109: Introduction to Mass Media – 3 credits
The mass media are so pervasive in contemporary society that students in many disciplines will find this course valuable. It provides a comprehensive overview of the development of such media as newspapers, magazines, books, radio, television, film, recordings, and the Internet. In addition, it introduces students to issues of regulatory control, audience analysis, media ethics, and international mass communications.
207: Journalism I: News Gathering – 3 credits
This course covers the fundamentals of news gathering, reporting, and writing on assignment. Students learn to evaluate how the media relate events. The course also treats such issues as the right to privacy, the risks of libel, and the ethical contexts of gathering information. Ability to use a word processor is required.
208: Journalism II: Advanced News Gathering and Design – 3 credits
This course continues CM207 and concentrates on in-depth and investigative reporting, interviewing, and feature writing, as well as basic newspaper layout and design. Students explore the patterns of thinking and feeling that enable the reporter to make sound observations and judgments. Prerequisite: CM207 or permission of instructor.
209: Broadcast Writing – 3 credits
This course acquaints the student with the theory and practice of writing for broadcast media. Students are introduced to writing styles used in radio, television, and film. They also learn about news gathering, documentary techniques, and dramatic writing. Prerequisite: CM109 or permission of instructor.
211: Broadcasting Techniques – 3 credits
This survey of broadcasting in America stresses the basic principles and professional techniques of radio and television. In addition to learning historical and contemporary applications of broadcast technology, students use campus radio broadcast facilities and the video production studio as working laboratories. Students develop perspective on changing industry standards. Prerequisite: CM109 or permission of instructor.
261: Interpersonal Communications – 3 credits
This course provides an overview of the theories, practices, and processes of human communication, studying such subjects as language acquisition, signs and symbols, body language, proxemics, paralanguage, and feedback. The effects of communication on individuals, society, and intercultural issues are explored. Students identify communication problems and propose creative solutions to them.
270: Internet Communications – 3 credits
A course designed to prepare students for the age of information by introducing them to the Internet as a medium of mass communication, research, and publication. Topics include the following: understanding how the Internet works and how it is changing the world; understanding how the Internet is being used for journalism, radio, television, advertising, and public relations; doing research by accessing scholarly databases or refereed articles and general sources; designing, creating, and publishing Web pages for academic and professional purposes; and discussing societal issues of equity, privacy, censorship, decency, copyright, and fair use.
271: Television Production – 3 credits
An introduction to electronic field production (EFP), electronic news gathering (ENG), and multi-camera studio production with special effects switcher. The theory and techniques of insert and of video assembly editing and of lighting are emphasized in the studio component of the course. Directorial and documentary techniques will be introduced. Prerequisite: CM209 or permission of instructor.
303: Advertising – 3 credits
A survey of advertising practices and advertising campaigns. Students analyze the visual and verbal properties of successful advertising, discovering the key elements of creative strategy and design. Prerequisite: CM109 or permission of instructor.
304: Principles and Practices of Corporate Communications – 3 credits
An analysis of the theory and practice of public relations, its functions in organizations, and its role in society. Students apply course material to public relations program planning and management by working individually and in groups on case-study projects. Prerequisite: CM109 or permission of instructor.
309: Editing – 3 credits
This course emphasizes copy editing, layout, and feature and editorial writing for newspapers and magazines. Laboratory work is with The Norwich Guidon. This course introduces electronic editing and pagination. Prerequisites: CM207, CM208.
311: Speech Communication in the Workplace – 3 credits
An introduction to the principles of organizational communication and the application of these principles in a variety of professional situations requiring strategic speech. Topics include formal and informal networks; listening; problem-solving and conflict negotiation styles; conducting job selection and performance appraisal interviews; holding effective meetings and group discussions; and giving oral presentations to prospective clients. Pre requisite: EN112.
335: Television Criticism – 3 credits
This course develops critical perspectives on television programming and introduces students to the complexities of dramatic and non-dramatic programming, including serials, series, sitcoms, docudramas, documentaries, and news stories.
351: Radio Production – 3 credits
This course, a continuation of CM211, is designed for students interested in developing their broadcast production skills as well as their understanding of the entire range of issues associated with radio work. In addition to discussing the most recent cable, satellite, and computer broadcast applications, the course emphasizes work on voice and diction, interviewing, radio news gathering and editing, cultural and public affairs programming, and commercial production. Prerequisite: CM211 or permission of the instructor.
