COM*101, Introduction to Mass Communication (3 credits)
Gen Ed Competency: Social Phenomena
An examination of the effect and impact of mass media on contemporary life.Emphasis is on the influence of cable and broadcast television, radio, film,the internet and the press in such areas as entertainment, news, politics,advertising, popular culture and human behavior. Prerequisite: Eligible for either ENG*101ALP, ENG*101E, or ENG*101. (Updated Fall 2017)
COM*104, Careers in Media (3 credits)
Exploration and research of careers in media covering the fields of journalism,advertising, public relations, broadcasting, television, film making, recording,digital multimedia and other media arts. Course utilizes guest speakers discussing career preparation, job requirements and responsibilities. Job targeting, networking, interviewing skills, resume and portfolio preparation are also taught. (Updated November 2014)
COM*111, Scriptwriting (3 credits)
An introduction to writing scripts for radio, television, film and non-broadcast media. Through extensive writing, students will learn the basic requirements for writing public service announcements, commercials, news copy, corporate and educational videos, reality and documentary treatments, and dramatic features. This course will teach standard formats and techniques used by professional scriptwriters including preliminary proposals, outlines, treatments, screenplays and scripts, as well as key terms, concept development and analysis. One or more student screenplays written for this course may be selected to be produced in COM*153 Film Production. Prerequisite: ENG*101E or ENG*101. (Updated July 2021)
COM*120, Social Media (3 credits)
Gen Ed Competency: Social Phenomena
This course will introduce students to various forms of social media and how to use them strategically. Students will learn about leading social media platforms and tools, who uses them, and how they have transformed the way we interconnect and interact with the world, both personally and professionally. Students will be expected to apply their knowledge by participating on different social media platforms through interactive class projects. Prerequisite: Eligible for ENG*101. (Updated November 2014)
COM*125 / DGA*125, New Media Production (3 credits)
Gen Ed Competencies: Creativity, Social Phenomena
This course is an introduction to the production of new media. New media is an emerging communications technology that adds on-demand interactive access to media content fostering creative participation and community formation.Students will learn to develop and produce a variety of digital media including, audio, video, photography, animation and web-design, and make that media accessible over the Internet and mobile devices through wikis, blogs, podcasts, and social media.Students will use professional media creation tools such as cameras, video and audio edition applications, content management systems and Internet radio, music creation, and podcast software. (Updated April 2018)
COM*129, Digital Video Production
(3 credits)
Gen Ed Competency: Aesthetic Dimensions
This course is an introduction to single camera video field production and post-production techniques with an emphasis on visual storytelling. Students will learn story development, proposal and script preparation, high definition camera operation, portable lighting techniques, sound recording, video editing, motion graphics, visual effects and preparing finished programs for distribution. Students will create news, documentary instructional and narrative programming for a variety of platforms including mobile, Internet streaming and broadcast television. (New course, effective Spring 2017)
COM*130, Introduction to Broadcast Communications (3 credits)
This course has been discontinued.
This course serves as an introduction to broadcast writing, production, and distribution. Areas covered include program development, copy and scriptwriting,production techniques, FCC regulations, broadcast technology and operation, and new methods of program delivery. Emphasis will be on developing effective communication skills through written assignments, research, and the production of radio and television programming.
COM*131, Audio Production (3 credits)
Students will learn the techniques and technologies used in creative sound design for radio, television, film and the Internet. Emphasis is on the technical skills used in recording, mixing, and editing. Students will create projects focusing on the fundamentals of sound design for various applications. (Updated November 2014)
COM*142, Television Production (4 credits)
This course has been discontinued.
Gen Ed Competencies: Aesthetic Dimensions, Creativity
Introduction to the techniques, aesthetics and processes involved in professional television production. Equipment operations and techniques of field and studio production will be covered including scriptwriting, project planning, camera and recorder operation, lighting, scenery, microphones and linear and non-linear editing. Students will output projects to various media including tape, web, and DVD. Broadcast-Cinema majors should take this course concurrently with COM *203. Prerequisite: Eligible for either ENG*101ALP, ENG*101E, or ENG*101. (Updated April 2018)
ART*147/COM*147, Digital Cinematography
(3 Credits)
An introduction to photographic principles as they apply to movies and video. This course will use both digital still and video cameras, and cover topics such as composition,depth-of-field, lenses, focal length, exposure, focus, filters, camera angles, camera operation, camera movement, visual effects, and principles of lighting and color; as well as the roles of the Director of Photography and other camera and lighting crew on a production.This is a hands-on course with students completing a series of practical exercises and production assignments.
Prerequisite: ART*250 or COM*129 or COM*142.
