Overview of the components of American mass media, including history, structure, economics, regulation, verbal and visual imagery, and dynamics. Radio, television, newspapers, magazines, film, and the closely related advertising and public relations field are surveyed.

3 Class Hours

This course is an introductory study of the elements necessary for print and Internet-based writing. Students will be exposed to standard industry formats used in newspaper, magazine, public relations, print advertising, and Internet media. Through a series of wrting assignments, students will learn how to effectively write for a variety of print media formats. The class simulates the real world profession of "staff writer" where a writer is assigned to a topic and creates copy for a variety of print media outlets that are part of the same media organization-a common practice in the contemporary world of converging media.

3 Class Hours; Prerequisite: ENG 110 Written Expression I.

Students will be exposed to audio terminology and production techniques. Equipment discussed and used by students include mics, speaker, mixers, tape recording devices, and a variety of signal processing equipment. Production areas discussed will include radio production and studio production, as well as personal home and automotive systems. Both analog and digital system formats will be introduced.

3 Class Hours

This course introduces student to single-camera video production techniques; including operation of digital video cameras and recordres and sound, lighting, and non-linear editing equipment. Students will use professional procedures from pre-production through post-production to develop, produce, and execute to completion various non-fiction program formats.

3 Class Hours

Issues pertaining to film analysis and critique: cinematography, narrative vs. non-narrative structure, symbolism, genre, realism vs. expressionism, composition, editing style. Analysis of contemporary issues through screening and discussion of film/cinema work of all historical periods.

3 Class Hours

The course is designed to provide the communications major with a clear picture of the functions of the public relations industry and cite practical applications of public relations principles. Practical examples will be used with emphasis on communications technology presently used throughout the world.

3 Class Hours Lecture

Study of important theories of image production and effectiveness. Survey of several significant photographers, filmmakers, and television artists and their work. Emphasis on the formal elements of the still and moving image and their psychological and aesthetic effects.

History and development of visual image production from the pre-technological era to present, with a view toward understanding the universal nature of the need for visual and conceptual expression among all mediums. Role of technology in the creative and aesthetic process, as well as the interplay of artistic and societal goals.

3 Class Hours; Prerequisite: ENG 110 College Writing I.

Students will gain practical experience as to the theory behind and application of commercial photography and illustration. Projects will be relative to today's marketing and societal needs. Lighting and composition will be heavily stressed. Photographic format will be slide film.

Prerequisite: Art 112 or Art 212 or by portfolio 111 acceptance by instructor. Lab cost to student approx. $100 for supplies and processing.

2 Class Hours, 2 Studio Hours.

Introduction to the craft of filmmaking and motion picture production. A hands-on approach to the principles of cinematography, including formats, film stocks, lighting, and camera operation. Students will learn the production techniques involved in silent, single-system filmmaking, basic editing, screening techniques, and shooting film for video transfer and post-production. Students will be expected to complete a brief film project either individually or as a group, and must pay their own film and lab fees.

2 Class Hours, 2 Studio Hours; Suggested Prerequisite: ART 112 Beginning Photography or equivalent.

This course covers the basis use and operation of television equipment utilizing camera, lenses, switching, sound, lights, graphics, videotape recording, and character generator. Laboratory work will center on video programs.

3 Class Hours; Prerequisite: COM 130 Introduction to Video Theory and Production.

Students will be introduced to the art of filmmaking using inexpensive Digital Video as the medium. each student will write, shoot, and edit a series of short productions using the school's digiital cameras and editing equipment. While the primary emphasis is on telling a story visually, the students will also learn basic cinematography, lighting, editing and sound recording.

2 Class Hours; 2 Studio Hours; Prerequisite: COM 130 Introduction to Video Theory and Production.

Systems of precise exposure and processing control. Advanced black and white darkroom techniques. Introduction to color theory, processes and printing. Functional portfolio development. Introduction to digital electronic imaging. (Students must have their own 35mm single lens reflex camera and should expect to pay for their own photographic materials - about $100+-.)

2 Class Hours, 2 Laboratory Hours; Prerequisite: ART 112 or by portfolio acceptance and permission of instructor.

This course is a workshop introduction to the problems and possibilities presented by the feature-length screenplay. Students will write three or more ideas for feature stories, develop one of these into a 10-page outline, then write a first draft screenplay based on the outline.

3 Class Hours; Prerequisite: COM 116 - Writing for Broadcasting.

Introduces the student to the beginning concepts of classical animation. The focus is the investigation of two-dimensional animation using the program Macro-media Director MX. Topics covered are writing for animation, history of animation, in addition to basic animation concepts such as character development, storyboarding, audio/music timing and screening.

2 Class Hours, 2 Studio Hours
Prerequisite: ART 105 Two-Dimensional Design; ART 107 Color Theory; ART 115 Beginning Drawing; ART 125 Intro to Graphics, ART 225 Illustration, or permission of instructor.

This course is designed to provide students with a foundation in media research. the course will introduce students to a variety of mass media research methods, such as library and Internet research and content analysis, and will also work as a basis for future projects and presentations. it is the objective of this course to engage students in research projects, to introduce students to contemporary communication and mass media research practices, to prepare students to become critical interpreters of their research, to prepare students for further practice and training, and explore the history and philosophy of social-scientific research in mass media and communication.

3 Class Hours

Placement in a communications related job. Involves in addition to job requirements, directed reading, meetings with the intern supervisor, and written assignments. Most Internships are not paid positions.

By advisement only.

This course is an in-depth examination of a critical topic, skill, or creative process in Communications and Media Arts.

With prior course knowledge acquired, students will produce 1/2 hour format news/information shows for TV airing. Both equipment control and performance will be stressed in the lecture part of the class with application of both in the studio.

2 Class Hours, 2 Studio Hours; Prerequisite:THR 140 or THR 266/276 and COM 130/COM 210

An individual student project concerned with advanced work in a special area of communication. Conducted under the direction of a faculty member, independent study is concerned with material beyond the scope and depth of the ordinary course. (Requires application and approval.)

Prerequisite: 3 semester hours of college level work in communications. By advisement only.