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Communication

Dr. Arshia Anwer
Chair of the Department

With the opportunity to specialize in six different concentrations, the major in Communication is designed to prepare students for a career in the media industry while helping them to develop habits of ethical practices. Balancing theory and practice, coursework in Communication encourages thinking about the use of media by citizens and consumers, the impact of media on individuals and cultures, and the necessity of journalism to provide the information necessary to support a participatory democratic system of governance.

Irrespective of their concentration, graduates with a major in Communication should meet the following program learning goals:

1. Students will produce professional-level oral, written, image-based and/or virtual communication.

  • Produce effective written, oral, visual, or virtual communication based on a coherent plan.
  • Produce work that expresses creativity using specific media technology.
  • Apply current tools and technologies appropriate for the field of communication.

2. Students will generate original scholarly work in communication at the undergraduate level.

  • Engage with specific communication problems by designing and conducting research projects in medium of choice.
  • Understand and apply qualitative, quantitative, and interpretive research methods.
  • Critically evaluate their own work and that of others for accuracy, clarity, appropriate style and grammatical correctness.

3. Students will analyze and evaluate communication, including their own, across various media, utilizing foundational and emerging theories and methods in communication.

  • Utilize and critique communication methods in professional and peer research.
  • Utilize and critique communication theories in professional and peer research.
  • Apply historical knowledge of the media industry to an examination of contemporary society.

4. Students will become ethical producers and consumers of media.

  • Demonstrate an understanding of diversity, including gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation and, as appropriate, other forms, in relation to communication.
  • Apply ethical principles to media through a lens of equity and social justice.
  • Practice ethical standards in media creation.

Majors

Students planning to major in the department must consult with the Chair by no later than their sophomore year. Transfer students with a background in communication must consult with the Chair and may present a portfolio of written and production-based work.

Requirements for a Major

33 credits including COMM 101 Introduction to Communication and Media to be completed during the first year, COMM 201 Ethics in Communication & Media to be completed by sophomore year, COMM 301 Media Theory & Research to be completed during junior year, and COMM 409 Senior Seminar to be completed during senior year. All Communication majors must also select a concentration as their main area of study within the department as early as possible and take five required courses in that area. In addition, they must take two elective courses from any area presuming the proper prerequisites. Juniors and seniors who qualify may apply for an internship, which may serve as one of their electives.

The six areas of concentration are:

  1. Advertising
  2. Integrated Marketing Communications
  3. Journalism
  4. Media Production
  5. Public Relations
  6. Sports Media Production

Students must take the following in their concentration:

Advertising

COMM 216Advertising & Society3
COMM 235Advertising Agencies & Storytelling3
COMM 304Digital Storytelling3
or COMM 305 Digital Print Design
or COMM 306 Web Design
COMM 315Media Planning and Buying3
COMM 414Advertising Campaigns3

Integrated Marketing Communications

COMM 218Introduction to Integrated Marketing Communications3
COMM 235Advertising Agencies & Storytelling3
COMM 304Digital Storytelling3
or COMM 305 Digital Print Design
COMM 309Digital Media Writing for Marketing Communications3
COMM 414Advertising Campaigns3
or COMM 420 Advanced Public Relations

Journalism

COMM 209Introduction to Journalism3
COMM 213Reporting and Newswriting3
COMM 304Digital Storytelling3
COMM 318Advanced Reporting/Newswriting3
COMM 335Electronic Journalism3

Media Production

COMM 222Introduction to Story and Post-Production3
COMM 304Digital Storytelling3
COMM 308Studio Television Production3
COMM 350Field and Post-Production3
COMM 419Advanced TV Production3

Public Relations

COMM 217Introduction to Public Relations3
COMM 304Digital Storytelling3
or COMM 305 Digital Print Design
or COMM 306 Web Design
COMM 309Digital Media Writing for Marketing Communications3
COMM 320Strategic Planning in Public Relations3
COMM 420Advanced Public Relations3

Sports Media Production

COMM 225Introduction to Sports Media3
COMM 250Sports Media Performance3
COMM 310Sports Media Production3
COMM 350Field and Post-Production3
COMM 431Advanced Sports Media Production I3

*It is recommended that students repeat COMM 431 twice for credit as COMM 432 and COMM 433

Additionally, Communication majors are required to minor or major in another discipline. The rationale behind this requirement is that work in the information industries is not only about producing content for audiences, readers, and users, but, more importantly, about the nature of that content and its purpose. Students must therefore seek to develop proficiency in a content area outside of Communication.

