Course Descriptions
Communication Arts
| Visit here for full COMM descriptions | ||||||
Prefix and Number |
Title |
Description |
Prerequisite(s) |
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| COMM 1100/1100S | Introduction to Human Communication | Surveys the historical roots of communication, discusses the encoding and decoding of messages, and introduces the contexts of communication. | Minimum grade of C ENGL 1101 or WRIT 1101 | |||
| COMM 1110/1110H/1110S | Principles of Public Speaking | The critical study and practice of public speaking emphasizing the art of rhetoric from a humanistic perspective. Areas of study include research and preparation, ethics, audience analysis, and presentation of speeches. | Minimum grade of C ENGL 1101 or WRIT 1101 | |||
| COMM 2332/2332S | Media & Society | Introduction to print and electronic mass communications and media-related professions. Surveys the media’s historical development in the United States with particular focus on structure, social roles, and related theories. Also considers change factors that can affect the future of media. | Minimum grade of C ENGL 1101 or WRIT 1101 | |||
| COMM 3030/3030S | Selected Topics In Communication Arts |
Offers varied courses in specialized areas of the field of Communication Arts. | Permission of instructor. | |||
| COMM 3331/3331S | Media Criticism | Familiarizes students with dominant paradigms currently used in media studies. Particular emphasis will be given to theories addressing the social context of the media and criticism as a rhetorical act. | ||||
| COMM 3332 | Voice and Phonetics | |||||
| COMM 3336 | International Media Systems | This course comparatively studies mass media systems around the world. It analyzes media systems in terms of relevant political, social, economic and cultural factors. Diversity and change in global communication is a main theme. The influence of rapidly-advancing technology is analyzed for its dynamic impact around the world, especially in developing nations. | Minimum grade of C in COMM 2332 | |||
| COMM 3337 | Mass Communication Law | Surveys freedom of speech and press and its limitations by laws governing libel, privacy, copyright, contempt, free press, broadcast regulation, fair trial, and reporter’s shield. Broadcast industry self-regulation and ethical concerns of mass communications will be discussed. | Minimum grade of C in COMM 2332 | |||
| COMM 3430 | Media Management & Sales | Students will examine the organization and operation of media operations’ policies and procedures. Students will also examine media management theory and practice, key media administrator roles, media industry processes and departments, and media manager skills in finances, personnel, programming, promotion/marketing, selling of commercial advertising in media, and audience research. | Minimum grade of C in COMM 2332 | |||
| COMM 3431 | Digital Media Entrepreneurship | Course focuses on the business side of the information business, specifically digital media startups. As part of this course, students develop an original idea for a digitally-based media startup, research and analyze the potential market for the startup, and develop a basic media business. The course will also look at the behavior of entrepreneurs, but will be focused more on media entrepreneurs and the development of student ideas into potential media startup projects. | Minimum grade of C in COMM 2332 | |||
| COMM/WRIT/AMST 3433 | Comic Book Writing in American Culture |
Investigates multiple dimensions of and models for comic book writing as it traces the medium’s history, development of new genres, and narrative conventions since its origins in the 1930s. Teaches the comic book’s use of iconography, cultural tropes, and cognitive closure in the construction of sequential narratives. | A minimum grade of C in ENGL 1101 and ENGL 1102, WRIT 1101 | |||
| COMM 3530 | Media Ethics | The study of moral and professional conduct within various mass communication contexts. Provides students with the ability to recognize and confront potential ethical issues as journalists and media consumers. | Minimum grade of C in COMM 2332 | |||
| COMM 4330 | History of Mass Communications | Surveys the history of journalism in America, with emphasis upon its correlation with political, social, and economic trends. | Minimum grade of C in COMM 2332 and Junior status | |||
| COMM/WGST 4331 | Gender, Media, and Representation | Examines the implicit gender messages that are communicated through mass media. Focuses on the representation of gender in the media and how media both reflects and creates cultural values and ideals pertaining to gender. | ||||
| COMM 4332 | Contemporary Communication Application | Offers analysis of a selected contemporary topic in communication. Includes discussion of appropriate communication models and their analytical application to the selected topic. May be repeated a maximum of two times for credit. | Permission of instructor. | |||
| Advanced Law and Ethics | Provides an evaluation of contemporary media regulations/law and ethical issues by way of case analysis along with the study of the evolution of media regulation for understanding of past, present, and future media performance. | Minimum grade of C in COMM 3337 | ||||
| COMM 5000G | Topics in Communications | |||||
| COMM 5030G | Special Topics in Communication | Subject announced when course offered. Topics vary, such as environmental impacts on communication, transactional analysis theory, non-verbal communication. Graduate students will have additional readings and research expectations, including, when appropriate, a research presentation. | ||||
| COMM 5333G | Theories of Mass Communication | Examines the development of mass media systems and the resulting theoretical perspectives. Encourages theory application as means of understanding and explaining what happens to us individually and as members of a society as mass communication became possible and now as media systems are being adapted. Graduate students will be given an extra assignment determined by the instructor that undergraduates will not be required to do. | Minimum grade of C in COMM 2332 | |||
| COMM 5335G | Public Relations Campaigns in Health & Science | Examines communication and public relations in health and science campaigns, with a focus on public communication and strategy effectiveness. Graduate students will have additional readings and research expectations, including, when appropriate, a research presentation. | ||||
| COMM 7100 | Research in Communication & Leadership | Introduction to the concepts and methods of applied research and theory necessary for professionals in communication and leadership settings. Topics will include survey development, interviews, focus groups, experiments, ethnography, and content analysis. Students will construct a research question, review literature, collect and analyze data, and present the results of their analysis. | ||||
