Communication

In conjunction with other departments, the Communication Department also provides coursework leading to Public Relations, Sports Media, and Advertising minors and the Women in Leadership Certificate.

Goals

  1. Create messages and acquire skills in media production appropriate to the audience, purpose, and context.
  2. Demonstrate knowledge of theories and methods to critically analyze media messages.
  3. Demonstrate knowledge and skills related to career preparation in the field of Communication.

Mission

The mission of the Communication Department is to develop students' professional competence in various aspects of modern professional communication, including broadcast journalism and digital media production. The curriculum also serves those who, upon graduation, want to pursue graduate-level study in the fields of communication, media studies, and related areas of academic inquiry. The department core emphasizes coursework in critical thinking, and digital video production skills, while also providing an understanding of how communication and media affect identity and culture. It also offers instruction in skills and knowledge in the human communication contexts of public speaking, interpersonal communication, and intercultural communication. The major culminates in a Capstone in Communication project course which provides preparation for transition to a career or graduate study.

Majors, Minors and Certificates

Courses

COMM100: Communication, Media, and Society

Credits 3
Examines the roles of communication media in society, including the philosophy of mass mediation and the study of media effects on public issues, social values, and cultural tastes. Presents an historical overview of the main technologies of communication and surveys the discipline’s most salient theoretical paradigms.

COMM110: Journalism 1

Credits 3
Students learn and practice basic skills essential to effective news writing. Ethics and current issues in journalism are discussed in depth.

COMM120: Introduction to Media Production

Credits 3
Designed to introduce students to the techniques of media production by familiarizing students with the basic operations of audio recording equipment, and single-camera video production equipment (camcorders and digital editing so ware). Each student will gain experience in the pre-production (planning, writing, scheduling, casting), production (shooting, recording), and post-production (editing, audio sweetening) of various single-camera genres. Fall, Spring.

COMM130: Introduction to Media Studies

Credits 3
Focuses on media literacy as a perspective from which we view media messages. It proceeds from the basic awareness that all media consumption is fundamentally an exercise in interpretation and leads up to the abilities to critically appreciate diverse media messages and to accept social responsibility for engagement with media producers. Addresses GLE Learning Outcome for Social Sciences (SS), Critical Thinking (CT) and Information Literacy (IL).

COMM200: Rhetoric and Society

Credits 3

This course provides an introduction to the roots of modern public communication by exploring three basic questions: How do we come to hold our beliefs? How are we persuaded to maintain our beliefs? How are we persuaded to change them? After looking at the ancient quarrel between Plato and the Greek Sophists, the course traces the path of rhetoric into the twentieth century, examining rhetorical areas of social action such as mass movements, propaganda, cults, and brainwashing. Investigates the arguments made by those who claim the modern mass media hold great powers of persuasion over their audiences. Prerequisite: GLE110 First Year Composition; every Spring.

COMM201: Independent Study

Credits 1 6
Independent Study (1-6 credits). Offers an opportunity to explore an area of study not included in the Catalog listing of approved courses. The topic of an Independent Study must be carefully designed by the student in conjunction with the faculty sponsor and must meet with the approval of the Dean or their designee. To be eligible for independent study, students typically must have a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher and possess the appropriate study habits and time management skills to pursue the proposed area of study. A “Proposal for Independent Study” form may be obtained from the Registrar’s website. Course numbers are assigned based on the level of difficulty of the course proposal. Prereqs: Sophomore standing and permission of instructor.

COMM202: Internship in Communication

Credits 1 6

Internship in Communication (1-6 credits). These field-based experiences allow students to work with media specialists in a professional setting to enhance their employment potential upon graduation, ideally with pre-approval by a Communication faculty internship advisor. An agreement is drawn up and approved by the student, the supervisor, the Communication faculty internship advisor, and the Dean or their designee. Students should consult with the faculty internship advisor on the academic requirements before starting the internship. The course grade is assigned by the Communication faculty internship advisor in consultation with the supervisor. Credits are based upon the work hours completed (minimum of 40 hours per credit); a maximum of 6 credits may be earned per term. A student may take up to 15 credits towards graduation credit. Prerequisites: completion of COMM210, COMM221, and COMM230, or permission of faculty advisor.

COMM210: Journalism 2

Credits 3

Students polish reporting and writing skills while exploring such topics as the “new media” and tackling journalism’s latest dilemmas. Prerequisite: COMM110

COMM211: Broadcast Journalism I

Credits 3

This introductory course has a strong focus on writing for radio and television news. Emphasis on researching and writing multiple radio and on-camera reads to strengthen these skills. Each student will also gain experience in digital photography, image editing, writing and producing digital slide shows. Prerequisite: COMM110 and COMM120, or permission of instructor.

