Communication Studies (CMST)
CMST 200. INTRODUCTION TO SPEECH COMMUNICATION. 4 Credits.
Notes: CMST 200 cannot be taken for credit towards the Communication Studies Majors.
Analyzes verbal interaction, barriers to communication, effective listening and the application of fundamental principles to one-to-one, small group and one-to-many experiences.
CMST 201. PUBLIC SPEAKING. 5 Credits.
The study of the basic principles of public communication. Includes design, delivery, organization, and presentation of speeches for public groups with an emphasis on informative and persuasive speeches, message delivery, and presentation of visual aids.
CMST 203. INTRODUCTION TO LEADERSHIP. 3 Credits.
An introduction to basic leadership skills, covering models in a variety of areas such as communication, decision making, problem solving, time management, conflict resolution, and ethics.
CMST 208. MASS MEDIA AND THE INFORMATION SOCIETY. 5 Credits.
Satisfies: a BACR for social sciences.
Introduces the range of historical, cultural, economic, and social issues affected by the development and continued evolution of mass media. Books, magazines, sound and video recording, the development of electronic media, and of the internet provide the context for examinations of media uses and effects, media policy and law, and social effects of media.
CMST 210. INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION. 5 Credits.
An exploration of the human communication process. Includes the perceptual and attribution processes surrounding messages, the construction of verbal and nonverbal messages, the functions of messages in interaction, and the role of interpersonal communication processes on a variety of interpersonal relationship types.
CMST 212. ARGUMENTATION AND ADVOCACY. 5 Credits.
Satisfies: a BACR for humanities and arts.
Covers the basic principles of argumentation as they are put into practice via oral and written communication. Focuses on the basic models of argument and the demonstration of the ability to evaluate, construct, and articulate arguments in context and aligned with the audiences they are designed to address.
CMST 239. TOPICS IN PUBLIC RELATIONS. 1-5 Credits.
Notes: may be repeated for credit with different topic titles.
Variable topic course focusing on public relations. Areas discussed include new theories, specific techniques, and innovative trends.
CMST 241. EVENT PLANNING AND LOGISTICS. 3 Credits.
Includes varying aspects of professional event planners, what it takes to be a successful event planner, as well as the processes used to design, plan, and execute a variety of different events. Provides instruction on the basic structure of event planning, design, marketing, execution, and evaluation, as well as basic business and employment skills necessary to be successful in the event industry.
CMST 250. SMALL GROUP COMMUNICATION. 5 Credits.
This course focuses upon theories, concepts, and skills to improve small group communication with application to various task-oriented groups. This course emphasizes problem-solving communication and participant-leadership skills.
CMST 261. LISTENING SKILLS. 2 Credits.
Notes: this course is delivered online only.
Covers how to increase communication listening skills and become a more effective listener. Discussions on what others expect in regards to listening in communicative interaction.
CMST 309. COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION. 5 Credits.
An introduction to the history and development of communication theory. This is the first course in the communication major as well as the first course in communication theory. Topics include theory development, observation techniques, a survey of theories, and ethical questions.
CMST 312. NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION. 5 Credits.
Pre-requisites: sophomore standing.
Topics covered include the other-than-words side of human interaction within different cultures, genders, relationships, and situations. Emphasis on the basic theories of nonverbal communication and the interaction between nonverbal and verbal communication.
CMST 319. INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC RELATIONS WRITING. 5 Credits.
Pre-requisites: sophomore standing.
Introduces the various forms of public relations writing, working with the media and the public relations writing process.
CMST 330. INTEGRATED METHODS FOR COMMUNICATION RESEARCH. 5 Credits.
Pre-requisites: sophomore standing.
An introduction to the core group of scientific methods and analytic techniques used in communication research.
CMST 331. INTERVIEWING. 5 Credits.
This course is an introduction to the principles of interviewing theory and practice. The communication components of interviewing are examined from both the interviewer's and the interviewee's perspective. Topics include the process of planning, managing, and analyzing the interview. Then, a variety of topical interviews such as selection, performance review, counseling, discipline, termination, focus groups, research, media, sales, information gathering, and client intake are examined.
CMST 334. INTRODUCTION TO STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP. 4 Credits.
Cross-listed: MLSC 334.
Pre-requisites: sophomore standing.
Introduces the core principles and skills required for effective strategic leadership. Provides a comprehensive understanding of leadership fundamentals and equips learners with tools to navigate complex organizational environments. Participants explore key concepts related to communication, team dynamics, decision-making, and the role of ethics in leadership. The course fosters self-awareness, cultural sensitivity, and emotional intelligence to enhance leadership.
