Whether your message is a speech, news story, feature article or corporate newsletter, studying communications will help you develop your writing and speaking skills. Your communications courses will give you a solid start toward your first job; our liberal arts classes will prepare you for the career-climbing opportunities that follow.
Multimedia Minor
| Requirements: |
| COM 101x - Mass Media and Society |
| COM 185 - Media Writing |
| Choose two credits: 2 |
| COM 215 - Practicum in Public Relations |
| COM 219 - Communication Practicum in Television Production |
| Choose 10 credits: 10 |
| ART 220 - Graphic Design I |
| ART 230 - Design: Theory and Practice |
| ART 265 - Photography II |
| ART 320 - Graphic Design II |
| COM 202 - Video Production |
| COM 263 - Layout and Design |
| COM 315 - Writing and Design for the Web |
| ENG 288 - Writing in the Professions |
| Choose one course: 3-4 |
| COM 230 - Principles of Public Relations |
| COM 328 - Media Law |
| COM 332 - Social Foundations of Advertising |
| COM 360 - Film Aesthetics and Criticism |
| Total credits required: 23-24 |
Study of the language of visual art including the elements and principles of design. Emphasis on learning creative problem solving and activities that focus upon the making and criticism of design projects in response to specific problems. The ethics and stewardship of design, and its influence on society and culture are considered.(4 credits; alternate years, consult department)
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)
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)
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 with television productions produced for TV-3, the campus cable TV channel. Prerequisite: COM202. (1 credit)
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)
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)
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)
A study of professional writing. In a writing workshop setting, students will learn to adjust style, tone and content to accomplish a definite purpose with an identified audience. They will also learn strategies for creating texts that are clear, concise and accurate. The course is especially useful for those whose career goals require facility in written communication, such as those studying marketing, public relations, advertising, management or law. All students will choose a professional to be their mentor on a writing project related to the career they are interested in. Students will also build a small portfolio of professional writing that includes letters, a memo, a resume and a research report.Prerequisites: sophomore class standing and ENG184 or ACT English score of 30 or above (SAT 680 or higher).(2 credits)
The fundamentals of photography as an art medium and a journalistic tool are used to develop an individual style or method of composing and printing photographs. This individual aesthetic approach will be seen in all the work presented at the end of the course. Prerequisite: ART164. (2 credits)
