Courses
Communication Studies (COMM)
Media
- COMM-M 150 Mass Media and Contemporary Society (3 cr.) A critical overview of the role of electronic mass media in contemporary society. Provides an introduction to such issues as industry structure, organization, and economics; regulation, public interest, and media ethics; impact of programming on individuals; media construction of social institutions; media issues in the global village.
- COMM-M 210 Media Message Design (3 cr.) P: W132. Examines the process of message design in the context of institutional media use. Analyses of media messages and communication theory; analyses of the message receiver employ quantitative and qualitative audience research methods. Semester project involves planning and writing of script for use in organizational/institutional media context.
- COMM-M 215 Media Literacy (3 cr.) Fundamentals and a general understanding of communication technologies are surveyed and discussed in a nontechnical and nonengineering manner. This course will introduce students to basic terminology and to various types of communication technology systems. It will also help students understand new and traditional communication systems and their theories of operation and application (including advantages and limitations).
- COMM-M 220 Electronic Graphic Production (3 cr.) Principles of visual aesthetics and critical visual literacy applied to the production of mediated messages. Basic typographic, graphic, and photographic skills are examined and practical techniques in different media are discussed. Several hands-on projects are used to develop individual competencies.
- COMM-M 221 Introduction to Television Studio Production (3 cr.) An introductory course in the fundamentals of video production technology, theory, and practical application within a studio environment. This course covers a broad range of production elements including crew positions, production process, terminology and operation of production equipment, and the teamwork required to produce live multi-camera video content.
- COMM-M 290 Video Production Workshop (1 cr.) P: or C: COMM-M 221. The practical application of video production techniques. In a production center atmosphere, students are instructed in and practice equipment operation and crew responsibilities creating video productions for outside clients. Students may register for more than one section in one semester. May be repeated to a maximum of 3 credit hours.
- COMM-M 370 History of Television (3 cr.) The development of television as an industry, technology, and cultural commodity from its roots in other forms of popular culture to the present, paying particular attention to the social and aesthetic contexts within which programs have been viewed.
- COMM-M 373 Film and Video Documentary (3 cr.) P: COMM-M 150, C 190, or permission of instructor. An historical survey of documentary film and video and a consideration of specific problems in documentary theory and practice.
- COMM-M 450 Video Production (3 cr.) For nonmajors only. Television production principles and practices for students in other disciplines. Emphasis on practical studio experiences with special attention to the roles of the writer, producer, and director. No prior knowledge of media required. May not be counted for credit in the media major emphasis. Lab arranged.
- COMM-M 461 SPECIAL TOPICS IN MEDIA COMMUNICATION (1-3 cr.) Topic announced during preceding semester. Specialized study and application of advanced production techniques in audio, video, photography, or graphics. Readings, research, papers, and project as indicated by the topic and instructor. May be repeated for different topics.
- COMM-M 462 Television Aesthetics and Criticism (3 cr.) P: COMM-M 150 or permission of instructor. Aesthetic and critical approaches to modes of television expression. Aesthetics of picture composition, audiovisual relationships, visual narrative, and program content. Analysis of selected television criticism.
- COMM-M 463 Advanced Graphic Technique (3 cr.) P: COMM-M 220 or permission of instructor. Analysis of problems, methods, and technology in graphics. Consideration of advanced techniques in digital image and illustration manipulation including compositing, lighting effects, and different compression formats for video, multimedia, and the World Wide Web.
- COMM-M 464 AUDIO PRODUCTION & PODCASTING (3 cr.) An overview of audio production including audio theory, recording, and mixing techniques, for the purpose of audible storytelling applications. Class assignments and projects will guide students towards the creation and publishing of their own podcast.
- COMM-M 465 Single Camera Video Production (3 cr.) P: COMM-M221: Introduction to Television Studio Production or MEWM-N253: Introduction to Digital Video or CGT 20200 Motion and Video 1 Students learn the techniques and practice of video production outside of a traditional studio including preproduction, production, and post-production editing. The course emphasizes single-camera field operation, field lighting, field audio recording, and post-production editing. Multiple editing systems are considered for various projects.
- COMM-M 466 Television Direction (3 cr.) P: COMM-M 221, COMM-M 290, or permission of instructor. Creative management of production elements to translate a program idea into medium requirements. Advanced course in which the experienced student produced substantive programs combining several formats. Emphasis on design and production from first request by client through program distribution.
