Radford University Undergraduate Catalog, 2011-2012

academic field and work opportunities post
graduation, and identify and develop skills/experiences
that are necessary to secure employment
in the field. Interns will engage with community-based
organizations in direct service.
Leaders and scholars from non-profit and voluntary
organizations, government, and business
will introduce concepts, perspectives, and strategies
critical to revitalizing and sustaining communities
of place. Organizing themes include:
environmental sustainability, social justice and
diversity, health and wellness, hunger and food
security, and community development. The internship
may be repeated for up to 6 hours with
different objectives during the second semester.
COMMUNICATION AND MEDIA
STUDIES
COMS 104. Basic News Writing. (3)
Four hours lecture and laboratory.
Instruction and practice in basic writing for print
and electronic media. Includes introduction to
writing fundamentals, writing for news media,
and use of expository, narrative descriptive and
persuasive approaches This is a core course required
of all Media Studies majors in the journalism
concentration.
COMS 114. Public Speaking. (3)
Three hours lecture/performance.
Techniques and fundamentals of public speaking,
methods for improving poise and confidence,
delivery, construction of speeches and
critical evaluation of speeches and speakers. For
students who wish to improve their ability to
communicate in public.
COMS 130. Introduction to
Communication. (3)
Three hours lecture.
An introduction to the field of communication,
including a survey of communication history,
systems, technology, and roles in society. Provides
students with a foundation in the history
and practices of a wide range of communication
areas. This is a core course required of all students
majoring in the School of Communication.
COMS 146. Media Performance. (3)
Three hours lecture/performance.
Performance demonstrated and practiced through
a variety of media in studio and field settings.
Personal coaching provided on the basis of audio
and video recordings, analysis and feedback.
COMS 173. Introduction to Advertising
and IMC. (3)
Three hours lecture.
Provides a foundation for advertising, its history,
development, problems and challenges. Includes
an overview of advertising, its creativity,
composition, decision making, media planning,
and management.
COMS 204. News Reporting. (3)
Four hours lecture and laboratory.
Prerequisite: COMS 104 or permission of instructor.
Practice in advanced level reporting and feature
writing. The course requires submission of all
stories for possible media distribution (e.g., The
Tartan and NRV News). Advanced discussion of
ethics, morality, law and responsibility, as well
as an examination of national and international
media issues.
COMS 223. Advertising Copywriting. (3)
Three hours lecture and laboratory.
Prerequisite: COMS 173 or permission of instructor.
Introductory course that exposes advertising
students to various copywriting styles using a
combination of lecture and laboratory exercises.
COMS 225. Introduction to Public
Relations. (3)
Three hours lecture/discussion.
Principles, history and practice of public relations
in business, educational institutions, social
welfare organizations, government and military
services.
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