Communications courses

Examines the historical development, organization and structure of the mass media in contemporary society, as well as related issues and problems. Suggests Christian perspectives on use of and participation in the mass media.(4 credits)

Students learn genres of writing for print and broadcast journalism and video, as well as for public relations and advertising. They learn these genres in relation to each other and in relation to their organizational contexts and audiences. Included are reporting, organizing and writing, as well as basic legal and ethical guidelines for reporters and writers in journalism and PR.Prerequisite or co-requisite: the college writing requirement.(4 credits)

Acquaints the student with the basic equipment, techniques, and procedures of video production, both in studio and on location. Attention to principles of videotape editing.(3 credits)

An exploration of an area or genre of communication not adequately covered in the current curriculum. See the professor listed for details about the current topic.(2-4 credits; alternate years, consult department)

Practical experience in public relations related projects such as publicity, promotions, employee and customer relations, special events, advertising, Web design, corporate research, grant writing, and human resources development and training. Project sites and sponsors may be campus departments and organizations, community businesses, and non-profit organizations. Prerequisites: completion of, or enrollment in, any of the following courses: COM230, 261, 263, 315, 332, 355, and ENG288, or permission of instructor. (1 credit)

Practical experience working on the campus newspaper, the Beacon, or the college yearbook, the Cornerstone. Prerequisite: students must be accepted for membership on one of these publications before signing up for the practicum. (1 credit)

Practical experience working with television productions produced for TV-3, the campus cable TV channel. Prerequisite: COM202. (1 credit)

Introduction to the field of public relations. Its focus is on public relations theory and practice with an emphasis on emerging trends. This course is offered as an overview covering public relations history, theories, strategies and tactics.(3 credits; alternate years, consult department)

Principles of clear and forceful journalistic writing. Includes fact gathering, story planning, lead and head writing. Attention to editing for improved copy, headline writing, and selection of photographs and art work.Prerequisite: COM185 or permission of instructor.(4 credits; alternate years, consult department)

Study of interviewing practices, research methods, organization, and interest-gathering techniques necessary for writing longer articles, profiles, columns and consumer affairs writing.Prerequisite: COM185 or permission of instructor.(2 credits; alternate years, consult department)

Covers basic principles of design as they apply to a wide variety of publications. Emphasis on selecting type, art and graphics appropriate to subject matter, purpose and audience.(3 credits)

This course is designed to be an upper- level course providing in-depth and additional knowledge and/or skill in specific discipline areas that are not well covered in the current curriculum. Topics will vary according to students' interests and needs, changes and developments in the communication discipline and practice, and faculty skills and interest. Potential topics may include additional instruction in advertising, public relations, magazine writing, advanced news writing and editing, advanced video editing, digital video directing, and international and intercultural communication.Prerequisites: to be determined by department.(2-4 credits; alternate years, consult department)

Study of writing and design for a Web environment. Students will analyze Internet sites and design sites of their own, using a standard program for Web design.Prerequisites: ENG184 or equivalent and any of the following: COM263, ART220, ART230, or permission of instructor.(3 credits; alternate years, consult department)

An introduction to social and historical foundations of advertising. Includes a study of the role of advertising in American culture and economy.(3 credits; alternate years, consult department)

Examination of the role of communication within and between organizations. Attention to communication tasks within an organization such as news releases, memo writing, conducting meetings, and communicating to an organization's constituencies.(4 credits; alternate years)

This course is an examination of film as one of the dominant art forms and influencer's of our culture. We will look at film form, genres and content, and we will do film critique.(4 credits; alternate years, consult department)

Study and practice of acting skills and techniques in front of cameras using scenes from television, film, commercials and industrial scripts. Course also includes sections on audition techniques and the business of acting.Prerequisite: THE215, COM202 or permission of instructor.(3 credits; alternate years, consult department)

Theory and practice of writing and reporting for, as well as leading, community newspapers--weeklies and smaller dailies. Topics include investigating local government, reporting on meetings, reporting on religion, developing local sources of information, understanding the roles of the newspaper within the community, forming relationships of trust with sources and readers, and dealing with common ethical issues. (3 credits; alternate years, consult department)

Experience in an approved internship.(4 credits may apply toward the major)