Department of Languages and Communication

Purpose and Goals

The diverse faculty and staff of the Department of Languages and Communication work diligently to maintain a learning environment that enhances educational growth and professional opportunities for our students. The programs offer students a liberal arts education emphasizing media studies and production, literary studies, advanced research and writing skills, and the acquisition of language and communication skills in English, Spanish, Arabic, and Chinese.

The objective of the department is to prepare students for a broad range of careers in teaching, professional and creative writing, interpersonal communication and public relations, media production, and other professions that require advanced skills in communication, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving. Historically, our primary task has been to provide Prairie View A&M University students with advanced verbal and written skills, technical media knowledge, preparation for graduate and professional schools, and career placement. The Department of Languages and Communication continues this mission with recent highlights that include a fully renovated digital television studio equipped with the latest in production technology; PC and Macintosh computer laboratories with cutting-edge software programs for media creation; a media and language performance laboratory; and courses in global languages and culture.

Academic Standards

Students must earn a minimum grade of a “C” in all classes taken in their major disciplines and a minimum grade of a “C” in all classes taken in their minor disciplines (if applicable).

Foreign Languages

Serving a diverse ethnic and socioeconomic population, the Foreign Languages faculty is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and service. We are committed to helping our students become global citizens through the exciting path of multi-literacy and multilingualism.

Basic Language Program

In the basic language program (lower-level foreign language classes), we prepare students to function at professional levels in Spanish, Chinese, and Arabic. These classes are the foundation of foreign language learning, fulfill college foreign language requirements, and also serve as course electives. We educate our students to not only do well in all levels of their chosen language but also to be able to procure international certifications of their linguistic abilities.

Spanish Minor

In addition to the basic language program, the Foreign Languages Program also offers a minor in Spanish. The Spanish minor includes coursework that is geared toward advanced language acquisition as well as the study of the cultures of the Hispanic diaspora. Within a state and region that is increasingly bilingual, the addition of a Spanish minor to any student's primary course of study gives them a significant and tangible advantage within a workforce that must have the intercultural and linguistic abilities to effectively communicate with monolingual Spanish speakers.

Study Abroad

Study abroad is a great way to enhance and accelerate the learning of a foreign language. We promote not only seeking abroad opportunities in the languages we offer but also in languages not offered at the university. Our faculty are ready to help you attain your language learning goals no matter the language and can help you find the right opportunity if you are interested in studying a critical language (as defined by the US Department of State). There are many scholarship opportunities to study abroad as well as to study intensely during the summer in the US. Reach out to your foreign language professor and to the Office of International Programs to learn more.

More About Foreign Languages

Our continued dedication to student success is also expressed in adopting free and very low-cost Open Educational Resources (OER) texts for all BLP (1000-2000 level) classes starting in the Spring of 2020. OERs have been proven to save student bodies millions of dollars as well as remove barriers to learning. We remain dedicated to this movement and supportive of this A&M System initiative with our enthusiastic adoption of these resources in our classes.

The Foreign Languages Program is committed to quality research in the areas of literature, pedagogy, and linguistics. Our faculty and staff are avid publishers, grant writers, and presenters in their fields. We believe in the pertinent and well-guided application of technology to language instruction and learning through the use of a variety of apps, websites, and digital humanities projects in our classroom. Finally, we are committed to service in our larger department, the college, the university, and our greater Houston Metropolitan community.

Minors in the Department of Languages and Communications

The Department of the Languages and Communications offers academic minors in Creative Writing, Spanish, Communication, English, and Humanities

Minor in Creative Writing

Creative Writing is an interdisciplinary minor that prepares students for creative work in a range of both traditional and new media. Creative Writing minors will develop highly adaptable skills related to content creation and critical thinking and apply them in areas like print and digital media, poetry and fiction, screenwriting, journalism and feature writing, teaching, editing, and more.

Required Minor Courses		6
ENGL 2307	Introduction to Creative Writing
ENGL 3302	Creative Writing Practices
Creative Writing Elective		3
ENGL 3330	Fiction Writing Workshop
ENGL 3334	Poetry Writing Workshop
Creative COMM Elective (choose two)		6
COMM 1336	Video Production I
COMM 1342	Voice and Diction
COMM 2339	Screen Writing
COMM 2371	Visual Communication
COMM 3352	Feature and Magazine Writing
COMM 3372	Digital Video Production I
COMM 3373	Television Studio Production
COMM 4371	Voice and Performance
COMM 4372	Digital Video Production II
Literature Elective (choose one)		3
ENGL 2323	British Literature II
ENGL 2324	Introduction to African Literature
ENGL 2328	American Literature II
ENGL 2330	Introduction to Film
ENGL 3305	Survey of African-American Literature
ENGL 3306	Studies in African-American Literature
ENGL 3308	Literature of the African Diaspora
ENGL 3315	Literary Theory and Criticism
ENGL 3324	Studies in American Literature
ENGL 4326	Toni Morrison
Total Hours		18

Minor in Spanish

Required Minor Courses		6
SPAN 2311	Intermediate Spanish I
SPAN 2312	Intermediate Spanish II
Spanish Electives (choose any four SPAN courses at the 2000-level or above)		12
Total Hours		18

Minor in Communication

The minor in Communication requires any combination of 18 SCH (6 courses) in COMM courses. Students must observe prerequisites for any selected courses, and most COMM courses require COMM 1307 and a COMM writing course as prerequisites.¹ Courses selected for the COMM minor may not be counted toward core curriculum or major requirements.

