Strategic Communication at Ozarks

Course Descriptions

COM 1003 BASIC ORAL COMMUNICATION
Satisfies the professional education requirement for speech. A course designed to stress the importance of the spoken word and to increase the student's ability to communicate through effective speaking and listening. This course is part of the general education core and does not count toward a major in Communications. A basic course requirement offered every semester.

COM 1013 INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION
A course which focuses on skills that impact the communication between people. Emphasis will be on the improvement of personal communication skills, such as listening, conflict management, and problem solving.

COM 1761-4761 FORENSICS PRACTICUM
A student may earn one or more hours of credit for participation in a communications production activity. Practicum credit is offered in a variety of areas, including Television News Production and Radio Production. At least three one-hour classes are required for the major. Practicum courses and Tutorial Practicum may be taken for a maximum of 12 hours credit.

COM 2083 SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION
This course will examine various theories and methods used to facilitate discussion. A theoretical as well as practical approach to group process is presented.

COM 3103 INTERVIEWING
A course designed to prepare the student to conduct interviews and to practice being interviewed with applications in various business and communications settings.

COM 3183 RESEARCH METHODS AND WRITING
An introduction to a variety of research methods, with focus on quantitative methods. Emphasis will be placed on reporting the results of research in both writing and oral presentations. Prerequisite: ENG 1213 Composition II.

SCM 1033 INTRODUCTION TO RHETORIC AND SOCIAL INFLUENCE
This course will provide students a basic overview of the influences that produce change, both on an individual and a societal level. Emphasis will be on communication as a goal-directed activity, with study of audience analysis and adaptation, strategies for communicating a message, influence of various channels (including mediated channels), and the importance of context. (This course is crosslisted with the English department.)

SCM 2033 ARGUMENTATION AND DEBATE
An overview of techniques used to reason and form a coherent argument to support one's position on an issue. The class will include study of both formal and informal modes of argument, focusing on written and spoken argument in a variety of contexts. Students will be required to write a position paper presenting and defending an argument and to participate in a debate on an issue of public interest.

SCM 3033 PERSUASION THEORY
A study of the psychological and social forces which influence people to change their beliefs, attitudes, or behavior. The course will provide an overview of persuasion theories ranging from Aristotle to compliance-gaining and selfpersuasion, with applications in a variety of fields.

SCM 4003 SEMINAR
Small group study of special topics related to strategic communication.

SCM 4013 POLITICAL COMMUNICATION
This course will focus on the role of communication in the political process. Emphasis will be given to both campaigning for office and to communicating policy information for various audiences.

SCM 4213 PUBLIC RELATIONS WRITING AND DESIGN
This course is intended to provide students with skills needed to prepare different types of messages used to accomplish public relations strategies. In addition to writing skills, students will learn and apply basic principles of print and web design in hands-on exercises for creating various types of public relations messages. To be taken concurrently with or following SCM 4313, Public Relations Principles.

SCM 4313 PUBLIC RELATIONS PRINCIPLES
This course will provide an overview of the principles and process of public relations, as well as practice in planning and using various public relations strategies.

SCM 4323 STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION PLANNING
This course examines the management aspects of strategic communications, from identifying a problem/opportunity to creating and implementing a strategy to address the problem/opportunity. Students will be expected to apply a wide range of skills, ranging from skills in interpersonal communication to skills in planning, designing, and writing messages to skills in evaluation of messages. Students will also consider ethical implications of their strategic choices. The course will serve as the capstone experience for the Strategic Communication track of the Communications major. Prerequisite: senior status and instructor permission.

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