Telecommunications
Faculty
Introduction
Major in Telecommunications
Business Minor for Telecommunications Majors
Minor in Telecommunications
Departmental Honors Program
Course Descriptions
Faculty
Chairperson
Professor Walter Gantz
Professors
Susan Eastman, Annie Lang, David Waterman
Clinical Professor
Ron Osgood
Associate Professors
Donald Agostino, Michael McGregor, Milagros Rivera-Sanchez, Harmeet Sawhney, Herbert Terry
Clinical Associate Professor
Thom Gillespie
Assistant Professors
Chris Beaudoin, Erik Bucy, Julia Fox
Clinical Assistant Professors
Elena Bertozzi, Jim Krause
Lecturer
Steve Krahnke
Academic Advisors
Lynda Haywood-Smith, (812) 855-4450; Jeanne Myers, (812) 856-3075; Radio and TV Center 240
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Introduction
Telecommunications is the study of a broad range of electronic media industries in a liberal arts context. Areas of focus include radio, television, cable, satellite services, telephony, multimedia, and the Internet. Three major course concentrations focus on: (1) the electronic media's influences on audiences and users; (2) the design and production of video, audio, and multimedia materials; and (3) the business, legal, and managerial aspects of telecommunications.
WFIU-FM and WTIU-TV, university-owned broadcast stations, and instructional teleconferencing media are also located in the Radio and TV Center alongside the Department of Telecommunications (TEL). The stations provide on-campus opportunities for part-time jobs and internships in electronic media production and operations. Off-campus internships are also available and strongly encouraged.
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Major in Telecommunications
Purpose
Students learn about the organizations and institutions involved in the electronic media and the impact of those organizations and institutions on society. Students can study the social effects of the media; the economics and management of the media; how video, audio, and multimedia messages are created; and many other aspects of telecommunications. The curriculum emphasizes the impact of technology on communications, considers international as well as domestic contexts, and explores historical as well as contemporary concerns. Many graduates enter the electronic media industries; others find careers in such related areas as advertising, consulting, and communications planning. Some pursue graduate degrees in communications, law, business, or other fields.
Requirements
Once admitted, students plan a program of study with the academic advisor. Faculty provide assistance with course selection and career development. Graduation requires completion of the degree requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences plus the following departmental requirements:
- A minimum of 30 credit hours and up to a maximum of 42 credit hours in telecommunications. A maximum of 3 credits can be counted toward the 30 credit hours from T496, T497, and T498. The 30 credits for the major may include up to two courses from the "Supplementary Courses" listed at the end of this section with notification of the academic advisor.
- T101, T205, T206, and T207 or equivalent course work approved by the director of undergraduate studies.
- At least 12 credit hours within one of the three areas of study described below.
- At least 15 credit hours at the 300-400 levels.
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Business Minor for Telecommunications Majors
Telecommunications majors may earn a minor, designed specifically for telecommunications majors, in the Kelley School of Business. This plan of study emphasizes management and marketing and consists of 15 credit hours. Several of the required courses count as approved courses outside the College of Arts and Sciences. Students electing this minor must fulfill course prerequisites listed in the current Kelley School of Business Undergraduate Program bulletin.
Required Courses
Business
A200 Foundations of Accounting
L201 Legal Environment of Business
Z302 Managing and Behavior in Organizations (P: junior standing)
Choose two from the following to make a total of 15 credits:
G300 Introduction to Managerial Economics
G406 Business Enterprise and Public Policy
G460 Business in Historical and Social Settings
L409 Law and the Environment
L412 Ethical Responsibilities of Business
M300 Introduction to Marketing
M303 Marketing Decision Making (P: M300)
M405 Buyer Behavior (P: M300)
M415 Advertising and Promotion Management (P: M300)
M429 Legal Aspects of Marketing
W430 Organizations and Organizational Change
Z440 Personnel-Human Resources Management
Recommended Course (does not count toward 15 credit hour business minor):
E201 Introduction to Microeconomics
Students electing this minor in business must notify the academic advisor of the Department of Telecommunications.
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Minor in Telecommunications
Requirements
A minimum of 15 credit hours in telecommunications, including:
- Two courses from among T101, T205, T206, and T207.
- At least 6 credit hours at the 300-400 levels.
