COM 101
Oral Communication
3 credit hours
An investigation of basic principles of communication and their application to intrapersonal, interpersonal, small group, and public communication. (Honors sections are available for this course.)
Course fee:$5.
COM 102
Voice, Diction, and Phonetics
3 credit hours
The study of voice production and phonetics. Topics include the purpose of vocal production, the characteristics of good speech, the identification, evaluation, and correction of improper speech techniques, and the individual analysis of and drill to correct inadequacies of vocal production and vocal variety. Involves exercises and activities to correct specific vocal problems, learning the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) to enable precise and improved articulation, and classroom transcription activities using IPA, combined with the phonetic analysis of each sound and the study of pronunciation standards.
COM 105
Drama/Television/Film Seminar
0-.5 credit hours
A seminar including pertinent subjects, guest speakers from the entertainment industry, demonstrations, exercises, field trips, and experiences that are outside the scope of the other drama courses offered at ORU.
COM 107
Film Acting Technique
3 credit hours
An acting experience organized as a single-camera acting workshop. Provides the students opportunity to study single camera techniques, the studio rehearsal, and filming the scene. The students gain experience by rehearsing and acting in scenes that are videotaped.
COM 150
Drama in the Church
3 credit hours
An overview surveying current trends utilizing dramatic elements in a church setting. Includes a study of quality sketches, plays, creative dramatics, exercises, and interactive theatre. Discusses using drama in all facets of the church community.
COM 202
Oral Interpretation of Literature
3 credit hours
Analysis of prose, poetry, and drama for emotional and intellectual meaning, with reference to the author’s background, philosophy, and intent. Application of the principles of oral presentation to the interpretation and recreation of that meaning for various audiences.
COM 203
Interpersonal Communication
3 credit hours
A study of the theory and practice of communication skills in at least three areas: functional intelligence, social decision-making, and self-expression. Encourages a Biblical whole-life approach to communication, acknowledging the integration of body, mind, and spirit into the interpersonal experience. Gives special attention to the application of theory to life situations.
Prerequisite: COM 101 or consent of instructor.
COM 204
Sketchwriting for the Church
3 credit hours
Surveys the current styles and genres of sketches (mini-plays) utilized in a church setting. Examines the basics of dramatic writing, including plot, conflict, format, characterization, and dialogue. Studies the process of developing a mini-play from concept to performance.
COM 205
Fundamentals of Acting
3 credit hours
Provides basic techniques and approaches to the art of acting. Covers the fundamentals of stage terminology, stage movement, and improvisation.
COM 215
Introduction to Theatre
3 credit hours
A study of the various elements and functions of theatre in society. Focuses on becoming an intelligent artistic critic and evaluating art from a Christian perspective. Provides the student with an overall introduction to the theatre arts. Includes theatre as an art form, the basic elements of a play, the role of the critic, the audience, the scene designer, the director, the customer, and the director. Places special emphasis on developing evaluative skills while watching theatre.
COM 216
Introduction to Technical Production
3 credit hours
Fundamentals of scenery construction with instruction and practice in stagecraft and lighting coordinated with University theatre productions.
Course fee: $20.
COM 232
Acting Styles
3 credit hours
An advanced course requiring no background in styles of acting. Covers the history, background, and various acting styles of period dramas from the Greeks through the Comedy of Manners. Students rehearse and perform the various scenes in class.
COM 250
Forensics
1 credit hour
Focuses on teaching the students presentation skills in readers' theatre and prose and poetry reading. Includes presentations of literature that do not depend on costumes, set, and extensive special effects in sound and lighting.
Prerequisite: COM 101 or permission of instructor.
COM 260
Debate and Tournament Directing
2 credit hours
Designed to teach communication education majors how to teach forensics and organize a school forensics squad. It provides training and participation in campus and intercollegiate communicaiton activities. Experiences range from individual speaking and debate activities to tournament management and development of business and church communication.
Prerequisits: COM 250 and 309.
