Catalog 2014-2015

COM - Communication

COM 222 Media Aesthetics and Creativity

In this class, students will be asked to explore their own creative processes and develop identities as creative thinkers and producers of media. Students will research theories about creativity; explore aesthetic principles relating to two-dimensional, interactive and time-based media; and experiment with traditional and experimental narrative techniques. The focus will be on developing creative concepts in pre-production phases (e.g., sketching, storyboarding, storytelling, writing treatments and artist statements, experimenting with electronic media). Students will work both individually and in groups; research and synthesize substantive ideas from outside influences; and effectively present ideas in oral, visual and written forms.

Credit Hours: 4

COM 224 Mass Media and Society

Studies the fundamentals of communication theory to provide a foundation for understanding how the mass media work, how they influence us, how we can analyze them and how we can effectively use them. Students can apply these critical skills to their roles as responsible consumers and communication professionals. May be used to fulfill the general distribution requirements for the social sciences if not used for the major. 

This is a CORE foundation course for all communication majors.

Credit Hours: 4

COM 225 Media Writing

An introduction to the principles and practices of writing for major types of mass communication media, with an emphasis on content, organization, conciseness and clarity. Students learn different styles of writing for print media, broadcast media, the Web, advertising and public relations. This course also discusses the ethical and legal implications of writing for the media.

Credit Hours: 4
(W)

COM 226 Introduction to Scriptwriting for Motion Pictures and Television

Students learn and practice the principles behind the art and craft of scriptwriting for short, single-camera "motion picture" format, and multi-camera, live audience television (such as situation comedies). May not be used to satisfy general distribution requirements.

Credit Hours: 4
(W)

COM 232 Visual Literacy

It is one of the great ironies of contemporary existence that we are beset, informed, controlled and constructed by images, yet we receive almost no formal training in understanding and creating visual communication. Visual Literacy addresses this issue through interdisciplinary study of the terminology and theory of visual communication, with special emphasis on the relationship of visuality and cultural practice. Considering ideas from art history, photography, film, mass media and cultural studies, students are asked to analyze visual rhetoric, begin to see critically, articulate meaning and author visual rhetoric of their own. May be used to fulfill the general distribution requirements for the humanities if not used for the major.

This is a CORE foundation course for all communication majors.

Credit Hours: 4
(A)

COM 234 Topics in Communication

Credit Hours: 1-4

COM 236 Topics in Communication

Credit Hours: 1-4

COM 237 Topics in Communication

Credit Hours: 1-4

COM 241 Introduction to Sound, Image and Motion

An introduction to hands-on digital film production and post-production. Each student will complete a short documentary, narrative and experimental film. Technical instruction will include level-one instruction on non-linear digital editing software and an introduction to HD cameras. Students will be introduced to portable equipment at the cage (including cameras, tripods, audio recording tools and more) and production facilities, including the black box studio space. Class will be comprised of technical demonstrations, in-class shoots and critiques of student work. Basic history, theory and aesthetics of related media are presented.

May not be used to satisfy general distribution requirements. Laboratory fee required.

Credit Hours: 4

COM 242 Digital Citizenship

Digital Citizenship introduces digital media production as a means of self-discovery, self-expression and civic engagement through three key issues: how do we define and know our identities given the dominant ways we express them today? How, to what purpose and with what responsibilities do we express our identities outward into public spheres? And how can we use media authoring skills to recognize and solve social problems? Through Internet research, social media, blogging and image capture, manipulation and distribution, students will develop skills to go from casual users of various contemporary technologies to digital rhetoricians practicing active, engaged citizenship. 

This is a CORE foundation course for all communication majors.

Credit Hours: 4

COM 250 Practicum in Broadcast Management

Students are responsible for the programming and management of WUTV and WUTZ, the University's closed-circuit television and radio stations. Students are encouraged to register for 1 to 2 credit hours initially and to save 4 credit hours for officer positions. Students also may participate as volunteers for either station. (Limited to 6 credit hours total.)

Credit Hours: 1-4

COM 260 American Cinema

A basic introduction to film studies. Surveys the history of American narrative film with an emphasis on the cultural impact of film in society. May be used to fulfill the general distribution requirements for the humanities if not used for the major.

