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The James E. Rogers Department of Mass Communication
Chair: (Vacant)
Professors: Frazier, Jull
Assistant Professors: Beachboard, Hallaq
Adjunct Faculty (Lecturers): Blair, Breeding, Croft, J. Davis, R. Davis, Hillebrant, Honas, Hunt
Emeriti: House, Mauch, Trinklein
Department Goals
The goals for Mass Communication majors are as follows:Each area of study in mass communication emphasizes the importance of a strong liberal arts education to students preparing for careers in the media and mass communication. Effective communication in any form depends upon an adequate breadth of knowledge.
- The ability to communicate effectively in writing;
- The ability to communicate effectively orally;
- The ability to solve problems that arise in a professional setting;
- Skills in television, journalism, photography and advertising/public relations appropriate for entry-level position;
- Sufficient general knowledge to pursue a successful career in mass communication;
- The ability to gain the necessary skills for advancement in a career in mass communication;
- The ability to criticize their own work effectively;
- The ability to present and accept constructive criticism.
Degree Options in Mass Communication
For the Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication, five emphases are available: Journalism, Television, Photography, Advertising/Public Relations and Media Studies. Journalism, Television, Photography and Advertising/Public Relations sequences require approximately 33 credits and an additional 15 credits from a selected component of specialized study outside the options. These options are designed to give practical as well as theoretical skills in those areas. The Media Studies option requires 45 credit hours selected from Mass Communication and other departments and prepares students in a more general way for career options in business, industry or government.
Admission to Major Status
Students wishing to major in emphases offered in the Department of Mass Communication must fulfill the following requirements:MC 119 Introduction to Mass Media 3 cr
- Be officially admitted to Idaho State University.
- Successfully complete the following lower division courses or their equivalents:
MC 121,121L Reporting and Newswriting, and Lab 4 cr
MC 215 Graphic Design 3 cr
OR (depending on emphasis)
MC 230/230L Introduction to Photography and Lab 4 cr
General Education Requirement Goals 1, 2, 6, 11, 12.No student will be admitted to the Mass Communication major without completing these requirements.
- Have a minimum overall cumulative grade point average of 2.0.
- Submit to the Department of Mass Communication an official copy of their transcript and a complete application form. Application forms are available in the Mass Communication office and this process must be completed by April 1 for Fall admission to major status and November 1 for Spring admission.
Students are eligible to declare Mass Communication as their major and can be admitted to the Mass Communication major after completing the requirements for admission to major status. This application is usually done in the sophomore year. Majors must complete MATH 108 Intermediate Algebra and MATH 253 Introduction to Statistics or their equivalents. Majors must also earn a grade of C or better in all mass communication courses.
All students must be advised each semester before graduation. Students who do not receive advisement will not be allowed into blocked Mass Communication courses.
SPECIAL NOTE: Students who fail to attend the first class meeting may be disenrolled.
Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication
Select one of the following emphases:
Emphasis in Advertising/Public Relations
M C 119 Introduction to Mass Media 3 cr
M C 121,121L Reporting and Newswriting, and Lab 4 cr
M C 200 Introduction to Advertising 3 cr
M C 215 Graphic Design 3 cr
M C 230,230L Introduction to Photography,
and Lab 4 cr
M C 315 Intermediate Graphic Design 3 cr
M C 341 Introduction to Public Relations 3 cr
M C 355 Advertising Copywriting 3 cr
M C g440 Media Law and Ethics 3 cr
OR
M C g441 Intellectual Property
and Commercial Speech 3 cr
M C 452 Mass Communication and Society 3 cr
M C 455 Advertising Campaigns 3 cr
M C 480 Public Relations Programs 3 cr
Plus one of the following courses:
M C 260 Photo and Graphic Workshop 3 cr
M C 300 Television Production 3 cr
M C 305,305L Photo Communication and Lab 3 cr
M C g418 Art of the Book 3 cr
M C g440 Media Law and Ethics 3 cr
M C g441 Intellectual Property
and Commercial Speech 3 cr
M C g470 Communication Through Web Design 3 cr
M C 494 Media Internship 1-3 cr
MKTG 325 Marketing Management 3 cr
In Addition:
Components, listed below 15 cr
TOTAL: 54-56 cr
Emphasis in Journalism
Required Courses:
M C 119 Introduction to Mass Media 3 cr
