Communication Department

KOM 5111Communication Theories3 credits

Analysis of contemporary theories of human communication emphasizing the similarities and differences of human communication processes in interpersonal, group, organizational and mass communication.

KOM 5113Communication Research Methods3 credits

Development of research in communication; the role of theory in research; the research process: developing a research problem, defining concepts, formulating objectives, testing hypotheses; concepts of causality, logic of measurement; reliability and validity; survey research: sampling, questionnaire and interview schedule construction of interviewing and fieldwork; internal and external validity; coding and content analysis using archived data and statistical records; data reduction and statistical analysis; report writing.

KOM 5115 Statistics for Communication Research3 credits

This course discusses a variety of descriptive and inferential statistical techniques to prepare students for performing statistical analysis. Special emphasis is given to the analysis of data obtained from communication research, such as content analysis, test, survey research, experimental research. This course focuses on the applied rather than the theoretical aspects of statistics.

KOM 5210 Public Speaking for Professionals3 credits

This course discusses theories of public speaking, verbal and nonverbal communication, manifestation of nervousness and communication apprehension, audience analysis, informative format, persuasive format, ethos, logos and pathos.

KOM 5211 Interpersonal Communication 3 credits

This course discusses definitions and functions of interpersonal communication, characteristics of communicator and situation that influence interpersonal relations and communication, communication strategies and communication effectiveness. Conceptual, practical and research issues are emphasized.

KOM 5213 Psychology of Communication3 credits

This course discusses theories and principles of psychology and social psychology in the communication process across a variety of contexts. Elements of psychology that are related to communication include self –concept, defense mechanism, self-justification, interpersonal attraction, prejudice, stereotypes and persuasion. Related social psychological theories include perceptual selectivity, foot-in-the door, cognitive scheme, attribution theory and implicit theory.

KOM 5215 Intercultural Communication 3 credits

This course focuses on conceptual, practical and research issues in the field of intercultural communication. Conceptual tools in understanding the process of intercultural communication are identified. Discussion focuses on the intercultural communication process and cultural variability in communication behavior will be discussed as well.

KOM 5217 Strategies of Communication3 credits

This course focuses on the process of developing communication strategies with an emphasis on problem definition, behavioral specification of objectives, situation analysis, strategy formulation and justification through application of communication theories and research results.

KOM 5315 Organizational Communication3 credits

This course discusses include the dynamics for intra- and inter-organizational communication; the modes and the problems encountered in organization, communication via listening and interviews, communication and organizational structure; factors influencing inter agency relationship: centrality, domain consensus, density, multiplicity, stability, intensity, symmetry (reciprocity) and power differential; the role of boundary spanning individuals; bridging the gap between organizations; and issues related to intra – and inter-organizational conflicts.

KOM 5317 Theory and Practices of Corporate Communication3 credits

This course discusses theories, concepts and processes in corporate communication. Personal corporate communication, internal and external corporate communication are examined.

KOM 5319 Communication and Decision Making3 credits

This course provides an understanding of the role of information in decision making; the decision making process and strategies; communication environment and decisional interlude; and decision making at the family, organizational and national levels. Techniques of lateral thinking are also discussed.

KOM 5321 Advanced Public Relations3 credits

This course discusses concepts, theories and principles of public relations. Current practices and problems in the field of public relations, with emphasis on various public relations functions, communication and publicity techniques, and analysis of relationship with various groups such as press representatives and employees are examined.

KOM 5323 Principles of Advertising3 credits

This course discusses the definitions of advertising and its usage and importance; history and the development of advertising; theory and models in advertising, types of advertising education in Malaysia and other parts of the world.

KOM 5325 Integrated Marketing Communication 3 credits

This course focuses on the theory and practice of integrated marketing communications (IMC) and offers an overview of the developments of the field. The course provide insights into the profession in corporate communication and its interface with society.

KOM 5327 Crisis Communication3 credits

This course focuses on the concepts of crisis, crisis management, and crisis communication. Crisis communication theory and crisis management approaches are discussed. Steps in crisis prevention, preparation, identification, containment and recovery through case studies are examined.

KOM 5413 Communication Technology for Development3 credits

This course focuses on the use of communication technology for national development, theories of technological development, and effects of new communication technology on society. The suitability of a communication technology to be used for development and to analyze factors which encourage the development and advancement of communication technology in developing countries is evaluated.

KOM 5415 Cyber Communication3 credits

This course focuses on the growth of cyber communication especially the Internet and World Wide Web. Applications of cyber communication in education, business, entertainment and recreation, politics, development and communication activities are discussed.

KOM 5417 Issues in Communication Technology3 credits

This course focuses on issues pertaining to the roles, influences and effects of communication technology on members of society, government systems and the activities of private sectors. Strategies to utilize communication technology effectively are formulated.

KOM 5419 Presentation Media3 credits

This course focuses on theories and practices of media preparation for presentations and the techniques of managing media units.

KOM 5515 Global Journalism3 credits

This course focuses on the history and development of global journalism. Sources of international news, structure of news management and news making are discussed. The course also discusses the flow and sharing of news journalism in the era of communication technology ethics, laws and policies of international journalism.

KOM 5517 Writing, Editing and Publishing3 credits

This course discusses the principles of script writing, editing and publishing that are tailored to target audience. The discussion also covers the technical aspects of editing and publication of a manuscript: content, topics, sub-topics, captions, blurbs, illustrations and copy editing. Issues about publication policies and approaches, and copyrights are also discussed.

KOM 5519 Broadcasting and Society3 credits

This course focuses on comparative broadcast media systems in the world, effects of broadcast media on society and approaches of broadcasting for community development. Issues in the relationships between the new communication technology, broadcasting and society are discussed.

KOM 5605 Independent Study3 credits

Individualized readings on communication and other related materials pertaining to an area of specialization as prescribed by the instructor(s).

KOM 5989 Research Project6 credits

Individual research in the area of corporate communication.

KOM 6111 Advanced Communication Theory 3 credits

This course discusses and synthesizes communication theories from various perspectives. The philosophy of communication discipline is the basis for the discussion of the development of communication theory. It examines the application of communication theories at individual, group, organizational, societal, national and international levels.

KOM 6115 Advanced Statistics for Communication Research 3 credits

This course focuses on multivariate statistics: multiple regression, multiple correlation, canonical correlation, discriminant analysis and factor analysis. Special emphasis is given to the analysis of data from confirmatory or explanatory research using survey and experimental research methods.

KOM 6117 Communication Research Design3 credits

The course emphasizes the practical aspects of the research process. Stages in the process (statement of area of research interest, concept explication and development of theory, operationalization of variables and analysis plan) are discussed.

KOM 6119 Qualitative Method in Communication Research 3 credits

This course focuses on methods of qualitative research that include data collection, data analysis and report writing. The difference between qualitative and quantitative research and theories related to qualitative research are examined.

KOM 6315 Current Development in Organizational 3 credits

Communication

This course identifies and discusses in depth the development in the field of organizational communication and identifies as well as evaluates current theoretical, methodological and policy issues in organizational communication. The areas discussed include communicating organizational change, organizational communication development and training, leadership communication and decision making, organizational networking, image and reputation management, organizational communication evaluation, culture and ethics in organizational communication.

KOM 6519 Trends and Challenges in Mass Communication 3 credits

This course identifies and discusses in depth the issues and challenges of mass communication at the national and global levels, with an emphasis on current research in mass communication. Among the topics that constitute the focus of this course are law and policy, market competition, media content, media ownership, media influence and effect, direction and flow of international media content, international mass communication system, main players of international media, communication media convergence, and mass media and global peace.