Courses Offered

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 cr. Undergraduate.
Basic concepts for understanding communication in interpersonal relationships. Combines a theoretical approach with a skills approach to the study of interpersonal communication.
Prerequisites: none.
General Education Requirements: SS
Last Taught: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Summer 2024, Spring 2024.

COMMUN 103 Public Speaking
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Principles of public address in informative, persuasive and special occasion situations with emphasis on the theory, composition, and presentation of speeches.
Prerequisites: none.
General Education Requirements: HU
Last Taught: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Summer 2024, Spring 2024.

COMMUN 105 Business and Professional Communication
3 cr. Undergraduate.
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.
Prerequisites: none.
General Education Requirements: SS
Last Taught: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Summer 2024, Spring 2024.

COMMUN 192 First-Year Seminar:
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Specific topics are announced in the Schedule of Classes each time the class is offered.
Prerequisites: none.
General Education Requirements: HU
Course Rules: Open only to freshmen. Students may earn cr in just one L&S First-Year Sem (course numbers 192, 193, 194).
Last Taught: Fall 2016, Fall 2015, Fall 2014, Fall 2013.

COMMUN 199 Independent Study
1-3 cr. Undergraduate.
Independent study under the supervision of an appropriate faculty or staff member. For further information, consult dept chair.
Prerequisites: 2.0 GPA; consent of instructor, department chair, and Assistant Dean for Student Academic Services.
Course Rules: May be retaken to 6 cr max.
Last Taught: Fall 2014, Fall 2013, Spring 2010, Fall 2009.

COMMUN 264 Persuasive Speaking
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Designed specifically to increase students' understanding of and proficiency in various techniques and modes of persuasive speaking.
Prerequisites: Commun 103(P).
Last Taught: Spring 2021, Spring 2006, Fall 2005, Fall 1993.

COMMUN 285 Communicating with Older Adults
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Application of communication research and theory to the understanding of communication with, about, and among older adults.
Prerequisites: none
Last Taught: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022, Fall 2021.

COMMUN 288 Research Practicum
1-3 cr. Undergraduate.
Research experience under the supervision of a member of the Commun faculty.
Prerequisites: Commun 200(P); 3.00 overall gpa; satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req; writ cons instr.
Course Rules: Offered as cr/no cr only. May be retaken to 6 cr max, w/3 cr max from any one faculty member.
Last Taught: Spring 2024, Spring 2019, Fall 2016, Spring 2016.

COMMUN 296 UROP Apprenticeship
1-3 cr. Undergraduate.
Undergraduate research participation in a project developed with a supervising member of the faculty or staff.
Prerequisites: acceptance to UROP; prior or conc reg in UROP seminar.
Course Rules: 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.
Last Taught: Spring 2013, Fall 2011, Spring 2011, Fall 2010.

COMMUN 297 Study Abroad:
1-12 cr. Undergraduate.
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.
Prerequisites: acceptance for Study Abroad Program.
Course Rules: May be retaken with change in topic.
Last Taught: Fall 2024, UWinteriM 2024, Fall 2023, Spring 2023.

COMMUN 298 Internship in Communication
1-3 cr. Undergraduate.
Field experience in profit/nonprofit organization; course examines professional communication issues.
Prerequisites: 2.0 gpa overall; writ cons internship dir.
Course Rules: May be retaken to 6 cr max. Offered as cr/no cr only.
Last Taught: Summer 2017, Spring 2017, Fall 2016, Summer 2016.

COMMUN 299 Ad Hoc:
1-6 cr. Undergraduate.
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.
Prerequisites: none; add'l prereqs may be assigned to specific topic.
Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in topic.

COMMUN 300 Interviewers and Interviewing
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Focuses on information-getting interviews. Discussion, practice, and analysis of interviewer effects, setting, question form, sequence, and wording.
Prerequisites: sophomore standing and satisfaction of English Composition competency requirement.
Last Taught: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023.

COMMUN 301 Interpersonal Communication Processes
3 cr. Undergraduate.
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.
Prerequisites: sophomore standing, COMMUN 101(P), and satisfaction of GER English Composition competency requirement.
Last Taught: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023.

COMMUN 303 Advanced Public Speaking
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Advances theoretical understanding and practical skills in the areas of speech crafting, argumentation, information gathering, organization, analysis, and delivery.
Prerequisites: sophomore standing and COMMUN 103(P).
Last Taught: Spring 2025.

COMMUN 310 Communication in Organizations
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Factors affecting structure and function of communication in organizations. Emphasis on concepts and principles enhancing effective management of communication processes.
Prerequisites: sophomore standing and satisfaction of GER English Composition competency requirement or consent of instructor.
Last Taught: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023.