¹: The COMM writing selections are COMM 2351, COMM 2311, COMM 2339, COMM 2315, COMM 3352, and COMM 4354.

Minor in English

Required Minor Courses		12
ENGL 2322	British Literature I
or ENGL 2323	British Literature II
ENGL 2327	American Literature I
or ENGL 2328	American Literature II
ENGL 3315	Literary Theory and Criticism
ENGL 4343	Special Topics in English
English Electives (choose any two ENGL courses at the 2000-level or above) ¹		6
Total Hours		18

¹: English electives may not also be used to fill requirements in the core curriculum or in the selected academic major. Students who may pursue teacher certification in the future are strongly encouraged to take ENGL 3322 as one of their electives.

Minor in Humanities

A minor in humanities offers an interdisciplinary program of study that allows students to explore various areas of interest. Study in humanities expands knowledge of the human condition and human cultures, especially in relation to behavior, ideas, and values expressed in works of human imagination and thought.

Requirements: No more than 6 SCH from any single course discipline may be counted toward the minor, and courses selected for the minor may not also count toward the core curriculum or the student's major. Eligible course disciplines include ARAB (Arabic), ARCH (Architecture), ARTS (Arts), CHIN (Chinese), DRAM (Theatre), ENGL (English), HUMA (Humanities), MUSC (Music), PHIL (Philosophy), and SPAN (Spanish). Courses not listed as elective options may be considered for the minor but must be approved by the Department Head for Languages and Communications.

Required Minor Course		3
HUMA 1301	Introduction to Humanities
Foreign Language (any 2000 level or higher course in SPAN, ARAB, or CHIN)		3
Humanities Electives (select any four courses): ¹		12
ARCH 1301	Architectural History I
ARCH 1302	History of Architecture II
ARTS 1303	Art History I (Prehistoric to the 14th Century)
ARTS 1304	Art History II (14th century to the present)
ARTS 2328	African American Art
CHIN 2311	Intermediate Chinese I
CHIN 2312	Intermediate Chinese II
DRAM 1310	Introduction to Theatre
DRAM 2322	African American Theatre II
ENGL 2341	Introduction to Literature
ENGL 2325	Adolescent Literature
ENGL 2322	British Literature I
ENGL 2323	British Literature II
ENGL 2334	Studies in Literature
ENGL 2331	Survey of World Literature
ENGL 2327	American Literature I
ENGL 2328	American Literature II
ENGL 3305	Survey of African-American Literature
ENGL 3306	Studies in African-American Literature
ENGL 3315	Literary Theory and Criticism
ENGL 3324	Studies in American Literature
ENGL 4322	Shakespeare
ENGL 4343	Special Topics in English
MUSC 1321	Fundamentals of Music
MUSC 1306	Music in Contemporary Life
MUSC 2311	Music Theory III
MUSC 1307	Music Literature
MUSC 2333	Afro-American Music
MUSC 3331	Music History
MUSC 3332	Music History
PHIL 2306	Ethics
PHIL 2303	Critical Thinking
SPAN 2311	Intermediate Spanish I
SPAN 2312	Intermediate Spanish II
SPAN 2320	Spanish Conversation
SPAN 2321	Spanish Composition
SPAN 3302	Survey of Spanish Literature I
SPAN 3307	Spanish-American Literature II
SPAN 3309	Hispanic Civilization and Culture I
SPAN 3330	Hispanic American Film
SPAN 4300	Hispanic Civilization and Culture II
SPAN 4343	Special Topics in Spanish
Total Hours		18

¹: No more than 6 SCH from any single course discipline on the list of eligible courses, including foreign languages.

Clubs and Organizations

The Department of Languages and Communication has an award-winning intercollegiate debate team and an active student chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ). Check the LCOM Facebook page, Twitter feed, and bulletin boards in Hilliard Hall for notices about meeting dates and times.

Honor Societies

The department sponsors chapters of the following national honor societies: Lambda Pi Eta (Communication), Sigma Tau Delta (English), Alpha Mu Gamma (Foreign Language), and Sigma Delta Pi (Spanish). Generally, these societies require that members have completed 18 semester hours with a least a B average in the discipline.

Affiliations

The department encourages membership in several national and international societies organizations for its majors. Qualified students may join Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), Forensic Society, or the student chapter of American Advertising Federation (AAF). The department also has affiliations with or participation in programs of such professional organizations as Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC), Broadcasting Education Association (BEA), Southern States Communication Association (SSCA), Association for Higher Education Communication Technology Advancement (AHECTA), Freedom Forum, National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), Radio Television Digital News Association (RTNDA), Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, American Society of News Editors (ASNE), and the Poynter Institute.

Arabic Courses

ARAB 1301 Elementary Arabic I: 3 semester hours.

Practice in listening, speaking, reading and writing standard Arabic in order to acquire vocabulary and structures and a general knowledge of Arabic cultures.

ARAB 1302 Elementary Arabic II: 3 semester hours.

Continuation of practice in listening, speaking, reading and writing standard Arabic in order to acquire vocabulary and structures and knowledge of Arabic cultures.
Prerequisites: ARAB 1301 or ARAB 1013.

