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MU Home » Academics » School of Public Affairs » Department of Communication

COM 105 INTRODUCTION TO MASS COMMUNICATION (3 s.h.)
Covers the basics of communication theory and how they apply to all forms of mass communication, discusses the historical development of a wide variety of communication media, and provides an understanding of how these are regulated within the United States and throughout the world. This course gives students of communications the necessary foundation for further study and makes them more critical consumers of the mass media. This course is offered every fall and spring semester.

COM 107 INTRODUCTION TO JOURNALISM (3 s.h.)
Introduction to Journalism is a survey course designed to introduce students to the history, fundamentals and future of journalism. This course focuses on a chronological study of journalism, the basics of telling a story and distinctions between credibility, entertainment and opinion. This course is offered every spring semester.

COM 170-177 RADIO PRACTICUM (3 s.h.)
This series of courses are offered for students of any major who are serving as directors of the student-run radio station. These directors have interviewed with the faculty advisor / radio director and have accepted the position working as Programming Director, Music Director, Production Director, News & Sports Director, Promotions Director or Web Director. Each position is ONE YEAR LONG and the director will be in charge of their department and their staff. The student will register for the course that corresponds with their year and school and the current semester. These courses are offered on a pass/fail basis. A student may only use 3 credit hours (one of these courses) towards an elective for the department in any concentration. They can only use an additional 3 hours as elective hours towards graduation. Therefore, only 6 total hours will count towards major and graduation requirements. Any hours beyond the 6 will just
be extra hours that appear on their transcripts. NO prerequisites are required for this course and it is open to any major on campus.

COM 180-182 JOURNALISM PUBLICATION PRACTICUM (1 s.h.)
This series of courses are offered for students of any major who are serving as Editors of student-run print or on-line publications produced by the Communication Department. These editors will have interviewed with the faculty advisor / Journalism director and have accepted the position working as editors, designers, photographers, feature writers or columnists. Each position is ONE YEAR LONG and the editor will be in charge of their department and their staff. The student will register for the course that corresponds with their year and school and the current semester. These courses are offered on a pass/fail basis. A student may only use 6 credit hours (one of these courses) towards an elective for the department in any concentration. They can only use an additional 2 hours as elective hours towards graduation. Therefore, only 6 total hours will count towards major and graduation requirements. Any hours beyond the 6 will just be extra hours that appear on their transcripts. NO prerequisites are required for this course and it is open to any major on campus.

COM 183-185 JOURNALISM PUBLICATION PRACTICUM (2 s.h.)
This series of courses are offered for students of any major who are serving as Editors of student-run print or on-line publications produced by the Communication Department. These editors will have interviewed with the faculty advisor / Journalism director and have accepted the position working as editors, designers, photographers, feature writers or columnists. Each position is ONE YEAR LONG and the editor will be in charge of their department and their staff. The student will register for the course that corresponds with their year and school and the current semester. These courses are offered on a pass/fail basis. A student may only use 6 credit hours (one of these courses) towards an elective for the department in any concentration. They can only use an additional 2 hours as elective hours towards graduation. Therefore, only 6 total hours will count towards major and graduation requirements. Any hours beyond the 6 will just be extra hours that appear on their transcripts. NO prerequisites are required for this course and it is open to any major on campus.

COM 255 JOURNALISM PRACTICUM I (3 s.h.)
A CAC (computer-assisted composition) writing laboratory which may be taken for credit by students who wish to receive college credit beyond two courses in Writing for Mass Media. This class involves work on the college newspaper and/or online magazine. Prerequisites: Writing for Mass Media I or Writing for Mass Media II or permission of the instructor. This course is offered every fall semester. Prerequisite: COM 105 or Department Chair permission. This course can be used as an official COM Elective for the Journalism, TV/Multimedia Communications, or Radio Communications concentration within the Communication Major.