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Departmental Honors Program
Outstanding students in telecommunications may be admitted to the departmental honors program. The program requires students to complete 12 credit hours of honors work, including a senior thesis. Students admitted to the program should consult the Schedule of Classes for specific honors courses. In addition to undergraduate courses, students may apply for admission to graduate-level courses in the department for honors credit. A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.3 and a 3.5 average in telecommunications courses is required for the honors degree. Further information may be obtained from the departmental honors advisor.
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Course Descriptions
100-level Courses
Media and Society Area
Design and Production Area
Industry and Management Area
Non-Area Courses
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100-level Courses
T101 Living in the Information Age (3 cr.) S & H Assesses how development in communications systems and technology affect our lives today and may affect them tomorrow. Reviews underlying technologies. Considers implications for individuals, institutions, and society from psychological, sociological, legal/political, business/economic, and cultural perspectives. Open to nonmajors. Credit not given for both T101 and T204.
T191 Race, Ethnicity, and Media (3 cr.) S & H This course examines how the social construction of race impacts media content, audiences, and employment/access. In examining these issues, the course will explore mechanisms of racism and consider efforts to overcome media racism in the United States. Includes screening, interpretation, and analysis of electronic media content, and guest lectures and presentations. Credit not given for both T191 and T201.
T192 Women and the Media (3 cr.) S & H Examines the representation of women in the media and analyzes women's creative work as media producers. The course will include screening, lecture, and discussion in areas of critical debate: positive images, visual representation; racial and ethnic stereotyping; women's employment in media industries; women as an audience/consumer group. Credit not given for both T192 and T203.
T195 Topical Seminar in Telecommunications (3 cr.) S & H Exploration of problems and issues of telecommunications in contemporary society. Topics vary. May not be repeated for credit. Credit not given for both T195 and T209.
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Media and Society Area
T205 Introduction to Media and Society (3 cr.) S & H This course examines the construction of social meaning associated with mediated messages as well as the range of uses and consequences of exposure to mediated messages in individuals, groups, organizations, and society. Credit not given for both T271 and T205.
T311 Media History (3 cr.) S & H P: T205 or T207 or consent of instructor. Surveys the historical development of mediated communication suggesting linkages between past and present. Examines a variety of time periods and media forms: telegraphy, telephony, radio, television, and computer communication.
T312 Politics and the Media (3 cr.) S & H P: T205 or consent of instructor. Examines the relationship between media and modern politics. Topics will vary. May not be repeated for credit.
T313 Comparative Media Systems (3 cr.) S & H P: T205 or T207 or consent of instructor. A comparative study of the ways in which various countries deal with fundamental questions of media organization, control, financial support, program philosophy, and social responsibility.
T314 Telecommunications Processes and Effects (3 cr.) S & H P: T205 or consent of instructor. Examination of the effects of the mass media on human cognitions, attitudes, and behaviors, relying on empirical social science research; emphasis on the effects on individuals, although study will include groups, organizations, and social norms.
T317 Children and Media (3 cr.) S & H P: T205 or consent of instructor. Acquaint students with the popular and research literatures on children and media, including television and computers. Students will be expected to identify recurring themes and topics related to children and media and to evaluate their significance in understanding the role of media in children's lives.
T414 Public Communication Campaigns (3 cr.) S & H P: T205 or consent of instructor. Theoretical backgrounds of media campaigns; analyses of persuasion strategies, campaign goals, communication media, audiences, and campaign effectiveness. Case studies of campaigns for social action; original analysis of specific campaigns.
T416 Program Analysis and Criticism (3 cr.) A & H P: T205 or T206 or consent of instructor. Critical analysis of the form, production, and performance elements of program genres including drama, comedy, talk, and game shows, documentaries, news, and emerging or experimental types of mass media content. Explores the relationships between programming, the media industries, and American culture.
T424 Telecommunications and the Constitution (3 cr.) S & H P: T205 or T207 or consent of instructor. Surveys the constitutional foundations of telecommunications law and policy in the United States. Primary focus on the philosophies informing the freedom of speech and press traditions, the First Amendment and how it applies to electronic media, and government regulations purporting to promote First Amendment values.
T427 International Telecommunications (3 cr.) S & H P: T205 or T207 or consent of instructor. A comparative study of the development of broadband networks in different parts of the world. The interaction between national telecommunications policies and international arrangements, institutions, and structures.
