153 courses with the subject COM, 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.
An introduction to the discipline of Communication through an overview of related subfields, including their history, influential theories, and trends in research and practice.
The use of argumentative techniques in oral advocacy: research, speeches, and debate. (D)
A study of the theory and practice of public address. Lab experiences in the preparation, delivery, and critique of informative and persuasive speeches. (D)
Introduction to relational communication theory, research and principles. (D)
Introduction to the major theories and aesthetics of motion pictures and other media forms through a study of styles related to writing, directing, cinematography, editing, and sound. Students are introduced to oral, written, and visual competencies required for successful completion of the major or minor. (D)
Provides a broad and basic understanding of the principles of integrated marketing communication in all its forms. The course is a foundational course for the ICS concentration for those wishing to pursue marketing communication as a career. Covers the building blocks of integrated marketing communication, the strategic use of such communication to reach a specific target across multiple media platforms, and the understanding of how to develop and shape messages to suit platform, purpose and audience. (D)
An introduction to the theory and practice of broadcast journalism. Topics will include ethics, technology, and the media as industry. Projects will address writing, producing, and performing for radio and television. Also listed as JOU 355.
An introduction to methodological design and univariate statistics as used in communication research. (QR)
Introduces students to rhetorical theory and criticism with a view to researching and composing a critical essay in the field.
Theoretical and applied study of new digital technologies. Students produce a short-form interactive media project. Offered only in Salamanca.
A historical survey of mass media and an examination of major contemporary media issues. (D)
Explores the various forms of Black popular culture and the cultural and intellectual politics the inform its reception and representation by scholars and the general public. Also listed as AAS 207.
Students produce a variety of short-form media projects. P-COM 120.
A project-based exploration of sound design and soundtracks for media, film, and performance. Assignments will include field recording, Foley, ADR, synthesis, mixing, mastering, and using artificial intelligence for soundtracking and underscoring. No prior knowledge or experience is necessary. CCM, production.
Exploration of communication in today’s workplaces and the expectations for leaders and employees to communicate “entrepreneurially.” Focus on communication across settings where teamwork is prioritized. Also listed as ENT 250.
Principles and techniques of public relations and applied advertising. Students use case studies to develop public relations and advertising strategies. P-COM 162.
This course outlines the principles and practice of digital and social media marketing in integrated marketing communication. Includes the digital consumer journey, the role of major social media platforms in engaging consumers, and the importance of a data-driven approach to measuring effectiveness.
An examination of selected topics in communication. May be repeated for credit if topic varies.
Learn about sportscasting through hands-on projects that involve writing, reporting, anchoring, play-by-play and hosting. Go behind the scenes with a diverse group of working sportscasters, who will show and tell what their jobs entail.
History, principles, discourse, community narratives, and complexities of the environmental justice movement and framework.
Exploration of environmental communication strategies used globally and curation of stories for public audiences. Also listed as ENV 275.
Individual communication internships to be approved, supervised, and evaluated by an appropriate faculty advisor. May be repeated for credit. Pass/Fail only. P-Prerequisite override required.
Individual projects in debate to be approved, supervised and evaluated by an appropriate faculty advisor. May be repeated for credit. Pass/Fail only. P-Prerequisite override required.
Individual projects in debate to be approved, supervised and evaluated by an appropriate faculty advisor. May be repeated for credit. Pass/Fail only. P-Prerequisite override required.
Individual projects or collaborations with appropriate professionals in media production to be approved, supervised, and evaluated by a faculty advisor. May be repeated for credit. Pass/Fail only. P-Prerequisite override required.
Individual projects or collaborations with appropriate professionals in media production to be approved, supervised, and evaluated by a faculty advisor. May be repeated for credit. Pass/Fail only. P-Prerequisite override required. Combined Bulletin 2026-2027 131
Directed study in an area of interest to be approved and supervised by a faculty advisor. May be repeated for credit. P-Prerequisite override required.
Credit opportunities for students to collaborate with faculty on research projects. Awards credit to students assisting faculty with research initiatives led by the faculty. Projects may be short term, culminating in presentation or publication, or longitudinal, where the student participates in an on-going effort. May be repeated for credit. Pass/Fail only. P-Prerequisite override required.
Credit opportunities for students to collaborate with faculty on research projects. Awards credit to students assisting faculty with research initiatives led by the faculty. Projects may be short term, culminating in presentation or publication, or longitudinal, where the student participates in an on-going effort. May be repeated for credit. Pass/Fail only. P-Prerequisite override required.