Requirements for a Minor

A minor in Communication consists of 15 credits. Students must take:

COMM 101Introduction to Communication and Media3
COMM 110Public Speaking and Presentation3
COMM 201Ethics in Communication & Media3
Electives. After completing the above three courses, minors may take any Communication course for which they have met the prerequisite.6
Total Credits15

The minor contract should be signed before registration for the second semester of the Junior year and must be approved by the Chair.

Grade and Transfer Credit Requirements

Majors and minors must attain a minimum grade of C in all Communication courses. A maximum of three courses/nine credits from a communication or related department will be accepted for transfer from another institution.

Communication Concentrations

Advertising

Required Courses:

COMM 216Advertising & Society3
COMM 235Advertising Agencies & Storytelling3
COMM 304Digital Storytelling3
or COMM 305 Digital Print Design
or COMM 306 Web Design
COMM 315Media Planning and Buying3
COMM 414Advertising Campaigns3

Recommended Electives:

COMM 110Public Speaking and Presentation3
COMM 209Introduction to Journalism3
COMM 214Magazine Writing3
COMM 217Introduction to Public Relations3
COMM 222Introduction to Story and Post-Production3
COMM 225Introduction to Sports Media3
COMM 271Transnational Communication & Media3
COMM 304Digital Storytelling3
COMM 305Digital Print Design3
COMM 306Web Design3
COMM 316Scriptwriting3
COMM 336Sports Reporting and Writing3
COMM 340Media Criticism3
COMM 365Game Design & Development3
COMM 371Intercultural Communication3
COMM 375Internship for Juniors3
COMM 400Political Communication3
COMM 406Mass Communication Law3
COMM 422Organizational Communication3
COMM 423Programming3
COMM 461Independent Study in Communication3
COMM 470Special Topic3
COMM 475Internship for Seniors3

Integrated Marketing Communications

Required Courses:

COMM 218Introduction to Integrated Marketing Communications3
COMM 235Advertising Agencies & Storytelling3
COMM 304Digital Storytelling3
or COMM 305 Digital Print Design
COMM 309Digital Media Writing for Marketing Communications3
COMM 414Advertising Campaigns3
or COMM 420 Advanced Public Relations

Recommended Electives:

COMM 110Public Speaking and Presentation3
COMM 120Forensics/Debate3
COMM 214Magazine Writing3
COMM 222Introduction to Story and Post-Production3
COMM 225Introduction to Sports Media3
COMM 271Transnational Communication & Media3
COMM 304Digital Storytelling3
COMM 305Digital Print Design3
COMM 306Web Design3
COMM 315Media Planning and Buying3
COMM 316Scriptwriting3
COMM 320Strategic Planning in Public Relations3
COMM 336Sports Reporting and Writing3
COMM 340Media Criticism3
COMM 365Game Design & Development3
COMM 371Intercultural Communication3
COMM 375Internship for Juniors3
COMM 400Political Communication3
COMM 406Mass Communication Law3
COMM 422Organizational Communication3
COMM 461Independent Study in Communication3
COMM 470Special Topic3
COMM 475Internship for Seniors3

Journalism

Required Courses:

COMM 209Introduction to Journalism3
COMM 213Reporting and Newswriting3
COMM 304Digital Storytelling3
COMM 318Advanced Reporting/Newswriting3
COMM 335Electronic Journalism3

Recommended Electives:

