UNDERGRADUATE

CONCENTRATOR
HANDBOOK
 Table of Contents
Concentration Overview ................................................................................................................................3
Admission and Declaration Policies and Procedures.....................................................................................3
Application Information.................................................................................................................................4
Concentration Checklist .................................................................................................................................5
Concentration Program Requirements ...........................................................................................................6
Waitlist and Permission Policies....................................................................................................................6
Upper-Level Writing Requirement (ULWR) - COMM Courses...................................................................7
Quantitative Reasoning (QR) Requirement - Comm Courses .......................................................................7
Double Concentration ....................................................................................................................................8
Academic Minors ...........................................................................................................................................8
Transfer Credit ...............................................................................................................................................8
Study Abroad Credit ......................................................................................................................................9
COMM 321 - Undergraduate Internship......................................................................................................10
Independent Reading/Research (COMM 441/442) .....................................................................................11
Honors Program ...........................................................................................................................................12
Senior Audits................................................................................................................................................13
Undergraduate Student Organization...........................................................................................................14
Departmental Commencement.....................................................................................................................14
Preparations for a Career in Communication Studies ..................................................................................14
Career Opportunities for Communication Studies Graduates......................................................................16
Undergraduate Course Descriptions ............................................................................................................16
Undergraduate Awards.................................................................................................................................22
Summer Internship Stipend..........................................................................................................................24
Departmental Faculty ..................................................................................................................................25
Research Areas.............................................................................................................................................25
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers ..................................................................................................25
Concentration Checklist .............................................................................................................................31

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Rev. 08/11/06 Page 2
CONCENTRATION OVERVIEW
Mass communication is a powerful set of processes involving the creation, dissemination, and reception of many
kinds of messages. At Michigan, the study of mass communication is primarily concerned with identifying these
processes and examining how they affect people’s concepts of themselves and the world around them.
Undergraduate coursework is designed to help students develop a theoretical understanding of the structure,
function, processes, and effects of mass communication as a social phenomenon. Through exposure to cutting edge
research, teaching, and scholarship, students are equipped with:

1) an understanding of key concepts in the field of communications;

2) basic knowledge of current research and theory;
3) a familiarity with major analytical approaches to studying mass communication;
4) an appreciation for the role of the media in shaping mass communication messages.

The bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies forms an excellent base of knowledge for students interested in
graduate study or professional work in media relations and other media-related activities. Unlike communication
programs at many other institutions, which are often more narrowly defined training programs, the curriculum at
Michigan focuses on a theoretical understanding of the media and is conceived as part of a broad-based liberal arts
education. For this reason, technical training courses in journalism, advertising, public relations, broadcast, and
television production are not a part of the Department’s offerings. Students are encouraged, however, to gain
practical training through participation in internships in the private sector or at one of the many campus media
organizations. The Department administers an active internship program and assists concentrators with internship
support and opportunities with summer internship funding.

When exploring the Communication Studies concentration, students may wish to consider the Department’s current
student population and their career interests and aspirations. At present, there are approximately 300 concentrators
in Communication Studies at the University of Michigan. Upon graduation, the majority of these students seek jobs
in: media affairs, journalism (print or broadcasting), advertising, or public relations. A growing number hope to
apply their degree in Communication Studies to careers in new media technology. In addition to these fields, a
small number of students each year pursue job opportunities in public affairs, media production, and publishing.
The curriculum is also excellent preparation for students who plan on continuing their education in graduate or
professional school programs.

ADMISSION AND DECLARATION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

To apply to declare Communication Studies as a concentration, the student must have completed the four
prerequisite courses. COMM 111 is taken for credit, and COMM 101, 102, and 211 are graded. COMM 101, 102,
and 211 must be completed with a grade of C- or higher in each course. Official grades of all prerequisite
courses must be recorded on the student’s transcript before the student can apply to the concentration.

Prerequisites to the Concentration

COMM 101 The Mass Media 4 credits Requires freshman or sophomore status
COMM 102 Media Processes and Effects 4 credits Requires freshman or sophomore status
COMM 111 Workshop on Managing the 1 credit Requires freshman or sophomore status
Information Environment (graded credit/no credit)
COMM 211 Evaluating Information 4 credits Prerequisite: COMM 101 or 102

(NOTE: Transfer credit is not allowed for any of the Communication Studies prerequisite courses.)

Students must apply and be accepted into the Communication Studies concentration program. Enrollment in the
concentration is limited to assure a high quality educational experience for enrolled students. Application is open
to all students with sophomore or junior standing.

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APPLICATION INFORMATION
The Department of Communication Studies invites interested student to apply to the concentration. Space in this
rigorous concentration program is limited to ensure adequate faculty and program resources to serve students and
provide a high-quality educational experience.

Admission is not on a continuous cycle. Applications are only accepted twice each year in February and October
and admission takes place at that time. Students with sophomore or junior class standing may apply. Students are
strongly encouraged to apply no later than the first semester of their junior year. Applicants may re-apply once if
they are not accepted into the program, as long as they still have sophomore or junior class standing.

Requirements for application

• Applicants must be sophomore or junior LSA students.
• At the time of application, applicants must have completed (with final grades showing) all four prerequisite
courses (Comm 101, 102, 111, 211).

Materials for application

• Completed application form.
• Personal statement (see instructions on the application form)
• Official UM transcript from the Registrar’s Office.

Admission process & criteria

• The admission process is very competitive, and space is limited.
• Program faculty will make admission decisions based on overall academic performance, academic
performance in prerequisite classes, and the quality of the personal statement.
• Academic performance is not the only factor in the admission process and it is very important to note that a
high GPA will not guarantee admission. There is no exact “formula” for acceptance.
• The Admissions Committee will begin the review of applications immediately following the application
deadline, and decisions will be communicated to students within three weeks.

Admission declination
Students who are not granted admission to the Department of Communication Studies are eligible to re-apply once,
as long as they still have sophomore or junior class standing. Students who are denied admission are strongly
advised to meet with an LSA academic advisor as soon as possible to discuss other concentration options. Students
should keep in mind that many Communication Studies courses also fulfill other general LSA requirements as long
as they are not being used to fulfill concentration requirements, such as:

• COMM 101 The Mass Media may be used as social science (SS) distribution credit.
• COMM 102 Media Processes & Effects may be used as social science (SS) distribution credit.
• COMM 111 Managing the Information Environment is a hands-on research and computer information
workshop teaching skills useful for all subsequent academic course work.
• COMM 211 Evaluating Information may be used as social science (SS) distribution credit and
quantitative reasoning (QR/1) credit.
• COMM 351, 361, 371 and 381 all fulfill the upper level writing requirement (UWLR).

Personal Statement Tips

The personal statement should be 750 words or less (approximately 3 double-spaced, typed pages) on the following
topic:

“Why I want to major in Communication Studies.”

Below are some guidelines for the essay. Of course, students are encouraged to be creative and original in their
writing, but should consult these suggestions before beginning the essay:

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 • Career aspirations, internship and work experiences, volunteer experiences, and extra curricular activities
may all be included in the statement. However, applicants should connect these experiences, activities and
aspirations to the Communication Studies courses taken and/or the Communication Studies curriculum. Do
not simply list internships, experiences or activities. Ask “How do these relate to the concentration?”
• Applicants may include personal information (i.e. small high school limited choices; challenging
background issues), however they should relate them to experiences in Communication Studies courses and
curriculum. For example; How have the Communication classes, the curriculum or interactions with
faculty/advisors helped the applicant to re-think/overcome limitations/barriers?
• Applicants are encouraged to include how a concentration in Communication Studies fits into their overall
educational objectives.
• As with all academic writing, the Admissions Committee expects that the personal statement will be the
original work of the student. Applications found to contain plagiarized material will automatically be
rejected and students may be referred to the Academic Standards Board for further action.
• Applicants are encouraged to have others review the essay before submission for grammatical accuracy,
content and readability. The LSA Peer Advising Office or Sweetland Writing Center are excellent sources
of assistance.

Declaration Appointment
Upon admission to the concentration, an in-person concentration advising appointment is required for students to
declare a Communication Studies concentration. Students cannot declare by e-mail, phone or fax. The advisor and
student appointment is critical for the student to learn about concentration requirements, cognate options and
Department registration procedures. Advising appointments are scheduled online through the Department’s
website at http://www.lsa.umich.edu/comm. After obtaining a concentration advisor’s signature for approval on the
Concentration Declaration Form, the student will retain the white copy for their own record, and the Department
will keep the yellow copy. Students may need to present their copy of the declaration form to confirm their newly
declared status to faculty of waitlisted Communication Studies courses.

General Concentration Advising Appointment

UM students, transfer students and prospective concentrators are encouraged to schedule an appointment with a
Communication Studies concentration advisor to discuss all required prerequisite courses and the concentration
requirements. General Advising Appointments are also available with Communication Studies Faculty members to
discuss the concentration, course scheduling, academic planning, and career planning. These appointments are
made online through the Department’s website: http://www.lsa.umich.edu/comm. Non- and prospective UM
students may contact the Undergraduate Program Coordinator at (734) 647-9723 or by e-mail at
cerdmann@umich.edu to discuss the prerequisites and requirements of the concentration.

CONCENTRATION CHECKLIST
* Refer to Concentration Checklist at the end of this handbook. Additional copies can be found at the Department
office, 1225 S. University Avenue, and on the Department’s website.

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CONCENTRATION PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Communication Effective Spring 2004-Spring 2005 Effective Fall 2005
Studies At least 24 credits in Communication StudiesAt least 23 credits in Communication Studies
Required Courses at the 300 and 400 level plus 6 credits in at the 300 and 400 level plus 6 credits in
approved cognates. approved cognates.
Prerequisites for 111 is taken for credit and 101, 102 and 211111 is taken for credit and 101, 102 and 211
Declaring the with a C- or better in each course. COMM
with a C- or better in each course; B- average
Concentration in all 3 courses (or at least 32.4 honor 101 or 102 is a prerequisite to enroll in 211.
points). COMM 101 or 102 is a prerequisite Students must submit an application for
to enroll in 211. admission upon completion of prerequisite
courses.
Areas of One of 351 or 371, and one of 361 or 381. One of 351 or 371, and one of 361 or 381.
Communication COMM 101 or 102 are prerequisites to enroll COMM 101 or 102 are prerequisites to enroll
in any of these 300 level courses. in any of these 300 level courses.
Advanced 16 additional credits of upper level 15 additional credits of upper level
Communication Communication Studies coursework, Communication Studies coursework,
Study including at least 8 credits at the 400-level including at least 8 credits at the 400-level
and above. and above.
Cognates At least 6 credits of upper level (300 or At least 6 credits of upper level (300 or
above) credit in one department other than above) credit in one department other than
Communication Studies, approved by a Communication Studies, approved by a
concentration advisor. concentration advisor.

Reserved Enrollment
The concentration in Communication Studies attracts a large number of interested students each term. This is
primarily due to the popularity of career paths that open with a Communication Studies concentration, the quality
of faculty, and an active internship program that is available only to concentrators. As a result, courses may be over
enrolled, with wait lists. A number of steps have been implemented to manage enrollment, including reserving the
introductory courses for first and second year students so that they can satisfy prerequisite requirements. At the
upper level, the Department reserves approximately 25% of the places for declared concentrators. Additionally,
small class sizes are a priority so that upper class students can have a seminar experience or meet in a small group.
Students should refer to the Department’s waitlist policies for more information.

WAITLIST AND PERMISSION POLICIES

For all classes, the Department uses the electronic waitlist system once the class fills. Students seeking to enroll in
an already full class can put their names on a waitlist through the on-line registration system (Wolverine Access).
A waitlist number will appear on the student’s schedule indicating their sequential spot on the electronic waitlist.
However, priority on the waitlist is determined not by sequential order but by the Department policies listed below.
Faculty members will apply appropriate departmental policies to determine which, if any, students are accepted into
the class once it is full and waitlisted. Due to the reservation restrictions of Communication Studies courses for
officially declared students, new concentrators are encouraged to waitlist for any closed Communication Studies
courses.

