Communication, Media, and Theatre
Mission Statement
The Communicating Arts Department shares in the mission of the University of Wisconsin-Superior as a public liberal arts institution by blending interdisciplinary theory and practice in each program area (Communication, Media, and Theatre) through both curricular and co-curricular experiences. The Communication, Media, and Theatre Department facilitates the development of student knowledge and communication practices in the areas of personal, professional, social, and artistic endeavor.
Communication, Media and Theatre Department Contact Information
Communication, Media and Theatre Department
University of Wisconsin - Superior
Holden Fine and Applied Arts Center 2100
Belknap and Catlin Ave.
P.O. Box 2000
Superior, WI 54880
Phone: 715-394-8369
Email: commarts@uwsuper.edu
Course Descriptions
COMM 104 Film and Culture 3.00
Students will learn to analyze films from aesthetic and cultural perspectives in a survey of motion pictures from their beginning to the present day. A variety of American and/or international films showing significant artistic development will be screened. The on campus course meets for an additional hour per week to accommodate these in class screenings.
Core General Education Requirements:
- HA - Humanities & Arts
- HA-A - Humanities & Arts - Arts
Typically Offered:
- On-campus: Fall & Spring
- Online: Fall, Spring, & Summer
COMM 110 Introduction to Communication 3.00
Introduction to concepts and theories of communication and the application of those theories to interpersonal interactions, small group processes, and public
address.
Core General Education Requirements:
- CL - Communication & Literacy
- CL-C - Communication & Literacy - Communication
Typically Offered:
- On-campus: Fall & Spring
- Online: Fall, Spring, & Summer
COMM 122 Theatre Appreciation 3.00
This course introduces students to the art and profession of theatre, with an emphasis on evaluating and appreciating live performance, theatre's cultural importance, and its contribution to social diversity. In addition to a survey of the literature, history, styles, and theories of theatre, this course takes students behind the scenes to explore the production process and the different roles of theatre practitioners who work to bring a play from the page to the stage. Projects throughout the semester provide students with an opportunity to explore and express their own creativity.
Core General Education Requirements:
- HA - Humanities & Arts
- HA-A - Humanities & Arts - Arts
Typically Offered:
- On-campus: Spring;
COMM 125 Acting Fundamentals 3.00
This course teaches basic acting techniques in service of creation of character, the art of storytelling, and expanding the capacity to communicate physically and vocally on stage. To develop these techniques, students will learn about physical and psychological acting techniques; read and discuss playscripts; create character analyses; perform monologues and scenes; attend and write a written response to two productions discussing specific acting choices and techniques; and participate in group activities including warm-ups, ensemble exercises, in-class discussions, and offering constructive feedback to fellow artists. No prior acting is required, and non-majors are encouraged to join!
Core General Education Requirements:
- HA - Humanities & Arts
- HA-A - Humanities & Arts - Arts
Typically Offered:
- On-campus: Fall & Spring;
COMM 167 Introduction to Intercultural Communication 3.00
This course focuses on the importance of culture in our everyday lives, and the ways in which culture interrelates with and affects communication processes.
Typically Offered:
- On-campus: Spring
- Online: Spring
COMM 170 Media and Society 3.00
Students examine key aspects of the changing media landscape, including social media and changing technology, fragmented audiences, increasingly concentrated patterns of ownership, changes in representations of gender, sexuality, ethnicity, and class, and the role of globalization, and how these changes impact individuals, social groups, the economy, culture, and politics. Emphasizes building skills in critical media literacy and media studies methodologies.
Typically Offered:
- On-campus: Fall & Spring
- Online: Spring
COMM 180 Introduction to Technical Theatre 3.00
A hands-on approach to the art of stagecraft. Students will learn and apply techniques in set construction, lighting and sound, scenic painting and stage properties for theatre productions.
Core General Education Requirements:
- HA - Humanities & Arts
- HA-A - Humanities & Arts - Arts
Typically Offered:
- On-campus: Fall & Spring;
COMM 189 Comm Arts Elective 1.00
Transfer credits ONLY from another accredited institution not equivalent to a UW-Superior course.
