All Communication Courses

Undergraduate Courses

CMC 201 Public Speaking (A,Y)

A course in the development of effective informational, persuasive, and special occasion speaking. Attention given to analysis of audience, occasion, speech composition, oral delivery, and development of critical listening skills. A grade of C or better is required for CMC majors and minors. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

CMC 202 Principles of Communication (A)

Introduces students to selected concepts, principles and theories of human communication. Includes study of verbal and nonverbal messages in the contexts of intrapersonal, interpersonal, group, public, and mediated communication. Required of all students majoring in communication studies or inter-disciplinary communication. Transfer courses will not be accepted to meet this requirement. A grade of C or better is required for CMC majors and minors. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

CMC 208 Communication And Democracy (A,H)

This course investigates the relationship between oratory and the American experience. To explore this link, students study foundational concepts about communication and important speeches that have shaped democracy in the United States. Special emphasis is placed on civic engagement and on issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). Part of the "Required Core" for CMC majors. It will be an elective for CMC minors. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

CMC 211 Protest and Social Change (A)

Examines rhetorical transactions of group conflict; persuasive use of symbols; effects of mass media; and the process of theory-building in rhetorical studies. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

CMC 273 Interpersonal Communication (A,S)

Introduces students to the theory and process of interpersonal communication, examining and applying the concepts and principles basic to interpersonal encounters. Acquaints students with the essentials of communication transactions in experiential learning opportunities that lead to effective skills; intimate, inter-gender, families; professional and intercultural relationships. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

CMC 304 Teaching Assistant I (B)

Teaching assistants help faculty members with a designated course. Responsibilities will be determined by the faculty member but may include assisting in grading, being available outside of class to assist students, directing of student productions and/or lab supervision. Students should have passed the class for which they will be the teaching assistant prior to taking CMC 304. Offered as a directed study. By permission of instructor. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

CMC 309 Speech Composition and Presentation (A)

For students who wish to go beyond the basics of public speaking. Assists the speaker who wishes to overcome the apathetic or hostile audience, and helps the speaker learn how to motivate those who express sympathy, but are without commitment to an idea. Examines ethics and ghostwriting. 3 Cr. Fall.

CMC 312 Argumentation and Debate (A,Y)

Provides for the preparation and defense of logical argument, response to attacks by opponents, construction of cross-examination, undergoing cross-examination, research and support of arguments, and recognition and refutation of fallacies. 3 Cr.

CMC 316 Interpersonal Communication in the Workplace (A)

Covers the principles of interpersonal communication in organizations, with a focus on strategies for gaining employment and using communication skills to enhance one’s success in the workplace. Topics include: resumes, networking, adjusting to a new workplace culture, handling workplace conflict, navigating organizational politics, etc. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

CMC 317 Interviewing (A)

Provides an introduction to principles of effective interviewing. Focuses on specific purposes, types, and the skills applied to different interview situations. Includes assignments for analysis, preparation, conducting and assessing of interviews. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

CMC 319 Propaganda and Persuasion (A)

Theories, principles and methods of persuasion; role and function of persuasion and propaganda in contemporary society. Develop critical thinking and listening skills necessary for persuasive communication; skills in preparing and presenting persuasive messages; a concept of ethical persuasion. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

CMC 330 Frontiers in Public Health (A)

Team taught interdisciplinary course offered by faculty in biology, public health, political science and communication. Students will acquire knowledge in science, rhetoric, ethics and public policy such that they are able to make informed choices as citizens in an increasingly technological world. A current public policy (eg. vaccines, stem cells, GMO’S) will serve as a vehicle for students to learn, integrate and apply acquired knowledge. Crosslisted with: BIO/HLS/PLS 330. 3 Cr.

CMC 377 Organizational Communication (B)

Integrates communication theories with practice of communication in organizations. Emphasizes communication roles and culture of organizations as a force in organizational philosophy and world view. Provides practice in diagnosing and improving organizational communication systems. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

CMC 399 Independent Study in Communication (A)

To be decided prior to registration in consultation with the instructor-sponsor and in accordance with the procedures of the Office of Academic Advisement. 1-6 Cr. By Arrangement.