M C 121,121L Reporting and Newswriting, and Lab 4 cr
M C 230,230L Introduction
to Photography, and Lab 4 cr
M C 270 Journalism History 3 cr
M C 321 Reporting of Public Affairs 3 cr
M C 325 Editing for Print Media 4 cr
M C g440 Media Law and Ethics 3 cr
M C 452 Mass Communication and Society 3 cr
Plus one of the following courses:
M C 215 Graphic Design 3 cr
M C 260 Photo and Graphic Workshop 3 cr
M C 305,305L Photo Communication, and Lab 3 cr
M C 315 Intermediate Graphic Design 3 cr
M C 327 Magazine Article Writing 3 cr
M C 445 Editorial Writing 3 cr
In Addition:
Components, listed below 15 cr
TOTAL: 45 cr
The department also strongly recommends:
M C 494 Media Internship 1-3 cr
Emphasis in Media Studies
Required Courses:
ENGL 307 Technical Writing 3 cr
OR
ENGL 308 Business Communications 3 cr
M C 119 Introduction to Mass Media 3 cr
M C 121,121L Reporting and Newswriting, and Lab 4 cr
M C 210 History and Appreciation
of Photography 3 cr
M C 215 Graphic Design 3 cr
M C 290 American Broadcasting 3 cr
OR
M C 300 Television Production 3 cr
M C 321 Reporting of Public Affairs 3 cr
M C 350 New Media 3 cr
M C 415 Advanced Graphic Design 3 cr
M C g440 Media Law and Ethics 3 cr
M C 452 Mass Communication and Society 3 cr
COMM 201 Business and Professional Speaking 3 cr
IN ADDITION: Mass Communication elective 3 cr
Select one course from each of the two following blocks:
Block 1
MKTG 325 Basic Marketing Management 3 cr
MKTG g428 Marketing Communications 3 cr
COMM 208 Group Communication 3 cr
COMM 355 Nonverbal Communication 2 cr
COMM g441 Interpersonal Communication 3 cr
COMM g452 Conflict Management 3 cr
COMM g453 Organizational Communication 3 cr
Block 2
COMM g436 Rhetorical Criticism 3 cr
COMM g437 Rhetorical Theory 3 cr
COMM g442 American Rhetoric
and Public Address 3 cr
COMM g447 Rhetoric of Hitler and Churchill 3 cr
COMM g451 Recent Rhetorical Issues 3 cr
TOTAL: 45 or 46 cr
Recommended:
MGT 312 Individual and Organizational
Behavior 3 cr
Emphasis in Photography
Required Courses:
M C 119 Introduction to Mass Media 3 cr
M C 121,121L Reporting and Newswriting, and Lab 4 cr
M C 210 History and Appreciation
of Photography 3 cr
M C 215 Graphic Design 3 cr
M C 230,230L Introduction to Photography,
and Lab 4 cr
M C 260 Photo and Graphic Workshop 3 cr
M C 410,410L Advanced Photography, and Lab 4 cr
M C 452 Mass Communication and Society 3 cr
Plus two of the following courses:
M C 305,305L Photo Communication, and Lab 3 cr
M C 405,405L Color Printing, and Lab 4 cr
M C 465 Alternative Photo Processes 4 cr
In Addition:
Components, listed below 15 cr
TOTAL: 48 or 49 cr
Emphasis in Television
Required Courses:
M C 119 Introduction to Mass Media 3 cr
M C 121,121L Reporting and Newswriting, and Lab 4 cr
M C 201 Writing for the Camera 2 cr
M C 230,230L Introduction to Photography,
and Lab 4 cr
M C 260 Photo and Graphic Workshop 3 cr
M C 290 American Broadcasting 3 cr
M C 300 Television Production 3 cr
M C 306 Non-linear Editing 2 cr
M C 435 Television News 3 cr
M C g440 Media Law and Ethics 3 cr
OR
M C g441 Intellectual Property
and Commercial Speech 3 cr
M C 450 Television Workshop 2 cr
M C 452 Mass Communication and Society 3 cr
Plus two of the following courses:
M C 321 Reporting of Public Affairs 3 cr
M C 360 Film-Style Production 3 cr
M C 451 Television Studio Directing 2 cr
M C g460 Corporate Video Production 3 cr
In Addition:
Components, listed below 15 cr
TOTAL: 55 or 56 cr
The Department also strongly recommends:
M C 494 Media Internship 1-3 cr
Components
Students must take 15 credits from ONE of the following five component areas, subject to the following conditions:At least nine of the 15 credits must be upper division. None of the courses included in the component may also be used to satisfy any of the General Education Requirements. The faculty advisor for each student must approve the courses selected to satisfy the component. A minor or a second major may be substituted for the entire component requirement if approved by the student's faculty advisor. Component 1—Business and Economics
Business Economics
Marketing
Management
Component 2—World Affairs
M C 119 Introduction to Mass Media 3 cr
GEOL 115 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
Minor in Mass Communication
A minor in mass communication requires 18 credits including M C 119, M C 452, one additional 100-200 level class, one additional 300 level class, and one additional 400 level class, plus additional credits to total 18 from anywhere in the mass communication curriculum except M C 494, Media Internship, which is offered to majors only. 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.
Mass Communication Courses
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 M C 121 Reporting and Newswriting with a minimum C in order to be allowed to take M C 341 Introduction to Public Relations.
