Department of Communication Studies
Main Departmental Office
Terrill Hall, 235
P.O. Box 305268
Denton, TX 76203-5268
(940) 565-2588
Fax: (940) 565-3630
Web site: www.comm.unt.edu
John S. Gossett, Chair
Faculty
Professor Wheeless. Associate Professors
Allison, Gossett. Assistant Professors Byers, Richardson,
Shukla, Taylor.
Introduction
Communication studies examines communication in human affairs and the symbolic processes
through which humans interact. The curriculum is designed to facilitate student mastery of theory and research,
to enhance communication skills, and to enhance student preparation for a variety of careers or for
graduate study. Many communication graduates pursue careers in teaching, consulting, organizational
administration and management, training and development, and speech writing. Others find communication to be a
useful major in preparing for law, the ministry, politics, and community relations.
The department offers course work in rhetorical, performance and social science traditions. Students
are afforded opportunities to explore communication from applied and theoretical perspectives in a variety
of settings including traditional classroom and organizations as well as off-campus settings and
co-curricular activities. Course work features the investigation of communication in organizational,
interpersonal, aesthetic, health, cultural, legal, political and international contexts. Among the topics that students
will encounter in their undergraduate program are gender and diversity issues, social influence, ethics,
narrative and cultural studies.
Programs of Study
The department offers undergraduate and graduate programs in the following areas:
- Bachelor of Arts,
- Master of Arts, and
- Master of Science, all with a major in communication studies.
1. Hours Required and General/College
Requirements: A minimum of 128 semester hours, of which
42 must be advanced, and fulfillment of degree requirements for the Bachelor of Arts degree
as specified in the "General University Requirements
" in the Academics section of this catalog and the College of Arts and Sciences requirements
. Students wishing to major in communication studies should consult an adviser in
the Undergraduate Advising Office, Terrill Hall, Room 227.
2. Major Requirements: A total of 37 semester credit hours as follows.
- 13 core hours: COMM 1010, 2020, 2040, 2060 and 3010
- 9 hours distributed, with one course taken from each of the following groups:
- Group A: COMM 3520 or 3720 or 3920 or 4420
- Group B: COMM 3340 or 3440 or 3740 or 3840
- Group C: COMM 3760 or 3860
- 3 hours of theory: COMM 4020 or 4040 or 4060
- 12 additional advanced hours chosen in consultation with an adviser
3. Other Course Requirements: None.
4. Minor Requirements: Majors are required to complete a minor of at least 18 hours, including
6 advanced, from another department, or an interdisciplinary minor.
5. Electives: See four-year plan.
6. Other Requirements: A student who has completed 90 hours with at least a 3.5 grade point average
is eligible to write a Senior Honors Thesis. Students who elect this option are expected to complete
their theses in the course of a single semester.
Majors must observe the system of prerequisites for upper level courses.
Minor in Communication Studies
The minor in communication studies requires a total of 18 semester hours, including at least 6
upper-level hours. Students must complete COMM 1010 before enrolling in other COMM courses. Minors
must observe the system of prerequisites for upper-level courses.
Departmental advisers are available for consultation on the minor in communication studies.
Teacher Certification
Teacher certification requirements were under review by the State Board for Educator Certification
at the time this catalog went to press. Contact your undergraduate adviser and the Department of
Teacher Education and Administration for current information.
The department offers degree programs leading to the Master of Arts and Master of Science.
For information, consult the Graduate Catalog.
Debate and Performance Programs
Students may develop and enhance critical thinking skills by participating in intercollegiate debate
and performance activities. The national-caliber debate team competes actively in both on-campus events
and tournament competition at the regional and national levels. The performance interest group participates
in regional and national festivals, and sponsors on-campus performances, including the Texts in
Performance series.
Scholarships
Debate Alumni/William DeMougeot Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded on a competitive basis to outstanding students who participate in
the activities of the North Texas Debate Team.
Information about this scholarship may be obtained by writing to the Director of Debate, Department
of Communication Studies, University of North Texas, P.O. Box 305268, Denton, TX 76203-5268.
Olive M. Johnson Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded on a competitive basis to outstanding students who participate in
the activities of the North Texas Debate Team. For more information about this scholarship, contact
the Department of Communication Studies.
Curtis M. Loveless Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded on a competitive basis to outstanding students who major in
communication studies and participate in the activities of the North Texas Debate Team. For information about
this scholarship, contact the department.
Lesa Woody Memorial Scholarship in Oral Interpretation and Performance Studies
This scholarship is awarded on a competitive basis to undergraduate students who participate in
curricular performance studies classes and extracurricular performance studies intercollegiate festivals and
other activities.
Information about this scholarship may be obtained by writing to University of North Texas, Dr. John
M. Allison Jr., Department of Communication Studies, P.O. Box 305268, Denton, TX 76203-5268.
All Courses of Instruction are located in one section at the back of this catalog.
The "Course and Subject Guide," found in the Courses of Instruction section of this book, serves as
a table of contents and provides quick access to subject areas and prefixes.
Major in Communication Studies
Following is one suggested four-year degree plan. Students are encouraged to see their adviser each
semester for help with program decisions and enrollment. Students are responsible for meeting all course
prerequisites. *See the University Core Curriculum section of this catalog for approved list of course options. ** See
Arts and Sciences degree requirements section of catalog approved list of course options.
FRESHMAN YEAR
FALL HOURS
COMM 1010, Introduction to Communication (may be used to satisfy the Communication
requirement*) 3
ENGL 1313, Computer Assisted College
Writing* 3
MATH (above College Algebra,
except 2090)** 3
LANG 2040, Foreign Language
(intermediate)** 3
Natural Sciences* 4
Total 16
SOPHOMORE YEAR
FALL HOURS
COMM 2020, Interpersonal Communication 3
COMM 2040, Public Speaking 3
Humanities* 3
HIST 2610, United States History to 1865* 3
PSCI 1050, American Government* 3
Visual and Performing Arts* 3
Total 18
JUNIOR YEAR
FALL HOURS
COMM (distribution, advanced) 3
COMM (elective, advanced) 3
Elective (advanced) 4
Minor 3
Minor 3
Total 16
SENIOR YEAR
FALL HOURS
COMM (distribution, advanced) 3
COMM (theory, advanced) 3
Minor (advanced) 3
Minor 3
Elective 3
Total 15
FRESHMAN YEAR
SPRING HOURS
ENGL 2700, Technical Writing* 3
PSCI 1040, American Government* 3
LANG 2050, Foreign Language
(intermediate)** 3
Physical Science** 4
Wellness* 3
Total 16
SOPHOMORE YEAR
SPRING HOURS
COMM 2060, Performance of Literature 3
COMM 3010, Communication Perspectives 1
HIST 2620, United States History
Since 1865* 3
Laboratory Science** 4
Literature** 3
Social & Behavioral Sciences* 3
Total 17
JUNIOR YEAR
SPRING HOURS
COMM (distribution, advanced) 3
COMM (elective, advanced) 3
Cross-cultural, Diversity and Global Studies* 3
Elective (advanced) 4
Minor 3
Total 16
SENIOR YEAR
SPRING HOURS
COMM (elective, advanced) 3
COMM (elective, advanced) 3
Minor (advanced) 3
Elective (advanced) 3
Elective 2
Total 14
Actual degree plans may vary depending on availability of courses in a given semester. Some courses
may require prerequisites not listed. Students may wish to use opportunities for electives to complete a
minor of their choice or secondary education courses for teacher certification.