Department Head: Dr. Teddi Joyce
386 Merrill Hall
Accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC)
As one of only 119 internationally accredited programs, we seek to reinforce the following values and competencies in professional practice across our degree concentrations:
ACEJMC Stated Values and Competencies:
Professional values and competencies
Individual professions in journalism and mass communication may require certain specialized values and competencies. Irrespective of their particular specialization, The Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications requires that graduates of accredited programs be aware of certain core values and competencies and be able to:
- apply the principles and laws of freedom of speech and press, in a global context, and for the country in which the institution that invites ACEJMC is located;
- demonstrate an understanding of the multicultural history and role of professionals and institutions in shaping communications;
- demonstrate culturally proficient communication that empowers those traditionally disenfranchised in society, especially as grounded in race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and ability, domestically and globally, across communication and media contexts;
- present images and information effectively and creatively, using appropriate tools and technologies;
- write correctly and clearly in forms and styles appropriate for the communications professions, audiences and purposes they serve;
- demonstrate an understanding of professional ethical principles and work ethically in pursuit of truth, accuracy, fairness and diversity;
- apply critical thinking skills in conducting research and evaluating information by methods appropriate to the communications professions in which they work;
- effectively and correctly apply basic numerical and statistical concepts;
- critically evaluate their own work and that of others for accuracy and fairness, clarity, appropriate style and grammatical correctness;
- apply tools and technologies appropriate for the communications professions in which they work.
As a program, we have chosen to do this through our stated values system, the Six Pillars of Professional Communication:
Within each communication course, each student will engage with one or more of the following values, and engage with the related competencies intended to reinforce each of our six pillars of professional communication.
- Accuracy, independence, and honesty
- Freedom of expression and a free and responsible press
- Accountability, integrity, and transparency
- The role of media in the flow of information
- Service to the public and stakeholders
- Holistic development of aspiring journalism
These values are reinforced through the following Core Competencies:
- Writing clearly and effectively for the audience and purpose
- Employing tools and technologies, ethically and responsibly, to enhance access while protecting intellectual rights and privacy.
- Anchoring content development, use, and presentation in theory.
- Applying research and analysis to discover trends, understand issues and serve as a foundation in decision-making.
- Demonstrating creative, critical thinking through the thoughtful articulation of the complex
- Developing an inclusive climate where content, events and activities reflect a diversity of beliefs, experiences, and abilities.
- Articulating historical and legal principles that inform best practice in mass communication subfields.
Our internationally accredited communication curriculum focuses on developing well-rounded industry professionals in journalism and mass communication capable of interpreting and meeting the challenges of an exciting, ever-changing field. As such, the Department of Communication has adapted its curricular offerings to provide the means for its students to meet industry needs and better seek degree-relevant employment.
The program currently offers the following degree concentrations:
- Digital Journalism - The move to digital media in journalism and mass communication requires professionals who are capable of gathering and packaging information for multi-media formats, and in an open array of content areas, including but not limited to news, entertainment, sports, and popular culture.
- Public Relations and Advertising - Marrying the strategic communication fields of public relations and advertising with an industry-current integration of digital media and analytics also helps prepare students for industry-current employment opportunities.
- Digital Media Production - Media professionals need a diverse body of knowledge, as well as hands-on skills with industry-current technologies.
- Sports Media and Analytics - The field of sports media is a fast-growing, nimble market where aspiring professionals can work with traditional sports media organizations, sports organizations, or independently with a strong grounding in their areas of interest in the media industries, informed by data analytics. Our program enables student to pursue a B.A. in Communication tailored to their interested in Sports Reporting, Sports Broadcasting, or Strategic Communication, while establishing a healthy grounding in sports-related businesses through Sport Management supplemental coursework.
Students with an interest in Communication aside from the major are also welcome to pursue the following minors:
- Communication - 18 hour flexibly designed minor to facilitate foundational knowledge of the field, while enabling access to desired skills-based courses.
- Journalism - 18 hour focused minor designed to provide a firm grounding in journalistic news values and reporting.
- Strategic Communication - 18 hour focused minor designed to provide students with a foundational grounding in public relations and advertising.
As well as any of the following microcredentials:
- Podcasting - 9 hour sequence focused on audio engineering and podcasting.