COM 300
Organizational Communication
3 credit hours
A study of the theory and practice of organizational communication skills including assumptions, processes, roles, relationships, and responsibilities. Addresses skills and applications of organizational communication. Focuses on the analysis of an organization of the student’s choice and on the understanding and completion of a communication needs assessment with an organization in the Tulsa area.
Prerequisite: COM 101 or consent of instructor.
COM 302
Advanced Public Speaking
3 credit hours
Instruction in the theory and practice of public speaking skills in a broad range of situations. Emphasis is on formulation and presentation skills and public speaking as a vehicle for the discovery and artful presentation of truth, the promotion of responsible personal development, and the encouragement of constructive social action. Each speech needs to reflect Christian principles and present ethical ways to enhance audience participation and acceptance.
Prerequisite: COM 101.
COM 304
Theatre History I
3 credit hours
A study of the history of theatre from the Greeks to Ibsen. The course provides an in-depth study of the plays, playwrights, physical theatre, social structure, and theatre criticism. Surveys the social, political, religious, and theatrical aspects of the various periods to better acquaint the student with these areas and their place in the development of modern drama.
COM 305
Theatre History II
3 credit hours
A historical study of the plays, playwrights, physical theatre, and specific theatre movements that characterize theatre from 1800 to the present.
COM 306
Advanced Acting
3 credit hours
An advanced study of acting that stimulates the actor’s imagination, develops an analytical approach to creating a character, and exposes the student actor to various viewpoints on training and role preparation. Introduces the student to a method of breaking down speeches, scenes, and plays into units, sequences, and apogees. Through this comparative study, students develop their own acting techniques from a Christian perspective. Students use this practical analysis in a rehearsal and performance of an assigned final recital project.
Prerequisite: COM 205 for majors.
COM 309
Argumentation and Persuasion: Theory and Practice
3 credit hours
An examination of reasoning skills with an emphasis on many of the fallacies used in argumentation today. Covers debate, both Lincoln/Douglas and cross examination, and explores the tactics of persuasion used by advertisers in both the print medium and television.
Prerequisite: COM 101 or consent of instructor.
COM 322
Interviewing
3 credit hours
A study of the theory and practice of developing interviewing skills appropriate to a broad range of interviewing situations. Emphasis is on the interview as a communication process, a tool for management of communication effectiveness, a means of collecting and disseminating information by means of the mass media, and a strategy for research.
Prerequisite: COM 101.
COM 336
Directing
3 credit hours
Covers the principles and theories of stage movement, blocking, casting, rehearsing, and performance. Lab work is coordinated with University theatre productions. Requires students to direct scenes for presentation to a live audience.
Prerequisite: COM 216 or consent of instructor.
COM 342
Communication Theory
3 credit hours
A study of theories of communication, including intrapersonal, interpersonal, organizational, mass communication, nonverbal, and rhetorical. Encourages application of these theories to the present day situation so that students gain a greater understanding of all areas of communication and how each theory influences their lives.
Prerequisite: COM 101 or consent of instructor.
COM 403
Costume Design
3 credit hours
An introduction to the process of costume design. Includes studying design elements, production organization from a design perspective, and practical historical research. Places special emphasis on applying the principles of design to improving the student’s appearance and self-image by relating these things to a relationship with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.
COM 404
Theatrical Scene Design
3 credit hours
Designed to expose the student to theatrical scene design from theory to practice. Its purpose is to provide a foundation on which the student builds a theatrical design experience.
Prerequisite: COM 216.
COM 405
Makeup Design
3 credit hours
A study of the methods and materials utilized in stage makeup. The class utilizes "hands on" makeup projects to teach various theatrical styles. Special emphasis is on skin care and enhancing self-image as it relates to the student’s identity in Christ.
COM 409
Gender and Family
3 credit hours
An examination of interpersonal and intrapersonal communication theories in light of current societal and historical Biblical considerations concerning gender and family relationships. Allows for an integration of theory and practicality in the communication process with special attention to the Christian responsibility of both the male and female and their roles in the family. Compares current research concerning the communication changes taking place in society today.
