Communications Department Courses
Communications
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COM105 Fundamentals of Speech
- 4.00 credits. Basic instruction on developing poise and confidence in speaking. Emphasis is placed on verbal and nonverbal communications, research, outlining, speech preparation, use of visual aids, and the rudiments of group dynamics and discussion. Spring semester, odd-numbered years.
- 4.00 credits. Basic instruction on developing poise and confidence in speaking. Emphasis is placed on verbal and nonverbal communications, research, outlining, speech preparation, use of visual aids, and the rudiments of group dynamics and discussion. Spring semester, odd-numbered years.
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COM120 Introduction to Communications
- 4.00 credits. Through history, application and practice, this course explores the field of communications in order to prepare students for the challenges of research, design and understanding for the Communications major. As an overview course, all areas of communications will be explored: public speaking, media, public relations, organizational and interpersonal. *This course is required of all Communications majors and minors. Register by Instructor.
- 4.00 credits. Through history, application and practice, this course explores the field of communications in order to prepare students for the challenges of research, design and understanding for the Communications major. As an overview course, all areas of communications will be explored: public speaking, media, public relations, organizational and interpersonal. *This course is required of all Communications majors and minors. Register by Instructor.
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COM125 Media Design and Production
- 4.00 credits. Course provides the design, theory and development of production skills and techniques for a variety of audio-visual materials, photography and print materials. Students are required to participate in labs dealing with the operation and utilization of production equipment and the actual production of materials. A variety of computer applications is included. *Prerequisite: high school computer course or competency determined by the instructor. Register by Instructor.
- 4.00 credits. Course provides the design, theory and development of production skills and techniques for a variety of audio-visual materials, photography and print materials. Students are required to participate in labs dealing with the operation and utilization of production equipment and the actual production of materials. A variety of computer applications is included. *Prerequisite: high school computer course or competency determined by the instructor. Register by Instructor.
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COM135 Publication Design and Graphics
- 4.00 credits. Course employs the principles of design, typography and other assorted methods of production to provide a foundation in the preparation of posters, newsletters, magazines, special-interest publications, and graphics. Elements of computer graphics are included and new media are explored. *Prerequisite: COM 125.
- 4.00 credits. Course employs the principles of design, typography and other assorted methods of production to provide a foundation in the preparation of posters, newsletters, magazines, special-interest publications, and graphics. Elements of computer graphics are included and new media are explored. *Prerequisite: COM 125.
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COM145* CE Black-and-White Photography (ART 145)
- 4.00 credits. (Creative Expression Core Course) Photography will be dealt with as a photojournalistic form, promotional form and an art form. No prior knowledge or experience in the arts or photography is expected. Demonstrations and supervised lab periods will be used to instruct students in basic camera and darkroom techniques of black-and-white photography. Individual and group critiques/discussions of student photography will be held. Discussion of photographic history, criticism and aesthetics will be used to help the student understand class projects and to increase appreciation of photographic traditions and contemporary trends.
- 4.00 credits. (Creative Expression Core Course) Photography will be dealt with as a photojournalistic form, promotional form and an art form. No prior knowledge or experience in the arts or photography is expected. Demonstrations and supervised lab periods will be used to instruct students in basic camera and darkroom techniques of black-and-white photography. Individual and group critiques/discussions of student photography will be held. Discussion of photographic history, criticism and aesthetics will be used to help the student understand class projects and to increase appreciation of photographic traditions and contemporary trends.
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COM210 Public Performance and Presentation
- 4.00 credits. Students become proficient at translating the written word into a professional oral performance. Exercises and projects develop competence in a variety of areas appropriate to any of the Communications concentrations that may be chosen by a major. This course is an advanced professional speaking course, which allows students to experience various presentation formats with the focus on one organization. *Prerequisites: COM 120 and 125.
- 4.00 credits. Students become proficient at translating the written word into a professional oral performance. Exercises and projects develop competence in a variety of areas appropriate to any of the Communications concentrations that may be chosen by a major. This course is an advanced professional speaking course, which allows students to experience various presentation formats with the focus on one organization. *Prerequisites: COM 120 and 125.
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COM211 Reporting and Newswriting for the Print Media
- 4.00 credits. An introductory study of news media and values with emphasis on effective reporting, clear writing and meeting deadlines. Accuracy, fairness and logic in preparing stories under conditions similar to those encountered by professional journalists is stressed. Expectations of journalistic writing standards for newspapers and news magazines, from news briefs to feature-length news articles, are addressed. *Prerequisite: COM 120.
