Course Listing

Communication Courses (Including Digital Media Production)

For the latest information on course availability, visit our online catalog.

Fall 2017

ART*109 Color Theory
ART*111 Drawing I
ART*116 Perspective Drawing
ART*121 Two-Dimensional Design
ART*147 Digital Cinematography
ART*250 Digital Photography
COM*101 Intro to Mass Media
COM*104 Careers in Media
COM*111 Scriptwriting
COM*120 Social Media
COM*125 New Media Production
COM*129 Digital Video Production
COM*131 Audio Production
COM*147 Digital Cinematography
COM*149 Television Studio Production
COM*153 Film Production
COM*154 Film Study and Appreciation
COM*173 Public Speaking
COM*179 Performance for Film & TV
COM*203 Media Literacy
COM*226 Journalism I
COM*228 Broadcast Journalism Workshop
COM*231 Radio Production
COM*264 Advanced Editing Workshop
COM*293 Corporate Media Production Practicum
COM*295 Internship I
DGA*101 Introduction to Digital Arts
DGA*110 Computer Graphics
DGA*120 Digital Imaging I
DGA*125 New Media Production
DGA*231 Digital Page Design I
DGA*241 Internet Web Design I
DGA*256 3D Animation Foundations
DGA*260 Animation
GRA*150 Intro to Graphic Design
GRA*296 Graphic Design Internship
MUS*117 Electronic Music

Back in the 1950s, some women didn’t attend college right after high school, and while MxCC alumna Sally Smith liked to learn, she began college much later in life.

Originally from East Hampton, Sally grew up in Meriden and graduated from Meriden High School in 1958. Her father initially discouraged her from going to college or joining the Navy like her brothers. Instead, she started her own family. But years later, Sally was divorced and, because her children were still small, she had to sell her house and go on state aid. In order to get off Medicaid, Sally became a licensed practical nurse (LPN) through the Vinal Tech program in Middletown in 1973. While working as an LPN in a nursing home, Sally met a patient in her eighties who was a talented painter and always wanted to exhibit in her own art show. Sally simply went ahead and arranged an art exhibit and reception for her in Cheshire, where the patient even sold two paintings. “She was beside herself with joy!” recalled Sally. By the 1980s, Sally’s kids were grown and she explored the idea of attending college. She first attended Southern Connecticut State University, but that campus experience was not for her. Instead she decided to audit an algebra class at Middlesex Community College. She then enrolled in more classes and worked with a tutor to improve her grades. For a while, she lived near the former MxCC Meriden Center and also took classes there. She even reconnected with old acquaintance in one of her classes, Betty Berger. They knew each other previously when their kids were in dance class together. After attending MxCC part-time into the 1990s, Sally earned her associate degree in human services. “I had a very good experience at Middlesex. I enjoyed being there, and the teachers were great,” she reiterated. While still working as a nurse, Sally met an elderly male patient of Irish descent, who said he never had been to Ireland. She talked with his daughter to see if this was even physically possible for him to travel. She agreed, so Sally again proceeded to see how to arrange this for him. She spoke with other senior wish agencies that told Sally she would have to do all the work. If that was the case, why not start her own foundation with the mission of fulfilling the dreams of senior adults? In 2007, Sally and her friend Betty launched a nonprofit organization called Seniors Have Dreams, Too. The group’s purpose is “to make a difference in the lives of the elderly and create opportunities for seniors with limited resources to experience a lifelong dream.” The nationwide program is offered to seniors 65 years of age or older, living below the poverty level, and physically and mentally able to experience a wish. Receiving no grant money, the group operates on individual donations and holds an annual arts and crafts fundraiser. Recently, the organization granted several wishes—a 78-year-old woman with cancer living in Las Vegas went to a concert for the first time; a Connecticut woman’s dream was to visit the casino again with her friends; a woman in her eighties received piano lessons and recorded a CD; a former airline hostess rode in a helicopter—all made possible through the work of Sally’s organization. “No matter how old you are, you should always have something to look forward to. None of your memories should be old,” she said, who now lives in Wallingford. Sally still takes her nursing job very seriously. “ I love my job working in nursing homes. This is where I belong. I love working with the elderly and kids with disabilities. I’m getting things for nothing, and so I have to give back,” said Sally emphatically. What is Sally’s dream? “To complete a bachelor’s degree before turning 90 years old,” she said. “But now my job is to make people smile.” To donate, sponsor or apply for a dream, or attend the December 1 crafts fair, visit www.seniorshavedreams.org. October 2018

