Courses
COMM-100 Introduction to Media (3)
People engage with media for substantial periods of time each day: television, internet, and social media video viewing, engagement with social media, playing video games, listening to music, watching films, and consuming news in all its forms. This media exposure influences our beliefs and attitudes, drives our desires, and defines our behaviors. In this class, we will critique media content, study the historical development of media technologies, investigate the effects of economics and law on media industries and policies, and examine the ways in which media representation reflects our perception of race, class, and gender. Contemporary issues such as television viewing habits and streaming, media bias and ?fake news,? and the influence of video and social media on media activism are also considered
Attributes: YLIBCOMM-103 Cardinal Courier Practicum (1)
Students receive credit for working on the student newspaper, The Cardinal Courier (http://cardinalcourieronline.com). Students fulfill requirements by writing articles in one or more areas of interest: news, features, sports, entertainment reviews; or by working as a staff photographer. Students will be expected to attend a weekly staff meeting and publish on a weekly basis. May be taken up to three times for credit. No experience necessary.
Attributes: YLIB ZEXLCOMM-104 Cardinal TV Practicum (1)
Students receive credit for working on Cardinal Television (CTV), the Fisher student television station. Students produce shows or work on other programs as a member of the crew or as talent. Students will be expected to attend a weekly staff meeting. The student productions are shown on Rochester cable and posted online. May be taken up to three times for credit.
Attributes: ZEXL
Pre-requisites: COMM-139 OR COMM-233COMM-106 PRIMA Practicum (1)
Students will have the opportunity to participate in the activities of The PRIMA Group, participating in public relations, advertising, marketing, or design work for clients in the Greater Rochester area. This one-credit course can be repeated up to three times for credit. Graded S/U.
Attributes: YLIB ZEXL
Pre-requisites: COMM-219 D- OR COMM-231 D- OR COMM-270 D- OR COMM-281 D- OR MKTG-221 D-COMM-139 Production Essentials (1)
This course offers one-to-one and small group instruction for students to hone skill sets or learn an advanced level of video production and create a reel to use for an internship, graduate school, or employment. Students are expected to either have taken COMM 231: Video Storytelling and/or COMM 233: Studio Production or have at least a year?s experience as a member of Cardinal Television.
This course may be repeated for a total of three credits. Permission of the instructor is required to register.
Formerly titled: Cardinal TV Practicum
Attributes: NLIBCOMM-195 Journalism (3)
This course is a practical introduction to journalism. It teaches students to think like journalists, analyze and critique the news media and introduce them to basic writing, reporting, interviewing and editing skills. The course also examines the historical, cultural, professional and ethical aspects of modern journalism.
Attributes: YLIBCOMM-201 COMM Theory and Research (3)
Through readings and practical applications, students examine the field of communication as a vehicle for knowledge creation in society. Particular emphasis is placed on the study of theory and methodology, the process and protocols of communication research, and the application of that research to real-world issues involving the media and communication.
Attributes: YLIB
Pre-requisites: COMM-100 D-COMM-219 Design (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-231 Video Storytelling (3)
Students will learn the basics of video production, shot composition, and editing, skills that have grown increasingly popular across many disciplines and industries. They will learn how to craft narratives (short-form and long-form) with video and edit their media with Adobe Premiere Pro.
Attributes: CJVP PROD YLIBCOMM-233 Studio Production (3)
This course takes a practical approach to learning the theory and techniques used in television studio production with an emphasis on camera operation, audio recording, graphics, teleprompting, floor managing, producing and directing. Students will participate in the creation of weekly studio-based productions, which will demonstrate their understanding of each component of studio production.
Attributes: NLIB
Pre-requisites: -COMM-236 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. We 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. (Formerly known as Photo I: Art Photography, the first part Photo I is being removed because it will no longer be part of a two-course sequence.) Cross listed with COMM 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-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 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 YLIBCOMM-281 AdvertisingConsumerCulture (3)
In Advertising and Consumer Culture, advertisements are studied as a dominant influence on both our consumption of products and the definition of our wants and desires. This class will take both a critical and practical look at the advertising industry. Students will consider the commodification of culture and apply techniques of visual analysis to the understanding of advertising messages. They will critique the role of new technologies in the personalization and growing immersive quality of ads. Students also will study segmentation and targeting of audiences, consumer choice and behavioral economics, media planning and buying, and the creative process (including the role of graphic design and video production in ad creation)
Attributes: ADVE CJMP STCO YLIB ZCIVCOMM-290 Special Topics (3)
This course presents a selected topic in media and communication not regularly offered. Possible topics include: Health Communication, Arts Journalism, and TV Ad Production. This course may be repeated with a different topic.
