OU School of Communication Studies - Undergraduate Program

Communication and Public Advocacy

Students in this concentration experience an integration of political and legal communication theory and practice. The courses emphasize the role of communication in argument, debate, and politics, including the ethical and rhetorical implications of constitutional guarantees of political, social, and religious speech and persuasive strategies characteristic of contemporary political communication. Recent graduates are attending law school, working in state legislative roles, managing political campaigns, and lobbying in Washington, D.C.

1 Theory Courses (3 courses)

COMS 260	Introduction to Communication in Public Advocacy	4
COMS 352	Political Rhetoric	4

In addition to the two theory courses listed above, majors must complete one of the theory courses from either of the other concentrations.

2 Research Methods Courses (1 course)

COMS 300	Field Research Methods in Communication	4
COMS 301	Empirical Research Applications in Communication	4
COMS 303	Rhetorical Analysis and Criticism	4

3 Internship or Practicum (1 course)

COMS 430	Communication and Campaign	4
COMS 445	Senior Practicum	4
COMS 496C	Communication in Public Advocacy Internship	4

4 Advanced Presentations Courses (1 course)

COMS 315	Advanced Argument and Debate	4
COMS 403	Advanced Presentations	4
COMS 421	Instructional Training and Development in Communication	4

5 Elective Courses (3 courses)

COMS 217	Advanced Forensics	4
COMS 220	Oral Interpretation of Literature	4
COMS 240	Introduction to Health Communication	4
COMS 245	Introduction to Organizational Communication	4
COMS 304	Principles and Techniques of Interviewing	4
COMS 306	Interpersonal Conflict Management	4
COMS 320	Women and Health Communication	4
COMS 342	Communication and Persuasion	4
COMS 351	Courtroom Rhetoric	4
COMS 353	Contemporary Culture and Rhetoric	4
COMS 405	Meeting and Conference Planning	4
COMS 406	Advanced Communication Studies	4
COMS 410	Cross-Cultural Communication	4
COMS 411	Communicating with People with Disabilities	4
COMS 420	Gender and Communication	4
COMS 422	Communication in the Famil	4
COMS 442	Responsibility and Freedom of Speech in Communication	4
COMS 448	Rhetoric and Electronic Media	4
COMS 480	Topics in Communication	4

Concentration total 36

Related Area Requirement

In addition to core courses and concentration requirements, all majors must complete a minimum of 28 hours in a related area. The related area is intended to complement and supplement the work of the concentration to increase the marketability of the student. Related areas should be selected early and must be approved by the student’s faculty advisor.

The courses comprising the related area can come from one department or school or from several, but all must be outside the School of Communication Studies. Collectively, the related area course work should constitute a unified body of knowledge having a definite relationship with the major concentration. At least 16 of the 28 hours should be courses at the 300- or 400-level. Many departments have minors or certificate programs that will meet the related area requirement.

Language Requirement

All COMS majors are required to complete 12 credit hours of study of a language or culture other than their native language/culture. Students may meet this requirement by completing: (1) three consecutive courses in the same language; (2) a Study Abroad experience, including the pre-departure training; or, (3) three courses emphasizing cultural topics. Students should discuss their interest and intentions with their advisor to ensure all course requirements are being met.

(1) Students meeting this requirement by completing three consecutive quarters of another language may begin with the first course, e.g., SPAN 111. Other majors may not "count" a first year of language study but COMS will accept it.

(2) To learn more about the Study Abroad programs offered to OU students, go to the Study Abroad web site at: www.ohiou.edu/studyabroad, send an email to education.abroad@ohio.edu, telephone 740.593.4583, or walk-in to Gordy Hall room 107.

(3) A variety of courses will meet the requirement of focusing on cultural topics, but a good place to begin is to explore the courses listed for Tier II, Area 5, Cultural Perspectives.

Technology Requirement

COMS major s are required to complete two courses in technology. The following list was accurate as of September 01, 2006:

Note: Students are responsible for completing any course prerequisites.

ART 250, 255, 281, 282

ATCH 204

BMT 200, 288

CTCH 125, 133, 134, 233, 234, 241, 285

CS 120, 210, 220, 230, 231, 238, 240ABC, 309

EDCT 203

EE 101, 102, 103

EM 211, 212, 214, 215, 216, 217

ET 280

EVT 110

IT 101, 102, 103

ITS 201 (formerly COMT 201)

JOUR 221, 421

LET 140, 210

LING 451, 452

MIS 201, 202, 220, 225, 230, 235

SST 110

TAS 301

TCOM 210, 220, 230, 308

VICO 140

School of Communication Studies
Lasher Hall
Ohio University
Athens, Ohio 45701
(740) 593-4828
fax: (740) 593-4810

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to our Administrative Coordinator.