| COMM 7150 | Communication & Leadership in the Public Arena | Examination of the communication and leadership on public issues. Course explores the theories and practices associated with leadership in groups and organizations in the public and private sectors. Focuses on interactive aspects of leading and following, and developing leadership skills from a communication perspective. | ||||
| COMM 7300 | Applied Crisis Communication Theory | Examination of theories relevant to crisis communication management and application of those theories to cases, both actual and hypothetical. | ||||
| COMM 7400 | Health Communication | Applies various communication theories to the health care community. The impact of health communication in different contextual levels, i.e., interpersonal, group, organizational, mass and cultural will be examined. | ||||
| COMM 7500 | Selected Topics in Communication | Selected topics in the field of communication defined by the instructor. May be taught as a colloquium, directed reading, or seminar. | ||||
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Communication Studies |
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Prefix and Number |
Title |
Description |
Prerequisite(s) |
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| COMS 1711 | Speech Practicum | Practical experience in speaking and performance events. A maximum of three credit hours may be applied toward the degree. | ||||
| COMS 2330 | Introduction to Communication Research |
Introduces students to the professional literature in communication and examines the major paradigms used in communication research. The students will gain practical experience using formal research styles. | ||||
| COMS 2711 | Communication Studies Practicum | Practical experience in speaking and performance events. A maximum of three credits hours may be applied toward the degree. | ||||
| COMS 3030 | Selected Topics in Speech Communication |
Offers varied courses in specialized areas of the field of speech communication. | Permission of instructor. | |||
| COMS 3330 | Health Communication | Applies various communication theories to the health care community. The impact of health communication in different contextual levels, i.e., interpersonal, group, organizational, mass and cultural will be examined. | ||||
| COMS 3331 | Argumentation | Examines the function and structure of argumentation by focusing on the critical analysis of argument around important issues in public policy, science, law, religion and politics. | ||||
| COMS 3332 | Small Group Communication | This course examines the increasing importance of communication in small group situations. Communication in group roles, relationships, leadership, conflict, group discussion and reflective decision making, will be highlighted. | COMM 1100 or COMM 1110 |
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| COMS 3334 | Communicating in the Workplace | Considers the theoretical and practical challenges existing in a variety of workplace communication scenarios ranging from interviews and group interaction and structure through oral presentations supplemented by a variety of modern media. | ||||
| COMS 3335 | Interpersonal Communication | Considers current interpersonal research emphasizing practical analysis for how we communicate and form interpersonal relationships. | COMM 1100 | |||
| COMS 3336 | Introduction to Performance Studies |
Examines the performance process in relation to the cultural values communicated in social and artistic forms. An introduction to folklore, storytelling, and solo performance. | ||||
| COMS 3337 | Persuasion | Considers the ethics, philosophies, theories, and techniques of persuasion from the points of view of both senders and receivers of persuasive messages. | COMM 1110 | |||
| COMS 3338 | Rhetorical Criticism | Introduces students to the major perspectives and approaches used in the practice of rhetorical criticism through the analysis of various rhetorical forms, including public speeches, drama and entertainment, tradition and ideology. | ||||
| COMS 3339 | Intercultural Communications | This course will focus on the different contexts in which culture influences the communication process. Aspects of communication such as language, nonverbal communication, interpersonal relationships, and organizations will be examined across different cultures. Students will strive to understand the impact of culture on perception, social identity, values, and structures of power. Intercultural, cross-cultural, and multicultural contexts for communication will be discussed. | COMM 1100 or COMM 1110 |
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| COMS 3430 | Communication & Leadership | Covers the theories and practices associated with leadership in groups and organizations. Focuses on interactive aspects of leading and following, and developing leadership skills from a communication perspective. Topics will include perspectives of a leader’s communication interactions with regard to: change, culture, decision making, diversity, ethics, follwership, groups and teams, influence, organizations, and styles. | Minimum grade of C in COMM 1100 | |||
| COMS 3711 | Communication Studies Practicum | Practical experience in speaking and performance events. A maximum of three credits hours may be applied toward the degree. | ||||
| COMS/INTS 4330 | Rhetoric of International Relations | Examines the discourse of international relations from a rhetorical perspective. Emphasizes the analysis and criticism of persuasive messages used in international relations from Aristotelian, Neo-Aristotelian, dramatic and narrative rhetorical theoretical bases. | Junior or Senior standing, or permission of instructors. | |||
| COMS 4332 | Political Communication | Emphasizes the role and function of communication in the political setting. Examines theories of political communication and their application to political campaigns, debates, and speech writing. | ||||
| COMS 4333/LING 4333 | General Semantics: Language Use, Meaning, Culture | Studies the relationship between symbol use and meaning from traditions of General Semantics (as established by Alfred Korzybski), semiotic, and constructionist thought. Focuses on the use of signs and symbols and implications for nonverbal and oral communication in personal relationships, social settings, and cultural contexts. | ||||
| COMS 4336 | Performance, Culture, Communication | Presents performance techniques relevant to scripting and staging of presentational ensemble and solo performance. Emphasizes performance as a communicative act in social and cultural contexts. Introduces personal narrative construction and oral history interviewing as primary research methods. | ||||
| COMS/AAST4337 | Rhetoric of Social Movements | Introduces students to the rhetorical significance of selected social movements including labor reform, civil rights, and environment protection, emphasizing the analysis of persuasive social movement discourse. | ||||
| COMS 4338 | Organizational Communication | Explains the role and effects of communication in everyday organizational life. Includes interpersonal communication in the workplace, leadership, organizational communication and climate, motivation and flow of information in organizations. | ||||