Attributes: YLIBCOMM-300 Junior Seminar (3)
Students will engage in research and writing about a particular subfield of media and communication. By applying research methods learned in COMM 201: Communication Theory and Research, students will engage with academic literature and complete their own research studies. The course may be taken twice with a different professor.
Attributes: YLIB ZRES
Pre-requisites: COMM-201 D-COMM-301 Topics in Journalism (3)
This course presents a selected topic in journalism not regularly offered. Topics may include arts journalism, sports journalism, documentary research, virtual and augmented reality, and news games. May be taken more than once with a different topic.
Attributes: YLIB
Pre-requisites: -
Restrictions: Excluding: -Class: FreshmanCOMM-315 Reporting in Rochester (3)
The need for local news has never been more urgent. News deserts are sprouting across the country as local print newspapers disappear. An obvious outcome: communities are losing their sources of information and outlets to hold government, business, and other influential people accountable. Learn to develop sources, build relationships with community leaders, and write impactful stories by covering issues and events in Rochester. Student work may be published in a Rochester area news publication.
Attributes: YLIB ZCIV
Pre-requisites: COMM-195 D-COMM-322 COMM Career 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, Sophomore, SeniorCOMM-323 Screenwriting (3)
This course examines the film screenplay 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 films, students will develop original stories, write scenes, and complete scripts by the end of the semester.
Attributes: ARTS YLIB
Restrictions: Excluding: -Class: FreshmanCOMM-324 BuffaloBills Media Practcm (1)
This one-credit course gives students the opportunity to enter the arena of sports production by covering the Buffalo Bills annual summer training camp as video journalists and storytellers. Students will hone their writing and video production skills and produce original written and visual content. They will have the opportunity to interview players and coaching staff from the Bills as well as gather practice and game footage. Students will be encouraged to post their work online and in their portfolios. Permission of instructor required to register.
Attributes: YLIB
Pre-requisites: COMM-231 D- AND COMM-295 D-COMM-325 Sports Production (3)
In this hands-on course, students will develop and create sports programs and segments with a focus on all aspects of production: pre-production, production, and post-production. Experiences might range from field production and writing to live in-studio production and editing.
Attributes: NLIB
Pre-requisites: COMM-231 D-COMM-327 Television Writing (3)
In this writing class, students work across multiple fiction genres, including comedy and drama. They understand the differences in writing for broadcast, cable, and streaming television platforms. Students improve their storytelling throughout the course of the semester by way of study and practice, culminating in the first draft of an original script.
Attributes: YLIBCOMM-328 Cinematography and Editing (3)
Students will study cinematography, lighting, editing, and sound from a technical perspective. The class emphasizes the development of professional skills necessary for creative work in advanced classes in video production, as well as for internships and employment. Formerly titled: Advanced Video Production
Attributes: YLIB ZEXL
Pre-requisites: COMM-231 D-COMM-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-200C D- OR ENGL-268 D- OR ENGL-273 D-
Restrictions: Excluding: -Class: FreshmanCOMM-332 Television Production (3)
This course builds on the video production techniques taught in Video Storytelling (COMM 231) and applies them to one of the most popular and pervasive media: television. Students learn the various forms of prime time television production, including multiple-camera, single-camera, and hybrid. At the beginning of the semester, students critically analyze and discuss popular television series. After forming production units and producing scripted exercises, they pitch their own original television series and produce episodes that they develop, write, cast, direct, shoot, perform, edit, and screen.
Attributes: CJVP PROD YLIB
Pre-requisites: COMM-231 D-
Restrictions: Excluding: -Class: Freshman -Attribute: New Core 20-21COMM-337 Acting for the Screen (1)
This course provides students the opportunity to learn acting techniques. Students will study improv, voice, movement, and character development, as well as techniques specific to on-screen performance.
Attributes: YLIBCOMM-339 Producing for Cardinal TV (3)
Students will have the opportunity to serve as producer for a series on Cardinal Television. Permission of the instructor is required.
