department courses
CO: Courses in Communication Studies Department
CO 101 Basic Communication 3 Credits
Introduction to the field of communication through the study of life-enhancing communication principles such as listening, conflict management, and gender communication. The study of how human beings use verbal and non-verbal symbols to reate meaning. Course also includes training in public speaking. Each semester.
CO 108 Desktop Publishing 3 Credits
An introduction to desktop publishing. Students learn to use desktop publishing software programs such as Adobe InDesign for production of pamphlets, newsletters and newspapers. Includes training in the fundamental elements of page design. Offered every semester.
CO 111-112 Introduction to Forensics 1-3 Credits
Preparation for intercollegiate forensics competition in individual events and parliamentary debate. Events include extemporaneous, impromptu, after-dinner speaking, persuasion, informative, prose, communication analysis, poetry, duo, dramatic, program oral interpretation and parliamentary debate. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Each semester.
CO 165 Fundamentals of Film & TV Production I: Writing for Film & TV Introduces students to the writing techniques and design of TV, Film and video programs in both multi-camera and single camera environments. Students learn about writing styles & techniques, story structure, narration, and dialogue through the writing of broadcast news, persuasive (advertisements), documentary and drama scripts for the audio-visual medium. Students will also have the opportunity to translate their scripts into visual pieces through a hands-on camera exercise. (Both CO165 & CO166 required before advancing to CO265) CO 165 & CO 166 can be taken in any order. Every fall.
CO 166 Fundamentals of Film and TV Production II: Aesthetics of Film & TV Students learn about the creative process of producing film and television programs: camera work, lighting, art direction, set design, costume design, sound design, editing, and how they all contribute to the film & TV production process. Through a hands-on approach (camera work) and critical analysis, students will learn and understand how messages are successfully and unsuccessfully crafted, targeted, and delivered through the TV and film medium. (Both CO165 & CO166 required before advancing to CO265) CO 165 & CO 166 can be taken in any order. Every Spring.
CO 206 Small Group Communication 3 Credits
The study of group communication processes and leadership theory. Students will learn group communication theory and then apply that theory through in-class group games and out-of-class group projects. Fall; odd-numbered years. Prerequisite: CO 101.
CO 208 Creative Communication in Education 3 Credits
The study and application of oral communication techniques appropriate for both elementary and secondary teachers. Class includes training in story telling, oral interpretation of literature, and creative dramatics. Spring semester.
CO 210 The Word and the Body 3 Credits
A study of the current theory and research on the relationships between language, non-verbal behavior, and communication in contemporary American society. We will investigate the practices and techniques involving verbal and nonverbal actions employed by interactants in everyday encounters. Prerequisite: Sophomore or higher standing
required. Fall semester; odd-numbered years.
CO 211-212/311-312/411-412 Advanced Forensics 1-3 Credits
Preparation for intercollegiate forensics competition in individual events and parliamentary debate. The team competes in the Northwest, the Rocky Mountain region, and at national tournaments. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Each semester.
CO 215-216 Introduction to Public Relations 3 Credits each
A two-semester introduction to the theory and practice of public relations. The first semester focuses on theory and on writing. The second semester focuses on case studies and the design of a public relations campaign for a local organization. Sequence starts fall semester of
even-numbered years and continues in the spring.
CO 225 Professional Communication 3 Credits
An advanced course in public speaking with practical career-training emphasis, this course is aimed at preparing students to make polished public presentations. The course will include units on listening, job interviewing, and public speaking for professionals. Prerequisite: CO
101 or consent of instructor. Spring; even-numbered years.
CO 226 Community Assistant Seminar 2 Credits
A course designed for paraprofessionals working in residence halls. By means of readings, professional speakers, and discussions, students will become more effective in performing duties and accepting responsibilities
of a resident assistant. Class begins one week before fall semester; does not satisfy CORE communication course.
CO 265 Basic Single Camera Production 4 Credits
This course focuses on camera production. Course will incorporate time in the field shooting videos and time in the editing suite using non-linear editing equipment in addition to classroom discussion and demonstration. Students will assume the role of writer/director and organize a production team and schedule. Lab required. (Prerequisite: CO 165 & CO 166.) CO265 is offered each semester.
CO 279 Writing About Movies 3 Credits
Course is designed to teach a student to recognize and appreciate a good film. Students will watch classic films, read film reviews, and learn how to write film reviews. Fulfills Writing Intensive. Prerequisite: CO 101. Fall semesters even-numbered years.
CO 280 Gender Communication 3 Credits
Examination of interactive relationships between gender and communication in contemporary American society. Course will explore ways that communication creates and perpetuates gender roles and how socially created gender roles are enacted in public and private settings. Students will connect research to everyday lives. Prerequisite:
Sophomore status absolutely required. Spring; odd-numbered years. Fulfills National Diversity requirement.