Chinese Courses

CHIN 1301 Beginning Chinese I: 3 semester hours.

Practice in listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in Chinese to acquire elementary vocabulary and structures and a general knowledge of Chinese culture.

CHIN 1302 Beginning Chinese II: 3 semester hours.

Continuation of acquisition of language skills and culture introduced in Beginning Chinese I.
Prerequisites: CHIN 1301 or CHIN 1013.

CHIN 2311 Intermediate Chinese I: 3 semester hours.

Continuation of acquisition of language skills and culture presented in Beginning Chinese I and II.
Prerequisites: CHIN 1302 or CHIN 1023.

CHIN 2312 Intermediate Chinese II: 3 semester hours.

Continuation of acquisition of language skills and culture on an intermediate level with emphasis on reading, speaking, grammar, writing, and translation.
Prerequisites: CHIN 2311 or CHIN 2013.

Communications Courses

COMM 1160 Forensics Practicum: 1 semester hour.

A practice course for students participating in university forensics or speech contest activities. May be taken for one hour credit per semester for a total of three semester credit hours.

COMM 1307 Introduction to Mass Communication: 3 semester hours.

This course offers students an overview of mass communication, which includes discussion of the mass media industries and academic research in the field. Students further develop their critical thinking skills as they dissect the business models of the media industries. They are also encouraged to explore the complex relationship between communication and culture.

COMM 1311 Introduction to Speech Communication: 3 semester hours.

This course is designed to introduce students to fundamental communication theories, principals and practices. Students will develop public speaking skills, interpersonal skills, and practical applications.

COMM 1318 Interpersonal Communication: 3 semester hours.

This course will examine personal and interpersonal factors affecting communication in everyday life. Emphasis will be placed upon ways in which interpersonal perception, physical environment, semantic choices, and nonverbal cues affect communication primarily in the context of work, family, and other personal experiences.

COMM 1336 Video Production I: 3 semester hours.

This course is an introduction to basic remote digital video production. It relies on practical exercises illustrating key concepts of preproduction, production, and postproduction.

COMM 1342 Voice and Diction: 3 semester hours.

An analysis of the scientific aspects of oral communication: anatomy and physiology of the mechanisms of respiration, phonation, resonance, and articulation. Includes coverage of the International Phonetic Alphabet and an analysis of vowels and consonants and standards of pronunciation.
Prerequisites: COMM 1311 or COMM 1003.

COMM 2300 Media Literacy: 3 semester hours.

In this course, students will be challenged to think critically about the media content they encounter in their daily lives (e.g., film, television, new media, and social media). Throughout the semester, we will analyze, interpret, and evaluate media texts. We will also examine the forces that drive the media industries and reflection the ways the media influence society and culture. Clips, screenings, and other examples will familiarize students with a variety of cultures and prompt students' consideration of different points of view.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1301 or ENGL 1123.

COMM 2303 Digital Audio Production I: 3 semester hours.

This course will introduce students to the basic elements of audio production, including recording techniques, equipment, production, and editing. Students will also be introduced to the history of radio, radio equipment and techniques as well as hands on production for radio broadcast.
Prerequisites: COMM 1713 or COMM 1307.

COMM 2305 Copy and Editing Production: 3 semester hours.

Journalistic desk work, evaluating news copy, making good news judgment, copy editing of local wire news, headline writing, and fundamentals of page layout.
Prerequisites: COMM 1307 or COMM 1713 and (ENGL 1302 or ENGL 1133 or ENGL 1143 or ENGL 2311).

COMM 2311 Broadcast Writing: 3 semester hours.

This course will introduce students to the fundamentals of broadcast journalism. Students will be trained in the range of skills needed to produce audiovisual news content, including researching and writing scripts, conducting interviews, and visual storytelling.
Prerequisites: COMM 2351 or COMM 2513.

COMM 2315 News Writing and Reporting: 3 semester hours.

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of news writing for print and digital media. Students will develop skills in the following areas: identification of newsworthy data, methods of writing leads, as well as writing news and feature stories for publication
Prerequisites: COMM 2351 or COMM 2513.

COMM 2333 Discussion and Small Group Communication: 3 semester hours.

This course emphasizes the role of communication in the dynamics of small group behavior. Group presentations focus on fact-finding, information-sharing, and problem-solving/decision-making processes. Students will learn team-building skills and strengthen their abilities to communicate within a cohesive small group environment.
Prerequisites: COMM 1311 or COMM 1003.

COMM 2335 Argumentation and Debate: 3 semester hours.

An intensive study of the advocacy system with special emphasis on issues identification, use of evidence, and logical proof. Extensive practice in argumentative speaking using current DEDA, NDT, UIL debate topic.
Prerequisites: COMM 1311 or COMM 1003.

COMM 2339 Screen Writing: 3 semester hours.

This course teaches the fundamentals for developing and writing film and television screenplays while studying story structure, character development, plot, tone, arc, and climax. In addition, students will create pitches, synopses, treatments, a premise, a logline, a short film screenplay, and a writers' room TV pilot while mastering screenwriting software.
Prerequisites: COMM 2351 or COMM 2513.

COMM 2351 Principles of Writing for the Discipline: 3 semester hours.

