Strategic Communications (BA) Curriculum

This course examines critical thinking and the analysis of arguments in terms of premises, reasons, and conclusions. Course topics include obstacles to critical thinking, diagramming arguments, belief and doubt, logical fallacies, inductive reasoning, deductive reasoning, inferences, and judging scientific theories.

The course introduces the concepts and theories related to conflict communication, conflict styles and conflict resolution techniques. Students will develop and apply skills needed to resolve conflict in various personal and professional arenas. Students will record themselves delivering speeches, thus they will need to know how to use a webcam and how to upload video files from their devices into the assignment dropbox in the Learning Management System.

Through this course, students will develop professional communication skills needed in the fast-moving professional environment. With a focus on oral and written communication for business, students discover how to design and deliver messages in both formal and informal venues. Students will record themselves delivering speeches, thus they will need to know how to use a webcam and how to upload video files from their devices into the assignment dropbox in the Learning Management System.

This course draws from theories in the fields of communication, sociology, and philosophy in order to provide a comprehensive overview of the concept of civility. The theories provide a lens through which communication in the digital age, and its impact on individuals and communities, will be examined. Practical tools and techniques offer an opportunity for the application of effective and appropriate civil communication in various social contexts.

Our daily decisions and experiences can be explained by communication theory. Introduction to Communication Theory explains the key concepts and theories of human communication. This course will examine the key theories of human communication, both general theories and those specific to particular contexts, such as intrapersonal, interpersonal, small group, intercultural and public communication.

Mass Media Communications is designed to familiarize students with the field of communications. This course is intended to introduce the basic factors affecting mass communications in the digital age. History, models, theories, concepts and terminology of mass communication trend in newspapers, radio, television, film, books, the internet, advertising, public relations, visual messages, media law and ethics are also examined. This course will enable students to understand the complex interactions between media and society, and think critically about the ways in which mass media inform our everyday lives.

This course explores the way we read, write and speak the language of digital media by bridging theory to practice. Students will learn how and why the digital world is constructed the way it is through the examination of topics such as the definition of digital media, Internet customers and potential customers, blogging and web design, and social media tools and channels. Additionally, students will examine many of the practical and critical skills necessary to become technically proficient in digital/social media use.

Media Ethics explores the origins of ethical behavior, issues and dilemmas in mass communication. Additionally, students will examine classical and contemporary approaches and their application to modern media practices.

This course on the principles of marketing provides an introduction to the nature and fundamentals of the marketing activity in modern businesses. The broad view of marketing that is presented builds on the integration of marketing with the entire enterprise, reinforced by theories and concepts as well as practices and applications. Topics include an analysis of the economic factors influencing buyer behavior, marketing research, market segmentation, development of marketing programs (new product, price, advertising and distribution decisions), and international marketing. The course also covers new marketing technologies that are revolutionizing the way companies bring value to their customers.

This course provides students with a baseline understanding of marketing communication strategies. Starting with the theoretical background to marketing communications, the course moves to the mechanics of producing marketing materials, describing the various techniques marketers have for telling their stories. By taking the concept of marketing as a launching point, students examine the layers of a sound marketing implementation plan by looking at several communication strategies. Initial topics include communication and miscommunication in the marketing world. The course is practical examination of real-life marketing communication tactics.

This course provides students with an in-depth analysis of public relations practices. The course aims to demonstrate the critical need for effective public relations communication in the 21st-Century by placing emphasis on the principles, processes, and practices that lead to building positive relationships in a 24/7 communications environment. Starting with an understanding of how communications research, theory, and public opinion can be applied to strategic public relations planning and creation of believable and persuasive messages, the course moves through a series of 'Speaking of Ethics' features that bring to life the daily dilemmas that confront professional public relations practitioners.

This course introduces students to concepts and principles of organizational behavior. Students investigate the impact that individuals, groups, and structures have on behavior within organizations, for the purpose of applying such knowledge toward improving an organization's effectiveness. Topics addressed include motivation, leadership, communications, group structure and process, attitude and values, and the change process.

This capstone course is designed for the Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Communications degree program. Emphasis is placed on the integration of knowledge and skills developed throughout the program, culminating in a demonstration of mastery of the University's core professional competencies (critical thinking, communication, data aptitude, personal/social responsibility, career management, distributed collaboration).