Undergraduate Courses Offered

The following is a list of all Communication courses offered. To check the availability of any particular course, refer to the UWM Schedule of Classes or the UWM Academic Catalog.

COMMUN 101 - Introduction to Interpersonal Communication (3 units; U)

Basic concepts for understanding communication in interpersonal relationships. Combines a theoretical approach with a skills approach to the study of interpersonal communication. Prereq: none.

COMMUN 103 - Public Speaking (3 units; U)

Principles of public address in informative, persuasive and special occasion situations with emphasis on the theory, composition, and presentation of speeches. Prereq: none.

COMMUN 105 - Business and Professional Communication (3 units; U)

Analysis and application of communication principles and practices (interpersonal communication, teamwork issues, public speaking, technological communication) fundamental to successful participation in organizational and professional activities. Prereq: none.

COMMUN 192 - First-Year Seminar: (3 units; U)

Specific topics are announced in the Schedule of Classes each time the class is offered. Open only to freshmen. Students may earn cr in just one L&S First-Year Sem (course numbers 192, 193, 194). Prereq: none.

COMMUN 199 - Independent Study (1-3 units; U)

Independent study under the supervision of an appropriate faculty or staff member. For further information, consult dept chair. May be retaken to 6 cr max. Prereq: 2.5 GPA; writ cons instr, dept chair, & asst dean for SAS.

COMMUN 200 - Introduction to Communication Research (3 units; U)

The purposes and basic processes of communication. Prereq: none

COMMUN 260 - Elements of Human Communication Theory (3 units; U)

Theory and research in fundamental concepts, antecedents, consequences, and effects of human communication; emphasis on range of approaches to the study of human communication. Prereq: soph st; Commun 101(P).

COMMUN 264 - Persuasive Speaking (3 units; U)

Designed specifically to increase students' understanding of and proficiency in various techniques and modes of persuasive speaking. Prereq: Commun 103(P).

COMMUN 285 - Communicating with Older Adults (3 units; U)

Application of communication research and theory to the understanding of communication with, about, and among older adults. Prereq: none

COMMUN 288 - Research Practicum (1-3 units; U)

Research experience under the supervision of a member of the Commun faculty. Offered as cr/no cr only. May be retaken to 6 cr max, w/3 cr max from any one faculty member. Prereq: Commun 200(P); 3.00 overall gpa; satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req; writ cons instr.

COMMUN 296 - UROP Apprenticeship (1-3 units; U)

Undergraduate research participation in a project developed with a supervising member of the faculty or staff. One credit for 45 hrs research. May be retaken to 9 cr max in any combination of UROP apprenticeship courses. Not open to jrs & srs. Prereq: acceptance to UROP; prior or conc reg in UROP seminar.

COMMUN 297 - Study Abroad: (1-12 units; U)

Designed to enroll students in UWM sponsored program before course work level, content, and credits are determined and/or in specially prepared program course work. May be retaken w/chg in topic. Prereq: acceptance for Study Abroad Prog.

COMMUN 298 - Internship in Communication (1-3 units; U)

Field experience in profit/nonprofit organization; course examines professional communication issues. May be retaken to 6 cr max. Offered as cr/no cr only. Prereq: 2.0 gpa overall; writ cons internship dir.

COMMUN 299 - Ad Hoc: (1-6 units; U)

Course created expressly for offering in a specified enrollment period. Requires only dept & assoc dean approval. In exceptional circumstances, can be offered in one add'l sem. May be retaken w/chg in topic. Prereq: none; add'l prereqs may be assigned to specific topic.

COMMUN 300 - Interviewers and Interviewing (3 units; U)

Focuses on information-getting interviews. Discussion, practice, and analysis of interviewer effects, setting, question form, sequence, and wording. Prereq: jr st; satisfaction of English Composition competency req.

COMMUN 301 - Interpersonal Communication Processes (3 units; U)

Focused analysis of the processes involved in face to face communication, includes the examination of the communication variables which define, sustain, or change interpersonal relationships. Prereq: jr st; Commun 101(P); satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req.

COMMUN 310 - Communication in Organizations (3 units; U)

Factors affecting structure and function of communication in organizations. Emphasis on concepts and principles enhancing effective management of communication processes. Prereq: jr st; satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req; or cons instr.

