Northeastern Illinois University

Department of Communication, Media, and Theatre

Graduate Course Descriptions

Graduate Communication Courses:

CMTC 400: Special Topics in Communication (Rotating Topics)

Topics vary. Recent examples include: “Communication and Difference.”

CMTC 401: Introduction to Graduate Study

Problems, methods, and resources involved in graduate study and research in all areas of communication, media, and theatre.

CMTC 402: Seminar in Research Methods

An introduction to the principles and methods of Communication, Media, and Theatre research. This course is intended to cultivate skills necessary for interpreting and critically evaluating research results and for designing research, critiquing literature, applying quantitative and qualitative research techniques, coding and analyzing observations, and writing research reports.

CMTC 404: Communication Theory

An analysis of communication theories, including the nature of theories, message design, and reception. Course covers a broad range of theories in the communication discipline, including both humanistic and social-scientific approaches. Nonetheless, particular theories analyzed each semester will vary depending on the instructor.

CMTC 414: Seminar in Organizational Communication

This course will provide an advanced look at the major elements of organizational theory that apply to organizational communication. This field, in a modern sense, began in the 1950s and since then has grown to be one of the biggest forces in communication today. We will examine the theories that direct the reality of organizations and how much of that reality is managed for the purposes of controlling individuals, whether overtly or symbolically.

CMTC 434: Independent Study in Communication

Individual investigation into selected topics in the theory and practice of communication. This course requires approval of the instructor, Department Chair, and the appropriate College Dean(s).

CMTC 499: Thesis Seminar

Guidance of student work toward the completion of a thesis to fulfill the requirements of the Master of Arts degree in Communication, Media, and Theatre. This course requires approval of the instructor, Department Chair, and the appropriate College Dean(s).

Graduate Media Courses:

CMTM 410: Independent Study in Media

Individual investigation into selected topics in theory and practice of media. Independent studies require the approval of the instructor, Department Chair, and the appropriate College Dean(s).

CMTM 465: Mass Communication Theory

This course is designed to investigate the concepts, ideologies, and resulting scholarship that are relevant to the study of mass communication. Students will study a variety of mass communication theories and will critically evaluate the merits of these perspectives. Students will develop research projects to further interpret and utilize mass communication theories.

CMTM 466: Media and Cultural Studies

Students will explore foundational and contemporary material in the field of cultural studies and critical media studies. Students will understand and articulate how structures of power and inequality are present in culture and be able to critically analyze the way in which these structures of power materialize in media texts and industrial formations.

CMTM 467: Special Topics in Film and Television (Rotating Topics)

This special topics course provides graduate students an opportunity to explore historical and theoretical approaches specific to studies of film and television. Special topics may include film history and theory, television history, national cinemas, genres, industrial technologies and trends, and issues of representation such as race, class, and gender. Recent examples include “Reality Television” and “Race, Ethnicity, and American Cinema.”

CMTM 478: Seminar in New Media

This course is an opportunity to explore critical approaches to “new media” through historical and theoretical readings. It intends to provide students with a better understanding of debates surrounding contemporary digital media while also giving them the ability to frame these debates within appropriate historical and cultural contexts.

Graduate Theatre Courses:

CMTT 423: Independent Study in Theatre

Individual investigation into selected topics in methods and materials for dramatic activities.

CMTT 430: Dramatic Theory

Analysis of major theories of dramatic writing and dramatic production from Aristotle to Antonin Artaud and their influence upon theatre and drama.

CMTT 431: Comparative Performing Arts

Comparing various arts such as ballet, opera, drama, film and television as they present specific works. Attendance at performances required.

CMTT 436: Theatre Management

Managerial policies and practices in educational and community theatres with emphasis upon common problems and solutions.

CMTT 473: Special Topics in Theatre (Rotating Topics)

This revolving topics course allows graduate students the opportunity to study in-depth, specific theatre methods, movements, and motivators. Recent examples include “Directors,” “Gender and Performance,” and “Battlefields.” Consult the Schedule of Classes for specific topics.

Graduate Education Courses:

CMTE 490: Instructional Communication

Selected topics in methods and materials related to speaking and listening; instructional problems relative to type of programs, trends in instruction, sources, resources and research. Individual projects will adapt resources and methodology to a particular type of school and classroom, such as the inner city.

CMTE 492: Teaching College Speech

Study of the tasks of the college speech teacher; philosophy, objectives, materials, and methods of instruction, speech curricula and departmental operations; professional interrelationships in the community.