| COMS 4339 | Philosophy of Communication | Introduces students to the contributions of philosophical debate from logical positivism through hermeneutics to the discipline of human communication studies. | ||||
| COMS 4711 | Communication Studies Practicum | Practical experience in speaking and performance events. A maximum of three credits hours may be applied toward the degree. | ||||
| COMS 4791 | Communication Studies Internship | Provides practical experience in a professional setting appropriate for a student trained in speech communication. Will be under the supervision of a skilled practitioner in the particular area of communication. May be taken only by Speech Communication majors. A maximum of six hours may be applied to the major. | COMM 1110, junior or senior standing, department approval, and a minimum 2.5 total overall GPA. | |||
| COMS 4831 | Directed Study in Speech | Offers students opportunities to design and conduct directed research and/or projects in specialized speech communication areas. Must be approved in advance by instructor and department chair. This course may not be used to replace an existing course in the catalog. | Permission of instructor and department head. | |||
| COMS 5330/5330G | Communication Theory | Introduces students to major approaches in the development of communication theory with emphasis on various communication contexts, e.g., interpersonal, group, organization, mass media, intercultural. | Minimum grade of C in COMS 2330 or PRCA 4330 | |||
| COMS 5331 | Communication & Conflict | Introduces students to the theory and practice of conflict management in personal and professional relationships. | ||||
| COMS 5332/5332G | Nonverbal Communication | An introduction to the theories, processes and effects of communication in nonverbal codes. Topics may include kinesics, proxemics and paralanguage. Critical analysis and contemporary research emphasized. | Minimum grade of C in COMM 1100 or COMM 1110 | |||
| COMS 5333/5333G | Communication & Gender | Introduces students to the literature of gender and communication. Considers how men’s and women’s self-perceptions and resulting communication patterns evolve as a function of cultural influences. | ||||
| COMS 5334/5334G | Interpersonal Communication in the Workplace | Communication theory, research, and applications of various forms of interpersonal communication in the workplace. Topics may include superior-subordinate communication, interviewing, and presentations. | Minimum grade of C in COMM 1100 or COMM 1110 | |||
| COMS 5335/5335G | Family Communication | Examination of various communication theories within the unique contexts of family dynamics. | Minimum grade of C in COMM 1100 | |||
| COMS 7200 | Organizational Communication in Diverse Contexts | Theories and principles of professional discourse applied toward working effectively in ethnically diverse organizations and in international contexts. | ||||
| COMS 7300 | Professional Communication Presentation | Development and enhancement of public presentation skills using communication theory as a foundation. Emphasis on speech writing, speech preparation, skill development, audience engagement, critical analysis of public address, and differences between face-to-face and electronically-mediated communication environments. | ||||
| COMS 7400 | Communication Training & Development | Prepares students for managing communication training programs in a variety of settings. Public speaking training and development will be a central focus. | ||||
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Film Studies |
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Prefix and Number |
Title |
Description |
Prerequisite(s) |
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| FILM 2200 | Introduction to Cinema | An introduction to cinema studies through critical appreciation of cinema form. Areas of study include a survey of production, film reception, ideology, film theory, and representation with an emphasis on critical film analysis. | ||||
| FILM 3030/3030S | Selected Topics | Courses will cover a variety of special topics in film studies, such as specific film genres, auteurs, critical approaches, historical film movements, and representation. May be repeated for additional credit with new topics. | FILM 2200or permission of instructor | |||
| FILM 3331 Cross Listing(s): ENGL 3331. |
History of Cinema | Survey of aesthetic, economic, social, technological and industry development of cinema from 1896 to the present day with an emphasis on film movements and film analysis. | Prerequisite(s): FILM 2200 or Permission from Instructor. | |||
| FILM 3332 | Documentary Film | A survey of Documentary studies that examines film form, reception, historical developments, ethics, key figures and representation. | FILM 2200 | |||
| FILM 3333 | Art of Film | An analysis of cinema form, genre conventions, film theory, culture and the film industry through a survey of film genres. May be repeated for additional credit with new topics. | FILM 2200 | |||
| FILM 5035 | Film Theory & Criticism | An in-depth examination of film theory and criticism concepts introduced in Intro to Cinema Studies with an emphasis on analysis of selected film texts. | Minimum grade of C in FILM 2200 and ENGL 2100 or PHIL 2010 | |||
| FILM 5040 | Women in Film | Representations of women in film, may include issues such as feminist film theory and criticism, presentation of female characters in major film. | ||||
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Georgia Film Academy |
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Prefix and Number |
Title |
Description |
Prerequisite(s) |
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| GFA 1000 | Introduction to On-Set Film Production | Introduction to On-Set Production is a survey class that familiarizes students with the many job positions, specialized equipment and technical procedures involved in professional feature film and television production, with an emphasis on workforce development of the growing industry in Georgia. Upon successful completion of the course, students will understand and be able to execute the filming of a scene, and be prepared for continued study in the mechanics of film production. | ||||
| GFA 3010 | Production Design | This course is designed to examine the process of Production Design as it relates to the film and television industry. Students will work on an assigned project and take it from concept to completion solving real-world challenges with the skills they have learned in class. Assigned projects will allow them the hands-on experience they need. A large emphasis will be placed on set etiquette, including but not limited to task completion, teamwork, attitude, professionalism, and punctuality. This class will include assigned reading from various books, web articles, and periodicals. It will also include video lessons and use of Vectorworks Student Software. Students are expected to attend all classes and complete all assignments. | Minimum grade of C in GFA 1000 | |||
