Major in Communication Studies | Minor in Communication Studies | Communication Studies with Secondary Teaching Certification | Course Descriptions
Chair: J. Donald Ragsdale (936) 294-1848
Faculty: Rick Bello, Frances Brandau-Brown, Patricia Capps, Mary Evelyn Collins, Debbi Hatton, Terry Thibodeaux, Amber Walker, Shaun Zhang
Information: (936)294-1848; 212C Dan Rather Communications Building
Website: www.shsu.edu/~commstudies_www
Communication Studies is the modern heir to one of the world’s oldest disciplines. Its connection to thought and language is fundamental, and its primacy in marriage and the family, in obtaining employment, and in advancing a career regardless of one’s field are well documented.
Communication Studies students learn how to prepare and present informative and persuasive speeches using the latest technologies and learn the skills necessary to engage in interpersonal, small group, and organizational forms of communication. They also study the nuances of nonverbal communication, the intricacies of argumentation and debate, the details of the anatomy and physiology of the speech and hearing mechanism, the dynamics of communication in the family, the principles of persuasion, and both historical and contemporary speakers and theories of rhetoric and communication.
• BA in Communication Studies
• Teacher Certification
The Department of Communication Studies provides a rich climate in which to pursue the study of communication. All classrooms are equipped with VHS/DVD playback, television monitors, and Internet-connected computers, and have software available for media-based presentations.
There is no preferred minor for Communication Studies. Students should select a minor that suits their interests and career needs. Common minors include English, History, Journalism, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology.
The Department of Communication Studies offers coursework which provides for a wide variety of career choices; however, its focus is on family communication. Faculty members and students have ongoing research programs into such areas as relationship maintenance and repair in the family and child and family advocacy. The program is actively involved in advising students about course sequences available to prepare them for careers in public and private agencies which specialize in family matters.
Communication Studies graduates enter a variety of fields, including teaching at all levels, public advocacy and public relations, governmental relations, the ministry, motivational speaking, and website development and marketing. Some become ministers and motivational speakers. Many continue their studies in Communication Studies graduate programs and in law schools.
Students may take advantage of the department’s student organization, National Communication Association Sam Houston (NCASH). The department is also home to the Lambda Beta chapter of Lambda Pi Eta, the official honor society of the National Communication Association.
The department offers internship opportunities for qualified students through COM 477 (described below).
The Department of Communication Studies offers several scholarships. Most scholarship deadlines are in March for the following academic year. Contact the Communication Studies Chair for information and applications.
Communication Studies students learn how to prepare and present informative and persuasive speeches using the latest technologies and learn the skills necessary to engage in interpersonal, small group, and organizational forms of communication. They also study the nuances of nonverbal communication, the intricacies of argumentation and debate, the dynamics of communication in the family, the principles of persuasion, and both historical and contemporary speakers and theories of rhetoric and communication.
Required Courses for Major
Students choosing to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Communication Studies
must complete at least 33 hours of credit in Communication Studies (COM) courses, including at
least 15 hours of advanced courses in the program. To satisfy the foreign language requirement,
all hours must be taken in the same language. All students must take the following courses:
COM 161, 231, 286, 481,486.
| First Year | Credit | Second Year | Credit |
| COM 161, 231,286 | 9 | COM electives | 9 |
| ENG 164, 165 | 6 | Component Area 4 (Literature) | 3 |
| HIS 163, 164 | 6 | POL 261 | 3 |
| Foreign Language 141, 142 (one field) | 8 | Foreign Language 263, 264 (one field) | 6 |
| KIN 215 | 1 | MTH 164 or approved substitute | 3 |
| Component Area 3 (Natural Science, from two departments) | 4 | Component Area 3 (Natural Science, from two departments) | 4 |
| 34 | PHL elective | 3 | |
| ART, DNC, MUS, THR, or PHL 366 | 3 | ||
| 34 | |||
| Second Year | Credit | Fourth Year | Credit |
| COM 486, COM (6 hr. Adv.) | 9 | COM 481, (COM 300-400-level) | 6 |
| Minor* | 9 | Minor* | 9 |
| POL (200-level) | 3 | Component Area 4 (Visual and Performing Arts) | 3 |
| Component Area 4 (Cultural Studies) | 3 | Electives* | 10 |
| Component Area 5 | 3 | 28 | |
| 27 | |||
* Minor and elective hours should be chosen with the university requirement of 42 advanced hours in mind.
Students choosing a minor in Communication Studies must complete at least 18 hours in the program, including COM 161, COM 231, 286, and at least 6 advanced hours.
Students seeking Secondary Teacher Certification in Texas with Communication Studies as the major (first teaching area) must complete the same requirements as for the major listed above, with the addition of COM 490 (as part of the 33 COM hours for the major) and MCM 130.
Students seeking Secondary Teacher Certification in Texas with Communication Studies as the minor (second teaching area) must complete 24 COM hours. In addition to the requirements for the non-teaching minor listed above, COM secondary education minors must complete an additional 6 advanced credit hours, including COM 490, for a total of 12 advanced hours of the 24 COM hours.