COMM 110Public Speaking and Presentation3
COMM 214Magazine Writing3
COMM 216Advertising & Society3
COMM 218Introduction to Integrated Marketing Communications3
COMM 222Introduction to Story and Post-Production3
COMM 225Introduction to Sports Media3
COMM 271Transnational Communication & Media3
COMM 304Digital Storytelling3
COMM 305Digital Print Design3
COMM 306Web Design3
COMM 316Scriptwriting3
COMM 336Sports Reporting and Writing3
COMM 330The Journalistic Tradition3
COMM 340Media Criticism3
COMM 371Intercultural Communication3
COMM 375Internship for Juniors3
COMM 400Political Communication3
COMM 406Mass Communication Law3
COMM 461Independent Study in Communication3
COMM 470Special Topic3
COMM 475Internship for Seniors3

Media Production

Required Courses:

COMM 222Introduction to Story and Post-Production3
COMM 304Digital Storytelling3
COMM 308Studio Television Production3
COMM 350Field and Post-Production3
COMM 419Advanced TV Production3

Recommended Electives:

COMM 110Public Speaking and Presentation3
COMM 209Introduction to Journalism3
COMM 216Advertising & Society3
COMM 217Introduction to Public Relations3
COMM 218Introduction to Integrated Marketing Communications3
COMM 225Introduction to Sports Media3
COMM 271Transnational Communication & Media3
COMM 304Digital Storytelling3
COMM 306Web Design3
COMM 316Scriptwriting3
COMM 317Audio Production3
COMM 335Electronic Journalism3
COMM 336Sports Reporting and Writing3
COMM 340Media Criticism3
COMM 365Game Design & Development3
COMM 371Intercultural Communication3
COMM 375Internship for Juniors3
COMM 400Political Communication3
COMM 406Mass Communication Law3
COMM 423Programming3
COMM 461Independent Study in Communication3
COMM 470Special Topic3
COMM 475Internship for Seniors3

Public Relations

Required Courses:

COMM 217Introduction to Public Relations3
COMM 304Digital Storytelling3
or COMM 305 Digital Print Design
or COMM 306 Web Design
COMM 309Digital Media Writing for Marketing Communications3
COMM 320Strategic Planning in Public Relations3
COMM 420Advanced Public Relations3

Recommended Electives:

COMM 110Public Speaking and Presentation3
COMM 120Forensics/Debate3
COMM 209Introduction to Journalism3
COMM 216Advertising & Society3
COMM 222Introduction to Story and Post-Production3
COMM 225Introduction to Sports Media3
COMM 271Transnational Communication & Media3
COMM 304Digital Storytelling3
COMM 305Digital Print Design3
COMM 306Web Design3
COMM 316Scriptwriting3
COMM 340Media Criticism3
COMM 365Game Design & Development3
COMM 371Intercultural Communication3
COMM 375Internship for Juniors3
COMM 400Political Communication3
COMM 406Mass Communication Law3
COMM 422Organizational Communication3
COMM 461Independent Study in Communication3
COMM 470Special Topic3
COMM 475Internship for Seniors3

Sports Media Production

Required Courses:

COMM 225Introduction to Sports Media3
COMM 250Sports Media Performance3
COMM 310Sports Media Production3
COMM 350Field and Post-Production3
COMM 431Advanced Sports Media Production I3

*It is recommended that students repeat this course twice for credit as COMM 432 and COMM 433

Recommended Electives:

COMM 110Public Speaking and Presentation3
COMM 209Introduction to Journalism3
COMM 213Reporting and Newswriting3
COMM 216Advertising & Society3
COMM 217Introduction to Public Relations3
COMM 218Introduction to Integrated Marketing Communications3
COMM 222Introduction to Story and Post-Production3
COMM 271Transnational Communication & Media3
COMM 304Digital Storytelling3
COMM 306Web Design3
COMM 308Studio Television Production3
COMM 316Scriptwriting3
COMM 317Audio Production3
COMM 330The Journalistic Tradition3
COMM 335Electronic Journalism3
COMM 336Sports Reporting and Writing3
COMM 338Feature Writing3
COMM 340Media Criticism3
COMM 365Game Design & Development3
COMM 371Intercultural Communication3
COMM 375Internship for Juniors3
COMM 406Mass Communication Law3
COMM 423Programming3
COMM 461Independent Study in Communication3
COMM 470Special Topic3
COMM 475Internship for Seniors3

Communication Courses

COMM 101. Introduction to Communication and Media. 3 Credits.