WAITLIST PRIORITIES IN 100-LEVEL COURSES:

1. Sophomores, including those with Junior class standing due to Advanced Placement credit (54 credits or less
after exclusion of AP credit)
2. Freshmen
3. Juniors
4. Seniors

WAITLIST PRIORITIES IN COMM 211

1. Juniors, including those with Senior class standing due to Advanced Placement credit (84 credits or less after
exclusion of AP credit)
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2. Sophomores
3. Freshmen
4. Seniors
[COMM 101 or 102 is a prerequisite to enroll in COMM 211.]

WAITLIST PRIORITIES IN 300-LEVEL COURSES

1. Senior concentrators
2. Junior concentrators
3. Sophomore concentrators
4. All other undergraduate students in order of sequence on the waitlist who have fulfilled the appropriate
prerequisite
5. Graduate students in order of sequence on the waitlist who have fulfilled the appropriate prerequisite
[COMM 101 or 102 is a prerequisite to enroll in COMM 351, 361, 371, and 381.]
NOTE: All sections of Comm 351, 361, 371, and 381 meet the LSA Upper-Level Writing Requirement. All
students enrolled in these courses must complete all writing assignments regardless of whether or not they are
seeking ULWR credit.

WAITLIST PRIORITIES IN 400 LEVEL COURSES

1. Senior concentrators
2. Junior concentrators
3. Sophomore concentrators
4. All other undergraduate students in order of sequence on the waitlist
5. Graduate students in order of sequence on the waitlist

Permissions and the 2 Class Rule

Permissions are not issued until after a class has met two times. For seminar or lecture courses, Department policy
requires students to attend the first two seminars or lectures of the course. For lecture courses with discussion
sections, Department policy requires students to attend the first two lectures and one discussion section of the course.
Faculty can request registered students to be administratively dropped from a course if they fail to attend the first two
class meetings as described above.

Permission Procedures
Permissions are approved only by faculty after the term begins. Permissions are issued within 24 hours of
Department staff receiving them from the instructor. Students offered permission will receive an email about
registration information from Wolverine Access. After receiving permission, students must add the class via
Wolverine Access to become officially enrolled. Also, students will not be able to register for the course (add the
course) until they are issued permission and have dropped themselves from the waitlist. In all cases, it is the
student’s responsibility to insure that he or she is properly enrolled in, or dropped from, a course.

New Concentration Status

Newly declared concentrators should present their approved, signed declaration form to instructors in waitlisted
courses to confirm official concentration status. Faculty rely on the signed declaration forms to validate a student’s
official Communication Studies concentration status so that appropriate waitlist priority is granted.

UPPER-LEVEL WRITING REQUIREMENT (ULWR) - COMM COURSES

The Department offers several classes each fall and winter term that fulfill LSA's upper-level writing requirement.
All sections of the following courses have been designated as fulfilling the upper-level writing requirement:
COMM 351, COMM 361, COMM 371, COMM 381. Students must indicate ULWR when registering in order to
receive credit for having fulfilled the writing requirement. Students enrolled in ULWR sections must complete all
writing requirements, regardless of whether or not they are seeking ULWR credit.

QUANTITATIVE REASONING (QR) REQUIREMENT - COMM COURSES

Communication Studies 211 (Evaluating Information) fulfills the Quantitative Reasoning requirement set by LSA
and is a required part of the curriculum in Communication Studies. You do not need to take COMM 211 before
electing upper-level coursework, but it may prove helpful in many of those courses.
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DOUBLE CONCENTRATION
Many students choose to combine their major in Communication Studies with a concentration in another
department. In order to double concentrate, a student must complete all requirements of both departments.
However, a student may use two courses at the 300-400 level from a second concentration towards the cognate
requirement in Communication Studies. Double concentrations with Communication Studies commonly include:
Political Science, for students interested in law and government service; Psychology, for students interested in
advertising or public relations; English, for those interested in print or broadcast journalism.

ACADEMIC MINORS
The Department does not offer an academic minor, nor does it plan to offer one in the future.

TRANSFER CREDIT
Students have the opportunity to transfer up to 6 credits of faculty approved coursework completed at another
institution either inside or outside the United States to count toward the concentration requirements. The transfer
credit evaluation process requires the following steps:

1. Official transfer credit approval must be obtained from the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. The
Office of Undergraduate Admissions must first grant transfer approval for general elective credit. Students
should check the Office of Undergraduate Admissions website for guidelines on obtaining credit for
transfer courses (http://www.admissions.umich.edu/current/outofresidency.html). If a course has been
previously approved for transfer credit for LSA students, it will appear on the LSA website under LSA
Transfer Equivalencies at http://www.lsa.umich.edu/lsa/students/req_conversion/. If the course does not
appear on this list, the student must complete the “Out of Residence Pre-Evaluation Form” and submit it for
approval to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Students wishing to use transfer credits toward any
LSA distribution or general requirement must also seek the approval of their general LSA advisor.

2. Students wishing to use transfer credit to fulfill any concentration requirement must also seek the
approval of a Communication Studies faculty member. Before the student takes a course at another
institution for domestic transfer credit, the student should schedule an appointment with any
Communication Studies faculty advisor (preferably with an advisor familiar with the course topic area) to
review the course description and syllabus of the prospective course. For foreign transfer credit, the
student must schedule an appointment with the Faculty Foreign Credit Advisor, before taking the course,
to review the course description and syllabus of the prospective course. Although official approval cannot
be granted before the coursework is completed, the faculty advisor can review the course content to
determine whether or not the course appears equivalent to Communication Studies coursework.

3. After completing the coursework at another institution, the student must arrange for the transcript to
be forwarded to the U of M Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

4. After the Office of Undergraduate Admissions officially records the credit on their Michigan transcript, the
student must then seek final approval from a faculty concentration advisor (for domestic credit
approval) or the Faculty Foreign Credit Advisor (for foreign credit approval) in the Department of
Communication Studies. This must be arranged through an advising appointment. The student must
provide a copy of the syllabus (indicating the subject and the workload of the course) and written work
(exams and papers) completed in the course. Submission of these materials is crucial to the faculty
evaluator’s decision in determining whether or not the coursework completed at another institution is
applicable to and as rigorous as a comparable course in the student’s Communication Studies
concentration. Once the decision is made whether to grant departmental credit, the faculty evaluator will
inform the student of the evaluation status (approved or not approved) and document the transfer evaluation
status in their LSA file.

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Transfer credit documented on the student’s Michigan transcript by the Office of Undergraduate
Admissions or courses listed under the LSA Transfer Equivalencies web page does not automatically qualify
the course as approved credit towards the concentration. The approval of concentration credit can only take
place at an appointment with a Department faculty advisor. Approved coursework that does not count towards
the concentration may still be applied towards the 120 credits required for graduation from LSA. See
http://www.lsa.umich.edu/lsa/students/req_conversion/ for more information. No more than 6 credits of
coursework counting toward the concentration (including cognates) may be taken at another institution. Transfer
credit is not allowed for any of the Communication Studies prerequisite courses.

STUDY ABROAD CREDIT

The University of Michigan Office of International Programs (OIP) has both OIP-sponsored and Non-UM
sponsored study abroad opportunities. Students participating in the OIP-sponsored programs earn in-residence,
upper-level UM credit for all courses taken abroad. Credit from OIP-sponsored programs are posted to the
student’s record by OIP.

Students studying abroad through OIP should complete the following steps:

1. Students participating in OIP-sponsored programs are required to complete an Advisor Approval Form,
available from the OIP office, in consultation with a Department Faculty Foreign Credit Advisor
before departure for study abroad, if study abroad credits are to be counted toward concentration
requirements. Students must provide the course description and/or syllabi for review.

2. Approvals granted on the Advisor Approval Form are not official until completed coursework and
documentation are reviewed and final approval is granted by the Faculty Foreign Credit Advisor after the
student’s return. Students are required to schedule an appointment through the departmental web page
with the Faculty Foreign Credit Advisor for final approval of the credit.

Students participating in Non-UM sponsored study abroad programs must follow the guidelines listed in the section
above on Transfer Credit (from foreign institutions) and complete the following steps:

1. An appointment should be made with the Faculty Foreign Credit Advisor before the student departs, to
review the course description and syllabus.

2. Final approval for foreign transfer credit from Non-UM sponsored study abroad programs cannot be
completed until the student submits an official transcript to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and
the credit has been recorded on the official University of Michigan transcript by the Office of
Undergraduate Admissions.

3. After the credit is listed on the student’s UM transcript, another appointment should be made with the
Faculty Foreign Credit Advisor for final evaluation of the credit to count toward concentration
requirements. It is the student’s responsibility to schedule advising appointments through the
Department’s website with the evaluator.

Official approval of international coursework approved by the Office of Admissions that is not accepted by the
Department as concentration credit may still be applied towards the 120 credits required for graduation from LSA.
For more information on study abroad programs, see http://www.umich.edu/~iinet/oip. No more than 6 credits of
coursework counting toward the concentration (including cognates) may be taken at another institution.

International Center (IC)

The University of Michigan International Center is located in the Michigan Union, and provides a range of services
for the University of Michigan community, including both international and U.S. students, and University
administrators. Students are encouraged to explore options for study, work, and travel abroad through the Overseas
Opportunities Office. http://www.umich.edu/~icenter/overseas/index.html

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COMM 321 - UNDERGRADUATE INTERNSHIP
The Department of Communication Studies encourages and supports its concentrators in their efforts to acquire
internships that supplement their academic training. Communication Studies declared concentrators who have
reached junior standing may receive some amount of experiential course credit for an internship through COMM
321 - Undergraduate Internship (Note: Students who have completed all four prerequisite courses (Comm 101, 102,
111, 211) and will apply for admission to the concentration during the following term, please contact the
Undergraduate Program Coordinator for information). The application for COMM 321 is available through the
Department’s website or the main office. In order to be approved for COMM 321, internships must:
(1) Involve systematic learning with demonstrated application of experience to the theory, concepts, or
research methods of the field.
(2) Be approved in advance by the Faculty Internship Coordinator by the proposal deadline:
(Summer - June 12; Fall - September 12; Winter - January 12).
(3) Result in a product (e.g., an analytical paper) that is evaluated as acceptable by the Faculty Internship
Coordinator.

Notes:
ƒ Internship credit cannot be used to satisfy Communication Studies electives in the concentration
plan.
ƒ Internship credits may only be used to fulfill general Bachelor’s degree credit requirements.
ƒ No more than 3 credits can be earned in a single academic term, and no more than 6 credits total can be
received through any combination of internships (COMM 321).
ƒ The amount of credit awarded will be based on the number of hours spent in the internship experience
and the academic merit of the experience.
ƒ Communication Studies concentrators may learn of available internships through the University of
Michigan’s Career Center. Additional internship and professional career opportunities are provided
through the Department’s website, Undergraduate Program Coordinator, and the Internship and Career
Resource Center, 205 University Towers (1225 S. University Ave).

COMM 321 Procedures

1. Submit a proposal
Prior to beginning an internship, a student must submit a proposal consisting of 3-4 pages, including a reference
page, attached to the COMM 321 proposal application form. The proposal must incorporate 5-7 academic sources
relevant to the internship. The content of the proposal should be a preface to the project paper and focus on the
relationship between the internship experience and the student’s academic studies. It should also include a detailed
job description, specifying the number of work hours the student intends to complete. The student may consult the
Faculty Internship Advisor for assistance in preparing the proposal. Proposals must be accepted before students are
allowed to register for credit. Once the proposal is submitted, the Faculty Internship Advisor may approve or reject
it. If a proposal is rejected, the student will be notified and may reapply at a later date. Students should submit
proposals for evaluation as far in advance as possible. The Faculty Internship Advisor will notify students of
approved proposals by email. In turn, the Department’s Undergraduate Program Coordinator will issue a
permission and inform the student by email to register for the course. Completed proposals should be submitted
by the deadlines listed above to: Faculty Internship Advisor, Department of Communication Studies, 1225 S.
University Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48104-2523.