| GFA 3020 | Motion Picture Set Lighting | This course is offered in collaboration with the Georgia Film Academy. The course is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge of electrical distribution and set lighting on a motion picture or episodic television set in order to facilitate their entry and advancement in the film business. Students will participate in goal oriented class projects including power distribution, set protocol and etiquette, properly setting lamps, department lingo, how to light a set to feature film standards, motion picture photography, etc. A large emphasis will be placed on set etiquette including, but not limited to, participation in exercises, attitude, professionalism and technique on and off set. | Minimum grade of C in GFA 1000 | |||
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Multimedia Journalism |
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| Visit here for full MMJ descriptions | ||||||
Prefix and Number |
Title |
Description |
Prerequisite(s) |
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| MMJ 2331 | Introduction to Journalism | An introductory study of the role of journalism, with fundamental instruction and practice in writing for the mass media. | Minimum grade of C in ENGL 1101 or WRIT 1101 | |||
| MMJ 3030 | Selected Topics in Journalism | Offers various courses in specialty areas of journalism. | Department approval | |||
| MMJ 3100 | News Reporting & Writing I | Provides theory, instruction, and practice in a variety of news gathering and writing forms and independent assignments. | Minimum grade of C in MMJ 2331 | |||
| MMJ 3200 | News Reporting & Writing II | Provides theory, instruction, and practice in a variety of news gathering and writing using broadcast and radio forms and independent assignments. | Minimum grade of C in MMJ 2331 | |||
| MMJ 3332 | Feature Writing | Surveys the gathering and writing of various forms of feature stories and in-depth news stories for newspapers and magazines, emphasizing research, investigation, and interview techniques. | Minimum grade of C in MMJ 2331 | |||
| MMJ 3333 | Photojournalism | This course provides theory, instruction and practice in the process of photography for the print and digital media, with special emphasis on gathering and editing pictorial material for print and online platforms. | Minimum grade of C in MMJ 2331 | |||
| MMJ 3334 | Audio Production for Journalists | A skills-based course that introduces students to basic field and studio recording techniques, audio editing, and sound design for multimedia journalism outlets including radio, television and the internet. Students are required to write news scripts that will be used in production assignments. This course focuses on the role of audio in journalistic storytelling. | Minimum grade of C in MMJ 3100 and MMJ 3200 | |||
| MMJ 3335 | Copy Editing | Provides instruction and practice in the fundamentals of news editing, including copy editing, grammar, journalistic style, headline writing, photo editing, and basic typography. Focuses on design skills needed to create daily or weekly newspaper, either in print or online. | Minimum grade of C in MMJ 2331 | |||
| MMJ 3460 | Travel & Tourism Writing | Introduction to travel writing, the rhetoric of tourism, and the forms of writing relevant to contemporary tourism. | Minimum grade of C in MMJ 2331 | |||
| MMJ 3631 | Fundamentals of Multimedia Journalism | Orients students to multimedia communication and discusses how multimedia communication is changing journalism. Offers students theory, instruction and practice in the foundational tools of digital storytelling. | Minimum grade of C in MMJ 3100 | |||
| MMJ 3711 | Multimedia Journalism Practicum | Provides limited overview and supervised practical experience in print journalism through the Office of Student Publications. A maximum of three hours will be applied towards the journalism major. | A minimum grade of C in MMJ 3100 | |||
| MMJ 4190 | Converged News Production | This lab-based course provides students hands-on experience producing video and audio news content for distribution through university-based media outlets and/or the internet. MMJ majors must complete a minimum of two semesters of work in the course, with the first semester equating to one hour of course credit, and the second semester equating to two hours. | Minimum grade of C in MMJ 3100 and MMJ 3200 | |||
| MMJ 4332 | Sports Journalism | Focuses on the theory, instruction and practice of sports journalism across multimedia platforms. Includes game coverage, sports-related features, columns, and analysis. | Minimum grade of C in MMJ 3100 and MMJ 3200 | |||
| MMJ 4333 | Opinion Journalism | In this course, students analyze the principles and roles of the various forms of opinion in journalism. This course offers practice in multi-platform opinion research and writing. | Minimum grade of C in MMJ 3100 and MMJ 3200 | |||
| MMJ 4334 | Magazine Writing and Editing | This course provides instruction in magazine writing with an emphasis on writing magazine articles of varying lengths and instruction in editing, layout and design. | Minimum grade of C in MMJ 3100 and MMJ 3200 | |||
| MMJ 4336 | Digital Journalism | This course focuses on the theory, instruction and practice of news delivery over the Internet. Students will practice real time reporting and writing on the Internet utilizing multimedia elements. This is not a traditional journalism course offered online, but a course which teaches students to publish news on an Internet-based news outlet. | Minimum grade of C in MMJ 3100 & MMJ 3200 & MMJ 3631 | |||
| MMJ 4337 | STEM Journalism | This course focuses on the theory, instruction and practice of multimedia journalistic coverage of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Journalism related to health and the environment will also be covered. | Minimum grade of C in MMJ 3100 and MMJ 3200 | |||
| MMJ 4339 | Public Affairs Reporting | This capstone course will focus on the theory, instruction and practice of in-depth public affairs reporting, which is designed to serve the audience needs for quality information on matters of public affairs Students produce multiplatform pieces on an issue of public importance. | Minimum grade of C in MMJ 3100, MMJ 3200, and MMJ 3631, and MMJ 3334 or MMJ 3335 | |||
| MMJ 4721 | Multimedia Journalism Practicum | Augments the training first provided in MMJ 3711 by offering additional and enhanced opportunities to develop primary journalistic skills through work with an array of on-campus media outlets. | MMJ 3711 and permission of instructor | |||
| MMJ 4791 | Multimedia Journalism Internship (3 hour) | Provides multimedia journalism majors with supervised practical experience on a full-time basis at an approved media site. Students must have permission of instructor | Minimum grade of C in MMJ 3100 and MMJ 3200, 2.75 GPA and permission of instructor | |||
