Communication/Journalism Course
Descriptions
100 Introduction to Mass Communication (3)
An introductory analysis of the process of communication and the nature and function of the mass media. The student studies the structure and development of newspapers, magazines, radio, television, the web, and the advertising and public relations industries. COMM 100 students use Internet-based resources, as well as traditional print and electronic media, as the means for a critical examination of contemporary mass communication.
Professors Bicket, Sarachan, and Seward.
Fall and Spring.
199C RW Research-based Writing: Cyberculture (3)
This course will consider cyberculture (whether it be in the form of websites or other interactive technologies) from the perspectives of cultural studies, education, economics, psychology, sociology and communication theory. We will consider such topics as identify formation in social networks, wearable computing, and remix culture.
Students also learn the basics of writing an academic research paper in this discipline. Emphasis is on elements of persuasive argumentation, the inclusion of more than one perspective on an issue, the proper use and documentation of sources, and revision. Students also learn how to make an effective oral presentation of their research. Department-determined topic may change from semester to semester. This course may not be taken for major or minor credit.
Note: May be repeated, but may not be taken for credit more than once in any discipline. New Core requirement; this course may substitute, if needed, for the previous Core requirement of ENGL 102C/150C. See section on the College Core for details.
Professor Sarachan.
Spring.
205 Media Issues in Contemporary Culture (3)
Students examine how media determine their content in relationship to the surrounding culture and the evolution of audience preferences. The importance of the economic imperative, media theories, ethical standards and developing new media are analyzed as they have evolved over time, affecting a change in media coverage. The impact of these issues on American democracy, which depends on informed citizens, is specifically critiqued.
Prerequisite: COMM 100. Students who have credit for Comm 105 may not take Comm 205.
Professors Bicket, Loporcaro, Prioretti, and staff.
Fall and Spring.
231 Introduction to Media Production (3)
This course is a hands-on introduction to video field production. By designing and executing a series of short, creative production projects, students explore how video techniques are used to structure meaning in media messages. Topics covered include field and studio work, lighting, sound, storyboarding, camera operation, and editing techniques.
Professor Sodano.
Fall and Spring.
250 Speech Communication (3)
An introduction to the field of human communication. Topics include interpersonal communication, small group communication, and public speaking. Equal emphasis is placed on acquiring a theoretical body of knowledge related to each topic and on practicing skills in the form of presentations, speeches, and group discussions. Not open to first-semester freshmen. Not available as an audited course.
Professors Pardo, Reinson, Sarachan, Seward, Vicker, and staff.
Fall and Spring.
253 Business Communication (3)
This course develops students’ abilities to improve the effectiveness of their business writing and business presentation skills. Students learn a systematic writing and editing process and apply that process to business documents, including memos, e-mail, letters, and reports. Students also learn to prepare and deliver effective business presentations, with topics including organization, audience analysis, delivery skills, and the use of presentation software. Not available as an audited course.
Professors Pardo, Reinson, and staff.
Fall and Spring.
260 P1 Introduction to Digital Media (3)
This course will introduce students to technologies necessary for work in the Communications field in the twenty-first century. Students will gain experience writing a blog, creating a wiki, tweeting, producing podcasts, and becoming an active citizen in “Second Life.” Students will also read important papers from the history of New Media and examine the work of New Media artists currently working in the field. Students will be expected to complete a major final project that stretches the everyday use of New Media.
Professor Sarachan.
Fall or Spring.
261 P1 Documentary and Non-fiction Film (3)
In Documentary and Non-Fiction Film, students study various styles of documentary filmmaking, focusing on both the narrative content and formalistic qualities of the art form, including cinematography, sound and editing. Students will learn how documentaries can educate, inform, persuade and coerce an audience. Several papers will be assigned (which encompass both journalistic and academic writing) and students also will create a short documentary as a final project. Note: this course is primarily a film studies course, not a production course.
Restriction: Sophomores, Juniors or Seniors only.
Professor Sarachan.
Every other spring.