- Social Media Management - 9 hour sequence focused on strategic social media and multimedia production.
- Sports Media - 9 hour sequence focused on sports communication and a flexible focus on reporting, broadcasting, or strategic communication.
- Communication - Digital Journalism (Bachelor of Arts)
- Communication - Digital Media Production (Bachelor of Arts)
- Communication - Public Relations and Advertising (Bachelor of Arts)
- Communication - Sports Media and Analytics (Bachelor of Arts)
- Communication Minor
- Journalism Minor
- Strategic Communication Minor
- Podcasting Microcredential
- Social Media Management Microcredential
- Sports Media Microcredential
COM 200 Introduction to Mass Communication (3)
A survey of the mass media and their interrelationship with each other and society. Emphasis will be placed on how mass communication functions in a multi-ethnic, multicultural, gender-diverse environment. Includes perspectives on the history and role of professionals and institutions in shaping communication.
COM 205 Introduction to Broadcast Writing (3)
Basic writing for electronic media. Includes news, short television scripts, features, public service announcements, and advertisements. Emphasis placed on how persuasive messaging is filtered through - and shaped by cultural imperatives - and by multi-ethnic, gender-diverse writers.
COM 301 Introduction to Television Production (3)
Practical training in television studio techniques, including various exercises in each production area. Includes introduction to both small scale (video podcast) and larger scale producing, writing and directing, including working with audio, FHD and UHD video and virtual sets.
COM 302 Introduction to Audio Production (3)
Prerequisite(s): COM 205 or COM 315.
Introduction to audio concepts and production methods for a variety of media venues. Includes recording, editing, basic multitracking, sound effects, and music selection for satellite and terrestrial radio, as well as other media opportunities. Diverse and inclusive techniques will be used.
COM 304 Introduction to Advertising (3)
Basic concepts of advertising, including history, strategy, engagement, segmentation, evaluation, and ethics.
COM 305 Advanced Audio Production (3)
Prerequisite(s): COM 302.
Affords the students the opportunities to deepen their skills in the recording, editing, and mastering of audio for various media venues. Students will choose one of three "tracks" of interest that permits them to either: 1. Work alongside video production and editing students in a post-production environment to "sweeten" audio tracks; 2. Record and produce multitrack tracks for a contemporary musical or spoken work CD; or 3. Record and produce a series of complete radio commercials of varying length for selected local merchants.
COM 306 Sport Communication (3)
This course serves as a foundation to the study of sports media, with an emphasis placed on public relations and broadcasting. An analysis of major concepts and theories as well as an examination of contemporary sports issues, philosophies, and cases. This course will provide professional pathways.
COM 307 Media Literacy (3)
Learn analytical and critical skills to develop an awareness and understanding of the effects of media, including profit and emotional strategies, portrayals of diversity, stereotypes, love, myths, and other issues.
COM 309 Entertainment & Media (3)
Explores the various relationships among the media and the entertainment industry, such as television, film, music, and gaming, while also analyzing cultural influences, diversity issues, societal trends, and image.
COM 310 Politics & Media (3)
Media’s role in politics is constantly evolving. Classic media events like speeches, debate, and conventions have given way to memes, sound bites, and catchphrases, which have a natural impact on associate industries, including journalism, public relations, advertising, and media production. More importantly, the evolving landscape has revived dangerous practices in propaganda, fueled by emerging media platforms and technology. This course explores the evolving relationships between media platforms and American politics, including popular media, social media, journalism, and strategic communication. Informed by contemporary political communication theory and best practice, students will build knowledge and skill as effective, ethical political communication and media professionals.
COM 315 Introduction to News (3)
COM 316 Podcasting (3)
This class will focus on the creation process and production aspect of one of the fastest growing aspects of audio production - Podcasting. This will primarily be a hands-on course. Students will learn the proper way to use the equipment (mixers, microphones, computer based audio capture software), how to format their recordings into a cohesive form for broadcasting (writing compelling material, voicing and recording the main program, and adding sound effects and music), as well as how to "polish" their finished product for broadcasting and internet production.
COM 317 Editing (3)
Prerequisite(s): COM 315 or COM 205.