COMM 203 News Writing and Reporting 3.00
A basic journalism course in which students practice interviewing sources; covering campus and community events; and writing leads, features, news, and sports stories on deadline. The course offers an introduction to the history of journalism and applies ethical and legal standards in news reporting and writing. Students will follow news and current events involving local, regional, and national topics.
Typically Offered:
- On-Campus: Fall
- Online: Spring
COMM 211 Communication in Close & Interpersonal Relationships 3.00
This course explores the dynamics of communication in close relationships, including friendships, romantic partnerships, family ties, and professional connections. Students will delve into key theories and concepts that explain how relationships form, evolve, and sometimes dissolve, while examining factors such as identity, attraction, self-disclosure, conflict resolution, affection, and ethical considerations. Students will gain insights into their own communication patterns, learn strategies for navigating relational challenges, and develop skills to foster healthier, more effective interactions in diverse personal and social contexts.
Prerequisites:
- Prerequisite for taking this course is having completed COMM 110 or consent of instructor.
Typically Offered:
- Online: Spring
COMM 254 Communication Theory 3.00
Exploration of communication theories, everyday ways of theorizing communication, and research methods that help us understand the complex ways communication shapes our lives. Emphasis includes theory development, interpretation and analysis, research methodologies, and research design. Students examine the interconnected relationship between theory and method.
Typically Offered:
- On-Campus: Fall
- Online: Fall
COMM 261 Beginning Digital Filmmaking 3.00
Introduction to basic videography with an extensive hands-on investigation of professional non-linear editing theory and technique.
Typically Offered:
- On-campus: Fall & Spring
- Online: Select Semesters
COMM 273 Oral Interpretation 3.00
Introduction to the process of lifting words from the page and giving them dimension in a reader’s voice and body.
Core General Education Requirements:
- HA - Humanities & Arts
- HA-A - Humanities & Arts - Arts
Typically Offered:
- On-campus: Select Semesters
- Online: Select Semesters
COMM 289 Comm Arts Elective 1.00
Transfer credits ONLY from another accredited institution not equivalent to a UW-Superior course.
COMM 289AE Communications Elective Aesthetic Experience 1.00
Transfer credits ONLY from another accredited institution not equivalent to a UW-S course.
COMM 289AH Communications Elective Art History 1.00
Transfer credits ONLY from another accredited institution not equivalent to a UW-S course.
COMM 289CA Communications Elective Communicating Arts 1.00
Transfer credits ONLY from another accredited institution not equivalent to a UW-S course.
COMM 289CC Transfer credits ONLY from another accredited institution not equivalent to a UW-S course. 1.00
Transfer credits ONLY from another accredited institution not equivalent to a UW-S course.
Core General Education Requirements:
- CL - Communication & Literacy
- CL-C - Communication & Literacy - Communication
COMM 289DV Communications Elective Diversity 1.00
Transfer credits ONLY from another accredited institution not equivalent to a UW-S course.
COMM 289GA COMM Elective Global Awareness 1.00
COMM Elective Global Awareness
COMM 289NW Communications Elective Non-Western 1.00
Transfer credits ONLY from another accredited institution not equivalent to a UW-S course.
COMM 289SS Communications Elective Social Science 1.00
Transfer credits ONLY from another accredited institution not equivalent to a UW-S course.
COMM 301 Selected Topics in Media Studies 3.00
Examination of one of the major cycles, movements, nationalities, eras, or genres of media. Several feature films and/or television programs exemplifying historically and critically important aspects of the topic will be shown when relevant. Different topics are repeatable.
Typically Offered:
- On-campus: Select Semesters;
COMM 304 Digital Storytelling and Social Media 3.00
Digital Storytelling and Social Media have become an increasingly important journalistic tool. In this course, students will learn how social media is used to engage audiences, providing news updates and disseminating information across a variety of platforms using text, images, audio and video. Students will study current social media posts by journalists and will learn and to apply the techniques of news reporting via social media.