264 Broadcasting: History and Development (3)
This is a survey of the radio and television industries, with an emphasis on their formation, growth, and change. The course examines the political, social, and economic impact of broadcasting, using a chronological sequence.
Professor Sodano and staff.
Fall and Spring.
270 Introduction to Public Relations (3)
Examines the history and scope of the public relations industry, along with contemporary issues and criticisms. The course includes techniques of research, writing, planning, communication, and evaluation in the public relations process. Students who have taken COMM 285 may NOT take COMM 270.
Professor Reinson and staff.
Fall and Spring.
281 Introduction to Advertising (3)
A survey of the history, organization, operation, and regulation of the advertising industry. Emphasis on economics of advertising, structure of the business, and creation and evaluation of advertising. Students who have taken COMM 285 may take COMM 281.
Professor Loporcaro and staff.
Fall and Spring.
301 Journalism I: News Writing and Reporting (3)
Students learn what makes events newsworthy, practice basic research and reporting skills, and gain practical experience in journalistic-style writing. In the course of discussing the reporting process, students examine the role of a free press in society and are introduced to legal and ethical concerns for journalists.
Restriction: Sophomores, juniors and seniors.
Professor Rosenberry and staff.
Fall and Spring.
302 Journalism II: Multimedia News Writing and Reporting (3)
This course emphasizes practice in news reporting and writing with a strong emphasis on computer-assisted reporting skills. The course covers beat reporting, including police, courts, and local government.
Prerequisite: COMM 301.
Professor Rosenberry.
Every other spring.
304 Magazine Writing (3)
Seminar-workshops in advanced reporting and writing. The basic skills necessary for researching and writing magazine articles are emphasized. Students learn if they have the talent, desire, and dedication for a career in magazine writing.
Professor Loporcaro.
Fall.
Prerequisite: COMM 100
305 Newspaper Copy Editing and Design Principles (3)
This course introduces students to techniques used in copy editing, including use of correct grammar, punctuation and style, as well as revising and improving news and feature stories. Students also learn about headline writing, photo editing and caption writing, and the basics of page design.
Prerequisite: COMM 301.
Professor Rosenberry.
Every other fall.
308 Feature Enterprise Writing and Reporting (3)
Examines enterprise reporting and writing techniques used in developing entertainment features and news features. Students write profiles; columns, editorials and reviews; and news enterprise stories.
Prerequisite: COMM 301.
Professor Rosenberry.
Every other spring.
309 Desktop Publication Design (3)
Students learn techniques of using computerized desktop publishing hardware and software to create a variety of publication designs such as magazine pages, newsletters, brochures, and fliers. The course also incorporates principles of design such as page architecture, use of typography, and selection of photos and other graphic images. Instruction includes design theory, lecture/demonstration, and lab component. Students should have basic familiarity with PC operations.
Staff.
Fall and Spring.
310 Sports Reporting (3)
A course in sports journalism that emphasizes interviewing and reporting. Coursework includes several out-of-class assignments and some deadline, in-class assignments. Guest speakers—professionals in the field—discuss various aspects of sports reporting. Students study differences in writing for morning and afternoon papers. Cross-listed with SPST 310.
Prerequisites: COMM 301 or 253 and permission of instructor.
Staff.
Spring.
311 Magazine Writing for Publication
This course helps students develop skills needed for freelance magazine article writing. In addition to an overview of magazine writing techniques, students are guided through handling submissions and dealing with contractual agreements. They also use the Internet as a research, writing and marketing source.
Professor Loporcaro.
Spring.
314 Newspaper Practicum (3)
Students work in a laboratory setting to write and produce the campus newspaper. May be repeated for a total of 6 credits.
Prerequisite: COMM 301.
Professor Boerner and Professor Vicker.
Fall and Spring.
326 Media Literacy (3)
This course focuses on developing the ability to access, analyze, evaluate, and deconstruct information through a variety of mass media forms and technologies. Media literacy is explored by learning to isolate social clichés, differentiate analysis from propaganda, identify a stereotype, distinguish fact from “hype,” and identify important news from routine coverage. Critical-thinking skills involving media presentations are developed through a practical hands-on approach, research, and past analysis by media scholars.
