Communication (COM)
COM 1010 - Fundamentals of Communication - 3 credits
Fall and Spring Semesters
The theory and practice of communication from one person to another, in small groups, and before larger audiences. This course allows students to gain a basic understanding of the field of communication and develop skills and self-confidence in a variety of settings.
This course meets the General Education First Year Core Communication requirement.
COM 1030 - Career Speech: Voice & Articulation - 3 credits
Fall and Spring Semesters
Designed to help improve your vocal presentation, this course will introduce you to the development and production of American Career Speech. Individual progress will be charted through prepared presentation and class exercises. We will train the ear as well as the voice; the listener as well as the speaker. The dedicated student will notice enhanced vocal versatility and personal projection.
COM 1300 - Introduction to Mass Communication - 3 credits
Fall and Spring Semesters
The historical, political, and social background of the mass media. Reviews organization, current status, and future trends.
COM 1410 - Acting I - 3 credits
Fall and Spring Semesters
Explores some of the basic techniques by which an actor prepares, including character, and role preparation, scene work, exercises and theatre games. Participation in actual show is NOT included in this course.
This course meets the General Education Arts Breadth requirement.
COM 1510 - Beginning Radio Practicum - 1 credit
Fall and Spring Semesters
Provides students with the opportunity to work on various assignments at the College radio station, WMLN-FM. Hours to be arranged outside of class. Fee.
COM 1710 - Media and Broadcasting Basics - 3 credits
Fall and Spring Semesters
Discusses the history of radio and television in the United States, including FCC regulations, impact on society, current trends and themes in programming and advertising.
COM 2010 - Public Speaking - 3 credits
Fall and Spring Semesters
An introductory course in public speaking. Chief emphasis is placed upon the delivery of carefully prepared speeches and major attention is given to collection of materials, style, audience analysis, and outlining.
COM 2020 - Intercultural Communication - 3 credits
Spring Semester
This course will emphasize what happens when members of different cultures interact face-to-face, either casually or in organizational settings. It will focus on the communication behaviors and values common to all cultures and on the differences that divide people. Students will learn to overcome intercultural communication problems by learning how to understand and respect these cultural differences.
This course meets the General Education International/Global Interdependence requirement or the General Education Diversity requirement.
Prerequisite: COM 1010.
COM 2030 - Oral Interpretation - 3 credits
Offered periodically within a three-year academic cycle
This course introduces students to the process of taking a piece of literature and presenting it to an audience by reading it aloud. The focus of the course will be on the basic physical and vocal performance techniques used in oral presentation, as well as on techniques for understanding literature. Students will experience new and interesting ways of approaching, appreciating, and performing stories, poems, and plays.
This course meets the General Education Arts Breadth requirement.
COM 2050 - Announcing for Podcast & Broadcast - 3 credits
Alternate Spring Semesters
Addresses the various techniques employed by radio announcers through practical application. Emphasis is on methodology, pacing, voice dynamics, breathing, pronunciation, inflection, and the development of voice techniques.
COM 2060 - Radio/TV Sports Broadcasting - 3 credits
Alternate Spring Semesters
Through lectures and projects, students will learn the skills necessary to break into the competitive field of sports broadcasting, particularly radio and television, but also in the growing area of web broad casts. Topics include: sports play-by-play and analysis, sports reporting, TV sports anchoring and sports talk radio. Students will be required to have a tape recorder for some projects.
COM 2100 - Managerial Communication - 3 credits
Fall and Spring Semesters
Students will be introduced to the theoretical and practical principles of organizational structure, culture and management in relationship to all aspects of communication skills. Students will explore various organizations and will participate in managerial case studies virtually and face to face. Students will be introduced to motivational concepts and communication skills necessary to become more effective managers and leaders. Students will manage and be managed by peers for individual, team, and class assignments.
Prerequisite: COM 1010 or sophomore standing.
COM 2112 - Conflict Management - 3 credits
Alternate Years
Understanding the basic concepts involved in the management of conflict situations, such as understanding attitudes about conflict and message patterns in conflict interactions, and exploring a variety of methods designed for effective conflict management in interpersonal and organizational contexts.
Prerequisite: COM 1010.
COM 2120 - Rhetorical Criticism - 3 credits
Offered periodically within a three-year academic cycle
Rhetoric is the study of how communication happens. As human beings, we use rhetoric all the time – whether we are aware of it or not. This course looks at rhetorical “texts” broadly speaking – advertisements, political speeches, judicial opinions, mass media, photographs, spaces and places–anything that communicates something. It explores how they construct messages that persuade, create identities, create community, and in essence, create our world.
