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HomeAcademicsCourse DescriptionsCommunication and Literature

Communication and Literature

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Communication

  • COM140. Speech Communication. 3 hours. F. SP. SU.

    An introduction to the basic concepts of human communication theory with instruction and practice in interpersonal communication, small group communication, and public speaking.

  • COM151. Radio Station Operations. 1 hour. F.

    A history of the development of various mass media from infancy to the rapid convergence of contemporary media. Areas of study will include early pioneers and inventors, performers, producers, and programs from various media. The course will provide a foundation for understanding current practices in mass media as well as future developments.

  • COM231. Preparation and Delivery Of Sermons. 3 hours. SP.

    Introduction to principles and techniques of preparing and delivering sermons. Logical outlining and effective presentation of various types of sermons are emphasized. Prerequisites: COM 140 Speech Communication. Same as BIB 231.

  • COM236. Intercultural Communication. 3 hours. SP.

    A study of the dynamics of communication across cultural boundaries. Special emphasis will be given to missiological applications. Topics to be considered will include: understanding culture, contextualization, preparing culturally appropriate lessons, effective use of translators, and principles for language learning. Prerequisite: COM 140 Speech Communication. Same as BIB 236.

  • COM240. Public Speaking. 3 hours. F.

    An introduction to the psychological and rhetorical bases of speech with practice in audience analysis, research, and the preparation and delivery of various types of speeches.

  • COM241. Small Group Communication. 3 hours. F.

    A theoretical and experiential introduction to the principles of effective group communication. Topics stressed include types of decision-making procedures, approaches to group leadership, specific group-related communication skills, and creativity in group problem-solving.

  • COM243. Interpersonal Communication. 3 hours. SP.

    An experiential workshop designed to develop specific interpersonal skills essential to effectiveness in social interaction, teaching, counseling, business transactions, and family life. Students will work together in small groups as they respond to films and idea papers and participate in structured experiences.

  • COM253. Digital Storytelling. 3 hours. F.

    Examination of the procedures and techniques of producing television programs. Special emphasis will be given to field-based video production including camera work, audio recording, and non-linear video editing concepts and techniques. Laboratory work is required.

  • COM296. Field Laboratory. 0 hours. F. SP. SU.

    Under supervision of an appropriate faculty member and with approval of the department chairman, the student will develop and implement a proposal for a field laboratory working with one of the campus student media (Radio station, television studio, or student newspaper) or an off-campus media. The project should involve at least 40 hours of practical application of communication concepts.

  • COM356. Communication Law. (W) 3 hours. F.

    A seminar course dealing with various landmark legal decisions that affect professionals working with communications media. Cases in freedom of speech, libel, privacy, copyright, Internet regulations, obscenity, and other pertinent areas will be studied. This course contains a significant writing component.

  • COM358. Social Media. 3 hours. SP.

    An introduction to the use of varying types of social media with emphasis placed on how social media is changing the world and how that media can be used to enhance the quality of life.

  • COM370. Sport Communication. 3 hours. F.

    This course will address a variety of communication-related topics, including community and sport, media relations, public relations, crisis communication, and small group communication.

  • COM383. Public Relations. (W) 3 hours. F.

    A study of the principles, history, and practice of public relations in business, educational institutions, social welfare organizations, and government. Topics included are the processes of influencing public opinion, analysis of public relations programs, the responsibilities of public relations practitioners to their clients, to the media, and to the public. This course contains a significant writing component.

  • COM385. Public Relations Methods. (W) 3 hours. SP.

    A study of the design and production of specialized forms of communication. Attention is given to audience analysis, message content and design, and basic design principles for various media channels. This course contains a significant writing component. Prerequisite: COM 383 Public Relations.

  • COM396. Field Laboratory. 0 hours. F. SP. SU.

    Under supervision of an appropriate faculty member and with approval of the department chairman, the student will develop and implement a proposal for a field laboratory working with one of the campus student media (Radio station, television studio, or student newspaper) or an off-campus media. The project should involve at least 40 hours of practical application of communication concepts.

  • COM399I. Special Topics in Communication. (W) 3 hours. SP.

