Courses

CST Course Descriptions Prior to 2007

+ above a course number indicates a General Education course.

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CST 110 Cr. 3
Public Oral Communication

Development of basic public oral communication skills through the process of preparing, presenting, and critically listening to informative and persuasive oral messages. Objectives include reduction of speech anxiety, development of research and critical thinking skills necessary for message construction, development of rehearsal and presentation skills necessary for message delivery, and development of listening skills necessary for competent reception and constructive critical evaluation of information and ideas presented in oral public communication.

Departmental common syllabus for CST 110

CST 170 Cr. 3
Telecommunication Media Literacy

Practice and analysis of “reading” the media to discover how they both reflect and lead society. Criteria for evaluating media content relative to influences and consequences of various programming formats including news, talk, entertainment, and advertising. Course is designed for non-majors as well as majors.

CST 190 Cr. 3
Introduction to Communication Studies

An introduction to the professional study of communication, including detailed exploration of factors involved in the communication process, effects of media on the communication process, and the importance of the communication process in intrapersonal, interpersonal, small group, organizational, and intercultural contexts. Prerequisite: CST 110.

CST 210 Cr. 3
Presentational Speaking

This course is designed to enhance students’ abilities in developing, delivering, and evaluating oral informative and persuasive presentations. In doing so, the focus of theoretical discussion and practical application will be on the use of audience analysis in adapting to presentational situations, source material in developing oral messages, effective organizational designs, oral rather than written language style, advanced presentational aids including media technology, enhanced vocal and physical presentational skills, and appropriate criteria for evaluation. Prerequisite: CST 110.

CST 230 Cr. 3
Introduction to Interpersonal Communication

A study of communication in relatively unstructured situations, such as in conversation, on the job, in peer groups, in relationships, and in the family. Students participate in activities designed to enhance communicative awareness and skills in interpersonal contexts. Factors such as gender, culture, and ethnic origin are considered. Prerequisite: CST 110.

CST 232 Cr. 3
Listening

An analysis of the process of listening in various contexts of communication situations, including work, home, and school. Emphasis on the nature, barriers, dimensions (purposes), theory and research, measurement and evaluation of listening, with the goal of becoming a more effective listener. Prerequisite: CST 110.

CST 240 Cr. 3
Fundamentals of Computer-Mediated Communication

An overview of computer-mediated communication (CMC) and new media technologies, exploring the characteristics of CMC and its technology together with its effects on the process and dynamics of human communication and society. The dynamics of CMC will be explored including its relationship to a variety of communication contexts, including interpersonal, organizational, small group, telecommunication, and public discourse. Students will engage in introductory hands-on Web production and CMC exercises and read critical essays about Internet culture and theories of CMC. Prerequisite: CST 190.

CST 250 Cr. 3
Introduction to Small Group Communication

Students will study small group communication theories and processes by observing and participating in small groups. As small group participants, students will apply communication theory to enhance their effectiveness as small group communicators. Prerequisite: CST 110. Not open for credit to students who have completed or are enrolled in PSY 343 (Group Dynamics) and/or SOC 334 (Sociology of Small Groups).

CST 260 Cr. 3
Professional Communication

This course is an introduction to professional communication. The course focuses on developing communication skills and learning communication principles important to an organizational setting. Students will improve essential verbal and nonverbal communicative skills that are needed to succeed in their careers. While studying organizational processes, students will enhance their abilities to plan and deliver professional informative and persuasive messages. Students will also learn how to conduct effective training sessions and how to use current presentational software and technology. Prerequisite: CST 110.

CST 270 Cr. 3
Broadcast Announcing

An examination of broadcast communication principles and effective announcing techniques. Laboratory and broadcast experiences designed to cultivate announcing skills and to lead to the development of an effective on-air personality.

CST 272 Cr. 3
Radio Production

Introduction to broadcasting; analysis of programs and audiences; directed experiences in organizations, writing, production, directions, and performances of basic radio programs.

CST 273 Cr. 1-2
Applied Radio

Practical experience in developing broadcasting skills as staff members of WLSU-FM Radio. Pass/Fail grading. Repeatable for elective credit — maximum 2.

CST 274 Cr. 3
Television Production

Theory and practice of television including basic program types, equipment and staff organization, studio procedures, and production problems. Lect. 2, Studio 2.