Credit Hours: 4
(A)

COM 261 World Cinema

An examination of world cinema movements. May be used to fulfill Third World requirements. May be used to fulfill the general distribution requirements for the humanities if not used for the major.

Credit Hours: 4
(A) (IG) (NW)

COM 283 Principles of Advertising

This course introduces students to the historical, cultural, economic, and social aspects of advertising. Students will discusses advertising’s relationship to marketing as well as its role in traditional and new media landscapes. This course also provides an overview of advertising management, advertising planning, advertising creativity and concepts, global advertising, and laws affecting advertising. (This course replaces COM 282, Survey of Advertising and Public Relations.)

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

This course may not be taken if the student has already taken and received a passing grade in COM 282.

COM 284 Principles of Public Relations

This is an introductory course to public relations communication. The primary objectives of this course are to help students recognize the basic concepts and principles of public relations, to help them gain an understanding of the social importance of public relations in our community and organizations, and to help students personalize these concepts to their professional career interests. (This course replaces COM 282, Survey of Advertising and Public Relations.)
Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

This course may not be taken if the student has already taken and received a passing grade in COM 282.

COM 285 Information Design

Draws from a variety of design theories to create and analyze workplace documents such as training, marketing and documentation materials. Emphasis will be placed on thinking creatively about how to make information as usable as possible, and choosing appropriate media and genre for communicative purposes. Students will put theory into practice by writing and designing portfolio pieces. May not be used to satisfy general distribution requirements.

Credit Hours: 4
(W)

COM 300 The Documentary Tradition

Survey course on the visual documentary tradition. May be used to satisfy general distribution requirements in the humanities if not used for the major.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

COM 232 or consent of instructor.

COM 301 Introduction to Organizational Communication

This course introduces students to theory, research and applied practice in the study of organizational communication. Students will explore the role human communication plays in structuring, maintaining and changing organizations, and they will explore specific issues within the study of organizational communication including socialization, decision-making, conflict, stress and burnout, cultural diversity and external communication.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

COM 224.

COM 302 Digital Arts for Professional Communication

This course teaches strategic use of digital tools for business purposes, including development of corporate identification, layout of print collateral, creation of print and web graphics, production and editing of small-scale video, creation of a simple websites, and development of blogs and other social media.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

ART 210 and COM 222 or COM 225 or consent of instructor.

COM 303 Studio Television I

Emphasizes formal aspects of studio video-production operations, including camera switching, lighting, sound and accessory equipment and remote-location production for integration into a studio program. This course provides production support for WUTV programming. May be used to satisfy general distribution requirements in the humanities if not used for the communication major. Laboratory fee required.

Credit Hours: 4
(A)

Prerequisites

COM 225 or COM 226 and one of the following: JOU 221, COM 241, or COM 242.

COM 312 Narrative Production

This course offers students a hands-on opportunity to explore narrative filmmaking using digital technologies in a combined theory and practice approach. Each student completes a series of short digital films relating to the history, theory and aesthetics of narrative film. Technical instruction includes digital cinematography, lighting, sound and editing. Class includes screenings and discussions on the history and theory of the narrative film. May be used to fulfill the general distribution requirements for the humanities if not used for communication or the film and media arts majors. Laboratory fee required.

Credit Hours: 4
(A)

Prerequisites

COM 226 and COM 241 or COM 313.

COM 313 Documentary Production

This course offers students a hands-on opportunity to explore documentary filmmaking using digital technologies in a combined theory and practice approach. Class includes screenings and discussions on the history and theory of documentary film and video. Technical instruction includes digital cinematography, lighting, sound and editing. Each student completes one or more short digital films relating to the history, theory and aesthetics of the documentary film. May be used to fulfill the general distribution requirements for the humanities if not used for communication or the film and media arts majors. Laboratory fee required.

Credit Hours: 4
(A)

Prerequisites

One of the following: JOU 221, COM 241, or COM 242.

