Courses

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

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

Provides advanced instruction in persuasion techniques in the design of public relations. Successful case studies are analyzed in terms of persuasion techniques used.

This course will examine the impact of media technology in society.  This course will be divided into three distinct topical sessions bearing one credit load.  Society will cover the experience of various cultures in the selection and use of media technology.  Law will cover the regulations which influence the proliferation of media technology including Pennsylvania Department of Education standards and guidelines as well as local and federal regulation and policies.  Media Technology will examine emerging technologies to determine their appropriateness to various educational and training environments.  Students can enroll for 1-3 credits based on topical sessions schedules.

Defines and applies the general principles of management-planning, organizing, staffing, directing, and controlling-to the design and administration of communication programs. Relates behavioral variables to understanding and motivating employees.

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.

Develops competencies necessary for quantitative and qualitative research of mass media communication.  Topics include statistical analysis, experimental, survey and critical research methods in mass media analysis.  Spring, annually.   

The student who demonstrates excellence in coursework and seeks admission to a Ph.D. program and who have received a recommendation from the graduate faculty may conduct a research study. The research study can be quantitative or qualitative research, conducted under the direction of a graduate faculty advisor. The student should select the three-member committee based on their expertise in the specific area the student wishes to explore.

 A clear proposal must be approved by the student’s committee at least one semester prior to enrolling in MMAJ 700, indicating the area of expected research and its result and value. Students writing a research study gain expertise in research design, the writing of a literature review, the application of appropriate statistical analysis, and begin to develop advanced research skills. The research study must:

·Address a relevant question or issue in mass media;

·Be appropriately designed;

·Be developed according to relevant structures and through the advisement of the graduate chairperson 

Following the completion of the thesis, the student will defend his/her work and academic preparation at a public oral defense. At this event, the student will be questioned about his research study and his mastery of the overall area of study in the mass media discipline. Under qualifying circumstances, the student may conduct this event via appropriate distance communication means.

Students may elect to complete their thesis option by working under the supervision of an experienced professional in an actual work site. An internship allows the student to experience first hand the assignments that are part of his discipline, and to see what skills, knowledge and expertise are required. Students understand the demands of deadlines, the responsibilities of the individual and the team in the workplace, and learn by performing the many tasks associated with the profession.

An internship site may be selected by the student with review and approval of the faculty, or assistance can be provided in finding an appropriate workplace. Approval of an internship will require the following:

• Clear learning objectives that set forth how the student will meet these objectives through the internship;
• Supervision of the student by a mass media professional;
• Recommendation by a graduate faculty member;
• A worksite that will provide a minimum of 270 hours;
• Verification of health insurance;

During the internship, the student should keep daily records of the kind of tasks, meetings, assignments and activities he is doing at his worksite. Professional behavior is expected in every way. The student’s internship advisor will make periodic contact, speaking both with the student and the supervisor to ensure that things are going well.

At the completion of the internship, the student will prepare a document outlining the means through which this internship experience met the objectives set out at the beginning. This document will also help to evaluate both the preparation of the student through his coursework for the duties of the internship, and the value of the experience that can be gained at this internship site.

The student will defend his work and his academic preparation at a public oral defense. At this event, the student will be questioned about his area of expertise through the internship and his mastery of the overall area of study in the mass media discipline.

The third option that a student has is to prepare a portfolio of professional materials. The collection, the size of which is determined in conjunction with the graduate faculty advisor, must meet several criteria.

·The materials must be developed in order to address a specific organizational need or a stated problem, or be a creative project in the student’s specific area of interest.

·The materials must be developed around a stated theme;

·The materials must be of the highest quality;

·The materials must be accompanied by a written paper, in which the student has stated the purpose of the materials along with an appropriate review of related literature;

 These materials may be:

·Public relations materials that address a specific public relations campaign, and will include printed materials, broadcast scripts, websites, media kits and related materials;

·Broadcast media materials such as scripts, audio recordings, video productions, documentaries, and related materials that address a specific media problem;

·Prints, graphics, multimedia programs, animations and related materials addressing a specific theme;

 When a student has completed the portfolio, he will be asked to defend his work and his academic preparation at a public oral defense. At this event, the student will be questioned about the development of the portfolio and her mastery of the overall area of study in the mass media discipline.

Last Updated 04/07/07