Attributes: YLIB
Pre-requisites: COMM-231 D- OR COMM-233 D-COMM-345 Politics and the Media (3)
This course examines the relationship between media and politics. It explores the media both as an independent institution reporting on government and politics and influencing public opinion and as a tool used by candidates, elected officials, and governments. Among the topics considered are where Americans get their news, new media versus traditional media, the decline of adversarial reporting, the rise of the ideological media, campaigning through the media, and governing through the media. Cross-listed with POSC 345.
Cannot be taken by students who have credit for POSC 321.
Attributes: YLIBCOMM-346 Media Law & Ethics (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. Formerly titled: Media Law
Attributes: CJMP YLIB
Restrictions: Excluding: -Class: FreshmanCOMM-349 Media Management & Econ (3)
Students learn basic economic principles and analyze case studies to better understand business decisions made by media companies. Students also study strategies implemented by entrepreneurs and develop a business plan for a media startup. Innovation-driven approaches that address how to create blue ocean strategies and benefit from disruptive technologies are also addressed.
Attributes: STCO YLIBCOMM-353 PublicSpeaking&Performance (3)
This course develops a student?s ability to prepare and present effective presentations in a variety of presentational styles. Emphasis will be placed on learning to connect with audiences on both an intellectual and emotional level. Students will be encouraged to take risks in both subject matters and presentation styles in order to more effectively engage with both the topic and the audience. Exercises and small-group activities will be implemented to increase critical analysis of presentations, resulting in more effective class critiques. Not available as an audited course.
Attributes: YLIBCOMM-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-363 Media Research & Analytics (3)
This course introduces students to a cross-section of qualitative, quantitative, and industry related techniques used to measure and evaluate audiences using interactive media. Topics covered include: fundamentals in research design, measurement, data collection, and analysis; the design and execution of surveys, focus groups, content analyses, among other primary research methods; and industry applications for media research including analyzing web metrics to evaluate the success of online public relations and advertising campaigns, and how to apply these analytics to make strategic decisions for business success. Formerly titled: Web Analytics.
Attributes: STCO YLIBCOMM-376 PR Writing (3)
This course introduces students to the theory, strategy and practical writing skills associated with public relations practice. Students will be exposed to different forms and styles of public relations writing and gain an understanding of message development, placement and evaluation. By the end of this course, students will have created a portfolio of professional writing samples.
Attributes: PR STCO YLIB
Pre-requisites: COMM-270 D- AND COMM-295 D-COMM-377 Media Relations (3)
Students gain a working knowledge regarding the intricacies of media relations. Research, identification of key publics, database development, pitching, and evaluation of the media relations process and program are studied. Students work with actual cases to learn the importance of relationship-building to develop their media-relations skills.
Attributes: PR STCO YLIB
Pre-requisites: COMM-270 D-COMM-381 Ad Writing and Design (3)
Advertising across all platforms is a convergence of copywriting and visualization, or writing and design. This course examines basic principles and theories involved in both.Student hone their aesthetic skills and push creative boundaries. They learn to effectively choose words and tone that resonate with a chosen audience, and to recognize and use specific design and layout techniques to create original, meaningful, professional and persuasive ad messages based on strategy.
Attributes: YLIB
Pre-requisites: COMM-281 D-COMM-388 Media Planning & Buying (3)
This course covers the application of qualitative and quantitative data to the planning and buying of advertisements including broadcast, print, out-of-home, online, mobile, and social media. This course places particular emphasis on strategy, including audience analysis, timing of media delivery, and ad placement. This course will also cover budgeting and measurement of advertising effectiveness. Students will experience the media planning, buying and measurement process through a partnership with a local client.
Attributes: YLIB ZCIV
Pre-requisites: COMM-281 D-COMM-418 Diversity and Media (3)
This course examines representations of diversity (e.g., people of color, gender, age, class, and religion and faith) within the U.S. mass media and the role these depictions play in influencing our perceptions of different others. This course also explores social identity and the theoretical frameworks that help to elucidate media and its impact on different others.
Attributes: YLIB
Pre-requisites: COMM-100 D-COMM-431 Filmmaking (3)
With an emphasis on storytelling, students build on what they have learned from their prior production courses to produce short films.