Typically Offered:
- On-Campus: Fall
- Online: Fall
COMM 309 Strategic Communication for Health & Wellness 3.00
This course will introduce you to the study of health communication for academic, professional, and personal applications. We will cover a variety of topics and theories from different domains of life, whether patient-provider interactions, public health campaigns, or culture and family. The materials covered in this course will enable students to improve their understanding of the role of communication in their own health and lay the groundwork for greater personal and professional success in areas relating to health and wellness.
Prerequisites:
- Prerequisite for taking this course is having completed COMM 110 or consent of instructor.
Typically Offered:
- Online: Fall
COMM 311 Family and Marital Communication 3.00
This course explores the intricate world of family dynamics through the lens of communication. Students will explore how conversations, conflicts, and connections shape family relationships, including: marital partnerships, parent-child bonds, sibling interactions, grandparent relationships, in-law ties, adoptive families, post-divorce arrangements, and chosen families beyond biological and legal ties. Drawing on a variety of theories we will explore contemporary definitions of family, roles, and pressing issues such as major life transitions, milestones, and consider cultural influences. Whether students are navigating their own family experiences or preparing for careers in counseling, social services, law, or human resources, this course will empower students to foster healthier relationships and critically reflect on the evolving tapestry of family life in today's society.
Prerequisites:
- Successful competition of Comm 110 or instructor consent.
Typically Offered:
- Online: Fall
COMM 315 Advanced Acting 3.00
This course further explores techniques used by actors to deepen their connection to dramatic text, increase their emotional range, imaginative power, and physical awareness. Students will engage in an advanced scene study, psychophysical exercises, and advanced acting techniques to apply in rehearsal and performance.
Typically Offered:
- On-campus: Fall, Even Years;
COMM 324 Acting for the Camera 3.00
A practicum class focusing on the specific challenges of acting for the camera. In a studio setting, we will explore the technical and artistic demands of acting on film and in commercials. Students will explore techniques for solving on-camera acting challenges and learn methods of preparation for film and commercial work. In addition, we will explore standard practices required for auditioning and self-taping. Through lecture and guest speakers, this class will discuss the realities of working as a professional actor in film, television, and commercials.
Typically Offered:
- On-campus: Fall, Even Years;
COMM 325 Special Topics in Theatre 3.00
This course covers various special topics in the field of theatre and performance. Subjects may include Acting Shakespeare, Voice and Movement, Improvisation, Viewpoints, Audition Workshop, and other advanced theatre topics and techniques. Repeatable up to 12 credits with a change of topic.
Typically Offered:
- On-Campus: Fall;
COMM 330 Multimedia Journalism 3.00
This course expands the student's basic understanding of journalism; including broadcast writing, reporting and enterprise skills in digital journalism; developing techniques of interviewing, investigation, breaking news and using social media in a journalistic way. Analysis and discussion of current events, news values and trends in journalism. Multimedia storytelling skills will be enhanced through hands-on opportunities. Students will develop newscasts and public affairs content in a variety of platforms and cover campus, community and regional issues. A final feature project will be created using radio, video, print, podcast or online content.
Prerequisites:
- Prerequisite for taking this course is having completed COMM 203 or consent of instructor.
Typically Offered:
- On-Campus: Fall;
COMM 332 Conflict and Dark Side of Interpersonal Communication 3.00
Theoretical and applied exploration and analysis of communication in diverse conflict contexts.
Typically Offered:
- Online: Spring, Even Years
COMM 344 Media Effects 3.00
Advanced examination of media effects research and theory. Topics covered include sex, politics, health, violence, horror, advertising, representation, and entertainment. Students will gain a deeper understanding of the impact of media on individuals and society.
Prerequisites:
Typically Offered:
- Online: Fall, Even Years
COMM 345 Sports Journalism 3.00
This course explores the dynamics of sports reporting across print, broadcast, and digital platforms. Students will develop skills in game recap writing, athlete profiles, and live-event social media coverage. Emphasis is placed on multimedia storytelling, including mobile video production and podcasting. Students will apply AP Style to sports-specific contexts and discuss the ethical implications of sports media "fandom" versus objective reporting.
Prerequisites:
- Successful completion of COMM 203 or instructor consent.
Typically Offered:
- On-campus: Spring;
COMM 348 Writing for Stage and Screen 3.00
Theory and practice in narrative writing for theatre, television and film. Includes study and application of relevant writing formats.