- 4.00 credits. An introductory study of news media and values with emphasis on effective reporting, clear writing and meeting deadlines. Accuracy, fairness and logic in preparing stories under conditions similar to those encountered by professional journalists is stressed. Expectations of journalistic writing standards for newspapers and news magazines, from news briefs to feature-length news articles, are addressed. *Prerequisite: COM 120.
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COM220 Audio Applications and Techniques
- 4.00 credits. The technical and aesthetic fundamentals of the radio industry and audio production fields are explored in this course, including an advanced examination of writing and production materials for radio/audio programming. An in-depth analysis of the audio medium - including commercials, news, documentaries, digital editing and special programs - will be undertaken. Through the development of analytical, technical and critical skills, the student will become knowledgeable in writing and producing a complete range of audio projects. A general overview of the history of audio broadcasting is included. Students are required to purchase production materials for the course. *Prerequisites: COM 120 and 125.
- 4.00 credits. The technical and aesthetic fundamentals of the radio industry and audio production fields are explored in this course, including an advanced examination of writing and production materials for radio/audio programming. An in-depth analysis of the audio medium - including commercials, news, documentaries, digital editing and special programs - will be undertaken. Through the development of analytical, technical and critical skills, the student will become knowledgeable in writing and producing a complete range of audio projects. A general overview of the history of audio broadcasting is included. Students are required to purchase production materials for the course. *Prerequisites: COM 120 and 125.
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COM230 Video Applications and Techniques
- 4.00 credits. The technical and aesthetic fundamentals of the television industry and video production fields are explored in this course, including an advanced examination of writing and production materials for television/video programming. An in-depth analysis of the video medium, including commercials, news, documentaries, digital editing and special programs, will be undertaken. Through the development of analytical, technical and critical skills, the student will become knowledgeable in writing and producing a complete range of video projects. A general overview of the history of video broadcasting is included. Students are required to purchase production materials for the course. *Prerequisites: COM 120 and 125.
- 4.00 credits. The technical and aesthetic fundamentals of the television industry and video production fields are explored in this course, including an advanced examination of writing and production materials for television/video programming. An in-depth analysis of the video medium, including commercials, news, documentaries, digital editing and special programs, will be undertaken. Through the development of analytical, technical and critical skills, the student will become knowledgeable in writing and producing a complete range of video projects. A general overview of the history of video broadcasting is included. Students are required to purchase production materials for the course. *Prerequisites: COM 120 and 125.
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COM248 Communication Law and Ethics
- 4.00 credits. An examination of the law related to the field of communications as well as its history and effects. Current ethical issues are explored through case studies. Analysis of legal and ethical issues affecting the media - including the First Amendment, defamation, privacy, news gathering, obscenity, copyright and broadcasting/telecommunications - and the views of philosophers from Socrates to the present. *Prerequisite: COM 120.
- 4.00 credits. An examination of the law related to the field of communications as well as its history and effects. Current ethical issues are explored through case studies. Analysis of legal and ethical issues affecting the media - including the First Amendment, defamation, privacy, news gathering, obscenity, copyright and broadcasting/telecommunications - and the views of philosophers from Socrates to the present. *Prerequisite: COM 120.
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COM251 International Communications
- 4.00 credits. The course is an examination of the systems of communications around the world. It is designed to examine the human experience as an American by exploring the sociocultural, economic, political and scientific/technical impact of communications. Spring semester. Fall semester, odd-numbered years.
- 4.00 credits. The course is an examination of the systems of communications around the world. It is designed to examine the human experience as an American by exploring the sociocultural, economic, political and scientific/technical impact of communications. Spring semester. Fall semester, odd-numbered years.
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COM252* HUM Multi-Cultural Communications
- 4.00 credits. (Humanities Core Course) The course is designed to study issues of diversity and the media by investigating the audience, content and institutions of communications. Cultural perceptions will be explored as they relate to an individual's beliefs on diversity such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, class and disability. A research and field experience will challenge students to analyze and formulate their own views. Fall semester.
- 4.00 credits. (Humanities Core Course) The course is designed to study issues of diversity and the media by investigating the audience, content and institutions of communications. Cultural perceptions will be explored as they relate to an individual's beliefs on diversity such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, class and disability. A research and field experience will challenge students to analyze and formulate their own views. Fall semester.
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COM301 Interpersonal/Group Communications
- 4.00 credits. The goal of this course is to help students become better communicators. We seek to introduce students to a wide array of perspectives on interpersonal communications and encourage students to enlarge their understandings of the theory and practice of interpersonal communications. *Prerequisite: COM 120. Fall semester, even-numbered years.
