Communication

COMM 100. Television Production Company. 1 Credit.

This one-credit course is open to non-majors and is offered as a vehicle for students to produce a series of television programs during the semester for possible air on MCTV. The format and length of the programs may vary. This course does not carry credit toward the major.

COMM 101. Introduction to Mass Communication. 3 Credits.

A survey of the major fields of mass communication, their history and evolution, with emphasis on new media and on the way media function in modern society. Prerequisite: Open only to COMM majors and minors or by permission of the Chair.

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.

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 newswriting skills. Requires attendance at staff and editorial board meetings. Prerequisites: COMM 102 and COMM 103.

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. Prerequisite: Open only to COMM majors and minors.

COMM 120. Forensics/Debate. 3 Credits.

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

COMM 201. Ethics in Mass Communication. 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 and COMM 110.

COMM 213. Report and News Writing. 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 209.

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 213.

COMM 215. Introduction to Advertising and Public Relations. 3 Credits.

An introduction to the development of advertising and public relations as media practices and industries in the United States. Includes an analysis of the history and development of each, current practices and techniques from both a theoretical and a practical perspective, and the impact of and trends resulting from the introduction of new media. Prerequisites: COMM 101 and COMM 110.

COMM 216. Introduction to Advertising. 3 Credits.

This course teaches the role of advertising in socio-economic environs, its social and ethical implications in the current environment of marketing and promotions, and its basic function in the enhancement of the value of goods and services. Course content is organized to broaden students' theoretical knowledge, sharpen reading and writing skills, and hone analytical thought. Prerequisites: COMM 101 and COMM 110.

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 and COMM 110.

COMM 223. Introduction to Broadcasting. 3 Credits.

A study of broadcasting in the United States from its origins to the present. Radio and television history, development, and technology are emphasized as well as an analysis of the broadcasting industry from both a practical and theoretical perspective. Prerequisites: COMM 101 and COMM 110.

COMM 230. Advertising and Communication Research. 3 Credits.

This course concentrates on the role of qualitative and quantitative research in advertising. Through the use of discussion, case studies and projects, the course focuses on how advertisers and agencies use quantitative and qualitative methods including surveys, questionnaires, focus groups, in-depth interviews, and ethnography to uncover consumer insights. The course investigates the design and execution of these various kinds of research techniques and is a foundation for students wishing to pursue a career in advertising research and planning. Prerequisite: COMM 216.

COMM 271. International Mass Communication. 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 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. Pre-requisites: COMM 101 and COMM 110.

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. Prerequisite: COMM 209, COMM 216, or COMM 217.

COMM 307. Writing for Public Relations. 3 Credits.

This course explores the various types of writing that are essential components of best public relations practices. The course is structured to include progressive assignments that culminate in a writing portfolio. Prerequisite: COMM 217.

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 223.

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 230.

COMM 316. Scriptwriting. 3 Credits.

Planning and writing concepts for radio and television broadcasting in a variety of program areas. Prerequisite: COMM 223.

COMM 317. Audio Production. 3 Credits.

Techniques for audio engineering/processing and sound design for television production. Prerequisite: COMM 223.

COMM 318. Advanced Reporting and 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 217.

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 223.

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 213.

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.

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.

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 308; open only to broadcasting/telecommunications concentration students.

COMM 360. Corporate Video. 3 Credits.

An introduction to the role and purpose of video production in corporate communication, including types of productions, their purpose, and how they are conceived and shaped for intended audiences. Basic productions will be carried out by the class. Prerequisite: COMM 216 or COMM 308.

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.

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. Prerequisite: COMM 101 and 110.

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: Senior Status.

COMM 414. Advanced Advertising Strategies. 3 Credits.

Focuses on advanced issues in advertising and brand strategy development. Study and analysis of existing advertising campaigns, writing of creative and strategic briefs, and the planning, research, and presentation of a campaign are some areas that are explored. This course also explores new strategies for building relationships with consumers in a multicultural society. Prerequisite: COMM 315.

COMM 419. Advanced Television 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 350; open only to broadcasting/telecommunications 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-requisites: COMM 307 and COMM 320.

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 223.

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. Prerequisites: Junior status and a 3.0 GPA.

COMM 470. Special Topics in Communication. 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.

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.