Curriculum
The Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast and Emerging Media is for students considering a career in television/video, and related broadcast and new/emerging media fields. Major requirements are designed to provide you with a strong core of knowledge in all facets of the profession. All courses will provide you with a broad background in the liberal arts. The minimum grade of a C is required for all coursework.
The broadcast and emerging media curriculum is designed so that you will be able to:
- Explain the role of the media in social change
- Demonstrate knowledge of broadcast writing style and script preparation
- Identify and demonstrate mastery of selected broadcast facility equipment
- Understand the strategies and skills required in the various genres of video
Degree Requirements
| PRE | NUM | COURSE TITLE | CREDITS |
| COM | 201 | INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNICATION This course provides an overview of the human communication discipline. Students will be introduced to various topics within Communication, including the rudiments of communication theory and a survey of communication contexts (e.g., interpersonal, small group, organizational, public, mass, and intercultural). (Fall, Spring). | 3 |
Media Theory Core
| COM | 200 | INTRODUCTION TO MASS MEDIA Processes, systems, and effects of the printed and electronic media; the role of newspapers, magazines, movies, radio, and television. Prerequisite: Eligible for ENG 111 (Fall, Spring). | 3 |
| COM | 335 | MEDIA THEORY This course is designed to introduce students to the fundamental theories of mass communication and the role that these theories play in our understanding of the socio-cultural impact media have on society. It emphasizes the forms and effects of media and explains how these influence the structure and performance of media as well as the creation, reception and interpretation of mass media messages. Pre-Requisites: COM 200 & COM 201. | 3 |
| COM | 484 | COMMUNICATION, PUBLIC RELATIONS AND ADVERTISING RESEARCH Introduction to research methodology for public relations and advertising. Includes planning, measurement, evaluation, and reporting of results. Prerequisites: MAT 152 or permission from the instructor and Junior or Senior standing. | 3 |
| ADV | 442 | ADVERTISING & SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY Critical examination of the impact of advertising on society and culture. Advertising’s role in the formation of trends, social habits, and other patterns of behavior as they pertain to multiple groups within society. Prosocial uses of advertising will also be discussed. Note: for Juniors and Seniors only. (Every third semester). | 3 |
| COM | 495 | COMMUNICATION LAW Studies in the current laws governing the mass media. Role of the FCC, libel, privacy, and First Amendment issues. | 3 |
Broadcast and New Media Core
| COM | 204 | WRITING FOR THE MEDIA Writing basic media copy. Emphasis on script preparation and techniques used professionally in the electronic media. Prerequisite: ENG 111. (Fall, Spring) | 3 |
| COM | 214 | TELEVISION PRODUCTION Studio production theory and practice; hands-on experience in basic production, direction, and technical operations of a studio. (Special fee). (Fall, Spring). | 3 |
| COM | 301 | PRACTICUM Development of skills in communication related settings. Prerequisite: COM 214 or permission of Department Chair. May be repeated for a maximum of 3 credit hours. Prerequisite: COM 204, COM 214 (taken in conjunction with COM 314) (Special fee). (Occasional offering). | 1 |
| COM | 314 | ADVANCED TELEVISION PRODUCTION Advanced television production techniques including electronic editing, special effects, and electronic field production. Completion of an individual creative project is required. Prerequisites: COM 204 and COM 214. (Special fee). (Fall, Spring). | 3 |
| COM | 318 | RADIO & TV REPORTING Researching, writing, taping and editing news stories for radio, television and the internet. Includes discussion and application of gate keeping functions: story selection and story order in a newscast. Prerequisites: COM 204, and COM 314. (Fall). | 3 |
| COM | 309 | MULTIMEDIA COMMUNICATION This course presents a practical survey of digital and emerging communication platforms. Students learn about institutional, ethical, and design issues that shape the production of content for digital/emerging media and how to produce multimedia content such as hypertext, digital images, podcasts, and videos within the context of well-planned communication campaigns. Pre-requisites: COM 200, CS 180. | 3 |
| COM | 418 | BROADCAST NEWS Develops skills for positions of news producer and reporter. Includes news writing, analysis of news stories and their relative merit, and production considerations in assembling a newscast. Prerequisites: COM 318. (Spring). | 3 |
Approved Electives (one from list):
| COM | 215 | AUDIO PRODUCTION Audio production theory and practice; hands-on experience in basic production for radio and television. (Special fee). (Occasional offering). | 3 |
| COM | 322 | TELEVISION AND THE INTERNET The study and practice of the latest news gathering technology, including the increasingly important role that the Internet plays in Television news coverage. Pre-requisites: COM 204, COM 214, COM 314. | 3 |
| COM | 456 | ADVANCED VIDEO EDITING The final stage in the life of a production, before air, occurs in the editing room. This course has two main thrusts: hands-on practical instruction in the use of digital non-linear (computer-based) editing systems, and in-depth, intense examination of the aesthetics and communication considerations that motivate the choices in the editing room. Prerequisites: COM 214 and COM 314. (Special fee). (Spring). | 3 |
Capstone & Integrative experiences
| COM | 489 | SEMINAR IN BROADCAST & EMERGING MEDIA The senior capstone course in Broadcast and Emerging Media is designed to put into practice the knowledge that students have acquired throughout their program of study. Students will utilize their skills in research, writing and production, for multiple platforms, while applying ethical standards, in producing independent project(s) that will contribute towards their portfolios. Pre-requisites: Senior standing and permission of the instructor. | 3 |
| COM | 499 | INTERNSHIP Practical experience in communication in a professional setting. CR/NC grade; unpaid internships only. Prerequisites: Senior standing (90+ credit hours); Good academic standing; approval of Advisor, Department Chair, and Dean. (Fall, Spring, Summer). | 2 |
Minor In Broadcast Communication (21 Credits)
| PRE | NUM | COURSE TITLE | CREDITS |
| COM | 200 | INTRODUCTION TO MASS MEDIA Processes, systems, and effects of the printed and electronic media; the role of newspapers, magazines, movies, radio, and television. | 3 |
| COM | 201 | INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNICATION This course provides an overview of the human communication discipline. Students will be introduced to various topics within Communication, including the rudiments of communication theory and a survey of communication contexts (e.g., interpersonal, small group, organizational, public, mass, and intercultural). | 3 |
| COM | 204 | WRITING FOR THE MEDIA Writing basic media copy. Emphasis on script preparation and techniques used professionally in the electronic media. | 3 |
| COM | 214 | TELEVISION PRODUCTION Studio production theory and practice; hands-on experience in basic production, direction, and technical operations of a studio. | 3 |
| COM | 314 | ADVANCED TELEVISION PRODUCTION Advanced television production techniques including electronic editing, special effects, and electronic field production. Completion of an individual creative project is required. Prerequisites: COM 204 and COM 214. | 3 |
| COM | 366 | HISTORY OF THE MOVING IMAGE This course examines the development of the media that utilize the moving visual image. The first focus of the course will be the history of cinema from the 1890s to the present. The second emphasis will be the history of television, from the early 20th century to the present. Through examination of the history of these two highly influential media, the student will gain an understanding of why and how the film and TV industries have arrived at their current status. In addition to class meetings, students will be required to attend one weekly screening of a classic example of the medium from the period under discussion. Prerequisite: COM 200. | 3 |
| COM | 495 | COMMUNICATION LAW Studies in the current laws governing the mass media. Role of the FCC, libel, privacy, and First Amendment issues. | 3 |