315 Media Law (4) / Fall, Spring
An intensive exploration of the rules and regulations governing media and communication in the United States. The focus is on the First Amendment. Students take exams, write papers, and participate in moot trials on issues of libel, privacy, copyright, obscenity, and the right to a fair trial. Prerequisites: COMS 200, 202, and Senior-level standing.

316 Advanced Film Making(4) / Fall, Spring
Intensive production for filmmakers. In fall semester, students work on biography, news, and multi-camera talk shows. In spring, students work on screenplays, scenes with actors, and images for songs. Beginning students use DV camcorders and I-Movie2. Advanced students use 3-chip cameras and edit on Final Cut or Avid. Prerequisite: COMS 201

317 Advanced Radio Broadcasting (4) / Fall
This course encourages students in their individual interests in radio/sound recording. Students will learn more about the application of sound to all aspects of the media world, from the producing or hosting of live radio shows to the use of sound in promotions and DVD production. Prerequisite: COMS 265

318 Advanced Media Writing(4) / Fall
Writing for different media, including Blogs, magazines, radio, websites, newspapers, and investigative reporting. Emphasis on development of sources, proposals, pitches, working in teams, writing in-depth features and columns on issues, trends and complex ongoing stories. Prerequisite COMS 210, a semester at THE STAR, or equivalent experience writing in the professional world.

320 Selected Topics in Communication Studies (4) / Fall, Spring
Intensive study of various topics and trends in the mass media, including advertising, propaganda and persuasion, children and the media, technical and scriptwriting, environmental and international communication, and film. May be repeated for additional credit with new subject matter.

321 International Communication (4)
Course develops a basic understanding of current issues related to the field of international communication. Surveys readings and videos on global media (MTV, CNN, ESPN, theme parks, video games, advertising, media campaigns for social change, computer hackers, Seasame Street, etc.). Overseas job and volunteer opportunities discussed.

322 Broadcast Journalism(4) / Fall
Indroductory class on the art and craft of Journalism, print, video, and radio, by career professionals. Designed to give students taste of real world media experience.

323 Environmental Communication(4)
Course will focus on research, and reporting skills to produce magazine articles or video/radio documentaries on health, science, and the environment. Other assignments include press releases, profiles, and memos. Lecture, videos, and field trips help to critique news, public relations, ads, PSAs campaigns, film, television, music, and the Internet on related issues. Junior standing required.

324 Scriptwriting for Video(4)
Course focuses on fundamentals of writing professional-level scripts for video, television, and film productions. Assignments include lab work and homework producing scripts and storyboards for Public Service Announcements (PSAs), commercials, news packages, documentaries, corporate and educational training programs, and dramatic screenplays. Junior standing required.

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