Graduate School
M.A. in Communication Courses
Student Perspective
"Good education changes people. I came to Bethel with a strong
interest in how computer-mediated communication affects the workplace.
The faculty encouraged me to pursue that interest. Each course built
upon another, establishing a base of knowledge and inspiring a new
career direction. Although less academic, another experience truly
transformed me. As an assignment in a cross-cultural class, I spent
several days at a homeless shelter. Those days changed my “religion”
into a walk with God."
— Glenn Hansen, Ph.D./Assistant Professor, University of Oklahoma
The Master of Arts in Communication program is a 40 semester credit sequence of courses. For course sequence, request a program calendar. Credits are listed in parentheses.
COMM600 •
Introduction to Communication Studies (3)
Overview
of the field of communication and the historical changes in the discipline.
Theoretical frameworks will be studied as related to interpersonal
communication, family interaction, group process, public communication, and
media/technological changes. Theology and ethics of communication will be
developed in light of a Christian worldview.
COMM605 •
Advanced Interpersonal Communication (3)
Examination
of the beginnings of interpersonal study, including Buber, Mead, Jourard, and
Watzlawick. Analysis of the relationships between interpersonal communication
and related areas: group, family, gender, and intrapersonal processes.
COMM610 •
Advanced Media Communication (3)
Exploration
of the interplay between the mass media and various facets of modern society,
including political, economic, and cultural issues. Examination of media on a
global scale will facilitate contrasts and comparisons of media systems,
highlighting how media communication influences the quality of human life.
COMM615
(COM615) • Quantitative Research Methods (3)
Introduction
to social science research methods with a special emphasis on survey
construction and statistical analysis. Development of skills in designing,
interpreting, and evaluating research designs within the literature, as well as
undertaking research of their own.
COMM620 •
Cross-Cultural Communication (3)
Analysis
of intercultural communication competence, examining international, ethnic, and
racial differences. Exploration of paralinguistic and nonverbal influences in
cross-cultural contexts. Theological impacts will be considered.
COMM625 •
Qualitative Research Methods (3)
Introduction
to qualitative research methods in the study of interpersonal, group, and mass
communication. Learners will evaluate
and critique exemplary qualitative studies, as well as design and analyze an
actual research study of their own.
COMM630 •
Topics in Contemporary Communication (2)
Problems/issues
that confront communicators in today’s culture. Topics may include issues such
as honesty and civility in political communication; role of mass media in
reporting versus interpreting issues; policies and practices of corporations
and the impact on the public; and changes in public communication in light of
technological impacts.
COMM645 •
Public Presentations (3)
Concentration
on the preparation, delivery, and evaluation of public presentations. Learners
will develop research skills, analyze presentations, and increase proficiency
in organizing public speeches, increasing focus for impact. Class includes
videotaping and analysis. Peer and professor evaluations are focal. Observation
and critiques of speeches outside of class are required.
COMM670 •
Group Communication and Conflict (3)
Examination
of group dynamics, theory, and research on a practical level. Exploration of
personal and professional communication styles and how such styles impact group
dynamics, conflict communication, team building, and leadership. Perspectives
used to examine areas are corporate, academic, and biblical settings. Includes
history, theory, ethics, and case studies. Prerequisite: COMM676.
COMM676 •
Organizational Analysis (3)
Exploration
of organizational cultures and dynamics in for-profit and nonprofit
institutions, including means of guidance and control; use of power and
influence; formal and informal communication; authority and hierarchy;
management of conflict and enhancement of consensus; and followership and
empowerment of organization members. The process of a “communication audit”
will be applied.
COMM790 •
Comprehensive Examination (0)
Graded on
an S/U basis.
ORGL610 •
Leadership Assessment Seminar (2)
Examination of the learner’s potential as a leader. Using a series of inventory
tools, the learners will assess past experiences, present skills, and future
goals. This assessment process will provide a foundation for personal
reflection and growth, as well as allow for the development of individualized
strategies and revisions for leadership. Graded on an S/U basis.
Choose one from:
COMM671 • Analysis of Rhetoric (3)
Graduate seminar provided to enhance learners’ abilities to function with competence as critics and consumers of public discourse using various theoretical methods. Communication artifacts for analysis may include any rhetorical event: texts, speeches, advertising, architecture/art, music, or computer mediated processes. Topics may coordinate with thesis study.
COMM672 • Applied Media
Communication (3)
Essential course in
developing media knowledge and exercising critical judgment in the production
process. Examination of the creative process of effective mediated
communication. Hands-on experience in production including scripting, taping,
and editing. Ethical guidelines are examined. Prerequisite: COMM610.
COMM673 • International
Gender Communication (3)
Analysis of the power of
gender as applied in global settings, examining the cultural roles governing
men’s and women’s roles in diverse settings from a cross-cultural perspective.
Investigation of the challenges of dealing with gender transactions in
international business, political, religious, and social contexts.
Prerequisite: COMM620.
COMM674 • Communication
Consulting (3)
Examination of the world
of internal and external organizational consulting. Learners will investigate
what is needed—personally and professionally—to apply their communication
expertise to various organizational settings and situations. Particular
attention will be placed on developing consulting/training knowledge, skills,
and abilities. Prerequisite: COM676.
Choose one from:
COMM791 • Master’s
Thesis (6)
Graded on an S/U
basis. Prerequisites: COMM615, COMM625.
COMM792 • Master’s
Project (6)
Graded on an S/U
basis. Prerequisites: COMM615, COMM625.
Bethel University reserves the right to withdraw, modify, or add to the list of courses or the course descriptions printed.