Courses
Communication Studies (COMM)
Media
- COMM-M 150 Media, Culture, and Society (3 cr.) Explore the relationship between media forms as old as radio and film and as new as AI and social media in our society. Key topics include ownership and control, legal, ethical, and regulatory issues, aesthetic dimensions, and media's transformative potential. Examine the related and rapidly developing field of applied theatre.
- 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.) Develop the ability to access, analyze, and evaluate a variety of media forms. Enhance critical thinking, writing and reading skills necessary to sift through the overwhelming number and scope of media messages. Learn to engage actively in our media rich environment. Consider how various media forms shape and influence culture.
- 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.) Develop an understanding and appreciation of television as culture, aesthetic form, and storyteller that reflects our society and our values. Examine its roots in other forms of popular culture, and its development as a socially dominant vehicle of information and entertainment. Reflect on the forces determining those meanings.
- COMM-M 373 Film and Video Documentary (3 cr.) P: COMM-M 150, C 190, or permission of instructor. Examine the depth, variety, and richness of non-fiction media. Witness the impact of this prevalent and rich genre. Consider the relationship between non-fiction films and the reality they seek to represent. Explore theories and critical strategies of documentary production, as well as their historical development.
- 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. Grapple with important theories and concepts for understanding media. Gain an understanding of theoretical perspectives and critical approaches. Discuss, evaluate, and critically interpret modern media programming. Examine methods of analysis that address how television and newer media forms create meaning, and how audiences and consumers engage with media.
- 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.