| MMJ 4792 | Multimedia Journalism Internship (6 hour) | Provides multimedia journalism majors with supervised practical experience on a full-time basis at an approved media site. Students must have permission of instructor. | MMJ 3100, 2.75 GPA and permission of instructor | |||
| MMJ 4831 | Directed Study in Journalism | Students conduct in-depth studies of issues associated with multimedia journalism. | Departmental approval required | |||
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Multimedia Film & Production |
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Prefix and Number |
Title |
Description |
Prerequisite(s) |
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| MMFP 2331 | Multi-Camera Production | This introductory course focuses on principles and essential tools of visual studio production through the use of camera, lighting, editing and storyboarding. Students are expected to participate in laboratory activities and will produce a limited number of short form productions. | Minimum grade of C in COMM 2332 and prior or current enrollment in MMFP 2335 | |||
| MMFP 2335 | Introduction to Media Writing | This course provides foundational principles and techniques in a variety of applications of multimedia writing, ranging from ads to scripts. | Prior or current enrollment with a minimum grade of “C” in COMM 2332 | |||
| MMFP 2336 | Audio Production & Sound Design | A skills-based course that introduces students to recording techniques, audio editing and sound design for multimedia outlets including radio, television, film and internet. This course focuses on the role of audio in media storytelling. | Minimum grade of C in COMM 2332, and prior or current enrollment in MMFP 2335 | |||
| MMFP 3030 | Selected Multimedia Topics | This course offers various topics in specialized areas of multimedia study. | Minimum grade of C in MMFP 2331 and MMFP 2335 and MMFP 2336 | |||
| MMFP 3132 | Studio Production | This is a required course in which multimedia majors utilize and refine knowledge attained in MMFP 2331, MMFP 2335, and MMFP 2336. Students work collaboratively with classmates in meeting deadlines and producing professional quality materials that are suitable for distribution via campus broadcast or Web outlets. | Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of C in MMFP 2331 And MMFP 2335 And MMFP 2336. | |||
| MMFP 3234 | Directing for Screen | Students will learn the techniques for working with actors for screen performance with particular focus on film acting. Auditioning, screen tests, and casting will also be discussed. Students will direct a minimum of three individual scenes for video. | Minimum grade of C in MMFP 2331 | |||
| MMFP 3331 | Single Camera Production | This is a production course that further advances storytelling, including all steps of the production process: planning, management, time line, shot scripting, location lighting, sound, and aesthetic enhancement. Students will work individually and collaboratively in the creation of short and longer form productions. | Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of C in MMFP 2331 and MMFP 2336 and MMFP 2335 or MMJ 3334. | |||
| MMFP 3333 | Sports Broadcasting | Students learn the structure, strategies, and techniques of sportscasting, which serves the dual role as journalism and entertainment. The course considers different content and styles of radio and television sportscasting. Assignments include broadcast coverage of athletic events and subsequent critique. This course will prepare students to tell a great sports story through aesthetic analysis, thoughtful research, careful writing, strong audio and visual elements, and performance. | Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of C in all of the following: MMFP 2335, MMFP 2336 or MMJ 3334. | |||
| MMFP 3335 | Lighting & Cinematography | This course explores advanced techniques and styles of lighting and cinematography. Classes explore the language and aesthetics of visual storytelling and ways in which movement, lenses, exposure, lighting setups, camera settings and post production techniques affect the digital image. Over the course of the semester, students will shoot footage with the goal of producing a professional portfolio of work. | Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of C in MMFP 2331 and MMFP 3331. | |||
| MMFP 3431 | Broadcast Performance | Broadcast Performance provides techniques to become a more effective oral and visual communicator. Course content includes techniques in analyzing and improving voice, pronunciation, inflection and articulation. Students will also learn announcing techniques required in a variety of applications, such as news reporting, commercial delivery, and narration. | Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of C in COMM 1110 and MMFP 2336 or MMJ 3334. | |||
| MMFP 3436 | Advanced Audio Production | Advanced Audio Production introduces students to advanced recording and audio editing techniques. Students will plan, develop and produce a wide range of audio production types in long-form areas such as news, documentary, or uses of music and special effects to support drama and/or visual sound track activities. Final projects are expected to be of the quality necessary for public airing and submission to competitions. | Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of “C” in MMFP 2335 and MMFP 2336. | |||
| MMFP 3437 | Digital Media Post-Production | This course explores advanced concepts and techniques in non-linear digital video editing. Students will edit a variety of fiction and non-fiction film and video projects and gain practical post production experience including audio sweetening, color correction and special effects. Productions will be suitable for television and Web broadcast. | Prerequisite: A minimum grade of C in MMFP 3331. | |||
| MMFP 3531 | Screenwriting for Film & Television | Students will demonstrate the ability to develop scripted film and television content utilizing industry standard formatting. Students will further demonstrate the ability to adapt scripted film and television content for diverse audiences. | Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in MMFP 2335 | |||
| MMFP 3532 | Producing & Production Management | This course focuses on production conceptualization, scriptwriting and storyboarding, production management, set and costume design and a creation of a production timeline. In addition, students will submit a portfolio and production reel of their previous work and pass a comprehensive exam that documents their grasp of knowledge and skills they have learned during their program of study. | Prerequisites: Minimum grade C in MMFP 2331, MMFP 2335, and MMFP 2336 | |||
| MMFP 4090 | Multimedia Applications | This is a laboratory course in which multimedia majors utilize and refine knowledge attained in previous courses to produce professional-quality audio, video or film productions. Students produce projects and work collaboratively with classmates in meeting deadlines and producing materials that are suitable for distribution via campus broadcast or Web outlets. | Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C in MMFP 3331 | |||
