CMST 100
Introduction to Public Speaking
3 Semester Hours

Designed to assist the student in developing the skills necessary to communicate effectively to others and to listen effectively to communication from others. Development of proficiency in speaking results from the practice and criticism of informative speeches, persuasive speeches, and discussion.

CMST 110
Interpersonal Communication
3 Semester Hours

Examination of students’ communication strengths and weaknesses in order to develop proficiency in interpersonal communication. A variety of practice speaking contexts is provided, including public speaking, group discussion and problem solving, and informal and formal one-to-one communication.

CMST 130
Argumentation and Debate
3 Semester Hours

The principles of reasoning, evidence, and organization of argumentation for debate and related forms of competitive
speech; practical application in debate and other forensic speech.

CMST 131
Argumentation Practicum
3 Semester Hours

Forensics competition in various debate formats requiring intramural and intercollegiate debate competition.

Prerequisite: CMST 130 and consent of instructor.

CMST 140
Business and Professional Communication
3 Semester Hours

A study of the principles and methods involved in improving oral communication in business and the professions. Emphasis on interviewing, conference speaking, selling and persuading, problem-solving discussions, and interpersonal relations. 


CMST 170
Interpersonal and Small Group Communication
3 Semester Hours

This course is designed to introduce the students to interpersonal and small group communication theories,
processes, and skills. The course challenges students to examine their own communication behaviors and focus on their strengths and weaknesses as a way to developand apply new communication skills and proficiencies. The course includes a variety of oral and written presentations at both the individual and group levels.


CMST 203
Foundations of Communication Theory
3 Semester Hours

This course introduces students to the field of communication studies and its major areas of inquiry. It begins with an overview of the history of the discipline, tracing its humanistic roots, social scientific orientations, and approaches which combine these two traditions. The course then examines communication studies from the standpoint of four perspectives that can be used to organize major movements in the field: mechanistic, psycho-symbolic, pragmatic, and critical. These perspectives are used to organize the variety of communication theories examined in the course.

CMST 204
Introduction to Research in Communication Studies
3 Semester Hours

This course introduces students to scholarship conducted in communication studies. It overviews the research process, including generating research questions, constructing bibliographies, gathering and assessing information, and developing scholarly arguments. Students will learn research techniques, including location and retrieval of information sources (i.e., newspapers, journals, books, electronic databases, and Internet sources). They will apply critical thinking skills to the evaluation of information sources and data/arguments in qualitative and quantitative research. Students will also be introduced to basic aspects of writing for the discipline, as well as expectations for scholarly ethics and proper citation of courses.

Prerequisite: CMST 203 with a grade of C (2.0) or better, or permission of instructor.

CMST 206
Critical Thinking and Communication
3 Semester Hours

A study of the techniques of critical thinking as applied to communication and rhetoric.

CMST 298
Special Studies
1-3 Semester Hours

CMST 299
Independent Studies
1-3 Semester Hours


CMST 330
Advanced Forensics
3 Semester Hours

A study of advanced principles of debate with emphasis on interdisciplinary research on current national collegiate
debate topic.

Prerequisites: CMST 130 or consent of instructor; Junior standing.

CMST 331
Argumentation Practicum
3 Semester Hours

Forensics competition in various debate formats requiring intramural and intercollegiate debate competition.

Prerequisites: CMST 130 and consent of instructor.

CMST 335
Gender Communication
3 Semester Hours

Course surveys gender similarities and differences in verbal and nonverbal communication. Emphasis is also placed on how males and females perceive the world and how these perceptions affect the human communication process.

Prerequisite: Junior standing.

CMST 336
Intercultural Communication
3 Semester Hours

A study of the principles and theories of human communication related to cross cultural encounters. Emphasis is placed on cultural relativity, culture shock, verbal and nonverbal interaction, and value differences among diverse cultures.

Prerequisite: Junior standing.

