Business Communications Minor

Techniques of public speaking. Includes the delivery of several speeches during the course of the program. 3 credits each.

This course provides an overview of the functions, practices, and use of public relations in the professional workplace. It provides preparations for entry into the public relations profession. Issue analysis, press releases, press kits, brochures, newsletters, and public relations planning are covered. Communication theories and applications are covered. Prerequisites: GCA 101, GLL 122, and departmental approval.

This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of principles and practices in effective business communication. The focus is on writing, speaking, information literacy, visual/graphic arts, and non-verbal communication in business settings. Students learn about business communication frameworks that include business plans, business proposals, reports, business studies, graphic aids, and oral presentations. Students learn to organize their thoughts logically, to analyze complex issues and problems, and to present points of view. Prerequisites: COMN 217 or departmental approval.

Analysis of classical and modern views of ethics and their relation to communication. Evaluation of contemporary communication standards and practices in education, law, film, religion, theater, broadcasting, and the press.

Mass media of communications: their responsibilities, value, structure and control; techniques and effectiveness of the press, radio, television, and films. An examination of the freedoms of speech and press.

This course is designed to provide an introduction to the field of dispute resolution. Key theories and approaches to peaceful dispute resolution, including negotiation, litigation, arbitration, mediation, and mediationarbitration, will be explained and discussed. Students engage in mediation and arbitration of disputes. Each student prepares mediation agreements and arbitration awards. Prerequisites: COMN 217 or departmental approval.

Practice and exercises in research and writing for all areas of media today. After reviewing techniques, basic tools of writing and style, students experience the news story in print, broadcasting, advertising, and public relations, with great emphasis upon editing.

Principles and practices in media advertising. Intensive exercises in the preparation and editing of copy and formats.

Principles and practices in the writing, editing, and publishing of community newspapers, newsletters, journals, and other periodicals. Preparation of news releases, feature stories, and editorial writing. Techniques of securing and disseminating information.

Using the principles and practice acquired in Commercial Advertising I, students learn to create complete advertising campaigns for selected products as well as industrial and public service announcements (PSA). They are afforded the opportunity to view and hear award winning international television and radio advertising, to observe an advertising/public relations agency in action, to visit the Museum of Television and Radio, and to practice using actual audio and video equipment to create television and radio advertising. Prerequisite: COMN 301.

Intensive practice in expository writing, with special emphasis on the preparation and composition of research papers.

The writing of short fiction: study of writing techniques in contemporary literature; class discussion and analysis of student manuscripts.

Extensive study of writing clear, accurate and persuasive business reports. Emphasis on researching, organizing and presenting information.

A study of basic marketing theory and practice. Major topics include analysis of consumer market structure versus industrial market system; product planning; channels of distribution; pricing; promotion; and relevant government regulation.

Psychology as a biological, behavioral, and social science. Topics include: critical and scientific analysis of human behavior, fundamentals of psychological research, biological bases of behavior, states of consciousness, learning, thought, memory and intelligence, social behavior and personality, mental health and adjustment, diagnosis and treatment of abnormal behavior.

How sociology helps us to understand the social realities of everyday life. The nature and impact of culture and social structure. How society shapes individual identity. Sociology’s perspectives on family, social class, gender, politics, intergroup conflict, crime, and other aspects of society. 21st Century continuities and changes.