COMM - Communication

Production of the yearbook is required, including designing pages, writing copy, and taking and printing photographs in a laboratory setting. Ability to use Adobe PageMaker, proficiency in photography required (or permission of instructor). Lab fee. Prerequisite: COMM 2360 (credit or concurrent enrollment), ART 2322 or 3322, or permission of instructor.

A survey course designed to introduce the student to all types of communication study, including interpersonal, small group, public and mass communication environments. Emphasis is on understanding how communication sub-disciplines interrelate on a theoretical level.

A study of the principles of effective speaking. Practice in creating, organizing, and presenting informative, persuasive, and entertaining speeches.

Study and practice of oral performance of literature. Participants will use performance of literature to develop effective verbal and nonverbal communication skills.

Public speaking, group discussion, interviewing, sales presentations, and other oral communication skills designed for students majoring in business or pursuing a business-related career.

Survey of mass media effects and careers. Students develop a portfolio for future employment organized around employer expectations across all occupations. Study includes the history and use of books, magazines, newspapers, radio, movies, music, television, the web, advertising and public relations. Emphasis on media as social, political, economic, and cultural forces. Includes media theory, ethics, and trends toward commercialization, conglomeration, converging technologies, and globalization.

Discussion of the history and the societal im pact of oral communication. Creation and delivery of extended, challenging speeches. Prerequisite: COMM 1320.

Using news values to locate stories; interviewing sources; and location, retreiving, assessing and verifying information, including coputerized databases. Writing news, features, entertainment, sports, columns, editorials, and online. Basic proficiency in the use of a digital camera, the Associated Press stylebook, and layout, design, and editing software. Portfolio and laboratory section required. Lab fee. Prerequisite: ENGL 1321 and 1322 (or equivalent) and COMM 2320 (credit or concurrent enrollment).

An introductory survey of public relations history, definition, principles, practices and codes of ethics. Career options and trends in business, government, non-profits and other entities are also discussed. Prerequisite: COMM 2360, Introduction to Media Writing.

A survey of the film industry and the process of making motion pictures. Special attention given to the basics of film directing, acting, editing, cinematography and design, and to career paths in film and television. Offered fall only. Prerequisite: COMM 2320

The study of the process of attitude change from a psychological and a rhetorical perspective. Students will read texts, study persuasive artifacts (including advertisements, films, novels, and newspaper articles), write papers, and give oral presentations to the class. Prerequisite: COMM 1320.

The oral interpretation of literature. Study of techniques and practical experience in expressive reading aloud and in telling stories. Recommended for those certifying to teach and for those interested in working with youth. Offered Fall only.

This course studies the principles, theories, and language of photojournalism, emphasizing the use of images in mass media. Various photography elements are also explored. Prerequisites: COMM 2360.

An introduction to the process of writing screenplays for television and film. Topics covered include character development, genre, plot structure, dialogue, audience analysis and writing/revision. Other topics covered at instructor's discretion. Offered Fall only.

A survey of essential material for participation in interpretive individual events in forensic competition. Offered Spring and Summer.

An introduction to theory and practice of academic debate and the argumentation principles which underlie them.

Study of methods of instruction in all aspects of speech communication, including publics peaking, oral interpretation, and forensics competition (individual events and debate). Some attention given to the management of tour naments and festivals.

Integrates interviewing, writing, and reporting skills to produce in-depth stories. Mastery of Associated Press stylebook required. Study includes investigative reporting, social science reporting, multiple-interview projects, and New Journalism. Requires digital camera skills as well as online and print design/production skills using layout, design, and editing software. Portfolio and laboratory required. Outstanding students may progress to a limited number of paid student publication staff positions. Lab fee. Prerequisite: COMM 2360.

Writing and editing news, conducting interviews, developing commercials, and writing fiction for broadcast. Prerequisite: COMM 2360 and 3365.

This course is designed to teach areas of public relations theory and practice beyond the scope of the introductory course, including program planning, budgeting, evaluation, media relations, writing and special event planning. PR specializations such as crisis communication and building and managing organizational image will be discussed. Offered Fall only. Prerequisite: COMM 2370.