T445 Sports and Television (3 cr.) S & H P: T205 or T207 or T271 or T274. Seminar exploring issues in televised sports in support of and in conflict with other cultural icons in society, business, and education. Includes writing on the ways sports, as program content, influences the television industry and on the ways television influences college and professional sports.
T451 Topical Seminar in Media and Society (1-3 cr.) Exploration of social problems and issues in telecommunications. Topics vary. May be repeated with different topics for a maximum of 6 credit hours.
S451 Honors Seminar in Media and Society (3 cr.) P: consent of the departmental honors advisor. Topical seminar in media and society for telecommunications honors students. Topics vary. May be repeated with different topics for a maximum of 9 credit hours.
T471 Applying Theory to Media Design (3 cr.) P: T205 or consent of instructor. Basic media theories as well as cognitive, emotional, and social psychology, with a focus on how these theories can be applied to the design of media messages. Special attention given to Interactive and Immersive Mediated Environments.
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Design and Production Area
T206 Introduction to Design and Production (3 cr.) A & H Provides a conceptual framework for writing, designing, and evaluating a variety of media products. This is not a hands-on production course but does offer an overview of the production process. Topics include scriptwriting, production design, visualization, composition, editing styles, and others. This course is a prerequisite for advanced-level courses in the design/production area. Credit not given for both T273 and T206.
T211 Writing for Electronic Media (3 cr.) Style, form, and preparation of written materials for electronic media.
T283 Introduction to Production Techniques and Practices (3 cr.) P: T206. Introductory hands-on production course which concentrates on the planning and production of video and related media. Specific units include TV studio, field shooting/linear tap editing and digital video/nonlinear video editing. Content consists of applied activities within a conceptual framework. Lab fee required.
T284 Introduction to Interactive Media Design (3 cr.) P: T206 or consent of instructor. This course combines a practical hands-on introduction to interactive media design with presentation and storytelling concepts. A wide range of design technologies including html, JavaScript, and cascading style sheets will be considered. These tools and concepts will be used to create dynamic design products.
T331 Scriptwriting (3 cr.) P: T206 or T211, or consent of instructor. Covers format, structure, and writing of dramatic and nondramatic scripts.
T351 Video Field Production (1.5 cr.) P: T206, T283, and permission of instructor. Advanced aesthetics and concepts for video field production. Course includes elements of camera composition, continuity, sound, and lighting. Practical experience in planning, lighting, and shooting video out of the studio. Some basic linear editing is also covered. Lab fee required. Credit not given for both T337 and T351.
T352 Video Post-Production (1.5 cr.) P: T206, T283, and permission of instructor. This course provides the aesthetics and conceptual framework necessary for video editing, including linear and nonlinear techniques. Practical experience using Avid nonlinear work stations is provided through a series of hands-on activities and projects. Lab fee required. Credit not given for both T336 and T352.
T353 Audio Production (3 cr.) P: T206, T283, and consent of instructor. Intermediate-level hands-on production course that concentrates on the planning and production of audio materials for radio, video, and interactive media. Topics include sound theory, recording, and editing. Includes analog and digital technologies. Lab fee required.
T354 Program Graphics and Animation (1.5 cr.) P: T206, T283 and permission of instructor. Intermediate-level hands-on production course that explores the dynamic relationship of animated typography, still imagery, and live-action footage within the composited video image. Students will design and build effective program graphics using Adobe After Effects and related software. Lab fee required.
T355 Digital Video (1.5 cr.) P: T206, T283 and permission of instructor. Intermediate-level hands-on production in digital postproduction. Students will explore short-form editing theory and methods and will build effective short programs using Adobe Premiere and related software. Lab fee required. Credit not given for both T336 and T355.
T356 TV Studio Operations (1.5 cr.) P: T206, T283, and consent of instructor. R: T211. Intermediate-level hands-on production course that concentrates on high-level communication skills necessary for split-second crew operations, preproduction planning, and budgetary issues, as well as technical proficiency within the studio environment. Lab fee required. Credit not given for both T339 and T356.
T357 TV Directing (1.5 cr.) P: T206, T283, T356, and permission of instructor. Advanced-level, hands-on production course that concentrates on the creative aspects of directing for the screen. Student directors practice interpreting scripts, communicating story concepts to key personnel, and synthesizing production ingredients and performance to create a meaningful, coherent story. Lab fee required. Credit not given for both T339 and T357.
