Course Directory

Senior Portfolio

This capstone course enables students to develop their work utilizing the theory and application techniques of planning, writing, producing and directing to complete their digital/film portfolio for the B.F.A. exhibit. Prerequisites: MMAJ 4455 andMMAJ 455

Special Topics

Focuses on a single, broad contemporary topic of current interest in communication and related fields. Course content varies from semester to semester. Topics to be considered will be announced in advance. May be taken three times for credit.

Crit Analy Of Mass Media

This course focuses on critical frames of analysis applied to various mass media messages, such as film, recordings, television, and print media. Rhetorical, semiotic, idealogical, and dramatistic modes of analysis are applied in historical and current media contexts. Focus may be made on a specific medium.

Mass Communication Theory

This course provides introduction and examination of the major theories relevant in the study of mass communication. Students understand the application and relevance of these theories in the industries, practices and effects of the mass media.

Prin Of Inst Design & Ed Tech

This course focuses on systematic procedures for designing, developing, evaluating and revising instruction to meet identified goals and objectives for promoting educational technology. Instructional design theories and applications will be examined. The appropriateness and production of both projected and non-projected multimedia will be explored in the production of instructional solutions for the targeted audience including the K-12 community and other training and development learning envi,"ronments. Fall, annually.|

Media Strat For Distance Comm

This course will explore the various media strategies used to deliver distance learning and other distance communications. Learners will examine the various modes of delivering information from printed correspondence to the newer media technologies.,Media will be analyzed to determine the best delivery system for specific audiences and various communication goals. Every other year.

Public Relations Foundations

Focuses on the roles and responsibilities of public relations professionals, theories and prniciples of public relations, and public relations programming. Students will work to develop knowledge, expertise and skills that lead to professional competence in the field. As part of their study, students will also consider the legal and ethical dimensions of public relations.

Journalism Foundations

Provides students with a historical, theoretical and practical overview of the traditional principles and practices of journalism and an analysis of the applicability of those characteristics in today's media environment. This course will focus on a critical examination of the history, principles and practices of American journalism. It will address the functions of the press in a democratic society, and students will examine the structure and nature of the press and media's relationship withgovernment and the public.

Trng Pgm Plan & Design

Investigates various theories of learning and instructional strategies used in training in corporate organizations and educational environments. The participant will identify a method appropriate to his or her content area, and plan and design an instructional system suited to adult learners in an in-service training environment.

Society, Law & Media Tch

This course will examine the social impact and regulation of media technology in society. The course will explore the relationships between societal uses of media technology, the law that addresses media technology issues and the role of media in larger communication and mass media systems. Every other year.

Mgmt Comm Process

This course will define and apply the general principles of management-planning, organizing, staffing, directing and controlling - to the design and administration of communication organizations and communication functions. This course relates behavioral variables to the understanding and motivation of employees.

Audio & Tv Production

Develops basic skills in audio, ENG, and television production. A variety of projects in both media concentrates on proper equipment operation and recording and editing techniques.

Photo & Grahic Prod

Provides an integrated introduction into graphic and photographic production techniques. Layout, design, and composition techniques will be developed.

Design Www Media

This course will prepare students to design web-based media. Students will learn to structure web sites, layout copy, use color and text effectively, position images, and deploy sound and video on pages as necessary.

Publ Relat Ethics & Prof Resp

Addresses the ethical and moral dimensions of the public relations practice, and prepares students to understand the ethical responsibilities of the public relations professional. Through case studies, analysis of current events, and hands-on exercises, this course provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to reach and justify ethical decisions in a range of situations. Throughout, students work to build a sense of personal and professional responsibility in public relations.Prerequisite: MMAJ 551|

Publ Rela Cases & Campaigns

Using public relations cases and campaigns as models, this course examines the development of public relations strategies along with the tactical communications and actions that were instituted to achieve organizational goals. Public relations programs directed toward employees, the news media, the community, the consumer, governmental officials and agencies, stockholders and other relevant groups are included in the course. Prerequisite: MMAJ 551|

