This department recognizes the importance of effective communication in today’s society. Communication may be verbal, written, or visual; performed on a stage, on the screen, or delivered as a speech. The mission of the CMTA Department is to provide students with an opportunity to learn to communicate effectively through hands-on, student oriented classes where they can learn critical thinking, effective communication principles, creative problem solving and dynamic group interaction.
For students achieving their Associate of Arts Degree, an additional 25 credits in their choice of focus is necessary to graduate.
The Communication, Media, and Theater Arts Department offers four different Options:
the Communication Option (HO12),
the Electronic Media Option (HO35) and Certificate (HO36),
the Theater Option (HO11),
and the CMTA Integrated Studies Option (HO43)
Each Option allows students to follow a flexible course of study to prepare them to transfer to a four-year institution or to enter the job market. In addition, the CMTA Integrated Studies Option (HO43) provides the opportunity to create a custom course of study that combines areas both within and outside of the Department.
Advisors The Communication option provides a foundation in the understanding of communication within society and in our everyday lives. This program is suited for students who wish to pursue careers in the field of:
• Broadcasting
• Journalism
• Advertising
• Public Relations
• Business
• Politics
The goals of this program are both skill-based and analytical: to foster effective communication in diverse social situations and to develop an understanding of the media institutions, media history, and the effects of media on society as well as individuals. This program prepares students for transferring to a four-year school.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Mass Media COM 114
Introduction to Communication COM 121
Public Speaking COM 150
PROGRAM ELECTIVES
Professional Speaking COM 107
Media Literacy COM 108
Introduction to Electronic Media EMS 111
Fundamentals of Video EMS 110
Journalism I COM 113
Journalism II COM 116
Introduction to Radio Broadcasting COM 122
Radio Production COM 123
Practicum in Communication COM 141
Group Dynamics COM 212
Social Media COM 214
Film History and Criticism EMS 218
Great Film Directors EMS 225
Fundamentals of Acting THE 110
Voice and Diction THE 218
ADVISORS
Joanne Kostides jkostides@hcc.mass.edu
(413) 552-2326
- Graphic Design
- Public Relations
- 2D & 3D Animation
- Web Desig n
- Interactive Game Design
- Education
- Training
- Applications
- Multimedia
- Video or Television
- Digital Imaging
- Digital Sound
- Journalism
- Communication
- Theater
- Photography - Graphic
The Electronic Media Program offers maximum flexibility, allowing students to study and work in a way that best suits their needs.
• Electronic Media Option (HO35) in the Associate of Arts (AA) degree
• Electronic Media Certificate (HO36)
• Enroll in individual Electronic Media Courses
ADVISORS:
Justin West -Professor of Electronic Media Program Coordinator- jwest@hcc.edu (413) 552-2525
Jay Ducharme -Professor of Electronic Media- jducharme@hcc.edu (413) 552-2508
The degree option is for those interested in gaining Electronic Media skills while pursuing an Associate in Arts degree (AA).
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS Total of 35 Credits
ENG 101 Language and Literature I 3
ENG 102 Language and Literature II 3
(3) Humanities Elective [C] 3 (9 Total)
(3) Social Science Elective [B] 3 (9 Total)
(2) Laboratory Science [D] 4 (8 Total)
(1) Mathematics [D] 3
ELECTRONIC MEDIA PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Semester I (6 Credits)
Introduction to Electronic Media EMS 111 [C] 3
Introduction to Visual Media EMS 105 [C] 3
Semester II (6 Credits)
Fundamentals of Video EMS 110 3
Choose one of the following:
• Public Speaking COM 150 [C] 3
• Introduction to COM 121 [C] 3
• Communication
Semester III (6 Credits)
Electronic Media Seminar EMS 201 3
Choose one of the following:
• Basic Design I ART 123 [C] 3
• Basic Still ART 140 [C] 3
• Photography
• Introduction Designing for the Web EMS 266 3
Semester IV (6 Credits)
Electronic Media Portfolio EMS 204 4
Electronic Media Elective EMS 3
The certificate in Electronic Media may be completed in one year. It is ideal for those who wish to gain new career skills, are contemplating a career move, or are simply interested in this exciting area but are not seeking an Associate in Arts degree (AA).
