Carlow (CC) Skills Courses
Each student must demonstrate competence in five skills areas: writing, speaking, quantitative reasoning, research, and technology.

CC 100 College Writing and Research
This course is designed to teach the fundamentals of college writing and research. The student will write from eight to twelve expository documents (or revisions) using the traditional techniques of effective written communication. Some of the expository documents will involve college-level research. The following expository elements will be stressed: logical thought, careful analysis of ideas, concise expression of thesis, reasoned organization, coherent paragraph development, and the fundamental mechanics of English diction and style. In addition, the following research elements will be stressed: identifying research topics, identifying credible sources, gathering and recording information, integrating research into a cohesive argument, and using correct citation style. The student will be encouraged to use a word processing program to write, edit, and revise her essays as well as the access to the Internet as a source of information. In addition, the student will be introduced to the library and its resources through introductory sessions with the Library staff along with the series of class research tasks where she learns to locate helpful information. 3 credits

CC 101 Presentations and Argumentation
An introduction to the knowledge and skills needed to present effective oral presentations and to construct clear arguments using credible evidence. Topics include: adapting messages to an audience, demonstrating appropriate use of ethos, pathos, and logos in the organization of a presentation, demonstrating college-level research and critical thinking skills, plus designing and using effective PowerPoint slide shows. All students will deliver individual and team presentations. Required of all undergraduates, this course must be completed during the first year of study. (New Core) 3 credits

CC 102 Quantitative Reasoning
A study of the fundamental skills required to understand quantitative information and use it to effectively form conclusions, judgments or inferences. Topics include: critical thinking, number sense, statistical interpretation and basic probability, graphical representation and analysis of data, interpretation of standard quantitative models. Students will also be introduced to the effective use of spreadsheet software to enhance quantitative reasoning. This course is one component of the Skills requirement of the Core Curriculum; it must be completed during the student's first year. Note: Students who matriculated at Carlow College prior to August 2003 are not permitted to take ths course. 3 credits

Communications Studies Courses

CM 100 Communication Seminar
An introduction to the study of communication and an exploration of careers in this field. Required of all majors in communications studies and communication business. Should be taken at beginning of sophomore year (or upon entry for transfer students). 1 credit

CM 102 Freshman Year Experience – Social Sciences
An orientation for students to the academic community in general and to Carlow University in particular. Students are introduced to the history and mission of the University, then to all its services and departments. Simultaneously, students explore their career goals and learning objectives. Also listed as POL 102, PY 102, SO 102, and SW 102. Fulfills Freshman Year Experience Requirements and one service learning requirement. 1 credit

CM 104 Introduction to Mass Media and Society
An introduction to the study of the mass communication process and the various industries that constitute the mass media in our society. This course examines the development of each of the major mass media; the social and economic status of each medium today; the function of news, advertising and public relations; and some basic concepts in communication law and ethics. Fulfills LAI Social and Behavioral Science requirement. 3 credits

CM 207 Film/TV/Media Criticism
An introduction to the aesthetic and social analysis of mass media, film, and television through critical writing and discussion. Fulfills Interdisciplinary Overlay Core Requirement. (Old Core) Fulfills Writing integrated course (New Core). May also fulfill Linked Course requirement (New Core) with HS 304. Also listed as AR 207. 3 credits

CM 220 Interpersonal Communication
An examination of theories, principles, and components of communication that create and maintain relationships and/or cause them to deteriorate. Additional topics include the creation and negotiation of meaning, verbal and nonverbal messages, person-perception process, compliance gaining, conflict, self-disclosure, cultural influences, gender differences, and family relational patterns. The course combines theory, application, and experiential skill development. Required of all communication studies majors. Fulfills LAI Social and Behavioral Science Requirement. (New Core) 3 credits

CM 225 Political Communication
An examination of various concepts related to political communication and an examination of communicative activity in various contexts: election campaigns; policy-making; social protests; and popular culture. Students are introduced to some of the key players in the arena of politics with special emphasis placed on the nature of political communication in the mass mediated society and the issues of public participation. The course allows students to analyze numerous examples of political communication in the form of blogs, speeches, campaign advertisements, political protests, music, and popular film. Fulfills LAI Political Science/Economics Core Requirement (New Core). 3 credits

CM 231 Group Interaction and Decision Making
An examination of the theories, concepts, and skills related to communication in problem solving groups. The course examines groups from a systems perspective. Topics include verbal and non-verbal messages, norms, group development, conformity, deviance, conflict, and leadership. This course combines theory, application, and experiential skill development. 3 credits

CM 232 Communications in the Corporation
An analysis of the different forms and networks used to manage information and meaning in profit and nonprofit corporations. Topics include internal publications, electronic media, and speech writing. Fulfills Writing integrated course (New Core). 3 credits