COMMUN 313 - Human Communication and Technology (3 units; U)

Examination of the actual and potential role of technology in facilitating satisfying communication relationships. Prereq: jr st; satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req; or cons instr.

COMMUN 320 - Nonverbal Communication (3 units; U)

Reviews theory and research in nonverbal aspects of human communication. Consideration of specific research in such areas as proxemics, kinesics, paralanguage, interpretation of nonverbal messages. Prereq: jr st; satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req.

COMMUN 323 - Communication in Groups and Teams (3 units; U)

Analysis of communication processes in groups and teams; includes examination of theories and research findings; addresses group and team participation and decision-making skills. Prereq: jr st; Commun 105(P); satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req; or cons instr.

COMMUN 327 - Instructional Communication for Human Resource Trainers (3 units; U)

Theory and practice of instructional communication methods used to train employees of profit and nonprofit organizations. Prereq: jr st; Commun 103(P) or 105(P); satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req.

COMMUN 335 - Critical Analysis of Communication (3 units; U)

Nature, development, and applications of criticism, with major emphasis on contemporary communication situations. Prereq: jr st; satisfaction of Oral and Written Communication Part A GER.

COMMUN 350 - Intercultural Communication (3 units; U)

Overview of U.S. intercultural communication, including communication issues for interracial and interethnic communication. Prereq: jr st; satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req.

COMMUN 362 - Argumentation and Debate (3 units; U)

The theory and practice of argumentation with emphasis on critical thinking, argument analysis, and preparation of policy and evaluative arguments. Prereq: jr st; satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req.

COMMUN 363 - Communication in Human Conflict (3 units; U)

Investigation of the relationship between communication and the processes of human conflicts. Focus upon the nature and origin of human conflict and communicative strategies which may be used to manage conflict situations. Prereq: jr st; Commun 101(P); satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req.

COMMUN 365 - Negotiation Skills Workshop (3 units; U)

Simulation-based, interactive workshop on improving student's understanding of the negotiation process; building communicative effectiveness as a negotiator in various business and personal contexts. Prereq: jr st; satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req.

COMMUN 370 - Quantitative Research in Communication (3 units; U)

Concepts, strategies and methods in the quantitative assessment of problems in the study of human communication as a behavioral science. Prereq: jr st; satisfaction of Quantitative Literacy, Part A GER.

COMMUN 372 - Qualitative Research in Communication (3 units; U)

Concepts, strategies, and methods in the qualitative, social-scientific study of human communication. Emphasis on interviews, focus groups, and participant observation. Prereq: jr st; satisfaction of Oral & Written Communication Part A GER.

COMMUN 380 - Honors Seminar: (3 units; U)

Topics related to current social problems and communication. May be retaken w/chg in topic to 9 cr max. Prereq: soph st; Honors 200(P); cons Honors College dir.

COMMUN 381 - Health Communication (3 units; U)

Theory and process of health communication at multiple levels: individual, social network, organizational, community, and societal. Current research in health communication. Prereq: jr st; satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req; or cons instr.

COMMUN 401 - Communication in Marital and Family Relationships (3 units; U)

Social scientific approach to the study of communication in marital/family relationships. Examination of theory and research concerning communication processes in marital/family relationships. Prereq: jr st; Commun 101(P); satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req.

COMMUN 402 - Gender and Communication (3 units; U)

Course focuses on interactive relationships between gender, communication, and culture; in particular, the ways in which communication creates and perpetuates gendered identities and gendered interaction. Prereq: jr st; satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req.

COMMUN 410 - Organizational Communication Technology (3 units; U)

Conceptual and analytical consideration of communication consequences and needs related to technological assimilation and designing work environments. Prereq: jr st; satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req.

COMMUN 413 - Rhetoric and the Internet (3 units; U)

Critical exploration and analysis of the internet as a communication phenomenon. Prereq: jr st; satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req.

COMMUN 423 - Decision-Making and Creativity (3 units; U)

Key issues in decision making and creativity at various organizational levels and across different decision making domains. Prereq: jr st; satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req; or cons instr.