COM 256 JOURNALISM PRACTICUM II (3 s.h.)
A CAC (computer-assisted composition) writing laboratory which may be taken for credit by students who wish to receive college credit beyond two courses in Writing for Mass Media. This class involves work on the college newspaper and/or online magazine. Prerequisites: Writing for Mass Media I or Writing for Mass Media II or permission of the instructor. This course is offered every spring semester. Prerequisite: COM 105 or Department Chair permission. This course can be used as an official COM Elective for the Journalism, TV/Multimedia Communications, or Radio Communications concentration within the Communication Major.

COM 257 WRITING FOR MASS COMMUNICATIONS MEDIA I (3 s.h.)
News, news gathering, and news and feature structures, including preparation of copy for publications. Experience and practice in reporting techniques and problems and ethics in laboratory work based on campus and community assignments. Prerequisites: Completion of ENG 101 and 102 or permission of the instructor. This course is offered every fall semester.

COM 258 WRITING FOR MASS COMMUNICATIONS MEDIA II (3 s.h.)
News and feature writing, including writing for the broadcast media. Further practice in reporting and in writing of articles, editorials, and interpretive journalism. Prerequisites: Completion of ENG 101 and 102 or permission of the instructor. This course is offered every spring semester.

COM 280 MASS COMMUNICATION THEORY (3 s.h.)
Discusses speech communications models, theories of interpersonal and mass communication, language and meaning, message organization, persuasive strategies, nonverbal communication, and listening behavior. This course is offered every spring semester. Prerequisite: COM 105 or Department Chair permission.

COM 302 BASIC RADIO PRODUCTION (3 s.h.)
This course introduces students to the basic processes and techniques of radio production. Specifically, this course will help the student to understand specific production techniques, writing for the radio, radio careers, and how radio operates as a business. Prerequisite: COM 105 or Department Chair permission. This course can be used as an official COM Elective for the Journalism and TV/Multimedia Communications concentration within the Communication Major. This course is offered every fall semester.

COM 303 BASIC TELEVISION TECHNIQUES AND PROCEDURES (3 s.h.)
Covers the fundamentals of television production and the technology involved, the planning processes of producing any media product, and the stages of production. The course explores both single-camera and multi-camera television applications as well as new technologies. This is a hands-on course which also covers the history of television technology and its advancement. This course is offered every Fall semester. Prerequisite: COM 105 or Department Chair permission.

COM 304 NON-LINEAR VIDEO EDITING / HDTV PRODUCTION (3 s.h.)
Focuses on the fundamentals of modern video editing with emphasis on computer-based video as a replacement for tape. The course explores recent advancements in digital video technology and how they affect the creative process, future applications for video in multimedia, and the art of producing interactive video-based programs for deployment on DVD or the Internet. Students receive intensive training in audio manipulation and sweetening, video quality control and special effects, and basic computer skills. This course is offered every Fall semester. Prerequisite: COM 105 or Department Chair permission. This course can be used as an official COM Elective for the Journalism, TV/Multimedia Communications, or Radio Communications concentration within the Communication Major.

COM 305 PRODUCTION (3 s.h.)
Covers television production techniques and TV studio operations. Students produce and direct news shows, interview shows, commercials, on-location shoots, and dramatic scenes. Prerequisite: COM 303 or with permission of instructor. This course is offered every Spring semester. Prerequisite: COM 105 or Department Chair permission. This course can be used as an official COM Elective for the Journalism, TV/Multimedia Communications, or Radio Communications concentration within the Communication Major.

COM 306 COMPUTER GENERATED GRAPHICS AND ANIMATION (3 s.h.)
An introductory course. No prior experience with computers or TV equipment required. Emphasis is on the various capabilities of the Lightwave-3D Animation. The course offers hands-on experience in the operation of the equipment. Students produce their own computer-generated graphics and animations. The course benefits those who wish to create computer graphics and/or animation commercially or as visual aids to instruction. This course is offered every Fall semester. Prerequisite: COM 105 or Department Chair permission. This course can be used as an official COM Elective for the Journalism, TV/Multimedia Communications, or Radio Communications concentration within the Communication Major.

COM 311 MASS COMMUNICATIONS LAW (3 s.h.)
Uses case studies to facilitate the student's understanding of communication law, constitutional guarantees,
libel, invasion of privacy, contempt, qualified privilege, copyright, and government regulatory agencies. This course is offered every Fall semester. Prerequisite: COM 105 or Department Chair permission.

