Undergraduate Course Descriptions
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COMA 1261, 2261, 3261, 4261   (2-1-4)   Opera Workshop
The study and performance of scenes from great operas throughout history. This is an elective class and requires an audition. Fall. Prerequisite: None.

COMA 1302   (3-3-0)   Fundamentals of Speech Communication
Introductory theories and applied experiences in speaking and listening will range through interpersonal dyads, triads, and small groups to preparation and delivery of platform speeches. Fall, Spring, Summer, Online. Prerequisite: None.

COMA 1302HR   (3-3-0)   Honors Fundamentals of Speech Communication
Introductory theories and applied experiences in speaking and listening will range through interpersonal dyads, triads, and small groups to preparation and delivery of platform speeches. The Honors Program curriculum supplements and complements the traditional curriculum of this course. Prerequisite: Admission to the Honors Program.

COMA 1371, 2371, 3371, 4371   (3-1-3)   Theater Practicum
Practical, technical experiences in areas of stage craft, lighting, costuming, properties, house management, and makeup. Periodically. Prerequisite: None.

COMA 2050   (1-0-0)   Sophomore Portfolio Review
Graphic Design students are required to submit their portfolios for a sophomore review. Multiple evaluators, with field experience, will review each portfolio to discern whether or not the student is suited for a graphic design career. Students will receive a grade of pass, fail, or probation. Spring. Prerequisite: Second semester sophomore graphic design concentration.

COMA 2301   (3-3-0)   Introduction to Journalism
Surveys the journalism profession--the expanding function of print and broadcast media in democracy. Also includes the study of newsgatherings and writing styles for newspapers, radio, and television journalism. Spring. Prerequisite: None.

COMA 2302   (3-3-0)   Voice and Articulation
Paralanguage code study of voice and articulation, the vocal mechanism, and phonetics. Exercises will add the nonverbal voice code to printed texts for oral performance experiences. Fall, Spring. Prerequisite: COMA 1302 or instructor approval.

COMA 2304   (3-3-0)   Introduction to Broadcast Communication
Study of the fundamentals, philosophies, and organization of the business and art of the radio and television industry in the United States. Attention is given to special programs of reporting and production associated with these broadcast media. Fall. Prerequisite: None.

COMA 2305   (3-3-0)   Interpersonal Communication
Focus on communication theory and principles for the field of interpersonal communication, with additional studies in group dynamics, value systems, and transactional analysis. Fall, Spring. Prerequisite: None.

COMA 2314   (3-2-1)   Photography I
An introduction to the use of the camera and basic vocabulary. Fundamentals of exposure, development, processing of film, and printing. Photographic composition, creativity, readings, and critiques are included. Students are expected to provide their own camera, film, and paper. Lab fee. Fall, Spring, Summer. Prerequisite: None.

COMA 2317   (3-2-1)   Advertising and Visual Communication I
An introduction to basic visual communication, vocabulary, and design including lettering, layout, illustration, graphic reproduction processes, rough art, finished art, camera ready, and computer art applied to specific design projects. Lab fee. Fall, Spring. Prerequisite: None.

COMA 2318   (3-2-1)   Basic Digital Design (S-L)
Fundamentals of digital design are covered utilizing standard graphic software applications for PC and Macintosh platforms. Proven methods of effective communication through typography, layout, and design are discussed. Computer lab projects include creative design and cost-effective production of camera ready art for posters, newsletters, reports, and display advertising. Lab fee. This course contains a field-based service-learning component. Fall, Spring. Prerequisite: COSC 1301 and concentration other than graphic design.

COMA 2319   (3-3-0)   History of Visual Arts Survey
History of Visual Arts Survey presents a chronological examination of western graphic design and covers each era of visual communication including early cave painting through the illuminated manuscripts, a Graphic Renaissance, the Industrial Revolution, the Modernist Era, and the Age of Information. This course includes films, visuals, readings, study guides, and museum visits. Fall. Prerequisite: None.

COMA 3301   (3-3-0)   Nonverbal Communication
Nine important code systems (excluding words) used daily will be studied in theory and in practice. Research project from print and societal observation is required. Fall, Online. Prerequisite: None.

COMA 3302   (3-3-0)   Academic Debate
Parliamentary procedure will be briefly reviewed. Individuals and teams will study debate principles, research, and performance. Topics will come from current affairs and debate propositions for academic use. Offered periodically. Prerequisite: None.