A survey of the major fields of communication and media, their history and evolution, with emphasis on new media and on the way media function in modern society.

COMM 102. Quadrangle I. 1 Credit.

Basic elements of the news story, with emphasis on writing accurate, vivid campus news. Introduction to journalism ethics, news-gathering techniques, and copy-editing. By permission of instructor.

COMM 103. Quadrangle 2. 1 Credit.

Survey of methods for writing features, investigative reports, editorials, and sports, with emphasis on documenting campus events and issues. By permission of instructor. Prerequisite: COMM 102 or by permission of instructor.

COMM 104. Quadrangle 3. 1 Credit.

An internship with the campus newspaper, the Quadrangle, in which students work in editorial positions and with the paper's advisor. Development of editing and news writing skills. Requires attendance at staff and editorial board meetings. Prerequisite: COMM 103 OR by permission of instructor.

COMM 110. Public Speaking and Presentation. 3 Credits.

Basic principles of oral communication before audiences in a variety of settings, with emphasis on informing and persuading. Attention to research, rhetoric, logic and the use of technology to enhance public presentation.

COMM 120. Forensics/Debate. 3 Credits.

An introduction to strategies of argumentation and persuasion in oral presentation. Emphasis on competitive debating. Prerequisites: COMM 101 OR 110, OR permission of instructor.

COMM 201. Ethics in Communication & Media. 3 Credits.

A survey and analysis of major ethical and legal issues in the mass communication industry, its business and production practices, and its content. Emphasis is on case studies from the industry. Prerequisite: COMM 101.

COMM 209. Introduction to Journalism. 3 Credits.

A study of the print journalism industry in the United States, including the history and purposes of journalistic practice, the present-day workings of the profession and how the developments of electronic journalism and the Internet continue to impact and transform the role of journalism in political, civic, and social life. Prerequisites: COMM 101 OR permission of instructor.

COMM 213. Reporting and Newswriting. 3 Credits.

A study of basic procedures and techniques of reporting, writing, and editing the news with emphasis on developing clear, vigorous writing. Background readings in the media and American society. Writing is limited to relatively basic stories: accidents, conferences, interviews. Prerequisite: COMM 101 OR permission of instructor.

COMM 214. Magazine Writing. 3 Credits.

Problems and methods in design, topography, and editing in magazine productions. Students learn how to research, write and market quality articles in magazine format. Prerequisite: COMM 101 OR permission of instructor.

COMM 216. Advertising & Society. 3 Credits.

This course teaches the role of advertising, and its social and ethical implications, from a critical and cultural perspective. Particular focus is on the ways in which culture impacts and is impacted by advertising and all media formats, especially as it relates to visual communication, message delivery, and environmental constructs. PREREQUISITE: COMM 101 OR permission of instructor.

COMM 217. Introduction to Public Relations. 3 Credits.

The purpose of this introductory course is to orient students to the field of public relations, introduce theoretical and practical considerations that form the basis of the field, and provide a platform upon which to understand the market sectors that employ public relations professionals. The course includes an introduction to ethical standards that shape and govern the field, processes for conducting research and strategic planning in public relations, the mechanics of public relations writing, and the various "publics" of any organization including internal and external stakeholders. Prerequisites: COMM 101 OR PEAC minor OR permission of instructor.

COMM 218. Introduction to Integrated Marketing Communications. 3 Credits.

This introductory course begins to examine areas of marketing communications which includes branding, advertising, digital media and corporate communications. The course will cover strategic decisions in advertising, corporate communications and promotions, as well as consumer insights, creative decisions and execution, and media deliveries. Theories of communication will be studied to better understand audiences, dialogues, and messages. Case studies will further explore issues in each of these areas. Prerequisite: COMM 101 OR permission of instructor.

COMM 222. Introduction to Story and Post-Production. 3 Credits.

An introduction to building documentary and fiction stories, narrative theory and aesthetics, and the technology and workflows of post-production. Nonlinear editing, visual and sound effects and mixing are covered. Pre-requisite: COMM 101 OR Digital Arts & Humanities minor OR Digital Media Arts major OR permission of instructor.