COM 2130 - Nonverbal Communication - 3 credits
Alternate Years
This course will help the student develop an awareness of how nonverbal cues are used in both the sending and receiving of communication messages. Students will examine nonverbal topics such as physical appearance, movement, gestures, artifacts, facial expressions, eye contact, vocal cues, time and touch.
Prerequisite: COM 1010.
COM 2140 - Social Media Communication - 3 credits
Alternate Fall Semesters
Social media has taken a lead role in today’s communication activities. No longer is the printed or spoken word the only means of delivering messages, inspiring thought, and shaping opinion. This course will explore the evolution of social media from email to video games and beyond. Hands-on exercises will familiarize students with the various social media platforms and foster an understanding of how social media impacts and influences all aspects of our lives.
Prerequisite: WRIT 1400.
COM 2150 - Health Communication - 3 credits
Offered periodically within a three-year academic cycle
Effective communication plays a key role in every aspect of the health care delivery process. This introductory course explores the communication needs of health care and health promotion and examines current issues and problems in the modern health care system. It identifies strategies and tactics that health care communicators, health care providers, and others employed in health care or related fields can use to improve communications with patients, families, other health professionals, the media, and the general public.
Prerequisite: COM 1010.
COM 2180 - Leadership Communication - 3 credits
Spring Semester
The purpose of this course is to equip students with the understanding and application of communication competencies and communicator style necessary to engage in ethical leadership/ followership among family members, the college community, and employment settings. Focus is on communication, specifically the rhetorical style of leaders’ abilities to negotiate and inspire people. The course is divided into three sections: basic leadership communication theories and concepts, rhetorical analysis of written and verbal speeches, and self-assessment of communication and leadership styles. The course will involve lectures, videos, case studies, research, and written and oral assignments.
Prerequisite: COM 1010.
COM 2200 - Writing for Broadcast Media - 3 credits
Every Other Year
Study and practice in writing for a variety of formats in TV and radio broadcasting, cable and other electronic media. Focus is on techniques and formats used in production of public service announcements, promotions, commercials, and news.
COM 2210 - Writing for Media Platforms - 3 credits
Fall Semester
Examines the role and history of print and online media in American society. Provides students with the opportunity to write for a variety of media, including newspapers, magazines, and the Internet. Students research and write an article for submission to a publication.
Prerequisite: Six (6) credits of 1000-level Writing/English.
COM 2220 - Screenwriting for Film and Television - 3 credits
Alternate Fall Semesters
An introductory course in the form and function of film and television scripts. Narrative fiction scripts and story development in several genres will be examined. Students will learn film and TV screenwriting techniques and terminology through individual writing projects, and through the study and critique of works of others.
Prerequisite: COM 1010.
COM 2230 - Writing for Communication - 3 credits
Fall and Spring Semesters
The communication field requires specialized reading and writing skills. This course will equip students to thrive in any of the varied fields within the area of communication. Students will sharpen skills used in absorbing, analyzing, and processing information, and develop a clean and clear writing style.
Prerequisite: WRIT 1500.
COM 2290 - Media Literacy - 3 credits
Fall and Spring Semesters
This course is designed to teach students the knowledge and skills needed to become media literate. These skills include the ability to access, analyze and evaluate media, as well as produce specific media. This course also explores the relationship between media and economics, politics, society, and popular culture. Students will learn about different effects, theories, and issues involving media, while also examining their own views and consumption of news, information and entertainment.
Prerequisites: COM 1010 and COM 1300.
COM 2320 - Effective Listening - 3 credits
Alternate Fall Semesters
Examine the importance of listening in daily life. Learn to set appropriate listening goals for various content and relational communication situations. Identify, analyze and appreciate your own personal strengths. Work on ways to minimize weaknesses. Learn to cope with anxiety, listener apprehension and negative self-fulfilling prophesies. Learn the healthy communication techniques of breathing for relaxation, changing personal negative self-talk and using positive visualization.
Prerequisite: COM 1010.
COM 2330 - Communication in Relationships - 3 credits
Offered periodically within a three-year academic cycle
Students will develop knowledge and skills for better relationships at home, work and in the community. They will explore beliefs and expectations from past to present and how they affect them in the relationships they have now. Participants will learn to respond in their current relationships with more options, more awareness, greater confidence and more control. This course will use creative classroom activities such as relaxation exercises, discussion based on videos, dramatic role-playing and interviewing.
Prerequisite: COM 1010.
COM 2340 - Observational Internship - 1-4 credits
Fall and Spring Semesters
Includes initial placement for field experience in communication and will be primarily observational; contract, journal, and critical paper required.
Prerequisites: appropriate cumulative average, and permission of internship liaison and instructor.
COM 2390 - Writing About Sports - 3 credits
Fall and Spring Semesters
Provides the skills and practice in writing sports journalism.
This course meets the General Education Reading/Writing Enhancement requirement.
Prerequisites: WRIT 1400 and WRIT 1500.
COM 2400 - Dramatic Literature - 3 credits
Spring Semester
An exciting glimpse into the cultures of the world as viewed through their theatres, actors, playwrights, and audiences. Includes a survey of history of world theatre as it has evolved to this day.
Prerequisite: Three (3) credits of Writing/English at the 1000-level.
COM 2410 - Acting II - 3 credits
Alternate Fall Semesters
Through a series of exercises and scenes, this workshop focuses on character development, comic timing, and meaningful dialogue.
Prerequisite: COM 1410.
COM 2450 - Stagecraft Concepts - 3 credits
Alternate Spring Semesters
A behind-the-scenes experience of what goes into the components of production beyond performance, with an overview of the many aspects of theatre as they have evolved to this day.
COM 2460 - Healthcare Acting: Acting the Patient Role - 3 credits
Fall Semester
In this course, students will learn how to perform as simulated participants (patients, families, health care workers, etc.). Students learn to give objective feedback in standardized, real-life healthcare scenarios that assess and train hands-on nursing skills and interpersonal communication skills of health care providers. Students practice basic acting skills, improvisational exercises, recognition of basic nonverbal signals, and working with simulation technology. A focus will be on maintaining a safe learning environment for both the simulated participants and the student nurse learners. Both active learning classroom activities and practicum activities in the School of Nursing Simulation Center are a core part of the curriculum.
COM 2471 - Theatre Practicum: Main Stage - 1 credit
Fall and Spring Semesters
Rehearse and perform comedies, drama and musicals on the Main Stage.
COM 2472 - Theatre Practicum: The One Acts - 1 credit
Fall and Spring Semesters
Acting, directing or scripting short One-Acts, to be performed in the Black Box Theatre.
COM 2473 - Theatre Practicum: Improv - 1 credit
Fall and Spring Semesters
Join Curry Theatre’s Improv group; Absolut© Improv. Audition for the Black Box Improv team. Develop and refine improvisation skills through theatre games and long and short-form improvisation exercises.
COM 2474 - Playbill Editor - 3 credits
Fall and Spring Semesters
A studio in playbill editing, this course introduces the student to the making of a Playbill, from first mock-up to final presentation of the playbills on Opening Night of the pertinent Theatre production. Through regularly scheduled once or twice weekly meetings with the instructor, and ongoing email submissions of the work-in-progress, the student will learn how to produce an actual playbill. Students will acquire several copies of the printed playbill for inclusion in their professional portfolios.
Prerequisites: WRIT 1400, COM 2471/2472 and signature of the instructor.
COM 2475 - Stage Crew - 2 credits
Fall and Spring Semesters
Participation in the mounting of a college theatre production, this course affords the student the opportunity to develop some of the skills and teamwork that are part of the theatrical process, through practical hands-on application. Opportunities include stage lighting, sound, painting, building, costumes, makeup, props, etc.
This course meets the General Education Active Learning requirement.
COM 2476 - Scriptwriting - 3 credits
Fall and Spring Semesters
Employing effective approaches to comic and dramatic dialogue students will explore some of the basic components of writing for the stage, including format, treatment and storyline, learning to distinguish between the spoken and the unspoken. Scenes and short one-acts will be presented live, during Finale, at the end of the semester.
This course meets the General Education Arts Breadth requirement and the Reading/ Writing Enhancement requirement.
Prerequisites: WRIT 1400 and WRIT 1500.
COM 2492 - Introduction to Film: The History of Film - 3 credits
Fall Semester
An introductory course in film, as an art form and an industry. Through the screening and analysis of several films, students will be introduced to various genres (film noir, the western, the gangster film, documentary, suspense, the musical, etc.). The major focus of the course will be the history and development of film from 1895 to the present, especially in the United States, and significant advances in film technology.
This course meets the General Education Humanities Breadth requirement and the Information Literacy Enhancement requirement.
COM 2493 - Introduction to Film: Art and Form - 3 credits
Spring Semester
An introductory course in film aesthetics and theory. Films will be analyzed in terms of narrative structure and mise-en-scene (cinematography, sets and costumes, performance). The course will focus on the ways that film communicates, examining form and function, technology, film criticism, and examples of significant genres and directors – especially those of the 1950s through the 2000s. Six to eight American and international films will be screened.
This course meets the General Education Humanities Breadth requirement and the Information Literacy Enhancement requirement.
COM 2496 - Italian Cinema - 3 credits
Spring Semester
This course will examine the artistic, historical, and cultural themes of Italian cinema from neo-realism to the present. It focuses on film as a vehicle of communication through which themes in Italian culture are explored. Taught in English. All films have English subtitles. (Same course as ITAL 2496).
This course meets the General Education International/Global Interdependence requirement.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or permission of instructor.
COM 2498 - Film Criticism - 3 credits
Alternate Years
Surveys representative examples of various styles and genres of motion pictures to enable students to recognize and evaluate the creative processes and criticism that are unique to film. (Same course as SA 2498).
This course meets the General Education Humanities Breadth requirement and the Reading/Writing Enhancement requirement.
Prerequisites: WRIT 1400 and WRIT 1500.
COM 2501 - Currier Times Practicum I - 1 credit
Fall and Spring Semesters
A course in which students write, edit and produce editorial content – including textual stories, blogs, and audio, video and photojournalism – for the student media publications curriertimes.net and The Currier Times. Students author news articles, features, and personal columns, on topics ranging from campus living, sports, fashion, politics, food, music and more. Students are required to attend weekly news meetings.
Prerequisite: COM 1010.
COM 2510 - Intermediate Radio Practicum - 1 credit
Fall and Spring Semesters
Continuation of COM 1510 at an intermediate level. Fee.
Prerequisite: First semester sophomore standing.
COM 2530 - Intermediate Radio Practicum - 1 credit
Fall and Spring Semesters
Continuation of COM 2520. Fee.
Prerequisite: First semester junior standing.
COM 2560 - WMLN-FM Director/ Assistant Director - 2 credits
Fall and Spring Semesters
Open only to students appointed to the position of director or assistant director at WMLN-FM. Students may not enroll in practica at the same time. Fee.
Prerequisite: Permission of the Director of Radio.
COM 2570 - WMLN-FM Director/ Assistant Director - 2 credits
Fall and Spring Semesters
Open only to students appointed to the position of director or assistant director at WMLN-FM. Students may not enroll in practica at the same time. Fee.
Prerequisites: COM 2560 and permission of the Director of Radio.
COM 2580 - WMLN-FM Director/ Assistant Director - 2 credits
Fall and Spring Semesters
Open only to students appointed to the position of director or assistant director at WMLN-FM. Students may not enroll in practica at the same time. Fee.
Prerequisites: COM 2570 and permission of the Director of Radio.
COM 2590 - WMLN-FM Director/ Assistant Director - 2 credits
Fall and Spring Semesters
Open only to students appointed to the position of director or assistant director of WMLN-FM. Students may not enroll in practica at the same time. Fee.
Prerequisites: COM 2580 and permission of the Director of Radio.
COM 2620 - Broadcast Sales and Marketing Research - 3 credits
Offered periodically within a three-year academic cycle
A comprehensive examination of broadcast and cable advertising methods. This course covers account development, effective selling strategies, and client relations. There is also discussion of audience analysis, campaign planning, and promotion. Students will prepare sales presentations for classroom analysis.
COM 2640 - Video Games: A Cultural History - 3 credits
Alternate Fall Semesters
This course introduces students to a cultural history of video games. We begin by considering the idea of “a game” in human cultures over time. We’ll investigate how games function as “texts” that tell us something about the cultures in which they are produced, as well as the cultures within which they are primarily consumed. The course offers students a critical reading of the socio-cultural and political functions of video games, with a special focus on their constitutive role in the North American context.
COM 2641 - Introduction to Games - 3 credits
Alternate Spring Semesters
In this course, students learn the core principles of games and examine many varieties of play. Each week, they will critically play and debate influential digital and non-digital games, while working to understand how rules, play, and culture create an experience. They will consider the aesthetics of the game and the game world, as well as the impact that narrative, character, players, visuals, plot and music all contribute to the game.
Assignments include Critical Analyses (video and written).
COM 2650 - Game Design - 3 credits
Spring Semester
Students learn how to design intersecting game levels and mechanics, considering how a level’s aesthetics, rules, characters, events, and narratives interact with each other to create a world. Students craft multiple paper or digital prototypes using an iterative design paradigm and execute playtests with a group of collaborating students multiple times over the course of the semester. Assignments include multiple iterations on Prototypes and (executed and analyzed) Playtest Designs.
COM 2655 - Gaming Industries - 3 credits
Alternate Fall Semesters
In this course, students will study the current state of the gaming industry, learning about the different careers in gaming as well as labor issues like crunch and unionization. Depending on schedule availability, the course will be highlighted by class visits from industry professionals in and around the Boston area.
Assignments include an Industry Report and Informational Interview.
COM 2700 - The Business of Hollywood - 3 credits
Alternate Fall Semesters
This course introduces students to the personnel and business strategies that make up the Hollywood movie and television industry. Through case studies, guest speakers, and discussion students will learn the basic skills necessary to write pitches, produce sitcoms and movies, and compete in the Los Angeles, New York, and Boston-area production markets.
Prerequisite: COM 1010 or permission of instructor.
COM 2740 - Television Producing and Production - 3 credits
Fall and Spring Semesters
Students are introduced to the basic theories of television production while practicing production skills in the television studio. Students will produce, script, and serve as crew members on talk show programming that will air on CC8.
This course meets the General Education Arts Breadth requirement.
Prerequisite: COM 1010 or permission of instructor.
COM 2748 - The Business of Sports Production - 3 credits
Offered periodically within a three-year academic cycle
This course will provide students a look at the business of developing, creating and executing sports programming. It will include an analysis of how sports programming is designed, marketed, and sold to a network, developed from sold concept to final product in the production stage, then sponsored and promoted to create a revenue generating business for its partners.
COM 2760 - Video Storytelling - 3 credits
Fall and Spring Semesters
Students will learn the basics of single camera production and post-production. Projects will include movie-style camera techniques, continuity, and news/documentary-style scripting, shooting, and editing with HD and 3D camera gear.
Pre- or Co-requisite: COM 2761, or permission of instructor
COM 2761 - Digital Video Editing - 3 credits
Fall and Spring Semesters
This course introduces the student to the equipment and procedures used to manipulate video and audio with a computer. Hands-on projects allow students to create, mix and edit still and animated images, sounds, and video into presentations of the type and design suitable for educational, commercial and corporate use.
COM 2762 - Digital Audio Production - 3 credits
Alternate Years
This course introduces students to the basics of editing and manipulating audio on a computer. Using industry-standard audio software, students will work on projects including news and sports production, PSAs, and music editing. Students should have an entry-level understanding of MAC/PC operating systems and folder/file management.
Prerequisite: AC 1000 or permission of instructor.
COM 2769 - Desktop Publishing: Adobe InDesign - 3 credits
Fall and Spring Semesters
Understanding the principles of layout is essential to creating good design, in both electronic and print media. In this course, students will learn how to create effective, dynamic visual communication by using Adobe InDesign, the industry- standard page layout application. This course will cover visual and structural systems for layout, including grids, typographic hierarchy, and will review the finer points of design. Students will also learn how to incorporate visual elements from Photoshop and Illustrator, which are part of the Adobe Creative Suite.
Prerequisite: Any 3-credit AC course.
COM 2770 - Digital Film Fundamentals - 3 credits
Fall and Spring Semesters
The student will develop practical, aesthetic, and storytelling skills by making a series of silent and non-synchronous sound films. Students will learn to record images using a digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera, and to record sound with a digital audio recorder. Students will also learn the fundamentals of non-linear digital editing. Emphasis will be on learning to use filmmaking equipment, and developing strong visual and sound language skills, with the goal of applying the tools of lighting, composition, sound, and editing to create compelling, cinematic stories.
This course meets the General Education Arts Breadth requirement.
COM 2775 - Digital Film Production II - 3 credits
Alternate Spring Semesters
Working off of Digital Film Fundamentals as the springboard, students will continue to develop advanced film production skills in independent filmmaking and production. Working individually and in teams, students will write, produce, direct and edit short films.
Prerequisite: COM 2770 or permission of instructor.
COM 2780 - Digital Documentary and Moviemaking - 3 credits
Offered periodically within a three-year academic cycle
Students will produce documentaries and movie shorts using HD and 3D digital video field equipment. They will research, script, storyboard, shoot, and edit projects while learning specific production techniques unique to these genres.
Prerequisite: COM 2761.
COM 2900 - Multimedia Journalism - 3 credits
Fall and Spring Semesters
Covers the basics of reporting and news writing. Emphasis on lead writing, interviewing, researching and preparing news stories. Discussion of libel laws and ethics. Students will also be introduced to blogging, and video/audio reporting techniques for use on the Internet.
Prerequisite: WRIT 1400 or COM 1010.
COM 3010 - Small Group Discussion - 3 credits
Alternate Spring Semesters
Presents and encourages the use of theory and research dealing with factors that influence the effectiveness of groups of people communicating face-to-face for a shared purpose. Included is the presentation of practical techniques for maximizing one’s effectiveness in the small group setting, and one long-term group task designed to simulate the structure and working conditions of committees or task groups.
Prerequisite: COM 1010 or permission of instructor.
COM 3015 - Advanced Public Speaking - 3 credits
Alternate Spring Semesters
This course is designed to build and expand upon COM 2010: Public Speaking. The chief emphasis is placed upon the understanding and application of the principles of effective speech communication and public speaking by preparing carefully delivered speeches that are appropriate for your audience, the speech purpose, and the assignment. Attention will be given to public speaking strategies, research, the “3 Vs” of message impact (visual, vocal, verbal), supplemental media use (e.g. PowerPoint), and the effective delivery of different types of speeches used extensively in business and the professions.
Prerequisite: COM 2010 or permission of instructor.
COM 3040 - Persuasion - 3 credits
Fall Semester
Applies and investigates the various modes of persuasion including propaganda, mass communication, and public speaking with an emphasis on application and analysis of persuasive techniques.
Prerequisite: COM 1010 or COM 2100 or permission of instructor.
COM 3100 - Argumentation and Debate - 3 credits
Alternate Years
The study and practice of using logical appeals to achieve rational decisions. Course includes case studies, speaking, and videotaped feedback to enable one to: (1) argue persuasively, (2) refute arguments, (3) think on one’s feet, (4) increase efficiency in research, (5) expose fallacies, and (6) make more rational personal decisions.
Prerequisite: COM 1010.
COM 3450 - Communication Internship/ Field Experience - 1-9 credits
Fall and Spring Semesters
Provides students with “hands-on” experience working in field placement. Learning contract and reflection paper are required as well as weekly journals, seminar participation and ePortfolio items.
This course meets the General Education Active Learning requirement.
Prerequisite: Appropriate cumulative average, and signature of internship liaison. Some concentrations also require a concentration- specific course be taken prior to beginning any internship. Check with concentration coordinator for more information.
COM 3470 - Theatre Workshop - 3 credits
Fall and Spring Semesters
This course brings a theatre professional to the College for one semester to work with students in a particular field of specialization. May be repeated up to six times under different specializations.
Acting for the Camera
(Prerequisite: COM 1410 or COM 1710)
Acting Behind the Mask
(Prerequisite: COM 1410)
Children’s Theatre
(Prerequisite: COM 1410, waived for Education students)
Improvisation
(Prerequisite: COM 1410)
Musical Theatre
(Prerequisite: Sophomore standing)
Stage Combat
(Prerequisite: COM 1410)
Theatrical Design
(Prerequisite: COM 1410)
COM 3476 - Scriptwriting II - 3 credits
Every Year
A continuation of Scriptwriting (COM 2476), this course brings original scenes and brief one acts from the printed page to staged readings, providing individual support in the creative act of scriptwriting.
Prerequisite: COM 2476 and instructor signature.
COM 3480 - Theatre Supervisory Board - 2 credits
Fall and Spring Semesters
Students take production responsibility in one of the following areas: publicity, box office, stage managing, stage construction and design, costumes, make-up, props, lighting, or general management. May be repeated.
Prerequisite: COM 2471/2472/2473 or permission of instructor.
COM 3490 - Directing Seminar - 3 credits
Spring Semester
Through exercises and scene work, students learn to apply various directing techniques to the staging of scenes or brief one acts.
Prerequisite: COM 1410, or permission of director of theatre.
COM 3506 - Media Law and Ethics - 3 credits
Alternate Spring Semesters
Examines legal and ethical issues journalists face while reporting for print, broadcast or online media organizations. Topics will include previous judicial decisions affecting current trends in newsrooms and in courtrooms.
Prerequisite: COM 1300 and any 2000-level Communication course.
COM 3510 - Advanced Radio Practicum - 1 credit
Fall and Spring Semesters
A continuation of COM 2540; at an advanced level. Fee.
Prerequisite: First semester senior standing.
COM 3525 - Advanced Radio Announcing - 3 credits
Offered periodically within a three-year academic cycle
Continues the development and expansion of on-air presentations, utilizing different radio formats. Must be prepared to host a weekly or biweekly program on WMLN-FM. Prerequisite: COM 2050 with a grade of “B–” or better.
Corequisite: Registration in a radio practicum.
COM 3545 - Modern Drama - 3 credits
Fall Semester
Studies the works of twentieth and twenty-first century Dramatists (e.g. Ibsen, Strindberg, Shaw, O’Casey, O’Neill, Miller, Beckett, and others) with attention to the influence of European playwrights upon the modern theatre.
This course meets the General Education Humanities Breadth requirement.
Prerequisite: Six (6) credits of Writing/English at the 1000-level.
COM 3550 - Broadcast Management - 3 credits
Offered periodically within a three-year academic cycle
Studies the organization and management of radio and television stations, as well as administration, programming, technical, sales problems, and physical facilities.
Prerequisite: COM 1710 or permission of instructor.
COM 3560 - WMLN-FM Management Supervisors - 2 credits
Fall and Spring Semesters
Open only to WMLN-FM station manager, program director, and operations director. These positions are appointed. Students may not enroll in practica at the same time. Fee.
Prerequisite: Permission of the Director of Radio.
COM 3570 - WMLN-FM Management Supervisors - 2 credits
Fall and Spring Semesters
Open only to WMLN-FM station manager, program director, and operations director. These positions are appointed. Students may not enroll in practica at the same time. Fee.
Prerequisites: COM 3560 and permission of the Director of Radio.
COM 3580 - WMLN-FM Management Supervisors - 2 credits
Fall and Spring Semesters
Open only to WMLN-FM station manager, program director, and operations director. These positions are appointed. Students may not enroll in practica at the same time. Fee.
Prerequisites: COM 3570 and permission of the Director of Radio.
COM 3590 - WMLN-FM Management Supervisors - 2 credits
Fall and Spring Semesters
Open only to WMLN-FM station manager, program director, and operations director. These position are appointed. Students may not enroll in practica at the same time. Fee.
Prerequisites: COM 3580 and permission of the Director of Radio.
COM 3645 - Video Games: Theory and Analysis - 3 credits
Alternate Fall Semesters
A critical study of games and gaming in human cultures over time, with a special focus on the modern Video Game industry. Students will explore the history and economics of gaming while also discussing and analyzing the impact and interplay of games on psyche and society alike.
Prerequisite: One course in COM at the 2000-level or above, or permission of instructor.
COM 3650 - Media, Culture and Society - 3 credits
Offered periodically within a three-year academic cycle
This course introduces students to critical analysis of the role of mass media in modern industrial society. Students will be sensitized to the ways in which media images contribute to our everyday knowledge regarding the nature of the social world and the differing positions of men, women, and children in that world. Of special importance will be the development of visual literacy skills which will facilitate an aware and informed reading of symbolic representations of reality.
Prerequisite: COM 2290 or permission of instructor.
COM 3651 - Sports and Media - 3 credits
Alternate Years
Students will critically examine the historical and evolving relationship between sports and the media in American society, including its influence on race, gender, violence, celebrity, entertainment and business. From the Tweets of Chad Johnson to the news coverage that helped integrate professional baseball, students will explore how the media has changed the way sports are consumed, celebrated and understood.
Prerequisite: Any one of the following: COM 2390, COM 2900, MRKT 2520, or BUS 2264.
COM 3652 - Gender Communication - 3 credits
Alternate Years
Explores ways women and men accept, reject, and negotiate their social roles through communication. It looks at commonly-held stereotypes about femininity and masculinity, shows how language reinforces these, and offers strategies for change.
COM 3656 - Death & Games - 3 credits
This course explores a variety of recent digital and non-digital games that do something fascinating with death and post-death play. Students analyze and design games, considering questions like: How do we play when we know the end (of our bodies, our worlds, our languages) is coming? How do we play after the end has arrived, and we are somehow still here? How does an art form famous for violence depict quieter aspects of the aftermath of violence – the work of mourning and redemption? Assignments include Presentation, Reflections (video and written), and Game Design.
Prerequisite: COM 2641 and COM 2650 or COM 2655.
COM 3752 - TV On-Air: Broadcast Reporting - 3 credits
Alternate Semesters
Designed for students who have taken Video Field Production, this class will explore the skills necessary to be an effective on-air talent in the field. Special emphasis will be placed on news reporting, interviewing, vocal delivery, and scriptwriting/production skills as it pertains to single-camera field production.
Prerequisite: COM 2760 or permission of the instructor.