COMM221: Multi-Camera Production

Credits 3

This intermediate course is designed to further the students’ understanding of studio-based video production. It focuses on honing the students’ abilities to produce, direct, and crew multi-camera television productions. The students will create two television shows, and take them from conception to “on-air” delivery in a live-to-tape format. By working at various crew positions the student will learn both the technical duties and the group dynamics that go into producing successful programs. Prerequisite: COMM120 or by permission of instructor

COMM230: Interpersonal Communication

Credits 3
Focuses on face-to-face communication, its distinct aspects, and the ways in which it is affected by an increasingly mass-mediated cultural environment. The course assists students in improving their own interpersonal communication skills and relationships through specialized collaborative learning exercises. Addresses GLE Learning Outcomes Social Sciences (SS), Critical Reading (CR), Critical Thinking (CT) and Teamwork (TW).

COMM231: Diversity and Media

Credits 3
This course examines the relationship of media and society with regard to issues of diversity, and corresponding representations. The history of stereotyping in the media, and its effects on viewers, will be explored. Addresses GLE Learning Outcomes Social Sciences (SS), Information Literacy (IL) and Critical Thinking (CT)

COMM232: Understanding Film

Credits 3
Examines film as a cultural text, focusing on aspects such as genre, movement, and style, and elements such as scriptwriting, story structure, character development, cinematography, editing, and sound. Students will examine how each of these elements contributes to influencing the viewing experience. Files screened are primarily classic American films, but current Hollywood, experimental, or international films may also be included. Addresses GLE Learning Outcomes Arts and Design (AD), Oral Communication (OC), and Creative Thinking (CV). Prerequisite: GLE110.

COMM234: Film Genres

Credits 3
This course examines the development and significance of the concept of genre as it informs film. It explores the importance of film genres, and how culture as well as commerce affects artistic expression. . It explores the antecedents and development of film genres, as well as their form, narrative structure, visual elements, and conventions and tropes. In addition, it explores broader film concepts such as mise-en-scene, subjectivity, gaze, and spectatorship, in context of genre study. Addresses GLE learning outcomes Arts and Design (AD), Oral Communication (OC), and Creative Thinking (CV).

COMM235: Intercultural Communication

Credits 3
This course exposes students to theories and concepts with the field, and fosters understanding of key differences between cultures. It examines how intercultural interactions affects identities of people, and their relationships interpersonally and globally. Addresses GLE Learning Outcomes Social Sciences (SS), Critical Reading (CR), Critical Thinking (CT), and Intercultural Knowledge (IK).

COMM240: Public Speaking

Credits 3
This course is designed to build confidence in oral skills by applying the principles of effective presentations in various situations. Students gain experience with formal speaking, group interaction, and performance appraisal. Non-verbal communication, listening skills, and the use of technology such as Power Point presentations are discussed in conjunction with methods of oral delivery. Prerequisite: Sophomore Status. Addresses GLE Learning Outcomes: Arts & Design (AD), Oral Communication (OC), and Applied Learning (AL) Fall, Spring

COMM301: Independent Study in Communication

Credits 1 6
Independent Study in Communication (1-6 credits). Offers an opportunity to explore an area of study not included in the Catalog listing of approved courses. The topic of an Independent Study must be carefully designed by the student in conjunction with the faculty sponsor and must meet with the approval of the Dean or their designee. To be eligible for independent study, students typically must have a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher and possess the appropriate study habits and time management skills to pursue the proposed area of study. A “Proposal for Independent Study” form may be obtained from the Registrar’s website. Course numbers are assigned based on the level of difficulty of the course proposal. Prereqs: Sophomore standing and permission of instructor.

COMM302: Internship in Communication

Credits 1 6

Internship in Communication (1-6 credits). These field-based experiences allow students to work with media specialists in a professional setting to enhance their employment potential upon graduation, ideally with pre-approval by a Communication faculty internship advisor. An agreement is drawn up and approved by the student, the supervisor, the Communication faculty internship advisor, and the Dean or their designee. Students should consult with the faculty internship advisor on the academic requirements before starting the internship. The course grade is assigned by the Communication faculty internship advisor in consultation with the supervisor. Credits are based upon the work hours completed (minimum of 40 hours per credit); a maximum of 6 credits may be earned per term. A student may take up to 15 credits towards graduation credit. Prerequisites: completion of COMM210, COMM221, and COMM230, or permission of faculty advisor.

COMM310: Convergent Journalism

Credits 3
Students will gain the knowledge and practice to enable them to work in a variety of professional settings where an ability to write clearly and effectively, as well as the capacity to use visual and digital skills, are essential. Students will work in teams and individually as they practice the various roles found in the modern workplace. Prerequisites: COMM210 or permission of instructor

COMM311: Broadcast Journalism II

Credits 3

Concentrates on writing to video, fundamentals in gathering sound and shot selection for news video, producing video reporter-packages, voice-overs, and enterprise reporting. Prerequisite: COMM211

COMM321: Single-Camera Production

Credits 3

This intermediate course is designed to further develop the students’ conceptual and technical skills in single-camera video production. Students will take part in all stages of the production of ENG (Electronic News-Gathering) and EFP (Electronic Field Production) programs. Each student will gain experience in the pre-production (planning, writing, scheduling, casting), production (shooting, recording), and post-production (editing, audio sweetening) of various single-camera genres. Prerequisite: COMM220 and COMM221 or permission of instructor. Every other Spring Semester.