Democracy in Greece and Rome
Explores the conventions and variations of film and media genres such as Science Fiction, Horror, Western, Anime, Epic, Noir, and others (content variable). Explores the history of the content in an international context from the beginning of the genre to the present. Film Genre may be repeated for credit as long as the genre type is different.
An examination of argumentation theory and criticism; examines both theoretical issues and social practices.
A study of the role of communication in ethical controversies.
Investigates prophetism as a rhetorical act by examining Biblical forms of prophetic speech and investigating how these forms influence American public discourse.
Examines representative historic and contemporary speechwriting, including composition and delivery of ceremonial, legal, and political speeches. Builds practical knowledge through delivery, discussion, and interviews with professional speechwriters.
The course overviews digital media as well as studying the meaning of how visual images are used in our society. The course is designed to look at the changing landscape of visual storytelling.
Students produce advanced media projects over which they assume significant creative control. P-COM 247.
From script to screen, covers theory and practice of digital cinema production by creating short fiction films with emphasis placed on storytelling and collaboration. Working solo and in groups, students develop their storytelling skills and gain experience with conceptualization, project development, camerawork, sound recording, and editing. P-COM 247.
A survey of the developments of motion pictures to 1945. Includes lectures, readings, reports, and screenings.
A survey of the development of motion pictures from 1946 to the present day. Includes lectures, readings, reports, and screenings.
Theory and research on the influence and effects of mass media on audiences. These include reception, cognitive processing, and attitudinal and behavioral influences.
An exploration of how communication technologies influence the social, political, and organizational practices of everyday life.
Introduction to the art and practice of writing for the screen. Through numerous exercises, students learn to use experiences, observations, and imagination to create compelling characters and stories for a variety of mediums and complete an original, short screenplay.
Explores the relationship between contemporary media and popular culture from a cultural studies perspective using examples from media texts.
Explores the intersection of American culture and the television situation comedy, one of the oldest and most ubiquitous forms of television programming.
Examines historical and contemporary ethical issues in the media professions within the context of selected major ethical theories while covering, among other areas, issues relevant to: journalism, advertising, public relations, filmmaking, and media management.
Critical study of media including a survey of major theoretical frameworks. P-COM 120.
Examines the emergence of superhero films in American cinema as a representation and response to historical and ideological contexts.
Investigates theory and research in media and child development in order to explore how children and adolescents process and are affected by electronic media from television to new media.
Introduces the theory and practice of performing for the camera. Covers basic camera, commercial work, how-to videos, newscasting, and other performance formats.
An advanced approach to narrative theory as well as examination of the role of the screenwriter in the motion picture industry, the influence of film genre on screenwriting, and the politics of nontraditional narrative structures. Students are expected to complete an original, feature-length screenplay. P-COM 316.
Explores how we use, make sense of and are affected by social media both intrapersonally and interpersonally. Traditional media and information processing theories are explored; recent research on social media effects is discussed.
Phenomenon. (3 h) Explores the evolution of the Arab-Israeli-Palestinian conflict as a communication phenomenon; focusing on the narratives of the parties to the conflict as viewed through the lens of extant communication- grounded conflict theory.
A review of the various theoretical perspectives on conflict and negotiation as well as methods for managing relational conflict.
Examines domestic and international terrorism as grounded in extant communication theory, with emphasis on explicating the role that communication plays in current conceptualizations and responses to terrorism.
Examines how sport media coverage frames our understanding of society's biggest social issues, including race, gender, and human rights and challenges students to find their voices on these issues through participatory exercises and production projects.
Examines the intersection of media content, production and business practices, and examines how the digital revolution is changing the game for content creators, leagues and teams.
This course uses narrative theory to examine how myths, stories, and other tropes form the basis on which we understand entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship. Attention is given to diverse and alternative stories and practices. Students will collect and analyze entrepreneur narratives. Also listed as ENT 334.
An overview of the role of communication in constituting and maintaining the pattern of activities that sustain the modern organization.
Explores the persuasive nature of organizational messages--dealing with risk, reputation, image, legitimacy and strategic communication--including those exchanged between organizational members and those presented in behalf of the organization as a whole.
Explores how social media is changing not just what content creators produce, but also how creators engage with their audience through the use of social media and marketing techinques.