Attributes: CJVP DCCC PROD YLIB
Pre-requisites: COMM-231 D-COMM-440 Global Media Experience (3)
This course will expose students to the media and strategic communication landscape of another country through in-class study and first-hand experience traveling to a foreign country. The course will cover topics of media, strategic communication and culture within the chosen country (location will vary each year), and students will identify the various communication agencies, media outlets and professions that exist within that country. We will embark a l 0 day study abroad trip over spring break , giving students an opportunity to visit foreign media outlets, public relations and advertising agencies, as well as historical and cultural sites in a foreign country. During the trip, students will meet prominent figures working in media professions, attend lectures and/or events to highlight topics and careers in these fields, and provide students with the opportunity to learn from professional communicators in a global context. Students will gain a greater understanding of the media, public relations, advertising and communication fields, as well as the media’s role in that country. Following the trip, students will return to campus to apply their knowledge through the creation and delivery of a research project. This course includes a 10 day study abroad trip over spring break at additional cost
Attributes: YLIB ZEXL ZRES ZTRACOMM-448 Bateman Practicum (1)
Students will compete in the Public Relations Student Society of America annual Bateman Case Study Competition, the premier national case study competition for public relations students. Students will be challenged to research, plan, implement and evaluate a comprehensive public relations campaign with final entries due to PRSSA Headquarters in April. Note: students must be dues paying members of PRSSA. Graded S/U.
Permission of instructor required to register.
Attributes: YLIB ZCIV ZEXL ZRES
Pre-requisites: COMM-270 D-COMM-472 PR Research & Planning (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 campaigns. Students focus on the concepts and skills of developing relationships with public relations clients and professionals. Formerly titled: Advanced PR Programs & Management
Attributes: PR YLIB ZCIV
Pre-requisites: COMM-270 C AND COMM-376 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.
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.
Permission of Professor is required to register.
Pre-requisites: COMM-281 D-
Restrictions: Including: -Class: Junior, SeniorCOMM-486 Portfolio Review (.5)
Students will attend two 3-hour Thursday evening labs to complete the portfolio. They will then meet with a professional in the community (assigned by the professor) to review the portfolio. These cumulative critiques will give the student the information needed to present a professional and suitable portfolio for employment or graduate school.
Attributes: YLIB ZCAP
Pre-requisites: COMM-100 D- AND COMM-295 D-
Restrictions: Including: -Major: Media and Communication, Media Management -Class: SeniorCOMM-487H Honors Senior Project (3)
The senior project in the Department of Media and Communication offers majors 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, public relations, media economics and entrepreneurship, 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. This section allows students with a 3.5 GPA or higher in the department and the college to receive a Media and Communication degree with Honors.
Completion of the Independent Study/Tutorial Authorization form is required to register.
Attributes: YLIB ZCAP
Restrictions: Including: -Major: Media and Communication -Class: SeniorCOMM-490 Internship (1 TO 3)
This course allows qualified students to gain professional experience in media. The department and the Career Center maintain a list of available internships on Handshake, mostly in the Rochester area, but students may also find their own internships. A summer internship may be completed as an online course and may be out of town. Interns generally work 10-12 hours per week and complete additional department requirements. Students may apply a maximum of three internship credits to their major or minor requirements. Additional internship credits count towards the 120 credits needed to graduate. Open to junior and senior majors and minors. Not open to first-semester transfer students. Permission of the internship director is required to register.
Attributes: YLIB ZCIV ZEXLCOMM-491 Summer Internship (1)
This course allows qualified students to gain professional experience in the field of Media and Communication. The department and the Career Center maintain a list of available internships on Handshake, mostly in the Rochester area, but students may also find their own internships. Summer internships may be completed as an online course and may be out of town. Interns generally work 10-12 hours per week and complete additional department requirements. Students may apply a maximum of six internship credits to their major requirements. Additional internship credits count towards the 120 credits needed to graduate. Open to junior and senior majors. Not open to first-semester transfer students.
Permission of the internship director is required to register.
Attributes: YLIB
Restrictions: Including: -Major: Communication/Journalism, Media and Communication, Media Management -Class: Junior, SeniorCOMM-497 Independent Study (.5 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 CommunicationCOMM-1015 Body Image & Society (3)
In this course, students explore how mass media construct, shape, and reinforce perceptions of ideal female and male body images. Students also examine the stereotypes and ideologies regarding race, gender and class embedded in ideal body images and their impact on marginalized groups and the dominant culture in society. We will utilize various theoretical frameworks and critical approaches to investigate media effects on body image and society. Areas of analysis may include, but are not limited to, television, movies, magazines, social media and news. No prior experience with media studies is required.
