Communication and Journalism

Study of the nature of communication theories and theory development, theories of meaning, information processing and influence with applications to selected communication contexts.

Prerequisite: COMM 1115.

Quantitative and qualitative methods useful in investigation of communication processes and effects; concepts and techniques used in research design, data analysis, reporting and critically evaluating research.

Prerequisite: COMM 1115.

Explores how culture and communication inform, shape, and shift our relations with "the environment." We consider local, regional, and global cultures and discourses, focusing on sustainability issues in human-nature relations.

Examines cultural influences in communication across ethnic and national boundaries.

Pre- or corequisite: MATH 1130 or MATH 1220 or MATH 1240 or MATH 1250 or MATH 1350 or MATH 1430 or MATH 1512 or MATH 2118.

Cultural focus on communicative systems related to national, ethnic, gendered, class, religious, regions, corporations, and institutions. Research on mediation, intergroup dialogue, and community development focuses on three international sites.

Examination of the influence of language on perception, evaluations, mass media, creativity and interpersonal relations.

Pre- or corequisite: MATH 1130 or MATH 1220 or MATH 1240 or MATH 1250 or MATH 1350 or MATH 1430 or MATH 1512 or MATH 2118.

(Also offered as ANTH 310; LING 359)

Examination of the interrelations of language and speech with other selected aspects of culture and cognition.

Prerequisite: ANTH 1155 or LING 2110 or LING 301.

Overview of communication theories of conflict and conflict-management processes, including an introduction to mediation.

Pre- or corequisite: MATH 1130 or MATH 1220 or MATH 1240 or MATH 1250 or MATH 1350 or MATH 1430 or MATH 1512 or MATH 2118.

Theory, analysis and practice of a variety of nonverbal messages, including body movement and appearance, vocal cues and environmental cues.

(Also offered as WMST 326)

Study of the relationship between gender and communication with specific attention to how gender affects language, verbal and nonverbal communication practices and how women’s movements have attempted to transform gendered communication practices.

Analysis, practice and evaluation of principles of attitude change for a variety of interpersonal and public communication situations.

Pre- or corequisite: MATH 1130 or MATH 1220 or MATH 1240 or MATH 1250 or MATH 1350 or MATH 1430 or MATH 1512 or MATH 2118.

Analysis, preparation and presentation of speeches common in business and professional settings.

Focuses on the written and presentation skills needed to succeed in a professional environment. Lessons emphasize writing reports and proposals, acquiring social information, social interaction skills, the influence of audience on message design and business etiquette.

Focuses on the theory and practice of political communication in speech making, campaigns, debates and town meetings, as reported through the mass media and via new technologies.

Historical survey of major contributors and contributions to the development of contemporary rhetorical theory.

The course examines the ways we communicate about the environment and how this, in turn, impacts the way we view and treat the natural world.

Examines current theories of organizational behavior with emphasis on communication patterns and practices. Attention to superior-subordinate communication, formal and informal communication networks, authority and power.

Theory and practice of interviewing for informational, journalistic, employment and decision-making purposes.

Pre- or corequisite: MATH 1130 or MATH 1220 or MATH 1240 or MATH 1250 or MATH 1350 or MATH 1430 or MATH 1512 or MATH 2118.

Builds basic and intermediate skills in statistics, math, and data analysis as commonly used in media, journalism, and strategic communication. Skills include spreadsheet creation and analysis, database management, poll and business report analysis.

Prerequisite: COMM 2135.

Covers the fundamentals of journalistic film and video shooting, editing, and sequencing. Introduces basics of news packages. 

Prerequisite: COMM 2185.

Camera reporting, color photography, weekly news assignments, scaling photos for reproduction and advanced black and white darkroom techniques.

Restriction: admitted to B.A. Communication or B.A. Journalism and Mass Communication.

Explores trends in emerging media technologies, from recent past to near future, to prepare students for our shifting media landscape. Investigates media as technological phenomena with social and economic imperatives and impacts.

Prerequisite: COMM 2135.

The course will explore the development of communication media in the United States and the social and cultural contexts within which media emerged and evolved over time.

Pre- or corequisite: COMM 1140 and (MATH 1130 or MATH 1220 or MATH 1240 or MATH 1250 or MATH 1350 or MATH 1430 or MATH 1512 or MATH 2118). 

Explores journalistic uses of social media, across various platforms, including developing story ideas, publishing news, creating multimedia content, measuring audience engagement, tracking online trends, and developing online personal or news organization branding.

Prerequisite: COMM 2135.

Pre- or corequisite: COMM 2190.

Students will learn how to use journalism practices and ethics to record and edit audio, voice scripts, and produce various audio story formats including newscast spots, Q&As, vox pops, podcasts, postcards, and features.