M C 119 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
M C 121 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: 18-24 ACT English score or ENGL 90. COREQ: M C 121L. F, S
M C 121L Reporting and Newswriting Laboratory 0 credits. Assignments to apply principles from M C 121. F, S
M C 200 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. F
M C 201 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: M C 119 and Goal 1. D
M C 210 History and Appreciation of Photography 3 credits. Discovery of the photographic process and its evolution to present. Analysis of many recognized masters of photography. Cross-listed as ART 210. Satisfies Goal 6 of the General Education Requirements. F, S
M C 215 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
M C 230 Introduction to Photography 4 credits. Function and use of camera and darkroom. Fundamentals of composition and use of light. Students must have own camera, film, paper and some chemicals. Laboratory required. COREQ: M C 230L. F, S
M C 230 Introduction to Photography Laboratory 0 credits. Assignments to apply principles from M C 230. F, S
M C 260 Photo and Graphic Workshop 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
M C 270 Journalism History 3 credits. The development of mass media from Gutenberg to the present with emphasis on American print journalism. R2
M C 290 American Broadcasting 3 credits. Introduction to the history, structure, economics, programming and regulation of broadcasting in the United States. PREREQ: M C 119. R2
M C 300 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: M C 119, M C 121, M C 230 or permission of instructor. F
M C 305 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: M C 230 or permission of instructor. COREQ: M C 305L. F
M C 305L Photo Communication Laboratory 0 credits. Assignments to apply principles from M C 305. F
M C 306 Non-linear Editing 2 credits. Application of visual storytelling techniques, styles, and devices used in digital video production. In-depth exploration and usage of Apple's Final Cut ProTM used to increase student understanding of visual syntax and timing. PREREQ: M C 260 and M C 300 or permission of instructor with demonstrated professional experience. F
M C 315 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 215 F
M C 321 Reporting of Public Affairs 3 credits. Reporting news of local government, including police department, city council, school board, courts and other agencies. PREREQ: M C 121 or media experience. COREQ: M C 321L. D
M C 321L Reporting of Public Affairs Lab 0 credits. Assignments to apply principles from M C 321. D
M C 325 Editing for Print Media 4 credits. Editing, typography, layout and desktop publishing of newspapers, advertising fliers, pamphlets. Emphasis on laboratory projects. COREQ: M C 325L. F
M C 325L Editing for Print Media Lab 0 credits. Assignments to apply principles from MC 325. F
M C 327 Magazine Article Writing 3 credits. Writing nonfiction magazine articles to the requirements of publications chosen by the student. COREQ: M C 327L. D
M C 327L Magazine Article Writing Lab 0 credits. Assignments to apply principles from M C 327L. D
M C 341 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, M C 119, and M C 121 or permission of instructor with demonstrated professional experience. D
M C 350 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
M C 355 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, M C 119, M C 121, and one of: M C 200, M C 230 or M C 215 or permission of instructor with demonstrated professional experience. S
M C 360 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: M C 300 or permission of instructor with demonstrated professional experience. D
M C 405 Color Printing 4 credits. A darkroom oriented class teaching practical applications of color theory in printing color negatives and slides. Weekly shooting and printing assignments required. PREREQ: M C 230 or permission of instructor. COREQ: M C 405L. S
M C 405L Color Printing Laboratory 0 credits. Assignments to apply principles from M C 405. S
M C 410 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: M C 230 or permission of instructor. COREQ: M C 410L. F
M C 410L Advanced Photography Laboratory 0 credits. Assignments to apply principles from M C 410. F
M C g412 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 260; either MC 405 or MC 410; permission of instructor. S
M C 415 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 215 and MC 315 or permission of instructor based on demonstrated professional experience. S
M C g418 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. Cross-listed as ART g418. D
M C 425 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 215, MC 315, MC 415, senior standing or permission of instructor with demonstrated professional experience. D
M C 426 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 230, MC 260, MC 410 or permission of instructor with demonstrated professional experience. D
M C 435 Television News 3 credits. Writing, reporting and producing the television newscast. Emphasis on proper technique as well as ethical and social issues. PREREQ: M C 121 and M C 300. D
M C g440 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
M C g441 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. S
M C 445 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
M C 450 Television Workshop 2 credits. Practical experience producing television programs for local airing. May be repeated for up to 6 credits. PREREQ: M C 201 and M C 300 or permission of instructor with demonstrated professional experience. S
M C 451 Television Studio Directing 2 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 435 or MC 450. PREREQ: MC 300 or instructor permission with demonstrated professional experience. D
M C g452 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 119, MC 121 and at least one course from the student's emphasis area, or permission of instructor. S
M C 455 Advertising Campaigns 3 credits. Capstone course; the development of an advertising campaign; includes situation analysis, research, strategy, and creation of the advertising. PREREQ: M C 355 or permission of instructor. D
M C g460 Corporate Video Production 3 credits. Producing for corporate, educational, home video, documentary and other nonfiction markets. Advanced production techniques. Major project required. PREREQ: M C 300 and MC 306 or permission of instructor with demonstrated professional experience. D
M C 465 Alternative Photo Processes 4 credits. Darkroom course teaching three 19th century printing processes. These processes teach the evolution of modern materials and color theory. PREREQ: M C 210 and M C 230 or permission of instructor. D
M C g470 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: M C 260 or permission of instructor. D
M C 480 Public Relations Programs 3 credits. Tactics and strategies for planning public relations programs for public and private organizations. PREREQ: M C 341 or permission of instructor. S
M C 491 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
M C 494 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
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IDAHO STATE UNIVERSITY Academic Information Contact: webmaster@isu.edu Revised: June 2004 |