CMC 404 Teaching Assistant II (B)

Teaching assistants help faculty members with a designated course. Responsibilities will be determined by the faculty member but may include assisting in grading, being available outside of class to assist students, directing of student productions and/or lab supervision. Students should have passed the class for which they will be the teaching assistant prior to taking CMC 404. Offered as a directed study. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

CMC 410 Speakers, Campaigns and Movements (A)

Surveys significant historical and contemporary speakers, persuasive campaigns and rhetorical movements, with special attention to the introduction of women to the speaking platform and to historical and contemporary spokespersons and movements on behalf of racial and gender equality. 3 Cr. Spring.

CMC 411 Rhetorical Criticism (A)

Explores methods of rhetorical criticism and application of methods of criticism to rhetorical discourse, including verbal and visual forms of persuasion. 3 Cr. Spring.

CMC 413 Nonverbal Communication (A)

Explores multisensory communication codes for human interaction through channels such as paralanguage, space, time, body, and artifacts. Takes a functional approach considering purpose and context to determine the situational characteristics and codes. 3 Cr.

CMC 415 Dynamic Speaking in Professional Contexts (A,Y)

Introduces students to a variety of speaking occasions that they might encounter professionally and encourages them to develop advanced speaking skills, such as being conversational with audiences, navigating interruptions and questions, leading discussions and using presentational software appropriately and effectively. 3 Cr. Fall.

CMC 417 Political Rhetoric (A)

Critically examines significant 20th-century American political speeches and campaigns. Explores the ways in which individuals and institutions use media to exercise power and influence opinion through the use of verbal and visual symbols. Places special emphasis on representations of gender in political rhetoric. 3 Cr. Fall.

CMC 418 Intercultural Communication (A)

Explores cultural similarities and differences affecting communication and intercultural competencies for interaction between cultural groups and individuals along gender, ethnic, and national lines. 3 Cr.

CMC 419 Freedom of Expression (A,I,Y)

Critically examines the First Amendment by exploring its historical foundations and significant legal, political and philosophical arguments. Explores a variety of contemporary controversies concerning an individual's right to freedom of verbal and nonverbal expression, including hate speech, incitement to violence and obscenity. Examines controversies in a variety of contexts, including the public speaking platform, print, television and the Internet. 3 Cr. Fall.

CMC 464 Language, Culture, and Society (A)

This course provides a foundational introduction to connections between communication and culture. Students will examine the way people communicate in relation to social practices, values, and beliefs. Specific topics for investigation may include, but are not limited to, identity, religion, medicine, fashion, food, media, and popular culture. 3 Cr.

CMC 472 Group Leadership (A)

Examines group processes, relationships and leadership in task-oriented groups, such as committees, task forces, teams, and problem-solving groups. Includes topics such as analysis of group processes, agenda planning, motivation of participation, conflict management, team building, and group leadership styles and techniques. 3 Cr. Spring.

CMC 473 Theories of Communication (A)

Covers classical and contemporary theories of human communication, research and practical applications of theory, relation of theoretical concepts to instances of communication behavior, and identification of salient communication theses. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

CMC 475 Communication Internship (B)

Provides a supervised practicum in professional organization appropriate to the student's academic program. Applications are accepted the preceding semester for internship experience. For minimum GPA requirements and other information consult www.brockport.edu/cmc/internships.html. 1-6 Cr.

CMC 478 Applied Organizational Communication (A)

Examines key elements of organizational communication, with a particular focus on how theories can be applied to address real communication problems faced by organizations. Students will analyze a variety of case studies on communication in organizational settings on topics including culture, leadership, ethics, power, employee socialization, participation, organizational knowledge and crisis communication. 3 Cr.

CMC 479 Conflict Management (A)

Covers interpersonal conflict and its essential characteristics; evolution of the study of social conflict; perspectives from which social conflict is viewed, including psychological, social-psychological, sociological, economic, political and mathematical; the sources, conditions and consequences of social conflict in a given social setting; and skills of conflict management. 3 Cr.

CMC 480 Advanced Interpersonal Communication (A)

Involves an in-depth examination of the process of interpersonal communication with a focus on major theories of interpersonal communication. Topics include methods of researching interpersonal communication, perception, verbal and nonverbal messages, listening, conflict, and relationship development and maintenance. 3 Cr. Fall.