This course will introduce students to the facets of writing for all of the major concentrations within the field of communication. Students will learn skills for writing in professional development, media, performance, technical writing, and research writing.
Prerequisites: COMM 1307 or COMM 1713 and (COMM 1318 or COMM 2603).

COMM 2355 Communication, Globalization, International Media: 3 semester hours.

This course will allow students access to selected forms of international media. They will explore what globalization is and critically analyze current global issues. Interested students will have an option to participate in an international study abroad experience. Participation in a study abroad program is not a requirement for enrollment.

COMM 2371 Visual Communication: 3 semester hours.

This course offers an introduction to the history, principles, theories, techniques, technologies, and applications of visual communication in a variety of media. Students will explore visual communication through critical analysis and application.
Prerequisites: COMM 1713 or COMM 1307.

COMM 2375 Introduction to Performance: 3 semester hours.

Introduce students to the field of oral interpretation and performance studies. Process of creating, communicating, and performing texts from various forms of literature, including poetry, prose, public address, and various forms of media. Includes a focus on the specific challenges and potentialities in writing for performance.
Prerequisites: COMM 1311 or COMM 1003.

COMM 3170 Communication Practicum: 1 semester hour.

Practical Communication experiences in radio-television production of student newspapers, sports information, news editing, public relations, advertising and/or speech communication public service. May be taken for one hour credit per semester for a total of three semester credit hours.

COMM 3304 Multimedia Audio Production and Design: 3 semester hours.

This course teaches all aspects of recording production sound for dialogue, Foley recording, sound effects, and automated dialogue replacement (ADR), as well as post-production (e.g., sound design, sound editing, and sound mixing) using Final Cut Pro X and Audacity. In addition, students will create, record, edit and mix podcasts, voiceovers, and radio commercials—building a professional voiceover reel, sound mixing reel, and podcast show.
Prerequisites: COMM 1733 or COMM 1336.

COMM 3321 Media Management: 3 semester hours.

This course provides an overview of the business principles for various media platforms in a competitive environment, the legal and procedural aspects of traditional and digital media, and the theoretical aspects of media leadership. Students will apply these concepts through content creation and managing their own mock media companies.

COMM 3351 Communication Law & Ethics: 3 semester hours.

This course examines the idea of free speech as it has developed in the United States with attention to mass media law, including topics such as libel, invasion of privacy, and obscenity. In addition to studying media law, students will examine and discuss ethical issues that involve the media. The objective is to develop an understanding of the First Amendment and the role it plays in American society.

COMM 3352 Feature and Magazine Writing: 3 semester hours.

Students learn the techniques used for news gathering and how to write feature articles for newspapers, magazines, and digital media. The course also provides a survey of freelance writing procedures.
Prerequisites: COMM 2351 or COMM 2513.

COMM 3360 Persuasion: 3 semester hours.

In this course, students will study the nature, necessity, and ethics of persuasion. They will explore how persuasion has impacted communication and society through history and current trends. Students will also learn about the many correlated facets of persuasion such as deception, visual persuasion, and also persuasion in advertising. Students will present speeches and group projects with different persuasive concepts driving each. This course explores the nature, necessity, and ethics of persuasion. Students will explore how persuasion has impacted communication and society and also learn about the many correlated facets of persuasion—such as deception, visual persuasion, and persuasion in advertising. They will present speeches and group projects with different persuasive concepts driving each.
Prerequisites: COMM 1311 or COMM 1003.

COMM 3364 Nonverbal Communication: 3 semester hours.

This course covers basic nonverbal communication theories and research.

COMM 3365 Gender Communication: 3 semester hours.

This course introduces students to contemporary communication theory and research on the interconnections between gender and communication.

COMM 3366 Intercultural Communication: 3 semester hours.

This course examines communication between individuals of different cultures and subcultures and explores practical guidelines for mitigating miscommunication across cultures.

COMM 3371 Communication Technology: 3 semester hours.

In this course, students will explore the impact of digital media on culture and society and investigate how these devices shape the way we work, play, think, and interact with others. Students will participate in rich discussions on a number of topics, which could include online romance, media piracy, and virtual communities, among others.

COMM 3372 Digital Video Production I: 3 semester hours.

This course is designed to familiarize students with pre-production, single-camera digital video production, and post-production. In addition, students will learn the technology, art, and practices involved in compelling visual storytelling. By completing this course, students will have a foundational understanding of and gain practical experience in writing, producing, directing, shooting, and editing digital content with a completed project ready for the film festival circuit or broadcast in various media.
Prerequisites: (COMM 1713 or COMM 1307) and ((COMM 2513 or COMM 2351) or (COMM 2523 or COMM 2311) or (COMM 2533 or COMM 2339) or (COMM 2543 or COMM 2315)).

COMM 3373 Television Studio Production: 3 semester hours.

An introductory level study of current television studio practices. This course encompasses content development, basic television system operation, and production elements.
Prerequisites: (COMM 1713 or COMM 1307) and ((COMM 2513 or COMM 2351) or (COMM 2533 or COMM 2339) or (COMM 2543 or COMM 2315)).

COMM 3374 Principles of Advertising: 3 semester hours.

This course introduces students to the world of advertising, including the structure of the industry, the structure of ads, and its role in American culture. Students are trained to think more critically, strategically, and creatively through the development of original advertising campaigns.

COMM 3375 Principles of Public Relations: 3 semester hours.