COMA 3303   (3-3-0)   Small Group Communication
Students will study three small group functioning patterns used in American culture. Corporations and organizations accomplish tasks, make decisions, and solve problems through small group effort. Educators facilitate learning in classroom small groups. Churches and other non-profit organizations find community in small group interactions. Exams and papers will augment in-class small group practice sessions. Spring. Prerequisite: None.

COMA 3304   (3-3-0)   Broadcast Writing
This course focuses on making students better writers and better broadcast journalists. Discussion will incorporate how to craft language, how to be effective storytellers, and how to write in broadcasting. Topics will be covered on interviewing, producing television news, and writing news/sports copy. News project presentations are required. Spring. Prerequisite: COMA 2304.

COMA 3307   (3-3-0)   Film and Electronic Cinematography
A study of the history of filmmaking and new advances in electronic media related to this medium. This study emphasizes the techniques used by great cinematographers and directors of both the present and the past. Reviewing many classic films for analysis will provide insight and a basis for discussion. Spring. Prerequisite: None.

COMA 3308   (3-3-0)   Persuasive Communication
This course focuses on persuasion theory and its practical application. Basic components of the persuasive process and strategies used by persuaders are examined. Persuasion theory, analysis of persuasive messages in a variety of formats and contexts and the formation of effective, ethical persuasive messages will be emphasized. Fall. Prerequisite: COMA 1302 and junior standing.

COMA 3314   (3-2-1)   Photography II
Advanced photographic skills developed through photography projects enhanced by digital imaging software and techniques. Students will learn to apply a state of the art digital graphics program and selectively modify, enhance, and combine photographs to create images that communicate aesthetically and effectively. Students are expected to provide their own camera, film, and paper. A digital SLR (Single Lens Reflex) camera required. Lab fee. Fall, Spring, Summer. Prerequisite: COMA 2314.

COMA 3316   (3-2-1)   Media Graphics
Development of skills and concepts necessary to produce art works for use in the various media. Study and application of the basic materials, techniques, and vocabulary of the graphic and computer art field. Lab fee. Fall, Spring. Prerequisite: None.

COMA 3317   (3-2-1)   Advertising and Visual Communication II
Advanced study of basic visual communication design including lettering, layout, illustration, graphic reproduction processes, rough art, finished art, camera ready art, and computer art applied to specific design projects. Lab fee. Periodically. Prerequisite: COMA 2317

COMA 3318   (3-2-1)   Web Design
Web publishing techniques are covered utilizing web-authoring software for PC and Macintosh platforms. Proven methods of effective communication through typography, layout, and design are discussed including creative uses of digitized illustrations and photography. Computer lab projects include creative design and cost-effective production of various types of web pages. Lab fee. Spring. Prerequisite: COMA 2318 or 3321.

COMA 3319   (3-3-0)   Visual Communication
Skills in interpreting the visual messages viewed in print and digital media are essential in our media saturated world today. This course focuses on the development of visual literacy by helping students develop skills to critically examine the visual messages used in a variety of channels that impact our communication. Students also learn the Adobe Creative Suite®, including Illustrator®, Photoshop®, and InDesign®, the industry standard in graphic software. Spring. Prerequisite: COMA 1302 and 3301 or Communications major with an emphasis in Graphic Design.

COMA 3321    (3-3-0)   Graphic Design II
This studio course emphasizes the solving of graphic communications problems as it specifically relates to identity design in print form. Students gain a strong working knowledge of current computer art and layout applications, such as Adobe InDesign® and Illustrator®, and apply it to viable design assignments. Logo, letterhead and poster design are a few of the formats explored. Students are also challenged with basic Typographic and layout principles in conjunction with these projects. Fall. Prerequisite: COMA 1300; 1302, 1303.

COMA 3322   (3-3-0)   Graphic Design II
In this studio course graphic design students continue their in-depth study of two-dimensional design principles as they apply it to formats such as package design and annual reports. An emphasis on preparing print documents for output or reproduction is emphasized. Students will also improve their skills with Adobe Photoshop® as they create artwork and page comps for Web sites and other digital media. Spring. Prerequisite: COMA 3321.

COMA 4300   (3-3-0)   Porfolio Research
In this course students prepare a marketable graphic design portfolio, both physical and digital, of the work they have created throughout their college career. In addition to this, an effective resume is also developed in order to prepare for future job interviews. Students receive individualized attention as they prepare for their senior portfolio exhibit. Every student is required to present a portfolio exhibit in one of their last two semesters of their senior year. Fall. Prerequisite: Credit for or concurrent enrollment in COMA 4321 and senior graphic design concentration.

