|
Core Courses | Digital Arts and Media Studies | Strategic and Human Communication
General Courses
CORE COURSES
The following courses are required for all Communication majors unless the chairperson indicates otherwise.
For Freshmen and Sophomores:
COMM 110 INTRODUCTION TO HUMAN COMMUNICATION. This course provides an overview of the Strategic and Human Communication concentration. Topics include human communication theories, social interaction, persuasion, small groups, and communication in organizations.
3 credits
COMM 120 INTRODUCTION TO MEDIA STUDIES. This course provides an overview of the Digital Arts and Media Studies concentration. It focuses on mass mediated communication fields including newspapers and magazines, sound recording, radio, broadcast television, cable television, movies, advertising, and online media.
3 credits
COMM 210 PUBLIC SPEAKING. This course is designed to develop effective and responsible public speaking skills. The organization and presentation of various types of speeches including informational, demonstration, and persuasive are emphasized.
3 credits
COMM 220 VISUAL COMMUNICATION AND DESIGN. Students learn to understand and apply type-image relationships, color, and form in digital design, including basic layouts. The course presents foundations and relevant concepts in visual literacy, symbolism, and aesthetics as applied to practical considerations, such as composition, motion and design.
3 credits
COMM 230 MEDIA WRITING. This course is a study of the basic procedures and techniques of print news reporting, writing and editing as well as writing for the electronic news media, online sources, public relations, and advertising. (WE)
3 credits
For Juniors and Seniors:
COMM 375 INTERNSHIP I. Students participate in an off-campus training experience closely related to one of the areas of communication. Frequent meetings with an advisor plus a final project are required. Permission of Communication Department Internship Coordinator required
3 credits
COMM 490 SEMINAR IN COMMUNICATION. Students will select a topic in one of the areas of concentration and develop it into a major paper or research project culminating in an oral presentation before the class and illustrated by AV accompaniment. Senior Majors Only.
3 credits
DIGITAL ARTS AND MEDIA STUDIES
COMM 300 TV STUDIO PRODUCTION. An introduction to the elements of multicamera television production techniques including camerawork, audio, instantaneous editing, graphics, on-camera appearance, scripts, and directing culminating in student produced talk shows.
3 credits
COMM 301 VIDEO FIELD PRODUCTION. This course introduces basic production techniques for nonstudio nonfiction video production. The course will cover camerawork, audio recording, field lighting, shooting strategies, interviewing techniques, basic editing, nonfiction video aesthetics, preproduction planning (scripts and storyboards), and basic postproduction (editing, graphics, effects).
3 credits
COMM 302 VIDEO POST PRODUCTION AND EDITING. This course is an in-depth study of assembling footage in preparation of a final cut through the study of nonlinear editing, compositing techniques, titling, color correction, and visual effects (VFX). This includes close analyses of dialog, documentary, action, thriller, music video, motion graphic, broadcast design, branded content, and short film scenes.
3 credits
COMM 303 SOUND DESIGN. Students experience the sound design workflow from sampling and midi music creation, through synthesis, audio effects, and channel mixing, to mastering final mixes. The course covers audio postproduction, film and video scoring, psychoacoustics, synthesis fundamentals, computer software, compression and digital audio formatting, and standard music notation.
3 credits
COMM 304 CINEMATICS & MOTION GRAPHICS. Motion graphics, visual effects (VFX), and interactive information (informatics) are redefining the territory of cinema and video. This course allows students to draw on communication strategies to create type and image animations, special effects, and video footage for informational, promotional, entertainment, creative, and experimental purposes.
3 credits
COMM 309 IMAGE DESIGN WITH PHOTOSHOP. Students explore conceptual and technical aspects of digital imaging, including image capture, color management, editing and correction, composition and layout, and several types of image composites. Master the basics of design with Photoshop, then construct seamless and complex images using masking and compositing techniques.
3 credits
COMM 310 FEATURE AND MAGAZINE WRITING. Methods in design, topography, and editing in magazine production. Students also learn how to research, write, and market quality articles in magazine format. (WE)
3 credits
COMM 311 PRINT AND ONLINE NEWS WRITING. Students learn to write and report complex, intellectually demanding material involving real and pressing problems that exist in society. (WE)
3 credits
COMM 312 RADIO AND TV NEWS WRITING. This course focuses on electronic journalism and news writing for radio and television. Both hard and soft news writing and broadcast news editing are emphasized as well as an overview of the role of the electronic news media in American society. (WE)
3 credits
COMM 313 SPORTS WRITING This course is an introduction to sports journalism. A study of basic procedures and techniques of sports reporting, writing and editing for both print and the electronic media are emphasized. (WE)
3 credits
COMM 316 TV NEWS. This course is designed for students who are interested in pursuing careers as on-camera, television news anchors and reporters. Students write, report, and telecast weekly television news programs. An analysis of the current state of television news is also covered.
