2014-15-Undergraduate-Catalog

MASS COMMUNICATION (MCOM)Course Descriptions • 413MCOM 101 Understanding Mass CommunicationAn introductory overview of the history and current trends in mass communication from a socio-culturalperspective. Areas covered include print media (newspapers, magazines and books), electronic media (radio,television, film, the Internet), advertising, public relations and media ethics. Three credits.MCOM 150 Principles of Public SpeakingAn introduction to the principles of public speaking, including theory, history and practice. This course presentsboth classical and contemporary theories of rhetoric while at the same time emphasizing the practical skills ofpublic speaking. The course offers full coverage of all major aspects of speech preparation and presentation, andrequires student practice throughout the course. Three credits.MCOM 201 Understanding Visual CommunicationThis course focuses on the nature and power of visual imagery — especially the photographic image. Providesperspective on the cultural significance and social effects of image production, and combines theory with practice.Students apply the principles of image production in visual exercises in using Adobe Photoshop. Three credits.MCOM 205 Introduction to Public RelationsThis course is designed to familiarize students with the field of public relations and the role it plays in the massmedia. The course will outline the process of public relations, including fact-finding and research, planning andprogramming, communication and actions and evaluation. It will also examine relevant communication andpersuasion theories. Prerequisite: ENG 102. Three credits.MCOM 211 Media EthicsThis course considers the ethical issues facing communication students, professional journalists and mediapractitioners. Students will be provided with ethics principles, models and theories to work through ethical issuesand moral dilemmas. Three credits.MCOM 215 Understanding MoviesThis course provides an introduction to motion pictures as an artistic and cultural form, as well as film’srelationship to other popular media. The course content explores movies’ narrative conventions; the stylisticconventions of lighting, cinematography, sound and editing; and how they communicate to mass audiences inpopular genres like the Western, science fiction, the musical, women’s films and film noir. Concurrent enrollment inMCML 215 Understanding Movies lab required. Three credits.MCOM 230 New Communication TechnologiesAn overview of recent technological developments and their impact in the field of mass communication. Studentswill be introduced to new communication technologies and applications including desktop publishing, multimedia,desktop video, presentation software and Web page design. Three credits.MCOM 305 Public Relations WritingThis course examines the forms of informational and persuasive writing used in the public relations field. Emphasisis on developing the writing and research skills necessary for producing various types of public relations copyincluding news releases, public service announcements and audiovisual scripts, as well as copy for newsletters,brochures, annual reports and press kits. Three credits.MCOM 310 Mass Media Theory and ResearchThis course is designed to familiarize students with the social science research methods most commonly used inmass communication. It also examines the theories which have been shaped and informed by media research.Students will design and conduct a media research project. Three credits.MCOM 315 Mass Media and SocietyThis course is designed to increase the student's understanding of the impact of the mass media on society andthe way these effects have evolved and increased over time. Issues examined include freedom and responsibility ofthe media, sex and violence in media, portrayals of minorities and women, media and democracy and the emergenceof mass culture. Three credits.