- 4.00 credits. The goal of this course is to help students become better communicators. We seek to introduce students to a wide array of perspectives on interpersonal communications and encourage students to enlarge their understandings of the theory and practice of interpersonal communications. *Prerequisite: COM 120. Fall semester, even-numbered years.
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COM304 Persuasion
- 4.00 credits. The theories and techniques of persuasion are explored from the perspective of the persuader and the audience. Topics include ethics, social responsibility, and motivation of persuasion; the techniques of nonverbal communication and mass appeals. *Prerequisite: COM 120. Spring semester, even-numbered years.
- 4.00 credits. The theories and techniques of persuasion are explored from the perspective of the persuader and the audience. Topics include ethics, social responsibility, and motivation of persuasion; the techniques of nonverbal communication and mass appeals. *Prerequisite: COM 120. Spring semester, even-numbered years.
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COM310 Digital Media Convergence and Design
- 4.00 credits. This course is an examination of convergence in mass media and how that convergence impacts website design. Through theory, application and practice, students will learn about media convergence and its place in the new media landscape. Emphasis will be placed on proper design and evaluation of websites. *Prerequisites: COM 120, 125, 135 and 211. Fall semester, even-numbered years.
- 4.00 credits. This course is an examination of convergence in mass media and how that convergence impacts website design. Through theory, application and practice, students will learn about media convergence and its place in the new media landscape. Emphasis will be placed on proper design and evaluation of websites. *Prerequisites: COM 120, 125, 135 and 211. Fall semester, even-numbered years.
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COM314 Magazine Management and Feature Writing
- 4.00 credits. This course focuses on the writing, editing, production and management skills in the magazine publishing industry. Skills needed to write as a freelance writer and staff writer in the magazine industry are developed. Story titles, openings, closings, structures, research and query letters are examined. The impact of new media on the traditional print magazine also is explored. The course culminates with the production of a mass circulation publication - The Jay Crew magazine. *Prerequisite: COM 211. Spring semester, odd-numbered years.
- 4.00 credits. This course focuses on the writing, editing, production and management skills in the magazine publishing industry. Skills needed to write as a freelance writer and staff writer in the magazine industry are developed. Story titles, openings, closings, structures, research and query letters are examined. The impact of new media on the traditional print magazine also is explored. The course culminates with the production of a mass circulation publication - The Jay Crew magazine. *Prerequisite: COM 211. Spring semester, odd-numbered years.
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COM315 Writing for New Media
- 4.00 credits. Writing for new media will be emphasized in this course. New media includes, but is not limited to, online newspapers, online television, blogs, wikis, and streaming audio and video. The fundamentals of good media writing and reporting will be emphasized and built upon in this course. Current trends in new media writing also are examined. *Prerequisites: COM 211, 220 and 230. Spring semester, even-numbered years.
- 4.00 credits. Writing for new media will be emphasized in this course. New media includes, but is not limited to, online newspapers, online television, blogs, wikis, and streaming audio and video. The fundamentals of good media writing and reporting will be emphasized and built upon in this course. Current trends in new media writing also are examined. *Prerequisites: COM 211, 220 and 230. Spring semester, even-numbered years.
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COM316 Broadcast News and Copy Writing
- 4.00 credits. This course serves as an introduction to the styles and techniques of writing for the broadcast media. Emphasis is given to conceptualizing, writing and editing news copy for television and radio as well as copy for commercial and public service campaigns. *Prerequisites: COM 211, 220 and 230. Spring semester.
- 4.00 credits. This course serves as an introduction to the styles and techniques of writing for the broadcast media. Emphasis is given to conceptualizing, writing and editing news copy for television and radio as well as copy for commercial and public service campaigns. *Prerequisites: COM 211, 220 and 230. Spring semester.
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COM333 Organizational Communication
- 4.00 credits. Through theory, application and practice, this course explores aspects of organizational communication in order to prepare students for the challenges of organized activity at work, in the community, and in the family. *Prerequisite: COM 120. Fall semester.
- 4.00 credits. Through theory, application and practice, this course explores aspects of organizational communication in order to prepare students for the challenges of organized activity at work, in the community, and in the family. *Prerequisite: COM 120. Fall semester.
