29 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.
This course introduces students to the theories and practices of various areas of study in the field of communication. Verbal and nonverbal communication, the mass media, communication technologies, popular culture, and communication in organizations are among the topics covered. No prerequisites. Offered Term 1. (r, MOD)
This course introduces students to the theories and practices of various areas of study in the field of communication. Television, radio, print media, the Internet, social media and artificial intelligence are among the topics covered. No prerequisites. Offered Term 2. Hollins University 2026–27 Undergraduate Catalog Page 178
The importance of understanding one’s style of communication in various relationships is relevant to successful communication. Students will learn the progression of skills necessary in developing and maintaining personal relationships. Topics such as self-concept, perception, verbal/nonverbal messages, listening, and disclosing will be discussed. Open to first-year students. No prerequisite. (DJP)
The theory and practice of public speaking, including selection of content, organization of ideas, language, and delivery; practice in extemporaneous speaking; training in critical analysis is provided through reading and listening to contemporary speeches. Open to first-year students. No prerequisite. May not be taken for credit by students who have already completed COMM 125. Offered Term 1. (o, SMN)
This course offers special topics in writing for newspapers, magazines, and other print media formats. No prerequisite.
Social media has revolutionized communication, but also underscore the continued need for precise, accurate information that’s readily grasped the first time it’s heard. This course, taught by an experienced broadcaster, focuses 106
While much early- and mid-twentieth-century film and media naturalized the importance of romantic relationships, this course will explore a recent tendency to frame friendship as a primary relationship. As we analyze American media from the late-twentieth century to today, we will ask the following questions: What are the representational strategies used to center friendship and community in film and media? How do film and media negotiate the place of friendship and community in American culture? Do American screen texts deem friendship more appropriate at certain times of life, compared to others? How are stories about friends legitimized for a culture that emphasizes the importance of romance and the nuclear family? Upon completion of the course, students will be acquainted with textual analysis and some major modes of thought from cultural studies and media theory, with an ability to apply this knowledge to visual media they encounter both in and outside the classroom.
Students learn and apply principles of reasoned discourse and techniques of argumentation in this course. Logic, appropriate use of evidence, and addressing alternative perspectives are among topics covered. Students prepare and present written and oral arguments on controversial issues (INQ).
This class will explore the process of mass communication marketing and campaigns in contemporary society. We will examine the major theoretical concepts of social marketing and campaigning and investigate a variety of public, commercial, and social issues campaigns. Hollins University 2026–27 Undergraduate Catalog Page 179
This course explores the history and development of social media activism, focusing on the opportunities and challenges of this new phenomenon. Students will examine case studies of social media activism during the last presidential elections, the Arab Spring, the WikiLeaks affair, the Black Lives Matter movement, and other recent cases. Additionally, each student will complete a research project about a current social activism effort. (f, w, x, r, INQ)
This course examines the role of communication in our perceptions and interactions with the natural world. By exploring the relationships between media, pop-culture, rhetoric, consumerism, and environmental justice, we will see how our interaction with, and advocacy for the environment is shaped by these relationships. Additionally, we will learn how our environmental perspectives are constructed both ideologically and rhetorically.
This course investigates the relationship between taste and hierarchies of race and gender. As we discuss cultural texts we will ask the following questions: What is the relationship between Hollins University 2026–27 Undergraduate Catalog Page 180
This course examines the diverse cultural and sociocultural customs, rules, and communication styles in multicultural interaction. Topics examined are intercultural communication theory, communication styles across different cultures, the impact of cultural difference on human interaction in business, education, and interpersonal interaction, and strategies in cross-cultural training. (o, DIV, MOD, DJP)
Independent study conducted below the advanced level. Application must be made with faculty prior to registration. Offered any term.
A survey of critical approaches to the mass media and mass culture. The purpose of the course is to develop students’ critical viewing skills by increasing awareness of the pervasiveness of the mass media in everyday life, by studying various theories of media criticism, and by doing critical analysis of the media. (MOD)
This course is a workshop for students who have a deep interest in interrogating, crafting, and placing first-person nonfiction content. In it, we will consider how different genres—specifically Hollins University 2026–27 Undergraduate Catalog Page 181
Social influences on the emergence of new communication technologies, and the way such technologies impact society, are studied in this course. The course begins with consideration of the history of technologies such as the telegraph, telephone, and broadcasting. Insights from historical study are then applied in critical analysis of current and emergent communication technologies.
Students examine communicative approaches to organizing, including classical/scientific management, human relations, human resources, systems, cultural, and critical theories. Specific issues in organizations such as socialization, conflict, work, emotion, and sexual harassment will be considered from a communicative perspective. Prerequisite: sophomore standing. (MOD)
Health communication is an emerging specialty in the field of communication. This course is a survey of some of the concepts and theories in health communication and explores several areas, including the social construction of health and illness, patient-provider interaction, the development of health care promotion messages, and an overview of health care models and organizational structures in the U.S. Also listed and described as PH 344. Prerequisite: sophomore standing.
This course examines the relationship of communication media and popular culture. The study of popular culture reveals how people make meaning in everyday communicative interaction. Topics covered include the role of popular culture in society, cultural studies analysis, and a case study of rock and roll as a cultural form. (DIV, MOD)
This course delves into the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on society and culture. AI technologies are revolutionizing various aspects of our daily lives, from the way we work and communicate to how we perceive and interact with the world around us. We will explore AI’s historical context, economic impact, ethical considerations, and potential future trends.
What makes a story a women’s story? Is it in authorship? In character? In conventions? In the concerns of the text? In audience? This course will look at a series of visual texts widely deemed for and about women—from The Notebook to Insecure—in order to understand what kinds of mythologies are prescribed to women via visual culture. Upon completion of the course, students will have an understanding of textual analysis, with an ability to think critically about genre and affect. Also listed and described as GWS 356
Students gain a basic understanding of philosophy and practice of government regulation of U.S. media. First Amendment issues, intellectual property, and differences between regulation of print, electronic and online media are 108
This course deals with the development of various international media systems and international communication. Topics include comparative analysis of U.S., British, Russian, Chinese, and other countries’ media systems, the role of commercial, intergovernmental, and non-governmental organizations in shaping global communication, and critical analysis of documentary films portraying international media issues. Also listed and described as INTL 380. (o, GLO, MOD)
Independent study conducted at the advanced level. Application must be made with faculty prior to registration. Offered any term.
Application must be made with faculty prior to registration. May be proposed in any term. Hollins University 2026–27 Undergraduate Catalog Page 183
In this capstone course, students draw on the knowledge and skills developed in the program to write a major research paper in a particular area of communication studies.
Capstone for honors candidates, by invitation of the department. A three-term project culminating in a thesis. Application must be made with faculty prior to registration. May meet with COMM 470. Offered Term 1.
Source: Hollins University's catalog, linked per course · table learning_unit · CourseShelf publish 59