COM 314 Experimental Filmmaking

This course offers students a hands-on opportunity to explore experimental filmmaking in a combined theory and practice approach. Each student completes one or more short films relating to the history, theory and aesthetics of the experimental film. Technical instruction includes cinematography, camera operation, lighting, editing and sound. Class includes screenings and discussions on the history and theory of experimental cinema. May be used to fulfill the general distribution requirements for the humanities, if not used for communication or the film and media arts majors. Laboratory fee required.
Credit Hours: 4
(A)

Prerequisites

COM 241 or COM 313

COM 315 Web Design

This studio course introduces students to Web design techniques, technologies and theories, including (X)HTML, CSS and Web design software. Almost all work is performed at a computer. Laboratory fee required.
Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

COM 210, COM 241, JOU 221 or consent of instructor

COM 323 Frontiers of Communication

This is a course in the politics, economics and technologies of the information age. Areas covered include basic designs of the new technologies, marketing strategies utilized to bring them to the public, and the social changes that may ensue. Emphasis is on the merger of telephone, television and computer technologies at the consumer level, and state-of-the-art developments within institutions. May be used to fulfill general distribution requirements for the social sciences if not used for the major.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

COM 224.

COM 325 Writing for Broadcast News

This course covers the elements of broadcast news writing and production, including the structure of radio and television news and feature stories, research and interviewing techniques, "package" production and ethical considerations. May not be used to satisfy general distribution requirements.

Credit Hours: 4
(W)

Prerequisites

COM 225.

COM 326 Political Campaigns and Electoral Politics

An exploration of the electoral process, particularly in the United States, with emphasis on the role of communication in political campaigns.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

COM 224 or consent of instructor.

COM 327 Communication and Law

Communication and Law is the study of concepts, policies, laws and court decisions that affect communication in our society. Through text, scholarly and popular articles, sound and video recordings, court decisions, lectures and class participation, we explore critical legal principles of civilized democratic society and the range of laws that protect or restrain communication within it. In addition to examining such principles and laws for their own merit (or lack of it), the course provides a practical basis upon which students who seek to become communications professionals can identify legal issues that will influence their professional conduct.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

COM 224 and junior or senior standing.

COM 331 The Creative Triangle

The Creative Triangle explores the roles in the creative decision-making processes of the director, cinematographer and production designer. It emphasizes the technical, administrative and communication skills that provide the means for successful realization of drama, television, documentary and new media projects. The aim is to develop a wide range of skills necessary for effective performance in these roles in the context of complex creative collaboration. Laboratory fee required.

Credit Hours: 4
(A)

Prerequisites

Any of the following: COM 312, COM 313, COM 314.

COM 332 Television Criticism

This is a survey of traditions of television criticism. The class covers key areas of television research and criticism, including narrative, aesthetic, production-oriented, economic, audience-centered, and ideological approaches to TV. The class will address questions related to TV as a technology, the broadcast and post-network eras of TV, the globalization of media programming, as well as a wide range of TV genres and their conventions.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

COM 224.

COM 333 Studio Television II

The purpose of the course is to apply studio television training to the production of a weekly telecast. Students are required to expand previous training in studio television to include planning, budgeting, booking guests in advance and program planning. Each facet of producing a weekly telecast is explored, including prerecorded elements and the roles of associate producer, assistant director, graphics wraparound and set design. Laboratory fee required.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

COM 303 or consent of instructor.

COM 334 Information and the New World Order

Examines the cultural, political, economic and ethical issues surrounding a complex, international communication movement known as the New World Information Order. Explores all aspects of the topic, with an emphasis on threats to the national sovereignty of developing countries, the bias of international news agencies and cultural imperialism. May be used to fulfill Third World requirements. May be used to fulfill general distribution requirements for the social sciences if not used for the major.

Credit Hours: 4
(IG) (NW)

Prerequisites

COM 224, junior or senior standing, or consent of instructor.

COM 335 Survey of Independent Video and Film

Students study and view tapes and films produced as part of the non-commercial independent movement. May be used to satisfy general distribution requirements in the humanities if not used for the major.

Credit Hours: 4
(A)

Prerequisites

COM 232 or permission of the instructor.

COM 337 Corporate Uses of Media

Students learn how to evaluate and script creative communication projects within the corporate environment. The scripts are for a variety of applications, client needs and audience levels. May not be used to satisfy general distribution requirements.