2. Submit a project paper

Following participation in an approved internship, students will be expected to write a final project paper linking
their experience to the readings they have proposed in the field of Communication Studies. The project papers are
due on the following dates: (Summer - August 4; Fall - December 2; and Winter - April 7). In the event that
students are asked to revise the final paper, the revision is due on the last day of classes of the term in which the
student is registered for the internship. The paper should include references from the proposed list of reading
materials included in the proposal. Students should also expand their scholarly references. The content of the final
project paper should loosely adhere to the following guidelines:
• Your goals and expectations going into the internship: A brief description - no more than one page - of your
predetermined goals and the various job duties you performed during your internship.

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 • A critical analysis of the experience. The analysis should connect theories and research covered in your
Communication Studies courses to the insights you have gained from your internship experience. You may need
to include issues and examples derived from your course work.
• Analyze the structure, function, goals, and effects of the organization. Consider the following questions:
• Does ownership of the outlet affect its content and production in your opinion? How does it fit into society and
culture? What needs does it try to fulfill? Is the organization generally successful in getting through to its
audiences in the desired way? How do you know this? How could the organization be more successful at this,
in your opinion? In what ways did you observe the business side and production side of your organization
interact? In what ways did the business side influence the production side? Is this influence justified in your
opinion? Please cite specific examples. Describe how the business side and commercial side of an organization
would co-exist ideally in your view. Did the lessons and experiences gained from your internship conform to
studies and theories of the media and its operations that you’ve learned in the classroom? What surprised you
most about your experience based upon your academic training to date? If you were asked to design a
Communication Studies course on the professional, practical sides of communications, how would the course be
organized? What lessons would you include and why? In short, what does a student in Communication Studies
need to know in order to perform successfully in the professional field of communications?

Papers should be 10-12 typed pages, double-spaced on 8-1/2 x 11" paper and should be built around academic
citations. Proofread your paper for errors and staple it in the upper left-hand corner. Attribute the ideas, theories,
and findings in previous research to original authors. Any standard citation/footnote/endnote system is fine, but
you should stick to one system throughout.

3. Submit a letter of evaluation

Students must submit a letter of evaluation from their internship supervisor. The letter should include the
following:
• Intern’s job description
• Number of hours intern worked
• Assessment of the intern’s performance
• How the experience contributed to the intern’s academic pursuits
• The letter of evaluation must be signed by the intern’s supervisor and received by the Department no later
than the last day of classes of the term in which the student is registered for the internship.
• The letter should be addressed to: Internship Coordinator, Department of Communication Studies,
University of Michigan, 1225 S. University Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48104-2523.

Notes:
• Students must be approved to register for COMM 321 prior to beginning their internship; no retroactive
credit will be granted.
• Papers turned in after the deadline will not be accepted, and no credit will be given for the class.
• Credit will not be granted to any student who fails to meet any one of the COMM 321 requirements -
including receipt of the supervisor’s letter of evaluation - by the applicable deadline.
• The final project paper and supervisor letter of evaluation are due no later than:
• (Summer - August 4; Fall - December 2; and Winter - April 7).
• The revised final paper, if applicable, is due on the last day of classes of the term in which the student
is registered for the internship.

INDEPENDENT READING/RESEARCH (COMM 441/442)

Independent Study is a course of study designed by a student and a sponsoring faculty member. The Department of
Communication Studies allows declared concentrators to pursue Independent Study through two possible courses,
Independent Reading (COMM 441) and Independent Research (COMM 442). Independent Reading (COMM 441)
is intended for individualized instruction in subject areas not covered by scheduled courses. Independent Research
(COMM 442) is intended for original, individualized student research under the direction of a faculty supervisor.
COMM 441 and 442 are both graded credit/no credit. An independent research project should be more than an
exercise in writing another term paper. It should reflect a research interest of a student that cannot be met through
current courses or assignments. The student should have an active role in designing and implementing the project,
and one goal might be the eventual publication of the results with joint authorship by the sponsoring faculty
Rev. 08/11/06 Page 11
member and the student. As a rule, junior and senior years are the most appropriate time for undertaking
independent study projects.

COMM 441 or 442 Application and Registration Procedures:

• Identify a topic of interest to you in areas that are not currently covered by existing courses in the curriculum
• Prior to your registration date, find a faculty member whose area of interest relates to your topic (see Faculty
Research Interest Areas on page 25)
• Pick up an Application for Independent Reading or Independent Research from the Department
• Secure an appointment with your supervising faculty member to discuss all areas of the independent study;
complete the application form, and have it signed by the faculty member
• Return the form and requested attachments to the Department’s Undergraduate Program Coordinator for
approval by the Department Chair
• Approved applicants will be issued permission (override) to enter the course by the Undergraduate Program
Coordinator. You will receive notification by email along with registration instructions

Independent Reading/Research Policies:

• COMM 441 and 442 courses are graded credit/no credit
• Independent Reading and Research courses are only for declared concentrators
• COMM 441 and 442 may be taken for only three or four credits
• A maximum of three (3) credits from COMM 441 or 442 (Independent Study) may apply to the
concentration requirements (additional credit may be applied to the general bachelor’s degree
requirements)

HONORS PROGRAM
For students with strong academic records and a desire to pursue individual scholarly research, the Honors
Concentration in Communication Studies offers a special opportunity. Students admitted into the Honors
Concentration design and conduct an individual research project during their senior year and write a senior thesis
on the results of their research. Upon successful completion of the thesis, students graduate with Honors, High
Honors, or Highest Honors in Communication Studies depending on their grade point in Communication Studies
and the evaluation of their thesis. These honors designations appear on their diplomas along with any college
honors designations (Distinction, High Distinction, Highest Distinction) they earn from their overall grade point.
Successful graduates are also honored at the Department Commencement Exercises, and their bound theses are
submitted to the Communication Studies Department archives. A Department of Communication Studies Honors
Luncheon is held annually where students present a brief synopsis of their thesis projects to classmates and advisors
in the honors program.

Students admitted into the honors concentration take a year long seminar during their senior year (Communication
Studies 491 and 492) while they are conducting their research and writing their theses. These seminars, taught by
the honors advisor and involving all the honors concentrators, are designed to help students develop their specific
research proposals, secure a faculty thesis advisor, learn more about research methodology, and solve problems
they encounter. A maximum of three (3) credits from COMM 491 or 492 (Honor’s Seminar) may apply to the
concentration requirements (additional credit may be applied to the general bachelor’s degree requirements).
Students admitted into the honors concentration also automatically become members of the Honors Program of the
College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, regardless of whether or not they entered the University as Honors
students. As members of the LSA Honors Program, they gain access to a variety of special services, including
academic support, special counseling, assistance with preparing applications for scholarships and fellowships, and
some financial support for their thesis research.

Application for admissions into the Honors Concentration in Communication Studies are accepted only after March
1st of a student’s junior year. The program begins in the fall semester of the student’s senior year. To be eligible
for admission into the honors concentration:
• The student must have an overall grade point of 3.40 and a grade point in Communication Studies of 3.50.
• The student must have completed Comm 211.
• The student must have completed (or be completing) the “Areas of Communication Study” 300 level
concentration requirements.
Rev. 08/11/06 Page 12
 • The student must be able to demonstrate a serious interest in scholarly research and the ability to work
independently in conducting high-quality research and in preparing a high-quality senior thesis. The
honors advisor will interview interested candidates to evaluate them on these dimensions.
• The student should have completed, or be taking in their senior year, Stats 350 or an equivalent, though this
is not absolutely required. All honors concentrators are expected to have completed a statistics course
before they start the honors sequence in their senior year. Under certain unusual circumstances, the honors
advisor has the power to waive this requirement in cases that seem appropriate. Exceptions could apply to
an outstanding student who has been unable to take such a course because of scheduling problems and is
also planning a completely non-quantitative analysis for his or her thesis. Similarly, there might be special
cases where it would be sufficient that the student take a statistics course in the fall of his or her senior
year. The department believes that, for the majority of honors students, a statistics course is a necessity.

Final acceptance in the program does not occur until the very beginning of a student’s senior year, but tentative
acceptance is granted at the end of the junior year to appropriate candidates who then register for the Honors
sequence in their senior year.

Interested juniors who think they meet these requirements should apply in person to the honors concentration
advisor as soon as possible after March 1 of their junior year. These appointments should be scheduled through
the Communication Studies Department advising appointment web page at http://www.lsa.umich.edu/comm.

SENIOR AUDITS
The student must complete the following steps to graduate from LSA:
1. Apply for graduation online through Student Business in Wolverine Access
2. Submit a Concentration Release Form (blue form); must be completed by all AB, BS, and BS Chem
candidates* and requires the signature of the Undergraduate Program Coordinator.
*Honors students use a different form, available at the Honors Office, 1330 Mason Angell Hall.
*RC Students should apply through the RC, even if they have LSA Concentrations.

• Forms are available in the Department Office at 1225 S. University Avenue or can be picked up in the
LSA Advising Center, 1255 Angell Hall, and also outside the door of the LSA Academic Auditors,
G255 Angell Hall.
• All Concentration Release Forms should be returned to the LSA Advising Center, 1255 Angell Hall, or
the LSA Academic Auditors, G255 Angell Hall.

Senior Audit Forms and Suggested Deadlines

A signed Concentration Release Form must be submitted to the LSA Advising Center to complete the senior audit.
Students must also apply for graduation on-line through Wolverine Access. (Students with a double concentration
or minor program must complete Concentration Release Forms for each academic department.) The Concentration
Release Form must be completed by the Undergraduate Program Coordinator and requires an appointment.
Students may schedule the appointment through the Department’s online appointment system:
http://www.lsa.umich.edu/comm/. In general, students should apply for graduation by submitting the necessary
forms the semester prior to their final term. For example, students expecting to graduate in May should submit the
forms by the previous December. This allows the auditors time to send a written audit summarizing what
requirements are needed, if any, to satisfy the bachelor degree requirements. Planning this far in advance allows
the student to make any necessary adjustments in the final term. Students may submit the audit forms within the
same term as graduation, however, their name may not appear in the graduation commencement brochure. Students
should also make an appointment with an academic advisor in LSA to ensure that all LSA requirements for
graduation have been met. Note: If the Academic Auditors do not receive a Concentration Release Form from an
AB/BS student and the student does not apply for graduation on-line, the student’s graduation will be deferred.
[Note: Concentration Release Forms will not be completed for students who have not yet declared a
Communication Studies concentration. Students should contact the Undergraduate Program Coordinator
for more information.]

Rev. 08/11/06 Page 13

Senior Audit Confirmations
Approximately three weeks after the paperwork is submitted the student will receive an audit statement, in the form
of a letter, confirming exactly which concentration requirements and general requirements are needed before
graduation. Students are automatically mailed a Letter of Certification following verification of completion of
requirements. The letter is generally accepted as evidence that requirements have been met and a degree will be
awarded. Students who do not complete degree requirements for the term in which they have applied for
graduation must reapply for graduation in order to be placed on any subsequent degree list.

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT ORGANIZATION

The Department sponsors the Michigan Association for Communication Studies (MACS), an undergraduate
student group open to undergraduate concentrators and prospective concentrators. The organization meets on a
regular basis in the Fall and Winter terms to explore career and internship opportunities in communications related
markets. A primary goal of MACS is to provide a forum that encourages student leadership, interaction
(networking), and professional development. For more information about MACS see the Department's
Undergraduate Program Coordinator or visit the MACS web page at: http://www.umich.edu/~macsorg/home.html.