This course explores how Black public voices and identities have been invented, cultivated, and muted in the interests of shaping Black culture. The course focuses on how aesthetic and artistic practices, in particular, act as forms of rhetorical invention of culture. (CD)
Explores the history and theory of citizenship as a deliberative practice linked to the rhetorical tradition of communication with an emphasis on participatory and deliberative skills as part of the process in which communities are formed and citizens emerge as members. (EI)
Discourse from the Founding to the Civil
Discourse from the Civil War to the Second
Study of electoral communication, including candidate and media influences on campaign speeches, debates, and advertising.
Examines theory and practice of speechmaking and mediated presidential communication.
Study of the role of conspiracy discourse in American public discourse from the nation's founding through modern events.
Examination of how scientific and technological discourses function rhetorically in public arenas to affect non-scientific publics' understanding.
Examines the role of sport in society, cultural, and institutional practice. Surveys the value represented by interpersonal and mediated messages regarding key dimensions of sport including competition, ethics, gender, and race.
Examination of legal discourses including trial and appeal processes through motions to closing arguments.
Introduces students to legal education, the legal system and legal analysis. (Co-taught by Law and Communication faculty - summer)
Students develop and critique speeches, debates, trial practice and moot court across a variety of legal speaking venues. (Co-taught by Law and Communication Faculty - summer).
Introduction to the study of communication phenomena between individuals and groups with different cultural backgrounds. (CD)
A comparison of communicative and linguistic processes in one or more national cultures with those of the United States. Only offered for 1.5 or hours. (CD)
Only offered for 1.5 or 3 hours.
Only offered for 1.5 or 3 hours.
Only offered for 1.5 or 3 hours.
Only offered for 1.5 or 3 hours.
Only offered for 1.5 or 3 hours.
Advanced study of theories and research in one or more of the specialized concentrations of interpersonal communications. Combined Bulletin 2026-2027 133
An examination of theories and research concerning the process of social influence in contemporary society.
An in-depth look at the role of mass media in shaping communication between and about cultures using examples from traditional and emerging media systems. (CD)
An examination of theories, research, and processes of health communication in contemporary society.
Explores contemporary issues related to communication in health care contexts, notably theories and research on patient-provider communication.
Examination of the principles behind designing, implementing, and evaluating a health campaign, including message design and application of media theories for behavior change.
Examination of the problems of justice in health care and the meaning of human dignity in the face of illness and the technologies of treatment .
This course examines the role of media in the construction of social categories such as gender, race, class, and sexual orientation. The course presents a variety of perspectives that address diversity in relation to media, with an emphasis on entertainment media. (POR)
Examines the different patterns of communication of the people of India through an immmersive experience, a journey from the Himalayas to the oceans, studying the connections between the geography, history, and cultures of India.
Investigates how family communication intersects with physical, psychological, and social health across the lifespan.
Creation of fully integrated communication campaigns for major brands, from uncovering target audience insights to articulating brand strategy and key messaging, through development of the big campaign idea and activation plans for the market. Culminates with team presentation pitches to their 'client' and is designed for Communication majors who have demonstrated interest in pursuing careers in marketing communication. P-COM 262 or JOU 350.
Focuses on understanding the psychology of consumer purchasing behavior and how marketing communications can influence that. Examines consumer motivations, influences, decision-making processes, and behaviors as they relate to the development of a marketing communications strategy. P-COM 162.
Combines theory and research in social science with narrative in multiple forms: film, visual art, memoir, short story, and poetry. Explores the power of story to transform human lives with an emphasis on health. Asks: What is narrative? How does narrative shape who we are? How does narrative inform our understanding and experience of wellness and illness? How does narrative influence health communication in our personal relationships? What role can narrative play in medical education, medical practice, and public health campaigns? Through careful study and reflection, students discover how story can create positive change on a personal, professional, and societal level.
The production of short films, digital study guides, or E-books and/or other types of multimedia materials on important social, political, cultura and economic issues. Opportunities for students to immerse themselves in a topic and interact with scholars from various disciplines (topics vary each year).
This course analyzes the wide range of public discourse that constitutes the "South" and what it means to be "Southern." Students will engage in texts ranging from founding documents to secession speeches to music and even Southern food. The goal of the course is to come to a clearer understanding of where concepts of the South come from, how they circulate, and whether or not they have room for change.
Organizations. (3 h) Designed for students whose interests involve creating strategic integrated advertising and marketing communications programs for nonprofit organizations. The course explores the many stakeholders served by nonprofits and the variety of messages and communication platforms nonprofits must take into account to meet the organization’s objectives. P- COM 162.
An examination of topics not covered in the regular curriculum. May be repeated for credit if topic varies.
