COMMUNICATION COURSES
Current Course Listings
COM 101Fundamentals of Video
Introduction to video as a visual medium. Covers basic production skills in camera work, lighting, sound, scripting, storyboarding, and editing, and includes exposure to other electronic image-making processes. Class work consists of group projects; individual productions; and the viewing, analysis, and discussion of video works in a variety of genres. Emphasis is on developing a critical awareness of how images convey meaning. Two, 2½ hour studios per week. 3 credits.
COM 105 Introduction to Visual Media
A systematic study of the ways in which images convey meaning as well as exposure to methods for creating images and meaning. Focuses on integrating theory with the practice of analyzing images or sequences of images from art photography, video, film, and electronic media. Provides a conceptual foundation for students majoring in communication, video, photography, graphics, marketing, art, theater, journalism, and other fields dealing with visual media. 3 credits.
COM 106 Argumentation and Debate
Find out what it takes to have influence and make your voice heard in casual argument or formal debate. This course will give students the opportunity to learn how to develop and deliver powerful arguments and discover how dynamic communication can influence action. Students will have the opportunity to debate current issues that permeate the media. Students will also analyze arguments used in popular media, advertising and political campaigns. Increase skills in listening, presentation, critical thinking, creativity and persuasion. Prerequisite: COM 150 COM - 3 credits.
COM 107 Professional Speaking
Be on the cutting edge with this opportunity to develop communication skills in various professional scenarios. As future professional, employers will expect students to perform speeches of various complexity and format. It is important for professionals to have dynamic communication skills in diverse practical scenarios. In this course students will have variety of opportunities to gain confidence and skills with interviewing, persuasion, presentation technology, presentation development, problem solving, creativity, leadership and speaking dynamism. This class is suited to students who wish to increase their communication skills in professional fields such as marketing, education, law, politics, management, public relations or health professions (among others). Prerequisite: COM 150 - 3 credits
COM 108 Media Literacy
This course will center on the relationship between media and society.Students will examine, discuss and analyze media messages and produce their own media based on analytical observations and a fundamental understanding of basic media literacy concepts. Coursework will include analysis of advertisements, television programs, video games, movies and news and will involve participation in a variety of roleplaying activities designed to stimulate various scenarios in the media industry.This course is suited to anyone interested in learning more about what goes into marketing and promotion or for those who want to better understand the persuasive techniques used in advertising. Interested students should be advised this is not a course in media bashing.The goal is for individuals to become more aware of (and resistant to) the seductive power of media messages. Prerequisite: None - 3 credits
COM 111(C) Introduction to Electronic Media
Designed to introduce students in any area of study to the fundamentals of using electronic media to communicate information and ideas. Covers the use of the computer for multimedia presentation, digital image-manipulation, and digital sound. Specific skills covered are: writing to communicate, digitizing and editing sound, using the scanner, digitizing video, and interactive multimedia authoring. Through group and individual projects, students work with a specific area of interest to see how information changes as it passes through different media. A final project allows each student to apply course skills to the creation of an interactive multimedia CDROM. No prior computer experience is necessary. 3 credits.
COM 112(C) Topics in Electronic Media
An in-depth exploration of a single topic in Electronic Media. Students work either together and independently in the research, design, and production of a relevant major media project within the class or in conjunction with another course. Please see the course booklet or the instructor for details on the current topic. [May be taken more than once.] 3 credits.
Theory and practice of journalism fundamentals for print and broadcast media. Brief history of media development and present trends. Basic news writing for newspapers, radio, and television. Techniques of editing. Criticism and analysis of College and area media. Prerequisite: Eligibility for ENG 101 3 credits.
COM 114 Mass Media
A study of newspapers, magazines, radio, and television from the consumer's viewpoint. Covers techniques for influencing public opinion through propaganda and censorship, communication theories, film as a molder of values, evaluation of media accuracy, semantics and the media. 3 credits.
COM 115 Introduction to Animation
Using a variety of traditional and computer animation techniques, students will explore the basics of two-dimensional animation: the relationship of sound and image, storyboarding, line and cell animation, and stop-action animation. We will study examples of animation from early-animated film to state-of-the-art 3-D computer animation. Projects will include flipbooks, short animation studies, and a final individual animation. No drawing or computer experience is necessary. 3 credits.