DEPARTMENTAL COMMENCEMENT
The Department holds an annual Commencement Exercise in the spring for seniors who are walking in May or
August. The ceremony is usually held the Friday before the University of Michigan’s spring commencement.
Students will receive information and details through email announcements from the Undergraduate Program
Coordinator. A formal invitation is sent to all graduating seniors at their local address listed in Wolverine Access,
as well. Students who graduated in the previous December will also be invited to participate in the spring. For
more information, contact the main office at (734) 764-0420. Students should make sure their local and
permanent addresses are updated in Wolverine Access to ensure they receive commencement information.

PREPARATIONS FOR A CAREER IN COMMUNICATION STUDIES

The following may serve as both a checklist and reference for monitoring progress toward meeting career and
professional goals in Communication Studies while still a full-time student. Useful websites appear at the end of
this section.

Freshman and Sophomore Years

• Enroll in and complete the prerequisite courses: COMM 101, 102, 111, and 211.
• Make an appointment with a Communication Studies concentration advisor to learn more about the
concentration.
• Submit an application for admission to the concentration once the prerequisites are completed.
• Research internship and career opportunities with media organizations through information on the
Department web page, in the Internship Career Resource Center (205 University Tower), the Career Center
(3rd Floor SAB), career preparation books, and the world wide web.
• Create or refine your resume. Resume writing services are available through the Career Center (3rd Floor,
Student Activities Building). http://www.cpp.umich.edu
• Join the Michigan Association of Communication Studies (MACS) organization and learn about internship
and career opportunities in media from fellow Communication Studies students.
http://www.umich.edu/~macsorg/home.html
• If interested in journalism specifically or advertising/PR, join the Michigan Daily and/or UM News and
Information staff. The experience is invaluable. The Michigan Daily’s reputation among professionals in
print journalism is excellent. The University of Michigan News Service
(http://www.umich.edu/~newsinfo/) includes information about Michigan Public Media which include the
Michigan Radio stations (WUOM-FM, 91.7, Ann Arbor; WVGR-FM, 104.1, Grand Rapids; WFUM-FM,
91.1, Flint), Michigan Television (WFUM-TV, channel 28, Flint; seen on many regional cable TV systems)
and the Michigan Channel, a C-SPAN-style service on cable channel 22 in Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti and on the
Ann Arbor campus cable system.
• Begin application process for summer internships through contacts/information available in the
Department. For study abroad programs contact the U of M Office of International Programs (OIP). Most
Rev. 08/11/06 Page 14
 applications for summer internships with major media organizations are due in late February or early
March. A few outstanding study abroad programs may require admission as early as September.

Junior Year
• Open a file at the Reference Letter Center in the Career Center (3rd Floor SAB). The Reference Letter
Center of The Career Center offers a service for housing letters of recommendation for University of
Michigan students and alumni/ae. A file of original letters of recommendation is maintained for 10 years
from the last date of written activity. All contents of the file remain property of the University and are not
available after 10 years of inactivity. There is no charge to open a reference letter file. Copies of your file
will be mailed to graduate/professional school admissions offices, potential employers, and/or scholarship
and fellowship granting organizations at your written request. In response to feedback received from
admissions and personnel offices, you are encouraged to maintain no more than six letters of
recommendation in your file.
• Approach one or two specific professors, not GSIs, who know your work from courses at the 300-level or
above and whom you have visited during office hours and ask them to write you a confidential letter of
recommendation. These letters are written on pre-designed letterhead available at the Career Center.
When requesting a letter of recommendation from professors, offer the professor(s) a copy of your resume,
and/or a research paper that you wrote for his/her class. Allow them 5-7 weeks to write the letter; after four
weeks, you may send him or her a brief e-mail reminder. Send the professor a hand-written thank you card
once the letter is in your file (the professor will long remember you for the gesture). Include in the same
file letters from internship supervisors, employers, coaches, or advisors. Once the letters are in your Career
Center file, you may request that they be sent to any organization, program, or school you wish to apply to.
• Update your resume.
• Register for career development services, if you haven’t already, through the Career Center.
• Join the Michigan Association of Communication Studies (MACS) organization and learn about internship
and career opportunities in media from fellow communication studies students.

Senior Year
• Update resume and standard cover letter for job search. Resumes highlight knowledge and skills gained in
your undergraduate years (course work, study abroad courses, internships, independent research),
paid/work-study employment, and volunteer work. A well-structured resume and cover letter are key to a
successful job search.
• If you are interested, explore an international internship just before graduating. Secure a 3-6 month work
permit for England through BUNAC at http://www.bunac.org/ or Ireland, France, Costa Rica, Germany,
Canada, Australia, or New Zealand through CIEE/Council Travel at http://www.ciee.org/. Make contacts
with media organizations prior to departure. Use search engines to research companies (e.g.
http://www.altavista.com/) on the web or phone books (business pages) located at public or university
libraries. Most work permits cost between $200 and $300. Graduating seniors may apply for a work
permit up to 6 months after graduation (apply in Dec. for a Jan. - June stay in Britain, for example).
• Search the classified/jobs/help wanted sections of major newspapers on-line (e.g. for the jobs in New York
City, check http://www.nyt.com/ under “Classifieds” and then under “A” for “Advertising”), other
newspapers, and the Communication Studies website under internships at
http://www.lsa.umich.edu/comm/students/conc_interns/.

Useful sites for professional careers and development include:

Advertising and Public Relations:

Advertising Club of Detroit: http://www.adcraft.org
Advertising Women of New York: http://www.awny.org
Ann Arbor Ad Club: http://www.a2ac.org
Brainco, The Minneapolis School of Advertising: http://www.braincomsa.com
Chicago Advertising Federation: http://www.chicagoadfed.org
Creative Circus: http://www.creativecircus.com
Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA): http://www.prssa.org

Rev. 08/11/06 Page 15

Media Jobs and Internships:
Assignment Editor: http://www.assignmenteditor.com
Careers in Marketing: http://www.careers-in-marketing.com/
Communications Roundtable: http://www.roundtable.org/
TV Jobs: http://www.tvjobs.com
Vault: http://www.vault.com

International study/careers/scholarships:
BUNAC: http://www.bunac.org
Careers centre at Hot Courses: http://www.givemeajob.co.uk
Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE): http://www.ciee.org
Institute of International Education (IIE): http://www.iie.org/

Journalism and Print:

Inland Press: http://www.inlandpress.org
Journalism Jobs: http://www.journalismjobs.com

Careers Resources:
U of M Career Center: http://www.cpp.umich.edu/
Wet Feet: http://www.wetfeet.com
Campus Career Center: http://www.campuscareercenter.com

Many other useful career and internship resources are available on our Department’s web site at:
http://www.lsa.umich.edu/comm/students/conc_interns/.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES FOR COMMUNICATION STUDIES GRADUATES

In today’s information society, a degree in Communication Studies has a wide-variety of applications. Students
who choose to pursue this degree at Michigan are particularly well suited to take advantage of jobs in this rapidly
expanding field. In addition to the broad-based liberal arts education students gain through the College of
Literature, Science, and the Arts, Communication Studies concentrators acquire quantitative reasoning ability, a set
of analytical skills, and a core of theoretical knowledge relevant to a host of careers in the communications
industry. Potential career paths might include:

Corporate Communications Media

Public Relations Journalism - Newspapers, Magazines
Media Relations Broadcasting - Radio, Television
Consulting Electronic Media - New Media Technology
Investor Relations Film Production/Marketing
Government Relations Publishing
Fundraising & Event Coordination Editing

Consumer Communications Public Affairs

Advertising Government
Marketing Education
Market Research
Public Opinion Polling

UNDERGRADUATE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

(Not all courses are offered every term.)

COMM 101. The Mass Media. (4 credits)

First- and second-year students only; others with permission of instructor. Prerequisites enforced on Wolverine
Access. This course provides an introductory overview of contemporary mass media systems and an examination of
the various factors - historical, economic, political, and cultural - that have shaped their development. The course
Rev. 08/11/06 Page 16
begins with a description of present print and electronic media and examines their evolution. Attention is given
throughout to the legal and ethical implications of mass communication systems and to comparisons between
American media systems and those elsewhere in the world. Finally, it considers the probable future course of the
media and examines possible alternatives. This course is one of four prerequisites required for students to have
competed before declaring a Communication Studies concentration. (SS). May not be repeated for credit.

COMM 102. Media Processes and Effects. (4 credits)

First- and second-year students only; others with permission of instructor. Prerequisites enforced on Wolverine
Access. This course introduces students to the contemporary research on mass communication processes and
effects. Basic processes involved in the production, dissemination, reception, and impact of media messages are
examined. The course investigates a variety of effects on individuals' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors, as well
as influences on the functioning of larger social systems. It proceeds in general from investigations of individual-
level to societal-level impact. Critical reading and evaluation of research on media processes and effects, and of its
application to social policy debates, is encouraged and developed. This course is one of four prerequisites required
for students to have completed before declaring a Communication Studies concentration. (SS). May not be
repeated for credit.

COMM 111. Workshop on Managing the Information Environment. (1 credit)

First- and second-year students only; others with permission of instructor. Prerequisites enforced on Wolverine
Access. This course is a hands-on workshop intended to develop student mastery of the rapidly developing and
expanding electronic information environment. Skills developed include the use of electronic communication
systems, data base searching, word processing, data management, and various research uses of public computer
networks and the information superhighway. The course introduces students to a range of campus computing
resources, including local area networks and available software, and remote access to the Internet and the World
Wide Web. Problem-solving assignments are designed to teach strategies used in finding information and
evaluating its validity and utility. This course is one of four prerequisites required for students to have completed
before declaring a Communication Studies concentration. (Excl). May not be repeated for credit. Offered
mandatory credit/no credit.

COMM 159. First Year Seminar in Communication Studies. (3 credits)

Only first-year students, including those with sophomore standing, may pre-register for First-Year Seminars. All
others need permission of instructor. This course introduces students in a small group seminar to a variety of topics
in Communication Studies. Course content varies each term. May not be included in a concentration plan in
Communication Studies. (SS). May not be repeated for credit.

COMM 211. Evaluating Information. (4 credits)

Primarily for first- and second-year students. Prerequisites COMM 101 or 102 are enforced on Wolverine Access.
This course teaches the fundamental thinking skills necessary for critical evaluation of research-based arguments,
especially those based on quantitative information. Such skills are required for one to be a competent mass
communicator of information, a critical consumer of information relayed by the mass media, or an intelligent
scholar of media processes and effects. The course introduces generic logical and statistical concepts through
analysis and discussion of specific cases drawn from reporting in the mass media (e.g., health and business news,
public opinion polls), research on media effects (e.g., the impact of media violence), and audience research reported
in the mass media (e.g., audience research). Students logical and quantitative reasoning skills are improved through
a variety of "hands-on" exercises and projects (many involving computerized spreadsheet programs). The course is
introductory in nature, and no prior statistical expertise is required. COMM 111 strongly recommended. This
course is one of four prerequisites required for students to have completed before declaring a Communication
Studies concentration. (SS). (QR/1). May not be repeated for credit.

COMM 321. Undergraduate Internship. (1-3 credits)

Requires junior standing, concentration in Communication Studies, and permission of instructor. Internship credit
is not retroactive and must be prearranged. Offered mandatory credit/no credit. Cannot be used to satisfy
Communication Studies electives in a Communication Studies concentration plan. May be repeated for a total of 6
credits. No more than 3 credits can be earned in a single academic term, and no more than 6 credits total can be
received through any combination of internships. The internship is designed to provide Communication Studies
concentrators limited credit for appropriate practical work experience. Student assessment is based on the
Rev. 08/11/06 Page 17
academic merit of the work performed, evaluation of the final paper, satisfactory completion of the internship, and
written recommendation of the internship sponsor. Registration is by permission of instructor only. The COMM
321 proposal application form is available in the Department office or online and must be submitted to the faculty
internship coordinator by the specified deadline. (EXPERIENTIAL). (Excl).

