COM-0160 Public Speaking
The course provides practical experience organizing and delivering
oral presentations. Students are challenged to think critically and
speak effectively about a variety of topics. Formal assignments consist
of informative, persuasive and ceremonial speeches. Students participate
in class as both presenter and evaluator. Offered in spring. 3 credits.
COM-0170 Publication Design
Students are taught general concepts of publication design and
specific skills for designing and producing newsletters, literary
magazines, and other publications. The course will provide students with
a complete overview of print publication production from start to
finish. They will be taught various software applications for page
layout and graphic design functions utilized in the workplace. Offered
every other year. 3 credits.
COM-0175 Introduction to Documentary Film Making
Students will develop, shoot, edit, and exhibit documentary-based
films on a variety of subjects. The course will culminate with a
class-generated film. In addition, each student will work on his or her
own documentary films throughout the semester. Prerequisite: permission
of instructor. 3 credits.
COM-0200 Acting
Studio work on freeing and using the voice, mind, and body for
performance. Includes methods and practice in developing speeches,
dialogue, and scenes, both scripted and improvised. Texts and scripts
vary from classical to modern; the course includes a public workshop
performance. May be repeated with permission of instructor as a more
advanced acting course. Required for the theater minor; can fulfill a
teacher certification requirement. Same as THE-0200. No prerequisite.
Offered fall semester. 3 credits.
COM-0213 Radio and Sound Production
An introduction to the history, theories, and fundamentals of audio
production and how they are applied, chiefly to the field of radio
broadcasting. This is a hands-on course in which students will learn to
operate audio production hardware and apply that knowledge to producing
their own non-broadcast radio productions. No prerequisite. 3 credits.
COM-0215 Intercultural Communication
This course serves as an introduction to the field of intercultural
communication. Students will develop an understanding of the
intercultural communication process, learn to appreciate diverse ways of
communicating in different cultures, and increase their understanding
of cultural issues – both at home and abroad – that influence
communication effectiveness. No prerequisite. 3 credits.
COM-0220 Public Relations
This course is an introduction to the growing field of public
relations and seeks to help students gain a full understanding of its
applications and principles. In this course, students will examine how
the field developed, its status today and its future as a force in
society, as well as examine how public relations plays a role in various
types of organizations and industries. Prerequisite: WRT-0170 or
permission of instructor. Offered every other fall. 3 credits.
COM-0225 Environmental Communication
This
course will explore communication about environmental issues within the
various forms of communication. Topics covered include environmental
information about education campaigns, social marketing, environmental
journalism, media coverage of environmental issues, public relations
about environmental issues, green marketing, environment in popular
culture, risk communication and public participation in environmental
decision making. Prerequisite: COM-0275. Offered every other spring. 3
credits.
COM-0230 Advertising Copywriting
This course
will approach the subject of advertising by introducing history and
fundamental advertising techniques with the skill set required to
interpret messages with intended meanings and critique creative
techniques in ad messages. Additionally, this course will inspire
students to be active participants and consumers of the advertising
medium. Prerequisite: WRT-0110. Offered every other spring. 3 credits.
COM-0233 Technical Writing
Technical Writing teaches students the skills necessary to connect
effective communication with professional and organizational goals
within the workplace. Students will learn to communicate an
organization's positions effectively and efficiently across multiple
media platforms emphasizing the written word. The subject centered focus
of the course will vary each semester from industry to industry at the
instructor's discretion. This course is cross listed with WRT-0233.
Prerequisite: WRT-0170. 3 credits.
COM-0235 Communication Research
This course provides students with essential knowledge of the
research methodologies, principles, techniques, and applications
required within the communications industry. Students will complete
projects using fundamental research tools such as surveys, focus groups,
and content analyses to gain valuable real-world experience and
understand the value of sound data when making informed decisions.
Prerequisite: WRT-0110. 3 credits.
COM-0240 Business Writing
Business Writing is designed for students from a range of majors to
learn the necessary rhetorical and research skills needed for their
professional careers. Assignments will include business letters, memos,
reports, proposals, and collaborative projects. The subject-centered
focus of the course will vary each semester at the instructor’s
discretion. This course is offered spring semesters. This course cross
lists with WRT-0240. Prerequisite: WRT-0110. 3 credits.
