Online Courses

Radford University's School of Communication currently offers a number of online courses, generally in the summer. Courses offered include:

COMS 114 - Public Speaking

Techniques and fundamentals of public speaking; methods for improving poise and confidence, delivery, construction of speeches and critical evaluation of speeches and speakers. For students who wish to improve their ability to communicate in public.

COMS 130 - Introduction to Communication

This course uses video lectures, discussions, quizzes, and assignments on Desire to Learn (D2L).  The course uses a standard textbook, Campbell’s Media Essentials.  Available online summers and Wintermester only.

COMS 173 - Introduction to Advertising

This course uses Adobe Presenter and Desire to Learn (D2L) for lectures and weekly quizzes, assignments, and discussions. Students have to complete the work on a week-by-week basis but other than that, they can do the work at their own pace during the week. Prof. Courtney Bosworth tells students it is to their advantage to view the lecture early in the week because they then can participate in the discussion for that week. The course also uses a standard textbook, Kleppner's "Advertising Procedure." Available online summers only.

COMS 226 - Digital Imaging

Instruction in the technology of digital imaging and photojournalism. Practice in the creation, editing and processing of digital images for use in various media with some emphasis on the World Wide Web. Visual communication theories and history of photography are also covered.

COMS 240 - Teamwork and Communication

This course is designed to examine the essential elements of group communication. We will focus on various characteristics of group communication including leadership, power, culture, cohesiveness, and conflict. There will be a variety of assignments throughout the course that will give you the opportunity to apply group communication concepts and theories to a group setting.

COMS 300 - Media History   

Most of the readings, quizzes and tests for Media History are available through Desire to Learn (D2L). The course uses Prof. Kovarik's "Revolutions in Communication: Media History from Gutenberg to the Digital Age," and some of the materials for the class are available on the book's website. 

COMS 326 - Web Production

Instruction and practice in designing interactive World Wide Web sites for the mass media. Course also introduces web aesthetics, digital imaging and other applications for the web.

COMS 330 - Introduction to Communication Theories

This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to the field of communication. Specifically, COMS 330 introduces students to the study of communication theory and provides them with the conceptual and theoretical foundation needed to succeed as a communication scholar. Concepts and theories learned in this course will be discussed in greater detail in the upper level communication courses offered by the School of Communication. 

COMS 333 - Persuasion

Modification of attitudes and behavior through purposeful oral communication. Techniques studied include generation of attention and interest, motivational devices, persuasive campaigns and development of credibility (ethos).

COMS 335 - Media and Society  

This course uses Adobe Presenter and Desire to Learn (D2L) for lectures and weekly quizzes, assignments, and discussions. The course also uses a standard textbook, Campbell's "Media & Culture." Available online at least once a year.

COMS 400 - Media Law and Ethics  

Most of the readings, quizzes and tests for Media Law and Ethics are available through Desire to Learn. The course also uses a standard textbook, Trager's "Law of Journalism and Mass Communication." Available online summers only.

COMS 665 - Seminar in Health Communication

The course is a survey of research findings and theoretical models relevant to communication practices and health care at the interpersonal, group, organizational and societal levels.