COMMUN 435 - Rhetoric in Western Thought (3 units; U)

A survey of rhetorical theory in western thinking since ancient Greece. Prereq: jr st; Commun 103(P); satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req.

COMMUN 436 - Recent Rhetorical Theory (3 units; U)

Recent American and European theories of rhetoric as a dimension of human communication. Prereq: jr st; Commun 103(P); satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req.

COMMUN 440 - Contemporary Problems in Freedom of Speech (3 units; U)

Current legal and regulatory issues that involve freedom of speech. Prereq: jr st; satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req.

COMMUN 450 - Cross-Cultural Communication (3 units; U)

Theories, research methods, and communication issues in cross-cultural, international interactions. Prereq: jr st; satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req.

COMMUN 462 - Communication in the Legal Process (3 units; U)

Theory and research in argumentation and persuasion and application in the legal process. Prereq: jr st; Commun 103(P) or 362(262)(P); satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req.

COMMUN 464 - Theory and Practice of Persuasion (3 units; U)

Consideration of principles and methods of persuasion, with practice in the analysis and preparation of persuasive messages. Prereq: jr st; satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req.

COMMUN 472 - Rhetoric of Radicalism in the United States (3 units; U)

Rhetoric of radical movements in the United States including the American Revolution, the abolitionist and free love movements, Black Nationalism, women's liberation, and contemporary radical movements. Counts as repeat of Commun 651 w/similar topic. Prereq: jr st.

COMMUN 474 - Rhetoric of Women's Rights in the US (3 units; U)

Rhetoric of women's rights and its relationship to equality and participation. Counts as repeat of Commun 651 w/similar topic. Prereq: jr st.

COMMUN 481 - Interpersonal Issues in Health Communication (3 units; U)

Theory and practice of health communication at the interpersonal level, including such topics as personal relationships, provider-patient interaction, technology, and interpersonal education and prevention. Prereq: jr st; satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req; or cons instr.

COMMUN 497 - Study Abroad: (1-12 units; U/G)

Designed to enroll students in UWM sponsored program before course work level, content, and credits are determined and/or in specially prepared program course work. May be retaken w/chg in topic. Prereq: jr st; satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req; acceptance for Study Abroad Prog.

COMMUN 499 - Ad Hoc: (1-6 units; U)

Course created expressly for offering in a specified enrollment period. Requires only dept & assoc dean approval. In exceptional circumstances, can be offered in one add'l sem. May be retaken w/chg in topic. Prereq: jr st; satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req; add'l prereqs may be assigned to specific topic.

COMMUN 550 - International and Global Communication (3 units; U/G)

Models, theories, and contexts of relational communication between people from different nation states, viewed from interpersonal, small group, organizational, and rhetorical perspectives. Prereq: jr st; Commun 350(P) or 450(P); satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req; or cons instr.

COMMUN 550G - International and Global Communication (3 units; U/G)

Models, theories, and contexts of relational communication between people from different nation states, viewed from interpersonal, small group, organizational, and rhetorical perspectives. Prereq: jr st; Commun 350(P) or 450(P); satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req; or cons instr.

COMMUN 581 - Health Communication Interventions (3 units; U)

Theories, strategies, and methods in the design of health promotional and disease prevention interventions. Development of ethical and culturally responsive communication strategies. Prereq: jr st; satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req; or cons instr.

COMMUN 588 - Research Practicum (1-3 units; U)

Advanced research experience under the supervision of a member of the Commun faculty. Offered as cr/no cr only. May be retaken to 6 cr max, w/3 cr max from any one faculty member. Prereq: jr st; commun major or minor; 3.00 overall gpa; Commun 200(P), 335(P), or 370(P); satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req; writ cons instr.

COMMUN 597 - Practicum in Teaching Communication (1-3 units; U)

May be retaken to 6 cr max, with max of 3 cr from any one faculty member. Prereq: jr st; declared commun major or minor; 3.00 gpa in Commun; satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req; writ cons instr.