3 credits
COMM 330 COMMUNICATION AND THE LAW. This course covers legal issues and topics in media law including First Amendment, defamation, privacy, intellectual property, censorship, commercial speech, obscenity, broadcast and cable regulation, media ownership and evolving internet regulation.
3 credits
COMM 331 MEDIA CRITICISM. A critical analysis of the mass media, including major theories and research in the field. The course explores media institutions, content, and economic structure and also offers an in-depth investigation into media effects and influence on individuals, society, and culture.
3 credits
COMM 332 MEDIA PROGRAMMING AND MANAGEMENT. This course focuses on the programming and management of radio, television, and online media. Topics include program development process, program formats and genres, production processes, program scheduling and oversight, ratings systems and analysis, and advertising.
3 credits
COMM 333 NEW MEDIA AND SOCIETY.
This course concerns the social, cultural, political, legal, and economic impacts of new media, including the development of digital media and the internet, theories of social change and technology, and the effects of digital media on journalism, entertainment, and social life.
3 credits
COMM 334 POLITICAL COMMUNICATION. This course examines, from a theoretical and practical standpoint, the planning , execution, and evaluation of communication strategies in modern political campaigns.
3 credits
COMM 380 FILM AS ART. A study of the grammar of the motion picture including cinematography, editing, acting, sound, and director’s style with a view to a better understanding of film as an art form. (WE)
3 credits
COMM 381 AMERICAN FILM. A survey of the development of American cinema from the silent period to the present exploring the interrelationship between film, the decade, the studio system, and reception theories.
3 credits
COMM 382 EXPERIMENTAL FILM. An in-depth analysis of selected major works of experimental filmmakers in America and an overview of their European counterparts from the silent period to the present.
3 credits
COMM 383 FILM CENSORSHIP AND THE FIRST AMENDMENT. An overview of the changing ethical and legal issues including court cases dealing with banned films in America.
3 credits
COMM 384 FILM CRITICISM. Various models of film criticism are studied and employed by students to provide a working knowledge of contemporary approaches to film analysis including political, feminist, genre, and psychoanalytic-semiotic criticism. Reading and writing of articles and viewing of representative films required.
3 credits
COMM 385 INTERNATIONAL CINEMA. The course presents a survey of silent and sound films from Western and Eastern Europe, Asia, and Africa with representative works reflecting the culture of the country, and directorial style.
3 credits
COMM 386 MAJOR FILMMAKERS. An analysis of the style, concepts, and narrative design of selected American and international directors.
3 credits
COMM 387 SCRIPTWRITING. Planning and writing concepts for a variety of formats including feature films and cooperative scripts and methods of optioning their sale. (WE)
3 credits
COMM 401 ADVANCED TV STUDIO PRODUCTION. Practical discussion of techniques in television production. Practical experience is offered to improve lighting, use of special effects, and advanced graphics. Creativity is encouraged, utilizing the abilities acquired in Television Production. Prerequisites: COMM 300
3 credits
COMM 402 ANIMATION. This is a basic course in animation, modeling, rendering, storyboarding, and compositing. Students will explore creating 3D models and environments, 3D animating and realistic character development, animation for motion graphics, synthetic lighting, camera movement, material and texture mapping, and rendering associated with a finished animation.
3 credits
COMM 403 INTERACTIVE DESIGN. In interactive media design, words meet images in complex media and interactive cyberspace environments. This course offers students the study and practice of interactive online programming and design. The scripting of navigation enables the interactive interface of linkages and transitions between clusters and elements of information on the Internet.
3 credits
STRATEGIC AND HUMAN COMMUNICATION
COMM 240/THTR 100 ACTING I. A study of the basic principles and techniques of acting: concentration, relaxation, basic stage acting, improvisation, principles of characterization, and analysis of performance.
3 credits
COMM 309 IMAGE DESIGN WITH PHOTOSHOP. Students explore conceptual and technical aspects of digital imaging, including image capture, color management, editing and correction, composition and layout, and several types of image composites. Master the basics of design with Photoshop, then construct seamless and complex images using masking and compositing techniques.
3 credits
COMM 330 COMMUNICATION AND THE LAW. This course covers legal issues and topics in media law including First Amendment, defamation, privacy, intellectual property, censorship, commercial speech, obscenity, broadcast and cable regulation, media ownership and evolving internet regulation.
3 credits
COMM 333 NEW MEDIA AND SOCIETY. This course concerns the social, cultural, political, legal, and economic impacts of new media, including the development of digital media and the internet, theories of social change and technology, and the effects of digital media on journalism, entertainment, and social life.
3 credits
COMM 334 POLITICAL COMMUNICATION. This course examines, from a theoretical and practical standpoint, the planning , execution, and evaluation of communication strategies in modern political campaigns.