COMM323: Writing for the Electronic Media

Credits 3

Students learn how to write short-form messages for the broadcast media. Students write and critique radio and television news segments, public service announcements, and spot advertisements. Students also learn the basic script formats for longer form non-fiction and fiction programs. Prerequisite: COMM110 and COMM120, or permission of instructor.

COMM324: Audio Production

Credits 3

Designed as an introduction to the basic theories and practices of audio production. Exploration of basic production techniques for radio production and audio in lm/video and new electronic media through a series of production exercises and assignments designed as concept building blocks. Prerequisite: COMM221 or permission of instructor. Every other Fall Semester.

COMM330: Media Criticism

Credits 3

Examines the most important methodologies currently being used to critique the mass media. The media are studied as social, cultural, and political commentary, as well as art, within the broad field of mass communication. Prerequisites: COMM120 or COMM130.

COMM333: Media and Culture

Credits 3

Seeks to foster a greater appreciation and understanding of the impact that the mass media exert on society. Emphasizes especially the power of mediated imagery with regard to race, gender, and class and the ways in which media representation can serve to either reify or subvert existing practices of social stratification and control. Prerequisite: COMM130.

COMM334: Media Theory

Credits 3

Engages specific models and concepts that guide both the production and the consumption of mass-mediated messages. To perfect media literacy skills, students will explore the body of research which describes the specific and cumulative effects that the mass media exert on individual media consumers and on society at large. Prerequisite: COMM130

COMM336: Gender and Media Representation

Credits 3

This course is devoted to the critical analysis of representations of gender in normative mass media content. It explores the ways in which popular cultural representations reinforce, create, and challenge societal gender roles through the examination of various mediated forms from advertising and television to film and broadcast news coverage. Prerequisite: COMM130 or permission of instructor.

COMM337: Children and the Media

Credits 3

This course will explore the use of media in the U.S. by young audiences and will discuss the impact on children and teens. Students will examine research studies about media impact and how it relates to concerns of parents, teacher, and non-profit organizations. Prerequisite: COMM130 or permission of instructor.

COMM345: American Political Culture & Media

Credits 3

This seminar is designed to provide students with an opportunity to develop a greater appreciation for, and deeper understanding of, the relationships among political culture, media ownership, media presentation and media consumption. Such appreciation is intended to enable a more developed awareness of the complexity of the relationships among political culture, media and ourselves and, in turn, enable us to become more purposeful and intentional in our relationship with those institutions. Prerequisites: COMM100 or SO101, or permission of instructor.

COMM400: Capstone in Communication

Credits 3
Each student will spend a complete semester proposing, researching and creating a capstone project. Project may be a creative work (screenplay, film, animation, website), scholarly work (critical analysis paper, research paper), or other communication piece (series of online articles, other). Students may choose to create a project for a non-profit client. This capstone project will be presented publicly on campus. Additionally, the course provides the tools and skills needed for securing employment, such as résumé and cover letter writing, job searching, and interviewing skills. Seniors will also learn how to research, choose, and prepare for graduate school. Seniors will systematically examine, review, and finalize a portfolio of academic work. Prerequisite: senior standing. Offered every fall.

COMM401: Independent Study in Communication

Credits 1 6
Independent Study in Communication (1-6 credits). Offers an opportunity to explore an area of study not included in the Catalog listing of approved courses. The topic of an Independent Study must be carefully designed by the student in conjunction with the faculty sponsor and must meet with the approval of the Dean or their designee. To be eligible for independent study, students typically must have a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher and possess the appropriate study habits and time management skills to pursue the proposed area of study. A “Proposal for Independent Study” form may be obtained from the Registrar’s website. Course numbers are assigned based on the level of difficulty of the course proposal. Prereqs: Sophomore standing and permission of instructor.

COMM402: Internship in Communication

Credits 1 6

Internship in Communication (1-6 credits). These field-based experiences allow students to work with media specialists in a professional setting to enhance their employment potential upon graduation, ideally with pre-approval by a Communication faculty internship advisor. An agreement is drawn up and approved by the student, the supervisor, the Communication faculty internship advisor, and the Dean or their designee. Students should consult with the faculty internship advisor on the academic requirements before starting the internship. The course grade is assigned by the Communication faculty internship advisor in consultation with the supervisor. Credits are based upon the work hours completed (minimum of 40 hours per credit); a maximum of 6 credits may be earned per term. A student may take up to 15 credits towards graduation credit. Prerequisites: completion of COMM210, COMM221, and COMM230, or permission of faculty advisor.

COMM420: Advanced Media Production

Credits 3

Students propose extended video projects (dramatic, documentary, or experimental). Students then write, design, produce, direct, and post-produce their projects. Builds on skills learned in intermediate production courses. Prerequisite: COMM321.

COMM430: Advanced Media Studies Seminar

Credits 3

Focuses on the complex diversity of modern communication forms, their multiple levels of personal engagement, and resulting multi-dimensionality in self-conceptions that they demand of the individual. COMM130