CMC 483 Communication Training and Development (A,Y)

Introduces communication training with emphasis on practice in designing, facilitating, and evaluating a workshop presentation in an organizational setting. 3 Cr.

CMC 485 Professional Writing (A)

Builds on the close reading and critical thinking skills of Humanities students to strengthen detail-oriented, audience-driven written documents, both print and electronic, appropriate to expectations in a variety of workplaces. For Humanities majors and graduate students. Crosslisted with ENG485. 3 Cr.

CMC 490 Special Studies (A)

An umbrella course enabling the instructor to define the course focus and subject matter to address a topic or topics not covered in other communication courses. May be repeated for credit under different topics course title. Additional information can be obtained from Communication department office. 1-3 Cr.

CMC 491 Social Influence (A)

Much of life consists of trying to influence others and encountering influence attempts. Students will learn the role communication and psychology play in these attempts, and how they might influence both individuals and larger groups. Students also will have the opportunity to develop influence messages to advocate on behalf of one or more important social issues. 3 Cr. Spring.

CMC 492 Theories of Rhetoric (A)

Provides an intensive study of classical and contemporary theories of persuasion and social influence. Gives attention to the application of theory to the practice of social influence. 3 Cr. Fall.

CMC 499 Independent Study in Communication (A)

To be decided prior to registration in consultation with the instructor-sponsor and in accordance with the procedures of the Office of Academic Advisement. 1-6 Cr. By Arrangement.

Graduate Courses

CMC 510 Speakers, Campaigns and Movements (A)

Surveys significant historical and contemporary speakers, persuasive campaigns and rhetorical movements, with special attention to the introduction of women to the speaking platform and to historical and contemporary spokespersons and movements on behalf of social and gender equality. 3 Cr. Spring.

CMC 511 Rhetorical Criticism (A)

Explores methods of rhetorical criticism; application of methods to verbal and visual rhetorical discourse; and recognition of critical methods in rhetorical studies. 3 Cr. Spring.

CMC 513 Nonverbal Communication (A)

Explores multisensory communication codes for human interactions through channels such as paralanguage, space, time, body and artifacts. Takes a functional approach considering purpose and context and to determine the situational characteristics and codes. 3 Cr.

CMC 515 Dynamic Speaking in Professional Contexts (A)

Introduces students to a variety of speaking occasions that they might encounter professionally and encourages them to develop advanced speaking skills, such as being conversational with audiences, navigating interruptions and questions, leading discussions and using presentational software appropriately and effectively. 3 Cr. Fall.

CMC 517 Political Rhetoric in the Information Age (A)

Critically examines significant 20th-century American political speeches and campaigns. Explores the ways in which individuals and institutions use media to exercise power and influence opinion through the use of verbal and visual symbols. Places special emphasis on representations of gender in political rhetoric. 3 Cr. Fall.

CMC 518 Intercultural Communication (A)

Explores cultural similarities and differences affecting communication and intercultural competencies for interaction between cultural groups and individuals along gender, ethnic and national lines. 3 Cr.

CMC 532 Public Relations Campaigns (A)

Focuses on the treatment of an organization's public relations and information efforts, including situation analysis and research, program and campaign planning, development of communications materials and activities, and program management. Provides experience in planning and executing public relations and information campaigns and programs. 3 Cr. Spring.

CMC 563 Media and Society (A)

Covers significant phases, issues and controversies in the historical development of mass communication in the United States. Emphasizes contemporary media relationships with, and impact on, intellectual, sociopolitical, economic and technological aspects of culture and society. Considers daily and other periodical press, radio, television and film. 3 Cr. Spring.

CMC 572 Group Leadership (A)

Examines group processes, relationships and leadership in task-oriented groups, such as committees, task forces, teams, and problem-solving groups. Includes topics such as analysis of group processes, agenda planning, motivation of participation, conflict management, team building, and group leadership styles and techniques. 3 Cr.

CMC 573 Theories of Communication (A)

Covers classical and contemporary theories of human communication, research and practical applications of theory, relation of theoretical concepts to instances of communication behavior and identification of salient communication theses. 3 Cr.