Prin of Integrated Comm

This course examines the theories and techniques of integrated communications, including public relations, advertising, marketing, sales promotions, and personal selling. It explores how all forms of communications work together to achieve organizational objectives and contribute to its overall brand. In this course, students will also learn how to research and evaluate a company's marketing and promotional situation, and use this information to develop effective integrated communications strategies and programs. Prerequisite: MMAJ 551|

Applied Design & Prod

This course will prepare students to design and produce multimedia programs for communication functions. It will explore the research concerning interactive multimedia as a delivery medium, and examine key elements of program design, pre-production, production, and evaluation.

Independent Study

Allows the imaginative student to structure an independent research project in the area of communication with a minimum of faculty supervision. A proposal specifying objectives, methods, and evaluation techniques must be submitted and approved by the student?s advisor prior to enrolling in the course. 1 or 2 credit hours.

Special Topics

Focuses on a single, broad contemporary topic of current interest in communication and related fields. Course content varies from semester to semester. Topics to be considered wil be announced in advance. May be taken three times for credit. No prerequisite.

Mass Comm Research

Examines research in mass communication and develops competencies in research methods. Topics include statistical analysis, experimental and survey research methods in communication, content analysis, and evaluation of mass media technology in communication.

Professional Comm Writing

This course provides advanced instruction in communication writing for use in a range of media-related careers. It focuses on the methodology and execution of specific projects professionals are likely to encounter in the workplace including speeche,"s, grants, visual presentations and research reports. Prerequisities: COMM 551, COMM 525|

Adv Public Relations Writing

Provides advanced instruction in writing for the public relations profession. Focuses on the methodology and execution of specific projects including news releases and media kits, crisis communication plans, backgrounders, annual reports, feature stories, speeches and presentations, and websites. Stresses planning and research, message strategy, and ethical and legal responsibilities. Students will produce written pieces suitable for a professional portfolio. Prerequisite: MMAJ 551|

Adv Technology Applications

This course develops advanced skills to support instructional technology programs. Coursework will cover areas such as advanced microcomputer applications, internet concepts as they apply to instructional technology, and PC operating system issues related to instructional technology. The focus will be on computers and related technologies used in educational and training environments. Prerequisite: COMM 545, or permission of instructor. Summers/spring annually.

Deploying Info Tech Infras

Focuses on the strategies involved in the provisioning and maintenance of information technology infrastructure. Provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to plan, organize, implement and control information technology resources. Key topics include identifying information infrastructure; defining the range of information technology leadership roles; and illustrating current best practices for managing information technology assets. Offered annually.

Adv Appl Design & Prod

Incorporates advanced design and production skills. Students produce more complex communication materials for multimedia projects. Prerequisites: COMM 580 or permission of instructor.

Sem In Comm Ed & Mass Media

Focuses on critical examination of issues, research, and innovations in the field of communication education and mass media technology.

Thesis

Requires the student to conduct a research study in communication, using acceptable research methods and under the supervision of a faculty member and committee; permission to enroll in this course is by invitation of the graduate faculty in the Department of Communication. This course is one of three options to complete the degree requirements in the graduate program. Prerequisite: COMM 621. Three or six credits a semester for an overall total of six credits.

Comm Internship

Provides practical experience in the supervision and operations of some aspect of a communication/ instructional system program. A proposal specifying objectives, methods, and evaluation techniques must be submitted and approved by the student's advisor and the cooperating agency prior to enrolling in the course. The course is one of three options to complete degree requirements in the graduate program. Students may take three credits in two consecutive semesters or six credits in one semester,. Prerequisite: MMAJ 621.

Communication Portfolio

Requires student to prepare a portfolio of professional materials, including written documentation outlining the purpose and application of the materials. Students will produce professional-quality media products, such as video programs, multimediaprograms, printed materials, audio programs, or web-based products. Students enrolled in this course must also complete a comprehensive examination. This course is one of three options to complete degree requirements in the graduate program. Prerequisite: MMAJ 621|