CM 236 Gender Differences in Communication
An analysis of verbal and nonverbal styles of communication used by men and women. Students examine the genetic and cultural difference, physical and mental development, speech patterns and power relationships between the genders in our society. They also study the portrayal of men and women by the media and in other contexts, such as education, family and business. Also listed as WS 236. Fulfills Women’s Studies Core Requirement (Old Core). Fulfills LAI Women’s Studies requirement (New Core). 3 credits

CM 238 Contemporary Women and Document Design
A critical and multicultural exploration of women’s social relationships to a selection of contemporary issues that affect women, such as HIV/AIDS, domestic violence, welfare reform, or drug and alcohol addiction. The course works to dispel sexist and racist myths surrounding these issues and to develop public awareness through document design projects for public education. Students are introduced to Adobe PageMaker and Photoshop while developing skills in feminist cultural analysis and text linguistics. Course assignments center on collaborative work with community service agencies that provide support for women, such as HIV prevention centers, battered women’s shelters, welfare advocacy groups, social and political action groups and/or alcohol and drug rehabilitation centers. Fulfills Women’s Studies Core Requirement or Cross-Cultural Perspective Core Requirement (Old Core). Fulfills LAI Women’s Studies requirement and Technology Skills integration course (New Core). Also listed as WS 238. 3 credits

CM 240 Advertising
An introduction to the history, principles, and practice of effective advertising. Students develop strategies for successful campaigns using various media and critically evaluate the ethical, economic, and persuasive effects of advertising. 3 credits

CM 241 Basic Video Production
An introduction to digital video production concepts and practice. Students examine film/video theory and history, technical issues, production and post-production concepts, and digital non-linear editing. Students develop video projects from basic scripting stage to the final editing process. Lecture and studio-based instruction. Fulfills Technology integrated course (New Core). 4 credits

CM 242 Public Relations
An examination of the principles and practice of effective public relations. Students learn to shape information to meet the goals of organizations in reaching diverse publics. Ethical and economic issues are critically examined. 3 credits

CM 250 Gender, Race and Class: Media and Social Change
An analysis of the role the mass media play in developing, sustaining, and challenging stereotypes related to gender, race, and social class. Students will explore changes in policy and institutions that may be needed to improve the representation of social groups within media portrayals, employment, and ownership. This course is team taught as an interdisciplinary course that integrates perspectives from Communication Studies and Social Work perspectives. Also listed as SW 250. Fulfills Interdisciplinary requirement (New Core & Old Core) and Writing, Speaking, and Research Skills integrated courses (New Core). 3 credits

CM 260 Newswriting
An examination of the principles and practice of newswriting. Students gain experience in writing tightly organized, concise, “hard news” stories including leads, the inverted pyramid, interviewing, and basic investigative skills. Also listed as EN 260. 3 credits

CM 266 Broadcast Journalism
An introduction to gathering, analyzing, writing and editing news and features for broadcast. Students develop skills in making news judgments on deadline as well as writing to ensure fairness, accuracy, editorial balance, and appropriate language use. Students learn to develop effective messages that blend visual and aural components. 3 credits

CM 278 Racism, Diversity, and Humanity
An examination of race, ethnicity, gender, class, and sexual orientation as concepts that often divide us from one another and yield tension, pain, injustice, intolerance, conflict, violence, or indifference. Also listed as POL/PY/SO/SW 278. Fulfills the Interdisciplinary Course requirement. 3 credits

CM 290 Professional Presentations
An exploration of the knowledge and skills for effective communication in a contemporary organization at three distinct levels: interviews, group meetings, and public presentations. Students also develop advanced skills in PowerPoint presentation graphics. Required of all Communication Studies and Communication/Business majors. Prerequisites: CC 101, or CM 100, or equivalent transfer course. Fulfills Speaking integrated course (New Core). 3 credits

CM 300 Leadership and Communication
An examination of leadership as the process of managing meanings and influencing others. Students examine the mutually influential leader-follower relationship, competing theories and perspectives of leadership, the process of creating compelling vision, the language of leadership, charisma and communication, and strategies by which leaders motivate, influence, persuade, advocate, address crises, and create change. Also explores the impact of gender/ethnic diversity on leadership and the role of ethics in leadership. Case studies, discussions and experiential learning are employed. 3 credits

CM 306 Research Methods for Social Sciences
An interdisciplinary first course in social research methods. Students learn the fundamentals of research design and gain an understanding of a variety of research methods. As a final project, students develop a research proposal. May be required for all communication studies majors. Fulfills Writing and Research skills integration courses (New Core). Also listed as SO 306 and SW 307. 3 credits