| MMFP 4131 | Television Pilot | This is a project-centered course that will be typically centered, but not limited to multiple camera techniques. In this course students will prepare and produce a finished television pilot with fundamental roles to include director, casting director, camera operator, floor manager, location recording, boom operator, grip, gaffer, as well as roles in post-production. The course may also incorporate a live studio audience for production. | Minimum grade of C in MMFP 3132 | |||
| MMFP 4132 | Studio Applications | This is an elective course in which multimedia majors utilize and refine knowledge attained in previous courses to produce professional-quality studio productions. Students produce projects and work collaboratively with classmates in meeting deadlines and producing materials that are suitable for distribution via professional broadcast, web, or industry broadcast outlets. | Prerequisite: A minimum grade of C in MMFP 3132 and prior or current enrollment in MMFP 3532. | |||
| MMFP 4233 | Narrative Film Production | Collaborating in small crews, students produce and edit original short fiction film and television content, based on scripts developed in previous major courses. Course work will investigate the multiple safety and operational functions of crew positions as well as independent alternatives to the Hollywood genre, blockbuster, and large-scale production systems. | Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C in MMFP 2331 and MMFP 3331 | |||
| MMFP 4233 | Narrative Film Production | Collaborating in small crews, students produce and edit original short fiction film and television content, based on scripts developed in previous major courses. Course work will investigate the multiple safety and operational functions of crew positions as well as independent alternatives to the Hollywood genre, blockbuster, and large-scale production systems. | Prerequisite: A minimum grade of C in MMFP 3331and prior or current enrollment in MMFP 3532 | |||
| MMFP 4331 | Sports Production | Sports Production provides the techniques to produce/direct video productions of live sporting events along with the skills needed to operate the equipment associated with such productions. Course content includes techniques for producing/directing, operations of cameras, audio mixing, graphic replay, and switching equipment for a variety of live sports video coverage. | Prerequisite: A minimum grade of C in MMFP 2331 and MMFP 2336 or MMJ 3334 or MMFP 3331 | |||
| MMFP 4335 | Documentary Writing & Production | This course focuses on the aesthetic and technical fundamentals of documentary writing and production. Students will engage in theoretical and ethical issues of documentary, and gain practical experience by researching, writing, planning and producing an original documentary project. | Prerequisite: A minimum grade of “C” in MMFP 3331 and prior or current enrollment in MMFP 3532 | |||
| MMFP 4432 | Senior Project | This is the capstone course in which each student works as part of a team in the completion of an audio documentary, corporate training or narrative film, or TV pilot or documentary. Students will audio record and edit and/or video shoot and edit, create a business and marketing plan, develop a promotional website and premier the work at a public screening. | Prerequisites: A minimum grade of “C” in MMFP 3331, MMFP 3532, and FILM 2200. | |||
| MMFP 4791 | Multimedia Film or Production Internship | Optional internship open only to MMFP majors who have earned 2.75 total institution GPA. Faculty will place student applicants in approved electronic media facility. This course requires 300 clock hours of approved and supervised site activity during the semester. | Prerequisites: 2.75 cumulative GPA, AND department approval. | |||
| MMFP 4792 | Multimedia Film or Production Internship | This optional internship is open only to MMFP majors who have earned 2.75 total institution GPA. Faculty will place student applicants in an approved electronic media facility. This course requires 500 to 600 clock hours of approved and supervised site activity during the semester. | Prerequisites 2.75 cumulative GPA AND department approval. | |||
| MMFP 4891 | Directed Multimedia Study | Students conduct in-depth research and produce a multimedia project, such as a term paper, audio or video production or web content. The course design must be approved by the instructor and the department chair before course registration. | Department approval | |||
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Public Relations |
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| Visit here for full PRCA descriptions | ||||||
Prefix and Number |
Title |
Description |
Prerequisite(s) |
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| PRCA 3030 | Selected Topics in Public Relations | Offers varied courses in specialized areas of the field of Public Relations. | PRCA 3300 or department approval. | |||
| PRCA 3100 | Introduction to Public Relations | Introduces the history, theories, and principles of public relations, and the role and practice of public relations in various organizational contexts. | COMM 2332 | |||
| PRCA 3330 | Public Relations Writing | Examines writing techniques employed in media management programs including the strategic design and development of multimedia messages and message dissemination. | Minimum grade of C in MMJ 2331 and PRCA 3100 | |||
| PRCA 3331 | Corporate Public Relations | Examines the role of public relations within a corporation and its responsibilities in developing and maintaining external and internal relations. | PRCA 3100 | |||
| PRCA 3332 | Public Relations Event Management |
Provides students with the opportunity to learn and implement planning techniques and strategies unique to events. Special emphasis will be placed on non-profit creation of an event to meet organizational goals. | Minimum grade of C in PRCA 3330 | |||
| PRCA 3333 | International Public Relations | Introduces the performance of public relations in international contexts. Consideration will be given to the political, economic, social, and historical contexts affecting public relations practices. Special emphasis will be placed on the interaction between government and public relations. | PRCA 3100 | |||
| PRCA 3334 | Social Media and Public Relations |
Students will examine emerging social media forms, centered around contemporary public relations principles and practice, as it relates to the history, ethics, and practice of public relations. Students will become familiar with basic social media analytics, and will be able to implement social media plans as part of strategic communication campaigns. Topics to be covered include, but are not limited to: the development of social media, analytics, social media news releases, elements of a social media campaign, and other emerging web technologies.
