54 courses with the subject COST, 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.
COST 100Introduction to Human Communication Credits: 33
A performance based comprehensive course that advances communication competence through knowledge of theory in application to communication skills. Emphasis is placed upon developing citizenship, cultural mindfulness and ethical choices through practice in listening, verbal and nonverbal communication, interpersonal, small group, and public speaking contexts. Students interact with diverse populations and acquire communication skills transferrable to their personal, professional, and student lives.
COST 125Survey of Communication Studies Credits: 33
Surveys the academic field of human communication with attention to the various contexts in which communication is experienced, and the cultural influences in the production and evaluation of communication across all contexts. The course introduces students to the discipline, establishes the social scientific approach to the study of communication, and extends the understanding of human communication across academic, personal, and professional contexts. It is intended to provide a depth of knowledge in the General Education Program, and is encouraged for those considering the major or minor.
A research/writing intensive fundamental examination of human communication from a theoretical perspective. Included are explorations into theories of the processes, myths, effects, ethics, and criticism of this pervasive phenomenon. Students analyze interpersonal, group, public, cultural, gender-based, and mass communication theories to discover how they become vital to explaining daily living and interactions. Students begin to understand the underpinnings of theories that are the foundation and guidelines of the discipline. Must be a declared human communication major or minor to enroll.
A performance based course emphasizing the preparation and delivery of speeches to proximate and remote audiences. Advanced instruction is given and practice provided in logical organization of the speech and analysis of the audience, the speaker, the occasion and the topic. Must be a declared, major or minor in Human Communication Studies to enroll.
A performance based course designed to familiarize the primary concepts and the body of literature relating to nonverbal communication. Approached from a theoretical examination relating to the functional and practical constructs of nonverbal communication. Students will acquire an understanding of nonverbal cues, how they impact interactions, and will stress improvement of communication skills.
Sport permeates communication and communication is the essential vehicle for the accomplishment of sport. In this course, we examine the ways in which everyone even those who disdain athletic endeavors comes to know and rely on sport in language, metaphor, and mythology. This analysis adopts a critical/cultural lens, through which issues of sex/gender, race/ethnicity, (dis)ability and nationality inform our communication about sport, and where communication about sport may be influenced and shown to have significant effects on participants and communicators. This exploration will provide the foundation for in-depth study of the many contexts in which communication and sport are intrinsically bound, including the expression of sport fan identity, interpersonal (player-player, player-coach) communication, small group/team communication, and organizational communication.
Experiential perspective, combining theory and practice, into the study of group experiences. Topics include group formation, decision-making, roles and leadership, conflict, risky shift, and groupthink. Students gain understanding and build skills through practical application of these topics.
COST 241Practicum in Experiential Learning Credits: 11
The practicum in experiential learning (COST) is designed to engage students in activities aligned with their future career goals. Students will participate in co-created activities that demonstrate the application of human communication theories, concepts, and critical thinking relevant to the student’s area of interest. Students will collaborate with faculty to select activities that further develop communication skills while developing professional experiences designed to enhance career opportunities. With faculty approval, practicum students are afforded the opportunity to gain experience within their major, participate in on-campus anti-racist–civic engagement fora and debate opportunities; coach and mentor in the Speech and Communication Center at Shippensburg University, and serve as a representative at departmental and university events. Students will gain both applied and academic experiences in the areas of outreach, civic engagement and forensics, coaching/mentorship, professional development, social capital, and computer mediated communication (CMC) through campus-based internal and extracurricular activities. Students are required to work 40 hours per credit hour each semester and complete skills reports throughout and at the end of the semester. Students will earn one credit per semester, up to THREE practicum credits. Upon completion of the semester’s practicum, students will produce an electronic portfolio and report detailing the application of the acquired skills.
A performance based course focused on communication theories, processes, and outcomes in dyadic interaction. This course develops critical thinking and interpersonal communication skills through discussion and application of significant theories relevant to relational formation, development, change, maintenance, and termination in a variety of contexts. This course incorporates presentations, case studies, and experiential learning to support theory-based skill acquisition.