CST 275 Cr. 1-2
Applied Television

Practical experience in developing skills in television programming as staff members of WMCM-TV. Pass/Fail grading. Repeatable for elective credit — maximum 2.

CST 291 Cr. 1-3
Participation in Communication Studies Activities

Individual activities and projects that entail intensive use of communication skills, such as Vanguards, Reach and Share, UW-L Student Association committees or offices, UW-L Raquet, volunteer work with community organizations, etc. Prerequisite: completion of at least 9 credits of CST courses above CST 110. Must be approved and supervised by department faculty. Pass/Fail grading. Repeatable for credit — maximum 3.

CST 301 Cr. 3
Theories of Communication

A broad-based introduction to the theories used in communication studies. This course introduces students to the role of theory in understanding communication. The course investigates what theories are and what they do. Students are introduced to a cross section of contemporary theories of communication. The role of theory in research is considered through the development of a theory driven review of communication literature. Prerequisite: CST190, 12 credits in CST.

CST 302 Cr. 3
Research Methods in Communication

Examines the application of research methods for answering communication research questions in all communication studies emphases. Investigates qualitative, quantitative, and critical approaches, as well as underlying assumptions of all communication research. Prerequisite: CST 190 and completion of at least 12 credits of CST courses. Prior or concurrent registration in CST 301 recommended.

CST 310 Cr. 3
Argumentation and Debate I

An introductory course covering the concepts, formats and strategies of debating. Emphasis is on the development of personal skills of argumentation. Prerequisite: CST 110.

CST 315 Cr. 3
Analysis of Public Discourse

Public discourse analysis, a fundamental practice in communication studies, investigates why messages succeed or fail in achieving the purposes for which they have been designed. Students learn to conduct systematic analysis that considers key elements of messages (language, organization, content, informative and persuasive communication strategies, visual images, choice of medium, etc.) in relation to intended audiences and specific contexts of those messages. Students apply the basic method of rhetorical analysis to specific examples of public discourse, which may include speeches, commercials, public service announcements, Web pages. etc. Prerequisite: CST 190 and completion of General Education Humanistic Studies requirements.

CST 330 Cr. 3
Nonverbal Communication

This course is designed to explore the various dimensions of nonverbal communication in human interaction. Such factors as proxemics, touch, face and eye behavior, vocal behavior, bodily movement, etc. will be considered in the analysis of messages in various interpersonal contexts. Prerequisite: CST 190.

CST 332 Cr. 3
Intercultural Communication

The primary objective of this course is to provide an overview of the study of cultures and their effects on communication. Cultural, socio-cultural, psychocultural and environmental influences will be explored in terms of how they affect the communication process. Communication behavior (both verbal and nonverbal) will be examined to determine its role in other cultures. Students will learn to communicate more competently with people from other cultures and ethnic groups. Prerequisite: CST 190 or 230 or TSL 300.

CST 334 Cr. 3
Women, Men and Communication

Explores the theory and practice of communication between men and women. Focuses on understanding the similarities and differences of communicative behaviors (verbal, nonverbal, power, conflict and listening) among men and women in various contexts such as intimate relationships, friendships, educational settings, the work place and media. Prerequisite: CST 230 or W-S 100.

CST 336 Cr. 3
Family Communication

To provide an investigation of how communication relates to all aspects of family life, including such areas as marriage types, power and intimacy in the marital relationship, changes in the marital roles, myths and metaphors of the family, and the transformation of the “typical” American family. Prerequisite: CST 190 and 230.

CST 350 Cr. 3
Organizational Communication

This course is an examination and exploration of practical applications of communication theories within the framework of an organization (e.g., industrial, educational, governmental, or public service). Particular attention will be given to techniques for diagnosing communication problems, as well as strategies for implementing change in organizational communication in order to increase organizational effectiveness. Students will enhance their organizational communication skills as participants and observers. Prerequisite: CST 190 and 260.

CST 351 Cr. 3
Interviewing: Principles and Processes

This course is designed to enhance understanding of and participation in a range of interviews that occur in our society. Students will increase their proficiency by participating in interviews, both as interviewers and interviewees. Emphasis is placed on learning effective communication skills and practicing important communication principles inherent in the following forms of interviews: employment (including portfolio presentation), performance review, information gathering, persuasive, and probing. Students will also learn how to critically examine interview behaviors. Prerequisite: CST 190 or 230 or 260. Declared CST major or minor.