COM-0237 Information Gathering in the 21st Century
This course introduces Communication majors to the types of
research and information gathering skills essential for journalists,
public relations practitioners, and other professionals. It will include
a review of sources available in the library, computer resources, and
municipal, state, and federal government documents. In addition to
becoming skilled seekers in the digital/paper chase, students will gain
an overview of the “right to access” issues, including the Freedom of
Information Act and the ethics of privacy. In short, students will learn
strategies for gathering information and critically analyzing it. No
prerequisite. 3 credits.
COM-0250 Introduction to Journalism
This course examines the nature and definition of news, and
introduces students to the fundamentals of gathering and writing news
stories and features, interviewing, covering a beat, and meeting
deadlines. In addition, the course explores the ethical and legal
boundaries of journalism and the responsibilities of journalists through
readings and discussions about media, law, and ethics. During the
course of the semester, students will submit their work to The Rambler,
the College’s student newspaper. Prerequisite: WRT-0110 or permission of
instructor. Offered every other year. 3 credits.
COM-0255 Magazine Writing
This course introduces students to the skills, techniques, and
styles for reporting and writing feature-length, non-fiction articles
for magazines. This course is cross listed with WRT-0255. Prerequisite
WRT-0110. Offered as needed. 3 credits.
COM-0260 Radio Writing and Announcing
An introduction to the fundamentals of radio, especially writing
for the medium and the skills necessary for announcing. Prerequisite:
WRT-0110. Offered as needed. 3 credits.
COM-0263 Writing for the Media
This course will introduce students to the form, style and content
found in written forms of mass media. Students will learn the basics of
writing for print and broadcast journalism, public relations,
advertising and new media. Prerequisite: COM-0275. Offered every other
spring. 3 credits.
COM-0265 Global Communication
This course examines the development and the impact of mass
communications throughout the world, comparing and contrasting systems
and the impact on their languages, cultures, and societies. No
prerequisite. Offered every other year. 3 credits.
COM-0270 Broadcast Production
A study of broadcast production in general and television
production in particular. The student will learn what it takes to be a
producer — writing, booking, and helping to create a show. No
prerequisite. Offered as needed. 3 credits.
COM-0275 Introduction to Mass Media
This course is designed to acquaint students with the terminology
and history of various media forms (newspaper, television, movies,
social media, etc.) as well as examine the media's current landscape and
its future placement in society. Students will also acquaint themselves
with the various communications profession that interact with these
media. No Prerequisite. Offered fall semester. 3 credits.
COM-0290 Political Speech Writing
A study of political campaigns and the writing necessary for such
campaigns. Also focuses on the duties and responsibilities of the press
secretary. Prerequisite: WRT-0110 or COM-0160. Offered as needed. 3
credits.
COM-0320 Linguistics of Communication
A study of various means of communication: e.g., body language,
oral and written language, and sign language. Can fulfill a teacher
certification requirement. This course is cross-listed with EDU-0320. No
prerequisite. Offered spring semester. 3 credits.
COM-0330 Media Law and Regulation
This course examines the evolution of laws and regulations that
apply to the mass media. Students will be required to grasp the major
concepts of law in several areas, including privacy, libel, commercial
speech, and broadcast/cable/Internet regulation. Prerequisite: COM-0220,
COM-0250, COM-0255 or permission of instructor. 3 credits
COM-0412 Special Topics in Communication
This course provides an opportunity for students to study current
topics in Communication under the direction of a member of the faculty.
Prerequisite: Junior or Senior Communication major status and permission
of instructor. 1, 2 or 3 credits.
COM-0480 Senior Seminar
This course serves as the culminating experience for communication
students to demonstrate their research, implementation, analytical,
written, oral and creative skills in a comprehensive examination. The
seminar also helps seniors transition into post-college life by
assisting with resume enhancement, portfolio development and
interviewing skills. Prerequisite: Senior Communication students only.
Offered spring semester. 3 credits.
COM-0495 Communication Internship
Student will intern at a media or communication outlet to apply
theory to practice. Requires approval of communication faculty advisor,
SASC and intern site. Offered both semesters. 1-3 credits.
COM-0496 Independent Study
Arranged
on an individual basis with credits and requirements determined in
consultation with communication faculty advisor. 1-3 credits.