ART*111, Drawing I (3 credits/4 contact hours) $$ Studio Course Fee Gen Ed Competencies: Aesthetic Dimensions, Creativity A study of form through gesture, contour line, and the use of light and shade. Various mediums including conte crayon, charcoal, and ink are used in the study of still life and controlled subject matter. Composition is emphasized. (Updated April 2018)

ART*116, Perspective Drawing (3 credits/4 contact hours) $$ Studio Course Fee Gen Ed Competency: Aesthetic Dimensions The system of linear perspective as a method of producing a two-dimensional representation of the three-dimensional world. Problems in one, two, and three-point perspective with some use of projection methods. (Updated November 2014)

ART*121, Two-Dimensional Design (3 credits/4 contact hours) $$ Studio Course Fee Gen Ed Competencies: Aesthetic Dimensions, Creativity Background in the fundamentals of art through an examination of the basic elements and principles of design. Exercises in composition using paper, ink,and paint. The second half of the semester consists of the study of color and includes problems dealing with physical and relative properties. (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

ART*250, Digital Photography (3 credits) Gen Ed Competencies: Aesthetic Dimensions, Continuing Learning/Information Literacy, Creativity An introduction to digital photography including hardware and software, camera handling and creative controls, file formats and management, image editing,manipulation and output options using Adobe Photoshop. Through demonstrations and assignments, a survey of imagery and a final portfolio, students will be introduced to the basic vocabulary, concepts, tools, and expressive possibilities of digital photography. Students must own a 3 megapixel (or greater) digital camera with manual, aperture priority and/or shutter priority exposure modes, There will be some additional expenses. Basic computer and photographic experience preferred. (Updated April 2018)

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) Practice and analysis in all aspects of script writing for motion pictures, television and radio. Course covers basic formats as well as techniques for narrative development, story structuring, etc. Prerequisite: ENG*101E or ENG*101. (Updated February 2016)

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*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*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*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*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*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. 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: Either COM*129 or COM*142 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*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*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*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 hours 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 instructor. (Updated November 2014)

DGA*101, Introduction to Digital Arts (3 credits) Gen Ed Competencies: Aesthetic Dimensions, Creativity A hands-on introduction to the field of digital multimedia which integrates text, images, graphics, sounds, video, and animation in an interactive computer environment. Students will learn about multimedia technology, terminology,production techniques, and software. Production work will include an introduction to multimedia authoring. (Updated April 2018)

DGA*110, Computer Graphics (3 credits) Gen Ed Competencies: Aesthetic Dimensions, Creativity An introduction to the computer as a tool for art and media imaging. Basic computer skills and an introduction to the major applications used for digital illustration, image manipulation, and page layout. (Updated April 2018)

DGA*120, Digital Imaging I (3 credits) Gen Ed Competencies: Aesthetic Dimensions, Creativity Students will receive in-depth instruction in the leading digital image editing software which is used in commercial graphics, video production and multimedia.This software is used to edit and manipulate scanned photographs and other images using masking, retouching and other special effects. Topics covered include: image creation and editing; digital scanning; digital color theory and file formats; typographic effects; advanced filter techniques; automation and performance options; and hardware considerations. Prerequisite: DGA*110 or permission of the instructor. Recommended: ART*121. (Updated April 2018)