390: Topics in Communications – 3 credits
A course designed to introduce students to a special area or current topic in communications. Course material varies each semester. Analytical writing required. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
391: Advanced Television Production – 3 credits
This course draws on skills learned in CM361: Television Production. Students gain confidence in their abilities, explore advanced techniques, and learn how to become working members of a professional production team. Advanced areas of instruction include an introduction to the SONY BetacamSP and the development of skills necessary to function as an assistant editor (logging, digitizing, and rendering effects). This is the first in a track of advanced digital technology courses that must be completed in sequential order.
392: Documentary Television Production – 3 credits
In this course, students learn the basic fundamentals of traditional long-form documentary production. Early units emphasize research skills, including letters, telephone contacts, and archival research. Later units cover on-camera interviewing, logging, and organization of footage into off-line drafts. Students learn the functions of the assistant editor on major projects. This is the second in a track of advanced digital technology courses that must be completed in sequential order. Prerequisite: CM391.
393: Non-linear Digital Television – 3 credits
Emphasizes the principles of non-linear post-production. Through discussion, practical exercises, and demonstrations, students analyze the differences between linear and non-linear editing systems and the potential, and limitations, of digital technology. Students digitize and organize footage, edit sync and non-sync material, and assist in the development of sophisticated finished projects for professional portfolios. This is the third in a track of advanced digital technology courses that must be completed in sequential order. Prerequisite: CM392.
407: Senior Communications Seminar – 3 credits
A required course for Communications majors, designed to provide students up-to-date information about the fields of radio, television, journalism, advertising, public relations, public information, wire services, and the Internet. Special applications of these fields in business, the military, politics, law, and other professions will be considered. As part of this capstone course, seniors will be required to present and analyze, before an audience of department faculty and/or other faculty, a portfolio of prior work. Prerequisite: senior status or permission of instructor.
408: Communications Internship – 3 credits
A course designed to combine practical work experience with college-level study in such communications areas as radio, television, advertising, film, journalism, and public relations. Normally, students are required to find their own internship location and must provide their own transportation. Prerequisite: senior status or permission of instructor.
436: Communications Law and Ethics – 3 credits
A survey of laws pertaining to journalism, broadcasting, and advertising, emphasizing ethical problems facing journalists and media specialists. Students study the history of press freedom and control and explore First Amendment issues such as the right to privacy; obscenity; and libel. Special emphasis will be placed on media ethics. Prerequisite: CM109 or permission of instructor.
491: Media Composer Techniques – 3 credits
An introduction to the basic technology and aesthetic possibilities of the Avid Media Composer (the industry non-linear post-production standard). As producers and editors, students lead teams of assistants in creating long-form projects. The course combines instructor-led discussion, hand-on demonstration, and mentoring assistance. This is the fourth in a track of advanced digital technology courses that must be completed in sequential order. Prerequisite: CM393.
492: Advanced Media Composer Techniques – 3 credits
This course prepares students for professional careers as Media Composer producers and editors. It includes an introduction to mediabase management and stresses speed and efficiency of organizing and editing material using Media Composer software, multiple digital audio tracks, and image compositing. Students create a finished program by course completion. This is the fifth in a track of advanced digital technology courses that must be completed in sequential order. Prerequisite: CM491.
493: Media Composer Graphics and Effects – 3 credits
This course includes a study of the basics in designing multi-layered and multinested titles, graphics, and effects using the Pinnacle 3D Effects Module. Exercises help students learn to create both real-time and rendered effects. Topics include preparing and importing graphics, creating and using alpha matte keys, the use of Adobe Photoshop and third party packages, creating and saving effects templates, and shortcuts and tips for maximum quality and optimal render time. This is the sixth in a track of advanced digital technology courses that must be completed in sequential order. Prerequisite: CM492.
494: Advanced Media Composer Effects and Graphics – 3 credits
Features use of advanced graphics software and broadening of skills learned in CM 493: Media Composer Graphics and Effects. Students design complex program openings utilizing 3D templates, mattes, chroma keys, advanced nesting, and title features. Third party packages utilized include Adobe After-Effects, BlueICE, and Artel BorixFX. This is the seventh in a track of advanced digital technology courses that must be completed in sequential order. Prerequisite: CM493.
495: Systems Configuration and Media Data Management – 3 credits
Offers an overview of systems configuration and maintenance as well as media database management to minimize systems downtime and maximize Media Composer productivity. Laboratory work and role-playing give students practical experience. Topics include SCSI, storage, hardware and software troubleshooting, signal flow, systems integration, and issues involving external peripheral devices. Features a practicum conducted at Avid Technology. This is the eighth in a track of advanced digital technology courses that must be completed in sequential order. Prerequisite: CM494.