Prerequisites:
- Successful completion of WRIT 102 or instructor consent.
Typically Offered:
- On-campus: Fall, Odd Years
- Online: Select Semesters
COMM 350 Creative Collaboration in Theatre 1.00
Specialized study and/or practice in theatrical production. Students register for 1-3 credits based upon the part, assignment and/or duties they have in a particular production. Instructor consent required. repeatable up to 12 credits. Arranged.
Typically Offered:
- On-campus: Fall & Spring;
COMM 353 Persuasion and Society 3.00
Critically examines how persuasive communication shapes public opinion and public discourse. Students will analyze the techniques and tools persuaders use to promote audience adoption of attitudes and behaviors.
Prerequisites:
- Prerequisite for taking this course is having completed COMM 110 or consent of instructor.
Typically Offered:
- On-campus: Spring
- Online: Fall, Even Years
COMM 354 Communication Research Methods 3.00
This course is designed to help students gain an understanding of and appreciation for the use of research as a tool for professional activities in the real world. We will use a research-as-argument approach to learn the basics of effective research, but also focus on research and information literacy as a means of becoming more insightful consumers of information. In this course, you will become familiar with the concepts and skills underlying a systematic approach to conducting research, including basic research terminology, the scientific method, use of theory and models, the value of qualitative and quantitative research, research ethics. Over the course of the semester, you will also learn about effective argumentation, one of the most important components of understanding and conducting research, while focusing on the relationships between claim, data and warrants. We will explore multiple perspectives for learning about and researching communication, including a balanced approach to the interpretive, critical, and discovery paradigms. Ultimately, this course is geared towards developing the tools necessary for thinking critically about and discovering the answers to our unanswered questions about the world around us. Lecture and Discussion
Prerequisites:
Typically Offered:
- Online: Fall
COMM 356 Community Engagement in Ghana-Study Abroad 1.00
Communication is an essential part of community engagement. This course is an experiential course designed to enhance the intercultural communication competence of students as well as to expose them to the challenges and rewards of community development in a developing country. Travel to Ghana occurs over J-Term. Students register for partial credit in both Fall and Spring semesters. Students may register for up to 6 credits. Arranged.
Typically Offered:
- On-campus: Select Semesters
- Online: Select Semesters
COMM 361 Intermediate Digital Filmmaking 3.00
Project-intensive course in which students produce, direct, and edit digital film projects. A variety of theories, techniques, and methods will be studied and applied to the student productions. Repeatable for up to 6 credits.
Prerequisites:
- Prerequisite for taking this course is having completed COMM 261 or consent of instructor.
Typically Offered:
- Online: Spring
COMM 365 Directing for the Stage 3.00
This course introduces students to the art and craft of the stage director. The course is practical, with students engaging in exercises as both directors and actors. Students will learn to analyze and direct pre-existing material while also considering the director's role in developing new work. Emphasis is placed on collaboration-particularly the actor-director relationship-throughout the course. Viewing and research assignments acquaint students with major practitioners in the field of theatre and in our community.
Prerequisites:
- Prerequisites for taking this course is having completed COMM 122, 125, and 180 or consent of instructor.
Typically Offered:
- On-campus: Spring, Odd Years;
COMM 370 Organizational Communication 3.00
This course focuses on the communicative processes in organizations as well as the constitutive nature of organizations, and will examine concepts including organizational culture, leadership, emotion, change processes and the development of supportive organizational climates.
Typically Offered:
- On-campus: Spring
- Online: Spring
COMM 376 Group Communication Processes 3.00
Exploration of communication processes within the context of the small group with emphasis on interpersonal relations, group dynamics, leadership and participant functions. An experiential/theoretical course.
Typically Offered:
- Online: Spring, Odd Years
COMM 389 Comm Arts Elective 1.00
Transfer credits ONLY from another accredited institution not equivalent to a UW-Superior course.
COMM 389CC Transfer credits ONLY from another accredited institution not equivalent to a UW-S course. 1.00
Transfer credits ONLY from another accredited institution not equivalent to a UW-S course.
