professor in semester prior to enrollment. No more than four hours with any one project. Fall, winter and summer.

1-4 hrs

COMM-ST 498 Special Problems In Communication Studies

Research and/or projects for advanced upper class students. Student must receive approval of advising professor in semester prior to enrollment. No more than three hours with any one instructor. Offered every semester.

1-3 hrs

COMM-ST H308 Introduction To The Study Of Human Communication

This course serves to introduce students to the basic theories, perspectives and methodologies used (historically and currently) in the study of speech, interpersonal and mass communication.

3 hrs

COMM-ST H311 Radio & Television Performance

A study of the specialized radio and television performing and operating situations and techniques simulated and evaluated in studio sessions. Lecture, discussion and performance. Prerequisite: None.

3 hrs

COMM-ST H400 D Special Studies In Communications Studies

1-3 hrs

COMM-ST H400 P Special Studies In Communication Studies

1-3 hrs