COMM 351. Structure and Function of Media Systems. (4 credits)

All sections fulfill the Upper Level Writing Requirement (ULWR). Prerequisites COMM 101 or 102 are enforced
on Wolverine Access. This course examines research and scholarship focused on existing media institutions, their
genesis and current lines of development, institutional arrangements, organization and operation, economic
structure, and characteristic communications "output." Course topics may include: the history of media systems;
media and government, including legal, regulatory and free-expression issues; media economics; international
media systems; technologies; media organizational routines; and the values and behavior of media professionals.
The course investigates the ways in which institutional, economic, and organizational arrangements affect
professional behavior and media content, with attention to media system changes over time and in comparative
contexts. (Excl). May not be repeated for credit.

COMM 361. Processes of Mediated Communication. (4 credits)

All sections fulfill the Upper Level Writing Requirement (ULWR). Prerequisites COMM 101 or 102 are enforced
on Wolverine Access. This course examines general phenomena involved with the creation, dissemination, and
reception of mediated information. Course topics may include: information processing, including message
encoding and decoding; media priming and framing of evaluations and decisions; influences of message structure
and communication modalities on processing; media use and reception, including interpretive processes;
information flow and control, focusing on influences of communication networks, message diffusion, and
information gate-keeping; and communicative processes of learning, persuasion and social influence. The
emphasis is on the development and testing of general theories explaining how mediated communication works,
even though research examined will center on particular cases (e.g., studies of priming in political communication).
(Excl). May not be repeated for credit.

COMM 371. Media, Culture and Society. (4 credits)

All sections fulfill the Upper Level Writing Requirement (ULWR). Prerequisites COMM 101 or 102 are enforced
on Wolverine Access. This course explores social and cultural approaches to the study of mass communication.
Course topics studied may include: communication and social identity, including race, ethnicity and gender;
media's role in defining and reflecting culture; the equity of community, state, and worldwide information systems,
including debates over the "new world communication order," post-colonialism, and globalization; media audiences
as interpretive communities; media and social movements; and the role of media in altering and maintaining
political and social order. Research on mass communication is examined in connection with broader questions
about the relations between cultural systems and social formations, and about the dynamics of social and cultural
change and contestation. (Excl). May not be repeated for credit.

COMM 381. Media Impact on Knowledge, Values, and Behavior. (4 credits)

All sections fulfill the Upper Level Writing Requirement (ULWR). Prerequisites COMM 101 or 102 are enforced
on Wolverine Access. This course critically evaluates research and scholarship focused on the impact of mass
communication in a variety of substantive domains including the impact of media on knowledge, social values, and
behavior. Policy applications of media effects research and the use of mass communication in public information
campaigns are also reviewed. Media impact is treated both in theoretical and applied terms. The research
examined spans levels of analysis, including effects on individuals as well as society at large. Topics to be covered
include media impact on: social values; educational development; political behavior; violence and aggressive
behavior; consumer behavior; and public opinion. Research on the use of mass communication in public
information campaigns is also reviewed, as is the role of media research in providing guidance for social policy
makers and media professionals. (Excl). May not be repeated for credit.

COMM 437. Short Seminar in Journalistic Performance. (1-2 credits)

This course investigates long-range factors affecting the ability of the news media to perform their functions in a
democratic society. Topics vary by section and term. (Excl). May be repeated for a maximum of 4 credits.

Rev. 08/11/06 Page 18

COMM 439. Seminar in Journalistic Performance. (3 credits)
This course investigates long-range factors affecting the ability of the news media to perform their function in a
democratic society. This course is an arranged, periodic seminar made possible through the support of the Marsh
Visiting Professor Fund. When such opportunities to offer the seminar arise, descriptions are made available in the
Department of Communication Studies office. Topics vary by section and term. (Excl). May be repeated for a
maximum of 6 credits.

COMM 440. Long Seminar in Journalistic Performance. (4 credits)

This course investigates long-range factors affecting the ability of the news media to perform their functions in a
democratic society. Topics vary by section and term. (Excl). May not be repeated for credit.

COMM 441. Independent Reading. (3-4 credits)

This course is intended for individualized instruction in subject areas not covered by scheduled courses. Must be
arranged with a Communication Studies faculty member and approved by the Department. A maximum of 3
credits from COMM 441 or 442 may apply to the concentration requirements (additional credit may be applied to
the general bachelor’s degree requirements). COMM 441 and 442 may be repeated for a combined maximum of 8
credits. An application form is available in the Department or online. (Excl). (INDEPENDENT).

COMM 442. Independent Research. (3-4 credits)

This course is intended for individualized instruction in subject areas not covered by scheduled courses. It is a
course of study designed for original, individualized student research under the direction of faculty supervisor.
Must be arranged with a Communication Studies faculty member and approved by the Department. A maximum of
3 credits from COMM 441 or 442 may apply to the concentration requirements (additional credit may be applied to
the general bachelor’s degree requirements). COMM 441 and 442 may be repeated for a combined maximum of 8
credits. An application form is available in the Department or online. (Excl). (INDEPENDENT).

COMM 452. Media Law and Policy. (3 credits)

This course covers the basic principles of media law and its applications in connection with media policy practice
and regulation. Topics covered include: First Amendment theory, hate speech, prior restraints, libel, indecency,
obscenity and pornography, media censorship, rights to privacy, freedom of information and public rights of access,
advertising and consumer regulation, and electronic media regulation. COMM Studies 351 or 371 strongly
recommended. (Excl). May not be repeated for credit.

COMM 453. The Media in American History. (3 credits)

This course places the development of American mass media in historical perspective. It surveys the evolution of
the mass media from colonial times to the present, focusing on the development of contemporary forms: the
newspaper, magazine, broadcasting, and motion picture. Changes in the structure of the media are examined in
connection with historical and economic trends in American society. While there are no specific prerequisites, a
general grounding in American history is recommended. COMM 351 or 371 strongly recommended. (Excl). May
not be repeated for credit.

COMM 454. Media Economics. (3 credits)

This course examines economic theory and its applications to media systems. Focuses on problems in the
economics of the information industry, including market structure, concentration of ownership, pricing policies,
product differentiation, advertising behavior, and economic performance. Attention given to the interaction of
economics, media practices, and technologies. COMM 351 or 371 strongly recommended. (Excl). May not be
repeated for credit.

COMM 458. Special Topics in Media Systems. (3-4 credits)

This course investigates topics relating to structure and function of media systems. Topics vary by section and
term. COMM 351 or 371 strongly recommended. (Excl). May be repeated for a maximum of 8 credits.

COMM 459. Seminar in Media Systems. (3 credits)

This course investigates advanced topics relating to the structure and function of media systems. Topics vary by
section and term. COMM 351 or 371 strongly recommended. (Excl). May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.

Rev. 08/11/06 Page 19

COMM 462. Social Influence and Persuasion. (4 credits)
This course examines the capability of the mass media to persuade, and the basic processes involved. Both
cognitive and social-psychological theories of influence are examined in detail, and in connection with a variety of
persuasive phenomena, including advertising, media campaigns, and propaganda. Conditions that facilitate or
impede the persuasive influence of media messages are investigated, as are the ethical implications of employing
the mass media to influence audiences. COMM 361 or 381 strongly recommended. (Excl). May not be repeated
for credit.

COMM 463. Media Use and Reception. (3 credits)

This course presents theoretical models for conceptualizing audiences, mass media use, and reception of media
messages. Topics covered include techniques for measuring audiences for print and broadcast media, measurement
of media exposure and use, and analysis strategies compatible with various models and measurement perspectives.
Also examines the psychological and social character of audience experience, through a critical analysis of research
on the uses and gratifications of mass media, reception theory, and studies of audiences as interpretive
communities. COMM 361 or 381 strongly recommended. (Excl). May not be repeated for credit.

COMM 468. Special Topics in Mass Communication Processes. (3-4 credits)

This course investigates topics related to basic processes of mediated communication. Topics vary by section and
term. COMM 361 or 381 strongly recommended. Some topical sections may carry additional prerequisites. (Excl).
May be repeated for a maximum of 8 credits.

COMM 471. Gender Issues in the Media. (3 credits)

This course examines a variety of important connections between gender and mass communication, including the
role of the media in shaping notions of gender in society. The course explores the representation of women in the
mass media, and critically analyzes the historical roles of women as media images, producers, and audiences.
Feminist theories and their applications to the study of media are examined in detail. The female "image" in
popular media is studied in its social and historical context, along with broader explorations of the social
construction of masculinity and femininity and their relationships to class, race, and status in society. COMM 351
or 371 strongly recommended. (Excl). May not be repeated for credit.

COMM 473. Cross-Cultural Communication. (3 credits)

This course examines some of the major issues concerning the nature of cross-cultural communication: the flow of
information across national boundaries, the unequal distribution and access to information world-wide, the varying
points of viewing concerning the New World Information Order, the worldwide consequences of the Information
Age (post-industrial society), the new paradigms that are being developed to explain and predict the development of
media in underdeveloped societies and propaganda analysis. A major concern of this course is to understand how
communication and the media, especially, operate in an international context and to evaluate some of the arguments
and notions concerning their future global operations, with particular reference to the developing world. COMM
351 or 371 strongly recommended. May not be repeated for credit.

COMM 474. Mass Communication and Identity. (3 credits)

This course explores the role of mass communication in shaping personal and social identity. Special attention is
given to the ways in which the mass media can create, sustain, or alter ethnic culture and subcultures. Topics
include the ethnic media in contemporary America, including the role of the media in immigrant communities, and
the complex interplay of "mainstream" and minority cultural life. COMM 351 or 371 strongly recommended. May
not be repeated for credit.

COMM 478. Special Topics in Media and Culture. (3-4 credits)

This course investigates topics dealing with the relationship between mass media and their social and cultural
contexts. Topics vary by section and term. COMM 351 or 371 strongly recommended. Some topical sections may
carry additional prerequisites. (Excl). May be repeated for a maximum of 8 credits.

COMM 479. Seminar in Media and Culture. (3 credits)

This course investigates advanced topics dealing with the relationship between mass media and their social and
cultural contexts. Topics vary by section and term. COMM 351 or 371 strongly recommended. Some topical
sections may carry additional prerequisites. (Excl). May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.
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COMM 481/ PSYCH 481. Media and Violence. (4 credits)
This course examines the theoretical and empirical research bearing upon the connections between mass
communication and aggressive behavior. Analyzes depictions of violence in contemporary media and the possible
mechanisms through which these depictions can influence attitudes toward violence and violent behavior. The
course is designed to explore in-depth the literature on the prevalence of violent themes in television, film, and
other popular media, and to investigate the psychological and social mechanisms through which media portrayals
might influence attitudes and behavior. The main focus is on media and violence in contemporary American
culture, but cross-national comparisons and historical trends are examined as well. Critical attention is given to the
linkages between the research literature and issues of media policy. COMM 361 or 381 strongly recommended.
(Excl). May not be repeated for credit.

COMM 482. Children and the Media. (3 credits)

This course is designed to examine the impact of media on children and their families. Examines influences of the
mass media on children in society. The course is designed to explore in-depth the literature on media effects,
emphasizing the interaction of mass media, psychological development, and social behavior. Course readings
examine both methodological and theoretical issues, drawing from work in communication, psychology, and policy
studies. COMM 361 or 381 strongly recommended. (Excl). May not be repeated for credit.