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COM336 Advanced Video Production
- 4.00 credits. Advanced technical and aesthetic fundamentals of field and studio production and postproduction will be explored. Students continue to develop skills and knowledge in video production acquired in basic production. The emphasis of this course is on the broadcast aspects of production, and students create productions that will air on the student-run television station. Students work in both individual and group settings. *Prerequisites: COM 220 and 230. Spring semester.
- 4.00 credits. Advanced technical and aesthetic fundamentals of field and studio production and postproduction will be explored. Students continue to develop skills and knowledge in video production acquired in basic production. The emphasis of this course is on the broadcast aspects of production, and students create productions that will air on the student-run television station. Students work in both individual and group settings. *Prerequisites: COM 220 and 230. Spring semester.
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COM348 Advanced Media Production
- 4.00 credits. Advanced level skills in the conceptualization, design, development and management of communications media in the areas of photography, multi-image cyberspace,and computer graphics. Students are required to participate in laboratory experiences dealing with the production of photography, multimedia and computer graphics at the advanced level. The basic and advanced theories of color, design and interactivity will be explored to aid the student in the creative production of communications materials. *Prerequisites: COM 220 and 230. Fall semester.
- 4.00 credits. Advanced level skills in the conceptualization, design, development and management of communications media in the areas of photography, multi-image cyberspace,and computer graphics. Students are required to participate in laboratory experiences dealing with the production of photography, multimedia and computer graphics at the advanced level. The basic and advanced theories of color, design and interactivity will be explored to aid the student in the creative production of communications materials. *Prerequisites: COM 220 and 230. Fall semester.
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COM351 Public Relations
- 4.00 credits. A study of the theory and practice of public relations, its role in administration, its role in society, and its potential as a career. Course content addresses strategies and tactics of public relations in commercial, nonprofit and government organizations. *Prerequisite: COM 211. Fall semester.
- 4.00 credits. A study of the theory and practice of public relations, its role in administration, its role in society, and its potential as a career. Course content addresses strategies and tactics of public relations in commercial, nonprofit and government organizations. *Prerequisite: COM 211. Fall semester.
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COM358 Introduction to Marketing Communications
- 4.00 credits. Skills are provided in blending concepts and applications of marketing communications that integrate advertising, public relations, sales promotion and other organizational efforts into a strategic viewpoint in a global/international environment. Students are taught from an integrated marketing communications perspective with respect to planning, implementation and control of marketing communications campaigns. *Prerequisite: Declaration of marketing communications concentration in the Department. Spring semester.
- 4.00 credits. Skills are provided in blending concepts and applications of marketing communications that integrate advertising, public relations, sales promotion and other organizational efforts into a strategic viewpoint in a global/international environment. Students are taught from an integrated marketing communications perspective with respect to planning, implementation and control of marketing communications campaigns. *Prerequisite: Declaration of marketing communications concentration in the Department. Spring semester.
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COM370 Special Topics in Communications
- 4.00 credits. Periodic offerings of the Department or directed study in topics of special interest to advanced majors. These courses generally count as concentration elective credit as determined by the Department faculty. Register by Instructor.
- 4.00 credits. Periodic offerings of the Department or directed study in topics of special interest to advanced majors. These courses generally count as concentration elective credit as determined by the Department faculty. Register by Instructor.
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COM408 Systems Approach to Organizational Training
- 4.00 credits. The course studies the theory and application of instructional systems design techniques to corporate and organizational training problems. In addition to designing a training program, students will also use interactive computer techniques to solve training problems. *Prerequisites: COM 220 and 230. Spring semester, even-numbered years.
- 4.00 credits. The course studies the theory and application of instructional systems design techniques to corporate and organizational training problems. In addition to designing a training program, students will also use interactive computer techniques to solve training problems. *Prerequisites: COM 220 and 230. Spring semester, even-numbered years.
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COM412 Advanced Public Relations
- 4.00 credits. The course provides an opportunity for students to build upon knowledge, skills and expertise in public relations by applying them to the study of actual public relations cases. The analysis and evaluation of actual public relations practice lead the student to a better knowledge of public relations principles, application and management in the profession. Agency projects enhance the application of advanced public relations practices. *Prerequisite: COM 351. Spring semester.
- 4.00 credits. The course provides an opportunity for students to build upon knowledge, skills and expertise in public relations by applying them to the study of actual public relations cases. The analysis and evaluation of actual public relations practice lead the student to a better knowledge of public relations principles, application and management in the profession. Agency projects enhance the application of advanced public relations practices. *Prerequisite: COM 351. Spring semester.