CMST 335. CONFERENCE MANAGEMENT. 1-5 Credits.
Notes: may be repeated up to 6 credits.
Focuses on the analytical and critical investigation of the communication process in the conference setting as a means of enhancing communication effectiveness. Provides hands-on experience in selecting a conference theme, designing a public conference, recruiting resource people, advertising the conference, registering participants, and conducting the conference.
CMST 337. FOUNDATIONS OF SOCIAL MEDIA. 3 Credits.
Pre-requisites: sophomore standing.
Explores the longer-than-you-expect history of social media and how technology and communications intersect. Develops a professional understanding of utilizing social media in public relations, marketing, and communications, including content development, ownership, and community management.
CMST 338. SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS AND PLANNING. 3 Credits.
Notes: DESN 216 is recommended, but not required.
Pre-requisites: CMST 337.
Designed to discuss the differences between various social media platforms. Includes how to take advantage of the different platforms' strengths and get hands-on experience planning, creating, and posting content tailored to each individual channel. Covers well-established platforms as well as new and emerging services.
CMST 339. TOPICS IN PUBLIC RELATIONS. 1-5 Credits.
Notes: this course is repeatable with different topics.
Pre-requisites: sophomore standing.
Variable topic course focusing on public relations. Areas covered include new theories, specific techniques, and innovative trends. Designed to include both theory and application.
CMST 340. INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION. 5 Credits.
Notes: English proficiency desired but not required.
Satisfies: a university graduation requirement–diversity.
Combination theory and application course on intercultural communication. Introduces some of the fundamental topics, theories, concepts, and principles that are at the center of the study of intercultural communication. The course follows a multi-media approach; students see how media (newspapers, TV, film, and internet) reveal patterns of cultural behavior and shape how we see and interact with people from other cultures.
CMST 342. GLOBAL COMMUNICATION. 5 Credits.
Notes: ENGL 201 or equivalent (proficiency) desired but not required.
Pre-requisites: sophomore standing.
Satisfies: a university graduation requirement–global studies.
Provides a critical overview of the field of global communications and examines its main theoretical concepts and practical cases. Introduces the psychological, social, political, and economic dimensions of global communications and their relationship with cultural and technological processes. Covers how to become more critical consumers of global news.
CMST 360. BECOMING OTHER-CENTERED. 3 Credits.
Notes: This course is delivered online only. Purchase any books or required readings using 2-day express mail, the digital version, or the audio version.
Pre-requisites: sophomore standing.
Opportunity to develop an understanding and appreciation for why and how a person becomes other-centered. Progresses from understanding other-centeredness, and its importance to becoming an effective communicator, to applying these newly developed skills in day-to-day communication.
CMST 366. PROFESSIONAL IMPRESSION MANAGEMENT. 2 Credits.
Notes: This course is delivered online only. Purchase any books or required readings using 2-day express mail, the digital version, or the audio version.
Pre-requisites: sophomore standing.
Provides a basic understanding of the relevance of impression management along with exposure to employee behaviors and attitudes valued in the workplace. The expectation is to integrate these two sets of concepts to be a valued employee who projects a professional image.
CMST 368. CONFLICT MANAGEMENT SKILLS. 3 Credits.
Notes: this course is delivered online only.
Pre-requisites: sophomore standing.
Exposes concepts relevant to conflict management and options to more effectively communicate in conflict situations (after analyzing patterns, identifying the multiple goals, and detaching emotionally). Students offer detailed, nuanced responses to multiple conflict situations and also come to understand rapprochement and how to effectively communicate this to another in specific scenarios.
CMST 395. FIELD WORK. 1-5 Credits.
Pre-requisites: permission of the instructor, department chair and college dean.
Directed student participation in the communication processes or problems of an industry, a political campaign, or a non-profit organization.
CMST 410. LANGUAGE AND SOCIAL INTERACTION. 5 Credits.
A study of language and communication from two aspects: form and strategy. The formal study entails the examination of patterns, rules and structures of language, conversation, and discourse. The strategy study focuses on the use of language and communication for accomplishing identity goals, relational goals, and instrumental goals.
CMST 411. NEGOTIATION SKILLS AND STRATEGIES. 5 Credits.
One needs strong negotiation and analytical skills for effective communication. The goals are to understand the theory of negotiation and master its main strategies. Includes developing negotiation skills experientially and appreciating the nature and role of effective negotiation. The course is relevant to any student pursuing a career in a social science field.
