This course is an introduction to the field of communication studies. Topics include forms and processes of human communication; communication as social organization; ways of understanding, analyzing, and evaluating messages; communication technologies; and social, political and ethical issues. Code 3 course fee.

This course introduces students to the foundations of media production and the role of digital content in modern communication. Students will explore media industry pathways, business and monetization models, and the basic creative and technical principles of audio and video production. Through team-based projects in both studio and field environments, students gain hands-on experience in capturing content, working collaboratively, and practicing introductory editing technique Code course fee.

This course is designed to teach students the basics of news style writing: good leads and simple, basic news stories; evaluating and selecting news for publication in print and on the air; gathering information and developing a news story from it. This course will instill a high regard for accuracy, adequacy and fairness. Code 3 course fee.

This course is designed to give the student experience in covering specialized areas of reporting. This course will further develop the skills taught in COMM 151, with special emphasis on developing interviewing skills and the ability to practice in-depth, interpretative, investigative and, possibly, team reporting. Feature writing will be introduced, as will the copy-flow functions of the newsroom. Sensitivity and speed in editing and headline writing will be developed. Code 3 course fee.

This course introduces students to basic communication theory and public speech performance skills. Emphasis is on researching, organizing, outlining, evaluating, and delivering informative, demonstrative, and persuasive speeches. Code 3 course fee.

This course is a study of the rights and responsibilities of the press in the United States from origins to applications in modern society. Emphasis is placed on the constitutional and statutory laws and regulatory agencies affecting the operations of the press and special attention is given to recent Supreme Court rulings. Codes of ethics and other extra-legal considerations of the role of the press are studied. (Spring Only)

In this course, students study in the influence culture has on perception, values, identity, and world view. Students gain an understanding of the communication challenges in cross-cultural encounters and acquire effective knowledge for enhancing intercultural communication competence, for contexts including travel, business, education, and health care. This course satisfies the Liberal Arts Diversity Requirment. (Fall Only)

This course provides students with practical training in video production, including camera operations, directing, lighting, and scripting. Emphasis is placed on both studio and field production workflows, with students gaining hands-on experience in DSLR and mobile capture as well as multi-camera environments. Students will also learn advanced post-production techniques such as proxy workflows, color correction, and multi-cam editing. Code course fee.

This course introduces students to the creative and technical aspects of audio production for digital platforms. Students will gain skills in recording, editing, and mixing audio for podcasts, video, and streaming media. Using industry-standard digital audio workstations such as ProTools, Adobe Audition, and GarageBand, students will practice field and studio techniques including voiceover, sound effects, and live audio capture. Emphasis is placed on producing high-quality audio for multimedia integration. Students will also consider the role of sound design in enhancing audience experience and storytelling. Code course fee.

This course explores the rapidly evolving world of social media production and cross-platform content strategies. Students will learn how to create short-form video, audio, and written content designed for specific digital platforms, while also developing skills in campaign planning, copywriting, and audience engagement. The course emphasizes the importance of analytics, helping students understand how to evaluate performance metrics and adjust creative strategies. Students will complete portfolio-ready projects that demonstrate fluency in creating content for TikTok, Instagram, YouTube Shorts, and emerging media platforms Code course fee.

This course focuses on the history and development of various media in the United States including theories relating to press freedom and considering current criticism and challenges facing various branches of mass media. (Spring Only)

This capstone course challenges students to apply their accumulated skills in a culminating media project. Working individually or in teams, students will conceptualize, plan, and produce a complete media product such as a short film, podcast, pilot episode, or branded content piece. Emphasis is placed on professional workflows, collaboration, and portfolio development. Students will also explore strategies for marketing, monetizing, and distributing their work to real-world audiences, and present their projects in a final showcase. Code course fee.