DGA*231, Digital Page Design I (3 credits) Gen Ed Competencies: Aesthetic Dimensions, Creativity Students will receive in-depth instruction in this leading desktop publishing software package which is used in commercial graphics and multimedia. Desktop publishing software is used for creating layouts of text, graphics, photographs and other visual images for print. This course provides the hands-on instruction to create publication files and templates for typical office documents, technical manuals, marketing literature, books, newsletters, magazines and package design. Topics include: digital typography; style sheets, layout grids and master page techniques, graphic design fundamentals, image processing effects, overprinting, trapping and color palette systems, plugin architecture and common desktop publishing issues. Prerequisite: DGA*110 or permission of the instructor. Recommended: ART*121. (Updated April 2018)

DGA*241, Internet Web Design I (3 credits) Gen Ed Competencies: Aesthetic Dimensions, Creativity An introduction to graphic and multimedia design used in web page and site creation by teaching basic design concepts essential to good Web publishing.This course discusses the anatomy of a Web page, identifies design elements and tackles design issues such as the constraints of designing effective web sites across different browsers and platforms, monitor size and resolution, color palettes, and graphic file size. This course also covers the design process including project planning, mapping, interface design, prototyping, analyzing and organizing content, hyperlinks and page layout using tables, grids and frames. Students will use industry standard applications for coding HTML and creating, editing and integrating graphics and multimedia elements. Prerequisite: DGA*110 or permission of the instructor. Recommended: DGA*202 and ART*121. (Updated April 2018)

DGA*256, 3D Animation Foundations (3 credits) Gen Ed Competency: Creativity An introduction to the creative and technical processes involved in the production of 3-dimensional modeling and animation. Through theories, instructions, visual examples, and hands-on production students will learn the fundamental principles of modeling and animating virtual objects and environments using industry-leading software and hardware. Students’ experience will include the production of various modeled and animated project to further enhance their production portfolios. Prerequisite: DGA*101, DGA*110, or permission of the program coordinator. (Updated April 2018)

DGA*260, Animation (3 credits) Gen Ed Competencies: Aesthetic Dimensions, Creativity An introduction to the creative and technical processes behind the animated image.Through theories, instructions, visual examples, and hands-on production students will learn the fundamental principles of animation. Students will explore 2-dimensional cel, stop-motion, 2-dimensional digital, and motion graphic techniques. Additional topics covered will include: storyboarding; character development; time-lapse photography; collage techniques; and basic editing aesthetics. Students’ experience will include the production of various animated projects in a number of different formats ranging from the printed page to computer-based digital image. Prerequisite: DGA*110 or permission of the instructor. (Updated April 2018)

GRA*150, Introduction to Graphic Design (3 credits) Gen Ed Competencies: Aesthetic Dimensions, Creativity An introduction to graphic design, a creative process that uses art,technology, and the written word to produce effective visual communication.Creativity is encouraged through hands-on exercises using fundamental design elements and skills to solve thought-provoking communications problems. Various techniques and mediums, including the computer, are explored in the execution of solutions. Prerequisites: ART*121 and DGA*110. Recommended: ART*111. (Updated April 2018)

GRA*296, Graphic Design Internship (3 credits) Gen Ed Competencies: Aesthetic Dimensions, Creativity Students work for design companies, printeries, service bureaus, or other relevant businesses. For Graphic Design majors who have nearly completed the requirements for the A.S. degree/Graphic Design Track. Minimum of 120 hours required for 3 credits. Prerequisite: Permission of Program Coordinator. (Updated April 2018)

MUS*117, Electronic Music (3 credits) Gen Ed Competencies: Aesthetic Dimensions, Creativity Designed for the non-musician, this course focuses on the composition, creation, performing, and recording of music using modern production techniques. Students will learn the compositional elements of music including rhythm, music and chord theory, and song structure and then perform and record their compositions using MIDI keyboards and digital audio workstations. (Updated April 2018)