CM 310 Persuasion
An examination of a variety of persuasive theories that are used by individuals, advertisers, media, governments and other institutions to influence thinking and behavior. Required of all communication studies and communication/business majors. Prerequisites: CC 101, or CM 100, or transfer equivalent. 3 credits

CM 316 Greed and Violence in American Society
An examination of greed and violence in everyday life and across social institutions such as education, the family, business, politics, and religion. In this interdisciplinary course, team taught by faculty from communication studies and sociology, theories from both disciplines are studied and applied by students as they seek to understand and explain the very visible and far-reaching incidents of violence and greed in our society. Cross-listed with SO 316. Fulfills Interdisciplinary Course requirement (New Core). 3 credits

CM 320 Conflict Management
An investigation of theories, research, principles, and practices of confl ict management. Topics include: the nature and functions of conflict; types and metaphors; conflict analysis and assessment frameworks; patterns of behavior, styles, strategies, and tactics used in productive and destructive conflicts; facework; power influences; and outcomes such as violence and forgiveness. In addition, third-party interventions including mediation are introduced. The course combines theory application and experiential skill development. 3 credits

CM 325 Communication and Social Movements
A critical rhetorical examination of historical and contemporary social movements that combines political, sociological, and communication approaches to explain social movement activity. Students are presented with a range of theoretical tools, perspectives, vocabularies, and concepts, and then shown those concepts in action with case studies of specific movements. This course examines the women’s rights, Civil Rights, anti-war, and environmental movements. 3 credits

CM 330 Feature Writing
An examination of the principles and practice of feature writing. Students gain experience in interviews, personality profiles, narratives, side-bars, and other forms of “soft news” pieces. Also listed as EN 330. 3 credits

CM 340 Print Media
An analysis of the basic techniques of print production from the initial concept to the final product including editing, design, layout, and methods of printing and binding. 3 credits

CM 341 Video Practicum
An advanced video production skills course that employs field production, laboratory, and lecture sessions. Lab fee required. Prerequisite: CM 241 or equivalent. 4 credits

CM 357 Communication Ethics
An examination of major ethical theories and principles pertaining to communication in interpersonal relations, organizational dynamics, health care, mass media/journalism, and society. Students focus on a wide variety of ethical issues and case studies as a method for refining critical thinking and oral/written argumentation skills. Dialogue for understanding and tolerance for disagreement are promoted. Required of all communication studies and communication/business majors. 3 credits

CM 360 Organizational Communication
An examination of theory and research as it applies to communication in various types of organizations. Topics include: an examination of organizational cultures, communication styles associated with different managerial philosophies, superior-subordinate interaction, conflict management, networks, information management, power and influence, creativity and problem-solution identification processes, team building, and communication vis-à-vis employee motivation, satisfaction, and productivity. Students engage in experiential learning simulations and discussions. 3 credits

CM 365 Diversity: Intercultural Communication
An examination of the subtle and profound influences that diverse backgrounds have on communication. Students explore how their own cultural perceptions and experiences help determine the messages they send and receive. This course takes a pragmatic and philosophical approach to intercultural communication. Fulfills Cross-Cultural Perspective Core Requirement (Old Core). Fulfills LAI Global Perspectives and Languages requirement (New Core). 3 credits

CM 370 Communication and Health Care
An investigation of the critical role of communication in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of illness and the promotion of wellness through persuasive health campaigns. Additional focal points include: patient-provider interaction; health care teams; decision making and problem-solving processes; ethics committees; impact of different cultural values and attitudes toward medicine on communication; and the role of media in health care. 3 credits

CM 380 Special Topics
An analysis of selected topics in communication. The course is organized in any given semester to study particular subject matter or to take advantage of special competence by an individual faculty member. May be repeated for credit as content changes. Credit varies

CM 400 Independent Study
An exploration of an area of study in communication which is not already offered as a course. Students design the course with the consent of a faculty member. Permission required prior to registration. Credit varies

CM 405 Internship
An on-the-job placement experience with reflection and analysis. Students must be of junior or senior standing and must contact their advisor prior to registration to negotiate the placement. Pass/Fail only. Permission required prior to registration. May be required of all Communication Studies majors. Credit varies

CM 450 Senior Seminar
An integration of all aspects of communication and a focus on the job market and graduate school. Students develop and present their senior projects and portfolios. Required for all Communication Studies and Communication/Business majors. 1 credit

PF Pittsburgh Filmmakers
Selected courses in film, video, and photography are scheduled through the Communication Studies Department. The courses are taken off campus at the Pittsburgh Filmmaker’s Institute. Requires additional tuition fee.