Communication (COM)
COM 120 Newspaper Practicum 1,2 sem. hrs.
Performance of staff-assigned writing, editing, design, or distribution duties for student newspaper under faculty supervision. Recommended for first and second-year students. NOTE: Students work at least two hours per week for each semester hour of academic credit. No more than 8 hours of practicum and internship (COM 430) credits combined will count toward graduation. Offered every fall and spring.
COM 125 Newspaper Staff Practicum 3 sem. hrs.
Performance of staff position duties with student newspaper under faculty supervision. Communication and Corporate Communication majors only. NOTE: Students work at least two hours per week for each semester hour of academic credit. No more than 8 hours of practicum and internship (COM 430) credits combined will count toward graduation. Offered every fall and spring.
COM 130 Video Practicum 1-3 sem. hrs.
Performance of campus filming and production duties as assigned under faculty supervision. NOTE: Students work at least two hours per week for each semester hour of academic credit. No more than 8 hours of practicum and 9 hours of internship (COM 430) and practicum credits combined will count toward graduation. Offered every fall and spring. Prerequisite: COM 345 or with permission of the instructor,
COM 175 Digital Creativity Application 3 sem. hrs.
An introductory course focused on the design and digital media industry standard software, Adobe Creative Cloud, with an emphasis on Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign. Studio workflow, file management, and production-ready file set-up are also covered. No previous experience necessary. Required for all Visual Communication Design majors and minors.
COM 210 Mass Communication and Society 3 sem. hrs.
Survey study of history, organization, mechanics, and theory of the mass media. Various media are examined to understand their influence on society and individuals. Required for Communication majors and minors.
COM 211 Speech 3 sem. hrs.
Study of the principles of effective public speaking with emphasis on speech construction, audience analysis, and organization. Includes practice in extemporaneous speaking. Required for Communication majors and minors.
COM 212 Interpersonal Communication 3 sem. hrs.
Overview of the communication process in context of interpersonal communication. Emphasis on verbal and nonverbal messages and development of self-awareness, perception, and listening and responding skills. Required for Communication majors.
COM 225 Oral Interpretation 3 sem. hrs.
Logical and aesthetic meaning in drama, prose, and poetry for oral performance. In-depth work on pronunciation, articulation, emphasis, phrasing, expression, and delivery. Designed to develop basic proficiency in the physical and vocal skills necessary for the meaningful reading of literature.
COM 230 Design for Interactive Media 3 sem. hrs.
An introductory course focused on design for web and interactive media, utilizing industry standard tools and software. No pervious experience necessary. No prerequisites. Required for all Visual Communication Design majors and minors.
COM 235 Creative Digi Prac Production 3 sem. hrs.
Introduces digital production as a tool for artistic expression. Topics include digital imaging for print and screen, raster and vector graphics, video, animation and interactivity. Emphasis is on the application of acquired skills in the completion of creative projects.
COM 250 Writing for Mass Media 3 sem. hrs.
Fundamentals of reporting and writing for mass media. Emphasis on journalistic writing skills and techniques, interviewing and information gathering, and information organization and presentation. Offered fall and spring semesters.
COM 285 DM:Visual Communication 3 sem. hrs.
This course develops a visual and verbal vocabulary by examining relationships between form and content and word and image. It includes analysis of production and consumption of visual information, exploration of the role of images in the communication process and their application to journalism, broadcasting, public relations, advertising and digital media. Offered every fall semester.
COM 290 DV: Rac,Gen,Po in Mass Med 3 sem. hrs.
Examines the role of the mass media in maintaining, reflecting and shaping fundamental aspects of culture.
COM 291 Sports Broadcasting 3 sem. hrs.
Beginning level hands-on course covers fundamental aspects of sports broadcasting. Taught by professional sports broadcasters.
COM 292 Digital Photojournalism 3 sem. hrs.
A lecture/lab course dealing with fundamental aspects of modern photojournalism including digital photography, basic computer application and photo shooting experimentation.
COM 295 Graphic Design 3 sem. hrs.
An introduction to concept, tools, and history of Graphic Design. Cross listed as GD 295. Offered every fall.
