Required Courses:

MC 1119		Introduction to Mass Media			3 cr
MC 1121		Reporting and Newswriting			4 cr
MC 2201		Writing for the Camera				2 cr
MC 2230,2230L	Introduction to Photography, and Lab		3 cr
MC 2260		Photo and Graphic Design			3 cr
MC 2290		American Broadcasting				3 cr
MC 3300		Television Production				3 cr
MC 3306		Non-linear Editing				3 cr
MC 4435		Television News					3 cr
MC 4440		Media Law and Ethics				3 cr
          OR
MC 4441		Intellectual Property and Commercial Speech	3 cr
MC 4450		Television Workshop				3 cr
MC 4452		Mass Communication and Society			3 cr
MC 4460		Corporate VideoProduction			3 c

Plus TWO of the following courses:

MC 3321		Reporting of Public Affairs			3 cr
MC 3350		New Media					3 cr
MC 3360		Film-Style Production				3 cr
MC 4451		Television Studio Directing			3 cr

In Addition:

Components, listed below 					15 cr

						  	 TOTAL: 60 cr

The Department also strongly recommends:

MC 4494        Media Internship					1-3 cr 

Students may choose to take either the Graphics Track or the Photography Track.

Required Courses for all Visual Communication students:

MC 1119		Introduction to Mass Media			3 cr
MC 1121		Reporting and Newswriting			4 cr
MC 2215		Graphic Design					3 cr
MC 2230,2230L	Introduction to Photography, and Lab		3 cr
MC 2260		Photo and Graphic Design			3 cr
MC 4440		Media Law and Ethics				3 cr
           OR
MC 4441		Intellectual Property and Commercial Speech	3 cr
MC 4452		Mass Communication and Society			3 cr

Graphics Track students also must take:

MC 3315		Intermediate Graphic Design			3 cr
MC 4415		Advanced Issues in Graphic Design		3 cr
ART/MC 4418	Art of the Book					3 cr
MC 4470		Communication through Web Design		3 cr
MC 4425		Senior Graphics Portfolio			1 cr

MC 2210		History and Appreciation of Photography		3 cr
MC 3305		Photo Communication                		3 cr
MC 4405		Color Printing                     		3 cr
         OR
MC 4410		Advanced Photography				3 cr
MC 4412		Digital Imaging                   		3 cr
MC 4426		Senior Photography Portfolio			1 cr

In Addition, ALL Visual Communication students must take:

Components, listed below 					15 cr   
                 
							 TOTAL: 50 cr
The Department
also strongly recommends:
MC 4494		Media Internship				1-3 cr

Component 1—Business and Economics
Business
Economics
Marketing
Management

Component 2—World Affairs
MC 1119      Introduction to Mass Media               3 cr
GEOL 1115    Physical Geography                       3 cr  
History
Political Science

Component 3—Social Sciences
American Studies
Anthropology
Communication and Rhetorical Studies
Psychology
Sociology

Component 4—Arts and Humanities
Art
Communication and Rhetorical Studies
English
Music
Philosophy
Theatre

Component 5—Natural Sciences
Biological Sciences
Chemistry
Geology
Mathematics
Physics

 

 Bachelor of Arts in Theatre, Film, and Video

A Minor in Mass Communication requires 18 credits including MC 1119, MC 4452, and additional credits for a total of 18 from anywhere in the Mass Communication curriculum except MC 4494 Media Internship, which is offered to majors only. At least nine (9) of the 18 credits must be upper division.  Students must have declared a major before naming Mass Communication as a minor and are responsible for meeting all prerequisites for Mass Communication courses they take. Students are encouraged to seek advisement from Mass Communication faculty.

SPECIAL NOTE:  Students who fail to attend the first class meeting may be disenrolled.  
Prerequisites: Students must earn a minimum C grade in prerequisite Mass Communication courses in order to meet prerequisite requirements. For example, a student must pass MC 1119 Introduction to Mass Media with a minimum C in order to be allowed to take MC 2201 Writing for the Camera.


