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Woods College of Advancing Studies

Communications

2013-2014

Professors:  Robert Herbstzuber, B.S., Cand. M.B.A. Boston College; Michael Keith, A.B., A.M., Ph.D. Rhode Island; Stephen Kurkjian, A.B. Boston University, J.D. Suffolk, Pulitzer Prize 72, 80, 03; Christine Caswell, A.B. Boston College, Radio & TV News Anchor; Joyce Lindmark, A.B. Northwestern, J.D., Ph.D. Boston College; Anna Nielsen, A.B. Boston College, M.S., Ph.D. Illinois, Urbana-Champaign; Richard Nielsen, B.S., A.M. Pennsylvania, Ph.D. Syracuse; Robert Rosenthal, A.B. Boston College, A.M., Ph.D. Bowling Green; James Rowean, A.B. Boston College, A.M. Michigan State.

CO 00501  Introduction to Communication
Introduces the four main divisions in communication studies: interpersonal communication, mass media theory, group and organizational communication. Examines the influence and impact of electronic communication. Practical application of theory focuses the course.
Fall, Wed 6:30–9, Sept 4–Dec 11, TBD

CO 02004  Survey of Mass Communication
Surveys the political, social, and cultural forces that influenced the development of the media. Topics include media history, governmental regulation issues, media economics, the impact of mass media on society, and the organizational decision-making process within the media institutions.
Spring, Wed 6:30–9, Jan 15–May 7, Professor Keith

CO 03009  Public Speaking
While introducing the theory, composition, delivery and criticism of speeches, course attends to four key communication elements: message, speaker, audience and occasion. Explores various modes and varieties of speaking. This is a performance course.
Spring, Tues 6:30–9, Jan 14–May 6, Professor Rosenthal

BM 07501  Negotiation
Negotiation is a key component in all professional, personal and social communication. Course presents specific tools for improving people skills in preparing for and conducting negotiations. It examines the characteristics of different negotiating situations, leadership and decision making
functions, interpersonal communication, the intercultural community, management strategies, and factors affecting which negotiation style most enhances communication.
Fall, Wed 6:30–9, Sept 4–Dec 11, Prof Richard Nielsen

CO 11201  Career Planning: Strategies for Success
Course examines the critical elements involved in self assessment, career exploration, goal setting, adult development, decision making, job search strategies and career progression. Looks at how to integrate career information resources, and explores specific techniques and strategies designed for a competitive job market.
Fall, Sat 9–3:30, Sept 7–Oct 19, Professor Flynn

CO 20801  Entertainment Media
Focuses on the study of media, entertainment’s appeal to those seeking diversion, relaxation, excitement, amusement and bewilderment. Explores explanations for the attraction of interactive media, humor and comedy, tragedy, violence, talk-shows, sports, aesthetics, music, and visual art. Discusses the appeal of varying media through cognitive, emotional and physiological explanations. Explores how entertainment producers, marketers and media administrators use this knowledge in everyday decision making.
Spring, Thurs 6:30–9, Jan 16–May 8, Professor Caswell McCarron


CO 21001  Computer-Mediated Presentations
Computer graphics, presentation software, the World Wide Web, and other emerging technologies change the way we structure and present professional and personal information. Creating, interpreting and revising data are highly desired skills. Competitive environments demand persuasive professional presentations that match medium and message, combine clear organization, succinct organization and attractive design. Explores the use of color, graphic design, electronic photography, web interactivity digital and other media. No auditors.
Fall, Wed 6:30-9, Sept 4-Dec 11, Professor Herbstzuber
Spring, Wed 6:30–9, Jan 15–May 7, Professor Herbstzuber


CO 21201  Research Methods
This introductory course in research methodology examines issues underlying research from a theoretical and practical point of view. It explores the basic concepts and problems encountered in designing and conducting research and develops the practice of critically thinking about resources located in the research process. Focus is on the tenets of sound research practice to enable students to make reasonable judgements about research read and undertaken.
Spring, Tues 7-9:30, Jan 14–May 6, Professor Anna Nielsen
*Note time change*

CO 22901  Investigative Journalism: Critical Thinking
Whether your interest lies in the human interest story, breaking news, the exposé or in honing your critical thinking and writing skills, this course offers the practical skills necessary for mastering journalistic form, drawing on credible sources, reporting the facts and sharpening your inquiry and interpretive skills. Introduces the public documents on which investigative reporters depend and the various locales, City Hall, State House, courthouses, where such records reside. Students learn how to access, read and interpret records which inform decision making.
Fall, Thurs 6:30–9, Sept 5–Dec 12, Professor Kurkjian

CO 23505  Principles of Advertising
Course focuses on the principal areas relevant to planning, implementing and evaluating advertising and promotional activities in traditional and electronic markets. Explores the selection and use of campaign themes and media, evaluating advertisements, controlling expenditures, client-agency
relationships and the impact of consumer behavior patterns. Includes guest speakers from the advertising profession.
Fall, Mon 6:30–9, Sept 9–Dec 16, Professor Rowean

CO 24008  Public Relations
Public Relations is a vital and versatile communication tool. Course explores the techniques and media used to influence special publics including the news media. Reviews the principles and practices of on-line communication, how electronic media differs from traditional media, reaching new audiences, advantages and limitations. Focuses on non-profit public relations, corporate problems and the relationship between management strategies and promotional objectives.
Fall, Sat 9–3:30, Oct 26–Dec 14, Professor Fishman

CO 30001  Advanced Advertising
Prerequisite: CO 235 or equivalent
Course examines the procedures and applications of the advertising planning process from an agency perspective. Topics include market research, media planning, advertising and creative strategy for traditional and electronic markets, competitive positioning and how each influences the effectiveness of a campaign. Class includes guest speakers.
Spring, Mon 6:30–9, Jan 13–May 5, Professor TBD