Credit Hours: 4
(W)

Prerequisites

COM 225.

COM 339 Mobile Application Design

This course teaches students to create web-based interactive applications for mobile devices. Students will apply advanced web design and interactive programming techniques to produce applications that are compatible with a variety of mobile platforms. They will learn writing and design strategies to produce content optimized for mobile devices. They will be introduced to software and protocols for converting their web-based applications to "native" applications designed to run on specific platforms and devices.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

ART 311 OR COM 315

COM 340 Screenwriting I

Covers the elements of writing feature film scripts including character development, dialogue and dramatic structure. May not be used to satisfy general distribution requirements.

Credit Hours: 4
(A) (W)

Prerequisites

COM 226 or COM 240.

COM 342 Producing for Motion Picture and Digital Media

A study of producing for cinema, television, interactive, and commercial and business applications. Students acquire skills in production budgets, package development, script breakdown, cost projections, shooting schedules, and marketing and sales presentations.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

Junior or senior standing and one or more of COM 303, COM 312, COM 313, COM 314, COM 315, or COM 363, or instructor's permission.

COM 343 Advanced Post-Production Techniques

Students explore advanced creative and technical possibilities of motion picture editing using the University's advanced digital editing facilities. May not be used to satisfy general distribution requirements. Laboratory fee required.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

One of the following: COM 241, COM 312, COM 313 or COM 314, or consent of the instructor.

COM 344 Special Topics

Credit Hours: 1-4

COM 346 Writing for Interactive Media

This course explores practice and theory of writing for interactive media, including hypertext and hypermedia, narrative games, critical games, and location-based media. May not be used to satisfy general distribution requirements.

Credit Hours: 4
(W)

Prerequisites

One of the following: COM 225, COM 226, WRI 200, or WRI 220

COM 348 Writing the Situation Comedy

This course is an introduction to the mechanics of writing for television. From idea through final draft, students learn the process of developing scripts for television. The structural demands of commercial television and cable are explored. The student obtains a grounding in the historical development of marketable TV genres. The selling and buying of a script are analyzed, as well as strategies for creating a teleplay by oneself or with a staff of writers. May not be used to satisfy general distribution requirements.

Credit Hours: 4
(W)

Prerequisites

COM 226 or consent of instructor.

COM 354 Internship in Communication

Internships are with local, state and national sponsors throughout the communication field. COM 354 cannot be used to meet the 300-or-above-level requirement in the major. May not be used to satisfy general distribution requirements.

Credit Hours: 1-4

Prerequisites

Junior or senior standing, minimum GPA of 3.0 in major and consent of instructor.

COM 360 Film Directors

A search for the defining characteristics of a director's works, including issues of thematic motifs and visual style. May be used to satisfy general distribution requirements in the humanities if not used for the major.

Credit Hours: 4
(A) (W)

Prerequisites

COM 260 or COM 261 or consent of instructor.

COM 361 Film Genres

This course will be an investigation into the thematic, theoretical, technical and structural concepts that contribute to our understanding of film genre. Students, through weekly informal writing as well as significant research-based formal papers, will sharpen their analytical, critical and research skills. Specifically, they will employ the methodology of critical inquiry and utilize appropriate vocabulary and processes to engage, through analysis, research, writing and discussion, in the dialogues of our discipline. May be used to satisfy general distribution requirements in the humanities if not used for the major.
Credit Hours: 4
(A) (W)

Prerequisites

COM 260 or COM 261 or consent of instructor

COM 363 DVD Design and Production

This course introduces students to the principal software, programming language and methodology used in designing interactive media for DVD distribution. May not be used to satisfy general distribution requirements. Laboratory fee required.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

One of the following: COM 312, COM 313, COM 314 or consent of instructor.

COM 365 Critical Analysis of Media Events

The course is designed to introduce intermediate research methodologies to a student's critical analysis of large-scale media events. It involves the practical analysis of a media event, including circumstances, details, historical perspective and reactions by journalists, officials and the public. Archival coverage, documentaries, feature films, print articles and Internet sites relating to a singular or series of events will encompass a majority of the analysis. Particular attention will be given to events with international implications. Students will review the previous exposure of related topics in an effort to compare the attention given to a subject in a comparison of "before and after." May be used to fulfill general distribution requirements for the social sciences if not used for the major.