MC 1119 Introduction to Mass Media 3 credits. Historical and contemporary roles of newspapers, magazines, photography, film, radio and television in society. Media economics and government regulation. Sociological and psychological effects of the mass media on the individual. F

MC 1120 Writing Across the Media 3 credits. Fundamentals of writing in several formats including persuasive and informative writing, scripts, captions and web pages.  Topics include structure, word selection and audience identification; emphasizes clarity and concision.  PREREQ: ENGL 1101 or placement into ENGL 1102. COREQ: MC 1120L. F, S, Su

MC 1120L Writing Across the Media Laboratory 1 credit. Assignments to apply principles from MC 1120. COREQ: MC 1120. F, S, Su

MC 1121 Reporting and Newswriting 4 credits. Fundamentals of reporting and newswriting. Elements of news, news sources, structure of news stories. Emphasis on reporting local news. Lectures/laboratories. PREREQ: ENGL 1101 or placement into ENGL 1102.  F, S, Su

MC 2200 Introduction to Advertising 3 credits. In-depth study of the various aspects of advertising including agencies, media, clients, suppliers, creativity in advertising, consumers, ethics and law, strategy, and culture. Equivalent to MKTG 2200. F

MC 2201 Writing for the Camera 2 credits. Introduction to concepts and practices of writing for television, film, Internet and other time-based media. Coverage of scripting styles and content in news, entertainment, information, feature and documentary productions. PREREQ: MC 1119 and Goal 1. D

MC 2210 History and Appreciation of Photography 3 credits. Discovery of the photographic process and its evolution to present. Analysis of many recognized masters of photography. Equvalent to ART 2210. Satisfies Goal 6 of the General Education Requirements. F, S

MC 2215 Graphic Design 3 credits. Introduction to concepts and procedures of graphic design. Lectures, studio and computer exercises will explore issues in design for graphic media, typography, and design for the page.  F, S, Su

MC 2230 Introduction to Photography 3 credits. Introduction to the fundamentals of digital camera use, and important techniques such as lighting, and composition. The use of photography as an artistic and expressive medium is explored through assignments. Class consists of lectures, demonstrations, and group critiques.  Students must have own camera and paper. Laboratory required.  COREQ: MC  2230L. F, S, Su

MC 2230L Introduction to Photography Laboratory 0 credits. Assignments to apply principles from MC 2230. F, S, Su
 
MC 2241 Introduction to Public Relations 3 credits. Provides background in public relations, including public opinion, law and ethics, and writing PR communications, such as news releases and newsletters. PREREQ: Goal 1, MC 1119, and either MC 1120 or MC 1121. S
 
MC 2260 Photo and Graphic Design 3 credits.  Theory, ideology, and practical application of two dimensional computer graphics production using Adobe Photoshop®.  In-depth exploration of print, digital media, and web output formats.  Emphasis placed on graphic visual communication techniques and strategies.  D

MC 2270 Journalism History 3 credits. The development of mass media from Gutenberg to the present with emphasis on American print journalism. R2

MC 2290 American Broadcasting 3 credits. Introduction to the history, structure, economics, programming and regulation of broadcasting in the United States.  PREREQ: MC 1119. R2

MC 3300 Television Production 3 credits. Emphasis on studio and remote television production, with exercises in basic camera operation, electronic editing, studio directing and field reporting. PREREQ: MC 1119, MC 1121, MC 2230 or permission of instructor. F

MC 3305 Photo Communication 3 credits. Laboratory required. Application of still photographic methods to newspaper, magazine and advertising/public relations needs. Introduction to computer manipulation of images. PREREQ: MC 2230 or permission of instructor. PREREQ OR COREQ:  MC 2260.  COREQ: MC 3305L. F

MC 3305L Photo Communication Laboratory 0 credits. Assignments to apply principles from MC 3305. F

MC 3306 Non-linear Editing 3 credits.  Application of visual storytelling techniques, styles, and devices used in digital video production.  In-depth exploration and usage of Apple's Final Cut Pro^TM used to increase student understanding of visual syntax and timing.  PREREQ: MC 2260 and MC 3300 or permission of instructor with demonstrated professional experience.  D

MC 3315 Intermediate Graphic Design 3 credits. Exploration of more techniques and applications of graphic design. Stress will be put on developing a deeper understanding of the foundations of type and its use. The use of color and photography in printed projects will be explored. Field trips to printing shops and working professionals are part of the class. PREREQ: MC 2215 F, S