COMM 484/ POLSCI 325. Mass Media and Political Behavior. (4 credits)
This course focuses on the role and importance of mass media in the political process. The interaction between the
press, politicians, and the public during political campaigns receives detailed attention. Topics include: how news
is made; campaign strategies; political advertising effects; relations between Congress, the President, and the
media; and the role of mass media in political campaigns. These topics are examined through a systematic review
of research in both mass communication and political science. COMM 361 or 381 strongly recommended. (Excl).
May not be repeated for credit.

COMM 485/ SOC 463. Mass Communication and Public Opinion. (3 credits)
This course explores enduring research questions concerning mass communication and public opinion. Important
normative and conceptual issues (e.g., the role of the press in a democratic society; the susceptibility of citizens to
media influence; the differentiation of mass, crowd, and public; the relationship of attitudes to opinions) are first
identified and examined by reviewing writings in social philosophy and social science. These issues are then
investigated further through a review of relevant research in sociology, political science, social psychology, and
mass communication. Emphasis is given to recent research dealing with the impact of the media on public opinion.
(Excl). COMM 361 or 381 strongly recommended.

COMM 488. Special Topics in Media Effects. (3-4 credits)

This course investigates topics relating to research on the effects of mass communication. Topics vary by section
and term. COMM 381 strongly recommended. Some topical sections may carry additional prerequisites. (Excl).
May be repeated for a maximum of 8 credits.

COMM 489. Seminar in Media Effects. (3 credits)

This course investigates advanced topics relating to research on the effects of mass communication. Topics vary by
section and term. COMM 361 or 381 strongly recommended. Some topical sections may carry additional
prerequisites. (Excl). May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.

COMM 491. Senior Honors Seminar I. (3 credits)

Permission of instructor required. This is the first in a two-part honors seminar sequence of seminars that Honors
Concentrators in Communication Studies must take during their senior year while writing a senior thesis. During
this first seminar, offered only in the Fall, students develop thesis topics, decide on a choice of methods, and write a
prospectus. To be eligible for enrollment students must be accepted as honors concentrators during the second
semester of their junior year. Admissions as a honors concentrator requires a cumulative GPA of 3.4, and at least a
3.5 in departmental course work. Qualified applicants should meet with the Honors Advisor during the second
semester of their junior year to be evaluated for admission. No more than 3 credits of COMM 491-492 may be
included in a Communication Studies concentration plan. (Excl). May not be repeated for credit.

Rev. 08/11/06 Page 21

COMM 492. Senior Honors Seminar II. (3 credits)
Permission of instructor required. This is the second in a two-part honors seminar program and culminates in the
composition of a senior honors thesis. Students must have successfully completed COMM 491. This course is
offered only in winter term and meets only on occasion, based on a schedule to be arranged at the first class session.
Students work directly with their thesis advisers, and are expected to meet regularly with them for direction and
assistance. (INDEPENDENT) COMM 491 required. No more than 3 credits of COMM 491-492 may be included
in a Communication Studies concentration plan. (Excl). May not be repeated for credit.

LSA abbreviation requirements: (QR/1) = Quantitative Reasoning, (R&E) = Race & Ethnicity, (SS) = Social Science,
(Excl) = Excluded from distribution. Students can seek complete information about LSA degree requirements from the
LSA Academic Advising Office (http://www.lsa.umich.edu/lsa/students/resources/academics/advising/), or from the
LSA Bulletin (http://www.lsa.umich.edu/lsa/cg/bulletin/).

UNDERGRADUATE AWARDS
The Department of Communication Studies solicits applications for academic awards each Fall and Winter term.
Students have the opportunity to apply each term. The application deadline is October 15 for Fall and February 15
for Winter. Applications are available online through the Department’s website. Additionally, the Department will
make hard copy applications available in the main office prior to the award application deadlines each term. All
applications must be submitted to Student Awards Committee, Department of Communication Studies, 1225 S.
University Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48104-2523 with the following documentation:
• Copy of unofficial transcript
• One to two page personal essay discussing educational achievements and career aspirations
• One letter of recommendation from a faculty member or GSI of the Department of Communication Studies
(Only one letter of recommendation is required if applying for more than one award.)

(Note: Any student who has received a particular award may not receive that award again, and priority for
all awards will be given to students who have not already received an award.)

Fall Awards

Ann Arbor News Scholarship

Established in 1967 with a gift from the Ann Arbor News, this annual scholarship will be awarded to
undergraduate or graduate students active in Communication Studies, with a preference for students who intend
to enter the newspaper field. (Application required. Award up to $3,000.)

John L. and Clara M. Brumm Memorial Scholarship

An outgrowth of a contribution by the Michigan Interscholastic Press Association, this scholarship was named
in honor of the organization's founder and director. The award is given in recognition of outstanding academic
performance to undergraduate or graduate students active in Communication Studies. (Application required.
Award up to $2,000 to a continuing student, financial need also considered.)

Winifred S. Gettemy Scholarship in Communication

Established in 1945 as a bequest from Winifred S. Gettemy, this award is given in recognition of outstanding
academic performance to provide support for juniors or seniors active in Communication Studies. (Application
required. Award up to $3,000 to a continuing student, financial need also considered.)

Carole Simpson Minority Aid Scholarship

Established in 1992 by Emmy Award-winning senior correspondent for ABC News, Carole Simpson, the
money was given for scholarships for minority students active in Communication Studies. This annual
scholarship will be awarded to undergraduate or graduate students active in Communication Studies.
(Application required. Award up to $1,500.)

Rev. 08/11/06 Page 22

Winter Awards

Mary Lou Butcher Equality in Journalism Award

This prize will be awarded to continuing undergraduate or graduate students who demonstrate outstanding
promise for professional achievement in journalism and who write the best essay on "Diversity in the
Newsroom-Who Benefits and Why?" The award is given to encourage equality in journalism and to
commemorate the class action sex discrimination suit against the Detroit News settled in 1984 in favor of Mary
Lou Butcher and three other Detroit News employees. (Application required. Award up to $3,000 to a
continuing student.)

The J. Evens Campbell Scholarship

Established in 1973 by the friends and family of J. Evans Campbell, a longtime leader in Michigan journalism,
who served for 50 years as editor and publisher of THE ARGUS-PRESS in Owosso, Michigan. This award will
be given to seniors concentrating in Communication Studies, with a preference for individuals seeking a career
in print communication, and who have displayed academic excellence. (Application required. Award up to
$5,000, financial need also considered.)

Saks Family Scholarship

Established in 1997 by a bequest of Lewis H. Saks, a lecturer and adjunct faculty member in the University of
Michigan School of Education and Director of Media Services, Community Relations, and Adult and
Community Education in the East Detroit Schools from 1950 to 1986. This annual scholarship is awarded to
junior or senior concentrators in Communication Studies. Students must hold a 3.0 minimum, cumulative
grade point average, and the personal essay must also address the applicant’s potential to contribute to their
major area of study, particularly in the areas of social growth and/or individual creative achievement.
(Application required. Award up to $2,000. Department nominates two students.)

Claude Sifritt Undergraduate Award

Established in 1979 with a gift from the estate of Claude Sifritt, this award is given in recognition of
outstanding academic performance to provide support for undergraduate students active in Communication
Studies. (Application required. Award up to $5,000 to a continuing student, financial need also considered.)

Leland Stowe Award

Established in 1981 by Leland and Theodora Stowe, this annual scholarship is given to undergraduate students
active in Communication Studies, with a preference for individuals seeking a career in print communication
and who have displayed academic excellence. (Application required. Award up to $2,000 to a continuing
student, financial need also considered.)

Other Departmental Awards

Mark Foote Distinguished Thesis Award

Established in 2003 by the family of this longtime leader in journalism, who served over forty years as a
national and international news correspondent for Booth Newspaper Syndicate in Grand Rapids, Michigan
and Washington, D.C. Mark Foote, a devoted University of Michigan Alumnus, received a Bachelor of Arts
degree in 1903 and an honorary Masters degree in 1953. This award is given to a Communication Studies
undergraduate honors student for the most outstanding thesis. (No application required. Award up to
$2,000.)

Claude Sifritt Senior Thesis Fellowship

Given to undergraduate senior honors concentrators, this award is used to help defray costs of research
associated with writing their honors thesis. Awards vary depending upon research costs. Multiple awards may
be granted in a single academic year. In order to apply, students must have had their thesis prospectus approved
by an honors advisor. Download Sifritt Senior Thesis Fellowship Application from the Communication Studies
website: http://www.lsa.umich.edu/comm/students/conc_honors/. (Separate application required. Multiple
awards.)

Rev. 08/11/06 Page 23

 G. H. Jenkins Memorial Journalism Award (Both Fall and Winter)
Established in 1958 by the Guy H. Jenkins Memorial Fund, this award is to provide funding for undergraduate
students with a preference for individuals seeking a career in print communication. Students in Communication
Studies 101 and 102 who have the top three papers in the Fall and Winter terms will each be awarded $150.
(No application required. Determined by instructor.)

Kara Sundlun House Scholarship

This award was established in 2006 through a gift from Kara Sundlun House to encourage and support future
television journalists. This scholarship will be awarded to a continuing University of Michigan Department of
Communication Studies undergraduate concentrator who will be participating in an unpaid summer internship
in television news. Download the application from the Communication Studies website:
http://www.lsa.umich.edu/comm/students/conc_awards/. (Separate application required. Award up to
$1,000.)

SUMMER INTERNSHIP STIPEND

The Department of Communication Studies provides stipends for students participating in unpaid summer
internships related to mass communication, media studies, or journalism. Both graduate and undergraduate
students are eligible to apply. Priority for funding will be given to departmental concentrators and to those who
have obtained internships in community journalism.

Selection Criteria
• Quality of an applicant’s prior academic work
• Correlation of internship to the applicant’s academic study and career interests
• Applicant’s progress toward degree
• Evidence of applicant’s commitment to pursue a professional career in mass communication, media studies,
or journalism

Application Procedures
• Applications are available in the Department office at 1225 S. University Avenue or on the web at:
http://www.lsa.umich.edu/comm/students/conc_awards.
• Complete and submit the Summer Internship Stipend application to the Undergraduate Program
Coordinator by May 12.
• Applicants will be notified via email by the Department’s Undergraduate Program Coordinator
approximately two weeks after the application deadline.

Summer Internship Stipend Policies

Students approved for COMM 321 (Undergraduate Internship) in conjunction with the Summer Internship Stipend
are required to follow the policies and procedures for COMM 321, i.e.: proposal paper, 10-12 page final paper, and
supervisor’s evaluation letter upon completion of the internship.

Students not seeking credit with the Summer Internship Stipend will be expected to submit a letter of evaluation
from the internship supervisor and a 5-page final report by September 15. The report should provide an overview
of the internship experience and focus on the relationship between the experience and the student’s academic
studies. Students should connect theories and research covered in Communication Studies courses to the insights
gained from the internship.

Students may not apply for funding if the internship provides formal payment, including hourly stipends or stipends
provided for living expenses.

The priority for funding will consist of the following structure:

• Undergraduate Communication Studies concentrators seeking credit, COMM 321
• Undergraduate Communication Studies concentrators not seeking credit
• Previous summer internship stipend recipients

Rev. 08/11/06 Page 24

DEPARTMENTAL FACULTY
A current listing of faculty may be viewed on the Department of Communication Studies web page at
http://www.lsa.umich.edu/comm/faculty/fac/.