COM 131 Introduction to Human Communication. [SPCH 1311] A survey of the Communication Studies field. Students will be introduced to the basic principles, concepts, and modes of human communication in the contemporary world through class activities, projects, and lectures. Designed for non-majors. Credit 3.
COM 161 Public Speaking. [SPCH 1315] An introductory course in research, composition, organization, and delivery of informative and persuasive speeches for various purposes and occasions. Includes strategies for reducing speaker apprehension. Credit 3.
COM 231 Introduction to Communication Theory and Research. An introduction to theory and research in the field of communication with an emphasis on interpersonal and family communication. Students prepare reviews of literature as well as scholarly abstracts. Credit 3.
COM 233 Performance of Literature. [SPCH 2341] The study of literary materials through the mode of interpretive performance. Emphasis is on the interaction between performer, text, and audience. Credit 3.
COM 282 Communication for Business and the Professions. [SPCH 1321] This course examines theory and research in interpersonal principles, leadership strategies, listening, and nonverbal communication. Emphasis is on the application of this knowledge to develop communication skills in settings such as interviewing, group decision-making, speech preparation and presentation. Not for Communication Studies majors, minors, or specializations. Credit 3.
COM 284 Argumentation and Debate. [SPCH 2335] A study of argumentation as a type of discourse and an instrument of critical decision making. Instruction and public practice in research, analysis, organization, use of evidence, refutation, and delivery. Prerequisite: COM 161 or permission of the Chair. Credit 3.
COM 286 Interpersonal Communication. [SPCH 1318] Theory and research in one-to-one communication in relationships. Topics include perception, listening, conflict management, and the development and maintenance of relationships. Credit 3.
COM 290 Multimedia Communication. Applications of technology to the preparation and presentation of speeches and other forms of oral discourse. Credit 3.
COM 370 Intercultural Communication. A study of the theory, research, and practice of communicating within and across cultures. Research in intercultural communication will be studied with an emphasis on application to the student’s own intercultural communication. Credit 3.
COM 380 Colonial and Nineteenth Century American Public Address. An examination of significant speakers, speeches, campaigns, and movements in U.S. history to 1900. Credit 3.
COM 381 Twentieth Century American Public Address. A critical study of modern social movements and campaigns through analysis of speakers and speeches, 1900-2000. Credit 3.
COM 382 Persuasion. A study of the principles of attitude change and theories of persuasion as they apply to the speaker, political campaigns, and social movements. Fall. Credit 3.
COM 383 Small Group Communication. An examination and application of the research, theories, and practices of interaction, leadership, and problem-solving in formal and informal small group settings. Prerequisite: COM 286 or COM 384. Spring. Credit 3.
COM 384 Speech for Teachers. Designed primarily for prospective teachers, this course focuses on the research, theory, and practice of communication in classrooms as well as other instructional settings. Students will organize and present formal and instructional presentations in simulated classroom situations. Limited to juniors and seniors. Credit 3.
COM 465 Nonverbal Communication. The study of systems of nonverbal communication and their effective use, including body language, vocalic, facial, and spatial communication. Students will apply current theory and research in nonverbal communication to their own communication. Credit 3.
COM 477 Mentorship in Communication Studies. An independent study practicum in the pragmatic requirements of a career in Communication Studies education. The student will work closely with a faculty member to experience and practice as many of the roles of a professional Communication Studies educator as possible by serving as mentor for a college Communication Studies class. The goal is to prepare students to function effectively as a faculty member at whatever educational level they aspire. Prerequisites: At least Junior standing, 12 COM hours completed, and approval of the Chair. Credit 3.
COM 478 Internship in Communication Studies. An on-the-job application of skills and theories learned in the classroom for selected individual students who have completed their junior year. Internships are with public relations and governmental agencies, businesses and non-profit organizations. Prerequisites: At least junior standing, 12 COM hours completed, and approval of the Chair. Credit 3.
COM 481 Communication Theory. A survey of contemporary theories of communication. Prerequisite: 12 hours COM completed. Credit 3.
COM 482 Applied Rhetorical Theory. A study of the major theories of rhetorical analysis from ancient times to the present with basic applications to American public communication. The course also presents non-American and non-traditional rhetorical methodology. The student will be required to apply the various paradigms in analyzing communication artifacts past and present. Prerequisite: 12 COM hours completed. Spring. Credit 3.
COM 486 Family Communication. An intensive examination of interpersonal communication at all levels in the context of families. Students pursue original research projects, reviews of literature, and annotated bibliographies. Prerequisite: COM 286 or the equivalent. Credit 3.
COM 490 Directing Speech Activities. A hands-on course designed to assist the student in understanding and practicing the skills necessary for effective leadership in the classroom and competitive areas. Students are required to develop materials necessary for teaching debate, public speaking, and interpretation. Fall. Credit 3.
COM 491 Undergraduate Seminar in Communication Studies. This course allows a student to pursue particular problems or issues beyond the limits of current course offerings. The problem or issue, however, will be within the student’s area of specialization. This course may be taken for Academic Distinction credit. See Academic Distinction Program in this catalog. Prerequisite: 12 hours COM completed and approval of the Chair. May be repeated for credit. Credit 3.