Gen Ed Competencies: Aesthetic Dimensions, Creativity
COM*153, Film Production
(3 credits)
A hands-on, collaborative approach to narrative film production techniques,including pre-production organization, cameras, lighting, shooting strategies,sound recording, crewing, and editing. Students will specialize in a specific area of production and collaborate with fellow students to produce a short original film during the semester. Creative use of the medium for dramatic story telling will be emphasized using current technologies.
Prerequisite: COM*129 or COM*142
COM*154, Film Study and Appreciation (3 credits)
Gen Ed Competency: Aesthetic Dimensions, Global Knowledge
An introduction to the art, history, and influence of film. Students will learn about significant genres and styles of film, influential films and directors,film language and technique. Selected films will be viewed and analyzed weekly. Prerequisite: Eligible for either ENG*101ALP, ENG*101E, or ENG*101. (Updated April 2018) (Fulfills a “D” course requirement for students who enrolled in a degree program prior to the Fall 2016 semester.)
COM*155, History of Film I (3 credits)
Survey of the film’s history, techniques, and aesthetics to the end of World War II. Film classics shown weekly. Prerequisite: Either ENG*101ALP, ENG*101E, or ENG*101. (Updated November 2014) (Fulfills an “L” course or “D” course requirement for students who enrolled in a degree program prior to the Fall 2016 semester.)
COM*156, History of Film II (3 credits)
Survey of the film’s history, techniques, and aesthetics from the end of World War II. Film classics shown weekly. Prerequisite: Either ENG*101ALP, ENG*101E, or ENG*101. (Updated November 2014) (Fulfills an “L” course or “D” course requirement for students who enrolled in a degree program prior to the Fall 2016 semester.)
COM*172, Interpersonal Communication (3 credits)
Gen Ed Competency: Oral Communication in English
This course focuses on developing positive interpersonal communication skills necessary for building and maintaining healthy, productive relationships in both a personal and professional environment. This includes both one-on-one as well as small group situations. Topics may include: verbal and non-verbal communication, perception of self and others, listening techniques, cultural and gender considerations, conflict avoidance and management, effective leadership skills, group dynamics and decision-making, and interpersonal communication within organizations. The course will expose students to various interpersonal communication theories and processes, while developing skills through practical exercises and activities. Prerequisite: Eligible for either ENG*101ALP, ENG*101E, or ENG*101. (Updated Fall 2017)
COM*173, Public Speaking (3 credits)
Gen Ed Competency: Oral Communication in English
Students will develop oral messages of varying lengths and styles that communicate across a variety of settings. Prerequisite: Either ENG*101ALP, ENG*101E, or ENG*101. (Updated November 2014) (Fulfills an “L” course requirement for students who enrolled in a degree program prior to the Fall 2016 semester.)
COM*179/THR*113, Performance for Film and Television (3 credits)
Gen Ed Competencies: Aesthetic Dimensions, Creativity
This course will develop performance and acting skills used in radio,television, and film including voice-over techniques, television news reporting and anchoring, dramatic acting, and comedic performance. Skills include voice articulation, projection and inflection, script analysis and interpretation. Students will analyze scripts and develop characters to improve acting and directing techniques and understand the importance of subtext to scenes. Students perform using microphones, teleprompters, lighting, and cameras. This course is designed for students interested in on-screen performance across a range of media as well as those interested in film and television directing and production. (Updated April 2018)
COM*201, Introduction to Public Relations (3 Credits)
A comprehensive survey of public relations theories and practices as they function in organizations and society. The course examines the roles and responsibilities of public relations professionals and the evolution of the profession. Students study the process of public relations planning; examine the strategies and tactics used to establish and maintain positive relationships with constituents; review relevant legal and ethical concerns; and explore the practice of public relations in various contexts, including event planning, promotions, publicity, traditional media as well as new social and digital media campaigns, and crisis management. Students will apply what they have learned by developing and presenting a public relations strategic plan and other PR materials. Prerequisite: ENG*101. (Updated November 2014)
COM*203, Media Literacy (3 credits)
Gen Ed Competency: Aesthetic Dimensions
An examination of the techniques used by media communicators to share meaning,influence and entertain mass audiences with sounds and images. Broadcast-Cinema majors should take this course concurrently with COM *142. Prerequisite: Eligible for either ENG*101ALP, ENG*101E, or ENG*101. (Updated November 2014)
COM*220, Television Studio Production
(3 credits)
An introduction to the fundamentals of studio television production with an emphasis on multi-camera production techniques and procedures including directing, camera switching, studio camera and robotic camera operation, studio lighting, digital video effects, audio mixing, video graphics, recording and distribution. Students will produce various projects such as news/sports, talk, drama and informational programming for broadcast over local cable television and the Internet.