RESEARCH AREAS
Our diverse faculty possesses a wide variety of academic and research experience and share connections with
various departments and programs around campus. Their interdisciplinary backgrounds add to the diverse
experiences available at both the undergraduate and graduate level of study. Areas of faculty research/interest
include:
• Mass media’s role in the social construction of gender, media theory and criticism, the intersection between
feminist studies and media studies, media and identity
• Effects of media violence, aggression, methodology and statistics, and computer simulation of behavior
• New policy, media policy, telecommunications, public opinion, the political economy of global media, new
media technology, media economics
• African Americans in the mass media, racial identity and mass media, critical theories of race,
communication theories of media effects, race and the media, Black and ethnic social movements
• Political communication, research methods, political and social effects of the media, media's role in
promoting civic and political participation, behavioral and attitudinal effects of political communication
• Media and late-nineteenth- and twentieth-century U.S. social and cultural history, history of radio
broadcasting, television studies
• Journalistic performance, media coverage of the Supreme Court, media ethics

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

The Department of Communication Studies has prepared the following question-and-answer-guide. We hope you
find this information helpful. If you have any questions, or would like more information, please don’t hesitate to
contact the Department office (1225 S. University Avenue, Phone: 734-764-0420, E-Mail:
comm.studies.dept@umich.edu). The Department of Communication Studies is happy to assist you with your
academic planning.

What is Communication Studies at Michigan?

The study of communication focuses on how people use messages to generate meaning within and across various
contexts, cultures, channels, and media. The meaning of mass communication messages structures the ways people
understand themselves and the world around them. While the field of communications is well established and
growing rapidly, the study of mass communication as an academic discipline is still relatively young. For this
reason, communication curriculums vary significantly from one university to the next.

The bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies forms an excellent base of knowledge and analytical training for
students considering graduate study or professional work involving media relations or other media-related
activities. However, our curriculum is not narrowly conceived as a professional training program, thus technical
training courses in journalism, advertising, public relations, broadcasting, television, film production, etc. are not
part of the Department’s offerings.

Who majors in Communication Studies?

At present, there are approximately 300 concentrators in Communication Studies at the University of Michigan.
Upon graduation, the majority of these students seek jobs in: media affairs, journalism (print or broadcasting),
advertising, or public relations. A growing number hope to apply their degree in Communication Studies to careers
in new media technology. In addition to these fields, a small number of students each year pursue job opportunities
in public affairs, media production, and publishing. The curriculum is also excellent preparation for students who
plan on continuing their education in graduate or professional school programs.

What is the curriculum like?

The concentration focuses on mass communication as a social phenomenon. The study of mass communication is
interdisciplinary. It draws upon the fields of history, psychology, sociology, political science, anthropology, and
Rev. 08/11/06 Page 25
other social sciences, but does so in a way that necessarily involves elements of the humanities as well. The
integration of diverse analytical approaches will be one of the concentration’s distinctive features. Broadly
speaking, the concentration can be broken down into four basic areas of study, corresponding to the structure,
processes, contexts, and effects of mass communication.
Area I: Structure and Function of Media Systems. Students will study the institutional, economic and
organizational arrangements of the mass media, and how these arrangements affect professional behavior and
media content.
Topics covered in this area include:
• the history of media systems and media ethics
• media and government
• media economics
• international media systems
• media technologies
• media organizational routines

Area II: Processes of Mediated Communication. Students will learn how mediated communication works.
Topics covered in this area include:
• media priming and framing of evaluations and decisions
• information processing and message encoding and decoding
• message structures
• media use and reception
• information flow and control
• communicative processes of learning
• persuasion and social influence

Area III: Relationships of Media Systems and Processes to Cultural, Political, and Social Contexts.
Students will examine the relations between the media, society, and culture, and learn about the role of mass
communication in the dynamic of social and cultural change.
Topics covered in this area include:
• communication and social identity, including race, ethnicity and gender
• the media’s role in defining and reflecting culture
• media audiences as interpretive communities
• the equity of community, state, and worldwide information systems, including debates over the “new
world communication order”
• media and social movements
• the role of media in altering and maintaining political and social order

Area IV: Media’s Role in Shaping Knowledge, Values, and Behavior. Students will learn about a wide
variety of media effects, and the ways that media effects research can inform social policy.
Topics covered in this area include:
• media and social values
• information and development campaigns
• educational and instructional media
• media and political behavior
• media violence and aggressive behavior
• media and consumer behavior
• media and public opinion

How do I become a Communication Studies major?

The Department lies within the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. Students who are interesting in
majoring in Communication Studies at Michigan must first be officially accepted to the College. Residential
College students may apply to declare Communication Studies upon completing the prerequisites and permission
from their RC advisor.

Rev. 08/11/06 Page 26

To apply to declare Communication Studies as a concentration, the student must have completed the four
prerequisite courses. COMM 111 is taken for credit, and COMM 101, 102, and 211 are graded. COMM 101, 102,
and 211 must be completed with a grade of C- or higher in each course. Official grades of all prerequisite
courses must be recorded on the student’s transcript before the student can apply to the concentration.

Students must apply and be accepted into the Communication Studies concentration program. Enrollment in the
concentration is limited to assure a high quality educational experience for enrolled students. Application is open
to all students with sophomore or junior standing. Students may re-apply once if they are not accepted into the
program, as long as they still have sophomore or junior class standing. The admission process is very competitive
and space is limited. Program faculty will make admission decisions based on overall academic performance,
academic performance in prerequisite classes, and the quality of the personal statement. Academic performance is
not the only factor in the admission process and it is very important to note that a high GPA will not guarantee
admission. There is no exact “formula” for acceptance; both academic and non-academic factors will be
considered.

When should I begin taking the prerequisite courses?

Students interested in concentrating in Communication Studies should begin taking the prerequisite courses no later
than the end of their freshman year. All four prerequisite courses must be completed before a student can apply to
declare the concentration.

When should I schedule an advising appointment?

Students may meet with a Communication Studies concentration advisor as early as their freshman year.
Appointments are made online through the Department’s website: http://www.lsa.umich.edu/comm/. Advising
appointments for prospective and declared concentrators are highly encouraged to be scheduled prior to the
student’s registration time on Wolverine Access. Faculty advising appointments are available August through June.
Advising appointments with the Undergraduate Program Coordinator are available all year.

How do I declare the concentration?

After admission to the concentration is granted, an in-person concentration advising appointment is required for
students to declare a Communication Studies concentration. This appointment is critical so students can learn about
concentration requirements, cognate options, and Department registration procedures. Appointments are made
online through the Department’s website: http://www.lsa.umich.edu/comm/. The Department designates several
advising appointment openings after the admission cycle each term specifically for declaration appointments.
Advising appointments are available all year. Students cannot declare by email, phone, or fax.

What are the Communication Studies concentration requirements?

Concentration requirements for Communication Studies are described on page 6 of the Undergraduate Concentrator
Handbook, and in the Concentration Checklist at the end of the Undergraduate Concentrator Handbook. Students
should meet with a Communication Studies concentration advisor to review all specific requirements and
Department policies.

Can the curriculum be completed in 4 years?

The Communication Studies concentration typically is manageable to complete within 4 years if the student
completes all prerequisites by the beginning of his or her junior year. Transfer students may have a difficult time
completing the prerequisites in enough time to finish all requirements within two years. All students are strongly
encouraged to schedule an advising appointment in the Department to discuss their goals of concentrating in
Communication Studies. Transfer students may schedule an advising appointment by phone (734-647-9723) before
beginning courses at the University of Michigan. U of M students at the Ann Arbor campus must schedule an
appointment through the Department’s website: http://www.lsa.umich.edu/comm/.

What courses are acceptable as cognates?

As part of the Communication Studies concentration, students must complete at least 6 credits of approved courses
numbered 300 or above from one other department in addition to the 23 credits in Communication Studies. Cognate
courses must relate to Communication Studies and cannot be part of LSA distribution requirements. They are
chosen in consultation with and approved by a concentration advisor. Cognates must be 300 or 400 level courses
from a single department outside of Communication Studies and receive a letter grade. Students double
Rev. 08/11/06 Page 27
concentrating may use two courses from the second concentration. However, the College of LSA does not allow
students to use more than one course to meet the requirements of both a concentration plan and an academic minor.

Can the credits of a repeated COMM course with a different topic count towards concentration
requirements?
Yes. Several “topics” courses are offered in the Department: COMM 439, 458, 459, 468, 478, 479, 488, and 489.
These courses may be repeated for credit under different topics to satisfy the advance communication study
requirements in the concentration. See specific course descriptions, beginning on page 16 of the Concentrator
Handbook, for credit limits on repeatable courses.

What courses comprise my concentration G.P.A?

COMM 101, 102, 111, 211, the 23 credits in Communication Studies from requirements 1 and 2 listed in the
Concentration Checklist, and at least 6 credits in approved cognates.

How do I calculate my concentration G.P.A?

Honor point values:
A+/A = 4.0, A- = 3.7, B+ = 3.3, B = 3.0, B- = 2.7, C+ = 2.3, C = 2.0, C- = 1.7, D+ = 1.3, D = 1.0, D- = 0.7, E = 0.0
1) For each COMM course (including prerequisites) and the 6 cognate credits, convert the letter grade to
the numerical equivalent for each course within the concentration.
2) Multiply the numerical equivalent by the # of credit hours in each course to determine the honor points
for the course.
3) Add the honor points for each course to determine the total honor points for the concentration.
4) Divide the total honor points by the total # of credit hours to determine the average concentration GPA.

What is a “cross-listed” course?

Cross-listed courses are courses shared between two or more departments. A cross-listed course is counted in the
department or school in which a student elected the course. Should a student wish to change the designation for
which she elected a cross-listed course, she must do so by contacting the academic auditors within LSA.

Can I double-major?
Many students choose to combine their major in Communication Studies with a concentration in another
department. In order to double concentrate, a student must complete all requirements of both departments.
However, a student may use two courses from a second concentration towards the cognate requirement in
Communication Studies. Double concentrations with Communication Studies commonly include:
• Political Science, for students interested in law and government service;
• Psychology, for students interested in advertising or public relations;
• English, for those interested in print or broadcast journalism.

Does a Pass/Fail course satisfy the concentration requirements?

No. Pass/Fail elections may not be used to meet requirements in the concentration program (including cognates).

What is a Concentration Release Form?

Students must submit a Concentration Release Form before graduation. The Concentration Release Form is part of
the audit process. The first page of the Concentration Release Form requires a signature from the Undergraduate
Program Coordinator and must be completed through an advising appointment in the Department of
Communication Studies. The appointments must be made online through the Department’s website. Advisors will
only complete Concentration Release Forms for declared concentrators. In general, students should apply for
graduation by submitting the necessary forms the semester prior to their final term. For example, students
expecting to graduate in May should submit the forms by the previous December. Students may submit the audit
forms within the same term as graduation, however, their name may not appear in the graduation commencement
brochure. The purpose of the Concentration Release Form is to inform the student and notify the academic auditor
which courses are still required for successful completion of the concentration. The second page of the
Concentration Release Form should be completed by the student, and delivered to the LSA Senior Audit Office.
Students must also apply for graduation online through Wolverine Access. The LSA Senior Auditors will conduct
an academic audit regarding all academic rules, and mail a copy to the student.

Rev. 08/11/06 Page 28

What about training in media professions? How does that fit into the program?
The curriculum provides many kinds of essential knowledge for students interested in media-related occupations.
Although skills related media training is not part of the Communication Studies curriculum, students will study the
structure of media industries and their economic characteristics. Courses will also focus on how people learn and
are persuaded through the mass media, consumer behavior, and political communication. The Department’s
Undergraduate Program Coordinator also assists students with advice on opportunities of media related internship
positions.

Does the Department offer courses in public relations, news writing, and advertising?
The curriculum does not include courses that try to teach vocational skills or offer training in any of these fields.
The curriculum still involves the study of topics such as basic information and persuasion processes (in advertising
and public relations contexts), journalistic performance, media economics, and a host of other topics that are clearly
germane to work in media-related professions. According to people working at the highest levels in industry, the
best preparation for work in the media is a broad-based liberal arts education, not a narrow vocational training. The
curriculum continues to value and involve writing, even if not in stand-alone writing courses. There will be ample
writing work in substantive courses, plus courses designed to satisfy the upper level writing requirement. The
Department is also interested in making sure that students learn to master electronic resources.