T361 Interactive Transmedia Design for the Internet (1.5 cr.) P: T283, T354, and permission of instructor. This class will examine and use a wide range of interactive communication design technologies and standards from "pull" technologies such as HTML, XML, cascading style sheets, JavaScript, and Shockwave to emerging "push" technologies such as Flash, streaming audio and video and RealMedia. The content of this class will change constantly. Lab fee required.
T362 Interactive Transmedia Design with Director (1.5 cr.) P: T283, T354, and permission of instructor. Students will use Macromedia's Director software to program and create interactive transmedia projects for CD-ROM, DVD, and the Internet. Topics covered will include the basic Director score; elements of animation; interactivity; Lingo programming and Shockwave to convey information, create ambiance, enhance interactivity, and define space. Lab fee required.
T364 Introduction to 3-D Digital Modeling and Animation (3 cr.) P: T283, T354, and consent of instructor. Technical areas covered will be character and face animation and mechanical modeling such as buildings and vehicles. Specific topics covered will be modeling basics such as splines, lathing, surfaces, textures, constraints, bones, path animation, rendering, and compositing. There will also be a short historical overview of 3D modeling and effects in film and television. Lab fee required.
T436 Advanced Production Workshop (1-3 cr.) P: T206, T283, two 300-level production courses, and consent of instructor. A capstone course for those in production sequence. Students plan, direct, and produce programs or program segments that may air on WTIU, Indiana University's public television station. May be repeated, with different topics, for a maximum of 6 credit hours. Lab fee required.
T437 WTIU Production Workshop (3 cr.) P: two 300-level television production courses and permission of instructor. With close supervision by WTIU station or production management, student is responsible for preproduction planning, production coordination and execution, post-production, critical and audience evaluation of programs for broadcast. Develop professional working relationships and portfolio. Lab fee required.
T438 Production Management (3 cr.) P: TEL T283 or T284, or consent of instructor. The management of commercial and noncommercial telecommunications projects, including television and new media. Organizational, economic/business, and legal aspects of production management.
T452 Topical Seminar in Design and Production (1-3 cr.) Exploration of design or production problems and issues in telecommunications. Topics vary. May be repeated with different topics for a maximum of 6 credit hours.
S452 Honors Seminar in Design and Production (3 cr.) P: Consent of the departmental honors advisor. Topical seminar in design or production for telecommunications honors students. May be repeated with different topics for a maximum of 9 credit hours. Credit not given for both S430 and S452.
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Industry and Management Area
T207 Introduction to Telecommunications Industry and Management (3 cr.) S & H Introductory analysis using a case-study method of how telecommunications industries such as broadcasting, cable, and telephone are structured, funded, and regulated; how telecommunications organizations create and market programs and products, and how they manage their operations. Credit not given for both T274 and T207.
T242 Public Telecommunications (3 cr.) S & H Analysis of the structure, organization, financing, and administration of the public broadcasting system in the United States, with particular emphasis on current issues, events, and trends in its evolutionary development. Credit not given for both T242 and T342.
T316 Media Ethics and Professional Responsibility (3 cr.) S & H P: T205 or T207, or consent of instructor. An analysis of the media environment, including organizational structure, corporate responsibility, and the role of the individual in the media environment. Formulation of ethical principles to guide media policy and practice.
T321 Policymaking in Telecommunications (3 cr.) S & H P: T207 or consent of instructor. Overview of basic U.S. law and government. Specific analysis of who makes U.S. telecommunications policy, how it is done, and its effects. Course includes a case study of recent policymaking that varies each semester.
T322 Telecommunications Networks (3 cr.) S & H P: T207 or consent of instructor. The evolution of telecommunication network technology, policy economics, and industries from the 1870s to the present. Basic telecommunication transmission and switching, general operational concepts, and societal and cultural effect of telephony in the United States.
T326 Network Design (3 cr.) P: T207 or consent of instructor. Basic concepts for developing an effective network system. The interaction between network technologies and human behavior.
T327 Data Communications (3 cr.) P: T207 or consent of instructor. An introduction to the basic concepts for understanding the integration of computers and telecommunications networks. The impact of environmental factors on the design of data networks.
T329 Cable/Broadband Communications (3 cr.) S & H P: T207 or consent of instructor. Technology, programming, economics, marketing, and regulation of cable television and other multichannel, broadband media delivery systems.
T340 Electronic Media Advertising (3 cr.) P: T207 or consent of instructor. Principles of Internet, network, national spot, and local radio and television advertising; roles of advertising agency, station representative, time buyer.