Credit Hours: 4

COM 370 Women, Film and Popular Culture

Focuses on the politics of representing women, particularly in film, television, advertising, popular literature and the popular press. The critical background includes texts on political economy, semiotics, feminist theory and cultural studies. The student completes a major research project during the course. May be used to fulfill general distribution requirements for the humanities, but not for the social sciences if not used for the major.

Credit Hours: 4
(A)

Prerequisites

COM 232 or consent of the instructor.

COM 373 Interactive Journalism Production

This course combines training in Web-based multimedia technologies with instruction in journalism and digital storytelling. Students learn to plan online multimedia projects; to think as professional communicators when gathering information; to capture still images, audio and video; and to publish materials they collect in interactive packages designed for the Web. Laboratory fee required.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

One of the following: COM 225, or COM 241, JOU 221, or JOU 271.

COM 375 Critical Media Practice

This course familiarizes students with key theories, techniques, and media forms that will enable them to produce creative, well-researched and thought-provoking projects that embody critical media practice.  Each student will select and examine an issue of social importance, and research media platforms and rhetorical approaches suitable for that issue. Combining scholarship with media skills, the student will create a final media project.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

COM 242

COM 377 Special Topics

Credit Hours: 1-4

COM 380 Culture, Society and Computing Technology

This course explores history, philosophy and myth surrounding computing technology and the Internet. The course examines the specifics of computing technology beginning with Plato and concluding within the discussion of the post-human. Domestic and global political/economic considerations also are discussed. Language, discourse and legal implications relating to the Internet are introduced.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

COM 224.

COM 381 Digital Imaging

This class simultaneously explores digital based photography and digital manipulation of imagery. Relevant history, theory and aesthetics of related media are presented, along with discussions of the societal impact that digital imaging has introduced. Laboratory fee required.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

ART 210 or COM 241

COM 383 Writing for Advertising

This course involves strategic concept development and writing for advertising projects, as well as a look at ethical considerations related to the practice. May not be used to satisfy general distribution requirements.

Credit Hours: 4
(W)

Prerequisites

FYW 101 and COM 283, or consent of instructor.

COM 384 Writing for Public Relations

This course involves training in theory, form and style for writing public relations materials for all stages and types of public relations campaigns. This course is designed to provide students with a broad range of public relations writing skills utilized in the industry.

Credit Hours: 4
(W)

Prerequisites

FYW 101, COM 225 or COM 284, or consent of instructor.

COM 390 Ethnicity in Film and Literature (Honors)

For Honors Program students only. This course is an exploration of the concept of "ethnicity" and how it may be expressed through literature and film. May be used to satisfy general distribution requirements in the humanities if not used for the major.

Credit Hours: 4
(A)

COM 392-399 Independent Study in Communication

Research or creative project under the auspices of a communication instructor. Each course (392-399) may be taken once for variable credits of 1-4 hours per course.
Credit Hours: 1-4

Prerequisites

Junior or senior standing, COM 224, COM 225 or COM 226, and COM 232 and minimum GPA of 3.0, or consent of instructor

COM 401 Intercultural Communication

The purpose of this course is to provide students with an understanding of the socio-cultural dynamics that affect the communication process. Students focus on their own cultural world view as they are exposed to the cultural dynamics and characteristics of other societies. Emphasis is placed upon the nonverbal and oral/visual aspects of communication content, structure and context. May be used to fulfill general distribution requirements for the social sciences if not used for the major.

Credit Hours: 4

COM 425 Information Technology and Human Values

Raises fundamental questions about the relationship between science and the humanities. Analyzes the role of technology in modern life with special emphasis on the impact of new information technologies. May be used to fulfill general distribution requirements for the humanities if not used for the major.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

COM 224, junior or senior standing, or consent of instructor.

COM 426 Public Opinion, the Media and Power

Examines public opinion from a variety of perspectives, providing students with the ability to be intelligent consumers of public opinion research and effective users of public opinion research tools. Explores the interaction between the media and public opinion, as well as public opinion's effects on contemporary society and politics.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

Junior or senior standing, or consent of instructor.