Prerequisite: COMM 2135.

The process of writing and marketing fiction and non-fiction for magazines.

Introduction to print design through the study of visual communication, principles of design, elements of design and practical application of those principles and elements in various forms of print collateral. Use of Adobe InDesign.

Emphasis on reporting public affairs, the news feature story, developing and covering beats, and computer-assisted reporting.

Prerequisite: COMM 2190.

This course is designed to provide insights into the management and ownership aspects of running a media company. Attention will be given to leadership skills and the complex operations of media companies.

A writing-intensive course with emphasis on history, practice, ethics, professional opportunities, and challenges of the field. Strong emphasis on understanding contemporary global strategic communication perspectives and diversity issues.

Prerequisite: 327 and 374 and COMM 1140.

Focuses on theories, strategies and practices in developing visuals/copy across the media. Provides the formats/structure to write, design and produce collateral pieces and promotional events utilizing conceptual and creative thinking.

Prerequisite: 387.

A specialized course in strategic writing, including creating material in strategic communication subfields of public relations, advertising, and integrated marketing communication, with emphasis on writing for outlets including print and broadcast media and the Internet.

Prerequisite: 387.

Focuses on social media strategy, selection, and content development for use in targeted communication efforts by businesses and non-profit organizations. Emphasis placed on critical analysis and strategic use of a variety of social media platforms.

Prerequisite: 387.

In this capstone course, seniors assess the theories, concepts and skills learned throughout their communication major and apply them to real-world situations as well as to the fulfillment of professional, personal and social goals.

Prerequisite: 300 and 301 and (332 or 333).

Intensive study of theory and research in intercultural communication concerning interactions between members of specific cultures chosen by the instructor. Content varies from semester to semester, may be repeated with different content.

Prerequisite: 314.

Advanced analysis of theories and research in interpersonal communication with emphasis on communication processes, relational development and conflict resolution.

Prerequisite: COMM 2120.

Intensive study of one area of theory and research in organizational communication chosen by the instructor, e.g., conflict and negotiation, information technology, organizational cultures. Content varies from semester to semester; may be repeated with different content.

Prerequisite: 340.

Concepts and strategies for preventive health communication in such contexts as provider-patient interaction, health campaigns, social marketing, health images in the mass media and communication in health care organizations.

Continuation of 360. Students create longer, more elaborate programs with their own documentary segments, essays and in-studio interviews.

Prerequisite: 360.

Evaluation of radio/television programming content from the perspective of the journalistic and academic critic. Examination of theoretical issues and production elements as they affect programming genres.

Intensive study of one area of theory and research in mass communication chosen by the instructor, e.g., rating systems, programming, economics, regulation, social effects. Content varies from semester to semester; may be repeated with different content.

Longer form multimedia journalism emphasizing advanced production and journalism techniques.

Prerequisite: 360.

(Also offered as WMST 469)

Exploration of how gender, race, class, sexual orientation, ethnicity and other social positions affect media coverage, portrayals, production and reception. The course focuses on theories, methods of analysis and topics of current interest.

Emphasis on multimedia reporting. The creation and maintenance of a news Web site. The understanding of software, in-depth reporting, and multimedia platforms to produce news information in all forms.

Prerequisite: 360 and 375.

Introduces media theories in the context of professional research settings. Covers media content research conducted for political purposes and advertising, PR and media firms.

Prerequisite: COMM 2135 and (MATH 1130 or MATH 1220 or MATH 1240 or MATH 1250 or MATH 1350 or MATH 1430 or MATH 1512 or MATH 2118).

Capstone. Focuses on applying theories/principles/practices in a team environment. Emphasis placed on strategic planning, research, and creative development. Students work with actual clients to pitch their strategic and campaign plans. 

Prerequisite: 389 and 390 and 391.

Restriction: permission of department chairperson.

Review of recent developments in course content, teaching materials and instructional strategies; simulated classroom experience with analysis of teaching behavior using media.

Restriction: permission of department chairperson.

Internships in communication arranged with individual faculty members.

Offered on a CR/NC basis only.

Prerequisite: 2.5 overall GPA and completion of 9 hours in CJ, to include at least one 300-level course. Six hours maximum of any CJ internship credit is allowed.

Restriction: permission of instructor.

Survey and analysis of concepts, models and perspectives in the development of theories of communication; attention to philosophical, critical, historical and scientific bases for the study of communicative processes. Required of all M.A. students.

Introduces contemporary critical and cultural studies from a historical perspective. Analysis and criticism of cultural practices, including discourse, allocation of resources, political interests, and the structural organization of society.