CMST 413. COMMUNICATION AND PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS. 5 Credits.
Pre-requisites: junior standing.
An advanced examination of the verbal and/or nonverbal communication processes in a variety of areas such as friendship, family, professional and romantic relationships.
CMST 415. CONVERSATIONAL SKILLS AND QUESTIONS. 5 Credits.
Pre-requisites: junior standing.
Examines and applies the rules of effective conversational skills with a goal of becoming a better conversationalist. There is a special emphasis on the usefulness of questions as a conversational tool.
CMST 416. GENDER AND MEDIA. 5 Credits.
Pre-requisites: junior standing.
Examines some of the relationships between media in the U.S. and social constructions of gender and sexuality.
CMST 420. HEALTH COMMUNICATION. 5 Credits.
Survey of theory, research, and practice in health communication and health literacy. Topics include clinician-patient interaction, family communication, group and organizational communication, mass media and web-based campaigns.
CMST 430. COMMUNICATION IN ORGANIZATIONS. 5 Credits.
The study of communication systems, channels, networks, and barriers; the role of communication in organizational assessment and change; the relationship between communication practices and organizational effectiveness, corporate image, and credibility.
CMST 431. COMMUNICATION LAW AND ETHICS. 5 Credits.
Examines the legal limitations on human communication, as well as the rights and responsibilities of professional communicators.
CMST 432. MEDIA EFFECTS. 5 Credits.
Pre-requisites: sophomore standing.
More than 6000 studies of media effects have been published in the field of communications alone. This course is designed to explore the vast literature on media effects and provide the fundamentals necessary for interpreting this body of research and for understanding the role and influence of media in society.
CMST 433. LEADERSHIP, INNOVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY. 5 Credits.
Cross-listed: ENTP 433.
Notes: competent writing is necessary.
Pre-requisites: junior standing.
In this class we focus on both culture and technique that help organizations: stay on the cutting edge; plan and forecast to remain sustainable and viable; create an organizational culture that fosters optimum motivation; utilize personal creativity in the ideation process and nurture ideas.
CMST 437. SPORTS AND LEADERSHIP. 5 Credits.
Pre-requisites: junior standing.
Focuses on developing leaders interested in sports from both a career perspective and as an avocation. Topics include how to translate what they have done in sports to find career success; valuable leadership and networking skills to help rise to the top; how to build an effective team; and how to brand yourself over social media and LinkedIn.
CMST 439. TOPICS IN LEADERSHIP AND STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION. 5 Credits.
Variable topic course focusing on leadership and/or strategic communication. Areas covered include skills training, readings in the knowledge and techniques of leadership, and the effective use of strategic communication. Designed to be both a theory and application course.
CMST 458. TOPICS IN IMAGE, MESSAGES AND MEANING. 5 Credits.
Effective visual and written communication in the creation of meaning is discussed. Gain knowledge and build on information by evaluating others' efforts at message design, and create effective images and/or messages to convey meaning.
CMST 461. INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC RELATIONS THEORY. 5 Credits.
Notes: CMST 461, CMST 462, and CMST 465 are the three core PR classes for the Communication Studies, Public Relations major.
Pre-requisites: junior standing.
Explores a broad range of concepts, elements, skills and impacts, including theory and applications; examines the role of public relations in business and society and as a profession.
CMST 462. ADVANCED PUBLIC RELATIONS THEORY. 5 Credits.
Notes: CMST 461, CMST 462, and CMST 465 are the three core PR classes for the Communication Studies, Public Relations major.
Pre-requisites: CMST 461, JRNM 332; or permission of instructor.
Applies journalism, communications and public relations theories and skills to case study examples in organizations and communication environments.
CMST 463. ENTERTAINMENT PUBLIC RELATIONS. 5 Credits.
Pre-requisites: junior standing.
Examines the public relations strategies and tactics used to promote TV, film, music, and personal publicity clients through media relations, social media, talent relations, special events, and crisis communications. Review, analyze, discuss, and evaluate entertainment-related public relations campaigns and their impact on organizations, audiences, and society.
CMST 464. PUBLIC RELATIONS CAMPAIGNS. 5 Credits.
Pre-requisites: junior-standing, CMST 461 and CMST 465.
Introduces the creative process of campaign creation and management to master the elements of a strategic communication campaign through direct experience as a practitioner.
CMST 465. PUBLIC RELATIONS WRITING. 5 Credits.
Pre-requisites: junior standing; CMST 461; JRNM 209 or JRNM 332 or CMST 319.