COM 312 WRITING ABOUT ETHICS, MASS MEDIA, AND SOCIETY (3 s.h.)
Topics to be included: the social responsibilities of journalists or other mass communicators, the media's role in social change, and the media's reactions to political, social, and economic pressures. This course is offered every Spring semester. Prerequisite: COM 105 or Department Chair permission.

COM 321 NON-BROADCAST VIDEO SYSTEMS (3 s.h.)
Focuses on television technology outside the traditional role of entertainment and commercial advertising. This course introduces the concept of independent video production, corporate video, and new multimedia applications and emphasizes the phases of production, planning, budgeting, and marketing. Prerequisite: COM 303. This course is offered Spring Semester odd numbered years. Prerequisite: COM 105 or Department Chair permission. This course can be used as an official COM Elective for the Journalism, TV/Multimedia Communications, or Radio Communications concentration within the Communication Major.

COM 331 ADVERTISING PRODUCTION (3 s.h.)
Deals with the fundamentals of advertising in print, electronic media, and new computer-based forms. Students study basic techniques of persuasion both on a logical and an emotional level. They also study the planning, designing, and production of such messages. This course is offered every Spring semester. Prerequisite: COM 105 or Department Chair permission. This course can be used as an official COM Elective for the Journalism, TV/Multimedia Communications, or Radio Communications concentration within the Communication Major.

COM 335 PUBLIC RELATIONS (3 s.h.)
Course examines theories and practices relevant to public relations. It offers an examination of communication channels and media used for writing in public relations. Students focus on journal writing that involves the creation, development, planning, and processes affecting organizations, and public opinion. Ethics and laws affecting the practice of public relations are examined. Prerequisites: COM 257 or COM 258 or permission of the instructor. This course is offered every Fall semester. Prerequisite: COM 105 or Department Chair permission. This course can be used as an official COM Elective for the Journalism, TV/Multimedia Communications, or Radio Communications concentration within the Communication Major.

COM 341 HTML PUBLISHING AND WEB PAGE DESIGN (3 s.h.)
Focuses on Internet-based communication and new applications of on-line technologies. The course discusses the history and development of the Internet itself, the rise of the HTML format and JAVA scripting for web publishing, and how other Internet resources interface with this language. Students learn to create web pages, design web sites, and make use of some of the newer plug-ins available for web publishing and distribution. Finally, students study trends in Internet-based design and how present and future trends will create employment opportunities on the Internet. This course is offered every Fall semester. Prerequisite: COM 105 or Department Chair permission. This course can be used as an official COM Elective for the Journalism, TV/Multimedia Communications, or Radio Communications concentration within the Communication Major.

COM 353 DESKTOP PUBLISHING (3 s.h.)
Serves as an introduction to the fundamentals of desk top publishing in the context of corporate communications. This course provides students with an understanding and an appreciation of how audio/visual materials can be used to communicate messages and concepts routinely used in the business world. These messages include print-based newsletters, electronic presentations, and the rudiments of Internet web page design. The class also discusses the basics of computer filing and routine applications and skills. This course is offered every Spring semester. Prerequisite: COM 105 or Department Chair permission. This course can be used as an official COM Elective for the Journalism, TV/Multimedia Communications, or Radio Communications concentration within the Communication Major.

COM 364 CINEMA APPRECIATION (3 s.h.)
Deals with classic cinema. This course uses films, film clips, videos, and lectures to teach film criticism and provide an understanding of the arts and skills involved in film-making. This course is offered every Spring semester. Prerequisite: COM 105 or Department Chair permission. This course can be used as an official COM Elective for the Journalism, TV/Multimedia Communications, or Radio Communications concentration within the Communication Major.

COM 366 PERFORMANCE FOR THE CAMERA (3 s.h.)
Provides training and practical experience in all aspects of performing on television. Students work in class as news anchors, interviewers, talk show participants, and dramatic actors. Student performances are videotaped to aid in evaluation of the student's progress. This course is offered every Spring semester. Prerequisite: COM 105 or Department Chair permission. This course can be used as an official COM Elective for the Journalism, TV/Multimedia Communications, or Radio Communications concentration within the Communication Major.