Professor Lopocaro.
Every other fall.
332 Advanced Media Production (3)
This course builds on the technical and creative video production techniques taught in COMM 231. Students further explore each stage of video production and develop a deeper understanding through the effects of lighting, sound, camera techniques, and editing. Students have the opportunity to work in our television studio facilities and produce news packages and segments individually and/or within groups.
Prerequisite: COMM 231.
Professor Sodano.
Spring.
334 Photography for the Media (3)
This course explores the use of photography in the mass media. The course covers basic composition and design concepts, as well as technical skills in digital photography. Students study art-composition techniques, photojournalism, advertising photography, and photography for public relations, completing assignments in these areas. They also create photo-based layouts and enhance and alter photos using Adobe Photoshop.
Staff.
Spring.
346 Media Law and Ethics (3)
Provides students with an overview of the law as it applies to mass media and with related ethical issues that face professional communicators, with emphasis on the First Amendment, libel and privacy, newsgathering, copyright, commercial speech doctrine and broadcast and new-media regulation. Lecture and discussion highlight application of the law and ethical principles from a practitioner’s viewpoint. Case studies focus on media professionals facing legal and/or ethical decisions in ways that take into account all stakeholders' concerns, with a special emphasis on cases from print and broadcast journalism and from public relations.
Professor Rosenberry.
Every other fall.
347 International Communication and Media (3)
This course provides an introduction to international and global communication in the modern age. It introduces students to the external influences on, and the internal structures of, various global media systems and selected industries (e.g., newspapers, television, government communications, the Internet). Attention is given to the impact of newspapers, radio, television, film and the new media on global society. The course also examines a variety of issues that transcend national boundaries, such as discrepancies in information and entertainment flow among nations, globalization of the culture industries, the role of media in war and peace, and the tensions between commercial and non-commercial broadcasting.
Professor Bicket.
Fall.
352 Group Dynamics (3)
A theoretical and practical course that examines the nature and functions of task-oriented groups in a variety of settings. Topics studied from a communication-based perspective include: group formation, goals, norms, process analysis, leadership, conflict, satisfaction, and productivity. Not available as an audited course. Cross-listed with PSYC 352.
Restriction: Junior or senior status.
Professor Vicker (with Professor Franz of Psychology).
Every other spring.
353 Public Speaking (3)
This course develops a student’s ability to research, prepare, and deliver effective presentations before a variety of groups, particularly in educational, business, and professional settings. Students study rhetorical theory, prepare and present their own speeches, use presentation software, deliver team presentations, and evaluate the presentations of others. Not available as an audited course.
Professor Vicker.
Every other spring.
354 Interviewing (3)
This course provides an in-depth study of the interviewing process, from the perspective of both the interviewer and the interviewee. Students study effective interviewing techniques and participate in a variety of interviews, including informational interviews, employment interviews, and appraisal interviews. This course is applicable to students in all fields of study. Not available as an audited course.
Restriction: Juniors and seniors.
Professor Vicker.
Fall.
365 Broadcast Performance (3)
This course concentrates on the written and vocal skills and techniques of radio and television announcing and overall performance before the microphone and camera. All exercises and assignments are recorded on professional minidisks or videotape for evaluation. Not available as an audited course.
Prerequisites: COMM 100 and 264. Students may complete COMM 231 and 301 while concurrently enrolled in COMM 365 but must have completed 231/301 as the prerequisite for COMM 366.
Professor Seward.
Fall.
366 Broadcast Journalism (3)
This is a course in the writing, reporting, and delivery of news for radio and television. Students participate in the preparation and production of radio and television news packages. Not available as an audited course.
Prerequisites: COMM 231, 264, 301 and 365, or permission of instructor.
Professor Seward.
Spring.
367 An Introduction to the New Media (3)
This course examines how information technologies and new forms of Internet-based media are transforming traditional forms of media. Students complete a team-based research project, which examines a specific case study related to the application of new technologies/media to economic, legal, social, and ethical issues. The course has a global viewpoint, with particular emphasis on comparing the impact of new media in both Canada and the United States. The instructor assumes that students possess a knowledge and familiarity with the use of the College’s online databases for completion of the team research project.