This course will provide a comprehensive understanding of public relations’ role in organizations and society. Students will explore how public relations has developed as a discipline and the contemporary role of public relations in everyday communication between publics. They will learn to write their own press releases, build comprehensive communication plans for organizations, and create media related to those organizations’ PR plans.

COMM 3385 Communication as Storytelling: 3 semester hours.

This course examines the ways in which personal and cultural identities are created, shaped, and shared through oral traditions. Using narrative analysis and the writing and performance of texts, students explore what narratives tell about themselves, individually and communally.
Prerequisites: COMM 2375.

COMM 3399 Independent Study: 1-3 semester hour.

Readings, research, and /or field work on selected topics at the 1000 through the 3000 levels.

COMM 4344 The Message: Hip Hop as Communication: 3 semester hours.

Students will learn to critically analyze hip hop media texts and utilize these texts as lenses for examining contemporary society. Students will not only develop a greater appreciation for hip hop as a communicative tool (not unlike classic novels, poetry, and other literary forms), but they will also be challenged to think deeply and reflectively about a wide variety of social issues.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1133 or ENGL 1302 or ENGL 1143 or ENGL 2311.

COMM 4350 Media Criticism: 3 semester hours.

This course introduces students to the theories, concepts, and debates of media studies scholarship. Students will engage in intensive academic reading and writing. Topics include, but are not limited to media representation, social construction of reality, media activism, and globalization.
Prerequisites: COMM 2351 or COMM 2513.

COMM 4351 Rhetorical Criticism: 3 semester hours.

This course involves the study of important decisions in rhetorical criticism with the emphasis on the analysis of standards and methods of evaluation.
Prerequisites: COMM 2351 or COMM 2513.

COMM 4352 Communication Theory: 3 semester hours.

This course takes a close, critical look at some of the most important contemporary theories of human communication, emphasizing their practical implications for society and our everyday lives.
Prerequisites: COMM 2351 or COMM 2513.

COMM 4353 Communication Research: 3 semester hours.

This course focuses on the academic research process—from defining research questions to designing studies and reporting results. Students will learn about the most common data-gathering and measurement techniques in Communication research, including experiments, surveys, content analysis, historical analysis, and qualitative methods.
Prerequisites: COMM 2351 or COMM 2513.

COMM 4354 Advanced Writing for the Discipline: 3 semester hours.

Students will learn and apply advanced methods and theories of writing for the communication discipline, producing a major research paper, literature review or performative writing project. This course will cover advanced elements of source citation, style, research writing formats and content.
Prerequisites: COMM 2351 or COMM 2513.

COMM 4360 Organizational Communications: 3 semester hours.

An advanced course in management of human resources through communication skills in interviewing, briefing, consulting, and decision-making. Focuses on analyzing and evaluating patterns of communication within social, cultural, and industrial, and academic organizations.

COMM 4361 Political Communication: 3 semester hours.

This course involves a critical evaluation of political campaigns. It examines the theory and practice of selected topics in communication related to political persuasion.

COMM 4369 Special Topics in Communication Studies: 3 semester hours.

Intensive study of selected topics in communication studies such as rhetoric, performance, interpersonal, intercultural, and organizational. Areas covered will rotate by term and instructor. This course is repeatable with change in topic up to 6 semester hours.
Prerequisites: COMM 2351 or COMM 2513.

COMM 4370 Professional Internship: 3 semester hours.

This course requires students to spend the semester working in a professional setting. Internships must be secured in a mass communication-related field and approved in advance by the instructor. Media professionals and faculty provide direct supervision and feedback on the student’s performance. The internship must be off campus (unless by permission of department head). This course can be repeated for up to 6 semester credit hours.

COMM 4371 Voice and Performance: 3 semester hours.

This course gives students a wide range of performance skills suited for live audiences. Students will perform in class and laboratory setting to develop their vocal and kinesthetic abilities in preparation for live performance.
Prerequisites: (ENGL 1133 or ENGL 1302 or ENGL 1143 or ENGL 2311) and COMM 2375.

COMM 4372 Digital Video Production II: 3 semester hours.

An advanced study of current approaches, practices and trends in digital video production. This course encompasses preproduction, production, and postproduction, including content development, manipulation, and effects.
Prerequisites: COMM 3372 or COMM 3723.

COMM 4373 Advanced Nonlinear Editing: 3 semester hours.

This advanced nonlinear editing course builds upon a student's technical knowledge of nonlinear editing, allowing him or her to investigate the aesthetic and structural challenges faced when editing different types of projects. This course covers advanced editing preference setup, different video capture methods, and video/audio effect applications.
Prerequisites: COMM 3372 or COMM 3723.

COMM 4375 Advanced Performance: 3 semester hours.

Examination of the interconnections between the narrative structure of everyday life and using performance as a metaphor and a method of studying identity and culture. Includes research of texts and performance practices and how these impact social issues.
Prerequisites: COMM 2375.

COMM 4379 Special Topics in Mass Communication: 3 semester hours.

Intensive study of selected topics in mass communication areas, including but not limited to media studies, film studies, media production and new media. Area covered will rotate by term and instructor. This course is repeatable with change in topics.
Prerequisites: COMM 2351 or COMM 2513.

COMM 4389 Senior Communication Capstone: 3 semester hours.

