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Communication studies (cst)
 College of Liberal Studies 
School of Arts and Communication
Department Chair: Rick Rodrick
344 Center for the Arts
(608)785-8519
e-mail: rodrick.rich@uwlax.edu 
www.uwlax.edu/CommStudies  

Professor: Knox;  Associate Professors: Dickmeyer, L., Niedzwiecki, Piehl, Rodrick, Swanson, D., Tollefson, Michael; Assistant Professors: Billmeyer, Dickmeyer, S., Nelson, L., Turner. 

To declare a CST major, students must fulfill the following admission requirements: completion of a minimum of 45 semester credits with a cumulative GPA of 2.50, including courses taken at other institutions; completion of CST 110, ENG110 and CST 190 (or equivalent courses transferred from other institutions) with grades of at least B (not B/C). Students receiving a D or F in these courses on first attempt at UW-L may retake them to achieve the B grade. Students receiving less than a B in CST 110 at UW-L may obtain admission to the program by receiving a B or better in CST 210. Students receiving less than a B in ENG 110 may obtain admission to the program by receiving a B or better in any 300 level ENG writing course.

Students who have fulfilled these requirements must see the CST department chair or a CST faculty adviser to obtain approval to declare the major. A current transcript or SNAP form must be submitted to document fulfillment of admission requirements. The approval form then must be submitted to the Office of the Dean of the College of Liberal Studies.

            Students choosing to declare a communication studies major, but not yet meeting the requirements, may declare a pre-CST major. Declaring a pre-CST major will identify the student’s interest to the communication studies department and insure assignment of a communication studies adviser.

To appeal admission requirements, students must submit the following materials to the CST department chair no later than midterm of the semester in which they want to be considered for admission to the program: a persuasive letter requesting waiver of the specific admission requirement(s) not met, a copy of the student’s current transcript or SNAP form; and a resume documenting experiences and/or qualifications that justify admission to the program in spite of deficiencies in admission requirements.

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 39-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 60 credits of courses in CST programs. 

The communication studies department incorporates a significant amount of writing through the required courses instead of identifying particular courses as writing emphasis courses. Students who complete the CST major, including any of the emphases, will fulfill the university writing emphasis requirement.

Communication Studies Major: Interpersonal Communication Emphasis (All colleges, excluding Teacher Certification programs) — 39 credits. Core requirement: CST 190, 301, 302 and 499. Required: CST 230, 332 or 334, 336, and 430. At least nine credits from the following: CST 232, 240, 250 (or PSY 343 or SOC 334), 291, 330, 332, 334, 351, 354, 380, 391, 399, 412, 450, 491, PSY 341, REC 430. Electives (maximum six credits) from courses included by any of the four disciplinary emphases. Up to six credits of the minimum 39-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) — 39 credits. Core requirement: CST 190, 301, 302 and 499. Required: CST 260, 350, 360, 452 or 460. At least nine credits from the following: CST 230, 240, 250, 351, 291, 354, 362, 370, 380, 391, 399, 412, 450, 452 or 460 (whichever was not used as a required course), 491. Electives (maximum six credits) from courses included by any of the four disciplinary emphases. Up to six credits of the minimum 39-credit total may be earned in courses offered by other departments which have been approved as relevant in the disciplinary emphases. 

Communication Studies Major:  Persuasion and Public Communication Emphasis (All colleges, excluding Teacher Certification programs) — 39 credits. Core requirement: CST 190, 301, 302, and 499. Required: CST 310, 315, 412, 415. At least nine credits from the following: CST 210, 240, 260, 291, 360, 380, 391, 399, 410, 450, 491, ANT 350, POL  304, 307, 326, 329, PSY 320, 436. Electives (maximum six credits) from courses included by any of the four disciplinary emphases. Up to six credits of the minimum 39-credit total may be earned in courses offered by other departments which have been approved as relevant in the disciplinary emphases. 

Communication Studies Major: Telecommunication Emphasis (All colleges, excluding Teacher Certification programs) — 39 credits. Core requirement: CST 190, 301, 302, and 499. Required: CST 170, 272, 274, 275; 370 or 375, 471 or 480. Electives (at least five credits from the following): CST 270, 273, 291, 370, 371, 372, 374, 375; 376, 391, 399, 450, 471, 472, 474, 480, 491. Students may not use same courses to fulfill requirements and electives. Electives (maximum six credits) from courses included by any of the four disciplinary emphases. Up to six credits of the minimum 39-credit total may be earned in courses offered by other departments which have been approved as relevant in the disciplinary emphases. 

Interpersonal Communication Minor (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, 240, 250 (or PSY 343 or SOC 334), 351,  291, 301, 302, 330, 332, 334, 354, 380, 399, 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.  

Public Relations and Organizational Communication Minor (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, 240, 250, 291, 301, 302, 351, 354, 362, 370, 380, 399, 412, 452 or 460 (whichever not used as requirement), 491.  

Persuasion and Public Communication Minor  (All colleges, excluding Teacher Certification programs) — 24 credits. Required: CST 190, 310, 315, 412, 415. Electives (at least nine credits from the following): CST 210, 240, 260, 291, 301, 302, 360, 380, 399, 410, 491, ANT 350, POL 304, 307, 326, 329, PSY 320, 436. No more than three credits of the minimum 24-credit total may be earned in courses offered by departments other than CST. 

Telecommunication Minor (All colleges, excluding Teacher Certification programs) — 24 credits. Required: CST 190, 170, 272, 274, 275, 370 or 375, 471 or 480. Electives (at least five credits from the following): CST 270, 273, 291, 301, 302, 370, 371, 372, 374, 375, 376, 399, 471, 472, 474, 480, 491. Students may not use same courses to fulfill requirements and electives.  

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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. 

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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