CO/ENWR 306 Writing for the Print Media 3 Credits
Students learn basic elements of journalistic writing for the print media, including news reporting, feature writing, and column writing. Course includes study of libel law, observation of community media, and production of one issue of the school newspaper. Prerequisite: EN 102 or consent of instructor. Spring semester. Fulfills writing intensive requirement.
CO 308 Communication Ethics 3 Credits
Course seeks to deepen insights into ethical issues arising on all frontiers of communication, ranging from small groups to news media. Students will read case studies of ethical crises and learn to apply philosophical and religious ethical principles to those crises. Prerequisite: Junior standing or consent of instructor. Spring; odd-numbered years.
CO 310 Mass Media 3 Credits
The study of the history and theory of contemporary mass media including radio, television, and print media. Course examines the cultural forces that shape and define mass media as well as the way mass media shapes our culture. Prerequisite: CO 101. Fall, even-numbered years.
CO 320 Organizational Communication 3 Credits
The study of the communication patterns found in organizations. Course includes study of hiring, promotion, firing, and power, as well as a study of organizational dialogue. Prerequisite: Junior standing or consent of instructor. Offered every Spring.
CO 325 Intercultural Communication 3 Credits
The study of the theory and practice of intercultural communication. Students will study topics such as customs, language, non-verbal communication, and time and examine how each affects encounters between people of different cultures. Includes intercultural experiences. Prerequisite: CO 101. Offered even-numbered Fall semesters. Fulfills national diversity requirement or global diversity requirement.
CO 340 Interpersonal Communication Theory 3 Credits
The study of interpersonal communication from both a personal and theoretical standpoint. Topics include the initiation, maintenance, and termination of platonic, romantic, and family relationships as well as attraction, courtship, affection, conflict, and destructive behavior. Prerequisite: Sophomore or higher standing. Spring semester; even-numbered years.
CO 360 Communication and Well-Being 3 Credits
A theoretical and practical examination of how communication affects health and well-being. Students will examine communication issues that have a daily effect on emotional and physical well-being such as empathy, therapeutic listening, and social support. Health care relationships - as presented through videotapes and audio tapes - will be used as case studies. Designed to serve all students, including those seeking careers as health-care professionals. Prerequisite: Junior or higher standing. Fall semester; even-numbered years.
CO 365 Saints TV: Television Production 3 Credits
An application of the structure and aesthetics of message design in film and television. Course is an extension and application of CO 165 & 166 and CO 265. It is designed to broaden student exposure to single and multi-camera production procedures and technology in the classroom and in the field. Students will incorporate script, picture, and sound to create television programs for Saints TV. Prerequisite: CO 165 & 166. Each semester.
CO 395 Research Methods Seminar 3 Credits
A discussion of selected communication issues associated with researching and reporting about human interaction. The student will investigate the scope, central concepts, and practices of communication research with particular focus upon microanalysis, ethnography, surveys, and experiments. Prerequisite: Junior or higher standing. This seminar is for junior communication studies and public relations majors. Fall semester.
CO 414 Human Communication Theory 3 Credits
A critical study of classical and contemporary communication research. Students analyze contemporary communication case studies through application of models such as Aristotle's Rhetoric, Burke's pentad and Marxist/Feminist theory. Prerequisite: Junior or higher standing. Fall semester; odd-numbered years.
CO 417 Methods of Teaching Speech-Communication 1-3 Credits
Theoretical and applied study of teaching communication and coaching speech. Students will read works on the philosophy of education and will complete a teaching and coaching project. Each semester.
CO 420 Globalization, Gender and Communication 3 Credits
This course explores globalization and its socio-econo-cultural impact on gender. Students will identify the political, social, and cultural fault
lines created by the concept of globalization. The course will examine issues such as power shifts and a reconfiguration of political power and civil society and changing gender roles within the context of national cultures and the global economy. In addition, the course will also examine the impact of wars, media, and international institutions on the loss of nation state autonomy and borders as will as global and gendered inequality. Offered Fall odd-numbered years starting 2009.
CO 425 Communication Career Internship 3 Credits
An option available to the communication major who is preparing for a career in public relations, TV/radio broadcasting, public information, communication consulting, or as a media specialist. The student will intern in an appropriate business, state office, or federal agency in the Helena community for supervised, practical experience in the area of the intended career. This course may be taken more than once. Each semester.
CO 426-427 Prospector Internship 1-3 Credits
Students work on the staff of the Carroll College campus newspaper, The Prospector. Prerequisite: CO/EN 306 or permission. Each semester.
CO 495 Senior Practicum: The Graceful Exit 1 credit
A capstone course about life transitions - particularly the graceful exit from college and the humble entrance into a post-college career. Course includes units on selecting and applying to graduate schools, job interviewing, resume writing, web-based job searching and conference call interviews with successful communication and public relations alumni. Fall semester.