COM 116(C) Journalism II
Concentrates on the advanced
skills necessary for journalists to produce their own publications. Emphasis
will be on specialized reporting skills for niche publications; the editing
of material for libel and allocated space; the design of pages with art and
photographs or advertisements; and the production skills necessary to create
and produce a newsletter, community newspaper, or specialized magazine. Students
will learn typography and the editing skills for points of entry to printed
pages, basic survival skills in graphic design, and demographic marketing
and distribution techniques via print and the Internet. Prerequisite: COM
113.
3 credits.
COM 118(C) Media for the Web
Introduces students to the fundamentals of preparing images, sound, and video for use on the World Wide Web.The course focuses on how specific software packages such as Photoshop, Sound Edit 16, and Premiere are used to prepare media for delivery on the web. Emphasis will be placed on the effective use of visual design and communication principles in conveying information. Coursework will include projects in digital sound, digital imaging, and digital video. 3 credits.
COM
121 - Introduction to Communication
Introduces perspectives from which human communication may be studied. Focuses
on how we communicate with one another, looking specifically at the symbols
we use and analyzing how they influence our thinking and behavior. Provides
a conceptual foundation for examining language, nonverbal communication, small
group behavior, and the impact of mass media on patterns of human interaction.
3 credits.
COM 122 Introduction to Radio Broadcasting
A presentation of many facets of radio. Topics to be covered include
radio station management, programming, advertising, the Federal Communications
Commission, production techniques, and ontheair practices.
Speech 120 recommended. 3 credits.
COM 141 Practicum in Communication, Media, or Theater Arts
This course is designed to provide students with opportunities for the enhancement of their course work in Communication, Media or Theater Arts.Through experience gaining practical skills, students will work directly with an instructor on the design, implementation, and practical aspects of project. Prerequisite: None. 1, 2, or 3 credits.
Introduces students to the necessary elements of informative and persuasive public speaking. The course includes performance analysis of speakers and major historical speeches.Course skills learned are useful in all forms of oral presentation in professional and academic settings. Students are required to attend one outside speaking performance, to deliver several speeches in class, and to participate in group discussion. Please note that this course replaces SPE 120 – Fundamentals of Speech.Students will not receive credit for both SPE 120 and COM 150. Prerequisite: None. 3 credits.
COM 201(C) Electronic Media Seminar I
This course provides students with an opportunity to pursue an area of electronic media beyond the introductory level. Over the semester, students will work independently on major media project of their choice, meeting regularly with the instructor, and occasionally as group to discuss topics of common interest.(May be taken more than once.) Prerequisite: COM 101, 111, or 112 - 3 credits.
COM 202(C) Electronic Media Seminar II
Continuation of COM 201, providing additional opportunity to work independently on major media projects supervised by the instructor and supported by weekly meetings with seminar group and individual meetings with the instructor. Two, 2½ hour studios per week - 3 credits.
COM 204(C) Electronic Media Portfolio
This course provides students
with an opportunity to create major media project that integrates various
aspects of Electronic Media and that demonstrates the student’s ability
to work competently in the area.The creation of portfolio of work accomplished while
in the program is an integral part of the course as well as an oral defense
before Portfolio committee. Prerequistes: COM 201 and at least 21 credits
of Electronic Media courses that may be taken concurrently.
4 credits.
COM 215 3D Computer Animation
This course provides an introduction
to the concepts of three-dimensional
computer animation. Topics covered include: relationship of
2D to 3D animation, working in
three-dimensional
environment, surfaces, lighting, and camera placement and animation
output. Both professional and student 3D
animation will be screened and discussed. Projects will include short
animation studies, and a final individual animation.
3 credits
COM 218(C) History and Criticism of Film
A basic introduction to film studies.Covers film structure, both material and aesthetic, as well as the historical development of the film. Includes an overview of critical schools of thought in film theory and criticism. Prerequisite: ENG 102 4 class hours COM 220 (C) Oral Interpretation 3 credits Develops ability to read aloud and to interpret prose, poetry, and drama. Concentration is on techniques of projecting meaning through proper voice, diction, and body control. Prerequisite: ENG 101 -3 credits
COM 220 (C) Oral Interpretation
Develops ability to read aloud and to interpret prose, poetry,
and drama. Concentration is on
techniques of projecting meaning through proper voice, diction,
and body control.
Prerequisite: ENG 101 - 3 credits
COM 266 Introduction to Designing for the
Web
Provides students with a
solid understanding of the effective use of graphic design and communication
theory in Web design. Students will acquire skills in HTML and software
with an emphasis on visual design and communication principles.
Builds upon the technical and creative foundations developed in
ART 259 or COM 111. (same as ART 266.) Prerequisite: ART 259 or
COM 111. 3 credits .
