Journalism

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the field of communication, exploring its fundamental concepts, theories, and practices. Students will engage in self-assessment and career exploration, gaining insight into both traditional and emerging professional opportunities in the communication disciplines. Topics...

(Cross-listed from Art 108) This course in visual expression and communication will introduce students to relevant computer programs including Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. Through exercises, projects and critiques, students will learn both creative visual design and technical aspects...

Applied work in communication with The Record, Globe Media, FiveCore Media, the Public Relations Student Society of America, or other on-campus communication activity. A maximum of two hours applicable toward a communication major or minor. Consent of instructor required.

Students will polish their skills in public speaking, facilitation and active listening. Focusing on content creation and message delivery, this course is designed to provide practical experience in impromptu speaking, formulating and delivering persuasive arguments and effectively utilizing images and...

(Cross-listed from Engl 204) Theory and practice of written communication. Assignments in a variety of prose forms aim at developing the student’s control of logic, organization, rhetoric, usage, and audience accommodation. Prerequisite: CORE 110 or equivalent.

An introduction to digital media with an emphasis on field video production. The primary goal of the course is the development of the necessary video and audio skills and understandings needed to create effective digital media messages. Secondary goals include...

An introduction to theory building and research methodology of mass communication. Course focuses on the practical aspects of communication research, providing a framework for conducting quantitative and qualitative research..

Students will learn how to produce journalism and how to tell stories in different forms and across various platforms. They will learn the techniques of interviewing and practice professional research methods. The course will provide a grounding in Associated Press...

(Cross-listed from Art 255) A beginning course in the art and communication of digital photography. Students will explore photography through manual settings, post production, and print. The course will also touch on the history of photography, work by contemporary artists,...

Students will study the principles, forms and techniques of writing for broadcast media. Assignments will focus on the writing and editing of broadcast news and commercial messages.

This foundational screenwriting course introduces students to the core principles of storytelling for the screen. Students will explore screenplay structure, character development, dialogue, and visual storytelling, while learning to craft compelling narratives for short films and feature-length projects. Through writing...

The course provides an introduction to the U.S. legal system and the major principles of media law. The course will cover issues like access to information, accuracy, conflicts of interest, deception, fairness, libel, obscenity, plagiarism and privacy. Students will devote...

An applied course providing advanced instruction and experience in radio station operations, emphasizing four areas: announcing, systems operations (computer-based operations, satellite downlinking, basic productions, etc.) programming and management. Course work includes assisting WGCS managers in such areas as programming, production,...

Students will study nonfiction writing forms, including narrative journalism, and learn the process of publishing articles in newspaper, magazine and online markets. Students will prepare articles for submission. Prerequisite: Comm 204 or 250 or equivalent.

Advanced study of digital media production with an emphasis on “storytelling” through field video production. The primary goal of the course is the development of advanced skills and understandings needed to create effective and professional digital media messages. Secondary goals...

Introduction to public relations contexts, issues and practices – research, planning, communicating and evaluating. Emphasis on skills in analyzing public opinion and in communication with internal and external publics, with special attention to not-for-profit organizations. Prerequisite: Comm 240 or Bus...

This course examines the necessary tools for building successful web pages. Students utilize design elements and principles to emphasize the importance of the web as an effective form of communication. They also learn languages of page development (HTML/CSS) and responsive...

Journalism’s role in serving the public good will be in the forefront as students discuss civic journalism, the watchdog function of the news media, tensions between profits and public service, and the advocacy of peace and justice. Students will focus...

A study of communication issues in modern society with attention to the persons, institutions, media and systems that facilitate social interaction. An overview of communication philosophy as a basis for ethical and aesthetic perspectives.

Investigations into particular communication issues: social, scientific, philosophic, historical, aesthetic, political or institutional. Focus on an institution or topic of current interest.

Survey of film as art, literature and mass medium. Historical development; authors and genres; philosophical, economic and political issues. A selection of 12 films for detailed study. Emphasis on “reading” film, understanding the medium’s function and exploring contemporary cinematic issues.

Experiential learning, usually in an off-campus professional setting, for communication majors and minors. The student contracts with a faculty member in regard to goals, performance expectations, supervision, evaluation and course subtitle. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

Senior Seminar offers a consideration of ethical and professional issues in the fields of art, communication, English, and theater. Assignments include information interviews with practitioners in the respective fields, oral presentations, and the preparation of a capstone portfolio and polished...

Students may conduct research of particular interest or pursue specialized applied projects in communication under faculty supervision. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

A workshop course in writing the personal essay and nonfiction prose, with special attention to developing your personal voice and applying creative writing techniques to nonfictional subjects. Students will read and discuss examples of creative nonfiction and prepare two longer...

An introduction to performance studies as a mode of inquiry. Concentration on the methods of communicating narrative texts for various audiences. Course activities/assignments will explore the power and role of story in contemporary culture by analyzing and participating in various...

(Cross-listed with Comm 385) A critical analysis of gender representation in social institutions, popular culture, literature, and film. Readings and projects will address definitions of femininity and masculinity, as well as gender, power, and sexuality, with the objective of helping...