Course offers a critical examination of various aspects of communication. Students will develop a portfolio that demonstrates successful integration of ideas from across the communication major curriculum.
Prerequisites: COMM 2351 or COMM 2513.

COMM 4399 Independent Study: 1-3 semester hour.

Readings, research, and/or field work on selected topics.

English Courses

ENGL 0010 Writing Basics Lab I: 0 semester hours.

This is a basic writing course designed to focus on the basic elements of composition writing to include the writing process, writing mechanics, sentence structure, and paragraph writing. There is a strong emphasis on identifying correct sentence structure and mechanics in written material and drafting topic sentences that introduce unified, coherent paragraphs. Classroom instruction is enhanced by required lab-based activities.

ENGL 0021 Non-course Based Option I - Integrated Reading and Writing: 0 semester hours.

This non-course based option is designed to provide individualized integrated reading and writing instructions to students who did not successfully complete ENGL 0313-Integrated Reading and Writing II.
Prerequisites: ENGL 0313 or ENGL 0133.

ENGL 0030 Comp Writing Skills: 0 semester hours.

This course will enhance reading and writing skills with a major focus on the essay format. It will facilitate the student's writing proficiency with an emphasis on development of paragraphs, themes, and reports as needed for college level reading and writing
Co-requisite: ENGL 1301.

ENGL 0111 Integrated Reading & Writing Review Skills: 1 semester hour.

This course will enhance the student’s performance in Freshman Composition I. The learner will improve skills in critical thinking, grammar and mechanics, and sentence and paragraph writing. Students will also be introduced to and develop a basic understanding of rhetorical analysis and essay writing necessary for successful completion of Freshman Composition I. This course is a corequisite course for students who have not passed the Reading and/or English sections of the TSI and must be taken concurrently with Freshman Composition I.
Co-requisite: ENGL 1301.

ENGL 0311 Integrated Reading and Writing Review Skills: 1 semester hour.

This is an intermediate level reading and writing course designed to improve students ability to develop paragraphs, essays, and short themes.

ENGL 0313 Integrated Reading and Writing II: 3 semester hours.

This is an advanced reading and writing course designed to prepare students for Freshman Composition I. Topics include basic reading and advanced critical writing skills. Students will be expected to write compositions similar to those assigned in Freshman Composition I. Emphasis on use of enhanced editing skills, writing multi-paragraph essays, paraphrasing paragraphs and longer passages.
Prerequisites: (TSI DIAG MainIdea with a score of 04 and TSI DIAG AuthorLang with a score of 04 and TSI DIAG SentStruc with a score of 05 and TSI DIAG Agree with a score of 05) or ENGL 0311 or (TSI DIAG MainIdea with a score of 04 and TSI DIAG AuthorLang with a score of 04) or (TSI DIAG SentStruc with a score of 05 and TSI DIAG Agree with a score of 05).

ENGL 1301 Freshman Composition I: 3 semester hours.

A writing course focused on composing strong arguments through critical thinking and analysis of primary and secondary source material. The course emphasizes rhetorical awareness in writing essays for a variety of audiences and purposes. Students will actively participate in peer workshops and demonstrate awareness of general research methods and ethics.

ENGL 1302 Freshman Composition II: 3 semester hours.

A writing course that emphasizes rhetorical analysis and critical thinking, advanced research and documentation, and writing extended arguments for academic audiences. Students will actively participate in peer workshops and demonstrate an awareness of academic research methods and ethics.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1301 or ENGL 1123.

ENGL 2307 Introduction to Creative Writing: 3 semester hours.

Introductory course in three fundamental creative forms: poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1302 or ENGL 1133.

ENGL 2311 Technical and Business Writing: 3 semester hours.

Application of principles of composition and rhetoric to genres of scientific and technical writing including proposals, formal reports, presentations, business and scientific correspondence, manuals, technical articles and reports. Students will undertake a full-scale project through proposal and research with formal oral and written presentations of a documented technical project from the student's major field of study.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1301 or ENGL 1123.

ENGL 2314 Advanced Composition: 3 semester hours.

Study and practice of advanced academic reading and writing through cultural studies, research projects, and critical, rhetorical, and literary analysis.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1302 or ENGL 1133.

ENGL 2322 British Literature I: 3 semester hours.

Critical examination of poetry, prose, and drama from the Anglo-Saxon to the Neoclassical period, emphasizing their historical and cultural contexts.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1302 or ENGL 1133.

ENGL 2323 British Literature II: 3 semester hours.

Critical examination of poetry, prose, and drama from the neoclassical period to the present, emphasizing their historical and cultural contexts.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1302 or ENGL 1133.

ENGL 2324 Introduction to African Literature: 3 semester hours.

Critical examination of the development of African literature, emphasizing historical and cultural contexts, and literary analysis.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1302 or ENGL 1133 or ENGL 1143 or ENGL 2311.

ENGL 2325 Adolescent Literature: 3 semester hours.

This course provides a theoretical base for analyzing the content and structure of popular and classical adolescent literature. It emphasizes content, imaginative structures, cultural issues, and the influence of various adolescent texts on other literary forms and on literary history.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1301 or ENGL 1123 and (ENGL 1302 or ENGL 1133).

ENGL 2327 American Literature I: 3 semester hours.

