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 and professional use of social media technology and how it enables the formation of digital communities. 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, COM 105, ENG 101, ENG 201 with a grade of a "C" or better or equivalent as determined by advisor. Co-requisite(s): None. 5 quarter hours

This course is an introduction to media and communications over the past century. Students will examine the influence that media have on attitudes, trends, and society’s perception of various forms of diversity. Students will research how forms of media impact ethics, patterns in business, social, and political communication across different communities. Students will examine living in the age of media and how the communications landscape has changed society and how individual communication styles evolve. Students will apply this knowledge and examine their own personal communications style through multiple media forms to identify possibilities for personal and professional growth. Pre-requisite(s): MES 104, COM 105 ,ENG 101, and ENG 201 with a grade of C or better or equivalent as determined by advisor. 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