COM 1011: Introduction to Mass Communication
Introduces institutions, practices, and relationships among media and society. Examines media within information and entertainment contexts, exploring dimensions of media production, content, audience, and effects. The course explores the history of media in the context of current issues faced by publishers of print, broadcast, and online media.
3 credits
COM 2013: Writing for Media
Students will analyze writing process and practices as they report and write for a variety of media and genres. Writing assignments will explore objective reporting, advocacy and narrative writing, and scriptwriting for a range of text, audio, and visual media. Coursework will explore community, regional, and issue-based topics as a focus for writing assignments.
3 credits
COM 2015: Media Convergence
Media convergence integrates audio, video, imagery, text and interactivity in a range of traditional and integrated media. Students will explore the concepts and practices of convergent media as they plan and author a range of integrated media projects. Additionally, student will research case studies to explore the history and ethics of participatory media, social networking, and the interface of the individual, culture, media, and technology. Prerequisite: None. Recommended: Familiarity with media software.
3 credits
COM 2025: Professional Communication
This course will explore methods of communication in professional and organizational settings, the communication needs of professional communities, and publication of professional documents and media. Case studies of organizational and civic communication processes will introduce key issues and techniques, including print and online correspondence, public presentations, and authoring public relations and advertising messages in the context of a communications campaign.
3 credits
COM/ART 2055: Graphic Communication
Theory, graphic design, and publishing processes for print, multimedia, and interactive publications form the basis of this course. Focus includes integration of text and imagery, analysis of audience interaction with media, and role of media design in cultural change and values. Student projects feature the planning and publishing of a comprehensive portfolio of media projects: communications portfolios will show enhanced focus in text applications, and arts portfolios will demonstrate concentration in traditional design and layout skills.
3 credits
COM 3007: Persuasion
In this course, students will analyze, construct, and support arguments that engage a range of specific audiences. This course will examine classical and contemporary theories of persuasive communication as practiced in politics, advocacy and social marketing,, advertising, and interpersonal relationships. Students will explore the theories, principles, and methods of persuasion; the role and function of persuasion and presentation of persuasive messages; and concepts of ethical persuasion. Prerequisites: ELA 1000 Images of Nature and ELA 1500 Voices of Community, or permission of the instructor.
3 credits
COM 3010: Media Leadership and Ethics
Professional practices, media history, legal precedents, and case studies of communication issues in the context of the media’s role in civic leadership. This course supports the leadership staff of college and community publications as students analyze and seek resolution for ethical issues common to media. Prerequisite: Any 1000- or 2000-level Communications course.
3 credits
COM/EDU 3012:Environmental Interpretation and Communication
This course will explore the theories, principles, and techniques of interpreting cultural, historical, and natural resources. The course will explore relevant educational, social, psychological, and philosophical theories relevant to interpretative learning and communication. Students will synthesize and apply interpretation theory and methods, refine interpretative communication and publishing skills, and undertake independent research while working on service learning project(s).
3 credits
COM 3013: Communications Workshop
Focused study of media and literary works will provide models for student writing and publishing projects. Study and assessment of professional publications in various media will guide student writing and publishing projects. A rotating focus for the Communications Workshop includes Feature Writing, Creative Nonfiction, Documentary Media, Science Writing, and other genres and media. Course may be repeated with a different subtitle focus. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or permission of the instructor. Recommended: CMJ 2013 Writing for Media.
3 credits
COM 3020: Media Advocacy and Campaigns
This course will introduce students to the theory and practice of advocacy communication in professional and grassroots settings. Students will learn to analyze and construct advocacy campaigns across evolving media formats, including textual, visual, performative and digital. Students will learn to consciously construct targeted messages for multiple audiences and distribution models. The course will utilize case studies, readings, lectures, roleplay and authorship to achieve learning objectives. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or permission of the instructor. Recommended: CMJ 1011 Introduction to Mass Communication.
3 credits
COM 3021: Video and Media Production
This course explores technical and artistic concepts relating to video production and online media authoring. Students take part in group productions in the field and digital studio environment using a variety of production equipment. The class culminates with an individual student production.
3 credits
COM 3025: Environmental Communication
To communicate environmental and science policy issues, media practitioners integrate communication theory and a variety of media publishing practices to produce informational and persuasive campaigns. Students prepare case studies of environmental communication processes, including advocacy campaigns, informational and public policy reports, and objective and persuasive media reporting. With these case studies as models, workgroups will research and author an environmental communications campaign that includes assessment of scientific data and claims, risk and cost/benefit analyses, and use of media to engage an audience in a public policy process. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or permission of the instructor. Recommended: CMJ 2013 Writing for Media.
3 credits
COM 4003:Media Seminar
Contemporary issues in media and communications, with opportunity for advanced study of media theory and analysis of professional publishing practices. Topics may include international media systems; rhetoric of environmental and cultural issues; interactive and multimedia publishing; media law and ethics; and evolving issues in public policy, science and culture. Course may be repeated with a different subtitle focus. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or permission of the instructor. Recommended: CMJ 1011 Introduction to Mass Communications or HIS 2015 Mass Culture in America.
3 credits
COM 4010: Media Practicum
A Media Practicum may include creative and management positions in a variety of on- and off-campus media. Students will work independently and with publishing teams to manage and publish a variety of media. Professional issues and standards will be reviewed within the publication team and with the instructor. Repeatable up to 3 credits. Prerequisite: Any one of the following: CMJ 1011 Introduction to Mass Communications, CMJ 2015 Media Convergence, CMJ 2013 Writing for Media, or permission of the instructor.
1-3 credits
COM 4013: Professional Portfolio
Students will compile a professional portfolio that synthesizes communications coursework and supporting materials from interdisciplinary studies, independent work, and professional activities in the Media Practicum or Internship. Additionally, students will research and assess communications trends and issues that may affect their roles as participants and leaders in communications and related professions. Prerequisite: Concurrent with CMJ 4010 Media Practicum or CMJ 4015 Internship. Or permission of the instructor.
1 credit
COM 4015: Communications Internship
During a Communications Internship, a student will enhance skills, and develop career options through focused service with a communications professional. Under the direction of a faculty advisor, a student will arrange a period of practical experience with specific learning objectives that will add mastery to the knowledge and skills acquired in the Communications major. Evaluative reports are completed by student, advisor, and off-campus supervisor.
3 credits
