COMM 201: Introduction to Media Studies - Being both theoretical and historical in its content, this course is designed to introduce students to the basic concepts and approaches in the critical analysis of media. Drawing upon contemporary critiques and historical studies, it seeks to build an understanding of different forms of media in order to assess their roles and impact in society. As such, the course combines theory and praxis meaning that various theoretical aspects surrounding media are applied to a range of examples and texts. Therefore, the study of the development of media includes a variety of perspectives such as critical/cultural studies, historical, economic, etc.

COMM 202: Ethics and Law - This course focuses on ethical and legal issues that affect all areas in the field of media by studying ethical theories and philosophies as well as specific case studies and defined standards and codes of ethics at work in the profession. It aims to foster professional attitudes and behavior by confronting students with the extent of ethical and legal problems faced in the profession and by equipping them with the heuristics needed to solve those problems.

COMM 353: Persuasion - This course will examine the role that persuasion as the “art of influence” has within American society and culture as well as various techniques of persuasion. Specifically, the course will address fields in which persuasion is a major underlining foundation including, but not limited to advertising, public relations, marketing, and political campaigns.

ENGW 253W - An introduction to the theoretical frameworks which shape the discipline of communication with a particular emphasis on rhetorical theory. Students will examine the works of some of the more influential rhetorical thinkers throughout history spanning the period from Ancient Greece, about 400 B.C., to the end of the Renaissance. 3 credits

ENGW 254 - A continuation of COMM 253W, beginning with a review of the ancient heritage of the art of rhetoric as well as some of the key questions and issues surrounding it. From the Enlightenment to the Twentieth Century rhetorical theories. The course examines rhetoric as a dimension of human communication, grounded in the oral tradition, and concerned with the pragmatics of symbol usage in actual, lived experience in relation to social, political, cultural, and technological changes. It also examines how rhetorical theory accounts for the redistribution of power and privilege among various groups.

ART 154: Digital Imaging Foundation - Studies in creative problem-solving and the visual expression of ideas, with an emphasis on dynamic visual imagery in design. Areas of concern include: developing design process skills, aesthetics, the integration of image with typography, digital image manipulation and collage, and on enhancing technical skills for both raster and vector graphics. Lectures will cover contemporary and historic digital media artists and designers. This is a foundation course for Art, Graphics and Illustration, and Art Education majors. It should be taken second semester freshman year by Graphics and Illustration majors, and first semester sophomore year by Art and Art Education majors. This course is taken concurrently with ART 154L, Digital Imaging Foundation Lab. 

and ART 355 : Web-Based Visual Design
An exploration of computer graphics as a primary tool in image processing, and interactive design, using programs such as Dreamweaver, Flash, and Acrobat. Students will acquire an awareness of the development of computer-based electronic media, and a critical appreciation of current work in the field.

or CIS 260: Introduction to Web Design - Students will learn the principles and practices of HTML and CSS used for developing web pages.

COMM 356: Fundamentals of Video Production And Editing - This course seeks to introduce students to the core knowledge and skills required for executing basic video productions. Students will be instructed in both the theory and practice of video, including but not limited to: basics of video technology, production aesthetics, visual narrative, basic cinematography and lighting, audio for video, and the fundamentals of editing. Students will be called upon to create multiple short productions over the course of the semester.

and COMM 357: Advanced Video Production and Editing - This course seeks to build on the skills acquired in the Fundamentals class, requiring students to focus on either short documentary or narrative fiction, and culminating in a 15-30 minute production. Students will learn advanced lighting techniques for fiction; understand and utilize advanced non-linear editing techniques, and field production techniques; and know and utilize various methods for directing fiction.

COMM 374: Public Relations - Focuses on developing students’ writing skills for public relations in the areas of press releases, memos and letters, speeches, public service announcements and annual reports. Students also study the practical application of basic public relations concepts and processes including public relations in corporations, government and institutions, public opinion, communication media, ethics of public relations and public relations campaigns.

and MKT 363: Marketing Communications - Examination of role of promotion as an element of the marketing mix and the overall marketing plan. Course also focuses on methods, procedures, and other elements to consider in the creation of effective communications for a target audience.

or MKT 216: Principles of Marketing - Study of the process of creating, distributing, promoting and pricing goods, services and ideas to satisfy consumer needs and wants through the exchange process.

ENGW 270: Journalism - Provides students with the fundamentals of print journalism with a focus on writing for print, interviewing techniques, news gathering and reporting, writing under deadline pressure, copy editing, and the command of Associate Press style.

and ENGW 271: Advanced Journalism - Builds on ENGW 270, Journalism, by having students demonstrate their ability to research and write a major journalistic project. Projects may take the form of investigative articles, a series of feature stories, or magazine articles or profiles. Students will critique and analyze such forms of well-established journalists and will workshop their own projects with their peers. The course will also continue to stress cultural issues involved in the profession, methodologies used in addressing these issues, and concerns such as objectivity, critical thinking, ethics and libel.

or ENGW 375: Feature Writing - How do you capture the essence of a personality? How do you critique a movie, a play or a work of art? This hands-on course will explore various forms of nonfiction writing, including feature articles, arts reviews, and profiles. Examples from the past and from a variety of contemporary publications (including The New York Times, Wired, Sports Illustrated, The New Yorker, Outside, Rolling Stone, Slate, etc.) will be analyzed in terms of content and style. Students will write regularly, working in each format and refining skills to a professional level.

ENGW 354: Fundamentals of Screenwriting - This course will serve as an introduction to the craft of screenwriting, focusing primarily on the narrative script for film and television. In the process of developing scripts, students will focus on story structure, dialogue, exposition, character development, and the proper industry format. Students will be called upon to examine and deconstruct classic and contemporary scripts and films, as well as engaging in critiques of each other’s work throughout the class. Students will also carry out a number of writing exercises intended to help them imagine their own scripts and build their skills as a writer. Ultimately, each student, in addition to the writing exercises will be asked to complete one polished 25-30 page script by the end of the semester.

and ENGW 355: Advanced Screenwriting - In this course, students will focus intensively on the craft of screenwriting, with the goal that each will produce by the end of the semester a complete, polished, flawless, 90- to 120-page original screenplay. Students will learn to use advanced techniques for creating characters; utilize advanced techniques for compelling storytelling; utilize peer workshops; and develop strategies to improve scripts.

ENGW 351: Technical and Professional Writing - Principles and practice of technical communication as applied to reports, technical papers, oral presentations, business communication. Extensive writing experience and computer applications.

and ENGW 356: Editing for Publication - An intense study of stylistic dimensions of written discourse, with particular focus on its grammatical, mechanical, figurative, and graphic dimensions as they apply to newspaper, magazine, and online forms of writing. Hands-on work on the selection/editing of material, on the news evaluation and decision-making process, on the re-writing process, and on copyediting making use of Associated Press style and the latest editing technologies and software.