Professor Seward.
Spring.
369 Web Design (3)
Students learn how to design and develop sites for the World Wide Web using Macromedia Dreamweaver. The course covers graphic design, usability, and interface design. Technologies taught in the Macintosh computer lab include HTML, cascading style sheets, and digital imaging using Adobe Photoshop. Students complete individual projects as well as a group project for an outside client. Cross-listed with APIT369.
Recommended prerequisite: Familiarity with computer graphics software.
Professor Sarachan.
Every fall and every other spring.
372 Public Relations Case Studies (3)
A study of the functions, processes and problems in the practice of organizational public relations, paying particular attention to media relations. Students learn about creating successful public relations campaigns through a combination of hands-on research with local companies and a review of national programs. Students who have taken COMM 370 or 373 may NOT take COMM 372.
Prerequisite: COMM 270.
Professor Reinson.
Every other fall.
American philanthropy, special event planning, cause-related marketing and current issues facing nonprofits are explored. Students focus on critical readings, speaking, listening and professional writing skills in addition to the creative and budeting processes of event planning and fundraising in a nonprofit setting. Students design a hierarchy of giving, leading to a fundraising strategy based on a socioeconomic model. Corporate perspectives and individual motivations for giving are also examined.Restriction: Juniors or Seniors only.
Professor Reinson and staff.
Fall.
375 Public Relations in Sports (3)
Development of writing skills and styles used in athletic media relations. The course focuses on aspects of sports media relations, including working with the media, producing publications, pitching stories to local, regional and national media outlets, and promoting athletes, coaches, and teams for honors and awards. Cross-listed with SPST 375.
Prerequisite: COMM 253 or 270.
Staff.
Fall.
376 Advanced Public Relations/IMC Writing (3)
This course covers the basic writing and other techniques used by public relations professionals, including press releases, interviews, articles, backgrounders, case studies, biographical sketches, advertisements, reports, scripts and speeches. It also covers the basics of printing, publication design, and production.
Prerequisite: COMM 270.
Recommended prerequisite: COMM 301.
Professor Reinson.
Every other fall.
377 Advanced Media Relations (3)
Students gain a working knowledge regarding the intricacies of media relations. Research, identification of key publics, database development, pitching, and evaluation of the media relations process and program are studied. Student work with actual cases to learn the importance of relationship building to develop their media-relations skills.
Prerequisite: COMM 270.
Professor Reinson.
Spring.
383 Creative Ad Writing: Print (3)
This course covers the basic concepts, principles, and techniques of writing for advertising, including creative strategy, preparation of copy, and basic format for print, radio, and television advertisements. Students are expected to produce a selection of advertisements and a portfolio designed for various media.
Prerequisites: COMM 100.
Professor Loporcaro.
Fall.
384 Creative Ad Writing: Broadcast (3)
This course covers advanced copywriting techniques and emphasizes work in the broadcast media. Students write several advertisements for their portfolios. This course, which is intended for students seriously interested in advertising careers, emphasizes development of creative strategy as well as specific practical skills.
Prerequisite: COMM100.
Professor Loporcaro.
Fall.
420 Senior Seminar (3)
In this capstone course, students examine the nature and function of communication theory as it applies to the study of mass communication. Emphasis is placed on the study of theories and models, the process of communication research, the applications of theory, mass media law, media economics, media ethics and media careers.
Restriction: Senior Communication/Journalism majors.
Prerequisite: COMM 301.
Professors Bicket, Rosenberry, and Vicker.
Fall and Spring.
431 Digital Video Production (3)
From hands-on tutorials through production, students are exposed to our new multimedia Macintosh computer lab for digital production/post-production. Emphasis is placed on using a digital video camera, digitizing video, editing/mixing source material, and writing to a distributed media. Students use Apple’s Final Cut Pro and Adobe’s Photoshop and After Effects. Lab requirement.