COST 260Computer-Mediated Communication Credits: 33
A twofold approach to computer-mediated communication technology and its impact on human communication with the following objectives: (1) familiarization with and discussion of different forms of computer-mediated communication and their impact on various communicational and societal contexts (interpersonal communication, group communication, intercultural communication, organizational communication, social networking, education, commerce and miscellaneous other areas); (2) application and/or creation of popular computer-mediated communication tools such as basic HTML, webpage design, the web form, basic audio and video editing tools, social media, and certain prominent instructional and presentational technologies.
Practical approach to the information exchange process. Students participate in information-gathering and information-giving interviews. Skill development in this performance-based course emphasizes interviews in employment, and as a form of data collection, persuasion, and feedback. Students explore a variety of interview contexts and appropriate written instrumentation for each category.
COST 275Special Topics in Communication Skill Credits: 33
A performance-based course that investigates selected contexts in which interpersonal communication is of interest. Selected Topics will allow students to apply Interpersonal Communication theories and concepts to the analysis and practice of communication in an area of recent development, new faculty interests, or emerging student concern. Selected Topics courses will require case studies, dyadic presentations, and additional modes of performance. Topics may include, but are not limited to: Friendship, Family Communication, the “dark side” of interpersonal communication, Doctor-Patient interaction, and so on.
COST 310African-American Communication Credits: 33
A performance-based exploration of body of oral discourses, styles, and traditions of African-Americans. Students will discover a foundation for understanding the nature and power of the spoken word, develop appreciation for communication theory through the rhetoric of resistance to the human communication of oppression, and explore Afrocentric communication theory and African-American rhetoric.
A performance-based course examining the cultural heritage of Asian American ethnic groups and the communication patterns that emerge based on this cultural heritage. Students will explore the similarities and differences of Asian American communicative experiences inside the United States in order to get a better understanding of the relationships among ethnicity, ethnic identity, generation, and communication.
COST 325Voices of Black Anti-Racism and Resistance Credits: 33
A research, writing-intensive, and discursive course that emphasizes bibliographical, historical, and the contemporary critical analyses of significant speeches, lyrics, movements, and other artifacts by African-Americans. Students will examine, the narratives of enslaved people, artifacts from the Antebellum period, Civil Rights, Black Power, Black Lives Matter, and Anti-Racist movement. Emphasis is placed on public address, social movement rhetoric, music, Hip Hop culture, intersectional perspectives, and images of African Americans historically to the present.
COST 330Special Topics in Cultural Perspectives Credits: 33
A performance-based course that investigates selected contexts in which cultural perspectives of communication are of interest. Selected Topics will allow students to apply theories and concepts specific to culture in communication to the analysis and practice of communication in an area of recent development, new faculty interests, or emerging student concern. Selected Topics courses will require case studies, dyadic presentations, and additional modes of performance. Topics may include, but are not limited to co-culture communication patterns, culture and nonverbal communication, LGBTQA communication, (dis)ability, and aging.
This writing-intensive seminar course examines identity from the standpoint of human communication, which maintains that identity is (in)formed and (re)produced through communication. The course includes an examination of theories of identity in communication studies, and places emphasis on how features of identity (including sex/gender, race/ethnicity, age, ability, sexual orientation, etc) are communicated interpersonally, in groups, and through the mass media.
COST 335Popular Culture and Gender Construction Credits: 33
This performance based course examines the influence of different forms of popular culture, such as film, music, fashion, and sport on the construction of gender ideals in a particular culture. As part of the course, students explore theories that explain how popular culture is formed generally, and focus on the ways females and males are portrayed in specific images and roles specifically. In this process, the changes in images and roles with regard to gender, including androgyny, are also considered.
A course that explores messages about sex, gender, and communication. This course investigates the similarities and differences in the ways humans communicate ‘sex’ and ‘gender’ and considers the socializing agents that may influence the manner in which we communicate. In addition, students in this course explore how gender is both created through communication and communicated in interactions. Students may select communication theories or levels of interaction to explore how gender is communicated, and consequently constructed and performed, including (but not limited to) personal relationships and groups, the workplace, education, and mass media.