Employs critical and transnational approaches to media texts and the industry that produces them. Students will gain a deeper theoretical and critical understanding of media texts and how they both reflect and construct the human condition through reading, viewing, discussion, and writing. (POR)
Explores scholarship and practice of environmental risk and crisis communication for attitude and behavior change. Applies theory to strategic environmental risk and crisis communication plans for community organizations.
An intensive study of the ideas of three noted scholars and teachers in the field of communication. Students will interact with each teacher during a two- to three-day visit to Wake Forest. May be repeated for credit.
Examination of argumentation theory and criticism; emphasis on both theoretical issues and social practices. Offered in alternate years.
A pragmatic study of the methods of directing high school and college forensics. Laboratory work in the High School Debate Workshop. Summer only.
Examination of the philosophical and historical traditions, significant cases, and contemporary controversies concerning freedom of expression. Offered in alternate years.
A study of the role of communication in ethical controversies.
Investigates prophetism as a rhetorical act by examining Biblical forms of prophetic speech and investigating how these forms influence American public discourse.
. Students produce advanced media projects over which they assume significant creative control.
Survey of the developments of motion pictures to 1945. Includes lectures, readings, reports, and screenings.
Survey of the development of motion pictures from 1946 to present day. Includes lectures, readings, reports, and screenings.
Theoretical approaches to the role of communication in reaching mass audiences and its relationship to other levels of communication.
Exploration of how communication technologies influence the social, political, and organizational practices of everyday life.
An introduction to narrative theory as well as examination of the role of the screenwriter in the motion picture industry, the influence of film genre on screenwriting and the politics of nontraditional narrative structures. Students are expected to complete an original, feature-length screenplay.
Explores the relationship between contemporary media and popular culture from a cultural studies perspective using examples from media texts.
Examines historical and contemporary ethical issues in the media professions within the context of selected major ethical theories while covering, among other areas, issues relevant to jounalism, advertising, public relations, filmmaking, and media management.
Critical Study of media including a survey of major theoretical frameworks.
Phenomenon. (3 h) Explores the evolution of the Arab-Israeli-Palestinian conflict from the end of the Nineteenth Century to its contemporary dynamic as a communication phenomenon; focusing on the narratives of the parties to the conflict as viewed through the lens of extant communication- grounded conflict theory.
Review of the various theoretical perspectives on conflict and negotiation as well as methods for managing relational conflict.
Examines domestic and international terrorism as grounded in extant communication theory, with emphasis on explicating the role that communication plays in current conceptualizations and responses to terrorism.
Embraces narrative theory to examine how myths, stories, and other tropes form the basis on which we understand entrepreneurship. We will consider diverse and alternative stories as well as the construction of the neoliberal individual in a postmodern epoch.
Overview of the role of communication in constituting and maintaining the pattern of activities that sustain the modern organization.
Explores the persuasive nature of organizational messages - those exchanged between organizational members and those presented on behalf of the organization as a whole. Offered in alternate years.
A study of the communication practices of institutions as they seek to gain and maintain social legitimacy. Offered in alternate years.
Explores how African Americans have invented a public voice in the twentieth century. Focuses on how artistic cultural expression, in particular, has shaped black public speech.
Explores the history and theory of citizenship as a deliberate practice linked to the rhetorical tradition of communication with an emphasis on participatory and deliberative skills as part of the process in which communities are formed and citizens emerge as members.
Founding to the Civil War. (3 h) Examines the influence of emancipation movements on American public discourse by reading and analyzing original speeches and documents with emphasis on abolition of slavery and woman's rights.
Civil War to the Second Wave of Feminism. (3 h) Examines the influence of emancipation movements on American public discourse by reading and analyzing original speeches and documents. Among the movements addressed are labor, civil rights, student protest, and women's liberation.
Study of electoral communication including candidate and media influences on campaign speeches, debates and advertising. Offered in alternate years.
Examines theory and practice of speechmaking and mediated presidential communication.
Examines the role of sport in society, cultural, and institutional practice. Surveys the value represented by interpersonal and mediated messages regarding key dimensions of sport including competition, ethics, gender, and race.
Introduction to the study of communication phenomena between individuals and groups with different cultural backgrounds. Offered in alternate years.
An examination of theories and research concerning the process of social influence in contemporary society.
In-depth look at the role of mass media in shaping communication between and about cultures using examples from traditional and emerging media systems.
Examination of theories, research, and processes of health communication in contemporary society. May be repeated for credit.
Explores contemporary issues related to comminication in health care contexts, notably theories and research on patient-provider communication.