Critical examination of the colonial period to 1865, including poetry, prose, and drama in their historical and cultural contexts.
Prerequisites: (ENGL 1302 or ENGL 1133) or (ENGL 2311 or ENGL 1143).

ENGL 2328 American Literature II: 3 semester hours.

Critical examination of the period 1865 to the present, including poetry, prose, and drama in their historical and cultural contents.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1302 or ENGL 1133 or ENGL 1143 or ENGL 2311.

ENGL 2330 Introduction to Film: 3 semester hours.

Introducing students to the terminology, concepts, history, and criticism of film, this course enables students to critically examine film as a text within its social, cultural, and historical contexts.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1301 or ENGL 1123.

ENGL 2331 Survey of World Literature: 3 semester hours.

A survey of representative works and translations of major authors and texts from the earliest literature to the present and from various world cultures.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1301 or ENGL 1123.

ENGL 2334 Studies in Literature: 3 semester hours.

Study of prose or verse in an area unified by period, theme, language source, or nation of origin, consisting of multiple genres. This course introduces students to studies in such areas as genre, literary movements, gender, and ethnic literatures.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1301 or ENGL 1123.

ENGL 2341 Introduction to Literature: 3 semester hours.

Introductory study of the form, structure, and content of literary genres; interpretation and analytical thinking and intensive writing about literature.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1301 or ENGL 1123.

ENGL 3302 Creative Writing Practices: 3 semester hours.

An intermediate course that focuses on the practices and techniques of creative writing, with special attention to the three fundamental creative forms: poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. The course also covers effective strategies for teaching creative writing and using creative writing as a pedagogical tool within other disciplines.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1302 or ENGL 1133 or ENGL 1143 or ENGL 2311.

ENGL 3304 Professional Writing for Electronic Media: 3 semester hours.

Application of principles of effective professional writing to the planning, production, and evaluation of electronic media, emphasizing writing that employs new forms of electronic communication such as electronic mail, web pages, and other dynamic interactive modes.
Prerequisites: (ENGL 2311 or ENGL 1143) or (ENGL 1302 or ENGL 1133).

ENGL 3305 Survey of African-American Literature: 3 semester hours.

Critical examination of selected oral and written poetry, prose, and drama dealing with the African American experience from the colonial period to the present, emphasizing historical and cultural context and literary analysis.
Prerequisites: (ENGL 1302 or ENGL 1133) or (ENGL 2311 or ENGL 1143).

ENGL 3306 Studies in African-American Literature: 3 semester hours.

Comprehensive critical examination of the works of a single writer, group of writers, literary genre, significant period or periods, emphasizing historical and cultural context and literary analysis.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1302 or ENGL 1133 or ENGL 1143 or ENGL 2311.

ENGL 3307 Writing for Legal Professions: 3 semester hours.

Application of principles of effective professional writing as well as legal research and reasoning to the production of well-structured and well-written documents related to the legal professions, including but not limited to case briefs, legal memoranda, and legal correspondence.
Prerequisites: (ENGL 1302 or ENGL 1133) or (ENGL 1143 or ENGL 2311).

ENGL 3308 Literature of the African Diaspora: 3 semester hours.

Critical examination of fiction, poetry, drama, folktales, and other literatures produced by people of African descent from around the globe, including but not limited to Europe, the Americas, the Caribbean, Asia, and the South Pacific. Texts may span the precolonial, colonial, and postcolonial periods and cover a wide range of themes related to the Black experience within global communities.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1302 or ENGL 1133 or ENGL 1143 or ENGL 2311.

ENGL 3315 Literary Theory and Criticism: 3 semester hours.

A study of theoretical texts and the critical methods essential to textual analysis. The course will emphasize applications of literary theory and criticism in the interpretation of poetry, fiction, and drama.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1302 or ENGL 1133.

ENGL 3322 Advanced Grammar: 3 semester hours.

Study of morphology, syntax, and semantics of the English language, conventional grammatical terminology, inflectional forms, grammatical classifications, and structural patterns.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1302 or ENGL 1133.

ENGL 3324 Studies in American Literature: 3 semester hours.

Comprehensive critical examination of the works of a group of writers, literary genre, theme, significant period or periods, emphasizing historical and cultural context and literary analysis.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1302 or ENGL 1133 or ENGL 1143 or ENGL 2311.

ENGL 3330 Fiction Writing Workshop: 3 semester hours.

A workshop course focused on the fundamentals of writing fiction, with an emphasis on short fiction. Students will study the craft of writing fiction as exemplified within contemporary examples and will produce original fiction through workshop sessions covering all stages of the writing process, including brainstorming, planning, drafting, peer review, revision, and editing.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1302 or ENGL 1133 or ENGL 1143 or ENGL 2311.

ENGL 3334 Poetry Writing Workshop: 3 semester hours.

A workshop course focused on the fundamentals of writing poetry of various forms. Students will study the craft of writing poetry as exemplified writing contemporary examples and will produce original poetry through workshop sessions covering all stages of the writing process, including brainstorming, planning, drafting, peer review, revision, and editing.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1302 or ENGL 1133 or ENGL 1143 or ENGL 2311.

ENGL 3399 Independent Study: 1-3 semester hour.

Readings, research, and /or field work on selected topics at the 3000 level.

ENGL 4300 Studies in Teaching ELAR: 3 semester hours.