A course designed to investigate the nature of health communication through theory, research, and skills associated with communicating in various health-related contexts. More specifically, students analyze communication messages among and between patients, providers, family caregivers, healthcare organizations, and communities. This class examines the sociohistorical, intrapersonal, interpersonal, intergroup, organizational, intercultural, and generational communication with all aspects of health so that students may become more mindful, educated, and effective health communicators.
A theory-based course focused on examining humor as communication. The course overviews classical and modern theories of humor, communicative functions of humor, and current research. The course offers general knowledge about the nature and communicative effects of humorous messages.
A course focused on issues related to family interaction, functioning, relationships, and communication. Research and theories from communication, sociological, and psychological perspectives will be examined. Readings and discussions will include coverage of marital, parent-child, sibling, and intergenerational interactions in the family. Research on topics such as marital satisfaction, divorce, courtship, and the impact of the family on its children (and vice versa) will be examined. The nature of family interaction will also be focused on as it is associated with family dysfunctions such as family violence, mental health problems, and marital distress.
This course is centered on the rhetorical construction and communication of interrelated issues pertaining to sustainability and environmental movements. Specifically, with a communication approach, we shall explore the roles and functions of communication in media presentation, strategies of public participation, awareness campaigning, and personal embodiment of principles of environmentalism and sustainability.
COST 350Theories of Organizational Communication Credits: 33
Combines theory and application. Theoretically, students analyze different perspectives on organizational theory; communication, relationships, and media within the organization; dynamics of organizational culture; and strategic communication and public relations. In terms of application, students analyze real-life case studies of organizational communication, and develop and simulate resolutions to the cases.
A performance based course that emphasizes communication within selected contexts or applications. Selected Topics in Communication Contexts will allow students to apply theories and concepts to the practice and evaluation of communication in an area of recent development, new faculty interest, or emerging student concern. Selected Topics in Communication Skills may require individual, dyadic, and group presentations, and additional modes of performance.
A performance-based, research-intensive course that incorporates analysis of forms of reasoning, ethics, use of evidence, refutation, and style in the development of argument. Designed to develop research, critical thinking, and persuasive speaking ability. Includes study of debates and participation in classroom debates involving vital contemporary issues.
A performance-based research-intensive survey of classical, humanistic, and social scientific theories of persuasion, and application of theory to written and oral assignments. Emphasis is given to analysis of persuasive strategies, preparation of persuasive appeals, ethics of persuasion, persuasive campaigns, and audience analysis.
COST 360Research Methods in Communication Credits: 33
This research intensive course provides instruction and training in social science research methods in communication studies. There are three units: An overview of ethical practices in social scientific approaches; an examination of survey design for quantitative analysis; and an examination of qualitative research methods. Students engage in a semester-long research project, including study design, data collection, data analysis, and reporting in both quantitative and qualitative traditions. Students apply instruction to contexts of communication study in order to produce a research proposal for the senior thesis project.
This course will explore the role of communication in the political process. Emphasis will be on the functions of rhetoric, great media events, ghost writing, mudslinging, advertising, and presidential rhetoric as each relates to political communication and rhetoric.
A writing-intensive philosophical examination of the relationship between thoughts, words, and actions. Theories of symbolic interaction, social constructionism, and semiotics are the basis for course. Exploration given to application of theory to contexts as diverse as specific social movements, health care, public discourse, diversity, conflicts, debates, political campaigns, and family dynamics.
A research- and writing-intensive course that teaches students how to critically analyze and evaluate public discourse. Attention is given to the logical, aesthetic, political and controversial components of communication designed to influence belief, affect social change and craft cultural identities. Topics include the scope and function of rhetoric in contemporary culture, various approaches and methods of rhetorical criticism, and discussion of contexts for criticism. Must be junior status to enroll.
COST 372Communication for Training and Instruction Credits: 33
Opportunity to examine how communication is the tool for imparting knowledge and understanding in educational and training environments. Cornerstone activity will analyze, understand, and employ learning theory to prepare a training program.