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COM422 Media Management
- 4.00 credits. This course examines the structure and function of media companies and corporations, including broadcasting and print organizations. Emphasis is placed on management styles and principles as they apply to the specific requirements and public responsibilities of the media. *Prerequisites: COM 220 and 230. Fall semester, odd-numbered years.
- 4.00 credits. This course examines the structure and function of media companies and corporations, including broadcasting and print organizations. Emphasis is placed on management styles and principles as they apply to the specific requirements and public responsibilities of the media. *Prerequisites: COM 220 and 230. Fall semester, odd-numbered years.
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COM424 Script and Screenwriting
- 4.00 credits. Emphasis is placed on identifying the tools used in successful creative writing and then putting them into practice. Through study and practical application, students become familiar with the various visual/audio formats used in dramatic and documentary television and film writing. *Prerequisite: COM 211 or permission of the instructor. Fall semester, even-numbered years.
- 4.00 credits. Emphasis is placed on identifying the tools used in successful creative writing and then putting them into practice. Through study and practical application, students become familiar with the various visual/audio formats used in dramatic and documentary television and film writing. *Prerequisite: COM 211 or permission of the instructor. Fall semester, even-numbered years.
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COM426 Broadcast Programming and Promotions
- 4.00 credits. An examination of the programming and promotions philosophies and practices of the radio, television and cable industries. *Prerequisite: COM 316. Spring semester, odd-numbered years.
- 4.00 credits. An examination of the programming and promotions philosophies and practices of the radio, television and cable industries. *Prerequisite: COM 316. Spring semester, odd-numbered years.
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COM471 Practicum
- Variable (1.00 to 3.00) credit(s). Supervised application of previously studied theory by professionals in the field of the student's concentration. Practicum with an on- or off-campus sponsor may be used for free elective credit only, repeatable to a maximum of four credits within a major or minor declaration. *Prerequisites: at least sophomore standing, majors/minors only. Graded Pass/No Pass Register by Instructor.
- Variable (1.00 to 3.00) credit(s). Supervised application of previously studied theory by professionals in the field of the student's concentration. Practicum with an on- or off-campus sponsor may be used for free elective credit only, repeatable to a maximum of four credits within a major or minor declaration. *Prerequisites: at least sophomore standing, majors/minors only. Graded Pass/No Pass Register by Instructor.
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COM474 Communications Internship
- 12.00 credits. Supervised application of previously studied theory by professionals in the field of the student's concentration. *Prerequisites: senior standing, majors only, 2.70 cumulative grade point average with a 3.00 grade point average in the major. Must be taken for a full semester off campus for free elective credit only. Register by Instructor.
- 12.00 credits. Supervised application of previously studied theory by professionals in the field of the student's concentration. *Prerequisites: senior standing, majors only, 2.70 cumulative grade point average with a 3.00 grade point average in the major. Must be taken for a full semester off campus for free elective credit only. Register by Instructor.
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COM484 Independent Study in Communications
- Variable credit. A specially-designed course, unique to each student, allowing the individual the opportunity to pursue scholarly and practical work in the area of major interest under the guidance of members of the Communications faculty. Specific goals and objectives permit the student to complete special projects, literature reviews and research papers. *Prerequisites: at least junior standing, scholarship requirement, and approval of Independent Study Committee. Register by Instructor.
- Variable credit. A specially-designed course, unique to each student, allowing the individual the opportunity to pursue scholarly and practical work in the area of major interest under the guidance of members of the Communications faculty. Specific goals and objectives permit the student to complete special projects, literature reviews and research papers. *Prerequisites: at least junior standing, scholarship requirement, and approval of Independent Study Committee. Register by Instructor.
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COM485 Communications Seminar
- 4.00 credits. A capstone course providing an integration of course work, knowledge, skills and experiential learning to enable the student to demonstrate a broad mastery of professional expectations for a promise of initial employability, further learning and career advancement. Critical thinking, creative thinking, problem-solving strategies, effective written and oral communication, quantitative and qualitative analysis, computer literacy, library competency and mediated communication related to a student's concentration and specific career plans is employed. *Prerequisite: senior standing and majors only. Register by Instructor.
- 4.00 credits. A capstone course providing an integration of course work, knowledge, skills and experiential learning to enable the student to demonstrate a broad mastery of professional expectations for a promise of initial employability, further learning and career advancement. Critical thinking, creative thinking, problem-solving strategies, effective written and oral communication, quantitative and qualitative analysis, computer literacy, library competency and mediated communication related to a student's concentration and specific career plans is employed. *Prerequisite: senior standing and majors only. Register by Instructor.