Prerequisite: None.
COM 296 Graphic Design II 3 sem. hrs.
Studio course that examines the formal organization of 2D design with an emphasis on the letter form. History, theory and application of typography are explored through lectures, exercises and projects. Cross listed as GD 296. Offered every spring.
COM 305 H3:TH3: InterculturaComm. 3 sem. hrs.
Gaudium et Spes calls for a dialogue among the diverse cultures of the world. The purpose of this course is to develop the necessary skills to build and maintain positive communication and relationships across cultures. Students will focus on similarities and differences in communication styles and behaviors. Perceptions, language usage, nonverbal style, thinking modes, and values all will be explored to see how they influence both face-to-face and mediated communication across different cultures.
COM 311 Professional Presentations 3 sem. hrs.
Introduces PowerPoint as an application that allows students a variety of options for designing, building, printing and delivering professional presentations.
Prerequisite: COM 211.
COM 315 DV: Group Process 3 sem. hrs.
Principles of communication as they function in decision-making and problem-solving groups. Emphasis on roles, norms, leadership, methods of group discussion, and problem solving.
COM 316 Digital Storytelling 3 sem. hrs.
This course explores the interactivity and narrative of digital media through the creation of audio and video projects. We will examine digital media as a tool for seeing, exploring, expressing and social critique. Potential topics include sequences and transitions, rhythm and repetition, interactivity and the role of the observer. Focus is on the application of learning in creating digital narratives.
Prerequisite: COM 235 or with permission of the instructor.
COM 320 Research Methods in Mass Comm 3 sem. hrs.
An introduction to the significant questions about the processes of mass communication and the strategies that can be used to answer such questions. Includes a variety of both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Offered every fall semester.
COM 330 Desktop Publishing 3 sem. hrs.
Theory and practical application of visual elements of layout and design, using computer application for text, graphics, headlines, and other elements of the printed page.
COM 340 Radio Production 3 sem. hrs.
Theory and practice in radio production. Topics considered include editing, station management, commercials, public service announcements, and various program formats.
COM 345 Video Content Production 3 sem. hrs.
Theory and practice in television and radio production. Topics considered include camera operation, editing and production of commercials, public service announcements, production of video content for online distribution, and various program formats.
COM 350 Adv Jour Writ/Edit Print Media 3 sem. hrs.
Concepts, theories and practices of various forms of investigative and public affairs reporting with emphasis on developing in-depth news gathering and writing skills. Course also covers fundamentals of editing: copy editing, headlining and layout.
Prerequisite: COM 250, Spectator Staff position.
COM 355 Broadcast Writing/Journalism 3 sem. hrs.
Theory and practice in writing for broadcast media. First half of course focuses on creative broadcast writing (advertising, television comedy and drama scripting) and its formats. Second half of course emphasizes broadcast journalism.
Prerequisite: COM 250.
COM 360 Advert & PR in a Digital World 3 sem. hrs.
History, concepts, and theories of how business and industry use and interact with various media to disseminate messages and establish images.
Prerequisite: COM 210 for COM majors/minors.
COM 365 Writing for Advertising and PR 3 sem. hrs.
Creative writing think-tank and lab for practice in developing advertising/public relations campaigns and their specific elements. Focus on market research, ad writing, special event planning, media crises and client presentation.
Prerequisites: COM 250, COM 360 or permission of instructor.
COM 370 Mass Media Law and Ethics 3 sem. hrs.
Introduction to legal and ethical issues associated with mass media, including freedom of expression, libel, privacy, access to information, protection of news sources, free press-fair trial, copyright, and government regulation of broadcasting.
COM 385 Film as Communication 3 sem. hrs.
History of film with special emphasis on production principles of filmmaking and developing principles of film interpretation.
Prerequisite: Junior status recommended.
COM 400-2 Magazine Article Writing 3 sem. hrs.
Writing course focusing on the development of individual student magazine articles. Familiarizes students with a range of publication options, subjects, formats, and writing styles in the modern magazine industry.
Prerequisite: COM 250.
COM 400-3 Computer Assisted Reporting 3 sem. hrs.