Prerequisite: COM*129. (New course, effective Spring 2017)
Gen Ed Competency: Aesthetic Dimensions
COM*226, Journalism I (3 credits)
Practice in the methods and techniques of news gathering,writing, editing, and analysis. Students will also specialize in one or more areas of newspaper production and be involved in creating the college newspaper. Prerequisites: Either ENG*101ALP, ENG*101E, or ENG*101. (Updated November 2014) (Fulfills an “L” course requirement for students who enrolled in a degree program prior to the Fall 2016 semester.)
COM*228, Broadcast Journalism Workshop (3 credits)
Students will develop and produce a weekly news or public affairs program for broadcast on local television. Emphasis is on story research, writing and producing a program under strict deadlines. Formats can include news, magazine and talk show while program topics can include local news, the arts, sports, community affairs, etc.
Prerequisite: COM220 or COM*226 AND either ENG*101ALP, ENG*101E, or ENG*101. COM*111 recommended.
COM*231, Radio Production (3 credits)
This course introduces the skills needed for general radio, commercial, news,and spoken word production. Current practices in radio production and broadcasting will be covered including station automation, FCC regulations,studio operations, Podcasting, Internet radio, and other forms of digital broadcasting. Research, scriptwriting, and workshop-based projects in informational and music-based programming including regular programs for the college’s radio station are required. Prerequisite: Either ENG*101ALP, ENG*101E, or ENG*101. Recommended: COM*131 (Updated November 2014)
COM*255, Topics in Film (3 credits)
This course will examine a specific topic in film and film making from an historical and artistic perspective. Topics that may be covered include examining the work of an influential director or a specific film genre or artistic movement. Prerequisite: Either ENG*101ALP, ENG*101E, or ENG*101. (Updated November 2014) (Fulfills a “D” course requirement for students who enrolled in a degree program prior to the Fall 2016 semester.)
COM*264, Advanced Editing Workshop (3 credits)
Gen Ed Competencies: Aesthetic Dimensions, Creativity
The operation of advanced video editing equipment and advanced editing techniques will be covered. This will include media organization, editing aesthetics, editing dialog and action sequences, montage, the integration of effects and transitions and equipment interfacing. Prerequisite: COM*129 or COM*142. (Updated April 2018)
COM*283, Broadcast Engineering (3 credits)
Course emphasizes both studio and field engineering practices including system design and timing, station operations, reading of waveform monitors and vectors copes, camera theory and adjustments, and RF equipment. Digital and analog theory and IT integration will also be covered. (Updated November 2014)
COM*287, Advanced Media Production (3 credits)
Gen Ed Competency: Creativity
Advanced work in video, audio, or digital multimedia leading to the development and production of a completed professional project. Emphasis on using professional approaches in pre-production and production. Students will specialize in their preferred area of production for which they must have had prior production experience. Majors should see a program advisor to make sure they have taken the necessary sequence of courses prior to enrolling in this class. Prerequisite: One of the following: COM*131, COM*129, DGA*241, DGA*260, or DGA*250; Course is open to students in Digital Media
Production, Communication Studies and digital media certificate programs or with permission of the instructor. (Updated Fall 2020)
COM*293, Corporate Media Production Practicum (3 credits)
Students work on professional corporate video and multimedia productions. All aspects of production including meeting with clients, proposal writing,budgeting, scriptwriting, video production, post production and delivery of video will be covered. Entry into this class will be based on instructor evaluation and academic standing. Enrollment is limited to 5 students. (Updated November 2014)
COM*294, Media Arts Workshop (3 credits)
Gen Ed Competency: Creativity
The Media Arts Workshop is a summer honors program with the goal of producing a collaborative work of outstanding professional quality. This workshop is open to students in Broadcast-Cinema, Communications Arts, Multimedia or a related discipline. Students will learn by working with media professionals for training and guidance and by working together as a team to complete a film,video or interactive media presentation. Enrollment is by application only. Prerequisites are courses and/or experience in the student’s field of study and presentation of an accomplished portfolio and possible interview. (Updated April 2018)
COM*295, Internship I (3 credits)
Students gain practical work experience by interning with approved broadcast, cable, multimedia, education, media production companies or public service organizations for academic credit. Minimum of 120 hrs. of practical experience a well as written assignments and evaluation required for 3 credits. Students should arrange internship during the semester prior to registration. Prerequisite: Permission of the program coordinator. (Updated July 2019)
COM*296, Internship II (3 credits)
Communications/Multimedia Internship II) Students gain practical work experience by interning with approved broadcast, cable, multimedia, education,media production companies or public service organizations for academic credit.Minimum of 120 hrs. of practical experience as well as written assignments and evaluation required for 3 credits. Students should arrange internship during the semester prior to registration. Prerequisite: Permission of the program coordinator. (Updated July 2019)