Attributes: LC YLIB
Restrictions: Including: -Attribute: New Core 20-21COMM-1020 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 are 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: LC YLIB
Restrictions: Including: -Class: Freshman -Attribute: New Core 20-21COMM-1110 Media Data Analytics (3)
In this course, students learn to identify patterns in data that help uncover significant trends, and conceptualize clear and concise ways to illustrate these trends in both words and graphical presentation. This course meets these standards through projects and exercises demonstrating how journalists and other media professionals collect, analyze and present data. These skills include data collection; editing and organizing data while maintaining its integrity; and proper use of basic statistical methods and concepts.
Attributes: DA YLIB
Restrictions: Including: -Class: Freshman, Sophomore -Attribute: New Core 20-21COMM-2175 IT HAPPENED HERE (3)
Cities, organizations and companies actively seek to raise awareness and drive tourism through mutually beneficial relationships with key publics. Using Rochester as our focus, this course examines the role of public relations in civil rights and social justice related tourism. Through readings and hands-on experiences, this place-based course will cover a range of topics including public relations, storytelling, social media, social justice, civil rights, tourism, cultural diversity, and history. Students will work both individually and collaboratively, and, through a partnership with a local PR or tourism agency, will apply learning from the course to the research, planning, implementation and evaluation of a campaign that highlights Rochester?s civil rights and social justice history.
Attributes: CCE YLIB
Restrictions: Including: -Attribute: New Core 20-21COMM-2211 Film in Ireland and Scotland (3)
This course examines film production and reception in the Celtic nations of Ireland and Scotland. Students study the narrative content and formalistic qualities of film as both art form and technical product, as well as the historical and cultural contexts within which film products are created and received. Students learn how such films can educate, inform, and entertain audiences, yet at the same time create representations, stereotypes, and myths that both draw from and contribute to dynamic dominant discourses about these Celtic nations.
Attributes: CIA YLIBCOMM-2220 Communication and Vision (3)
This course provides an introduction to visual literacy and design in media by considering how the fundamentals of visual communication can be used to enhance our understanding of crucially important communication processes. The technical aspects and ethics of visual communication are explored by analyzing examples and applications in a variety of analog and digital forms, including print, graphics, illustrations, photographs, motion pictures and computer imagery. Equally importantly, the human element – how these visual stimuli are interpreted and understood within our culture – is also addressed.
Attributes: CIA YLIBCOMM-2264 Hist Moments TV Culture (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. The course examines the artistic, commercial, and technological influences of this pervasive broadcast medium through aesthetic, political, social, economic, cultural, and regulatory lenses. Students analyze television’s long lasting influences from its “golden age” through today’s post-network era. In addition to the chronological examination, the course may cover units that include sport 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.
Attributes: CIA YLIBCOMM-2350 InterpersonalCommunication (3)
The course will combine theories of verbal and nonverbal communication with activities and exercises designed to develop and improve interpersonal skills. Includes critical listening, public advocacy, examination of identity, language and power, and communication as a tool for social action.
Attributes: DEI YLIBCOMM-2360 Social Documentary (3)
Students study non-fiction film as a tool for public knowledge and activism. They analyze documentaries focused on major social issues, problems, and solutions, and create their own short documentary (e.g., linear, VR). They also study both the content and formalistic qualities of film, including cinematography, sound, and editing, and how those elements merge to create socially relevant art.
Attributes: DEI YLIBCOMM-2470 The Sin of Spin (3)
This course provides an overview and analysis of ethics issues confronted by public relations professionals and organizational leaders; discussions and case studies of ethical reasoning; philosophical, theoretical, and practical concerns affecting everyday matters of moral choice and moral judgement; current trends on these topics in public relations; the moral responsibilities and impact of public relations on public policy and society. The course covers a wide range of topics including transparency, digital ethics, social responsibility, and media framing. Students discuss case studies, complete online modules and apply learning from the course to an original case study paper.
Attributes: ER YLIB
The course also provides a framework for approaching strategic communications from an ethical perspective, allowing students to better understand the larger implications of communication on individual groups and society. Covered are theories and best practices that bridge cultural applications and offer practical insights on how communicators in corporations, government agencies, or advocacy groups might develop communication strategies that uphold ethical principles.