Intensive study of selected relevant subjects in communication focusing on one area of theory, research, methods, or combinations thereof. Content varies depending on instructor.

Explores critical and cultural studies theories and methods to understand and apply analysis of texts (from media and everyday spoken texts to the body and environment) in order to reveal cultural productions and transformative possibilities. 

This course is designed to help students build basic understanding about quantitative research methods, develop skills to design and implement empirical quantitative research, and conduct univariate, bivariate, and multivariate data analyses (t-test, Chi-square test, ANOVA). 

Develops a range of professional competencies by focusing on a particular topic, such as presenting and publishing research, landing the academic job, ethics, research funding, and attaining and maintaining academic-life balance.

Offered on a CR/NC basis only.

Restriction: admitted to M.A. Communication or Ph.D. Communication.

An overview of the trajectory of theory and research in intercultural communication, which includes questions and critiques of diversity in and across local, national, and global contexts. 

An overview of theory and research in culture, identities, and subjectivities with special emphasis on the faculty member's expertise, which may include: nationality, race, gender, ethnicity, sexuality, class, multivocality, intersectionality, positionality, agency, etc.

An overview of theory and research in culture, places, and spaces with special emphasis on the faculty member's expertise, which may include: transnationalism and globalism, migration, borderlands, social activism and change, sustainability, etc. 

Intensive study of theory and research in one area of intercultural communication chosen by the instructor. Content varies from semester to semester, may be repeated with different content.

Concepts and strategies for preventive health communication in such contexts as provider-patient interaction, health campaigns, social marketing, health images in the mass media and communication in health care organizations.

Intensive study of theory and research in one area of health communication chosen by the instructor. Content varies from semester to semester, may be repeated with different content.

Focuses on the design, implementation and evaluation of communication programs for addressing health issues. Provides an overview of relevant theory and research and opportunities to study, design, implement, and evaluate actual health communication campaigns.

Covers the influence of culture on health beliefs, values, and health care practices. How beliefs and values impact communication in health care settings.

Surveys theories dealing with the production, content, and reception of mediated communication. Analyzes the theories and their metatheoretical assumptions in light of their structural/functional, cultural/critical, behaviorist/effects, and postmodern paradigmatic characteristics. 

This course critically examines the central role digital/social media technologies play in culture and society, providing the structures in which individual identity forms, social relations manifest, political discourse occurs, and economic power flows. 

The course explores the power relations, structures, and social/cultural practices that mutually constitute the production, distribution, and consumption of mediated content. 

Focuses on key theoretical debates that have shaped the field of media studies, with emphasis on application to the critique of mediated communication and technological trends and their impact on society, culture, and identity construction. 

This course is designed to train and support Communication and Journalism graduate teaching assistants. Through a variety of workshops we engage techniques that facilitate innovative instruction and practice, mentoring skills, and ongoing pedagogical development.

Offered on a CR/NC basis only.

Restriction: admitted to M.A. Communication or Ph.D. Communication.

A student-instructor arranged intercultural immersion experience featuring grounded learning, collaborative research and service, or similar meaningful interactions with people from a culture or subculture different from one's own, with "intercultural" defined broadly.

Restriction: permission of instructor.

Independent study on questions and issues beyond those covered by regularly approved seminars. Plan must be prepared and approved by a faculty member who agrees to direct the study. Approval by department chairperson required.

Plan II students only. Having registered for the project plan, the student must continue to register for a minimum of 1 hour of 598 during each regular semester (exclusive of summer) until the project is completed and approved.

Offered on a CR/NC basis only.

Restriction: permission of advisor.

Plan I students only. Having registered for the thesis plan, the student must continue to register for a minimum of 1 hour of 599 during each regular semester (exclusive of summer) until the thesis is approved.

Offered on a CR/NC basis only.

Advanced study of the modern history and philosophical foundations of the study of human communication with attention to contributions of both humanistic and social science traditions and consideration of contemporary controversies concerning theory and research.

Reviews historical and contemporary theorizing and research programs addressing cultural and intercultural communication.

Introduction to history, assumptions, logic, and methods of qualitative inquiry, with emphasis on field methods of data collection. 

Approaches and techniques for the analysis of qualitative data. Explores the relationships among paradigm, theory, method, and interpretation. Focuses on research design and human-subject protection as well as data analysis. 

This course is designed to help students understand the principles of statistical analysis, develop statistical techniques to conduct complex multivariate analyses (multiple regression, mediation, moderation, path analysis), and conduct communication research with advanced data analyses. 

Introduces the students to mixed methods research, including designs for data collection, analysis and integration.

Prerequisite: 501.

