USC Schedule of Classes

Production and distribution of information within large organizations; information networks, organization structure, control and decision-making functions. Resources necessary for effective organizational communication systems.

Central issues of theory and practice in the management of communication; broad introduction to all areas of the program. Open to M.A. in Communication Management students only.

Roles, responsibilities and requirements of communication functions within corporations; design and implementation of communication plans; strategic message production for internal and external audiences.

Writing skills necessary for an organizational communicator; review of strategic writing fundamentals; development of portfolio of diverse media applications based on strategic corporate communication requirements.

How work settings determine communication: basic structures of communication, influence of technology, social contexts, and physical space. Applications to management.

Examines images and image manipulation in communication, management and social control. Synthesizes work ranging from cognition and interpersonal behavior to mass media and popular culture.

Examination of role of communication in developing and implementing business strategy; critical assessment and practice with models, tools, and techniques for communicating change.

Promotional messages as both creative expressions and agents for behavioral change; application of social science theories of persuasion and compliance in interpersonal and mass-media venues.

Theory and research on value and attitude formation and change; consequences for communication and behavior.

Impact of television, satellites, computers, and other new technologies; competing theories about the role of technology in society; historical effects of introducing new technologies.

History, technologies and theories of online communities; their uses for organizations; social networking; identity and privacy; participation; collaboration; advocacy and collective action: games and entertainment.

Theories of effective team communication and leadership; case studies of effective and ineffective teams and leaders; teamwork and communication development; and distributed work teams.

Survey of contemporary technologies, platforms, languages, collaborative methodologies, and how they are used in combination to produce "social networking" websites and other related media.

Applications of both data and interpretation in communications management. Topics include: audience ratings, surveys, experimental tests of programs and campaigns, formative evaluation, secondary data sources.

Communication strategies for product marketing and advertising; communication's role in developing domestic and international marketplaces; practical applications of persuasion theory.

Examination, application and critique of traditional and contemporary organizational communication theory as it applies to the entertainment industry's unique internal and external environments.

Use of rhetorical theories and communication models to create organizational identification with internal and external audiences; the role of values and ethics in creating identities.

How communication technologies are used to secure competitive advantage; how firms use communication systems to sustain effective positioning in an industry; convergence of communication industries.

In-depth analysis of the challenges confronting the entertainment industry in the wake of media convergence including a survey of media convergence history and theories.

Understanding dynamics in entertainment markets enabled by emerging digital technologies; broad and niche strategies to target appropriate audiences, building audience engagement with entertainment content identities.

Analysis and development of online communication and marketing campaigns; exploration of current Internet best practices in social media, SEM, privacy, location-based marketing, and online measurement.

Global influences on entertainment industries (broadcasting, film, telecommunications, Internet, video games, and music); case analyses of specific organizations and geographic regions; impact on local cultures.

Strategic and Critical analyses of emerging and new communication technologies from historical, business, financial, technological, consumer, and policy perspectives.

Examines non-profit advocacy (vs. for-profit communication) marked by different rhythmic and creative drivers; non-profit audience analysis; creation of conversations for viral communication impact.

Theoretical foundations of social marketing and entertainment education; uses of dramatic serials, telenovelas and animation to promote human rights; program design, evaluation.

Examination of social scientific theory and research on patterns of media content; effects of mass media exposure on individuals and society; and industry practices.

Research leading to the master's degree. Maximum units which may be applied to the degree to be determined by the school. Graded CR/NC.

Field experience in applying communication principles to settings in organizations, campaigns, or other contexts; analysis and assessment of issues and problems. Open to Communication Management, accelerated B.A., Communication/M.A., Communication Management, and M.A., Global Communication students only.

Students design and produce an original project appropriate for their emphasis area within the Master of Communication degree; oral defense of project. Open to Master of Communication Management students only. (Duplicates credit in former COMM 597.)