3 credits
COMM 341/THTR 200 ACTING II/DIRECTING. A lecture/laboratory course covering the principles and techniques of the director's art: fundamentals of staging, blocking, movement, business, tempo, script selection and analysis, casting, and rehearsal planning, plus a continuation of acting techniques. Prerequisite: COMM 240
3 credits
COMM 342 SPEECH FOR RADIO AND TELEVISION. Practical training for media students in interviewing, reporting, and creative radio and television work. Use of radio and television studios.
3 credits
COMM 343 INTRODUCTION TO ADVERTISING. This course is designed to introduce students to the history of advertising in the U.S. and the development of brands. Students will learn fundamental strategies that advertisers use to capture consumer attention, create sales pitches, compete in the marketplace and adapt to the introduction of new technologies. Additional emphasis is given to ethical considerations as they relate to advertising and promotions.
3 credits
COMM 344 INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC RELATIONS. This course is designed to introduce students to principles of public relations and the field. Students will learn about the development and maintenance of relationships between a variety of different kinds of organizations/clients and their publics. Class assignments are structured to encourage students to become better writers, speakers, designers, and strategic thinkers.
3 credits
COMM 345 STRATEGIC/PROMOTIONAL WRITING. Strategic/Promotional Writing is designed to compliment other courses in public relations and strategic communication by providing opportunities for students to practice and be critiqued on their copy and design work for multiple kinds of PR, and professional business writing (e.g., news releases, business reports, business correspondence, project proposals, advertising copy).
3 credits
COMM 351 INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION. A study of the basic principles of intercultural communication and the impact of culture on one's perceptions, beliefs, meanings, and communication.
3 credits
COMM 353 INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION. Relevant aspects of communication theory will be applied to a variety of dyadic and small group situations to provide opportunities for experimentation, understanding, and evaluation of communication of self and others.
3 credits
COMM 355 ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION. The organizational structure of companies are explored with emphasis on practical experience in interviewing, resume writing, audio/visual usage, symposia, and sales presentations. Field visits are included in course.
3 credits
COMM 356 SMALL GROUP COMMUNICATION. Emphasis on the logical, critical, and ethical preparation of oral material for discussion and debate. Use of interpersonal techniques and videotape.
3 credits
COMM 403 INTERACTIVE DESIGN. In interactive media design, words meet images in complex media and interactive cyberspace environments. This course offers students the study and practice of interactive online programming and design. The scripting of navigation enables the interactive interface of linkages and transitions between clusters and elements of information on the Internet.
3 credits
COMM 412/THTR 350 ACTING III/PERFORMANCE LAB. This course is a continuation of Acting I (COMM 240) and Acting II/Directing (COMM 341). The course is designed to introduce students to multiple-person scenes and the development of a variety of characters from Shakespeare, theatre of the absurd, tragedy, high comedy, and melodrama. There will be an end of the semester showcase of selected work. Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor
3 credits
COMM 413 PUBLIC RELATIONS PROJECT MANAGEMENT. This course examines public relations through the integration of theory and practice in the planning, implementation and evaluation of an actual PR campaign and/or event. Emphasis is placed on the effective design of messages and their distribution among key publics/stakeholders. Course participants will interview for and be selected into a variety of management and team roles in a PR organization made-up of students in the class. Prerequisite: COMM 344
3 credits
COMM 418 CREATIVE ADVERTISING STRATEGIES. This course uses a team-based approach in the development of an integrated marketing communications (IMC) campaign for a real world client. Course participants will work in teams and design integrated strategies to solve an advertising problem as agreed upon with their client. Toward the end of the semester, teams will pitch their ideas to the client for industry critique.
Prerequisite: COMM 343
3 credits
GENERAL COURSE
COMM 360, 460 INDEPENDENT STUDY. Independent research is designed for the student majoring in Communication with demonstrated proficiency to work independently on a project related to a specific area and approved in advance by the chairperson and project advisor. Frequent meetings with an advisor and either a research paper or a production project are required. COMM 360 for Independent Study I; COMM 460 for Independent Study II.
Prerequisite: A minimum cumulative index of 3.00 or permission of the chair. 1, 2, or 3 credits
COMM 370,470 TOPICS IN COMMUNICATION I, II, III, IV,V, VI. These courses are designed around specific topics in communication. Each topic is selected by the department and is in a specialized area of communication. The course is offered as demand warrants. See the chairperson for the topic prerequisites and other details. This course can be repeated under different topics. 3 credits
COMM 475 INTERNSHIP II. Students participate in an off-campus training experience closely related to one of the areas of communication. Frequent
meetings with an advisor plus a final project are required. Permission of Communication Department Internship Coordinator required. 3 credits