    A study of selected topics impacting the field of communications today. Topics may include media literacy, media effects, entertainment education strategy, critical and cultural studies, and history of communication. This course contains a significant writing component. May be repeated for up to 9 hours of credit.

  • COM442. Communication Theories. (W) 3 hours. SP.

    A study of research-based theories of human communication. Students are assisted in making practical application of the concepts presented. This course contains a significant writing component.

  • COM483. Public Relations Case Studies. (W) 3 hours. SP.

    A study of typical public relations problems in industry, labor, education, government, social welfare agencies, and trade associations. A case studies approach is used to foster insight into alternative approaches to strategic public relations planning. This course contains a significant writing component. Prerequisite: COM 383 Public Relations and COM 385 Public Relations Methods.

  • COM489. Senior Seminar. 1 hour. F.

    A capstone course to prepare students for entry into the communication field. Students will complete portfolios, develop a resume, and compose application letters. Guest speakers from the campus and community will be used. Prerequisite: Senior standing.

  • COM496. Field Laboratory. 0 hours. F. SP. SU.

    Under supervision of an appropriate faculty member and with approval of the department chairman, the student will develop and implement a proposal for a field laboratory working with one of the campus student media (Radio station, TV studio, or student newspaper) or an off-campus media. The project should involve at least 40 hours of practical application of communication concepts. Successful completion of a field laboratory is a prerequisite to COM 497.

English

  • ENG100. Introduction to College Writing. 3 hours. F.

    Designed to teach basic language use, writing mechanics, and the principles of elementary composition. The fundamentals of grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure will be stressed. Teaching will focus on the writing process, moving form construction of logical sentences that are mechanically correct, to organization of sentences into simple paragraphs, to organization of paragraphs into an essay. This course is for those students who have English ACT scores of 16 or below. This course will be graded "Pass/Fail"; students must receive a passing grade in this course before continuing to ENG 101 English Composition I. (This course does not meet the liberal arts requirements towards six hours of English Composition.)

  • ENG101. English Composition I. 3 hours. F. SP.

    First-year composition. This course focuses on student development of clear thought and expression through writing. Class time will be devoted to exploring and developing ideas, practicing steps of the writing process, and discussing various styles and patterns of exposition. This course is designed to provide students with tools in critical analysis and effective communication used in subsequent courses. Prerequisite: A minimum score of 17 on the English portion of the ACT or a passing grade in ENG 100 Introduction to College Writing.

  • ENG102. English Composition II. 3 hours. F. SP.

    An introduction to research and argumentative writing. Students write research papers, critical essays, and argumentative essays using MLA style. Prerequisite: ENG 101 English Composition I or the equivalent.

  • ENG215. World Literature. 3 hours. F. SP.

    This course serves as an introduction to literature, providing students with interpretive skills and terminology they can use to better understand and appreciate literary works. Texts are drawn from different genres, cultures, and historical periods, with special emphasis given to works in translation. The course may be arranged around a theme at the discretion of the instructor. This course meets the University's Liberal Arts Core requirement for Creative and Critical Works. Prerequisite: ENG101 or the equivalent.

  • ENG225. British Literature. 3 hours. F. SP.

    A survey of British literature from the Anglo-Saxon period to the present. This course exposes students to a wide range of writers, periods, literary movements, and currents of thought in literature from the English-speaking world, excluding the United States. This course meets the University's Liberal Arts Core requirement for Creative and Critical Works. Prerequisite: ENG 101 English Composition I1 or the equivalent.

  • ENG226. English Literature II. 3 hours. SP.

    A survey of English literature from the Romantic period to the present. This course exposes students to a wide range of writers, periods, literary movements, and currents of thought in later English literature. Prerequisite: ENG 102 English Composition II or the equivalent.

  • ENG235. American Literature. 3 hours. F. SP.

    A survey of American literature from the colonial period to the present. This course exposes students to a wide range of writers, periods, literary movements, and currents of thought in American literature. This course meets the University's Liberal Arts Core requirement for Creative and Critical Works. Prerequisites: ENG 101 English Composition I or equivalent.

  • ENG236. American Literature II. 3 hours. SP.

    A survey of American literature from the Civil War to the present. This course exposes students to a wide range of writers, periods, literary movements, and currents of thought in later American literature. Prerequisite: ENG 102 English Composition II or the equivalent.