Writing course focused on using computers to explore the range of sources and information-gathering methods that foster variety, depth, scope and context in modern journalistic writing.
Prerequisite: COM 250.
COM 400-4 Sports Writing 3 sem. hrs.
Writing course focusing on the development of individual student articles. Familiarizes students with a range of publication options, subjects, formats, and writing styles in the modern sports journalism industry.
Prerequisite: COM 250.
COM 400-5 Writing for Social Media 3 sem. hrs.
Writing course focusing on the use of social media for varied purposes including personal expression, marketing communication, and journalism.
Prerequisite: COM 250.
COM 400-7 Screenwriting 3 sem. hrs.
Writing course focusing on the development, format, and structure of film screenplays.
COM 400-9 Writing for Digital Media 3 sem. hrs.
This course is focused on writing for digital platforms. In developing Web and other projects, students will consider issues such as language, collaboration, interactivity, audience, and information architecture.
Prerequisite: COM 250.
COM 401 Magazine Article Writing 3 sem. hrs.
Writing course focusing on the development of individual student magazine articles. Familiarizes students with a range of publication options, subjects, formats, and writing styles in the modern magazine industry.
Prerequisite: COM 250.
COM 402 Advanced Desktop Publishing 3 sem. hrs.
Advanced, hands-on course explores theory and practical application of layout and design using computer application of text, graphics and other elements of the printed page.
Prerequisite: COM 330.
COM 408 Adv Digital Photojournalism 3 sem. hrs.
A lecture/lab course dealing with intermediate and advanced aspects of modern photojournalism including digital photography, computer photography applications and preparation for publication and exhibition.
Prerequisite: COM 292.
COM 410 Spec Topics in Communication 3 sem. hrs.
Advanced application of Communication skills to specific issue or project.
COM 420 Mass Comm Issues/Ethics 3 sem. hrs.
Social, legal, professional and ethical issues related to mass media's influence on individuals and society. Capstone course required for Communication majors. Senior status required. Offered every spring semester.
COM 430 Media Internship 1-6 sem. hrs.
Experience with area newspapers, radio or television stations, advertising or public relations firms, or other media-related or affiliated businesses and organizations. Upper level Communication majors and minors and Corporate Communication majors only. Students work at least three hours per week for each semester hour of academic credit. No more than a total of 8 hours for COM 100-level and 430-level coursework will count toward graduation. By arrangement with communication department internship supervisor. Open only to Communication majors and minors and Corporate Communication majors. Offered every semester.
COM 432 Digital Media Internship 1-6 sem. hrs.
Professional experience working with a corporation or non-profit organization in managing and creating digital media. Students work at least three hours per week for each semester hour of academic credit. No more than a total of 9 hours for COM 100-level and 432-level coursework will count toward graduation. By arrangement with Communication department internship supervisor. Open only to Digital Media track students. Offered every semester.
COM 445 Adv TV/Video Production 3 sem. hrs.
Workshop format for the writing, production, and editing of advanced individual video project. Projects may range in scope from artistic to mainstream/consumer orientation. This course is geared for the development of a professional portfolio.
Prerequisite: COM 345.
COM 460 Adv Advertising/Public Relat 3 sem. hrs.
Workshop format. Development and presentation of advertising/public relations campaigns for client organizations. Application of communication theory and research technique to analysis of advertising/public relations problems in organization and cultural environments.
Prerequisite: COM 360.
COM 475 Sr Capstone Exper Corp Communi 3 sem. hrs.
This course requires students to integrate the skills and knowledge garnered in previous coursework in corporate communication. It is an experiential course that focuses on the strategies and practices of communication and media management in organizations. Students work in teams to analyze the strengths and weakness of particular organizations and campaigns. Students will gain practical experience as well as further their understanding of the theoretical and underpinnings of corporate communication. Senior status required. No Longer required for Corporate Communication Major Replaced with COM 420
COM 490 Independent Study 1-3 sem. hrs.
Directed readings, discussions, and research of specific topics in communication. By arrangement with the instructor and with permission of the Division Chair and Dean of Instruction. Offered every semester.