Prerequisite: COM 101.
COM 410
Discussion and Conference Leadership
3 credit hours
A study of the theory and practice of group dynamics and the use of small groups in the processes of information-seeking and problem-solving. Includes examination of leadership styles. Students organize conferences and present seminars.
Prerequisite: COM 101 or consent of instructor.
COM 412
Training and Development
3 credit hours
A theoretical and practical study of various training techniques, the field of training, how training is being used in industry today, and the elements that constitute successful training in the development of successful organizations.
Prerequisite: COM 300.
Course fee: $5
COM 426
Communication Seminar
3 credit hours
Designed to provide an opportunity for students and faculty to explore innovative ideas and subjects emerging within the communication discipline. Content may change from session to session and range from business speaking to costume history.
COM 444
Advanced Interpersonal Communication
3 credit hours
An examination of conflict reduction, listening, nonverbal communication, proxemics, self-disclosure, self-esteem, and other facets of interpersonal communication from a theoretical approach.
Prerequisites: COM 101 and 203; or consent of instructor.
COM 446
Business and Professional Speech
3 credit hours
Covers public speaking and skills necessary for the contemporary professional. Focuses on the preparation and delivery of both mediated and unmediated speeches and covers both technical and non-technical presentations. Addresses communicating in the boardroom, staff meeting, or consultation arena and includes how to incorporate multimedia, such as Power Point. Students also compile a business portfolio.
Prerequisites: COM 101, 300, and 302; or consent of instructor.
COM 450
Teaching Communication Arts
3 credit hours
A course designed to prepare communication arts education students with ideas
and practical knowledge for the classroom. Focuses on materials and methods of teaching speech, drama, and related subject areas.
COM 451
Communications Internship
1-3 credit hours
An arranged program of activities with a local employer for the development of communication skills in a job environment. Credit varies according to the job description.
Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing and consent of the department.
COM 453
Directed Study and Research
1-3 credit hours
A collaboration between student and professor on an approved topic. Content varies.
Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing and consent of the department.
COM 498
Senior Paper Preparation
1 credit hour
Discussion and exploration of possible topics and a review of research techniques and methods.
Prerequisites: Within three semesters of graduation and approval of instructor and departmental mentor.
COM 499
Research and Senior Paper/Project
2-3 credit hours
Specialized research culminating in a senior paper and/or other approved project.
Prerequisites: COM 498, senior standing, and consent of department chair.
MMC 104
Foundations in Mass Media Communication
3 credit hours
A survey of the mass media and an introduction to the Mass Media Studies Program. Includes an introduction to form, content, and current issues relating to modern culture. Also includes consequences of mass communication through historical perspectives.
MMC 107
Writing for Mass Media I
3 credit hours
Introduces the student to newspaper, reporting, and writing.
Prerequisites: MMC 104 and typing ability.
Course fee: $20.
MMC 127
Introduction to Audio Production
3 credit hours
A comprehensive introduction to the diverse field of audio production. Covers the fundamentals of audio, both analog and digital; the processing of and equipment used in audio; the responsibilities of the communicator through the medium of audio; and the diversity of audio as used in radio, television, and recording studios. Students are encouraged to consider the responsibilities that the Christian communicator has in the modern media milieu.
Course fee: $20.
MMC 128
Principles of Audio Production
3 credit hours
A comprehensive introduction to the diverse field of audio production for MMI majors. Covers the fundamentals of audio, both analog and digital; the processing of and equipment used in audio; the responsibilities of the communicator through the medium of audio; and the diversity of audio as used in radio, television, and recording studios. Students are encouraged to consider the responsibilities that the Christian communicator has in the modern media milieu.
Course fee: $40.
MMC 205
Writing for Mass Media II
3 credit hours
An advanced course in writing for mass media. Introduces complex concepts and methods of journalism for all areas of mass media, especially writing news and feature stories for print and writing for broadcast news, radio news, television and cable news, public relations, advertising, and broadcast promotions.
Prerequisites: MMC 104 and 107.