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PRCA 3330 or MMJ 3100 or MMFP 2335 | |||
| PRCA 3335 | Nonprofit Public Relations | Course is designed to examine the philosophical and theoretical foundations of public relations and volunteerism. Students will apply theories related to public relations in the non-profit sector. Strategic communication strategies, including media relations, are explored as they relate to both internal and external publics, including the unique legal and public relations ethical issues impacting nonprofits. | PRCA 3100 | |||
| PRCA 3339 | Public Relations Publications | Provides students the opportunity to learn about and create specialized organizational publications such as brochures, annual reports, and magazines. | PRCA 3100 and PRCA 3330 |
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| PRCA 3711 | Public Relations Practicum | Provides limited practical experience in public relations projects in either an academic or a professional setting. A maximum of four hours may be applied toward a degree. | PRCA 3330 | |||
| PRCA 4330 | Public Relations Research | Explores the role of public opinion in public relations. Students will gather, analyze and use qualitative and quantitative audience research as part of a public relations program. | PRCA 3100 | |||
| PRCA 4331 | Public Relations Firms | Reviews the evolution and management of public relations firms and principles involved in counseling clients | PRCA 3330 | |||
| PRCA 4332 | Public Relations Crisis Communication | Provides understanding of how crises affect an organization’s public relations efforts. Students will learn strategies for anticipating crises and developing communications responses | PRCA 3330 | |||
| PRCA 4335 | Senior Seminar in Public Relations: |
Examines ethical issues and current topics in the practice of public relations. | PRCA 3100 or PRCA 3330 or PRCA 4330 | |||
| PRCA 4339 | Public Relations Campaign Strategies |
An advanced course in which students analyze cases and apply principles, processes, and theories of public relations to the execution of campaigns. | PRCA 3100, PRCA 3330 and PRCA 4330 | |||
| PRCA 4711 | Public Relations Practicum | Provides limited practical experience in public relations projects in either an academic or a professional setting. A maximum of four hours may be applied toward a degree. | PRCA 3330 | |||
| PRCA 4791 | Public Relations Internship |
Provides practical experience in a professional public relations setting with public relations practitioner supervision. May be taken only by public relations majors. More information available here: |
A minimum grade of C in PRCA 3330 and a minimum 2.5 total institution GPA. May be taken only by public relations majors. | |||
| PRCA 4831 | Directed Study in Public Relations | Offers students opportunities to design and conduct independent research and/or projects in specialized public relations areas. May be taken only once. | PRCA 3100 and departmental approval. | |||
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Theatre |
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| Visit here for full THEA descriptions | ||||||
Prefix and Number |
Title |
Description |
Prerequisite(s) |
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| THEA 1100 | Theatre Appreciation | An introductory study of theatre as an art form and practical act, this course provides students with a foundation for the understanding and analysis of the theatrical event. | ||||
| THEA 2300 | Script Analysis for Theatre & Film | A foundation course for all theatre majors, this course will cover effective methods for script analysis as the building block for work as an actor, director, or designer. Recommended for MMFP students. | ||||
| THEA 2332 | Stage Construction Techniques | Systematic introduction to the fundamentals of technical requirements of various entertainment styles. The course relies heavily on hands-on instruction with the tools, techniques, and materials used in mounting stage, television, and film productions. | ||||
| THEA 2333 | Fundamentals of Acting | “Fundamentals of Acting” Includes history of actor training, the influence of Stanislavsky, the playing of objectives, character development, and rehearsal discipline. Student work includes performance of scenes and monologues from contemporary drama. | ||||
| THEA 2410 | Oral Interpretation | Oral interpretation of poetry, prose and drama. Methods of literary analysis and vocal techniques needed to communicate an author’s mood and meaning. | ||||
| THEA 2711 | Theatre Practicum | Provides students with practical experiences in the production process. Students work onstage or backstage in a faculty-approved capacity and obtain practical industry knowledge. | ||||
| THEA 3030 | Selected Topics in Theatre | Offers varied courses in specialized areas in the field of theatre. Repeatable for credit. | ||||
| THEA 3131 | Stage Makeup | Offers students an introduction to make-up materials and techniques of application, including aging, wounds, prosthetics, and other types of make-up. Techniques will be applied to student-designed projects. | Minimum grade of C in THEA 2330 or permission of instructor | |||
| THEA 3200 | Design Concepts for the Entertainment Industry | This course develops the artistic and analytic processes of stage design. Students will develop skills in conceptualizing and both visually and verbally communicating theatrical designs. | Minimum grade of C in THEA 2330 and THEA 2332 or permission of instructor | |||
| THEA 3230 | Voice for the Stage | Introduces students to fundamental vocal training techniques; including breath control and projection, alignment, articulation, scansion, and use of the International Phonetic Alphabet. | Minimum grade of C in THEA 2333 or permission of instructor | |||
| THEA 3231 | Movement for the Actor | This course introduces students to various movement techniques. These techniques are intended to increase the individual’s ability to inhabit the physicality of the character. Each time the course is offered, it will pursue a specific technique or combination of techniques that will be determined by the instructor of the class. These may include: Stage Combat, Commedia, Neutral Mask, Growtowski, Droznin, Suzuki, Laban and Viewpoints. May be repeated once for credit. | Minimum grade of C in THEA 2333 or permission of instructor | |||
| THEA 3233 | Audition and the Business of Acting | This course is designed to develop audition skills needed for graduate school and professional auditions. Topics will include monolog selection and preparation, cold readings, sight reading, and scene preparation. In addition, students will learn about headshots, resumes, unions, and the business side of the theatre profession. | Minimum grade of C in THEA 2333 | |||
| THEA 3234 | Acting for the Screen I | Students will learn acting for screen performance techniques with particular focus on film acting. Auditioning, screen tests, and casting will also be discussed. Students will perform in a minimum of two scenes for video. | Minimum grade of “C” in THEA 2333 or permission of instructor | |||
| THEA 3330 | Acting Scene Study | Broadens student understanding of the craft of acting, with emphasis placed on character study and development of performance skills. | Minimum grade of “C” in THEA 2333 or permission from instructor. | |||
| THEA 3332 | African American Theatre | Investigates the contributions of black playwrights, actors, and directors to American theatre. | ||||
| THEA 3333 | Irish Theatre | This course critically interrogates Ireland’s native and diasporic theatre, from the Restoration period through the present. It examines the national-theatre movement, especially the Abbey Theatre, and it assesses other Irish theatre companies, as well as Irish playwrights, directors, and actors. | ||||
