Communications & Media Arts Course Descriptions

Survey of language, structure, and operation of mass media, with emphasis on the seven major mass media. Study of major changes in print and electronic media and the effects of mass communication on individuals and society. Class hrs. 3. Required for Communications and Media Arts majors.

COMM 101H

Understanding Mass Media-Honors

3 credits

See Honors for course description.
 

COMM 103

Journalism

3 credits

Study of journalistic styles, procedures, techniques of news, and information, gathering; analysis of presentation of news information and opinion in print and electronic media. Class hrs. 3.

COMM 108

Newspaper Production

3 credits

Lab experience in the newspaper production process, culminating in assuming responsibility for publication of a section of the student newspaper’s final issue of the semester. Students of this course are regarded as adjuncts to the staff of The Viking News and are required to cover campus beats, report on events, take office hour shifts, etc. Class hrs. 3. Grants English or Communications Credit. Not offered every semester.

COMM 109

Speech Communication

3 credits

Theory and performance in interpersonal and intercultural communication and public speaking; the research preparation, delivery, and critical evaluation of representative oral presentations. This course grants Communications or English credit. Class hrs. 3. Required for Communications and Media Arts majors.

COMM 109H

Speech Communication–Honors

3 credits

 See Honors for course description.
 

COMM 111

Voice and Diction

3 credits

Effective use of the voice and speech mechanism; breathing, phonation, resonance articulation; individual instruction and practice in voice and speech improvement. Several varieties of American English are introduced as well as discussion of the many languages, cultures, and dialects that have influenced American English. Class hrs. 3.
 

COMM 115

Group Discussion and Decision Making

3 credits

Theory and techniques of small group communication; emphasis on problem solving, leadership, conflict negotiation skills, persuasion, argumentation and formal debate. Oral presentations on a group/team requiring research and evidence are required. This course grants English or Communications credit. Offered every other semester. Class hrs. 3.

COMM 116

Radio Production

3 credits

A hands-on course designed to establish working skills in the various areas of radio production. Areas covered include basic sound theory, audio tape recorders, microphones (types and uses), audio consoles and mixing, auto tape editing. Finished products may be aired on WARY-FM, the college radio station. Class hrs. 3.

COMM 117

Radio and Television Announcing

3 credits

Practical study of announcing; script sight-reading, interpretations of copy, news, commercials, disc jockeying, and equipment. Performances include: commercials, newscasts, and interviews. Class hrs. 3.

COMM 118

Broadcast Journalism

3 credits

This course introduces the beginning journalist to the basic tools, techniques and vocabulary of broadcast journalism. The focus is on broadcast news writing, research, journalism history, and reporting. Ethical issues are also reviewed and analyzed. Students learn how to fully develop a video news segment to be presented in a journalistic style. Topics covered include research, visual presentation, audio elements, and post-production skills. Class hrs. 1. Lab hrs. 2.

COMM 119

Television Production I

3 credits

Combination lecture and lab, leading to a basic familiarization and working knowledge of the operation of television cameras, lenses, videotape recorders, and TV monitors. Topics include television audio, lighting, graphics, personnel, portable video systems, the TV studio and control center, basic directional techniques, the production process, film versus videotape. Class hrs. 3.

COMM 121

Television Production II

3 credits

A broadening of basic television techniques, including script preparation, sets and scenery, special effects, makeup and clothing, performing and acting, video editing, remote telecasts, music for television, outside production facilities, advanced producing and directing, including directorial styles, dramatic content, and staging. Combination lecture and lab. Student video projects recorded on videotape. Class hrs. 3. Offered spring semester.

COMM 205A, 206A, 208A, 209A, 210A, 211A, 212A, 213A, 214A*

Communications and Media Arts Internship I-IX

1 credit (each)

Selected students in the Communications and Media Arts curriculum intern at facilities in the media field (radio stations, television facilities, major corporations, print sites, etc.). Each internship consists of observation and practical, hands-on experience whenever possible. Students are required to keep a daily log of activities (signed by the site supervisor). Four appointments with mentor held on campus each semester. Minimum of 45 hours in the field for 1 credit (3 hrs. per week for 15 weeks). Hours to be determined by the students and the intern company. This course is limited to majors in the Communications and Media Arts curriculum. Students must see Professor William Winters for prior permission and an application in the preceding semester to qualify. Enrollment is limited.

* Nine separate sections worth one credit each to give both students and the intern sites more flexibility in assigning hours. Students can still take a total of nine credits. While nine credits may be taken, only three  may be used to meet the requirement of the major; the other six credits are applied as general elective credits.