Core Courses
611: INTRODUCTION TO THEORIES AND CONCEPTS OF HUMAN COMMUNICATION
Seminar. This course explores the role and function of theory in the field of communication as well as the processes through which theories are built, applied, tested and critiqued. The course will delve briefly into the historical roots of the discipline; we’ll discuss the philosophy of scientific thought as it applies to the major paradigms of the field and its legacy in current disciplinary practices. The course is an introduction to the variety of perspectives on and assumptions about the phenomenon of communication and should provide students with a guide for assessing the usefulness of these theories in the contexts of their application. Attention will be given to the theoretical diversity of faculty research in panel discussions and faculty presentations. This course is a core requirement for graduate study in the program. (Course capacity is 10)
Course Eligibility*: Doctoral, Masters Graduate COMM majors
620: QUALITATIVE METHODS IN RESEARCH
This course is designed to a) introduce you to the logic and epistemological underpinnings of qualitative methods, including relationships among research questions, theory, methods, and findings, and b) expose you to practical issues in using qualitative methods. Topics to be discussed include but are not limited to: textual analysis, participant observation, interviewing, focus groups, visual analysis, discourse and conversation analysis, case studies, qualitative computing, and research ethics. (Course capacity is 10)
Course Eligibility*: Doctoral, Masters Graduate COMM majors
621: QUANTITATIVE METHODS IN RESEARCH
Introduction to the structure, process, and logic of quantitative empirical research in communication. Topics covered include research design, measurement, descriptive and inferential statistics, and basic multivariate analysis. Students are expected to acquire an understanding of and the ability to critique various methodological approaches and techniques. Fundamental concepts of data analysis; preparation for further, more advanced courses. (Course capacity is 10)
Course Eligibility: Doctoral, Masters Graduate COMM majors