CST 354 Cr. 3
Health Communication

This course provides students with basic knowledge and skills essential for communicating in the health and medical professions. Topics include the role of interpersonal, group, organizational, and intercultural communication in health care, ethical and legal aspects of health communication, and communication strategies for encouraging patient/client compliance and working with special needs patients. Prerequisite: CST 110.

CST 360 Cr. 3
Public Relations

An introductory study of the field of public relations, dealing with the effect of public opinion on an organization and its actions, the various publics of an organization, and the channels of communication used in current public relations practices. Prerequisite: CST 190.

CST 362 Cr. 3
Public Relations Tools and Strategies

This course provides student training in skills of persuasion and communication as used in the public relations profession. An emphasis is placed on effective tools of public relations and media utilized by public relations practitioners. Prerequisite: CST 360.

CST 370 Cr. 3
Telecommunication Media Writing

A laboratory course in the preparation and presentation of news and continuity programs for the electronic media. Consideration of and practice in writing interviews, documentaries, newscasts, commercials, public service announcements, and dramatic programs. Planning and preparation of special audio and visual materials. Prerequisite: ENG 110.

CST 371 Cr. 3
Audience Research

An introduction to the subject of making decisions about media. The selection and use of media to fulfill marketing objectives and strategy as well as audience studies to describe appeals of the various media to the public; readership and listenership. A discussion of studies to predict audience behavior.

CST 372 Cr. 1-3
Radio Workshop

Specialized work in radio news, public affairs, special events programming, and operations on WLSU-FM. Students will work in the area of their choice, refining skills in practical daily radio station operation. Prerequisite: CST 273.

CST 374 Cr. 1-3
Television Workshop

Specialized work in television, emphasizing experience for students in the roles of producer and executive producer for WMCM-TV. Lect. 1-3, Studio 2-6. Prerequisite: CST 274 or 275. Repeatable for credit — maximum 6.

CST 375 Cr. 3
Telecommunication Media News Writing

Preparation of news stories, newscasts, and news features for the specialized requirements of a broadcast station’s news department. Assignments will be directed toward providing students with the abilities needed to assist in producing actual news programming on a typical broadcast facility. Prerequisite: CST 110 and ENG 110.

CST 376 Cr. 3
Remote Video Operations

This course is an introduction to remote video production. It is designed to give the student a theoretical and practical background in on-location productions and basic editing techniques. Remote productions may consist of news packages, sports highlights, a mini-documentary, and on-location interviews.

CST 380 Cr. 3
Communicating Leadership

An in-depth exploration of the communicative phenomenon of leadership. Theories and research methods used by noted communication and leadership scholars will be discussed and critiqued. Topics covered may include notions of leadership and organizations as places of leadership. Additional topics will focus on leaders as communicators, creators and sustainers of organizational culture, decision makers, change agents, and facilitators. Prerequisite: CST 190.

CST 391 Cr. 1-3
Practical Applications in CST

Advanced individual applied activities and projects that entail intensive use of developed communication skills and specialized knowledge based on course work previously completed in the communication studies program. Prerequisite: CST major and completion of at least 15 credits of CST courses above CST 110. Must be approved and supervised by department faculty. Pass/Fail grading. Repeatable for credit — maximum 3.

CST 399 Cr. 1-3
Independent Study in Communication Studies

Directed individual communication studies project under the supervision of a communication studies faculty member. May be a performance-oriented project or a research-based project to bring about a focused scholarly outcome. Project must include a final report as determined through consultation with supervising faculty. Project must be approved and supervised by a department faculty member and have prior consent of the executive committee of the department. Prerequisites: 12 credits in CST courses and junior standing. Repeatable for credit-maximum 6.

CST 410 Cr. 3
Argumentation and Debate II

Examines elements and strategies of argumentation. Focuses on evidence, reasoning, fallacies, and methods of argument analysis. Practice in individual and group argumentation, including parliamentary procedure. Prerequisite: CST 310.

CST 412 Cr. 3
Persuasion

Contemporary theory and research in persuasion, focusing on coordinated campaigns. Includes focus on persuasive strategies, appeals, audience adaptation, and ethics. Prerequisite: CST 190 and junior standing.