Advanced course on pedagogy and best practices for teaching English Language Arts and Reading (ELAR) for grades 7-12 based on current NCTE standards.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1302 or ENGL 1133.

ENGL 4322 Shakespeare: 3 semester hours.

Critical examination of Shakespeare's representative comedies, histories, and tragedies, emphasizing a study of their historical, cultural, and literary contexts. Course may include his non-dramatic works.
Prerequisites: (ENGL 1302 or ENGL 1133) or (ENGL 2311 or ENGL 1143).

ENGL 4326 Toni Morrison: 3 semester hours.

Critical examination of the works of Toni Morrison, emphasizing a study of their historical, cultural, and literary contexts.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1302 or ENGL 1133 or ENGL 1143 or ENGL 2311.

ENGL 4343 Special Topics in English: 3 semester hours.

Seminar offers a critical examination of a topic within the instructor's field of specialization. Emphasis on scholarly analysis and research allows students to demonstrate the capacity to bring information, skills, and ideas acquired from the English major and various curricula to bear on a major project. May be repeated once for credit when the topic varies.
Prerequisites: ENGL 3315 or ENGL 3153 or ENGL 3305 or ENGL 3053 or ENGL 3306 or ENGL 3063 or ENGL 3243 or ENGL 3324.

ENGL 4399 Independent Study: 1-3 semester hour.

Readings, research, and/or field work on selected topics.

Spanish Courses

SPAN 1301 Elementary Spanish I: 3 semester hours.

Practice in listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in Spanish to acquire elementary vocabulary and structures and a general knowledge of Hispanic culture.

SPAN 1302 Elementary Spanish II: 3 semester hours.

Continuation of acquisition of language skills and culture introduced in Elementary Spanish 1.

SPAN 2311 Intermediate Spanish I: 3 semester hours.

Continuation of acquisition of language skills and culture presented in Elementary Spanish I and II.

SPAN 2312 Intermediate Spanish II: 3 semester hours.

Continuation of acquisition of language skills and culture on an intermediate level with emphasis on reading and discussion, grammar review, and use of idioms.

SPAN 2315 Spanish for Healthcare Professions: 3 semester hours.

Practice in listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in Spanish to acquire elementary medical vocabulary and expressions. Research work on selected topics.
Prerequisites: SPAN 1302 or SPAN 1023.

SPAN 2317 Spanish for Law Enforcement: 3 semester hours.

Practice in listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in Spanish to acquire elementary law enforcement vocabulary and basic communication.
Prerequisites: SPAN 1302 or SPAN 1023.

SPAN 2320 Spanish Conversation: 3 semester hours.

Practice in oral conversation. Guided conversation involving the vocabulary of everyday situations.
Prerequisites: SPAN 1302 or SPAN 1023.

SPAN 2321 Spanish Composition: 3 semester hours.

Practice in written composition. Salient principles of grammar and syntax in written work.
Prerequisites: SPAN 1302 or SPAN 1023.

SPAN 3302 Survey of Spanish Literature I: 3 semester hours.

Representative selections and masterpieces of the literature of Spain from Poema del Cid to the eighteenth century.
Prerequisites: SPAN 2312 or SPAN 2023.

SPAN 3307 Spanish-American Literature II: 3 semester hours.

A survey of Spanish-American literature since the Modernista movement.
Prerequisites: SPAN 2312 or SPAN 2023.

SPAN 3309 Hispanic Civilization and Culture I: 3 semester hours.

Main currents of the intellectual, political, and economic history of Spain.
Prerequisites: SPAN 2312 or SPAN 2023.

SPAN 3330 Hispanic American Film: 3 semester hours.

This course is an introduction to the terminology, concepts, and criticism of film. It enables students to examine film within its social, cultural, and historical contexts with an emphasis on the ways filmmakers use angles, lenses, sound, lighting, color, and editing.
Prerequisites: SPAN 2312 or SPAN 2023.

SPAN 3340 Latin American Detective Fiction: 3 semester hours.

Representative selections of detective fiction of Latin America from the twentieth century to the present. It enables students to examine detective fiction within its social, cultural, and historical contexts.
Prerequisites: SPAN 2023 or SPAN 2312.

SPAN 4300 Hispanic Civilization and Culture II: 3 semester hours.

Main currents of the intellectual, political, and economic history of Mexico in particular and of Latin America in general.
Prerequisites: SPAN 2312 or SPAN 2023.

SPAN 4306 Spanish Applied Linguistics: 3 semester hours.

Practical study of the application of linguistics to the teaching of Spanish phonology, morphology, syntax, vocabulary, literature, and culture.
Prerequisites: SPAN 2312 or SPAN 2023 and (SPAN 3320 or SPAN 3203) and (SPAN 3321 or SPAN 3213).

SPAN 4343 Special Topics in Spanish: 3 semester hours.

Seminar offers a critical examination of a topic within the instructor's field of specialization. Emphasis on scholarly analysis and research allows students to demonstrate the capacity to bring information, skills, and ideas acquired from the Spanish major and various curricula to bear on a topic or project.
Prerequisites: SPAN 2312 or SPAN 2023.

SPAN 4399 Independent Study: 3 semester hours.

Readings, research, and/or field work on selected topics.
Prerequisites: SPAN 2312 or SPAN 2023.

Academic Catalog 2024-2025