MES - Media Communications

Students will evaluate the impact of mass communication in a global society from a social and cultural aspect. Throughout the course, students will utilize communication technologies and understand personal and professional virtual spaces as places to develop, foster, maintain connections and engage with others. The interrelationship between various forms of communications including digital, interpersonal, professional, verbal, and visual will be explored and discussed. Students will analyze the legal aspects of ethical communication, evaluate the history, interpret theory, critique media and apply communication technologies to practice. This curriculum develops students’ communication competencies and builds essential skills for virtual and face-to-face interactions. Pre-requisite(s): None. Co-requisite(s): None. 5 quarter hours

This course will examine social media with a focus on how digital media technology plays a significant role on the construction of social identities, interpersonal, organizational relationships and societal trending. Students will explore the shared ideological principles between social media platforms and usage. Students will examine the commercial use of social media technology and how it enables the formation of digital communities and its power to persuade. Students will engage in active debates on ethical problems social media technologies. The course will require students to communicate through social media and to construct a digital presence that positions them for success. Pre-requisite(s): MES 104, MKT 205, ENG 101, ENG 201 with a grade of a "C" or better or equivalent as determined by advisor or permission of Program Chair or designate. Co-requisite(s): None. 5 quarter hours

This course is an introduction to the study and structure of contemporary media communications, focusing on audio and visual. We will define and examine different media's expressive and aesthetic power and its influence on the individual and the public. We will explore contemporary audio and visual uses of media as a tool in storytelling and shaping narrative arcs. Students will create a podcast and vlog, which are introductory projects that prepare Communication and Media students for their work in MES 310: Sound Essentials: Podcasting and MKT 410: Video Essentials: Short Film. Pre-requisite(s): MES 104 and COM 105 or permission of department chair. Co-requisite(s): None. 5 quarter hours

Sound Essentials: Podcasting introduces students to the contemporary world of podcasting as a medium for storytelling, interpersonal communication, self-expression, and selling their unique brands. This course delivers insight into spoken narration as well as interviewing and reporting. Students distinguish between varieties of podcast genres prevalent in a contemporary soundscape. Students design their own podcast series, applying their knowledge of speech practice, recording, and editing. Pre-requisite(s): COM 105 and MES 104 or by approval of department chair. Co-requisite(s): None. 5 quarter hours

Video Essentials: Short Film is an introduction to trends and techniques in recording narrative videos. This course helps students learn about and experiment with different filming techniques through portable devices, such as smartphones and tablets. Throughout the course, students develop their own short film, which may be presented at the end of the course in a film showcase. Through the film project, students assess angles and effects, dialogue, genre, film type, execution, and overall project management. Topics such as ethics and copyright are discussed as are community and inclusion. Pre-requisite(s): COM 105, MES 104, MES 207, or by approval of department chair. Co-requisite(s): None. 5 quarter hours