Classes are offered in the semesters indicated. Please see the Schedule of Classes for the most current information and faculty assignments.

200 Principles of Mass Communication (4) / Fall, Spring
An introduction to the history of mass communication, the mechanics of the mass communication industries, and theories of mass communication as a social, cultural, and political phenomenon.

201 Story Telling Via Video (4) / Fall, Spring
A course for beginning video students. Assignments include: creation of skits and music videos; and conducting interviews using DV camcorders. Students also do a final creative project of their own. COMS 201 must be taken before COMS 325, though exceptions are allowed with approval of instructor.

202 Methods of Media Criticism (4) / Fall, Spring
A survey of ways to analyze mediated texts, with a focus on film, television, magazines, music, news, and advertising. Methods and concepts include semiotics, structuralism, ideology, psychoanalysis, feminism, and postmodernism.

210 Writing for the Media (4) / Fall, Spring
Introduction to a wide range of writing styles and fomats, from hard news and features to press releases. Students learn to write for newpapers, magazines, television, radio, and the internet, as well as for public relations.

240 Introduction to Public Relations (4) / Fall, Spring
An overview of the history, structure, and organization of public relations. Students also learn the basic public relations tactics of writing, presentation, event organization, and web communication.

265 Introduction to Radio Broadcasting (4) / Fall, Spring
History of broadcasting; evolution of broadcast technology; introduction to basic theories and techniques of radio broadcasting. Overview of radio station organization, programming, and operation. Experience in radio program development and production techniques.

301 Mass Communication Theory and Research (4) / Fall, Spring
Intermediate-level study of the key research events that contributed to the development of communication theories, government policy, and the emergence of communication as an academic discipline. Prerequisites: COMS 200, 202, and Junior-level standing.

302 Media Ethics (4) / Fall, Spring
A course in which students analyze real-life ethical issues that media professionals face on TV, radio, newspapers, the internet and in public relations, and in the music and entertainment industries. Classroom exercises involve discussion, debate, critical thinking and reasoning, and practical application of ethical principles. Prerequisites: COMS 200 and 202.

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