Core General Education Requirements:
- CL - Communication & Literacy
- CL-C - Communication & Literacy - Communication
COMM 397 Podcast Production 3.00
In this hands-on production course, students learn and apply aspects of podcast production, including the study of various podcasts formats, as well as audio recording and editing techniques and technology.
Prerequisites:
- Prerequisite for taking this course is having completed COMM 261 or consent of the instructor.
Typically Offered:
- On-campus: Fall, Odd Years;
COMM 403 Experiential Learning in Multimedia Journalism 1.00
Specialized intensive practice in multimedia journalism activities. Experience must be designed in consultation with the course instructor and will provide an on-campus apprenticeship experience in partnership with The Promethean, Wisconsin Public Radio (KUWS), Yellowjacket Athletics, and/or University Marketing and Communications. Minimum 45 hours per credit. Instructor consent required. Repeatable. Contract from the instructor prior to enrolling. Arranged.
Typically Offered:
- On-campus: Fall & Spring
- Online: Fall & Spring
COMM 409 Strategies for Advocacy 3.00
Many health care providers and health communication scholars have advocated a shift from traditional paternalistic medicine, which is often governed by the health-care provider, to patient-centered care, where providers work in concert with the patient, or health consumer, to deliver optimal care. To that end, interactions between providers and their patients are essential for helping facilitate an interpersonal climate of empathy, shared decision-making, mutual support, and trust. Positive patient-provider interactions often manifest themselves in the disclosure of information from patients. Conversely, the absence of positive interaction could contribute to adverse health outcomes should the patient not feel comfortable disclosing information, or should the provider fail to account for the complete health of the patient, including psychosocial needs. This course is designed to help you explore, understand, and appreciate the patient-provider relationship through an examination and analysis of selected health communication case studies and related materials. In your role as a patient or caregiver, this course is also designed to improve your communication skills with physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals to foster advocacy skills for self and others. If you fill the role of a caregiver or healthcare provider, this course will allow deeper understanding of patient psychosocial needs and the many ways patient-provider interactions can impact health outcomes.
Prerequisites:
Typically Offered:
- Online: Spring
COMM 419 Environmental Communication and Advocacy 3.00
Students will learn about the persuasive strategies involved in education and advocacy around environmental issues, how environmental communicators shape values, attitudes, and ways of understanding environmental issues, and the ethical and existential questions associated with living in the era of climate crisis.
Prerequisites:
- Prerequisite for taking this course is having completed COMM 110 or consent of instructor.
Typically Offered:
- On-campus: Fall, Odd Years;
COMM 430 LGBTQIA Media 3.00
This course will survey global LGBTQIA media. Topics of discussion will include gender, sexuality, political activism, censorship, performance, and aesthetics within film, music, television, and theater.
Typically Offered:
- On-campus: Spring, Even Years;
COMM 455 Media Criticism and Theory 3.00
Traces the historical development of theoretical frameworks for understanding media throughout the 20th and into the 21st century. The course is reading-intensive and emphasizes the development skills for analyzing, critiquing, and theorizing contemporary media.
Prerequisites:
- Prerequisite for taking this course is having completed COMM 170 and Junior standing or consent of Instructor.
Typically Offered:
- On-campus: Spring, Odd Years;
COMM 462 Advanced Digital Filmmaking 3.00
Project-intensive course in which students produce, direct, and edit advanced digital film projects. A variety of theories, techniques, and methods will be studied and applied to the student productions. Repeatable up to 6 credits.
Prerequisites:
- COMM 361 or consent of instructor
Typically Offered:
- On-campus: Fall & Spring;
COMM 467 Intercultural Communication in Global, Business, and Social Contexts 3.00
This course critically examines the deep structure of cultures and how they impact our communication in multiple contexts. Students would explore the theoretical as well as practical ways to engage meaningfully and effectively with people from diverse backgrounds. The course also focuses on the role of leaders in developing inclusive organizations for membership well-being and productivity.
