COMMUNICATION STUDIES (CST)
School of Arts and Communication
Department Chair: Laura Nelson
Room 344 Center for the Arts, 608-785-8519
e-mail: nelson.laur@uwlax.edu
Associate Professors: Knox, Niedzwiecki,
Patterson, Piehl, Tollefson; Assistant Professors: Dickmeyer, Nelson,
L., Rodrick, Siefkas, Swanson, D., Turner; Instructor: Comeau; Lecturers:
Kemmer, Oppreicht, Putz.
CST majors may choose any minor offered by the CST
department that does not duplicate the emphasis they have selected for their
CST major. Courses counted toward the 40 credit major, while they may fulfill
requirements for that minor, may not be counted in the minor. An additional
elective course or courses in the minor must be taken to complete the 24
credits required in that minor. Students who combine a CST major with a minor
also offered by the CST Department must complete 61 credits of courses in CST
programs.
(All colleges, excluding Teacher Certification
programs) — 40 credits. Core requirement: CST 190, 290, 300, and 499. Required:
CST 230, 332 or 334, 336, and 430. At least nine credits from the following:
CST 232, 250 (or PSY 343 or SOC 334), 252, 291, 330, 332, 334, 354, 399, 400,
412, 450, 491, REC 430. Electives (maximum nine credits) from courses included
by any of the four disciplinary emphases. Up to six credits of the minimum 40
credit total may be earned in courses offered by other departments which have
been approved as relevant in the disciplinary emphases.
Communication
Studies Major: Public Relations and Organizational Communication Emphasis
(All colleges, excluding Teacher Certification
programs) — 40 credits. Core requirement: CST 190, 290, 300, and 499. Required:
CST 260, 350, 360, 452 or 460. At least nine credits from the following: CST
230, 250, 252, 291, 354, 362, 370, 399, 400, 412, 450, 452 or 460 (whichever
was not used as a required course), 491. Electives (maximum nine credits) from
courses included by any of the four disciplinary emphases. Up to six credits of
the minimum 40 credit total may be earned in courses offered by other departments
which have been approved as relevant in the disciplinary emphases.
(All colleges, exluding Teacher Certification
programs) — 40 credits. Core requirement: CST 190, 290, 300, and 499. Required:
CST 310, 315, 412, 415. At least nine credits from the following: CST 210, 270,
291, 312, 316, 399, 400, 410, 450, 491, ANT 350, POL 307, ENG 333, 444, PSY
436, THA 222. Electives (maximum nine credits) from courses included by any of
the four disciplinary emphases. Up to six credits of the minimum 40 credit
total may be earned in courses offered by other departments which have been
approved as relevant in the disciplinary emphases.
(All colleges, excluding Teacher Certification
programs) — 40 credits. Core requirement: CST 190, 290, 300, and 499. Required:
CST 170, 272, 274, 275*, 370 or 375, and 471. At least five credits from the
following: CST 270, 273*, 291*, 370 or 375 (whichever was not used as a
required course), 371, 372*, 374*, 375, 376, 399, 400, 450, 472, 474, 480, 491;
ENG 325, POL 304, THA 340. Electives (maximum nine credits) from courses
included by any of the four disciplinary emphases. Up to six credits of the minimum
40 credit total may be earned in courses offered by other departments which
have been approved as relevant in the disciplinary emphases.
(All colleges, excluding Teacher Certification
programs) — 24 credits. Required: CST 190, 230, 332 or 334, 336, and 430.
Electives (at least nine credits from the following): CST 232, 250 (or PSY 343
or SOC 334), 252, 290, 291, 300, 330, 332, 334, 354, 399, 400, 412, 491, PSY
341, REC 430. No more than three credits of the minimum 24 credit total may be
earned in courses offered by departments other than CST.
(All colleges, excluding Teacher Certification
programs) — 24 credits. Required: CST 190, 260, 350, 360, 452 or 460. Electives
(at least nine credits from the following): CST 230, 250, 252, 290, 291, 300,
354, 362, 370, 399, 400, 412, 452 or 460 (whichever was not used as a required
course), and 491.
(All colleges, excluding Teacher Certification
programs) — 24 credits. Required: CST 190, 310, 315, 412, and 415. Electives
(at least nine credits from the following): CST 190, 210, 212, 270, 290, 291,
300, 312, 316, 399, 400, 410, 491, ANT 350, POL 307, ENG 333, 444, PSY 436, THA
222. No more than three credits of the minimum 24 credit total may be earned in
courses offered by departments other than CST.
(All colleges, excluding Teacher Certification
programs) — 24 credits. Required: CST 170, 190, 272, 274, 275*, 370 or 375,
471. Electives (at least five credits from the following): CST 270, 273*, 290,
291*, 300, 370, 371, 372*, 374*, 370 or 375 (whichever was not used as a
required course) 376, 399, 400, 472, 474, 480, 491, THA 340, ENG 325, POL 304.
No more than three credits of the minimum 24 credit total may be earned in
courses offered by departments other than CST.
+ above a course number indicates a General Education course.
+
CST 110 Cr.
3
Essentials of Speech Communication
Development of oral communication skills, including
listening skills, through the process of research, analysis, organization, oral
presentation and audience reception of messages in selected projects.
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. Offered Sem. II, alternate years.