COMMUN 311 Communication and Leadership
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Examination of communication related to leadership theory, practice, processes, and outcomes.
Prerequisites: jr st.
Last Taught: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023, Spring 2022.

COMMUN 312 Careers in Communication
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Exploration of different careers in communication; working to translate knowledge in communication to the workplace.
Prerequisites: sophomore standing and COMMUN 105(P).

COMMUN 313 Human Communication and Technology
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Examination of the actual and potential role of technology in facilitating satisfying communication relationships.
Prerequisites: jr st; satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req; or cons instr.
Last Taught: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023.

COMMUN 320 Nonverbal Communication
3 cr. Undergraduate.
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.
Prerequisites: sophomore standing and satisfaction of GER English Composition competency requirement.
Last Taught: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Summer 2024, Spring 2024.

COMMUN 323 Communication in Groups and Teams
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Analysis of communication processes in groups and teams; includes examination of theories and research findings; addresses group and team participation and decision-making skills.
Prerequisites: sophomore standing, COMMUN 105(P), and satisfaction of GER English Composition competency requirement; or consent of instructor.
Last Taught: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2023, Fall 2022.

COMMUN 327 Instructional Communication for Human Resource Trainers
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Theory and practice of instructional communication methods used to train employees of profit and nonprofit organizations.
Prerequisites: jr st; Commun 103(P) or 105(P); satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req.
Last Taught: Spring 2018, Fall 2017, Spring 2017, Fall 2016.

COMMUN 335 Critical Analysis of Communication
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Nature, development, and applications of criticism, with major emphasis on contemporary communication situations.
Prerequisites: jr st; satisfaction of Oral and Written Communication Part A GER.
General Education Requirements: OWCB
Last Taught: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Summer 2024, Spring 2024.

COMMUN 350 Intercultural Communication
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Overview of U.S. intercultural communication, including communication issues for interracial and interethnic communication.
Prerequisites: jr st; satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req.
General Education Requirements: CD, SS
Last Taught: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023.

COMMUN 360 Entertainment and Politics
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Social, cultural, political, technical and economic forces that shape the messages communicated by the entertainment media; impacts that these messages have on individuals and society.
Prerequisites: sophomore standing.
Course Rules: Counts as a repeat of JAMS 380 with similar topic.
Last Taught: Fall 2024, Spring 2024.

COMMUN 362 Argumentation and Debate
3 cr. Undergraduate.
The theory and practice of argumentation with emphasis on critical thinking, argument analysis, and preparation of policy and evaluative arguments.
Prerequisites: sophomore standing and satisfaction of GER English Composition competency requirement.
General Education Requirements: HU
Last Taught: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023.

COMMUN 363 Communication in Human Conflict
3 cr. Undergraduate.
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.
Prerequisites: jr st; Commun 101(P); satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req.
Last Taught: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Summer 2024, Spring 2024.

COMMUN 365 Negotiation Skills Workshop
3 cr. Undergraduate.
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.
Prerequisites: jr st; satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req.
Last Taught: Spring 2020, Fall 2019, Fall 2018, Fall 2017.

COMMUN 370 Quantitative Research in Communication
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Concepts, strategies and methods in the quantitative assessment of problems in the study of human communication as a behavioral science.
Prerequisites: junior standing and satisfaction of Quantitative Literacy, Part A GER.
General Education Requirements: QLB
Last Taught: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023.

COMMUN 372 Qualitative Research in Communication
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Concepts, strategies, and methods in the qualitative, social-scientific study of human communication. Emphasis on interviews, focus groups, and participant observation.
Prerequisites: jr st; satisfaction of Oral & Written Communication Part A GER.
General Education Requirements: OWCB
Last Taught: Spring 2021, Summer 2019, Summer 2017, Summer 2015.

COMMUN 381 Health Communication
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Theory and process of health communication at multiple levels: individual, social network, organizational, community, and societal. Current research in health communication.
Prerequisites: jr st; satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req; or cons instr.
Last Taught: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Fall 2023, Spring 2023.

COMMUN 401 Communication in Marital and Family Relationships
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Social scientific approach to the study of communication in marital/family relationships. Examination of theory and research concerning communication processes in marital/family relationships.
Prerequisites: jr st; Commun 101(P); satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req.
Last Taught: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023.

COMMUN 402 Gender and Communication
3 cr. Undergraduate.
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.
Prerequisites: jr st; satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req.
Last Taught: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023.

COMMUN 410 Organizational Communication Technology
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Conceptual and analytical consideration of communication consequences and needs related to technological assimilation and designing work environments.
Prerequisites: jr st; satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req.
Last Taught: Spring 2023, Fall 2022, Spring 2022, Fall 2021.