Having registered for the dissertation, the student must continue to register for a minimum of 1 hour of 699 during each regular semester (exclusive of summer) until the dissertation is completed and approved.

Offered on a CR/NC basis only.

Restriction: permission of advisor.

This survey course introduces the principles of communication in the areas of interpersonal, intercultural, small group, organizational, public speaking, and mass and social media. Two hours lecture, 1 hour lab.

This course introduces the theory and fundamental principles of public speaking, emphasizing audience analysis, reasoning, the use of evidence, and effective delivery. Students will study principles of communication theory and rhetoric and apply them in the analysis, preparation and presentation of speeches, including informative, persuasive, and impromptu speeches.

Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area 1: Communication.

This course combines a theoretical foundation with practical applications. It provides an introduction to journalism, as well as an overview of the most common types of writing required in public relations, advertising and strategic communication.

Prerequisite: ENGL 1120 or ACT English =>29 or SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing =>700.

Pre- or corequisite: MATH 1130 or MATH 1220 or MATH 1240 or MATH 1250 or MATH 1350 or MATH 1430 or MATH 1512 or MATH 2118.

Helps students recognize crucial distinctions in media content between truth and rumor, news and advertising, fact and opinion, bias and fairness. Emphasizes responsible and ethical decision making in consuming and producing media.

This course introduces students to the history, models, theories, concepts, and terminology of mass communication, focusing on various media and professions. The course will enable students to develop media literacy skills to interpret mass communication and understand the effects of media on society and their lives.

An introduction to communication among people from different cultural backgrounds, emphasizing intercultural relations. The class seeks to identify, honor and enhance the strengths of different cultural perspectives.

This course provides an introduction to the study of interpersonal communication. Students will examine the application of interpersonal communication in personal and professional relationships.

Enhances students' understanding of the major theories and processes of health communication in interpersonal settings. Supports students in becoming effective communicators who can apply different communication strategies in diverse health situations.

Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area 1: Communication.

Introduces students to a variety of media theories and models. Focuses on the key issues in media theory, including the nature of mass media, influences on human behavior, and the media as reflector and creator of society.

The material will introduce you to the history of ethics and sources of our American legal system. We will examine how the law and ethical action are chosen and evolve through resolution of a dilemma - a choice between countervailing interests. Foundational principles, expressed in our charter documents, carry through those areas of law which are most critical to media: We'll examine fundamentals of law, of First Amendment, libel, privacy, open government, copyright and commercial speech. Consequently, this course's content will be relevant in every other Communication course you take between now and your completion of your degree program.

Pre- or corequisite: 1140, and MATH 1130 or MATH 1220 or MATH 1240 or MATH 1250 or MATH 1350 or MATH 1430 or MATH 1512 or MATH 2118.

Explores the principles and practices of effective participation in small groups, with emphasis on critical thinking, problem solving, organizational skills, role theory, conflict resolution, and creative decision-making methods. It combines a theoretical foundation with practical application to help students better understand the dynamics of group communication in both professional and social contexts.

This course will investigate and critically evaluation the influence of identity, communication, and culture on instruction, learning, engagement, classroom community, and the teacher-student relationship.

This course is an exploration of visual images in mass media. It emphasizes the visual world and promotes visual literacy by helping students to decipher the language of pictures through studying history, technique and imagery. Students will work in the field and in the lab to create visual projects that communicate ideas and concepts clearly. This class will prepare students to work across technology platforms to produce publication quality multimedia stories and projects.

Prerequisite: MATH 1130 or MATH 1220 or MATH 1240 or MATH 1250 or MATH 1350 or MATH 1430 or MATH 1512 or MATH 2118.

Pre- or corequisite: 2135.

Continuation of COMM 1140. This course builds on the skills you have learned, focusing more deeply on the theory and practice of journalism in the digital age. Classes are in a lecture/discussion format, with emphasis on participation by students. We will practice strict adherence to deadlines, writing under pressure sometimes, rewriting, peer editing of stories, constructive criticism, coaching and teamwork. Students will hone skills in grammar, accuracy, attribution, interviews and story structure. We will also study what constitutes a compelling and well-reported, well-written news story — and the multimedia possibilities that go hand-in-hand with such stories.

Prerequisite: MATH 1130 or MATH 1220 or MATH 1240 or MATH 1250 or MATH 1350 or MATH 1430 or MATH 1512 or MATH 2118.

Pre- or corequisite: 2135.

This course introduces web page and web design concepts, basic HTML coding skills progressing to the use of Dreamweaver to design a website. Students will gain practical experience in the production of an electronic information delivery product. This course assumes that you already have basic skills as a journalist, and will focus on helping you transfer your skills to the online format. Competency with personal computers required.