COMM 459: Special Topics in Communication

Special Topics in Communication is a variable-credit, repeatable course for specialized knowledge in a particular area of communication, journalism, speech, or professional writing.

What COMM 459 covers

An exploration of special topics in communication. The objective is to attain specialized knowledge and skills in a particular area of communication, journalism, speech, or professional writing.

Focus is on demonstrating new knowledge through an extended applied project. May be repeated to a maximum of 6 credits when topics differ.

Typical COMM 459 assignments

Expect an extended applied project demonstrating new, specialized knowledge in your chosen special topic area.

Key topics in COMM 459

• Specialized communication topic knowledge
• Extended applied project
• Cross-area focus (communication, journalism, speech, writing)
• Variable-credit, repeatable structure

Writing tips for COMM 459

Follow the assignment instructions and rubric line by line

UMGC assignments for COMM 459 are graded against a specific rubric or grading criteria your instructor provides — every requirement has to be visibly addressed. Skipping a requirement because it seems minor is one of the most common reasons a strong submission loses points.

Apply a named communication theory or framework, not a general observation

COMM 459 expects you to name and apply a specific communication theory or framework to your example — a general observation about media or communication that doesn't tie back to the course's own vocabulary usually loses points.

Ground claims in specific, current examples, not general media impressions

UMGC's Communication Studies courses consistently grade whether claims are grounded in specific, current, and cited examples — a real news story, campaign, or platform feature — rather than broad generalizations about "the media."

Why students seek help with COMM 459

Students sometimes produce a project that surveys a topic broadly without the specialized depth COMM 459's "extended applied project" framing requires — the rubric typically wants genuine depth in one area, not a broad survey.

How GradeEssays helps with COMM 459

Share your COMM 459 project scope and rubric, and your writer will help you build the specialized, extended-project depth the course requires.

Prerequisites and course context

COMM 459 has no listed prerequisites. It carries variable credit (1–3) and may be repeated to a maximum of 6 credits when topics differ — the first confirmed variable-credit-range course in the UMGC catalog.

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