COMMUN 413 Rhetoric and the Internet
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Critical exploration and analysis of the internet as a communication phenomenon.
Prerequisites: jr st; satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req.
Last Taught: Fall 2020, Summer 2014, Spring 2013, Spring 2012.

COMMUN 423 Decision-Making and Creativity
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Key issues in decision making and creativity at various organizational levels and across different decision making domains.
Prerequisites: jr st; satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req; or cons instr.
Last Taught: Spring 2012, Fall 2011.

COMMUN 435 Rhetoric in Western Thought
3 cr. Undergraduate.
A survey of rhetorical theory in western thinking since ancient Greece.
Prerequisites: jr st; Commun 103(P); satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req.
Last Taught: Fall 2018, Fall 2007, Fall 2004, Fall 2002.

COMMUN 436 Recent Rhetorical Theory
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Recent American and European theories of rhetoric as a dimension of human communication.
Prerequisites: jr st; Commun 103(P); satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req.
Last Taught: Fall 2010, Spring 2008, Spring 2006, Spring 2005.

COMMUN 440 Contemporary Problems in Freedom of Speech
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Current legal and regulatory issues that involve freedom of speech.
Prerequisites: jr st; satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req.
Last Taught: Fall 2023, Spring 2012, Fall 2010, Summer 2010.

COMMUN 450 Cross-Cultural Communication
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Theories, research methods, and communication issues in cross-cultural, international interactions.
Prerequisites: jr st; satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req.
Last Taught: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023.

COMMUN 462 Communication in the Legal Process
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Theory and research in argumentation and persuasion and application in the legal process.
Prerequisites: jr st; Commun 103(P) or 362(262)(P); satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req.
Last Taught: Fall 2007, Fall 2005, Fall 2004, Fall 2003.

COMMUN 464 Theory and Practice of Persuasion
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Consideration of principles and methods of persuasion, with practice in the analysis and preparation of persuasive messages.
Prerequisites: jr st; satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req.
Last Taught: Summer 2023, Fall 2022, Summer 2022, Spring 2022.

COMMUN 470 Communicating Data I: Data Literacy & Interpretation
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Concepts, strategies, and methods for effective and ethical communication of data in various contemporary contexts. Explores the intersection of data analysis, data visualization, and communication, developing literacy and fluency in data interpretation and storytelling.
Prerequisites: COMMUN 370(P) or other approved statistics course (AFRIC 301, POL SCI 203, PSYCH 325, SOCIOL 361, or CRM JST 662); or consent of the instructor.

COMMUN 472 Rhetoric of Radicalism in the United States
3 cr. Undergraduate.
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.
Prerequisites: jr st.
Course Rules: Counts as repeat of Commun 651 w/similar topic.
Last Taught: Spring 2023, Spring 2014, Spring 2011.

COMMUN 473 African American Public Discourse
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Rhetorical analysis and historical survey of public and persuasive discourse by African Americans from the early nineteenth through the twenty-first century.
Prerequisites: soph st and satisfaction of OWC-A.
Last Taught: Spring 2023, Spring 2021, Spring 2020.

COMMUN 474 Rhetoric of Women's Rights in the US
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Rhetoric of women's rights and its relationship to equality and participation.
Prerequisites: jr st.
Course Rules: Counts as repeat of Commun 651 w/similar topic.
Last Taught: Spring 2012.

COMMUN 481 Interpersonal Issues in Health Communication
3 cr. Undergraduate.
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.
Prerequisites: jr st; satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req; or cons instr.
Last Taught: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023.

COMMUN 497 Study Abroad:
1-12 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
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.
Prerequisites: junior standing, satisfaction of GER English Composition competency requirement, and acceptance for Study Abroad Program.
Course Rules: May be retaken with change in topic.
Last Taught: Fall 2024, Spring 2024.

COMMUN 497G Study Abroad:
1-12 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
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.
Prerequisites: junior standing, satisfaction of GER English Composition competency requirement, and acceptance for Study Abroad Program.
Course Rules: May be retaken with change in topic.
Last Taught: Fall 2024, Spring 2024.

COMMUN 499 Ad Hoc:
1-6 cr. Undergraduate.
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.
Prerequisites: jr st; satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req; add'l prereqs may be assigned to specific topic.
Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in topic.

COMMUN 550 International and Global Communication
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Models, theories, and contexts of relational communication between people from different nation states, viewed from interpersonal, small group, organizational, and rhetorical perspectives.
Prerequisites: jr st; Commun 350(P) or 450(P); satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req; or cons instr.
Last Taught: Fall 2024.