CMST 351
Contemporary Rhetorical Theory
3 Semester Hours

This course provides a survey of major rhetorical themes and theories, including classical, symbolic, argumentation, critical, feminist, and non-Western approaches to rhetoric. Students will explore the relationship between rhetorical theory and practice, the contributions of rhetorical theory to the social world, and the potential for rhetorical studies to inform issues of democratic governance, marginalized groups, social justice, and technology in society.

Prerequisites: CMST 203 and 204 with a grade of C (2.0) or better.

CMST 352
Theories of Organizational Communication
3 Semester Hours

This course is designed to introduce the students to the field of organizational communication and the relationship between organization and communication. The course is designed to allow students to examine a range of organizational communication perspectives, theories, issues, and constructs. At the same time, students are encouraged to explore the ways these perspectives shape, expand, and limit our understanding of communicating and organizing. Significantly, the course encourages critical and analytical thinking by using the course content as a basis for critique.

Prerequisites: CMST 203 and 204 with a grade of C (2.0) or better.

CMST 375
Organizational Communication Advanced Topical Seminar
3 Semester Hours

Advanced topical studies in organizational communication. May be repeated once for degree credit with a different topic.

CMST 376
Communication and Consulting
3 Semester Hours

Course surveys methods of designing, conducting, and evaluating organizational communication change strategies. Emphasis is on various methods of conducting organizational communication needs analysis, designing training programs, implementing organizational development strategies, and evaluating change efforts.

Prerequisite: Junior standing.

CMST 385
Political Communication
3 Semester Hours

Course analyzes the rhetorical dimensions of political campaigns and methods of carrying out various political objectives.

Prerequisite: Junior standing.

CMST 386
Rhetoric of Social Movements
3 Semester Hours

This course is a survey of historical events and rhetorical documents of major American movements for social change. Movements may include: abolitionist (antislavery), labor, socialist, women’s rights, environmental justice, civil rights (Black, Chicana/o, and Native American), gay and lesbian, and student movements. Emphasis will be placed on rhetorical strategies and tactics relating to effects of movements on systems and structures conceived as dominant; analyses of how social movement actors construct meaning and identity in their discourses is also stressed.

Prerequisite: Junior standing.

CMST 387
Communication and Legal Practice
3 Semester Hours

This course brings the legal trial to the classroom, providing students an opportunity to incorporate an array of communication principles and skills with the experience of trial practice. Students are introduced progressively to key aspects of communication and litigation and participate in exercises that culminate in mock trials before a jury.

Prerequisite: Junior standing.

CMST 393
Topical Seminars in Communication Studies
3 Semester Hours

Further studies in communication. May be repeated for degree credit.

Prerequisite: Junior standing.

CMST 398
Special Studies
1-3 Semester Hours

CMST 399
Independent Studies
1-3 Semester Hours

CMST 451
Rhetorical Methods
3 Semester Hours

This course examines various ways rhetorical theories may be applied to discourse in order to highlight methods
of rhetorical criticism. 

Prerequisite: CMST 351 with a grade of C (2.0) or better.

CMST 452
Qualitative Research Methods
3 Semester Hours

Study of qualitative research methods in communication, including data collection, analysis, and interpretation of
observations and interview data. 

Prerequisite: CMST 352 with a grade of C (2.0) or better.

CMST 490
Communication Practicum I
3 Semester Hours

Students participate in an internship with one of several Los Angeles area companies or institutions currently accepting LMU students. The internship focuses on practical experience working in a position that utilizes communication skills. Students will integrate communication theory with their internship experience. May be repeated once for upperdivision elective credit.

Prerequisites: Majors only; Junior standing.

CMST 495
Senior Thesis
3 Semester Hours

The senior thesis provides the opportunity for students to perform original research using qualitative and/or rhetorical methods and culminates in a substantial written project.

Prerequisites: CMST 451 and 452 with a grade of C (2.0) or better and Senior standing.  Also, the student must obtain the written approval of the faculty member directing the thesis project and the Department Chairperson the semester prior to writing the thesis. 

CMST 498
Special Studies
1-3 Semester Hours

CMST 499
Independent Studies
1-3 Semester Hours