Typically Offered:
- On-Campus: Fall
- Online: Fall
COMM 475 Internship 1.00
Supervised work in professional communications industries and settings. Junior or senior standing, major emphasis in the area of the internship, must have a signed Affiliation Agreement with organization with which you are interning on file in Communicating Arts Office, contract prior to registration and consent of the Communicating Arts Department chair. Minimum 45 hours per credit. The application for internship including written consent from the external agency (Affiliation Agreement) must be submitted to the department chair 30 days prior to enrollment. Arranged.
Typically Offered:
- On-campus: Fall, Spring, & Sum
- Online: Fall, Spring, & Summer
COMM 489 Comm Arts Elective 1.00
Transfer credits ONLY from another accredited institution not equivalent to a UW-Superior course.
COMM 489AE Communications Elective Aesthetic Experience 1.00
Transfer credits ONLY from another accredited institution not equivalent to a UW-S course.
COMM 489AH Communications Elective Art History 1.00
Transfer credits ONLY from another accredited institution not equivalent to a UW-S course.
COMM 489CA Communications Elective Communicating Arts 1.00
Transfer credits ONLY from another accredited institution not equivalent to a UW-S course.
COMM 489DV Communications Elective Diversity 1.00
Transfer credits ONLY from another accredited institution not equivalent to a UW-S course.
COMM 489GA COMM Elective 489GA 1.00
COMM Elective 489GA
COMM 489NW Communications Elective Non-Western 1.00
Transfer credits ONLY from another accredited institution not equivalent to a UW-S course.
COMM 489SS Communications Elective Social Science 1.00
Transfer credits ONLY from another accredited institution not equivalent to a UW-S course.
COMM 491 Senior Capstone 0.00
Required culminating senior year project which integrates and synthesizes the student's coursework (theories, concepts, skill competencies) into a formal project and experience, negotiated with the student's major advisor and instructor for final consent and approval. Senior capstone is paired with another course in the major. See Communicating Arts Concentration descriptions for paired courses. Pass-Fail. Arranged.
COMM 495 Special Topics Seminar 3.00
Specially designed seminar on any number of diverse topics within Communicating Arts. Repeatable up to twelve credits.
Typically Offered:
- Online: Select Semesters
COMM 497 Senior Seminar 3.00
This course assesses the communication competencies of majors in our program through a single, semester-long capstone project. Project topics and form will be developed in class in coordination with the instructor and students. Successful completion of this course fulfills the Communication Concentration Capstone requirement.
Prerequisites:
Typically Offered:
- On-campus: Spring
- Online: Spring
COMM 498 Independent Study 1.00
Individual investigation, project, and/or production by advanced students in Communicating Arts. Designed in consultation with instructor and should include a study of related literature and/or production techniques. Prerequisites: Instructor consent and contract prior to enrollment. Repeatable up to 12 credits. Arranged.
Typically Offered:
- On-campus: Fall, Spring, & Sum
- Online: Fall, Spring, & Summer
COMM 499 Intern Teaching in Communicating Arts 3.00
Working with and assisting a faculty member in teaching a lower-division Communicating Arts course. Includes applied work in preparing and teaching the content of one or more selected units of a course under the supervision of the instructor of record. Open to Communicating Arts majors only. Both faculty and Department Chair consent are required to enroll in this course.
Typically Offered:
- On-campus: Fall & Spring
- Online: Spring & Summer
Faculty and Staff
Ms. Beth Austin, Assistant Teaching Professor - Communication and Media Studies
Ms. Linda Graskey, Administrative Assistant III
Mr. Tom Hansen, Senior Lecturer - Multimedia Journalism
Dr. Jennifer Jackl, Assistant Professor - Communication Studies
Dr. Sean Naughton, Assistant Professor - Theatre
Dr. Ephraim Nikoi, Professor - Communication Studies
Mr. Brent Notbohm, Professor - Film and Video, Department Chair
Mr. Thomas Notton, Assistant Teaching Professor - Media Production
Dr. Chad Vollrath, Associate Professor - Communication Studies
Ms. Sue Wedan, Assistant Teaching Professor - Theatre
Dr. Alison Wielgus, Associate Professor - Media Studies
Artists
Ms. Stephany Anderson, Artist, Communicating Arts Department
Ms. Alexander Flinner, Artist, Communicating Arts Department