Prerequisites: COMM 332 and permission of instructor.
Professor Sodano.
Fall.
464 Broadcast Programming (3)
A comprehensive examination of the programming strategies employed in the radio and television industries. Special emphasis is placed on program acquisition, scheduling, financing, and the role of first-run and off-network television syndication.
Prerequisite: COMM 264.
Professor Seward.
Offered every other fall.
468 Advanced Web Design (3)
The course will cover advanced topics in web design, including designing for mobile devices and print, incorporating Web 2.0 sites within web pages, creating and processing forms, designing interactivity with Javascript, and implementing complex visual effects. Students will also learn Flash and Actionscript 3.0 in order to create online multimedia. The course will collaborate with the advanced journalism class (COMM 302) to create a multimedia news site.
Recommended prerequisite: COMM 369 or permission of instructor.
Professor Sarachan.
Every other spring.
469 Canadian Media and the Internet (1)
Students prepare a group presentation to be given at the Horseshoe Alliance Student Conference at Brock University.
Prerequisites: COMM 367 and permission of instructor.
Professor Seward.
Offered occasionally.
470 IMC Firm Management
Students who are selected to run the College’s IMC firm will produce original work for clients in the Greater Rochester area in order to gain practical experience. The number of for-credit enrollments is limited, but this one-credit course can be repeated up to three times for credit.
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor, COMM 270 or COMM 281, and one 300-level Advertising or Public Relations course.
Recommended prerequisite: COMM 376 or 472
Professor Reinson.
Fall and Spring.
472 Advanced Public Relations Programs and Management (3)
This Service Learning course covers the application of advanced public relations theories and concepts to the practice of public relations. It also covers the use of basic research methods in developing public relations and advertising campaigns. Students focus on the concepts and skills of developing relationships with public relations clients and professionals.
Prerequisites: COMM 270 and one of COMM 367,375, 376 or 377.
Professor Reinson.
Spring.
490 Internship in Communication/Journalism (1-3)
This course allows qualified students to gain professional experience in the field of Communication/Journalism. The department maintains a list of internships in the Rochester area, or students may find their own internships. Interns generally work 10 to 12 hours a week and complete additional departmental requirements. Summer and out-of-town internships are also offered. More information is available from the internship director. Not open to first-semester transfer students.
Note: Students with an overall GPA of 2.50 to 2.74 may petition the internship director in writing to enroll in the course. May be repeated once for a maximum of 6 credits. Two internships may not be done at the same site location.
Prerequisite: Permission of internship director.
Restrictions: Junior/Senior Communication/Journalism majors with a minimum 2.75 GPA.
Professor Vicker.
Fall and Spring.
492 Television Practicum (1)
An independent study that enables students to produce weekly television programming for the Campus Cable Network. Students work independently to produce various programming with assistance from faculty advisors. May be repeated for a total of three credits.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
Professor Felton.
Fall and Spring.
495 College Newspaper Management (1)
This one-credit course is offered to students who assume the responsibilities of managing editor of the student newspaper, The Cardinal Courier. Students periodically meet with the instructor to discuss newspaper design, layout, editing, use of photos and graphics, and the logistics of college newspaper production. Graded S/U. Not to be used as a major elective. May be taken up to three times for credit.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
Professor Boerner.
Fall and Spring.
496 Advanced College Newspaper Management (1)
This one-credit course is offered to students who assume the responsibilities of editor-in-chief of the student newspaper, The Cardinal Courier. Students periodically meet with the instructor to discuss newspaper design, layout, editing, use of photos and graphics, and the logistics of college newspaper production. Graded S/U.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
Professor Boerner.
Fall and Spring.
497 Independent Study (1-4)
Under faculty direction, qualified students may undertake an in-depth study of particular communication topics.
Prerequisite: Completion of the Independent Study/Tutorial Authorization form.
Restrictions: Communication/Journalism majors.
Professors Bicket, Loporcaro, Pardo, Reinson, Rosenberry, Sarachan, Seward, Sodano, and Vicker.
Fall and Spring.