COMM 225. Introduction to Sports Media. 3 Credits.

A study of the sports-media-entertainment complex in the United States and the world. Includes the role of sports in society, the history of professional sports including the evolution of sports journalism and mass media production of sports, current industry practice, and emphasis on the future of sports media production and careers. The course concludes with an introduction to remote sports production. Prerequisite: COMM 101 OR Digital Arts & Humanities minor OR permission of instructor.

COMM 235. Advertising Agencies & Storytelling. 3 Credits.

This course examines the primary departments in an advertising agency and the ways in which each work together to tell the narrative for a client. Focus is on account management, research, creative and copy, and digital analytics. Students will study how strategy is incorporated and how storytelling is used in campaign design. Prerequisite: COMM 216 OR COMM 218 OR Digital Arts & Humanities minor OR permission of instructor.

COMM 250. Sports Media Performance. 3 Credits.

An introduction to sports announcing, focusing on performance techniques for live play-by-play, color analyst, and sideline reporter positions. The preparation of background research, including performing interviews, will support these on-air roles. Students will learn to perform self and peer critique of their announcing skills while identifying and exploring storylines during live action. Prerequisite: COMM 101 OR permission of instructor.

COMM 270. Special Topic. 3 Credits.

This course deals with a topic in a specialized area in communication to be announced. Topics are selected by the department in response to student interest and industry trends. The course is offered as demand warrants. See the Chair for topics and prerequisites. This course can be repeated under different topics.

COMM 271. Transnational Communication & Media. 3 Credits.

A study of the different types of mass media systems in the world, the media systems of the world's countries and territories, the ways in which globalization has affected mass media to bring about a global media culture, and the ramifications of global media culture for the future.

COMM 301. Media Theory & Research. 3 Credits.

This course examines core theoretical approaches to the study of mass media and communication and provides students with an historical and critical overview of theory and research on communication, everyday social practices, systems of representation, and media environments. The course includes discussions on research methods, including quantitative, qualitative, textual, and critical cultural studies. The class is designed as a prerequisite to Senior Seminar and culminates in a project proposal for the seminar course. Pre-requisites: COMM 201 and Junior status.

COMM 304. Digital Storytelling. 3 Credits.

This course is designed to prepare students for professional work in a news organization that will require them to report stories in text, audio, and video formats. Course work involves significant practice in producing print copy as well as gathering and editing audio and video content, all while learning how storytelling techniques change in each medium. COMM or DASH or GAME major/minor or permission of instructor.

COMM 305. Digital Print Design. 3 Credits.

Introduces students to fundamental components of writing, designing, and producing for graphic communication, including graphic design, color theory, digital typesetting, image manipulation, and aesthetics of form. Industry standard programs will be used as tools to shape ideas into visually engaging print and digital presentations. OMM or DASH or DMA major/minor or permission of instructor.

COMM 306. Web Design. 3 Credits.

This course focuses on the developmental process of the Internet and the World Wide Web. The history of the technology and the strategies behind it will be covered, as well as HTML, the language of the Internet. The class will gain a greater understanding of the growing possibilities and advantages of using and communicating through interactive multimedia in the place of traditional media. Open to COMM, DASH, and DART majors, minors and concentrations.

COMM 308. Studio Television Production. 3 Credits.

The elements of television production techniques including camera, audio, lighting, staging, graphics, on-camera appearance and directing. Prerequisite: COMM 101 or Film Studies Minor OR permission of instructor.

COMM 309. Digital Media Writing for Marketing Communications. 3 Credits.

This course examines various types of digital writing and design elements that are essential components of best practices in the integrated marketing communications field, which includes public relations and advertising among other areas. The course incorporates progressive digital media writing and design assignments that culminate in a writing and design portfolio. Prerequisite: COMM 216 or COMM 217 or COMM 218 or Digital Arts & Humanities minor or PEACE minor or Permission of instructor.

COMM 310. Sports Media Production. 3 Credits.

An introduction to the discipline and techniques of sports media production in a mobile production unit. Students learn the tasks required of the various production crew, the operation of all equipment, and the whole of the production process from assignment to wrap.Prerequisite: COMM 225.