Examination of the principles behind designing, implementing, and evaluating a health campaign, including message design and application of media theories for behavior change.
Combines theory and research in social science with narrative in multiple forms: film, visual art, memoir, short story, and poetry. Explores the power of story to transform human lives with an emphasis on health. Asks: What is narrative? How does narrative shape who we are? How does narrative inform our understanding and experience of wellness and illness? How does narrative influence health communication in our personal relationships? What role can narrative play in medical education, medical practice, and public health campaigns? Through careful study and reflection, students discover how story can create positive change on a personal, professional, and societal level.
Examination of topics not covered in the regular curriculum.
Intensive study of the ideas of three noted scholars and teachers in the field of communication. Students interact with each teacher during a two- or three-day visit to Wake Forest.
Examination of communication science theory with a focus on critiquing and utilizing theory in research, accompanied by an overview of quantitative research design and methodology.
Overview of statistical data anaylsis, interpretation, and reporting for communication research. P-COM 719.
Introduction to theory building in human communication and rhetoric, with a survey and evaluation of major contemporary groups of theorists. Approaches studied are those which emphasize the symbol (George Herbert Mead and Kenneth Burke), human relations (Martin Buber), the media (Marshall McLuhan), and systems (Norbert Wiener).
Study of contemporary social science approaches to persuasion theory and research. Influence is examined with interpersonal, social, and mass media contexts.
Introduction to primary texts in the theory of rhetoric including classical theories, dramatism, semiotics, and critical/cultural studies.
The critical application of rhetorical theories aligning with the traditions covered in COM 758. P-COM 758.
Introduction to graduate study in communication.
Introduction to graduate study in communication.
Study of recent research and theoretical developments in dyadic communication. Methodology examined includes conversational analysis, field, and experimental approaches.
Advanced study of theoretical approaches to the role of communication in organizations and empirical application of such theories.
Intensive study of selected topics in communication. Topics may be drawn from any theory or content area of communication and offer a wide variety of special topics across a two year program. May be repeated for credit for a maximum of 12 hours.
Students may receive credit for a special reading project in an area not covered by regular courses or for a special research project not related to the master’s thesis. May be repeated for credit for a maximum of 16 hours.
Students may receive credit for a special reading project in an area not covered by regular courses or for a special research project not related to the master’s thesis. May be repeated for credit for a maximum of 16 hours.
Program Director Jarrod Atchison Chair Steven Giles Associate Chair Marina Krcmar Professors Jarrod Atchison, Mary Dalton, Sandra Dickson, Michael David Hazen Woodrow Hood, Marina Krcmar, Ananda Mitra, Randall G. Rogan Associate Professors Mollie Canzona, Steven Giles, Rebecca Gill, John Llewellyn, Alessandra Von Burg, Ron Von Burg, Eric Watts, Margaret D. Zulick Assistant Professor Phillip Cunningham, Rowie Kirby-Straker Associate Teaching Professors Polly Black, Nathaniel French Professor of Practice Justin Green Assistant Professors of Practice Cagney Gentry, Thomas Southerland Affiliated Teaching Professors Peter Gilbert, Cara Pilson Manager of Communication/Media Laboratory Ernest S. Jarrett 2026-2027 Bulletin Search Bulletin Search The University Undergraduate The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Calendars Procedures Student Wellness Requirements for Degrees Programs Degree Programs Bioethics (BIE) Biology (BIO) Chemistry (CHM) Communication (COM) Communication, MA Computer Science (CSC) Counseling (CNS) Documentary Film Program (DOC) Education (EDU) English (ENG) Health and Exercise Science (HES) Liberal Arts Studies (LBS) Mathematics (MTH) Physics (PHY) Psychology (PSY) Quantum Information Sciences (QIS) Statistics (STA) Sustainability (SUS) Dual Degrees Certificates Concentrations Courses A-Z Governing and Advisory Boards Graduate Council and Faculty The Administration The School of Divinity The School of Professional Studies Search Programs Search Courses Courses A-Z Archive Print Options Print this page Send this page to the printer. Download this pageSave this page as a PDF.Undergraduate CatalogA PDF of the entire Undergraduate catalog.Graduate CatalogA PDF of the entire Graduate catalog.Divinity CatalogA PDF of the entire School of Divinity catalog.Professional Studies CatalogA PDF of the entire Professional Studies catalog.Download the bulletinSave the entire bulletin as a PDF. Back to Top
Source: Wake Forest University's catalog, linked per course · table learning_unit · CourseShelf publish 61