T344 Programming Strategies (3 cr.) P: T207 or consent of instructor. Theory and practice of broadcast and cable program evaluation, selection, and scheduling. Includes decision-making strategies in commercial television and radio at the network and local levels, commercial cable networks and systems, and noncommercial broadcasting and cable.
T347 Promotion and Marketing in Telecommunications (3 cr.) P: T207 or consent of instructor. Theory and practice of designing, implementing, and evaluating promotional materials and marketing campaigns for television programs, radio formats, cable services, the Web, and new media.
T348 Audience Analysis (3 cr.) S & H P: T207 or consent of instructor. The behavior, descriptors, and measurement of telecommunications audiences. Sample survey, focus groups, and other research methods used by the telecommunications industry.
T413 Global Media Issues (3 cr.) S & H P: T207 or consent of instructor. Advanced study of media from a global perspective focusing on particulars, trends, or issues. Topics vary. May not be repeated for credit.
T421 Economics of Communications Industries (3 cr.) S & H P: T207 or consent of instructor. Analysis of market structure and behavior of firms and organizations in broadcasting, cable television, motion picture distribution, print media, common carrier, and other communications industries. Policy and strategy applications.
T422 Business Applications in Telecommunications (3 cr.) S & H P: T207 or consent of instructor. Topical seminar on social and business applications of telecommunications. Exploration of the potential for delivering public and business services via the telecommunications network. May be repeated once with different topics for a maximum of 6 credit hours.
T425 Telecommunications Regulation (3 cr.) S & H P: T207 and T321 or consent of instructor. Regulation of broadcasting, cable, and common carriage. Examination of the telecommunications regulation system. Regulation of entry into telecommunications (licensing and franchising), renewal of licenses and franchises, and government control of business and economic relations among participants in the field.
T441 Advanced Advertising Strategies (3 cr.) P: T207 and T340 or consent of instructor. Analysis and evaluation of planning, creative, and placement components of advertising campaigns utilizing the electronic media; development of original advertising campaigns.
T446 Telecommunications Management (3 cr.) P: T207 or consent of instructor. Study of the skill, processes, and attitudes required for effective management and leadership at all levels in telecommunications operations.
T453 Topical Seminar in Industry and Management (1-3 cr.) Exploration of management or strategic problems and issues in telecommunications. Topics vary. May be repeated with different topics for a maximum of 6 credit hours.
S453 Honors Seminar in Industry and Management (3 cr.) P: Consent of departmental honors advisor. Topical seminar in management or strategy for telecommunications honors students. May be repeated with different topics for a maximum of 9 credit hours. Credit not given for both S440 and S453.
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Non-Area Courses
T480 Current Issues in Telecommunications (3 cr.) S & H P: Senior status and telecommunications major. Discussion of current issues that cut across the three areas of concentration in the telecommunications major. Topics vary.
T496 Foreign Study in Telecommunications (3-8 cr.) P: Consent of chairperson. Planning of a research project during year preceding a period of residence abroad. Time spent in research abroad must amount to at least one week for each credit hour granted. Research paper must be presented by the end of the semester following foreign study. May be repeated for a total of 8 credit hours, with permission. A maximum of 3 credits from T496, T497, and T498 can be counted toward the 30 credit hours required for the telecommunications major.
T497 Telecommunications Internship (1-3 cr.) P: Junior or senior standing, major in telecommunications with a minimum of 12 credit hours completed, at least 6 of the credit hours completed in upper-division classes in the major, and advanced approval of the internship coordinator. Requires a critical analysis paper and evaluation of an internship/field project by an industry sponsor. May be repeated for a total of 3 credit hours, with permission. A maximum of 3 credits from T496, T497, and T498 can be counted toward the 30 credit hours required for the telecommunications major.
T498 Projects in Telecommunications (1-3 cr.) P: Advance approval of a project by a faculty supervisor and the chairperson. Individual projects in an area of telecommunications. May be repeated up to a maximum of 3 credit hours. A maximum of 3 credits from T496, T497, and T498 can be counted toward the 30 credit hours required for the telecommunications major.
S499 Reading for Honors (3 cr.) P: Approval of departmental honors advisor. Introduction to research methods for honors undergraduates.
T499 Independent Study for Honors (12 cr. Max.) P: Approval of departmental honors advisor.
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