COMM 315. Media Planning and Buying. 3 Credits.

An introduction to media planning and buying in and among all media formats. Focus is placed on the analysis of media vehicles as advertising venues, as well as on the analysis and development of target audiences and target markets, media objectives and strategies, and media plan construction. Prerequisite: COMM 216 or COMM 217 or COMM 218 OR Permission of instructor.

COMM 316. Scriptwriting. 3 Credits.

Planning and writing concepts for radio and television broadcasting in a variety of program areas. Prerequisite: COMM 222 or Film Studies Minor.

COMM 317. Audio Production. 3 Credits.

Techniques for audio engineering/processing and sound design for television production. Prerequisite: COMM 222.

COMM 318. Advanced Reporting/Newswriting. 3 Credits.

Students learn to handle complex, intellectually demanding material involving the real and pressing problems that exist in the world around them. Prerequisite: COMM 213.

COMM 320. Strategic Planning in Public Relations. 3 Credits.

This course focuses on the process of strategic planning within the public relations field, including the writing of plans, strategic relationships with upper management, and the forming of relationships with the media for mutual advantage. This practical course examines the fundamental processes inherent in best practices in public relations, taking a long-term, strategic view of tactics, tools, and campaign planning. Prerequisite: COMM 307 or COMM 309.

COMM 330. The Journalistic Tradition. 3 Credits.

An upper-level course designed to show aspiring journalists the historical and sociological frameworks of great journalism. They will explicate iconic works by famous journalists who practiced in a range of genres, and try their hand at replicating the forms of inquiry and narrative structures they see. They will finish the course with a final research paper that requires qualitative analysis. Pre-requisite: COMM209.

COMM 335. Electronic Journalism. 3 Credits.

This course focuses on broadcast 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. Prerequisite: COMM 213 OR permission of instructor.

COMM 336. Sports Reporting and Writing. 3 Credits.

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 electronic media will be emphasized. Prerequisite: COMM 101 OR permission of instructor.

COMM 338. Feature Writing. 3 Credits.

Methods of researching and writing feature stories and commentary for the print media. Markets open to freelance writers, published articles, newspaper feature sections, and Sunday supplements. Prerequisite: COMM 213 OR permission of instructor.

COMM 340. Media Criticism. 3 Credits.

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. Prerequisite: COMM 101 OR permission of instructor.

COMM 350. Field and Post-Production. 3 Credits.

An introduction to the equipment, techniques, and practices of electronic field production (EFP) and electronic news gathering (ENG), as well as to non-linear editing equipment and techniques used to produce packages using footage collected in the field. Prerequisite: COMM 222 OR COMM 310; open only to media production or sports media production concentration students.

COMM 359. Interactive Narratives. 3 Credits.

This course explores the structures of interactive stories, characters, and world-building, including branching, adaptive, and transmedia narratives. Students produce a story model using these principles.

COMM 365. Game Design & Development. 3 Credits.

This interactive course is designed to prepare students for professional work in game design and development. Coursework involves practice in producing game design, storytelling and strategy blueprints as well as gathering and creating gaming assets and using scripts, professional game engines and 3D modeling software.

COMM 371. Intercultural Communication. 3 Credits.

A study of the basic principles of intercultural communication and the impact of culture on one's perceptions, beliefs, meanings, and communication. Prerequisite: COMM 101 OR Digital Arts & Humanities minor OR PEAC minor OR permission of instructor.

COMM 375. Internship for Juniors. 3 Credits.

Students participate in an off-campus training experience closely related to their area of communication. Frequent meetings with the advisor plus a paper are required. Prerequisites: Junior status, 3.0 GPA, and permission of the student's advisor or the Chair.

COMM 400. Political Communication. 3 Credits.

Examines from a theoretical and practical standpoint the planning, execution, and evaluation of communication strategies in modern political campaigns.

COMM 406. Mass Communication Law. 3 Credits.

A course designed to cover the chief legal issues, especially in the regulated broadcast industries. Some legal problems to be considered: libel, national security, the meaning of the First Amendment, privacy, shield laws, the press and the courtroom, the Federal Communications Act, and the FTC versus the advertising industry.