| THEA 3336 | Theatre Management | Provides students with an introductory study of the principles and practices of theatrical management including budget planning, box office, publicity, royalties and other aspects of management. Provides a systematic examination of the role of the theatre stage manager. | Minimum grade of C in THEA 1100 or permission of instructor | |||
| THEA 3337 | Play Directing | This course instructs students and allows practice in staging techniques, textual analysis, conceptualization, communication with actors and designers, issues in casting, and rehearsal techniques as applied to directing for the theatre. | Minimum grade of C in THEA 2300and THEA 2333 | |||
| THEA 3338 | Rehearsal and Performance | This course will enable a student to receive credit for intensive participation in a theatrical production over the course of a 4-to-7 week period. The student will participate in a number of different activities: acting, set design and construction, costume design and construction, lighting design and implementation, publicity, stage management, property design and construction, house management, and others. | ||||
| THEA 3711 | Practicum: Professional Development | This course is designed to guide upper-division theatre majors in refining their focus(es) in theatre practice (acting, directing, design/technology, dramaturgy, or another area). This course will emphasize preparation of portfolios appropriate to the student’s area of focus. In addition, students will identify and pursue graduate, internship, and/or professional opportunities. | Minimum grade of C in THEA 2711 or permission of instructor | |||
| THEA 3760 | Scene Painting | Introduction to the principles of scene painting, emphasizing the fundamentals of professional techniques standard to professional industry. Topics include faux treatments such as wood graining and stonework. | ||||
| THEA 3850 | Problems in Design | Exploration of unique approaches to scenic design. Environmental spaces, drop productions, designing for the round to be covered. | Minimum grade of C in THEA 2332 | |||
| THEA 4330 | Theatre History: Origins to 1700 | This course surveys the development of theatrical practice and dramatic literature from its origins to around 1700. The history of acting, directing, stage design, production methods, and the physical spaces of theatre will be addressed, in addition to the examination of representative play texts. This course will include the study of ritual and Non-Western theatrical genres. | Minimum grade of C in THEA 2300 or permission of instructor. | |||
| THEA 4331 | Theatre History: 1700 to Contemporary |
This course surveys the development of theatrical practice and dramatic literature from 1700 to emerging 21st Century patterns. The history of acting, directing, stage design, production methods, and the physical spaces of theatre will be addressed, in addition to the examination of representative play texts. | Minimum grade of C in THEA 2300 or permission of instructor. | |||
| THEA 4332 | Children’s Theatre | Examines play theory, storytelling, and creative drama techniques for the staging of plays with and for children. | ||||
| THEA 4333 | Performance Styles | Specialized study of the techniques needed to perform in a particular style of theatre or in the work of a particular playwright. Topics may include Shakespeare and verse drama, Brecht and Epic theatre, Restoration Comedy and theatre of the Absurd. May be repeated once for credit. | Minimum grade of C in THEA 2333 or permission of instructor | |||
| THEA 4334 | Drama in Performance | Examines the relationship between the play in performance and the dramatic text, with special attention to historical and social contexts that influence the text in production. | ||||
| THEA 4335 | Scene and Production Design | Emphasizes interpretation of plays through visual images and the creation of physical spaces for performances. Includes computer assisted design technologies, scale model making, perspective drawing and rendering of the set. | Minimum grade of C in THEA 2300 and THEA 3200 or permission of instructor | |||
| THEA 4336 | Lighting Design | Theory and practice of lighting for a variety of stages including proscenium, thrust, and arena stage production. A practical study of the equipment and the aesthetics of lighting for the theatre. | Minimum grade of C in THEA 2300 and THEA 3200 | |||
| THEA 4337 | Costume Design | This course provides students with an in-depth survey of the theory and practice of costume design. The course relies on textual analysis to create character through clothing, introduces students to the aesthetic principles of costume design, develops basic figure drawings and color media skills, and applies those skills and principles via the creation of costume renderings. | Minimum grade of C in THEA 2332 and THEA 2300 | |||
| THEA 4338 | Seminar: World Theatre | This course focuses on a specific genre, historical period, or style of theatre from around the world, based on the expertise of the faculty. Course topics include: People’s Theatre, Russian Theatre, Asian Theatre, Classical Greek and Roman Theatre, Neo-classical Theatre. Repeatable for credit. | Minimum grade of C in THEA 2300 or permission of instructor | |||
| THEA 4338S | Seminar: World Theatre | This course is a study of one of the forms of theatre engaged in by different cultures around the world. Each course will focus on one specific area of theatre chosen from: People’s Theatre, Russian Theatre, Asian Theatre, Classic Greek Theatre, Golden Age Theatre, Neo-Classic Theatre, or some other area within the instructor’s expertise. | ||||
| THEA 4430 | Acting for the Screen II: Advanced Techniques |
A continuation of techniques and methods used in camera acting. |
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| THEA 4500 | Advanced Lighting Design | Advanced study in lighting design, focusing on the development of standard industry paperwork including light plots and supporting paperwork such as magic sheets. | Minimum grade of C in THEA 2300 and THEA 3200 and THEA 4336 or permission of instructor | |||
| THEA 4501 | Stagecraft II | Exploration of unique material and techniques expected of trained production technicians for stage, television and film productions. | Minimum grade of C in THEA 2332 and THEA 3200 or permission of instructor | |||
| THEA 4711 | Practicum: Capstone |
Students identify and pursue post-graduation, early-career opportunities. |
Minimum grade of C in THEA 3711 or permission of instructor | |||
| THEA 4750 | Internship | Offered by specific arrangement. Student prepares an individually designed project involving off-campus work/study research. Only three (3) credit hours count as a major elective. | Permission of instructor | |||
| THEA 4831 | Directed Study in Theatre | Permits students to conduct in-depth study of issues associated with theatre. This course cannot be used to replace existing courses in the catalog. Must be approved by the department chair and the instructor. | Must be approved by the department chair and the instructor. | |||
| THEA 4980 | Directing Lab | Hands on experience of directing duties for mounting full-length stage production from script selection through to public performance. | Minimum grade of C in THEA 3337 | |||
| THEA 5550 | Playwriting | This course involves the study, analysis, and practice in the art and craft of writing plays for the stage. Undergraduates complete a one act play while graduate students complete a first draft for a full length play. | Minimum grade of C in THEA 2330 or permission of instructor | |||
Last updated: 7/29/2022
