300

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

COM/ART 210 and COM/WRI 224 or COM/WRI 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 ART/COM 241, or consent of instructor.

COM 305 Intro Graphic Design

A studio/performance-oriented course that is an introductory study of the creative processes associated with the graphic design field. Emphasis on creative problem-solving, basic design principles and the integration of type and imagery as applied to realistic graphic design problems. Laboratory fee required.

Credit Hours: 4
(A)

Prerequisites

ART 153 or ART 154 and ART 204 and ART/COM 210.

Cross Listed Courses

ART 305

COM 306 Graphic Design II

A studio/performance-oriented course with emphasis on the development of the creative process as applied to design problem-solving. Focus is on the development of ideas and the tools used to execute design solutions. Subjects covered include print advertising, brochures, logotypes, signage, packaging and illustration, and how each ties in with marketing strategy. Laboratory fee required.

Credit Hours: 4
(A)

Prerequisites

ART/COM 305 and ART/COM 209.

Cross Listed Courses

ART 306

COM 307 Advanced Photography

A studio/performance-oriented course designed to increase a student's technical knowledge and ability for individual expression. Problems involve multiple imagery, serial photography and other exercises to increase a student's creative potential. Encourages experimentation with larger format, as well as with other aspects of the photographic medium.

Credit Hours: 4
(A)

COM 308 Film Aesthetics

A study of film as an aesthetic medium. Explores the social, technological, historical and artistic influences on the development of cinema. Also examines how theories of film (i.e., realism, formalism, expressionism and semiology) affect the aesthetic construction and critical reception of films.

Credit Hours: 4
(A)

COM 309 Typography

A studio/performance-oriented course designed to increase the student's understanding of typography as it relates to visual communication and graphical expression, while exploring both traditional and nontraditional forms.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

ART/COM 305.

COM 310 Advanced Digital Arts

A studio/performance-oriented course. A continued exploration of graphics programs with emphasis on the creative use of available tools. Three-dimensional modeling, animation and interactive media are used. Laboratory fee required.

Credit Hours: 4
(A)

Prerequisites

ART/COM 210.

Cross Listed Courses

ART 310

COM 311 Online Production

A studio/performance-oriented course that is an advanced Web design and production class addressing the history and culture of the Internet and exploring the Web as a domain for publication and expression for online producers. Special emphasis is placed on defining the differences between client-side and server-side creations, and how these affect the content and presentation of the information on the Web. It emphasizes the evolution of multimedia into hypermedia through the use of client/server tools, Web services, programming languages and databases. Laboratory fee required.

Credit Hours: 4
(A)

Prerequisites

ART/COM 210.

Cross Listed Courses

ART 311

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/ART 241.

Cross Listed Courses

ART 312

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

COM 226 and COM/ART 241.

Cross Listed Courses

ART 313

COM 314 Experimental Filmmaking

This course offers students a hands-on opportunity to explore 16mm experimental filmmaking in a combined theory and practice approach. Each student completes one or more short films in 16mm relating to the history, theory and aesthetics of the experimental film. Technical instruction includes 16mm cinematography, camera operation, film stocks, 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/ART 241.

Cross Listed Courses

ART 314

COM 317 Advanced 3-D Animation

A studio/performance-oriented course that offers an investigation into three-dimensional computer animation, including advanced techniques of modeling and animation. The course also includes necessary aspects of texture mapping, character rigging, motion control, animation principles, digital lighting, virtual camera principles, particle effects, dynamics and rendering. Laboratory fee required.

Credit Hours: 4
(A)

Prerequisites

ART/COM 217.

Cross Listed Courses

ART 317

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.

Cross Listed Courses

GWA 326

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, 313, 314.

Cross Listed Courses

ART 331

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 338 Animation II

The course objective is to professionalize the implementation and production of animation techniques, including the use of computers. Advanced projects deal with specific problems and exercises in drawing, storyboard and script/visual analysis. May not be used to satisfy general distribution requirements. Laboratory fee required.

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

ART/COM 241 or 238, or consent of instructor.

COM 339 Mobile Interactivity 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

COM 263 or COM 311.

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
(W) (A)

Prerequisites

COM 226 or 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 263, 303, 312, 313, 314 or 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, 312, 313 or 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 in three fields of writing for interactive media: copywriting, e-journalism, and experimental "net narrative" writing. May not be used to satisfy general distribution requirements.

Credit Hours: 4
(W)

Prerequisites

COM 225.

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. Students may take a maximum of 8 credit hours. 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
(W) (A)

Prerequisites

COM 232 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: ART/COM 312, 313, 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.

Cross Listed Courses

WST 370

COM 371 Feature Writing

An advanced journalism class that focuses on writing longer feature stories of greater complexity. Involves extensive writing assignments of the kind that appears in print or online magazines. Students will study some of the important genres in those publication and learn how to complement their own stories with additional elements such as sidebars. May not be used to satisfy general distribution requirements.

Credit Hours: 4
(W)

Prerequisites

FYW 101 and 102; JOU 101 and JOU 271, or permission of instructor and department chair.

Cross Listed Courses

JOU 371, WRI 371

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

COM/ART 241 or COM/WRI 225 or COM/WRI 271.

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 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 225, 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 and COM 225, 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 399 Independent Study in Communication

Research or creative project under the auspices of a communication instructor. May be repeated for a maximum of 8 credit hours. May be used to satisfy general distribution requirements in the humanities if not used for the major.

Credit Hours: 1-4

Prerequisites

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