20 courses with the subject COMM, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
COMM 152Effective Speaking
This course introduces the principles of effective speaking that will allow students to increase their effectiveness in a wide range of public and social settings. Topics covered include: content selection and organization, audience analysis, the use of technology, non- verbal communication analysis, and the use of visuals. Students will develop and deliver a minimum of six speeches on a wide range of topics. The primary goal is to increase students’ skill and comfort level in delivering presentations extemporaneously. 3 Hours, 1 Semester
This introductory course will critically examine films as pieces of art, as well as cultural artifacts. Film techniques, such as direction, acting, production, and music, will be analyzed to understand the artistic choices made and the tools necessary to enact them. The course will consider cultural meanings created by and reflected in films, with special attention to issues of race, class, gender, disability and sexuality. The ethics of film making will also be explored. 3 Hours, 1 Semester
This course includes a survey of basic theories of the human communication process, and an examination of communication in the following contexts: (1) interpersonal communication, (2) inter/intra cultural communications, (3) group communication, (4) mass communication, and (5) organizational communication. 3 Hours, 1 Semester
Given that media informs our daily lives in a multitude of ways, it is important to critically examine and analyze how it affects us on both a cultural and individual level. The impact that media has on methods of communication, as well as on our personal and societal notions of identity will be explored, with special attention to issues of race, class, gender, and sexual orientation. 3 Hours, 1 Semester
This course is an introduction to issues in interpersonal communication, examined from the perspective of communication competence, with an emphasis on improving interpersonal skills and increasing communication competence in everyday social and professional exchanges. The course covers an array of concepts and theories including developmental and cultural influences, the power of words, non-verbal communication, mindful listening, conflict management, friendship, and intimate romantic relationships. 3 Hours, 1 Semester
The class focuses on the creation of visual material using several industry-standard software programs, and will be conducted in the computer lab and Visual Media Studio. Students will learn to generate visually interesting, informational, professional-level material using programs such as Photoshop and Final Cut Pro that are necessary for the production of video, infographics, and photographic imagery. Students will learn which software to use and combine to generate visual material effectively. 3 Hours, 1 Semester
This course will address a specific topic in the field of communication. Topics may vary, due to the rapidly changing nature of the discipline, and may reflect current trends, practices, or methodologies. 3 Hours, 1 Semester Return to Table of Contents Nichols College 2026-2027 Catalog 127
This advanced communication course will cover the theories of organizational communication, the role of communication in organizations, communicating with and between key stakeholders such as employees and management, conflict and negotiation, and ethical communication. Students will analyze real cases and propose and debate alternative solutions. 3 Hours, 1 Semester
This course will delve into the unique characteristics of and challenges facing women in the workplace today. The biological and sociological theories of gender differences will be explored, as will gender-based communication and leadership styles. The current state of women in leadership around the world will be examined, with students completing a statistical research project. Students will examine and reflect on their own leadership and work styles, as well as practice professional skills of particular interest to women. 3 Hours, 1 Semester Return to Table of Contents Nichols College 2026-2027 Catalog 126
This course will introduce students to the art of persuasion - how to influence others through the medium of reasoned, ethical discourse. Via study, discussion, and practice, students will learn the behaviors of persuasive communicators, including how to effectively engage in analysis, develop sound research techniques, and rigorously evaluate data and information. In addition to oral assignments and activities, they will write argumentative essays as a means of developing, organizing, and expressing their ideas clearly and concisely. Students will learn to employ logical, emotional, and ethical appeals, and should emerge from the course as stronger critical thinkers who engage in socially responsible rhetoric. 3 Hours, 1 Semester
Storytelling is an important part of communication in all different mediums – social media, advertising/marketing, film, television, music, and books. Given that we create and deliver stories in all aspects of our lives, this course will examine the structure of stories, the best practices for gathering and telling stories, and the process for effectively delivering stories. Students will learn to both interpret/analyze storytelling and create stories in a variety of forms: written, oral, and visual. 3 Hours, 1 Semester
This course is designed to give students a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of operating a Visual Media Studio and creating branded content for social media marketing. Students will learn how to operate the facility and its equipment while developing and implementing effective branding strategies and creating compelling digital content. The course will also cover the various media formats, including video, image, and audio, and how to optimize them for their client’s different social media platforms. By the end of the course, students will have the skills to operate a studio, create and execute successful social media campaigns, and understand the importance of branding and content creation in today’s digital landscape 3 Hours, 1 Semester
This course explores how we address the ethics of communication, particularly within the workplace, how to adjust and adapt communication styles to be effective in a diverse workplace, and how to recognize, interpret, and respond to different communication needs, including neurodiversity. We must consider justice, ethics, fairness, and care to work well with others professionally and personally. In this course, you will learn how to identify the foundation of your personal ethics, how your ethics are applied in various practical scenarios, and how to best communicate by addressing others’ communication needs. 3 Hours, 1 Semester
This course will examine the relationship of understanding the role of the self in understanding others who may hold differing values. This is a vital component since, according to the researcher and writer James Neuliep, “culture teaches us how to think, conditions one how to feel, and instructs one how to act, especially how to interact with others.” In other words, our understanding of ourselves and how we become that way helps us to understand others and how they became the way they are. We need to establish the idea in our consciousness that our understanding of how important our essence, our cultural identity, is to us, is equally important to people from other cultures’ understanding of themselves. By moving to this understanding of difference, we gain a stronger sense of how important it is to find ways to be productive with others. With current markets being so globally focused, and people coming to the US from other places, it is quite likely that professionals will need to have this ability as global markets continue to shrink 3 Hours, 1 Semester
The five experiential courses listed above require approval of the Program Chair. The prerequisites are, minimally, COMM 247 and 60 credit hours earned; other prerequisites may apply. See “Experiential Learning” in the Other Academic Programs section for course descriptions and governing policies.
