Course Descriptions

Communication Arts

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COMMUNICATION ARTS CA131 MASS MEDIA IN A GLOBAL SOCIETY (4). An examination of all phases of mass communications. Print and electronic media, public relations, and advertising are examined in terms of their historical development, their effect on mass culture and gender bias issues and their relationship to a free society. Special emphasis is placed on media as a means of conveying information. Clips from classic and popular films, television programs, and radio shows are examined. Emphasis is placed on the use of Mass Media in a Global Society.

CA230 BASIC PHOTOGRAPHY BASICS (4). An introduction to photographic theory and practice with an emphasis on the photographic print as an artistic form of communication and an emphasis on the principles of composition.. Includes black and white 131 film and print processing and the study of photographic equipment and techniques. Digital photography is introduced. Laboratory

CA233 COMMUNCATION THEORY AND CONCEPT (2). This course provides an introduction to creative thinking techniques such as idea generating, brainstorming, message mapping, and lateral thinking. Group logistics are taught in various applications including problem solving, interviewing, and project management. Students will also explore the major theoretical underpinnings of communication art and design.

CA234 PUBLIC SPEAKING (2). Engages students in the practice of oral and written communication by expanding their knowledge and understanding of different speech types and speech preparations. Students demonstrate effective communication skills by developing organizational strategies for a variety of speaking styles according to audience and purpose; clarify personal thinking skills through oral communication; demonstrate a knowledge of grammar, usage and syntax while speaking; and enrich speaking with writing, listening, viewing, and reading experiences. Develops an awareness of the importance of oral communication in today’s global society. Demonstrative, informative, and persuasive forms of speaking are studied and practiced.

CA241 BASIC WEB DESIGN (2). In this course, students will learn best practices in web design and web media management. Topics include: web content planning, digital asset collection and management, web site wire framing, layout, and design. Students will also practice critical thinking through class interactions, projects, and online postings. May be repeated when topics vary.

CA330 COPYWRITING AND COPY EDITING (4). This course examines the fundamental skills of copywriting and copy editing for diverse audiences in the contemporary media environment. Emphasis is placed on preparing news media, from collecting research and interviewing to developing copy and editing for print. Students will also be introduced to basic layout and design techniques. Prerequisites: EN101 and EN131.

CA332 FOUNDATIONS OF DIGITAL DESIGN (4). This is a study of digital design and desktop publishing intended for a variety of communication-centered disciplines. Includes practice in digital illustration, photo manipulation and photo editing using a variety of contemporary software applications. Students will also learn advanced techniques in typography, layout and design intended for both print and electronic media. This course combines application with the discussion of design theory, problem-solving approaches, idea generation, and project execution and logistics. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing and CA233.

CA334 PRODUCTION I: VIDEO AND SCRIPT (4). This course combines the practical application of video techniques and script writing in the production of video programs. Group dynamics are studied and practiced. Studio broadcasting is introduced. Prerequisites: CA233 and junior or senior standing.

CA336 BROADCAST MEDIA (4). This course provides the skills and techniques of web and radio broadcasting. Students will learn pre-production, on-air, and postproduction roles and responsibilities of broadcasting. Specific applications in sports broadcasting and podcasting will be explored. This course is expected to advanced students’ critical thinking, creative expression, and decision-making skills. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing and CA233.

CA337 DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEOGRAPHY (4). This course is a study of digital photography and videography. Topics of study include advanced photography applications, including photojournalism, documentary, nature, and sports. This course also combines the practical application of contemporary videography techniques and script writing in the production of video programs. Students will learn to use photo and video editing software. Group dynamics are studied and practiced. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing and CA233.

CA350 TOPICS IN COMMUNICATION ARTS (2-4). The course provides an opportunity for advanced study of various areas of communication. Possible topics for specific courses include advertising, organizational communication, photography, documentary production, and sound recording and production. The particular topic for a given term will be announced in the course schedule. May be repeated when topics vary. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing and CA130.

CA363 PUBLIC AND MEDIA RELATIONS (4). This course explores strategic communication processes intended to build relationships between organizations and their publics. Students will learn about the theoretical underpinnings of public and media relations, in addition to the principles, strategies, and best practices common within the field. Skills taught include active listening, relationship building, interviewing, negotiating, making public presentations, and event planning. Prerequisite: CA233.

CA364 SOCIAL MEDIA MANGEMENT (4). This course examines the changing landscape of communications, as influenced by social media. Students will explore transformations within the public relations and journalism fields directly and indirectly caused by social media. A significant portion of the course will focus on message design, message dissemination, message reception, evaluation, market research and theory, all related to participatory media. Prerequisite: CA233.

CA365 ADVANCED DIGITAL JOURNALISM (2). This course provides an in-depth exploration of modern digital journalism. Students will explore journalistic methods of writing for the web, headline writing, blogging, and developing copy for social media. The topic of media convergence is covered in order to advance students’ understanding of the role of video, audio and graphics in contemporary journalistic applications. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing and CA233.

CA470 INTERNSHIP (1-4). An internship is an intensive careeroriented work experience related to the student’s academic studies, professional and educational goals. It is also an opportunity to gain practical experience in one’s major field of study, apply knowledge 134 gained in the classroom, and make useful contacts in a professional field. The experience is ideally unique to the student and must be supervised by a qualified supervisor. Taught Pass/No Pass. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.

CA495 SENIOR STUDIO (2). This is an advanced study in the theory and practice of all areas of Communication Arts. Students enrolled in this course will examine contemporary technologies, concepts and issues in the various fields of communications and will engage in the production and management of a final thesis project. Students will present their final projects to the campus community. Taught Pass/No Pass. Prerequisites: Communication Arts major and senior standing.