UG Course Descriptions

Planning, researching, and writing in-depth news projects and features with attention to writing for radio and television. (Prerequisite: COM 206 or instructor approval)

An introduction to historic rationales that determine the balance between freedom of expression and control of the mass media of communication in the United States. The course will focus on the historic legal rulings and the reasoning behind efforts to expand or to limit the expressive rights of journalists and other users of the mass media. It will emphasize the important distinction between legal and ethical obligations and constraints.

Introduces students to field reporting techniques, scenarios, and single camera field production. Students learn about planning and production strategies, shooting to edit, and time code editing systems. (Prerequisite: COM 217 or 221)

This course provides an overview of the history, themes, and styles of Irish cinema. Students will explore the development of Irish film from its early beginnings to contemporary works, examining the cultural, social, and political contexts that have shaped the industry. Through screenings, readings, and discussions, students will analyze key films, directors, and movements within Irish cinema, considering issues such as identity, nationalism, and representation. Emphasis will also be placed on understanding the unique contributions of Irish filmmakers to the global cinematic landscape. Additionally, students will engage in critical thinking and writing exercises to deepen their understanding of Irish film as both an artistic medium and a reflection of Irish society.

There is a demand for short scripts, particularly in corporate America, but very little information on how to craft the kinds of short scripts that sell. This course will guide students in how to craft both narrative short scripts that exist purely for entertainment purposes (which must abide by certain considerations that feature screenplays do not), and then how to take those skills one step further and craft short scripts that can be monetized for corporations, such as those used for training videos, conference introduction videos, and inspirational/mission statement videos.

Senior level course focusing on the development of a digital portfolio for presentation to professional and graduate-level audiences. The portfolio will highlight professional level work created by the student via a digital platform. Together, we will examine various approaches to portfolio creation and different scenarios of their use and application. