Courses
COMM-100 Intro Mass Communication (3)
Media in the 21st century have undergone tremendous change as a result of the growth of the Internet and the rising popularity of social media and mobile technologies. In this course, students will study audiences as users and producers of content, the changes occurring within media industries, and political and legal influences within the areas of strategic communication (public relations, advertising and social media marketing), entertainment (television, video games, books, radio and music), and journalism (online, print and broadcast). At the conclusion of the course, students will be able to analyze the decisions made by media executives and policy makers while understanding how media have become more interactive and collaborative.
Attributes: YLIBCOMM-199C RW Research-Based Writing (3)
Students learn the basics of writing an academic research paper in this discipline. Emphasis is on elements of persuasive argumentation, the inclusion of more than one perspective on an issue, the proper use and documentation of sources, and revision. Students also learn how to make an effective oral presentation of their research. Department-determined topic may change from semester to semester and is likely to include literary texts as primary materials. Restricted to freshmen and transfers. Note: 199C courses may not be taken for credit more than once and are not applied to major requirements.
Attributes: RW YLIB
Restrictions: Including: -Class: Freshman, SophomoreCOMM-205 P3 Media Issue Contmp Cult (3)
Students examine how all media, including video games and social networks, impact and influence the culture. Patterns of human behavior are explained and interpreted through the analysis of gathered data. The importance of the economic imperative, media theories, ethical standards, and developing new media comes under scrutiny as students determine the impact of these issues on American culture, and specifically, American democracy which depends on informed citizens.
Attributes: CJMP P3 YLIB
Pre-requisites: COMM-100 D-COMM-211 P1 Irish & Scottish Film (3)
This course examines film production in the Celtic countries of Ireland and Scotland. Students study the narrative content and formalistic qualities of film as an art form, as well as the historical and cultural contexts within which film products are created and received. Students learn how such films can not only educate, inform, and entertain, but also create representations, stereotypes, and myths that both draw from and contribute to dynamic dominant discourses about these Celtic nations. Formerly offered as: P1 Celtic Film
Attributes: P1 YLIBCOMM-219 Design I (3)
This course will explore the role of graphic design principles in developing design for publications. Emphasis will be placed on effective communication of audience message and concept development. Through individual design projects, students will explore the critical relationship and effective use of typography, photographic imagery and layout for impactful publication design. Students will have the opportunity to learn how to use professional design software to create and prepare documents for publication. Industry professionals may also come into class to speak and provide valuable student feedback.
Attributes: YLIBCOMM-220 P1 Visual Communication (3)
This course provides an introduction to visual literacy by considering how the fundamentals of visual communication can be used to enhance understanding of broader communication processes. The methods, practicalities, and ethics of visual communication will be explored by analyzing examples and applications in a variety of digital forms, including print, graphics, illustrations, photographs, motion pictures, and computer imagery. The goal is to prepare students for advanced study in communication, with particular attention given to preparation for courses in print, video and web production.
Attributes: P1 PROD YLIBCOMM-236 Photo I: Art Photography (3)
Students will develop an appreciation for the art of photography through the study of basic digital photographic skills and concepts. The course will cover use of an SLR camera and the development of basic Photoshop skills. It will explore a range of photographic styles and subject matter and will discuss the work of professional photographers. Each student should have a digital camera by the first class session. A digital SLR is highly recommended and a few are available for loan, but each student must at least have her or his own point-and-shoot camera, which allows for exposure compensation. Students who have taken ARTS 165 may not register for this class. Cross listed with ARTS 236.
Attributes: CJVP YLIBCOMM-250 Speech Communication (3)
An introduction to the field of human communication. Topics include interpersonal communication, small group communication, and public speaking. Equal emphasis is placed on acquiring a theoretical body of knowledge related to each topic and on practicing skills in the form of presentations, speeches, and group discussions. Not available as an audited course.
Attributes: STCO YLIBCOMM-253 Business Communication (3)
This course is designed to improve the effectiveness of students? business writing, with additional attention also given to presentation and visual summary skills. Students learn a systematic communication process that incorporates analyzing, composing, and evaluating their messages prior to communicating them. Through course work this process is applied to the creation of business documents including memos, emails, letters, social media messages, reports, and proposals. Students also learn to prepare and deliver effective, logically structured and convincing business presentations, designed to inform or persuade their audience. Attention is also given to extemporaneous (i.e., spontaneous) presentations, the use of presentation software, and how to appropriately deliver negative news messages. Not available as an audited course.
Attributes: STCO YLIBCOMM-261 P1 Documentary Film (3)
Students study various styles of documentary film, focusing on both the narrative content and aesthetic qualities of the art form, and learn how documentaries may educate, inform, persuade and coerce an audience. In addition to viewing and writing about a film each week, students also will complete an editing project (political remix or historical narrative) and create their own short documentary. Note: this course is primarily a film studies course, rather than a production course.
Attributes: P1 PROD YLIBCOMM-264 P1 Television History (3)
From live broadcasts to time-shifting, from appointment viewing to binge watching, this course takes students on a journey through U.S. television?s history and development. It examines the artistic, commercial, and technological influences of this pervasive broadcast medium through aesthetic, political, social, economic, cultural, and regulatory lenses. Students will analyze television’s long-lasting influences from its golden age through today?s post-network era. In addition to the chronological examination, the course might cover units that include sports broadcasting’s unprecedented growth, the industry’s controversial indecency policy, post-9/11 television culture, and the unrealized potential for diversity in the face of increasingly fragmented niche audiences. Formerly titled: P1 History of TV & Radio
Attributes: BCST CJMP P1 PROD YLIBCOMM-265 Cable and Cutting-Edge TV (3)
Surveys different forms of recent television programming: broadcast, basic cable, premium cable, and new media. The course focuses on programs since the turn of the century and looks at various influences in their production, distribution, and consumption. Students will critically examine representations of diversity on television in this post-network era and understand today’s TV socially, economically, politically, artistically, and televisually. They will also make educated predictions as to what the future of television might look like. In this class we will examine shows such as “The Sopranos”, The Wire”, “Glee”, “Mad Men”, “Friday Night Lights”, and more.
Attributes: BCST PROD YLIB
Restrictions: Including: -Class: FreshmanCOMM-267 Social Media Management (3)
For many companies, social media has become a key channel to engage, listen to, and communicate with a variety of stakeholders. Advertising, public relations, and marketing communications professionals must understand how to integrate social media into their plans to engage customers, employees, suppliers, and competitors. This course provides the practical knowledge and insights required to establish objectives and strategies, properly select the social media platforms to engage consumers, and monitor and measure the results of these efforts.
Attributes: STCO YLIB
Pre-requisites: COMM-270 D-COMM-269 Web Design (3)
Students design and develop websites for a variety of devices. The course focuses on HTML, cascading style sheets, and digital imaging with Adobe Photoshop, as well as the use of jQuery plugins to create dynamic effects. Graphic design theory, information architecture, and search engine optimization methods are discussed throughout the semester. Students with credit for COMM 369 Web Design cannot earn credit for COMM 269.
Attributes: ARTS CJVP YLIBCOMM-270 Intro to Public Relations (3)
Examines the history and scope of the public relations industry, along with contemporary issues and criticisms. The course includes techniques of research, writing, planning, communication, and evaluation in the public relations process.
Attributes: CJMP PR YLIB
Restrictions: Excluding: -Class: SeniorCOMM-281 Intro to Advertising (3)
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of advertising and the role it plays today in business and marketing. Topics that are covered include: the evolution, environment and business of advertising; segmentation, targeting, and the marketing mix; communication and consumer behavior; account planning and research; the creative process; and media planning and buying. Additional emphasis is placed on platform specific advertising considerations for print, television, radio, and digital interactive media. Students will take on advertising agency roles during the semester to create and ?pitch? a multiplatform ad campaign.
Attributes: ADVE CJMP STCO YLIB ZCIV
Restrictions: Excluding: -Class: SeniorCOMM-295 Multimedia Writing (3)
In this course students will learn to collect and process information then present it in multiple media on various platforms using modern digital technology. The course will cover differences in writing for print and online publication, along with basic video production, online research, and use of social media for professional purposes. Integration of professionally produced media with user-generated content and use of networked digital tools to build communities of interest will be examined also.
Attributes: YLIB
Pre-requisites: -COMM-301 Journalism I-News W&R (3)
Students learn what makes events newsworthy, practice basic research and reporting skills, and gain practical experience in journalistic-style writing. In the course of discussing the reporting process, students examine the role of a free press in society and are introduced to legal and ethical concerns for journalists.
Attributes: YLIB
Pre-requisites: COMM-295 Y D-
Restrictions: Excluding: -Class: FreshmanCOMM-302 Journalism II:Adv News W&R (3)
This course emphasizes practice in news reporting and writing with a strong emphasis on computer-assisted multimedia reporting skills. The course covers beat reporting, including police, courts, and local government.
Attributes: JRNL YLIB
Pre-requisites: COMM-301 D-COMM-304 Magazine Writing (3)
Seminar workshops in magazine-style reporting and writing. The basic skills for researching and writing magazine articles are emphasized. Writers use creative skills in producing content to appeal to specific audiences. Students learn if they have the talent, desire and dedication for a career in magazine writing.
Attributes: JRNL YLIB
Pre-requisites: -COMM-305 News Editing (3)
This course introduces students to techniques used in editing news material for print and online environments, with a strong emphasis on word editing: use of correct grammar, punctuation, style, and content editing. Students also learn about headline writing, photo editing, caption writing, and basics of page design for print and online presentation.
Attributes: JRNL YLIB
Pre-requisites: COMM-301 D-COMM-308 Feature Writing (3)
Examines enterprise reporting and writing techniques used in developing entertainment features and news features. Students write profiles; columns, editorials, and reviews; and news enterprise stories.
Attributes: JRNL YLIB
Pre-requisites: COMM-301 D-COMM-310 Sports Reporting (3)
A course in sports journalism that emphasizes interviewing and reporting. Coursework includes several out-of-class assignments and some deadline, in-class assignments. Guest speakers who are professionals in the field discuss various aspects of sports reporting. Students study differences in writing for print and online environments.
Attributes: JRNL YLIB
Pre-requisites: COMM-295 D- AND (COMM-301 Y D- OR COMM-314 Y D-)COMM-314 News Practicum (3)
Students work in a laboratory setting to write news for campus media in the print, broadcast, and online environments.
Course may be taken only once for credit.
Attributes: JRNL YLIB ZEXL
Pre-requisites: COMM-295 D-COMM-319 Design II (3)
This course continues the exploration of principles and techniques in graphic design. The importance of strong conceptual skills and audience-based solutions will be the focus of classroom lectures, discussions and student projects. Those projects will explore design concepts for branding, advertising and marketing communications in the professional world. Students will have the opportunity to increase their knowledge and expertise in professional design software programs for print and digital media. Industry professionals may also come into class to speak and provide valuable student feedback.
Attributes: YLIB
Pre-requisites: COMM-219 D- OR COMM-309 D-COMM-322 COMM Careers Seminar (1)
This course will provide junior majors and minors the opportunity to explore the myriad career options in the field of communications and the media. Particular emphasis will be placed on the impact of a liberal arts curriculum and new media on searching for internships and professional positions after graduation. The course will include resumes and personal branding, informational interviews, Career Center resources, and visits from alumni and career professionals.
Attributes: YLIB
Restrictions: Including: -Class: Junior, SeniorCOMM-323 Screenwriting (3)
This course examines the screenplay in film and television through an emphasis on storytelling. Students learn how to write for the screen by understanding script format, structure, plot, character, setting, and other foundational elements. In addition to analyzing classic works from film and television, students will develop original stories, write scenes, and complete scripts (for TV series and/or movies) by the end of the semester.
Attributes: ARTS YLIB
Restrictions: Excluding: -Class: FreshmanCOMM-329 Film/Television Analysis (3)
In this course, students will view a variety of films and television programs through critical perspectives related to montage, genre analysis, narrative, psychoanalysis, gender, and fan studies. This course is designed equally for students interested in film and television studies and those focused on video production.
Attributes: YLIB
Pre-requisites: COMM-231 D- OR COMM-261 D- OR COMM-264 D- OR ENGL-268 D-
Restrictions: Excluding: -Class: FreshmanCOMM-332 Television Production (3)
This course builds on the video production techniques taught in COMM 231 and applies them to one of the most popular and pervasive media: television. Students will learn the various forms of prime time television production, including multiple-camera, single-camera, and hybrid. At the beginning of the semester, students will critically analyze their favorite shows and then re-create scenes from them. Then they will then pitch their own original television program and produce episodes in which they will write, cast, direct, shoot, perform, and edit. In different semesters, students may have the opportunity to manage social media for an academic conference in New York City, where they will also network with industry professionals and explore career opportunities.
Attributes: CJVP PROD YLIB
Pre-requisites: COMM-231 D-COMM-336 Photo II:Media&Documentary (3)
This course will focus on photojournalism and documentary photography, with a focus on image-based storytelling. Students will practice public relations & advertising photography, including the creation of images for web and mobile devices. Students should be familiar with photographic composition and the use of an SLR camera and have experience using Photoshop. Students are encouraged to have their own digital SLR camera by the first class. A few will be available for loan. Students who have earned credit for COMM 334 may not register for this class. Cross listed with ARTS 336.
Attributes: CJVP YLIB
Pre-requisites: ARTS-165 D- OR (ARTS-236 D- OR COMM-236 D-)COMM-337 Acting for the Screen (1)
This course provides students the opportunity to learn techniques related to acting in front of the camera. Students will be assigned a role(s) in one or more productions and will be expected to develop their characters, learn their lines, and be available for shoots outside of class time. Permission of instructor is required, pending a successful audition.
Attributes: YLIBCOMM-346 Media Law (3)
Provides students with an overview of the law as it applies to mass media and with related ethical issues that face professional communicators, with emphasis on the First Amendment, libel and privacy, newsgathering, copyright, commercial speech doctrine, and broadcast and new-media regulation. Lecture and discussion highlight application of the law and ethical principles from a practitioner’s viewpoint. Case studies focus on media professionals facing legal and/or ethical decisions in ways that take into account all stakeholders’ concerns, with a special emphasis on cases from print and broadcast journalism, public relations, and advertising.
Attributes: CJMP YLIBCOMM-349 Media Management & Econ (3)
Students will learn the basic economic principles that underlie media operations such as firm organization and industry structure, interpret how those characteristics affect business operations, and evaluate how those business issues affect the performance of media firms. This course teaches students how to apply traditional strategic management models, frameworks, and typologies such as Porter?s Five Forces, value chains, and the BCG matrix. Innovation-driven approaches that address how to create blue ocean strategies and benefit from disruptive technologies will also be addressed.
Attributes: STCO YLIBCOMM-352 Group Dynamics (3)
A theoretical and practical course that examines the nature and functions of task-oriented groups in a variety of settings. Topics studied from a communication-based perspective include: group formation, goals, norms, process analysis, leadership, conflict, satisfaction, and productivity. Not available as an audited course. Cross-listed with PSYC 352.
Attributes: YLIB
Restrictions: Including: -Class: Junior, SeniorCOMM-353 Public Speaking (3)
This course develops a student’s ability to research, prepare, and deliver effective presentations before a variety of groups, particularly in educational, business, and professional settings. Students study rhetorical theory, prepare and present their own speeches, use presentation software, deliver team presentations, and evaluate the presentations of others. Not available as an audited course.
Attributes: YLIBCOMM-354 Interviewing (3)
This course provides an in-depth study of the interviewing process, from the perspective of both the interviewer and the interviewee. Students study effective interviewing techniques and participate in a variety of interviews, including informational interviews, employment interviews, and appraisal interviews. This course is applicable to students in all fields of study. Not available as an audited course.
Attributes: YLIB ZCIV
Restrictions: Including: -Class: Junior, SeniorCOMM-361 Documentary Production (3)
This documentary video workshop emphasizes nonfiction field production. Hands-on demonstrations, screenings, readings, lectures and discussion focus on the fundamentals of documentary video, which include research, pre-planning, writing skills, interviewing, shooting and editing. Students will form working teams of 3-4 students to create socially relevant documentaries.
Attributes: ARTS YLIB
Pre-requisites: COMM-231 D-COMM-362 Interactive Media Design (3)
Students apply effective information design to the creation of interactive documentaries, museum exhibits, and educational websites, learning techniques for creating data visualizations, animations, and 3-D models.
Attributes: ARTS YLIB
Pre-requisites: COMM-269 D- AND (CSCI-158 D- OR DIGC-158 D- OR CSCI-161 D-)COMM-367 Emergent Media&Web Culture (3)
Interactivity, collaboration, and content creation by formerly passive audiences are leading to profound changes in the experience of media and the nature of human communication. This discussion-driven seminar will require students to critically analyze both full-length texts and scholarly articles as a means to study themes related to new media and digital cultures, resulting in the production of several papers, both traditional and multimodal. Possible themes include: big data and advertising; the economics of digital media; new media art; disability, gender and race in online environments; cyborg theories; redefinitions of private and public spaces; and social media and activism.
Attributes: CJMP YLIB
Restrictions: Excluding: -Class: FreshmanCOMM-372 PR Case Studies (3)
A study of the functions, processes, and problems in the practice of organizational public relations, paying particular attention to media relations. Students learn about creating successful public relations campaigns through a combination of hands-on research with local companies and a review of national programs.
Attributes: PR STCO YLIB
Pre-requisites: COMM-270 D-COMM-375 Sport and Social Media (3)
Examines how and why sports fans make connections to favorite sports, teams, athletes and experts through social media at all levels. Historical, sociological and geographical relationships are examined via readings, lectures, seminar discussions and computer lab work analyzing emerging trends. Course includes the practical application of social media in promoting athletes, coaches and teams through the creation of a student e-portfolio. Cross-listed with SPST 375.
Attributes: PR SPHR YLIB
Pre-requisites: COMM-253 Y D- OR COMM-270 Y D-
Restrictions: Excluding: -Class: FreshmanCOMM-381 Ad Portfolio Development (3)
Students will develop a formal means to present spec ads they create based on brand strategy. They will combine concept and original design to develop and present a personal vision of their work.
Attributes: YLIB
Pre-requisites: COMM-281 D- OR COMM-383 D- OR COMM-384 D-COMM-420 Communication Seminar (3)
Students examine the nature and function of communication theory as it applies to the study of mass communication. Emphasis is placed on the study of theories and models in applied settings and the process of communication research.
Attributes: YLIB
Pre-requisites: -
Restrictions: Including: -Major: Communication/Journalism, Media and CommunicationCOMM-468 Advanced Web Design (3)
Students create interactivity with Javascript and dynamic sites using PHP/MySQL and AngularJS, while designing a site for a small business or nonprofit. Students will apply interface design theories and conduct usability testing during this process.
Attributes: CJVP YLIB ZCIV
Pre-requisites: COMM-269 D- AND (CSCI-158 D- OR DIGC-158 D- OR CSCI-161 D-)COMM-472 Advanced PR Programs&Mgmt (3)
This course covers the application of advanced public relations theories and concepts to the practice of public relations. It also covers the use of basic research methods in developing public relations and advertising campaigns. Students focus on the concepts and skills of developing relationships with public relations clients and professionals.
Attributes: PR YLIB
Pre-requisites: COMM-270 C
Restrictions: Including: -Class: Junior, SeniorCOMM-475 Washington DC-Internship (6 TO 9)
Washington Experience semester is offered through The Washington Center. Permission of the advisor, department chair, and TWC liaison (Dr. Monica Cherry) is required to register.
Attributes: YLIB
Pre-requisites: COMM-476 Y D-COMM-476 Washington DC-Seminar (3 TO 6)
Washington Experience semester is offered through The Washington Center. Permission of advisor, department chair and TWC liaison is required to register.
Attributes: YLIB
Pre-requisites: COMM-477 Y D-COMM-477 Washington DC-Forum (1 TO 3)
Washington Experience semester is offered through The Washington Center. Permission of the advisor, department chair, and TWC liaison (Dr. Monica Cherry) is required to register.
Attributes: YLIBCOMM-481 Ad Strategy and Production (3)
This course uses theory and practice to develop a holistic approach to advertising management and strategy. Students will learn the process and development of campaigns and how to work with clients and teams.
Students receive hands-on work experience with JAY Advertising client assignments or JAY internal projects. For the semester project, students will work in teams to represent a mini-agency and will effectively manage a JAY project from identifying a problem to executing a solution.
After the first week, class will be held at Jay Advertising and students will be responsible for their own transportation to the Linden Oaks location two miles from campus.
Pre-requisites: COMM-281 D-
Restrictions: Including: -Class: Junior, SeniorCOMM-487 Senior Project (3)
The senior project in the Department of Media and Communication offers majors and minors the opportunity to produce a portfolio piece for employment or graduate school while creating a project that serves as a culmination of their undergraduate work. Students may complete an academic-oriented thesis or a project in video, journalism, advertising, interactive media, or photography. Each project category has a series of prerequisite courses, and students must contact an instructor to discuss options and receive permission to register for the class. The project culminates in a public presentation of the student?s work. Permission of the instructor is required to register.
Attributes: YLIB
Restrictions: Including: -Class: SeniorCOMM-488 Media Management Practicum (3)
Students will assume leadership roles in projects under the auspices of PRIMA, Fisher?s student-run public relations firm. They will also visit local organizations to explore the culture and practices of profit and non-profit companies with a focus on the media management profession.
Attributes: YLIB
Pre-requisites: COMM-270 D-COMM-490 Internship (1 TO 3)
This course allows qualified students to gain professional experience in the field of Communication/Journalism. The department maintains a list of internships in the Rochester area, or students may find their own internships. Interns generally work 10 to 12 hours a week and complete additional departmental requirements. Summer and out-of-town internships are also offered. More information is available from the internship director. Students are limited to a maximum of two internships for credit. Not open to first-semester transfer students. Permission of the internship coordinator is required to register.
Attributes: YLIB ZCIV ZEXL
Restrictions: Including: -Major: Communication/Journalism, Media and Communication, Media Management -Class: Junior, SeniorCOMM-491 Summer Internship (1)
This course allows qualified students to gain professional experience in media and communication related fields during the summer. Interns work on-site in a media organization and complete additional departmental requirements. More information is available from the internship director. This summer experience does not count against the general limit of two internships for credit, but the credit earned cannot be applied toward the major and must count as general elective credit. Not open to first-semester transfer students. Permission of the internship director is required to register.
Credit for COMM 491 cannot count toward the Communication/Journalism or Media Management major.
Attributes: YLIB
Restrictions: Including: -Major: Communication/Journalism, Media and Communication, Media Management -Class: Junior, SeniorCOMM-497 Independent Study (1 TO 4)
Under faculty direction, qualified students may undertake an in-depth study of particular communication topics. Completion of the Independent Study/Tutorial Authorization form is required.
Attributes: YLIB
Restrictions: Including: -Major: Communication/Journalism, Media and Communication