Media Minor

COM 230 – Scriptwriting for Media
A course that introduces the process of writing basic scripts for radio and television, including public service announcements, commercials, documentaries and drama. Covers script format for radio, single-page and split-page formats for television. (A writing-intenseive course)

COM 243 – Introduction to New Media
Introduction to the rapidly changing field of new media, including video gaming, video and webpage Internet design, web and podcasting, blogs, online communities, and other aspects of the virtual world. The course examines these new technologies in terms of their social and communicative impact.

COM 256 – Field Production
Location shooting using portable field equipment. Students will become familiar with digital single-camera techniques, location audio, producing and directing, as well as non-linear editing processes. Assignments include the completion of several short video projects.

COM 355 – History of Media
A survey of the development of media in human communications from cave paintings to global telecommunications. Consideration of technological, industrial, and audience dimensions. Attention to the further development of media research and analysis skills. Prerequisite: COM 354 or permission of instructor.

COM 252 – Television Production
A course in basic television production techniques in the studio and the control room. Hands-on study of TV multi-camera production, studio audio and lighting techniques, digital editing and graphics. Practice in directing and performance.

COM 352 – Advanced Video Production
A continuation of COM 252 and COM 256, with emphasis on how video sequences are constructed from scripting and shooting through editing and post production. Includes greater stress on audio (audio board, microphones, digital recording and mixing) and lighting techniques for both studio and field production. Digital post production (editing, graphics) and the roles and responsibilities of the TV/video director and other personnel are also covered. Prerequisite: COM 252 or COM 256 or permission of instructor.

COM 354 – Foundations of Media Theory
An introduction to the major theories influencing contemporary media studies. The media will be explored as multifaceted entities that include texts, industries, and audiences. Prerequisite: COM 356 or COM 360 or permission of instructor.

COM 360 – Understanding Television
An analysis of the origin, development, and sociological meaning of television in the life of Americans from its inception to the present day. Emphasis on how people make meaning of their lives through television and how the narratives of television help to shape society.

COM 367 – Editing and Post Production
An in-depth look at the processes of digital editing and post production, including picture editing, sound editing, music, sound effects, mixing and graphics (titles, credits). Students will explore various aesthetic concepts that contribute to editing creativity and will consider how editing decisions can alter a program's meanings. Assignments take students through stages of rough cuts to a fine cut. Prerequisite: COM 242, 252, 256 or 366.

COM 468 – Communications Internship
An opportunity for semester or summer involvement in selected professional and/or business organizations, including television networks, public relations departments and other appropriate concerns. Students will be supervised by department personnel and by cooperating personnel in the organization to which they are attached during the internship.