COM 406 ADVANCED COMPUTER ANIMATION (3 s.h.)
Teaches advanced professional techniques for producing computer animation and graphics using LightWave 3D software. Students will be expected to produce animation applications for cartoons, computer games, TV commercials, and motion picture special effects. Prerequisite: COM 306: Computer Graphics and Animation. This course is offered as needed. Prerequisite: COM 105 or Department Chair permission. This course can be used as an official COM Elective for the Journalism, TV/Multimedia Communications, or Radio Communications concentration within the Communication Major.

COM 421 INTERNSHIP (1 s.h.)
This course can be used as an official COM Elective for the Journalism, TV/Multimedia Communications, or Radio Communications concentration within the Communication Major. This course is offered every semester. Prerequisite: COM 105 or Department Chair permission.

COM 422 INTERNSHIP (2 s.h.)
This course can be used as an official COM Elective for the Journalism, TV/Multimedia Communications, or Radio Communications concentration within the Communication Major. This course is offered every semester. Prerequisite: COM 105 or Department Chair permission.

COM 423 INTERNSHIP (3 s.h.)
This course can be used as an official COM Elective for the Journalism, TV/Multimedia Communications, or Radio Communications concentration within the Communication Major. This course is offered every semester. Prerequisite: COM 105 or Department Chair permission.

COM 424 INTERNSHIP (3 s.h.)
This course can be used as an official COM Elective for the Journalism, TV/Multimedia Communications, or Radio Communications concentration within the Communication Major. This course is offered every semester. Prerequisite: COM 105 or Department Chair permission.

COM 425 INTERNSHIP (5 s.h.)
This course can be used as an official COM Elective for the Journalism, TV/Multimedia Communications, or Radio Communications concentration within the Communication Major. This course is offered every semester. Prerequisite: COM 105 or Department Chair permission. Experiential learning through placement with local media and other community agencies. The student is assigned duties and responsibilities approved by the department chair. Joint direction, supervision, and evaluation by the college instructor and an on-site trainer. Weekly written reports and contact with the instructor are required. The student must spend at least 30 hours on the job for each one hour credit. Prerequisites: COM 105 Communication department chair approval. These internships are offered every semester. COM 421 and COM 423 do not count toward the major requirements. COM 423, 424, or COM 425 can be used toward the 15 semester hours of electives. A maximum of 3 semester hours of internship are to be applied to the degree requirements.

COM 441 ADVANCED WEB PAGE DESIGN (3 s.h.)
This course builds on the basic skills in web page design, introducing advanced multimedia applications created by Macromedia Flash. The course also leads the students through a refresher course in the basics of design and usability and the basic client/server relationship. The second half of the course will introduce strategies in database management on the Internet. Students taking this course will get a realistic picture of how the Internet is managed and where the technology is leading. This course is offered every Spring semester. Prerequisite: COM 105 or Department Chair permission. This course can be used as an official COM Elective for the Journalism, TV/Multimedia Communications, or Radio Communications concentration within the Communication Major.

COM 485 SPECIAL TOPICS IN MASS COMMUNICATIONS (3 s.h.)
Concentrates on unique and in-depth study which may involve research and travel. Prerequisite: permission of the department chair. This course is offered as needed. Prerequisite: COM 105 or Department Chair permission. This course can be used as an official COM Elective for the Journalism, TV/Multimedia Communications, or Radio Communications concentration within the Communication Major.

COM 499 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN MASS COMMUNICATIONS (TBA)
Offers an opportunity for a well-qualified, upper-division student to engage in special research in his/her major. Requires approval by the faculty advisor, the supervising professor, the department chair, and the Vice President for Academic Affairs. Credit to be determined. Prerequisite: COM 105 or Department Chair permission. This course can be used as an official COM Elective for the Journalism, TV/Multimedia Communications, or Radio Communications concentration within the Communication Major. This course is offered every semester.