COM 431 Traditions of Digital Media

This course teaches theories of digital media from an aesthetic perspective. Students explore how scholars and practitioners have attempted to define digital media, describe their primary characteristics, and distinguish them from other forms of media. Surveying an array of digital media, from web-based and algorithmic art to videogames and synthetic worlds, the class examines how digital media both depart from and continue earlier media traditions.

Credit Hours: 4
(A)

Prerequisites

COM 232 and at least one 300-level theory course in Communication, or permission of the instructor.

COM 435 Women Directors: Theory and Criticism

Examines women directors worldwide. The course will focus on the theoretical, critical, historical, cultural and aesthetic basis of films made by international, mainstream, documentary and the avant-garde women film directors of New Zealand, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, the African and Asian diasporas, and North and South America. Students will submit a series of written critical responses and complete a major project related to course material. May be counted in the humanities if not counted in the major.

Credit Hours: 4
(W) (A) (IG) (NW)

Prerequisites

FYW 101 and AWR 201; or one of COM 232, COM 260 or COM 261; or one course in women's studies; or consent of instructor.

COM 436 Critical Studies in Public Communication

This course studies critical contexts of public communications to bring students an understanding of forces that shape media and representation, and relationships between mass communication and the public.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

COM 224.

COM 440 Screenwriting II

Advanced explorations of feature film scriptwriting and analysis. May not be used to satisfy general distribution requirements.

Credit Hours: 4
(W)

Prerequisites

COM 340 or consent of instructor.

COM 443 Communication and Cultural Studies

Students explore the role of communication in the social construction of culture. Emphasis is on acquiring knowledge of culture as an evolving process of codifications, and examining dominant and marginal cultural meaning systems in science, history and the arts. May be used to fulfill general distribution requirements for the social sciences if not used for the major.

Credit Hours: 4
(W)

Prerequisites

COM 224, junior or senior standing or consent of instructor.

COM 445 The Image and the Reality

Explores the relationship between myth and cinema. Also looks at the politics of representation as it relates to race, gender and ethnicity. May be used to satisfy general distribution requirements in the humanities if not used for the major.

Credit Hours: 4
(A)

Prerequisites

Junior or senior standing and one of the following courses: COM 260, COM 261, COM 300, COM 308, COM 335, COM 360, COM 370 or COM 465, or consent of instructor.

COM 446 Advanced Topics in Communication

Credit Hours: 4

COM 450 Experimental Cinema: History and Theory

This course examines experimental, avant-garde cinema worldwide. It focuses on the theoretical, critical, historical, cultural and aesthetic basis of experimental and avant-garde films made by national and international directors. Students submit a series of written critical responses and complete a major project related to course material. May be counted in the humanities if not counted in the major.

Credit Hours: 4
(W) (A) (IG)

Prerequisites

COM 232, COM 260 or COM 261, or consent of instructor.

COM 452 Advanced Producing and the International Film Market

A seven-week course with a study abroad component at a major international film festival. The core of the course is the intensive travel component, which is intended to provide a working understanding of the contemporary film market with an emphasis on how the film producer or business executive functions in the marketplace. Activities the participants may attend may include but are not limited to red carpet competition screenings and daily workshops, internships, networking meet-ups, business and film market symposiums and critique sessions. Film and media arts majors will be encouraged to submit their films for screenings for distributors, producers and festival programmers.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

COM 342 and permission of instructor

COM 455 Film Theory and Criticism

The course explores worldwide film theory and criticism from its roots to the present through lectures and screenings of international, global and non-western films.  Classical and contemporary theorists include Sergie Eisenstein, Andre Bazin, Gilles Deleuze, Walter Benjamin, Laura Mulvey and Lev Manovich, and more.   Issues of representation, the cinematic apparatus and semiotics including psychoanalytic film theory will be covered.  Students submit a series of written critical/theoretical responses and complete a conference style abstract and paper related to course material.  May be counted in the Humanities if not counted in the major.

 

 

 


Credit Hours: 4
(A) (W) (IG) (NW)

Prerequisites

Any one of the following: COM 232, COM 260, COM 261, or any 300- or 400-level course in the "Media, Culture and Society" course offerings, or instructor consent.