CST 415 Cr. 3
Methods of Rhetorical Criticism

Prominent twentieth century methods of rhetorical criticism, such as neo-Aristotelian, historical/biographical, dramatistic, generic, and ideologically based approaches, are examined in-depth to determine elements of analysis and criteria for evaluation used by each. Students apply methods to examples of public discourse to analyze and evaluate messages. Prerequisite: CST 315.

CST 430 Cr. 3
Advanced Topics in Interpersonal Communication

An in-depth exploration of interpersonal communication theories and applications in particular relational contexts such as family, friendships, intimate relationships, and work relationships. Theories and research methods used by noted interpersonal communication scholars will be discussed and critiqued. Topics covered may include attraction, relationship development and dissolution, relationship maintenance, dysfunctional relationships, intimacy, and friendship. Prerequisite: CST 190, 230, and at least one of the following 300 level CST courses: 330, 332, 334, 336.

CST 450 Cr. 1-6
Internship in Communication Studies

An academically relevant work experience focusing on career development through professional contexts. Students pursue practical applications of course work in government, public or social service, public relations, business, industry, or related areas. A written report assessing the internship experience in relation to the student’s academic preparation is required. Credit depends on the demands and complexity and the duration of the work that the student performs. Each student must work with an appropriate faculty supervisor in his/her selected emphasis area. Evaluation is a joint effort of the cooperating firm or group, the faculty supervisor, and the cooperative education internship liaison. Prerequisite: senior CST major, at least 24 completed credits in CST, prior consent of an appropriate faculty supervisor, and prior departmental approval of the internship. Students and faculty supervisors are responsible for submitting internship proposals for departmental approval prior to registration. Contact the department for information about the approval and registration process. Pass/Fail grading. Repeatable for credit — maximum 6.

CST 452 Cr. 3
Contemporary Approaches to Organizational Communication

This course is an investigation of state-of-the art theoretical approaches to understanding organizational communication. Particular attention is paid to how changes in our metaphorical understanding of organizations transform the nature of both communicating in organizations and the organizing process. The impact of new technologies on organizational communication is also considered. Students will learn how to use multiple perspectives to enhance their understanding of organizational communication. Prerequisite: CST 350.

CST 460 Cr. 3
Planning, Implementing and Evaluating the Public Relations Campaign

This course examines the nature, role and processes of public relations. Research, planning, and evaluation will be used to implement a public relations campaign. Teams of students will plan and implement a complete public relations campaign for an organization or company. Prerequisite: CST 360.

CST 471 Cr. 3
Telecommunication Media Management

A study of the operation and management functions of the broadcast media. Special emphasis on the problematic situations confronted by managers of the various departments within the broadcast industry. Prerequisite: CST 273 or 275.

CST 472 Cr. 3
Advanced Audio Production

Students carry out advanced creative problems in audio production and direction. Preparation, production and evaluation of various audio programs. Lect. 2, Studio 2. Prerequisite: CST 272.

CST 474 Cr. 3
Advanced Video Production

The advanced theories and practices in video communications are studied. Students carry out advanced creative problems in video production and direction. The preparation, production, and evaluation of various program styles are examined. Lect. 2, Studio 2. Prerequisite: CST 274 or 374.

CST 480 Cr. 3
Telecommunication Media and Modern Society

This course is designed to explore the interrelationships which exist between the telecommunication media and the diverse facets of modern society; to examine the rights, responsibilities and characteristics of the media and the media practitioner, as well as the characteristics and responsibilities of the audience and of the society. Prerequisite: CST 170 and junior standing.

CST 491 Cr. 1-3
Special Topics in Communication Studies

Study in a selected area of communication studies. Varying topics will be offered at intervals, with a specific title assigned to each. For current content and credit assignment, consult the instructor or department chair. Repeatable for credit — maximum 9.

CST 499 Cr. 3
Senior Project in Communication Studies

Either an individual investigation of a specific research question resulting in a formal written research report and its oral presentation to the faculty, or an individual applied production project accompanied by a formal written record of the production process and its oral presentation to the faculty. In addition to the course instructor each student must work with an appropriate faculty mentor in his/her selected emphasis area. Prerequisite: senior CST major, CST 301 and 302, and completion of at least 24 credits of CST courses.

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