MC 3321 Reporting of Public Affairs 3 credits. Reporting news of local government, including police department, city council, school board, courts and other agencies. PREREQ:  MC 1121 or media experience. COREQ: MC 3321L. D

MC 3321L Reporting of Public Affairs Lab 0 credits. Assignments to apply principles from MC 3321. D

MC 3325 Editing for Print Media 4 credits. Editing, typography, layout and desktop publishing of newspapers, advertising fliers, pamphlets. Emphasis on laboratory projects. COREQ: MC 3325L. F

MC 3325L Editing for Print Media Lab 0 credits. Assignments to apply principles from MC 3325. F

MC 3327 Magazine Article Writing 3 credits. Writing nonfiction magazine articles to the requirements of publications chosen by the student. COREQ: MC 3327L. D

MC 3327L Magazine Article Writing Lab 0 credits. Assignments to apply principles from MC 3327L. D

MC 3343 Public Relations Principles and Concepts 3 credits. The history, scope, ethics and functions of public relations. Particular attention given to understanding of publics and ways of gaining public support for an activity, cause, movement or institution. PREREQ:  PREREQ:  MC 1121 and MC 2241. F

MC 3350 New Media 3 credits. Development and role of cable, home video, satellites and other video delivery systems in contemporary society. Emphasis on programming, technology, economics, regulation, industry trends and future directions. AS

MC 3355 Advertising Copywriting 3 credits. Includes overview of basic creative skills, with emphasis on how to write creative advertising for print, radio, television, and the Internet.  PREREQ: Goal 1, MC 1119, MC 1121, MC/MKTG 2200, and MC 2215, or permission of instructor with demonstrated professional experience. F

MC 3360 Film-Style Production 3 credits. Non-news film and video production. Focuses on creative aspects of making films and videos: sound, lighting, composition, editing, special effects, animation, etc. PREREQ: MC 3300 or permission of instructor with demonstrated professional experience. D

MC 3367 Advertising Media Planning 3 credits. Selecting and evaluating media for marketing communication campaigns. Media characteristics, media markets and comparisons, audience and product usage. Elements of a strategic media plan. Trends in mass communication media. Equivalent to MKTG 3368. PREREQ: MC/MKTG 2200 or permission of instructor. S

MC 3375 Special Projects in Advertising 3 credits. Students work as a team to apply persuasive mass communication principles to solving a real-world marketing communication problem such as the annual AAF/NAC client case. May be repeated for up to 6 credits.  Equivalent to MKTG 3375.  PREREQ: Permission of instructor. D

MC 4405 Color Printing 4 credits. A digital photography class teaching practical applications of color theory in printing using photographic digital printers on a variety of materials. Weekly shooting and printing assignments required. MC 3305 is strongly recommended. PREREQ: MC 2230 and MC 2260 or permission of instructor. COREQ: MC 4405L. S

MC 4405L Color Printing Laboratory 0 credits. Assignments to apply principles from MC 4405.  S

MC 4410 Advanced Photography 4 credits. Advanced black and white techniques including controlled printing techniques and the Zone System. Intensive criticism of work and encouragement of individuals' photographic growth. Lectures, laboratories.  PREREQ: MC 2230 and MC 2260 or permission of instructor.  COREQ:  MC 4410L. F

MC 4410L Advanced Photography Laboratory 0 credits. Assignments to apply principles from MC 4410.  F

MC 4412 Digital Imaging 3 credits. Lab-based course on the use of digital cameras, imaging technologies, computer manipulations and printing. Emphasis on aesthetic expression unique to this photographic medium. PREREQ: MC 2260; either MC 4405 or MC 4410;  permission of instructor. S

MC 4415 Advanced Graphic Design 3 credits. Leading issues and problems in the current design field. Advanced development of style and direction in projects. Understanding of present work in the field and leading practitioners; discussion of design history and theory. Emphasis on illustration and more complex projects like package design, corporate design and printed publications. PREREQ: MC 2215 and MC 3315 or permission of instructor with demonstrated professional experience. S