COMM 409. Senior Seminar. 3 Credits.

Students will select a topic in their area of concentration, culminating in a major paper involving original research and an oral presentation in front of the class illustrated by audio-visual accompaniment. Prerequisite: COMM 301 and Senior Status.

COMM 414. Advertising Campaigns. 3 Credits.

Students learn to connect message solutions to advertising problems through an understanding of the relationship of advertising strategy and brand positioning to communication strategies and advertising copy. This course also focuses on the advertising campaign and how to pitch to a client. Prerequisite: COMM 315.

COMM 419. Advanced TV Production. 3 Credits.

Practical discussion of techniques in TV production. Practical experience is offered to improve lighting, proper use of special effects, and advanced graphics. Creativity is encouraged, utilizing the abilities acquired in television production. Prerequisite: COMM 308 and COMM 350; open only to media production concentration students.

COMM 420. Advanced Public Relations. 3 Credits.

The primary intent of this course is to examine public relations from a communicative perspective, integrating theory and practice. In doing so, students will participate in traditional class lectures and will be involved in all phases of the planning, implementation, writing for, and evaluation of a "real life" PR campaign and/or event. Pre-requisite: COMM 320 or COMM 235 and COMM 309.

COMM 422. Organizational Communication. 3 Credits.

The organizational structure of a company will be explored with emphasis on practical experience in interviewing, resume writing, audio-visual usage, symposia, and sales presentations. Field visits are included in the course.

COMM 423. Programming. 3 Credits.

Examines philosophies and techniques used in programming television and radio stations and networks. The organizational set-up of programming departments, development of competitive strategies for radio and television schedules, and insights into audience behavior and measurement are emphasized. Prerequisite: COMM 222.

COMM 431. Advanced Sports Media Production I. 3 Credits.

Students pre-produce and produce Jaspers Athletics games and events for live-streaming using the College's mobile production unit. Students serve in the various positions on a sports media production crew, including serving as talent to call games, and as a result gain professional production experience as part of their academic program. (The course can be repeated twice for credit, as COMM 432 and COMM 433.) Prerequisite: COMM 310 OR permission of instructor.

COMM 432. Advanced Sports Media Production II. 3 Credits.

Students pre-produce and produce Jaspers Athletics games and events for live-streaming using the College's mobile production unit. Students serve in the various positions on a sports media production crew, including serving as talent to call games, and as a result gain professional production experience as part of their academic program.(The course can be repeated twice for credit, as COMM 431 and COMM 433.) Prerequisite: COMM 431.

COMM 433. Advanced Sports Media Production III. 3 Credits.

Students pre-produce and produce Jaspers Athletics games and events for live-streaming using the College's mobile production unit. Students serve in the various positions on a sports media production crew, including serving as talent to call games, and as a result gain professional production experience as part of their academic program. (The course can be repeated twice for credit, as COMM 431 and COMM 432.) Prerequisite: COMM 432.

COMM 461. Independent Study in Communication. 3 Credits.

Independent study is designed for the student majoring in Communication with demonstrated proficiency to work independently on a project related to an area of communication and approved in advance by the Chair and the project advisor. Frequent meetings with the advisor are required. Independent study is not typically offered for production-based projects. Prerequisite: Junior status and a 3.0 GPA.

COMM 470. Special Topic. 3 Credits.

This course deals with a topic in communication to be announced. Each topic is selected by the department and is in a specialized area. The course is offered as demand warrants. See the Chair for topics, prerequisites, and other details. This course can be repeated under different topics.

COMM 475. Internship for Seniors. 3 Credits.

Students participate in an off-campus training experience closely related to their area of concentration. Frequent meetings with the advisor plus a paper are required. Prerequisites: Senior status, 3.0 GPA, and permission of the student's advisor or the Chair.

Speech Courses

SPCH 204. Fundamentals of Speech. 3 Credits.

The techniques and preparation of informative and persuasive short speeches, and small group dynamics. Assessment of personal speech skills for effectiveness and self-improvement. Not open to students who have taken COMM 205 or COMM 110.