Course Descriptions will begin the term by focusing on a small story that can be captured in about two weeks. Each week students will be expected to bring in photographs that will be the building blocks to the story they have chosen to tell. This course is cross-listed as FAS 305. Prerequisite: FAS 226. COM 310 Social Media (3 credits) This course provides students with a broad approach to the history, theory, technology, impact, and strategic uses of social media. Students will learn how to explore the possibilities and limitations of various social media and will learn how to apply and adapt basic rhetorical communication strategies to construct and critically evaluate social media texts. Students will examine the strategic uses of social media for community building, civic and political participation, advertising, marketing, public relations, and journalism. Finally, students will gain basic hands-on experience with several forms of the most current social media technology. This is a writing- and reading-intensive course. Prerequisites: IT 100 and ENG 121 COM 320 Exploring World Cultures through Mass Media (3 credits) This course seeks to expand global cultural understanding and communication by examining pop culture and media systems in various countries. Students will have the opportunity to expand their cultural perspective by exploring music, film, television, radio, print media, technology, and urban and youth culture. Topics will include media imports and exports, media audiences, media financing and regulation, media research and reporting, media effects, media ethics, meaning and communication through media, and intercultural communication. In lieu of a text students will use extensive internet research, personal interview, podcasts, discussion boards, various supplemental material, and independent cultural exploration. Classes will consist of brief lectures, discussion, viewing of media, and in-class research and projects. Global Marker Prerequisites: COM 126 or COM 128, and ENG 121. COM 322 Advanced Public Speaking (3 credits) This course provides students with the skills to produce effective oral presentations in professional contexts. The course includes formal individual speeches as well as interactive and group presentations. It is run as a seminar to provide students with experience as moderators. Prerequisite: COM 212. COM 327 Screenwriting for Media Arts (3 credits) This course is designed to teach students the fundamentals of screenwriting for short Narrative and Commercial projects. Students will analyze screenplays and scripts, and then learn basic screenwriting concepts and tools. Students will be attending lectures and film screenings, completing inclass writing exercises and proposals, providing valuable critique to their colleagues, and completing at least one treatment, pitch and screenplay. Prerequisite: ENG 121. It is highly recommended that students take COM 128 prior to taking this course.
COM 332 Corporate Communications (3 credits) This course gives students the opportunity to develop skills, knowledge, and philosophies in organizational communication through lectures, research, readings, discussions, application and written assignments. Emphasis is placed on verbal and nonverbal communication, cultural communication, interpersonal relationships within organizations, leadership styles, organizational environments, crisis communication and dealing with the future and change. Prerequisites: COM 212 and COM 322 or permission of instructor. COM 336 Electronic Public Relations (3 credits) This course provides a focused overview of electronic public relations applications and presents guidelines for using electronic technologies for public relations purposes. Students will learn to reach various publics through public service announcements, video news releases and satellite media tours. Students will also learn how to reach media, government, consumers, employees and management effectively by applying electronic media technologies. Prerequisite: COM 227. COM 337 Journalism Practicum II (3 credits) The option for this advance practicum is print journalism at the executive board (editorial staff) level on the student run newspaper, The Observer. Students interested in receiving credit for this practicum must assume the editorial roles to operate and publish the student newspaper; and present portfolios of their work at the end of the academic year. The newspaper’s editor-in-chief and faculty advisor award credit(s) based on student participation and involvement at the editorial staff level, and quality of portfolio based on work completed over the academic year. COM 340 Writing for Public Relations (3 credits) COM 340 is a survey course requiring copywriting in public communication formats, including news releases, features, editorials, brochures, speeches, profiles, newsletters and annual copy. Prerequisite: ENG 121. COM 341 Technical Writing (3 credits) This course trains students to produce documents of a technical nature commonly found in a business context. Students are required to prepare a variety of technical reports, including audits, technical manuals and feasibility studies. Prerequisite: ENG 121. COM 342 Writing for the Computer Industry (3 credits) This course is designed to increase students’ ability to communicate high-tech information and to apply the technical writing process to the computer industry. The course focuses on techniques for creating documentation with attention to formatting, graphic design and text organization. Prerequisite: COM 341 or permission of the instructor. COM 344 Digital Video Production: Level II (3 credits) Students will continue gaining hands-on production experience and will increase their knowledge of video theory, aesthetics, and techniques. Video will be approached as a creative visual communication tool for the exploration of abstract concepts, creative endeavors, and the human condi133