COM 460 Senior Seminar in Film and Digital Production

Film and media arts majors only. Seminar for seniors completing a film or digital production project as the requirement for graduation in film and media arts. Pre-production and production of the senior thesis project will be completed by the end of the semester. Students pursue production projects of sufficient breadth and depth as to crystallize their experiences at the University. Should be taken two semesters prior to graduation (fall semester, for spring graduation;  spring semester for fall graduation).

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

Senior standing and any one of the following: COM 312, COM 313 or COM 314, or consent of instructor.

COM 463 Multimedia and Installation Art

Multi-Media and Installation Art is a course that introduces students to contemporary multi-media and installation art through both the study of the cutting edge practitioners within the field, and through the production of artwork. More specifically, the course provides students with an in-depth study of the development of multi-media art over the last fifty years and also teaches the tools for the production of such works. Modes of production covered include video projection, audio installation, site-specific works, land art, and hybrid combinations of the above modes incorporating sculpture and other traditional media such as painting.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

class='sc-courselink' href='/en/2014-2015/catalog/course-descriptions/com-communication/200/com-241'>COM 241 or COM 242

COM 465 Senior Seminar in Cinema Studies

Seminar for seniors completing a thesis paper in cinema studies as the requirement for graduation in film and media arts. Each student pursues a cinema studies thesis project, in written form, of sufficient breadth and depth as to crystallize their experiences at the University. Topic varies from semester to semester.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

Senior standing, and any of the following: COM 260, COM 261, COM 300, COM 308, COM 335, COM 360, COM 370 or COM 445, or consent of instructor.

COM 466 International Advertising

The course is designed to help students integrate knowledge of advertising theory and practice within an international context. Instructor and students will meet occasionally over the spring semester for orientation and introduction to course material and spend two weeks abroad in May expanding the study and application of international advertising topics/concepts. In addition, the travel portion of the course will give students the opportunity to learn about and experience, first hand, advertising as a product and shaper of culture and the advertising industry’s role in a globalized economy.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

COM 283

COM 470 Communication Research Methods

This course introduces students of communication to the core concepts and common practices of both quantitative and qualitative communication research. Students will be exposed to a variety of theoretical perspectives on the nature, practice, use and meaning of research in the field of communication. Particular emphasis will be placed on research concepts and methods appropriate to the practice of advertising and public relations.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

COM 224, junior or senior standing, or permission of instructor.

COM 475 Seminar in Critical Media Practice

The course emphasizes interpretation, discussion, and practice, building upon theoretical and practical knowledge students have acquired over the course of their study in critical media practice. Using traditional and emerging media technologies, students will produce projects over the course of the semester to convey critical perspectives on phenomena with social, cultural, economic, and/or political implications.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

COM 375

COM 490 Portfolio Reivew

The Portfolio Review is a capstone experience where in which students summarize and demonstrate what they have learned in the major and in their area of concentration. The course is delivered as a “hybrid” course (partially online, partially on ground). Faculty members oversee the submission process and evaluation.

Credit Hours: 1

Prerequisites

Senior standing, Communication Majors Only.

COM 499 Senior Project

Students must apply for acceptance the semester before their anticipated enrollment. Each year, a select number of students are able to choose a senior project option in order to fulfill the 400-level requirement of the communication major. In this independent course, a student or group of students pursue a research or production objective of sufficient breadth and depth as to crystallize their experiences as communication majors at the University.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

Senior standing.

COM 583 Advertising Campaigns

This course teaches strategic development of advertising campaigns and involves research, branding, copywriting, design and digital production. May not be used to satisfy general distribution requirements.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

ART 305 or COM 302, COM 383, and senior standing, or permission of instructor.

COM 584 Public Relations Campaigns

This course focuses on a systematic process of public relations, including research, strategic planning, communication tactics and evaluation. Through an extensive public relations campaign project, students will understand and practice the multifaceted and strategic nature of public relations. The course involves case studies, group problem-solving, writing, production and client relations work.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

COM 302 or ART 305, COM 384 and senior standing, or permission of instructor.