Semester I (12 Credits)
Introduction to Electronic Media
Fundamentals of Video
Introduction to Visual Media
Choose one of the following:
• Basic Design I
• Basic Still Photography
• Introduction to Designing for the Web
Semester II (13 Credits)
Electronic Media Seminar
Electronic Media Portfolio
Choose one of the following:
• Public Speaking
• Introduction to Communication
Electronic Media Elective
EMS 111 3
EMS 110 3
EMS 105 3
ART 123 [C] 3
ART 140 [C] 3
EMS 266 3
EMS 201 3
EMS 204 4
COM 150 [C] 3
COM 121 [C] 3
EMS 3
Introduction to Electronic Media (EMS 111)
This course introduces students to a variety of electronic media and explores how to express an idea using text, sound, visual images, and interactive media.
Fundamentals of Video (EMS 110)
This course focuses on video as a means of visual communication. Covering the basics of concept design, composition, shooting, and editing, it introduces students to the basics of communicating with video.
Introduction to Visual Media (EMS 105)
How do images create meaning? Students will learn the core concepts of visual communication, some semiotic visual theor y, and discover how these ideas are put to work in informational visual media, photography, art, and advertising.
Introduction to Animation (EMS 115)
Covering the basics of 2-D animat ion, this course explores the proper ties of motion, line and cel animation, and stop-motion animation. A good introduction to animation concepts.
3-D Computer Animation (EMS 215)
This course covers the basics of computer animation while applying some of the basics of traditional animation.
Great Film Directors (EMS 225)
An in- depth exploration of the work of three film directors.
Digital Studio (EMS 124)
This course explores the use of digital media in the creation of v isual imagery.
Electronic Media Seminar (EMS 201)
The Electronic Media Seminar series provides students already familiar with one or more forms of electronic media with an opportunity to work independ ently on a major media project under the super vision of a faculty member.
The Electronic Media Portfolio (EMS 204)
The portfolio is an opportunity for graduating Electronic Media students to compile a portfolio that integrates various forms of electronic media while showcasing the students specialty. Students present their portfolio of work in an oral defense before their portfolio committee.
The Theater Program is committed to providing students with foundation training and study in theater arts. This includes acting, technical theater, theater history, voice and movement. The concentration offers production opportunities and course work that provides students with the ability to express themselves through performance and the skills necessary to translate theatrical literature into onstage production elements. The faculty at HCC see theater as an interdisciplinary study that will prepare students for transferring to a four-year curriculum or for entry-level positions in semi-professional and/or professional theaters.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Fundamentals of Acting THE 110
Introduction to Theater THE 219
Modern Drama THE 213
One course selected from the following:
Play Production I THE 124
Play Production II THE 125
PROGRAM ELECTIVES
Movement THE 120
Modern Drama THE 213
History: Classical Theater THE 212
Voice and Diction THE 218
Playscript Analysis THE 240
Advisors
THEATER ARTS
Timothy Cochran tcochran@hcc.edu (413) 552-2484
Patricia Sandoval psandoval@hcc.edu (413) 552-2486
Thomas Schieding tschieding@hcc.edu (413) 552-2494
The Integrated Studies Option is designed to allow students to create their own program of study integrating different areas of study within Communication, Media, Theater Arts and other fields. With the help of a departmental advisor, students select courses that will provide the best foundation for transferring to a four-year institution, or for entering the job market. Students interested in the Integrated Studies Option must meet with a member of the Communication, Media and Theaters Arts Department.
• Art and Animation
• Music and Film
• Business and Interactive Media
• Theater and Video
• Digital Audio and Radio
• Communication and Interactive Media
• Digital Imaging and Graphics
21 Credits from Communications, Theater or Electronic Media courses
The Media Arts Center is a state-of-the-art facility offering students in Electronic Media and Photography the latest in equipment and software. The Center is unique offering students from any discipline the ability to study Electronic Media, to collaborate with one another, and to incorporate electronic media in their chosen fields.
The 'MAC' has four dedicated computer labs fully equipped with accessible networked computers, projectors, audio equipment and printers for work in video, and digital processes. In addition, there are two smaller studios with audio and animation digitizing equipment where students can work individually or in small groups. These smaller rooms are great for projects involving stop-motion or 2D animation, sound recording, MIDI keyboard, or voice recording. The “Black Box” is an experimental open space equipped with 12-ft video and computer projection, and digitally-controlled sound and lighting, allowing for innovation in theater, media and photo production.