Teaches skills for copy editors and others in the processing of news, features, and press releases. Students learn to question statements of fact, challenge assumptions, edit for length, taste, ethics, and libel while correcting errors of both grammar and style, according to the Associated Press Stylebook.
COM 318 News Reporting (3)
Prerequisite(s): COM 205 or COM 315.
Finding and gathering information needed for news stories that provide audiences with crucial information about their communities and society. Will cover the identification and interviewing of sources, the use of open records and open meetings laws, and digital access to public records and other sources in producing news stories.
COM 319 Sports Writing and Reporting (3)
Prerequisite(s): COM 315.
This course prepares students to write sports stories for news outlets with an emphasis on sports-related news gathering and reporting for print and online media. Work may include sports reporting, interviewing athletes and coaches, writing on tight deadlines, game summaries, sports statistics, analysis, feature writing and effective sports media content.
COM 320 Video Production and Editing (3)
Prerequisite(s): COM 200.
Videography emphasizing field production and introduction to editing and post production provided with edit suites or straight from the student's laptop. Cameras and other loaner equipment provided. Students produce, direct, write, shoot, and edit individual productions. Productions involving diversity issues are required.
COM 325 Publication Design (3)
Arranging and editing text, photographs, graphics and other materials from diverse sources for digital media.
COM 330 Introduction to Public Relations (3)
Basic concepts of public relations, including history, theory, organization and ethics. Writing emphasized. Major issues include diversity and inclusiveness in communication and public relations.
COM 340 Public Relations Writing (3)
Prerequisite(s): COM 330.
The development of professional public relations writing skills. Effective methods of conceptualizing, researching and presenting information to the relevant publics. Major issues include diversity and inclusiveness in communication and public relations.
COM 345 Social Media Strategy (3)
An overview of the application and context of theoretical and practical approaches to social media.
COM 350 Announcing (3)
Fundamentals of voice and diction applied to audio and video media delivery. Includes commercials, news, interviews, and ad-lib announcing for traditional broadcast and digital platforms.
COM 352 Sports Broadcasting (3)
Prerequisite(s): COM 205.
This course introduces students to various types of radio and television sports broadcast events and news. Topics may include play-by-play, studio sportscasts, field reporting, and broadcast coverage of athletic events. Other performance opportunities may include producing and anchoring radio and/or television sportscasts.
COM 358 Communication Theory (3)
Theories of the processes and effects of mass communication, including the discussion and analysis of research findings on race, gender, and ethnicity. Also deals with numbers for journalists - basic math and statistics for journalists.
COM 360 Media Workshop - News Publishing (1)
Prerequisite(s): Approval of instructor.
Supervised experience reporting, writing, and publishing as a staff member of the student-run news outlet, The Chanticleer. The course may be repeated for a total of three credit hours.
COM 361 Media Workshop - Radio Broadcasting (1)
Prerequisite(s): Approval of instructor.
Supervised experience as a staff member of the student-run radio station, WLJS 91.9 FM. The course may be repeated for a total of three credit hours.
COM 362 Media Workshop - Public Relations & Advertising (1)
Prerequisite(s): Approval of instructor.
Supervised experience demonstrating skill in public relations and/or advertising. The course may be repeated for a total of three credit hours.
COM 363 Media Workshop - Video News (1)
Prerequisite(s): Approval of instructor.
Supervised experience as a staff member of a student media team producing video news programming. The course may be repeated for a total of three credit hours.
COM 364 Media Workshop - Sports Media Production (1)
Prerequisite(s): Approval of instructor.
Supervised experience as a staff member of a student media team producing live sports broadcasts and/or related programming in audio or video. The course may be repeated for a total of three credit hours.
COM 365 Media Workshop - Multimedia Production (1)
Prerequisite(s): Approval of instructor.
Supervised experience producing mass communication in a variety of media. The course may be repeated for a total of three credit hours.
COM 380 Media Law (WI) (3)
Prerequisite(s): COM 200 and one of the following
Study of legal systems of state and nation as related to media, including libel, privacy, copyright, access, contract, and First Amendment issues. (Writing Intensive Course)
COM 385 Multimedia Design (3)
Prerequisite(s): COM 320.