COMMUN 550G International and Global Communication
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Models, theories, and contexts of relational communication between people from different nation states, viewed from interpersonal, small group, organizational, and rhetorical perspectives.
Prerequisites: jr st; Commun 350(P) or 450(P); satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req; or cons instr.
Last Taught: Fall 2024.

COMMUN 581 Health Communication Interventions
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Theories, strategies, and methods in the design of health promotional and disease prevention interventions. Development of ethical and culturally responsive communication strategies.
Prerequisites: jr st; satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req; or cons instr.
Last Taught: Spring 2008.

COMMUN 588 Research Practicum
1-3 cr. Undergraduate.
Advanced research experience under the supervision of a member of the Commun faculty.
Prerequisites: 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.
Course Rules: Offered as cr/no cr only. May be retaken to 6 cr max, w/3 cr max from any one faculty member.
Last Taught: Fall 2024, Spring 2019, Spring 2018, Fall 2016.

COMMUN 597 Practicum in Teaching Communication
1-3 cr. Undergraduate.
Prerequisites: junior standing; declared communication major or minor; 3.00 GPA in communication coursework; satisfaction of GER English Composition competency requirement; written consent of instructor.
Course Rules: May be retaken to 6 cr max, with max of 3 cr from any one faculty member.
Last Taught: Spring 2010, Fall 2009, Fall 2007, Spring 2007.

COMMUN 631 Current Topics in Interpersonal Communication/Conflict Management:
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Research-oriented approaches to interpersonal communication/conflict management. Specific topics announced in Schedule of Classes when course is offered.
Prerequisites: jr st; satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req.
Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in topic to 9 cr max.
Last Taught: Spring 2008, Fall 2007.

COMMUN 641 Current Topics in Organizational/Professional Communication:
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Research-oriented approaches to organizational/professional communication. Specific topics announced Schedule of Classes when course is offered.
Prerequisites: jr st; satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req.
Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in topic to 9 cr max.
Last Taught: Spring 2010, Fall 2009, Spring 2009, Fall 2002.

COMMUN 651 Current Topics in Rhetorical/Public Communication:
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Research-oriented approaches to rhetorical/public communication. Specific topics announced in Schedule of Classes when course is offered.
Prerequisites: jr st; satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req.
Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in topic to 9 cr max.
Last Taught: Fall 2009, Fall 2007, Spring 2002.

COMMUN 655 Cultural Training and Adjustment
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Theories and research related to the role of communication in cultural adjustment processes, cultural training, and evaluation of training.
Prerequisites: jr st; Commun 350(P) or 450(P); satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req; or cons instr.
Last Taught: Spring 2021, Spring 2009.

COMMUN 655G Cultural Training and Adjustment
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Theories and research related to the role of communication in cultural adjustment processes, cultural training, and evaluation of training.
Prerequisites: jr st; Commun 350(P) or 450(P); satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req; or cons instr.
Last Taught: Spring 2021, Spring 2009.

COMMUN 665 Introduction to Mediation
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
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.
Prerequisites: jr st; satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req.
Last Taught: Spring 2020.

COMMUN 665G Introduction to Mediation
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
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.
Prerequisites: jr st; satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req.
Last Taught: Spring 2020.

COMMUN 667 Great American Speakers and Issues
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Selected great speakers and their speeches on major issues in American history.
Prerequisites: jr st; satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req.
Last Taught: Fall 2019.

COMMUN 667G Great American Speakers and Issues
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Selected great speakers and their speeches on major issues in American history.
Prerequisites: jr st; satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req.
Last Taught: Fall 2019.

COMMUN 672 Communication and Social Order
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
The role of communication in both maintaining and challenging social structures and hierarchies.
Prerequisites: jr st; satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req.
Last Taught: Fall 2020.

COMMUN 672G Communication and Social Order
3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
The role of communication in both maintaining and challenging social structures and hierarchies.
Prerequisites: jr st; satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req.
Last Taught: Fall 2020.

COMMUN 698 Internship in Communication
3 cr. Undergraduate.
Field experience in a profit/nonprofit organization; course examines professional communication issues.
Prerequisites: 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.
Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in organization to 6 cr max.
Last Taught: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023.

COMMUN 699 Advanced Independent Reading
1-3 cr. Undergraduate.
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.
Prerequisites: jr st; 2.0 GPA; satisfaction of GER English Composition competency requirement; consent of instructor, department chair, and Assistant Dean for Student Academic Services.
Course Rules: May be retaken with change in topic.
Last Taught: Spring 2018, Fall 2015, Fall 2014, Summer 2014.