COMMUN 627 - Designing and Developing Communication Courses and Programs (3 units; U/G)

Theory/methods in designing/developing communication courses/programs for academic (college)/organizational (training) environments. Students design/develop instructional materials for online and/or onsite delivery. Prereq: jr st; 9 cr Commun 300-level or above; declared Commun or BAOA major; satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req; or cons instr.

COMMUN 631 - Current Topics in Interpersonal Communication/Conflict Management: (3 units; U)

Research-oriented approaches to interpersonal communication/conflict management. Specific topics announced in Schedule of Classes when course is offered. May be retaken w/chg in topic to 9 cr max. Prereq: jr st; satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req.

COMMUN 641 - Current Topics in Organizational/Professional Communication: (3 units; U)

Research-oriented approaches to organizational/professional communication. Specific topics announced Schedule of Classes when course is offered. May be retaken w/chg in topic to 9 cr max. Prereq: jr st; satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req.

COMMUN 651 - Current Topics in Rhetorical/Public Communication: (3 units; U)

Research-oriented approaches to rhetorical/public communication. Specific topics announced in Schedule of Classes when course is offered. May be retaken w/chg in topic to 9 cr max. Prereq: jr st; satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req.

COMMUN 655 - Cultural Training and Adjustment (3 units; U/G)

Theories and research related to the role of communication in cultural adjustment processes, cultural training, and evaluation of training. Prereq: jr st; Commun 350(P) or 450(P); satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req; or cons instr.

COMMUN 660 - Communication Capstone Seminar: (3 units; U)

Applying theory and principles from across the major to a focused learning experience. May not be retaken for cr, but may be repeated for higher grade. Prereq: sr st; 9 crs Commun 300-level or above; declared Commun major; satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req; or cons instr.

COMMUN 662 - Seminar in Communication: (3 units; U)

Taught in seminar format. May not be retaken for cr, but may be repeated for higher grade. Prereq: sr st; 9 crs Commun 300-level or above; declared Commun major; satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req; or cons instr.

COMMUN 665 - Introduction to Mediation (3 units; U/G)

Course focuses on learning about the mediation process, related theories, and its application in a variety of contexts. Students receive twenty hours of mediation training. Prereq: jr st; satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req.

COMMUN 665G - Introduction to Mediation (3 units; U/G)

Course focuses on learning about the mediation process, related theories, and its application in a variety of contexts. Students receive twenty hours of mediation training. Prereq: jr st; satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req.

COMMUN 667 - Great American Speakers and Issues (3 units; U/G)

Selected great speakers and their speeches on major issues in American history. Prereq: jr st; satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req.

COMMUN 672 - Communication and Social Order (3 units; U/G)

The role of communication in both maintaining and challenging social structures and hierarchies. Prereq: jr st; satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req.

COMMUN 675 - Communication in International Mediation and Peacebuilding (3 units; U/G)

The various forms of international mediatory activity employed to bring sustainable peace to areas gripped by ethnic and social conflict. Prereq: jr st; satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req; or cons instr.

COMMUN 681 - Seminar in Communication in a World of AIDS (3 units; U/G)

Communication issues surrounding education and prevention of HIV infection both in the United States and across the world. Prereq: jr st; satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req.

COMMUN 697 - Organizational Administration Capstone (3 units; U)

Internship, case analysis, or independent study that synthesizes course work in graded paper. Commun 697, Econ 697, & Sociol 697 are jointly offered; they count as repeats of one another. Prereq: sr st; declared org adm major; satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req; cons instr.

COMMUN 698 - Internship in Communication (3 units; U)

Field experience in a profit/nonprofit organization; course examines professional communication issues. May be retaken w/chg in organization to 6 cr max. Prereq: jr st; declared Commun major or approved program of sudy; 9 cr Commun 300-level or above; 2.5 overall gpa; satisfaction of GER English Composition and Math competency reqs; writ cons internship dir.

COMMUN 699 - Advanced Independent Reading (1-3 units; U)

Advanced independent work under the supervision of a Commun faculty or instructional academic staff member. Students must submit a study proposal. For more information, consult dept dir of undergrad stds. May be retaken w/chg in topic. Prereq: jr st; 2.5 gpa; satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req; writ cons instr, dept chair, & asst dean for SAS.