  • ENG245. World Literature I. 3 hours. F.

    A survey of world literature from ancient times through the 16th century. This course exposes students to a wide range of writers, periods, and currents of thought in world literature. Prerequisite: ENG 102 English Composition II or the equivalent.

  • ENG246. World Literature II. 3 hours. SP.

    A survey of western literature, excluding British and American works, from the 17th century to the present. This course exposes students to a wide range of writers, periods, literary movements, and currents of thought in modern western literature. Prerequisite: ENG 102 English Composition II or the equivalent.

  • ENG295. Introduction to English Studies. (W) 2 hours. SP.

    An introduction to English as a major. This course focuses on critical reading and interpretation of literary texts, research techniques in English studies, and careers for majors. This course includes a significant writing component. Prerequisite: ENG 102 English Composition II or the equivalent.

  • ENG299A. Special Topics in Literature. 3 hours. F. SP.

    A focused study of an area of special interest related to American, British, or World literature. Topics might include African-American literature, contemporary literature, or utopian/dystopian literature, travel writing, or film of fiction. Prerequisite: ENG 102 English Composition II.

  • ENG299B. Special Topics in Language & Composition. 3 hours.

    A focused study of an area of special interest related to the production, structure, and/or nature of language and writing. Prerequisites: ENG 102 English Composition II and ENG 305 Advanced Traditional Grammar.

  • ENG299G. Special Topics Language/Literature. 3 hours.

    An in-depth study of an area of special interest relating to the English language or literature. Recent topics have included American dialects, Utopian writings, contemporary literature, African- American literature, and Literary London. Prerequisite: ENG 102 English Composition II or the equivalent.

  • ENG305. Advanced Traditional Grammar. 3 hours. F.

    A detailed study of the grammatical features of standard written English. This course includes analysis of traditional and structural grammar. Prerequisite: ENG 102 English Composition II or the equivalent.

  • ENG310. Creative Writing. (W) 3 hours. F.

    An introduction to the mechanics and concepts of short story and poetry writing. Emphasis is given to the structure of the short story: story ideas, characters, dialog, scene, plot, conflict, and the story's opening, middle, and ending. Depending on student interest, attention may be given to script, play, and screenwriting. Students participate in extensive journaling, peer critique, and revision. This course includes a significant writing component. Prerequisite: ENG 102 English Composition II or the equivalent.

  • ENG335. Romantic Poetry and Prose. (W) 3 hours. SP.

    A study of the Romantic period of British literature. Writers studied may include: Blake, Burns, Coleridge, Wordsworth, Byron, Shelley, Keats, Lamb, and Hazlitt. This course contains a significant writing component. Prerequisite: ENG 102 English Composition II or the equivalent.

  • ENG345. Women Writers. (W) 3 hours. F.

    An exploration of the traditions in women's literature and women as writers in English. This course combines textual analysis, cultural and literary theory, and student-led discussions. The course covers works by writers in various countries, but emphasis is placed on American cultures, including 19th century domestic culture, African-American culture, and/or Native American culture. This course contains a significant writing component. Prerequisites: ENG 102 English Composition II or the equivalent.

  • ENG355. Medieval English Poetry and Prose. 3 hours. F.

    A study of Old and Middle English literature. This course concentrates on Langland, Chaucer, Old and Middle English lyrics, religious writers, and Malory. Prerequisite: ENG 102 English Composition II or the equivalent.

  • ENG365. Renaissance Drama. (W) 3 hours. SP.

    A study of representative dramas of Renaissance England. Students read plays by Shakespeare and his contemporaries. Writers studies may include: Kyd, Marlowe, Jonson, Webster, and Middleton. This course contains a significant writing component. Prerequisite: ENG 102 English Composition II or the equivalent.

  • ENG385. Victorian Poetry and Prose. 3 hours. SP.

    A study of the Victorian period of British literature. Writers studied may include: Tennyson, Browning, Arnold, Carlyle, Newman, and Mill. Prerequisite: ENG 102 English Composition II or the equivalent.

  • ENG399A. Special Topics in Literature. 3 hours. F. SP.

