An examination of the development of radio and television in the United States, specifically its programming, audience, organization, technology, and philosophies. Special focus will be given to this development in light of cultural, economic, and civic interaction. (Spring 2011 and alternate years) COM 437. Special Events Planning 3 credits This course will instruct students in the effective planning, implementing, and managing of a special event. Students will examine the essential components of events planning, including identifying event objectives, working with planning committees, managing volunteers, marketing, and budgeting. Students will learn professional planning strategies and tactics for workshops, conferences, fundraisers, and many other special events. Prerequisite: COM 237. (Spring 2012 and alternate years) COM 438. Communication Theory and Research 3 credits The primary goals of this course are to provide the skills needed to understand and interpret research applications, methods, and results and to offer practice in basic research writing skills. This course will also prepare students to evaluate communication theories effectively and to apply these theories within a number of varying contexts. (Fall 2010 and alternate years) COM 439. Digital Media Seminar 3 credits A seminar course in which students will be introduced to advanced techniques in photography, design, animation, modeling, database creation, and telecommunications. Students will be expected to produce a wide range of media-related products. (Spring 2011 and alternate years) COM 465. Internship 3-6 credits On-the-job experience in either an on-campus or off-campus site. Specific internship duties are determined in contractual arrangement among the student, the on-site supervisor, and the department internship coordinator. All interns write a proposal, keep a journal of their work experiences, meet regularly with the coordinator, write a final report, and make a public final report on their internship experiences. Academic credit is three semester credits for 12 hours of work each week or six semester credits for 24 hours of work each week; all internships run 14 weeks. Prerequisites: attendance at three final report meetings prior to time of application, approval of the department internship selection committee, approval of the on-site supervisor, a 2.5 grade point average, and junior or senior standing. Graded credit. COM 466. Practicum 3 credits The course is designed to structure formally a practical working experience for students at the senior level in which a minimum of 50 clock hours of communication-related experience is required. Students will work in the general communication areas of electronic media, interactive media, and professional writing to produce mass mediated messages for outlets such as The Yellow Jacket, The Lamp, WCYJ-FM, WCTV, and other on-campus activities or organizations. The emphasis for instruction will be on the management of media outlets and also the techniques for producing mass mediated messages. Fall COM 475. Advanced Faith and Learning Integration 3 credits In the spirit of the mission of Waynesburg University, this course intends to provide junior and senior level students with an unparalleled opportunity to integrate the Bible materials and its history of interpretation to the academic disciplines. Students who wish to engage in this level of theological reflection on vocation should consult with both their academic advisors and with the Chair of the Biblical and Ministry Studies Major Program. See page 117 for further information. This course will not substitute for senior capstone/research courses required in the majors. Prerequisites: Junior or Senior standing; three credits in BMS courses; 3.0 minimum gpa. (Offered when interest is expressed and departmental resources permit.) COM 495. Special Topics 3 credits A study of various particular topics which are chosen by the members of the department in consultation with students. The topic will usually be different for each semester. Students may take only two Special Topics courses to fulfill major requirements. Once the major requirements have been completed, the student may take as many Special Topics courses as his/her schedule permits. COM 497. Independent Studies 1-3 credits A carefully guided writing, editing, or communicating project, the course is open to sophomore, junior, and senior Communication majors with the approval of their advisor. The course is also open to non-majors with the approval of the Communication program director and their major advisors. COM 499. Senior Project 3 credits An intensive study of an advanced topic selected by the student in consultation with a faculty supervisor. Suggested topics may include, but are not limited to, Web-based applications, digital pre-press
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