COM101 INTRODUCTION TO MASS COMMUNICATIONS (3). An examination of all phases of mass communications. Print and electronic media, public relations, and advertising are examined in terms of their historical development and the impact of the First Amendment, their effect on mass culture and gender bias issues and their relatioship to a free society. Special emphasis is placed on media as a means of conveying information. Clips from classic and popular films, television programs, and radio shows are examined. Continual emphasis is given to how the media affect our attitudes, values and habits. Each Fall/Each Spring.
COM155 BASIC PHOTOGRAPHY (4). An introduction to photographic theory and practice with an emphasis on the print as an artistic form of communication. Includes black and white film and print processing and the study of photographic equipment and techniques. Color theory is introduced. Laboratory. Prerequisite: Access to a 35mm camera with manual settings. Each Fall/Each Spring.
COM206 PUBLIC SPEAKING (3). A continuation of skills initiated in IDS106 Effective
Speech Strategies Workshop. Engages students in the practice of oral and written communication by expanding their knowledge and understanding of different speech types and speech preparations. Students demonstrate effective communication skills by developing organizational strategies for a variety of speaking styles according to audience and purpose; clarify personal thinking skills through oral communication; demonstrate a knowledge of grammar, usage and syntax while speaking; and enrich speaking with writing, listening, viewing, and reading experiences. Develops an awareness of the importance of oral communication in today's global society. Demonstrative, informative, and persuasive forms of speaking are studied and practiced. Prerequisite IDS106. Each Fall/ Each Spring.
COM220 WRITING FOR THE MASS MEDIA (3). Examines the fundamental skills of writing and reporting for diverse audiences in the contemporary media environment. Emphasis is on interviewing, reporting, writing, and editing stories for both print and electronic media. Prerequisite: ENG101 or permission of area. Each Fall/Alternate Spring -Spring 2007.
COM258 BASIC VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS (4). Introduction to graphic and electronic communication. Includes experiences in slide production, offset lithography, video production, and script writing. Laboratory. Each Fall.
COM305 FILM SURVEY (3). An introduction to film, from its invention to the present. Involves viewing films, writing about them, and discussing them. Each Fall/Each Spring.
COM325 MEDIA LAW AND ETHICS (3). A course which explores issues in media ethics and laws. Includes discussion of the 1st Amendment, obscenity and copyright laws, and the conflict between media as a profit making business and a public institution. Prerequisite: COM101. Alternate years. Spring 2007.
COM339 VIDEO WORKSHOP (3). Video production course. Single and multimedia camera studio environments are used. This includes camera and editing techniques in live and post-production situations. Projects will encompass individual and group work formats. Post-production non-linear editing and graphics using a computer are emphasized. Prerequisites: COM155 and junior or senior standing or permission of the area. COM258 may be taken concurrently. Each Spring.
COM341 PHOTOJOURNALISM (3). Students explore the various modes of contemporary photojournalism in film and digital environments. Through a variety of assignments and workshop critiques, students gain practical experience in news photography, photographic stories, documentary photography, and photographic illustration. Prerequisites: COM155 and junior or senior standing or permission of the area.
COM343 FUNDAMENTALS OF WEB DESIGN (3). An introduction to the basic theories and skills used in development of web sites. The course looks at web development from the perspective of content, page, site, and interface design. Students learn the fundamentals of the hypertext markup language (HTML) and gain practical experience with visual layout and graphics software used in the professional media environment. The course stresses a handson approach, allowing students to explore creativity through a series of projects. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing or permission of the area. Each Fall.
COM344 INTERACTIVE WEB DESIGN (3). The course focuses on the theories, skills, and techniques used to create advanced interactive components for web sites. Students gain practical experience with visual layout, multimedia, and graphics software used in the professional media environment. The course stresses a hands-on approach, allowing students to explore creativity through a series of projects. Prerequisites: COM343 and junior or senior standing or permission of the area. Each Spring.
COM345 BROADCAST JOURNALISM (3). An examination of the journalistic theories, techniques, and skills used in the electronic media. Emphasis is on writing, production, and presentation of the news for radio, television, and web mediums. Prerequisite: COM220. Alternate years. Spring 2006.
COM347 INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION (3). The exploration of interpersonal relationships in personal and professional environments. Topics include perception, listening, conflict management, and the development and maintenance of relationships. Alternate years. Spring 2006.
COM349 GRAPHIC COMMUNICATIONS (4). Print media is studied as a form of communication. Includes techniques in problem solving, idea generation, computer-generated page layout, and offset lithography production. Each Fall.
COM350 STUDIES IN COMMUNICATION (3). The course provides an opportunity for advanced study of various areas of communication. Possible topics for specific courses include advertising, organizational communication, photography, documentary production, and sound recording and production. The particular topic for a given term will be announced in the course schedule. May be repeated when topics vary. Each Fall/Each Spring.
COM353 COMPUTER GRAPHICS I (3). The study of illustration techniques utilizing the Macintosh computer and Adobe Illustrator with an emphasis on tool usage and drawing techniques. prerequisite: Junior or senior standing. Each Fall.
COM354 COMPUTER GRAPHICS II (3). The continued study of illustration techniques utilizing the Macintosh computer and Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop with an emphasis on tool usage, drawing techniques, and photograph manipulation. Prerequisites: COM353 and junior or senior standing or permission of the area. Each Spring.
COM355 INTERMEDIATE PHOTOGRAPHY (4). The study of photography as a personal form of expression. Includes photographic darkroom special effects, camera manipulations and color photography. Laboratory. Prerequisites: COM155 and access to a 35mm camera with manual settings and an electronic flash unit. Alternate years. Spring 2006.
COM365 PUBLIC RELATIONS (3). The study of public relations and its role within an organization and society. Students are introduced to the theory and practice of public relations and campaign development. The course stresses hands-on experience with the various modes of communication used by practitioners. Other topics include media relations, ethics, and legal considerations. Prerequisites: COM101 and COM206 recommended. Each Spring.
COM420 ADVANCED JOURNALISM (3). Advanced study in interviewing, reporting, writing, editing, and photojournalism. Students develop a critical perspective to evaluate their own writing and the work of others. Projects are critiqued in a workshop setting. Prerequisites: COM220 and junior or senior standing. Alternate years. Spring 2006.
COM425 PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGEMENT (3). Advanced study in the theory and practice of public relations from a management perspective. The course looks at advanced theories and skills associated with strategic planning. Students apply critical thinking and writing skills to a variety of public relations problems and case studies. Relationships with clients, media organizations, and the public area are also analyzed and discussed. Prerequisites: COM365 and junior or senior standing. Alternate years. Spring 2007.
COM430 WORDS AND IMAGES: MEDIA PRODUCTION (4). Combines the practical application of video techniques and script writing in the production of video programs. Group dynamics and radio scripting are also studied. Laboratory. Prerequisites: COM258 and junior or senior standing. Each Spring.
COM460 INTERNSHIP (1-6). An opportunity to work in a professional capacity. On-the-job work experiences are integrated with educational objectives to give students an opportunity to broaden their learning experiences.
COM475 SPECIAL PRACTICUM (1-3). Student yearbook or newspaper internship. See ENG475. Prerequisite: COM155, COM220 or COM258. Each Fall/Each Spring.