    A focused study of an area of special interest related to American, British, or World literature. Topics might include African-American literature, contemporary literature, or utopian/dystopian literature, travel writing, or film of fiction. Prerequisite: ENG 102 English Composition II.

  • ENG399B. Special Topics in Language & Composition. 3 hours.

    A focused study of an area of special interest related to the production, structure, and/or nature of language and writing. Prerequisites: ENG 102 English Composition II and ENG 305 Advanced Traditional Grammar.

  • ENG399G. Special Topics Language/Literature. 3 hours.

    An in-depth study of an area of special interest relating to the English language or literature. Recent topics have included American dialects, Utopian writings, contemporary literature, African-American literature, and Literary London. Prerequisite: ENG 102 English Composition II or the equivalent.

  • ENG405. Advanced Composition. (W) 3 hours. SP.

    An overview of the craft of non-fiction, academic, and professional writing. Students participate in extensive journaling, drafting, peer critique, and deep revision. This course includes a significant writing component. Prerequisites: ENG 295 Introduction to English Studies and ENG 305 Advanced Traditional Grammar.

  • ENG425. The British Novel. 3 hours. F.

    A study of the important British novels from the beginning through modern times. Writers studied may include Defoe, Richardson, Fielding, Austen, Dickens, Trollope, and Conrad. Prerequisite: ENG 295 Introduction to English Studies.

  • ENG435. American Fiction. (W) 3 hours. F.

    A study of the short story and the novel in America. Writers studied may include: Brockden Brown, Poe, Hawthorne, Melville, Twain, Chopin, Cather, Hemmingway, Fitzgerald, Faulkner, and Hurston. This course contains a significant writing component. Prerequisite: ENG 295 Introduction to English Studies.

  • ENG495. Senior Project. 1 hour. F.

    Capstone course for English majors. Students will produce individual research projects guided by an English faculty member. The class will meet to discuss research methods, topic exploration, progress, and peer revision. Students will meet individually with the instructor. Upon completion of the project, the students will make an oral presentation of the research findings and submit a portfolio of representative writing in English. Prerequisite: Senior standing as an English major.

Foreign Languages

  • SPA131. Elementary Spanish I. 3 hours. F. SP.

    Beginning Spanish, stressing oral and written communication skills. Students learn basic grammar and information about cultures in Spanish-speaking countries.

  • SPA132. Elementary Spanish II. 3 hours. F. SP.

    Continuation of SPA 131. Prerequisite: SPA 131 Elementary Spanish I or the equivalent.

  • SPA231. Intermediate Spanish I. 3 hours. F.

    A review and expansion of grammar taught in Elementary Spanish I and II, with continued emphasis on oral and written skills. Particular attention is given to problematic sentence constructions, verb tenses, and moods. Prerequisite: SPA 132 Elementary Spanish II or the equivalent.

  • SPA232. Intermediate Spanish II. 3 hours. SP.

    Continuation of SPA 231 Intermediate Spanish I. Prerequisite: SPA 231 Intermediate Spanish I or equivalent.

  • SPA271. Intro to Latin American & Peninsular Lit. 3 hours. F.

    Designed to prepare the student to read, understand, and analyze literature in Spanish before taking higher-level literature courses in Spanish. Prerequisite: SPA 231 Intermediate Spanish I or permission from the instructor. Course can also be taken concurrently with SPA 232 Intermediate Spanish II with instructor's approval.

  • SPA296. Field Laboratory. 1 hour. F. SP. SU.

    Provides opportunities for hands-on learning experiences among Spanish-speakers. Students must work with FHU Spanish instructors as well as a field supervisor to plan objectives, activities, and evaluative criteria. A minimum of 40 hours of field activity is required for one credit hour.

  • SPA325. Phonetics and Diction. 3 hours. SP.

    A study of pronunciation, language patterns, and use of the phonetic alphabet. Prerequisite: SPA 232 Intermediate Spanish II or the equivalent, or permission from the instructor.

  • SPA331. Survey of Peninsular Literature I. (W) 3 hours. SP.

    A survey of the literature of Spain from the Middle Ages through the 17th century. This course includes a significant writing component. Prerequisite: SPA 232 Intermediate Spanish II or the equivalent, or permission from the instructor.