MC 4418 Art of the Book 3 credits. Expands the traditional idea of book form with innovative structures and concepts. Textual and nontextual formats and methods for generating ideas for works are addressed. Traditional techniques for bookbinding will also be included. Equvalent to ART 4418. S

MC 4425 Senior Graphic Portfolio 1 credit. Create a professional portfolio for career or graduate school. Work for the portfolio must be generated in this class. Critiques require demonstrated competency in all uses of graphic design. May be offered as independent project. PREREQ: MC 2215, MC 3315, MC 4415, senior standing or permission of instructor with demonstrated professional experience. D

MC 4426 Senior Photographic Portfolio 1 credit. Create a professional portfolio. Work for this portfolio must be generated in this class. Covers all uses of photography. Course may be offered as independent project. PREREQ: MC 2230, MC 2260, MC 4410 or permission of instructor with demonstrated professional experience. D

MC 4435 Television News 3 credits. Writing, reporting and producing the television newscast. Emphasis on proper technique as well as ethical and social issues. PREREQ: MC 1121 and MC 3300. D

MC 4440 Media Law and Ethics 3 credits. Principles of the law of libel, privacy, obscenity, press freedom, responsibility and ethics as they apply to the news media. R2

MC 4441 Intellectual Property and Commercial Speech 3 credits. Examination of principles and laws regarding intellectual property including copyright and trademark and examination of the regulation of commercial speech. D

MC 4445 Editorial Writing 3 credits. Writing and producing the editorial page including fundamentals of column and opinion piece writing, syndication, letters to the editor, cartoons. D

MC 4450 Television Workshop 3 credits. Practical experience producing television programs for local airing. May be repeated for up to 6 credits. PREREQ: MC 2201 and MC 3300 or  permission of instructor with demonstrated professional experience. S

MC 4451 Television Studio Directing 3 credits. Live in-studio directing of news, music and dramatic productions. Focuses on the aesthetic, organizational and leadership elements of a director. Focus on camera operation, technical directing and lighting. May not be taken concurrently with MC 4435 or MC 4450. PREREQ: MC 3300 or instructor permission with demonstrated professional experience. D

MC 4452 Mass Communication and Society 3 credits. Interface between mass media and audiences. Public's right to know, press freedom, censorship, political and other leanings in the media, media effectiveness, ethics, and aspects of critical media literacy. PREREQ: 58 credits including MC 1119, MC 1121 and at least one course from the student's emphasis area. S

MC 4455 Advertising Campaigns 3 credits. Capstone course; the development of an advertising campaign; includes situation analysis, research, strategy, and creation of the advertising. PREREQ: MC/MKTG 3355 or permission of instructor. S

MC 4460 Corporate Video Production 3 credits. Producing for corporate, educational, home video, documentary and other nonfiction markets. Advanced production techniques. Major project required. PREREQ: MC 3300 and MC 3306 or permission of instructor with demonstrated professional experience. D

MC 4470 Communication Through Web Design 3 credits. Theory, ideology and practical application of interactive document design utilizing several different software applications. Emphasis placed on communication.  Also taught within a practical and aesthetic context, ethics, current practices, purposes, styles, genres and directions in authoring for the world wide web.  PREREQ: MC 2260 or permission of instructor. D

MC 4480 Public Relations Programs 3 credits. Tactics and strategies for planning public relations programs for public and private organizations. PREREQ: MC 3343 or permission of instructor. S

MC 4491 Independent Projects 1-3 credits. Under direct supervision of a department faculty member, student conducts individual projects in the field of mass communication. May be repeated for up to 6 credits. PREREQ: Permission of instructor. F, S, Su

MC 4494 Media Internship 1-3 credits. Practical experience in the media, supervised by faculty and professional journalists. Work equivalent to full time for one-half semester. PREREQ: 58 credits, 3.0 GPA in major course work, and permission of department. F, S, Su

MC 4495 Applied Research Methods 3 credits. Introduces and develops practical methods for designing, conducting and analyzing studies used in many public relations, advertising and marketing campaigns. Students will create complete studies. Equivalent to MKTG 4495. PREREQ: MATH 1153  or MGT 2216, or permission of instructor. D