I want to go into journalism - what makes sense for me?

The Department does not offer writing or production courses. There is, however, no reason why a student with
virtually any concentration in the liberal arts cannot pursue a career in journalism, or a professional master’s degree
in that field. Skill and practice in writing is essential, so a concentration in English might make sense. So would a
concentration in Communication Studies, especially if it is combined with courses in English, practical experience
writing for the Michigan Daily or another student publication, and/or an internship in journalism. There are many
ways an undergraduate student can gain on-the-job experience in journalism (or public relations, or marketing)
even if the “job” is not a paid position. Internship positions are an ideal way to compliment the concentration in
Communication Studies.

How do I find an internship?

Internships can be an ideal way for students to gain valuable hands-on skills and define an area of interest within
the field of communications. The Department encourages and supports its concentrators in their efforts to acquire
internships that supplement their academic training. The Department does not place students in internships.
Students must research and find their own internships. Students may begin searching for internships as early as
their first year at college. Information can be found through the Department’s web page, internet searches,
reference books, U of M’s Career Center, and the Department’s Internship and Career Resource Center located in
room 205 University Towers (1225 S. University Avenue)

Is financial assistance available for summer internships?

Each year, the Department offers a limited number of Summer Internship Stipends to students participating in
unpaid, summer internships. Students may find more information and the application for summer internships
through the Department’s web page at http://www.lsa.umich.edu/comm/students/conc_awards/.

What about the honors program?

Students interested in the Honors Program should refer to the Department’s website or the Honors Program
information on page 12 of the Undergraduate Concentrator Handbook.

What kind of facilities does the Department have?

• Computer Teaching Labs
• Internship and Career Resource Center, Room 205 University Towers. The Resource room contains
internship announcements stored in binders by career field. Books and information regarding jobs in
media, journalism, advertising, public relations, graduate programs and other areas are also available.
• Howard R. Marsh Center for the Study of Journalistic Performance. This Departmental Enrichment
Program is an endowed center within the Department of Communication Studies, which brings to campus
Visiting Marsh Professors/Lecturers for periods of a few days to a full term. These professionals and
scholars meet with classes, give public lectures, and visit with faculty and students. The Center also
sponsors and helps underwrite conferences and workshops, to which practicing journalists and those in
Rev. 08/11/06 Page 29
 related fields are invited. These conferences are devised for the benefit of students and are attended and
covered by members of academia and the mass media.

Will the program prepare me for graduate school?

The Communication Studies degree is designed to provide preliminary training for those interested in pursuing
graduate study in such areas as the social sciences and law. While a small number of students who major in
Communication Studies choose to pursue graduate work in the social sciences, most who decide to continue their
education pursue professional degrees in law, business, or journalism.

What kind of job can I find with a Communication Studies degree?

In today’s information society, a degree in Communication Studies has a wide-variety of applications. Students
who graduate from Michigan with a degree in Communication Studies are particularly well suited to take advantage
of jobs in this growing field. In addition to the broad-based liberal arts education gained through the College of
Literature, Science, and the Arts, they acquire a set of analytical skills and a core of knowledge that is widely
applicable to different jobs within the communications field. Some of these include: corporate communications,
public relations, consumer communications, advertising, marketing, market research, print media, radio/television,
electronic, multi-media, publishing, literary agent, public affairs, government, education

What should I do if I want more information or need help with academic planning?
For information regarding concentration advising, schedule an appointment on the web at the Department’s
website: http://www.lsa.umich.edu/comm/. Phone: 734-764-0420. Students are also encouraged to visit the
Department of Communication Studies to obtain concentration materials: 1225 S. University Avenue. General
Advising information about your bachelor degree is available through the College of LSA Advising Center, 1255
Angell Hall. http://www.lsa.umich.edu/lsa/students. Phone: 734-764-0332.

Rev. 08/11/06 Page 30

 The University of Michigan
Department of Communication Studies
1225 S. University Avenue
Ann Arbor, MI 48104-2523
tel: (734) 764-0420 fax: (734) 764-3288
e-mail: comm.studies.dept@umich.edu
web: www.lsa.umich.edu/comm

CONCENTRATION CHECKLIST ~ EFFECTIVE FALL 2005

Name Student I.D. # UM Email

Prerequisite, Application and Declaration Process:

To apply to declare Communication Studies as a concentration, the student must have completed the four prerequisite
courses. COMM 111 is taken for credit, and COMM 101, 102, and 211 are graded. COMM 101, 102, and 211 must be
completed with a grade of C- or higher in each course. Official grades of all prerequisite courses must be recorded on
the student’s transcript before the student can apply to the concentration.

Students must apply and be accepted into the Communication Studies concentration program. Enrollment in the
concentration is limited to assure a high quality educational experience for enrolled students. Application is open to all
students with sophomore or junior standing. Students may re-apply once if they are not accepted into the program, as long
as they still have sophomore or junior class standing. The admission process is very competitive and space is limited.
Program faculty will make admission decisions based on overall academic performance, academic performance in
prerequisite classes, and the quality of the personal statement. Academic performance is not the only factor in the
admission process and it is very important to note that a high GPA will not guarantee admission. There is no exact
“formula” for acceptance; both academic and non-academic factors will be considered.

Upon admission to the concentration, an in-person concentration advising appointment is required for students to declare a
Communication Studies concentration. Students cannot declare by e-mail, phone or fax. The advisor and student
appointment is critical for the student to learn about concentration requirements, cognate options and Department
registration procedures. Advising appointments are scheduled online through the Department’s website at
http://www.lsa.umich.edu/comm/.
Calculating Grade Point Average for Prerequisite Courses:
1). Determine the letter grade in each of the required courses and enter the letter grades and numerical equivalents below.
2). Multiply the numerical equivalent by the # of credit hours in each course to determine the honor points for the course.
3). Add the honor points for each course to determine the total honor points for the prerequisite courses.
4). Divide the total honor points by the # of credit hours (12) to determine the Average GPA for the prerequisite courses.
Honor point values: A+/A = 4.0, A- = 3.7, B+ = 3.3, B = 3.0, B- = 2.7, C+ = 2.3, C = 2.0, C- = 1.7, D+ = 1.3, D = 1.0, D- = 0.7, E = 0.0
Honor Points (Num.
Letter Numerical # of Credit
Prerequisites to the Concentration Term Equivalent x Credit
Grade Equivalent Hours
Hours)
COMM 111 Workshop on Managing the
Information Environment F / W / Sp ____ N/A N/A 1 Credit / No Credit
Requires freshman or sophomore status.

COMM 101 The Mass Media F / W / Sp ____ ______ ______ 4 _____________

Requires freshman or sophomore status.

COMM 102 Media Processes and Effects F / W / Sp ____ ______ ______ 4 _____________
Requires freshman or sophomore status.

COMM 211 Evaluating Information F / W / Sp ____ ______ ______ 4 _____________

Prerequisite: COMM 101 or 102.
Sum of
Honor
(Prerequisites are enforced on Wolverine Access.) Points: ______________
Grade Point
Average: ______________
Sum of Honor
Points Divided by
Total # of Credit
**Note: Transfer credit is not allowed for any of the Communication Studies prerequisite courses. Hours (12)

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 Communication Studies Concentration Program
At least 23 credits in Communication Studies from requirements 1 and 2, and
at least 6 credits in approved cognates from requirement 3.
REQUIREMENT:

1. Areas of Communication Study:

Notes: COMM 101 OR 102 are prerequisites for COMM 351, 361, 371, and 381. All sections of COMM 351, 361, 371 and
381 are designated as ULWR courses. (Wolverine Access will confirm the ULWR status each term.) All students enrolled
in these courses must complete all writing assignments, regardless of whether or not they are seeking ULWR credit.

One of these two courses: 4 Credits

Course Title Term Grade
COMM 351 Structure and Function of Media Systems F / W / Sp ____
or
COMM 371 Media, Culture, and Society F / W / Sp ____
AND One of these two courses: 4 Credits
COMM 361 Processes of Mediated Communication F / W / Sp ____
or
COMM 381 Media Impact on Knowledge, Values, and Behavior F / W / Sp ____

Requirement #1 Total:

2. Advanced Communication Study: A minimum of 15 additional credits in Communication Studies from courses numbered
300 or above, not used to satisfy requirement #1, including at least 8 credits from courses numbered 400 or above.
Notes: COMM 321 (Internship for Credit) cannot be used to satisfy this requirement; a maximum of 3 credits from COMM
441 or 442 (Independent Study) graded credit/no credit, may apply to the concentration requirements and a maximum of 3
credits from COMM 491 or 492 (Honors Seminar) may apply to the concentration requirements (additional credit may be
applied to the general bachelor’s degree requirements); once requirement #1 (Areas of Communication Study) is complete,
the remaining courses not taken from requirement #1 may be used to fulfill requirement #2 (Advanced Communication
Study).

Course # Title Credits Term Grade

F / W / Sp ____

F / W / Sp ____

F / W / Sp ____

F / W / Sp ____

F / W / Sp ____

Requirement #2 Total:

3. Cognates: At least 6 credits of approved courses numbered 300 or above from one department in addition to the 23 credits
in Communication Studies. Cognate courses must relate to Communication Studies and cannot be part of LSA distribution
requirements. They are chosen in consultation with and approved by a concentration advisor. Cognates must be 300 or
400 level courses from a single department outside of Communication Studies and receive a letter grade. Students double
concentrating may use two courses from the second concentration. However, the College of LSA does not allow students
to use more than one course to meet the requirements of both a concentration plan and an academic minor.

Course # Title Credits Term Grade

F / W / Sp ____

F / W / Sp ____

Requirement #3 Total:

Rev. 08/11/06 Page 32

 Department of Communication Studies
Concentration Courses at the 300-level and above
(Not all courses are offered each term)

321 Undergraduate Internship (1-3) (May not be used
to satisfy concentration credit.)
351 Structure & Function of Media Systems (4)
361 Processes of Mediated Communication (4)
371 Media, Culture and Society (4)
381 Media Impact on Knowledge, Values, and Behavior
(4)
437 Short Seminar in Journalistic Performances (1-2)
439 Seminar in Journalistic Performance (3)
440 Long Seminar in Journalistic Performances (4)
441 Independent Reading (Graded credit/no credit)
(3-4)
442 Independent Research (Graded credit/no credit)
(3-4)
452 Media Law and Policy (3)
453 The Media in U.S. History (3)
454 Media Economics (3)
458 Special Topics in Media Systems (3-4)
459 Seminar in Media Systems (3)
462 Social Influence and Persuasion (4)
463 Media Use and Reception (3)
468 Special Topics in Mass Communication Processes
(3-4)
471 Gender and Media (3)
473 Cross-Cultural Communication (3)
474 Mass Communication and Identity (3)
478 Special Topics in Media and Culture (3-4)
479 Seminar in Media and Culture (3)
481/ PSYCH 481 Media and Violence (4)
482 Children and the Media (3)
484/ POLSCI 325 Media and Political Behavior (4)
485/ SOC 463 Mass Communication & Public Opinion
(3)
488 Special Topics in Media Effects (3-4)
489 Seminar in Media Effects (3)
491 Senior Honors Seminar I (3)
492 Senior Honors Seminar II (3)

Notes:
ƒ A maximum of 3 credits from COMM 441 or 442 (Independent Study) graded credit/no credit, may apply to the
concentration requirements (additional credit may be applied to the general bachelor’s degree requirements).
ƒ A maximum of 3 credits from COMM 491 or 492 (Honors Seminar) may apply to the concentration requirements
(additional credit may be applied to the general bachelor’s degree requirements).
COMM 439, 458, 459, 468, 478, 479, 488, and 489 may be repeated for credit under different topics. Refer to the
undergraduate course descriptions for details.

Rev. 08/11/06 Page 33