CMC 579 Conflict Management through Communication (A)

Covers interpersonal conflict and its essential characteristics; evolution of the study of social conflict; perspectives from which social conflict is viewed, including psychological, social-psychological, sociological, economic, political and mathematical; the sources, conditions and consequences of social conflict within a given social setting; and skills of conflict management. 3 Cr.

CMC 583 Communication Training and Development (A)

Introduces communication training with emphasis on practice in designing, facilitating and evaluating a workshop presentation in an organizational setting. 3 Cr.

CMC 585 Professional Writing (A)

Builds on the close reading and critical thinking skills of Humanities students to strengthen detail-oriented, audience-driven written documents, both print and electronic, appropriate to expectations in a variety of workplaces. For Humanities majors and graduate students. Swing Course ENG585. 3 Cr.

CMC 592 Theories of Rhetoric (A)

Provides an intensive study of classical and contemporary theories of persuasion and social influence. Gives attention to the application of theory to the practice of social influence. 3 Cr. Fall.

CMC 596 Contemporary Media Issues (B)

Provides in-depth study of one or more instructor-selected contemporary issues or problems in journalism, public relations and/or mass communication. Issues and problems selected will vary with each offering and may be either conceptual or applied. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

CMC 600 Communication Research Methods (A)

Examines different research methodologies and techniques and their application in rhetorical, interpersonal and mass communication research. This course is a prerequisite for all CMC 600-and 700-level courses. 3 Cr. Fall.

CMC 601 Seminar in Quantitative Research Methods in Communication (A)

Provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to design and conduct both experimental and survey research on communication topics. Requires students to design and conduct quantitative research prospectuses. 3 Cr. Spring.

CMC 602 Seminar in Qualitative Research Methods in Communication (A)

Provides students with knowledge and skills necessary to design and conduct qualitative communication research. Focuses on various methods of rhetorical criticism, textual analysis and ethnography. Requires students to design and conduct qualitative research prospectuses. 3 Cr. Spring.

CMC 691 Seminar in Rhetorical Criticism (A)

Examines the development of rhetorical criticism and application of methodologies to particular problems of criticism. 3 Cr.

CMC 692 Seminar in Rhetorical Theory (A)

Examines classical and contemporary theories of rhetoric, with an emphasis on the epistemic functions of rhetoric and on the role of rhetoric in public, social and cultural contexts. 3 Cr. Spring.

CMC 693 Seminar in Organizational Communication (A)

Examines organizational communication. Specific topic announced in advance by the instructor. 3 Cr. Spring.

CMC 694 Seminar in Mass Communication (A)

Covers mass communication theory, research and practice; development in contemporary mass communication theory; and the social and cultural contexts of mass communication. Specific topic announced in advance by the instructor. 3 Cr. Fall.

CMC 695 Seminar in Period and Types of Rhetorical Discourse (A)

Examines in depth particular periods or movements in the history of rhetorical discourse such as colonial American Speeches, the women's suffrage movement, totalitarian movements, or contemporary political speaking. Specific period or type announced in advance by the instructor. 3 Cr.

CMC 696 Seminar in Media Studies and Criticism (A)

Examines various approaches to media studies and criticism, including technological determinism, rhetorical criticism, semiotics, social criticism, cultural studies and ideological criticism. 3 Cr.

CMC 697 Seminar in Interpersonal Communication (A)

Examines diadic, relational, family, small group, therapeutic and/or negotiation communication. Specific topics will be selected by the instructor. 3 Cr. Fall.

CMC 699 Independent Study in Communication (A)

Designed individually through consultation between the student and instructor to suit the student's needs and interests, and the special competence of the instructor. Additional requirements may be established by the department. 1-6 Cr.

CMC 797 Project in Communication (A)

Entails a substantial research, creative or utilitarian project that serves to integrate and focus the graduate student's program of study. Acceptable projects can include limited historical, descriptive or experimental research; applied communication activities with a clearly defined end product; or creative work demonstrating an understanding of theoretical communication concepts. An acceptable project is determined through consultation between the student and his/her advisor and other graduate faculty in the department and in the student's cognate area. 1-6 Cr.