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 252 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 in participating in interviews, both as an
interviewer and interviewee. Emphasis is placed on learning effective
communication skills and practicing the communication principles inherent in
the following forms of interviews: employment (including portfolio presentation),
performance review, persuasive, information gathering, and journalistic.
Students will also learn how to critically examine interview behaviors.
Prerequisite: CST 190 or 230 or 260. Declared CST major or minor. Offered Sem.
I.
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. Offered Sem. II, alternate years.
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. Offered Sem. I.
CST 273 Cr.
1
Applied Radio
Practical experience in developing broadcasting
skills as staff members of WLSU-FM. Repeatable for elective credit — maximum 4.
Lect. 2, Lab. 2. No student may earn more than four credits in CST applied
courses. Offered Sem. II.
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
Applied Television
Practical experience in developing skills in
television programming as staff members of WMCM-TV. Repeatable for elective
credit — maximum 4. No student may earn more than 4 credits in CST applied
courses.
CST 290 Cr.
1
Research Tools for Communication Studies
Familiarizes students with various sites and sources
of information. Introduces students to various tools for locating general
information as well as information in the discipline. Develops students’ skills
in using these tools to conduct research. Provides students with training in
evaluation of information sources. Prerequisite: concurrent enrollment in CST
190 strongly recommended.
CST 291 Cr.
1-3
Participation in Communication Studies
Activities
Individual projects with a focus on participation in
individual speaking events, interpretative projects, or debate. Projects are
designed in consultation with the appropriate faculty member with approval of
the department chair. Prerequisite: must be approved and supervised by
department faculty. Repeatable for credit — maximum 6. Students who register
for CST 291 are required to register in the same manner and within the same
time limit as for registration in other courses.
CST 300 Cr.
3
Theory and Research in Communication Studies
Examines the role of theory construction and
research in communication studies, including purposes, process, types of
research methods, criteria for evaluation of theories and research, and ethical
issues in research. Investigates themes of theory and research common to all
emphasis areas in the CST program, such as message construction, mediation of
messages, and persuasion. Prerequisites: CST 110, 190, 290, ENG 110, MTH 205 or
250 and completion of 15 credits of CST courses.
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. Offered Sem. I.
CST 312 Cr.
3
Analysis of Significant Speeches and Speakers
Speakers and speeches that have had a significant
impact will be viewed or heard and evaluated. Speakers include women and
minorities. Types of speeches include inaugurals, political keynotes,
war-related speeches, speeches of self defense and special occasion speeches.
Methods of criticism include neo-Aristotelian, Fantasy Theme analysis, Burke’s
dramatistic pentad, metaphoric criticism and feminist criticism. Prerequisite:
CST 110. Offered occasionally.
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.
Prerequisites: CST 190 and completion of General Education Humanistic Studies
requirements. Offered Sem. II.
CST 316 Cr.
3
Literature in Performance
Theory and practice of analyzing and understanding
literary texts as exemplary communication acts through solo performance.
Participants learn to analyze various types of literary texts (prose, drama and
poetry) for information relevant to performance and then to use appro-priate
techniques in performing these texts. Participants observe and critique their
own and others’ performances. Prerequisites: CST 110; ENG 110 and completion of
General Education Humanistic Studies requirement. Offered occasionally.
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. Offered Sem. II.
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 110. Offered Sem. I.
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.
Offered Sem. II.
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. Prerequisites: 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 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.
Offered Sem. II.
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. Offered Sem. II, alternate
years.
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. Offered Sem. I, alternate years.
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. Offered Sem. II, alternate years.
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. Prerequisites: 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. Offered Sem. I, alternate years.
CST 399 Cr.
1-3
Independent Study in Communication Studies
Directed individual communication studies projects
under the supervision of a faculty member. Must be approved and supervised by
department faculty and have the consent of the executive committee of the
department. Prerequisites: nine credits in communication studies courses and
junior standing. Repeatable for credit — maximum 6.
CST/PHL
400 Cr.
3
Ethical and Legal Issues in Communication Studies
Examines ethical and legal aspects of personal and
professional communication behavior in interpersonal, organizational, and
public contexts. Considers such controversial topics as lying, confidentiality,
and freedom of speech. Familiarizes students with ethical principles, laws, and
regulations that apply to both personal and professional communication, whether
it is conducted face to face or through telecommunication media. Assists
students in applying their knowledge of ethical principles, laws, and
regulations in making specific decisions about communication behavior.
Prerequisites: CST 190 and PHL 100 and senior standing. (Cross-listed with PHL;
may only earn credit in CST or PHL. Offered Sem. II, alternate years.
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. Offered Sem. II.
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. Prerequisites: CST 190, 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.
Prerequisites: CST 315. Offered Sem. II.
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. Prerequisites: CST 190,
230, and at least one of the following 300 level CST courses: 300, 330, 332,
334, 336. Offered Sem. I.
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. Prerequisites: senior CST major,
completion of CST 300, at least 24 completed credits in Communication Studies,
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
process. Prerequisites: senior CST major, at least 24 completed credits in CST,
prior consent of an appropriate faculty supervisor, and prior departmental
approval of the internship.
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. Offered
Sem. I.
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. Offered Sem II, alternate years.
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. Offered Sem. II.
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. Offered Sem.
II, alternate years.
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. Offered Sem. II, alternate years.
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.
Prerequisites: CST 170, junior standing. Offered Sem. I.
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 4.
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.
Prerequisites: senior CST major, completion of CST 300, and completion of at
least 24 credits of CST courses.