COMA 4301   (3-3-0)   Readers Theater (S-L)
Groups will perform selections of prose or poetry or scripture. Literary analysis will precede the addition of voice and body cues to emphasize meanings. Major project is to adapt a selection for the group to perform. This course contains a field-based service-learning component. Spring. Prerequisite: None.

COMA 4302   (3-3-0)   Introduction to Linguistics
An introduction to the four core areas of linguistics--morphology, phonology, semantics, and syntax--and to transformational grammar and sociolinguistics. Spring. Prerequisite: ENGL 2301 or 2302.

COMA 4303   (3-3-0)   Video Editing (S-L)
Basic camera techniques and composition will be reviewed. Individuals will study various editing technologies and styles. Digital videography, linear and non-linear editing will be taught and practiced. Lab fee. This course contains a field-based service-learning component. Prerequisite: None.

COMA 4305   (3-3-0)   Communication through Hymnology
A study of hymns, emphasizing periods of historical development and their practical use in the church worship service. Spring. Prerequisite: None

COMA 4310   (3-3-0)   Internship in Communication
A supervised field placement in some phase of the communication industry. The course provides the opportunity for the students to integrate theory and classroom learning with practical experience. Interns are required to work 50 hours for each credit hour earned. Fall, Spring, Summer. Prerequisite: Evaluation by both the field supervisor and the program director.

COMA 4319   (3-3-0)   Communication Styles: A Key to Business Success
An in-depth investigation of various communication, leadership, and personality styles and how they affect one’s competency rating in the world of business. Students will be encouraged to discover how they interact with others as well as learn how their communication strengths and weaknesses affect interpersonal relationships in the workplace. Assessment will use varied personality inventories. Offered periodically. Prerequisite: None.

COMA 4320   (3-3-0)   Technology in Communication
This course is designed to expose students to the technology currently available. Students will get hands-on experience on all current technologies and participate in class discussions based on advantages and disadvantages of each. Trends and futuristic applications of technology also will be discussed. It is important to note that there are no computer prerequisites for this course. Fall, Spring. Prerequisite: None.

COMA 4321   (3-3-0)   Advertising Design (S-L)
This course engages the service-learning aspect of the Graphic Design concentration as students utilize their skills to aid a ministry, new or existing, by creating an entire identity campaign for them over the course of a semester. The campaign will include creating such promotional pieces as logos, newsletters, magazine ads, Yellow Page ads and brochures, to name a few. Each student will communicate and work with ministry directors in order to meet specific needs. This course contains a field-based service-learning component. Fall Prerequisite: COMA 3322.

COMA 4322   (3-3-0)   Leadership Communication (S-L)
This course focuses on the further development of public speaking, written communication, and group facilitation skills to prepare students for leadership roles for a variety of communication contexts and purposes. A service-learning project will be an integral part of the curriculum. Speaking and interacting from a servant leader perspective will be emphasized to prepare students for civic engagement in a democratic society. This course contains a field-based service-learning component. Fall. Prerequisite: COMA 1302 and junior standing.

COMA 4323   (3-3-0)   Communication Theory
The course introduces students to communication as a field of study. Major theories and models related to the study of communication are presented to provide a framework for communication coursework. Applications of the major communication theories will enable students to gain experience and proficiency in evaluating communication in a variety of contexts and situations. Fall. Prerequisite: COMA 1302 and junior classification.

COMA 4330   (3-3-0)   Special Topics in Communication (3-3-0)
This course will offer students an opportunity to explore a cross-section of subjects focused on enhancing oral, interpersonal, and nonverbal skills. The exploration of basic communication concepts and application will offer students a hands-on approach to learning. May be repeated for credit when content changes. Prerequisite: None.

COMA 4380   (3-3-0)   The Arts and the Creative Process
Analysis of the visual and performing arts including the study of the human process involved in the creation of the Arts. The study will include perception, criticism, and factors which integrate, influence, and create the arts. Field trips are required. Fall, Spring. Prerequisite: None

COMA 4391   Independent Study
Independent Study in Communications Prerequisite: Upon approval of college

COMA 4394   (3-3-0)   Communication in the Digital Age
New and emerging communication technologies are drastically changing the nature of communication. This course will blend theory and practice to provide students with a communication-based perspective of current and future trends and issues associated with the digital age from a biblically based perspective. At the same time, it will give the opportunity to sharpen critical thinking skills and further develop communication skills associated with the digital age. Prerequisite: None.