COST 375Special Topics in Rhetoric and Symbolism Credits: 33
A performance-based course that investigates selected contexts in which rhetoric and symbolism is of interest. Selected Topics will allow students to apply theories and concepts of rhetoric and symbolism to the analysis and practice of communication in an area of recent development, new faculty interests, or emerging student concern. Selected Topics courses will require case studies, dyadic presentations, and additional modes of performance. Topics may include, but are not limited to: Health Communication campaigns, framing, new media analysis, and so on.
COST 381Professional Communication and Multi-media Presentation Credits: 33
A performance based course designed to improve and enhance skills in speaking, writing, and utilizing multi-media channels for effective communication in modern professional settings. The core speaking component emphasizes structure, audience adaptation, style of presentation, and the integrated use of contemporary presentational techniques. Successful completion indicates students have demonstrated high levels of skill and a strong theoretical understanding of effective performance of public oral communication in the workplace.
COST 385Resolving Conflict through Communication Credits: 33
Performance based course focusing on the development of communication skills that assist in the resolution of conflict. Students use communication techniques such as listening, interviewing, responding, and persuading and apply them to conflict situations. Emphasis is placed on the non-adversarial methods of conflict resolution such as interest based negotiation and third party mediation.
This course is a communication course that is theory-based and applied. The course overviews the nature of crises and emphasizes the explanatory and predictive capacities of communication theory. Additionally, the course explicates applied and practical tools for messaging, the implementation of crisis-communication planning, and practical decision-making for groups and organizations.
Offers a planned program of full or part time work in a field related to communication studies which supplements classroom learning. Placement must be approved by the student’s academic advisor. Approval of the department internship coordinator and/or chair, and the College Dean, is required.
Offers a planned program of full or part time work in a field related to communication studies which supplements classroom learning. Placement must be approved by the student’s academic advisor. Approval of the department internship coordinator and/or chair, and the College Dean, is required.
Offers a planned program of full or part time work in a field related to communication studies which supplements classroom learning. Placement must be approved by the student’s academic advisor. Approval of the department internship coordinator and/or chair, and the College Dean, is required.
COST 394Selected Topics in Human Communication Studies Credits: 33
Offers a planned program of full- or part-time work in a field related to speech communication to supplement classroom study. Work content must be given prior approval by the department chair and the dean and be supervised by a faculty member.
At least 12 HCS credits completed in the major or minor, 2.5 QPA in major and 2.5 QPA overall and at least junior standing.
COST 399Independent Study in Human Communication Studies Credits: 33
Independent study affords students the opportunity to engage in independent study related to their major field, a supporting area, or specialized interest.
Required capstone course for all COST majors that emphasizes a summative experience in the advanced studies of the field of human communication. Students engage in extensive seminar discussion about the study of communication, particularly as it relates to careers and advanced study. Students are expected to produce, from their own scholarly investigation in the form of a senior thesis, results that are potentially presentable at professional conferences and in scholarly publications.
( COST 360 with minimum grade of C and COST 370 with minimum grade of C) Graduate Credit: This course is available for graduate credit.
COST 410Feminist Perspectives on Communication Theory and Research Methods Credits: 33
A writing-intensive seminar course in which students engage in a critical examination of traditional approaches in communication theory and research methods to reveal their underlying, often unstated assumptions about human nature and human communication. Feminist perspectives on different communication contexts, models, theories, and research methods are employed to explore the limitations and biases of traditional theories and modes of inquiry. In examining group, interpersonal, organizational, public, and intercultural communication contexts androcentric and Eurocentric biases are deconstructed and alternative approaches to the study of communication are discussed and applied in order to overcome the theory/method, subject/object dualism characteristic of conventional communication research.
COST 430Advanced Interpersonal Communication Credits: 33
Advanced Interpersonal Communication is a writing- and research-intensive course that explores the design, execution, and reporting of interpersonal communication research. In this course students will refine their skills in writing literature reviews, designing interpersonal communication research, engaging in data collection, and reporting findings in written and oral presentation. This class extends the basic research skills acquired in the program to a specific area of study, with additional emphasis given to applied research that has immediate utility and benefit.