  • SPA332. Survey of Peninsular Literature II. (W) 3 hours. SP.

    A survey of the literature of Spain from the beginning of the 18th century to the present. This course includes a significant writing component. Prerequisites: SPA 232 Intermediate Spanish II or the equivalent, or permission from the instructor.

  • SPA336. Spanish Conversation. 3 hours. SP.

    A course that provides opportunities for discussions and debates in Spanish on a wide range of practical topics. Prerequisite: SPA 231 Intermediate Spanish I or equivalent, or permission from the instructor.

  • SPA365. Latin American Civilization and Cultures. (W) 3 hours. SP.

    A brief overview of pre-Columbian civilization, European colonization, struggles for independence, and national building that have evolved into present-day Latin America. The course encompasses the disciplines of sociology, archaeology, anthropology, politics, history, philosophy, and religion in order to better understand Latin American cultures. This course includes a significant writing component. Prerequisite: SPA 232 Intermediate Spanish II or the equivalent, or permission from the instructor.

  • SPA366. Peninsular Civilizations and Cultures. 3 hours. SP.

    Survey of the history of Spain. Particular focus will be given to the Reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula, the effects of the Spanish colonization of the New World, the Spanish Civil War, the dictatorship of Francisco Franco, and the transition from fascism to democracy. Prerequisite: SPA 232 Intermediate Spanish II or the equivalent, or permission from the instructor.

  • SPA367. Spanish Immersion Program/Study Abroad. 1 hour. SU.

    Open to Spanish minors, majors, and others interested in the Spanish language and culture. An opportunity to study with native speakers in a Spanish-speaking country for a minimum of four weeks. Students pursuing a Spanish minor or major will attend Spanish classes daily, as well as take numerous cultural and historical excursions. Additional credit hours will be awarded according to courses taken in the host country. Students will not be billed the comprehensive charge for the summer term but are required to pay program expenses; institutional scholarships and discounts do not apply. Prerequisites: Student must have permission of the Spanish Program Coordinator to participate and meet other requirements specified in the catalog for FHU Abroad.

  • SPA431. Survey of Latin American Literature I. 3 hours. F.

    A survey of Latin American literature beginning with the pre-Conquest period and continuing into the early 20th century (1910). Prerequisites: SPA 232 Intermediate Spanish II and SPA 271 Introduction to Latin American and Peninsular Literature or the equivalents, or permission from the instructor.

  • SPA432. Survey of Latin American Literature II. 3 hours. F.

    A survey of Latin American literature from the beginning of the 20th century to the present. Prerequisites: SPA 232 Intermediate Spanish II and SPA 271 Introduction to Latin American and Peninsular Literature or the equivalents, or permission from the instructor.

  • SPA466. Women Latin American Literature/Culture. 3 hours.

    An overview of the literary and cultural contributions of Latin American women from the colonial era to the present. Prerequisite: SPA 232 Intermediate Spanish II or the equivalent, or permission from the instructor.

  • SPA490. Capstone Peninsular/Lat American Studies. 1 hour. F. SP.

    Advanced Spanish study required of all Spanish majors during their final semester of coursework for the degree. Students will be required to give a presentation and write a research paper based on work done in a 300- or 400-level class. Prerequisite: Completion of one 400-level course.

  • SPA499B. Advanced Spanish Grammar & Conversation. 6 hours. SU.

    Course that will be taken in conjunction with SPA 367 Spanish Immersion Program/Study Abroad in Madrid, Spain, which is a requirement for all Spanish majors. The grammar component is a comprehensive study of grammatical concepts and structure not covered in lower-level courses. The conversation component provides opportunities to practice what has been learned. All instruction will be given by university professors who are native Spanish speakers.

Journalism

Topical Seminars

  • SPA299A. Special Topics in Spanish. 3 hours.

    An in-depth study of special topics related to the Spanish language and/or Spanish-speaking cultures.

  • SPA399A. Special Topics in Spanish. 3 hours.

    An in-depth study of special topics related to the Spanish language and/or Spanish-speaking cultures.

  • SPA499A. Special Topics in Spanish. 3 hours.

    An in-depth study of special topics related to the Spanish language and/or Spanish-speaking cultures.