Students will practice and develop the skills necessary for planning and producing effective multimedia programs. They will be introduced to planning strategies, production techniques, and software involved in multimedia production. Each student will demonstrate basic proficiencies across a wide spectrum of multimedia. Emphasis will be on visual, audio, and typographic design as well as the appropriateness of these elements for specific goals. The use of advanced electronic technologies will also be emphasized. Through a series of individual component assignments, students will develop a capstone multimedia presentation to be included in their portfolio.
COM 395 Media Ethics (WI) (3)
Prerequisite(s): COM 200 and one course from the following
The ethical foundations of the media and their interrelationships with the public and the government. The range of systems of freedom of expression around the world and their ethical implications. (Writing Intensive Course)
COM 397 Advanced Video Production (3)
Prerequisite(s): COM 320.
This course will develop and deepen video production skills with an emphasis on video post-production. Adobe After Effects and Photoshop and Audition Integration will be explored. Chroma Key, Keyframing, masking and other advanced techniques will be explored.
COM 400 Public Relations and Advertising Case Studies (3)
COM 410 Media Features (WI) (3)
Prerequisite(s): COM 315.
Principles and practices of writing features. Requires out-of-class assignments. Major subjects include diversity and inclusiveness in journalism and mass communication. (Writing Intensive Course)
COM 412 Digital Media Analytics (3)
Prerequisite(s): COM 200; one of MS 110, MS 112, MS 204, or ST 260; one of COM 205, COM 301, COM 302, COM 304, COM 315, or COM 330.
Students will learn data-driven decision-making; learn to assess metrics, and distill digital data for maximum value from R&D to customer service to social media marketing; use analysis to craft experiences that will reflect individual customer's needs, expectations, and behaviors; measure digital media ROI: sales, leads, and customer satisfaction and learn to track performance of paid, earned, and owned digital channels in addition to the use of other advanced tools for measuring consumer influence.
COM 415 Mass Communication Research (3)
Prerequisite(s): MS 110, MS 112, MS 204, or ST 260, as well as COM 200 and one of the following courses: COM 205, COM 301, COM 302, COM 304, COM 315, or COM 330.
Fundamentals of research methodologies in mass communication. Prepares students to become familiar with, and develop the understanding and ability to apply social science research concepts to mass communication problems. Major topics to include, among others, sampling, survey research, basic statistics, and diversity issues in mass communication research.
COM 420 Advanced Reporting (3)
Prerequisite(s): COM 315, COM 317, and COM 410.
News gathering and writing for the digital media with emphasis on deadline and beat reporting. Copy editing is included as are modern newsroom issues, such as diversity and community involvement. This is a capstone course - a culminating experience that integrates coursework, knowledge, skills and other experiences in digital journalism. It serves as a venue for learning outcomes assessment.
COM 430 Strategic Media Writing (3)
COM 440 Campaign Management: Public Relations & Advertising (3)
Prerequisite(s): COM 304, COM 330, COM 340, COM 380, COM 395, COM 400, COM 415 or COM 412, and COM 430.
The capstone course in PR and Advertising where students develop objectives, planning, messaging, and creative media promotion through participation in research, planning, presentation, and problem-solving techniques to effectively address public relations issues, including diversity in communication. Students will engage in public relations and advertising campaign management. The course serves as a means of assessing program learning outcomes.
COM 445 Media Management (3)
This course will familiarize students with a range of traditional media business models and ownership structures as well as examine the rapid changes and new media business opportunities across the industry brought by the convergence of traditional, digital, and social media, and the waning and limitations of traditional advertising and delivery models. Students will be introduced to issues of leadership and human resource management including diversity, equity, and the continuing role of media outlets in the communities they serve.
COM 470 Advanced Electronic News (3)
Prerequisite(s): COM 320, COM 380, COM 395, and COM 412 or COM 415.
Principles and practices for gathering, writing, reporting and producing news for electronic media. Requires out-of-class assignments. This is a capstone course - a culminating experience that integrates coursework, knowledge, skills and other experiences in broadcast journalism. Major subjects include diversity in communication. It serves as a venue for the learning outcomes assessment.
COM 475 Directed Study (3)
Prerequisite(s): Approval of instructor.
Supervised study permitting students to pursue specific areas of interest in communication.