Researching, interviewing, writing and editing for magazine non-fiction and newspaper feature articles, both online and print. Surveying various local, state, and national publications; identifying freelance markets with an emphasis on publication. Offered spring only. Prerequisite: COMM 2360.

The study of voice science. Practical experience in vocal diction, delivery, and dialects . A course for those who desire to improve voice quality, production, and delivery.

Graduating students will present their final projects, portfolios, and/or performances before an audience of Communication and Media Studies faculty and students. Prerequisites: senior standing (intended for graduating students only). Offered Fall and Spring.

This class prepares the student for taking the state certification exams for secondary teaching.

Possible topics might include Introduction to Advertising, Online Journalism, Video Editing, Popular Culture and the Mass Media, Theories of the Mass Media, etc.

Part-time employment experience in print journalism. Students will work with a mentor at a newspaper or magazine and learn writing, reporting, interviewing, time management, and research skills. Daily log of activities must be kept. Final paper and computer graphics presentation required upon completion. Prerequisite: COMM 3365 and senior standing (or permission of faculty advisor).

Part-time employment experience in broadcast journalism. Students will work with a mentor at a television or radio station and learn writing, reporting, camera operation, and research skills, as well as become familiar with editing, voice-overs, and other aspects of audio/video production. Daily log of activities must be kept. Final paper and computer graphics presentation required upon completion. Prerequisite: COMM 3365 and 3368 and senior standing (or permission of faculty advisor).

Part-time employment experience in public relations or advertising. Students will work with a mentor in a PR or advertising capacity and learn writing, interviewing, time management, and research skills. Daily log of activiteis must be kept. Final paper and computer graphics presentation required upon completion. Prerequisite: COMM 4310 and senior standing (or permission of faculty advisor).

Part-time employment experience in online journalism. Students will work with a mentor at a newspaper or magazine and learn production skills related to online newspapers and magazines. Daily log of activities must be kept. Final paper and computer graphics presentation required upon completion. Prerequisite: COMM 3365 and senior standing (or permission of faculty advisor).

Possible topics might include Introduction to Advertising, Online Journalism, Video Editin g, Popular Culture and the Mass Media. Theor ies of the Mass Media, etc.

This is a course for junior and senior Mass Communication/Public Relations majors which deals with contemporary issues in public relations theory and practice. The subject matter of the course will vary depending on issues that are prominent in the public relations field, but may include political campaigns, public opinion research and public relations as a management function. Offered Spring only. Prerequisite: COMM 2370.

Discussion of legal concepts in mass communication and journalism, including libel, obscenity, privacy, copyright, and telecommunications issues. Students will give in-class presentations on legal controversies and important court cases in the mass communication field. Prerequisite: COMM 2320 and 2360.

A survey of controversial issues regarding the mass media's effect on society, including violent and sexual content, government regulation, racial and ethnic stereotyping, media bias and the impact of new technologies. Prerequisite: COMM 2320.

This course is designed to help writers distance themselves from the creative process and function as editors of the own work and work of others, focusing on meaning accuracy, logic, language, sense, organization, style, and form appropriate to audience and medium. Students will edit local and wire service copy and become familiar with editing terms and procedures. Students will produce PR communication tools such as newsletters, brochures, media kits, media lists, audio news releases, speeches and public service announcements. Prerequisite: COMM 2360.

The study of distance communication and performance in terms of modern computer-mediated technologies such as e-mail, e-discussion groups, websites, videostreaming, webcasting, videoconferencing, teleconferencing, satellite presentation and other topics at the discretion of the instructor.

Capstone course examining a single topic in contemporary society from a communication perspective. Prerequisite: Senior standing or permission of instructor.

Students will work with a mentor in a speech classroom, in a local high school and learn effective pedagogical techniques in speech.

Possible topics might include Introduction to Advertising, Online Journalism, Video Editin g, Popular Culture and the Mass Media, Theori es of the Mass Media, etc.

Part-or full-time employment experience in a communication-related field off campus. Students will keep a log of all activities and report to the sponsoring faculty member as required. On-site mentors will evaluate student's performance of agreed-upon tasks. Prerequisite: junior standing and permission of faculty advisor.

Possible topics might inlcude Introduction to Advertising, Online Journalism, Video Editin g, Popular Culture and the Mass Media, Theori es of the Mass Media, etc.