COM 3760 - Film Production: RED Camera - 3 credits
Alternate Spring Semesters
This is an intensive hands-on movie production course using the industry-standard RED camera. Professional-level production techniques will be emphasized as students study the steps from prep to post-production. Students will learn film budgeting, rental procedures, and crew dynamics. Fee.
Prerequisite or Corequisites: COM 2760 or COM 2761 or COM 2780 or permission of instructor.
COM 3768 - Online Video: Producing & Marketing - 3 credits
Alternate Spring Semesters
Online video comprises more than 80% of what people consume on the web. In this course students will learn about the production of online video by learning marketing techniques, studying viral video successes, and producing videos designed for online marketing. Students in this course should have access to their own smartphone that shoots video, or access to another similar device that shoots video.
Prerequisite or Corequisite: COM 2760 or COM 2761 or COM 2770 or permission of instructor.
COM 3805 - Film Topics - 3 credits
Each Film Topics course explores a specific area of film studies or film production, often calling on the expertise of outside professionals. May be repeated up to four times with different specializations.
Documentary Film - 3 credits
Offered periodically within a three-year academic cycle
Documentaries were among the earliest films made, attempts to capture and preserve real life events. From Robert Flaherty’s Nanook of the North to Spike Lee’s The Day the Levees Broke, the documentary has played a critical role in preserving the people, places, and events in our society. Through screenings and discussions, this course examines the documentary genre from the late 1800’s to the present, focusing on its creative, social, political, and entertainment influences.
Prerequisite: Any film course or junior standing.
Film Directing - 3 credits
Offered periodically within a three-year academic cycle
Students will learn basic to intermediate film directing techniques for narrative filmmaking projects. Students will shoot projects with DSLR high-definition cameras and have access to other filmmaking accessories. Lighting, audio, working with actors and scripting techniques will also be discussed.
Prerequisite: COM 2761 or permission of instructor.
Lighting and Cinematography - 3 credits
Offered periodically within a three-year academic cycle
Students will work with film lighting to create various film effects representing drama, comedy and other cinematic scenes, while understanding lighting’s impact on filmmaking and the cinematographer’s position.
COM 3902 - Communication Issues Senior Seminar - 3 credits
Fall and Spring Semesters
Course will cover historic and current issues in the communications business. Students will present abstracts on a chosen topic, demonstrate competent use of electronic and traditional research techniques, and complete a major paper. This is the only required senior seminar for communication majors.
Prerequisites: Senior Standing, COM 2230 and COM 3970.
COM 3970 - Communication Theory and Research - 3 credits
Fall and Spring Semesters
The course surveys some of the core theories and research practices that undergird the field of Human Communication. It introduces students to the concepts, terminology, methods and tools necessary to read, critique, and conduct research. Topics include the intimate relationship between theory and practice, the nature of inductive and deductive procedure, and key differences between social scientific and humanistic inquiry. Students encounter the notion of “informal research,” which puts them in a position to consider their own role as nascent theory- builders. They then learn the core research traditions established in the field that spurred the development of the theories to be studied. Topics include the practical applications of theory, and how the communication process creates and constitutes meaning, individual and group identity, power and even culture itself. Students learn how to formulate and ask good questions and draw relatively bias-free conclusions when reading about or doing communication research. They categorize and interpret evidence, determine the reliability of data, and challenge assumptions embedded in particular theories or research.
Prerequisites: COM 2230 and COM 2290.
COM 4050 - Independent Studio - 1-8 credit
Fall and Spring Semesters
Within the first ten days of the semester, a student of at least junior class standing contracts in writing with a faculty tutor in the communication area for a supervised individual project. A copy of any tape, film, or written work produced for the studio is deposited permanently in the office of the area coordinator before the final grade is given.
Prerequisites: Junior class standing declared communication major or minor, 2.8 cumulative average in communication, nine credits at the 2000- or 3000-level in communication, and permission of the communication area chairperson and the tutor.
COM 4100 - Independent Reading - 1-3 credits
Fall and Spring Semesters
Students who wish to do a reading in a special topic not covered by any course or wish to deal in depth with a specific topic may, under the guidance of a faculty member from that area, elect Independent Readings.
Prerequisites: Sophomore, junior, or senior standing, a 3.0 average in the subject area, and at least a 2.7 cumulative average.
COM 4560 - Practical Internship - 3-12 credits
Fall and Spring Semesters
Provides experience in the media in a specific position. Required are a contract, a journal, a critical paper, and regular meetings with the on-campus supervisor.
Prerequisites: Appropriate cumulative average, and signature of chair (or designee).