PCM 101 Introduction to Professional
Communication
(3 Credits)
This course introduces the student to the foundations of communication
and facilitates conscious, meaningful use of communication. She develops
a broad grasp of communication theories, processes, and contexts. specific
areas of study include nonverbal, perceptual, organizational, mass media,
and intercultural communication.
PCM 120 (also MGT 120) Interpersonal and Group
Communication (3 Credits)
In this course, the student is introduced to the underlying assumptions,
theories, and applications of communication theory and social psychology
to interpersonal and group research and behavior. She has the opportunity
to learn and improve her individual interaction skills, using both interpersonal
and task-oriented models, and to develop the ability to analyze her own
and others' behavior.
PCM 130 Writing: The Editing Process (3 credits)
Prereq. CM 111 - The student refines her ability to write for specific
purposes and specific audiences in situations involving the translation
of new and /or technical information. She also learns to edit her writing
and that of others to meet the demands of varied formats, functions,
and audiences. With a preliminary investigation of readability research,
she focuses on clarity of presentations.
PCM 170* Graphic Design (3 credits)
Prereq. CM 111 - The course emphasizes the principles of design as
they relate to the visual presentation of information. The student
learns to use desktop publishing software and computer systems to design
print media layouts. She also learns to apply compositional and technical
criteria in photography projects and develops a repertory of skills
for critically viewing, selecting, and/or producing visual media.
PCM 200* Public Communication:
Principles and Practices (3 credits)
Prereq. PCM 101: PCM 130 - In this course, the student learns to apply
theoretical frameworks that help her become an effective public communicator.
Drawing on the Integrated Communication Seminars, she links prior learning
to the discipline of communication, focusing on informative, persuasive,
and multipurpose presentations. She uses frameworks that include classical
rhetorical principles, discourse analysis, psychological and sociological
theories of audience analysis, and mediated message reception to prepare
and present her ideas effectively. She collaborates with peers to research,
organize, and deliver group presentations.
PCM 230 Influence and General Semantics (3 credits)
TBA
PCM 250* Mirco and Mass Media Communication (3
credits) Weekend Students OR (PCM 320 Advanced Media
Studies and Multimedia Presentation)
Prereq. PCM 170; PCM 230. Note: WEC PCM Majors
are strongly advised to take PCM 250 before taking PCM 320 - Through production
and engaging text-based activities, the student builds a solid fondation
of mulitmedia and web software knowledge, design techniqies, and problem-solving
strategies for creating effective digital media messages. She adapts
communication models to guide her projects and learns how audience
diversity in mass and mirco media contexts, media history, ethical-legal
issues, and technical systems influence message design and user/ audience
interaction.
PCM 300 Advanced Writing: Professional Applications
(3 credits)
Prereq. PCM 170; PCM 200; PCM 230 - Building on communication
theory and demonstrated effective writing strategies, the student expands
her ability to write in various areas of professional writing, including
creative, news, media, technical, and public relations. She learns
and applies guidelines for publications. In addition to developing
a refined awareness of and sensitivity to various audiences and purposes,
she begins to create her own professional writing portfolio.
PCM 320* Advanced Media
Studies and Multimedia Presentation (3 credits) OR (Mirco and Mass Media Communication (3
credits) Weekend Students)
Prereq. PCM 170: PCM 200; PCM 230. WDC PCM Majors-
concurrent registration with AC 362. Note: WEC PCM Majors are strongly
advised to take PCM 250 before taking PCM 320. Media analysis, public performance,
and digital video production projects form the learning core of this
advanced-level course. The student works with media theory and cultural
studies to investigate media's social impact. Within professional and
personal contexts, she refines critical and creative skills to design,
produce, and evaluate multimedia messages that support a sophisticated
level of presentation work. She also draws upon her knowledge of media
and production to create a final digital video project.
PCM
400 Communication Theory and Research
(3 credits)
Prereq. PCM 250 or 320; AC 413 or concurrent registration -
Deeper understandings of major Theoretical perspectives and research
methods in the communication discipline and profession are emphasized
in this upper-level course. The student examines how communication theory
and research informs professional practice and how professional practice
informs communication theory. She employs a systematic approach to prepare
an extensive proposal for problem-base communication research. Her work
supports and prepares her for such contexts as graduate school and grant
writing.
PCM 480 Critical
Issues and Ethics in Contemporary Communication (3 credits)
Prereq. PCM 250 or 320; PCM 300 - In this course, the student
critically examines and systematically reflects on principles of communication
ethics and theoretical perspectives in professional practices. Case
studies provide her opportunities to apply her understanding of theoretical
frameworks to the complex valuing and decision-making processes inherent
in the various forms of communication.
PCM 499 Professional Practice Seminar
(3 Credits)
Prereq. For WEC: AC 413 completed. Concurrent
registration in AC 463. For WDC: PCM 480 completed - In this capstone
course, the student chooses a final, semester-long project in which
she synthesizes her learning. In completing the project, she demonstrates
proficiency in her chosen mode of communication, examines and applies
professional standards and communication codes of ethics in complex
professional situations, gives evidence of applied research, and shows
refined presentation skills. The student prepares a professional resume
and portfolio.
* Software labs offered at the beginning of each semester. Check the Course Offerings booklet for registration information.