Examines effective strategies and tools to help public relations professionals communicate effectively on behalf of their organizations and with the media. Examines the latest techniques and trends in public relations writing and develops media relations materials including press releases, pitch letters, media lists, statements, and social media messaging.
CMST 466. PUBLIC RELATIONS IN BUSINESS AND FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP. 5 Credits.
Cross-listed: ENTP 466.
Pre-requisites: junior standing.
Designed to guide students and industry professionals to gain valuable PR, marketing, branding, and social media skills necessary for successfully launching and expanding businesses and entrepreneurial start-up companies. Includes the art and craft of public relations through the examination of real-world case studies and the development of strategic PR materials.
CMST 467. SUCCESSFUL FUNDRAISING. 5 Credits.
Pre-requisites: junior standing.
Specialized public relations skills for effective fundraising. Students of communication studies and individuals considering, or just starting, fundraising careers learn how to frame personal practice for professional frontline fundraising with relevant public relations, communications, and leadership models.
CMST 472. DIGITAL & SOCIAL MEDIA. 5 Credits.
Pre-requisites: ENGL 201.
Examines the pervasive impact social media is having on our society, with specific interest in the implications and applications of social media for strategic media professionals. Focus is given to investigating the theoretical and cultural aspects of social media with an aim toward understanding how this communication form has changed our relationship between individuals, organizations, and society.
CMST 475. ELECTRONIC SURVEILLANCE AND PRIVACY. 5 Credits.
Examines the social implications of a world in which everyday life is increasingly subject to electronic surveillance. Begins with a survey of the theoretical and policy approaches to understanding the growth of electronic surveillance and its consequences. Includes conducting in-depth analyses of various modes of surveillance, and a critical assessment of regulatory approaches to surveillance.
CMST 480. PRE-INTERNSHIP WORKSHOP. 2 Credits.
Must be taken at least one quarter before internship. May be taken as early as the first quarter of the junior year.
CMST 481. INTERNSHIP WORKSHOP. 2 Credits.
Must be taken at the same time as the internship, CMST 495.
CMST 482. GENDER, COMMUNICATION AND POLITICS. 5 Credits.
Cross-listed: GWSS 482.
Pre-requisites: junior standing.
Examines communication, sexuality, and gender dynamics at work in several domains of the American political system, including the mass public, electoral politics, the U.S. Congress, state legislatures, parties and social movements, and the policy-making process. Examines global trends for political participation and analyzes differences in conceptualizing politics and engaging in public discourse.
CMST 490. SENIOR CAPSTONE. 5 Credits.
Satisfies: a university graduation requirement–senior capstone.
A required course for all students graduating with degrees in Communication Studies. Communication topics integrated into course content include diverse audiences, interaction, strategy, ethics, and messages. In a seminar format and focused on contemporary issues relating to communication, the course focuses on the professional development of communication studies students.
CMST 493. LEADERSHIP APPLICATIONS. 3 Credits.
Pre-requisites: a leadership course at EWU with a grade ≥C-. Leadership courses include CMST 203 or CMST 433 or ENTP 433 or CMST 437 or CMST 439 or ITDS 490 or MGMT 480 or MLSC 201; or instructor's permission.
Provides students with previous coursework in Leadership an overview of leadership theories and concepts, followed by opportunities to experientially apply this knowledge in various contexts.
CMST 494. PROFESSIONAL LEADERSHIP. 2 Credits.
Notes: must be taken as the last course in the Leadership minor.
Pre-requisites: CMST 493 with a grade ≥C-, declared in the Leadership minor, and instructor permission.
Designed to integrate the knowledge obtained in the Leadership Minor. Students articulate their leadership philosophy, ethical guidelines, and ethical boundaries for effective leadership, and orally respond, as if in a professional interview, as to what leadership strengths they obtained and will apply in their future professions.
CMST 495. INTERNSHIP/PRACTICUM. 3-15 Credits.
Pre-requisites: CMST 480; must be taken concurrently with CMST 481; permission of the instructor required.
Directly supervised student practicum in the internal and/or external communication processes of a business or professional organization.
CMST 496. EXPERIMENTAL COURSE. 1-5 Credits.
Experimental course.
CMST 497. WORKSHOP, SHORT COURSE, CONFERENCE, SEMINAR. 1-5 Credits.
Training programs or workshops designed to provide practical knowledge and skills in specific areas of communication.
CMST 499. SPECIAL STUDIES. 1-5 Credits.
Pre-requisites: junior standing, permission of the instructor, department chair and college dean.
Individual study projects in a selected area of human communication.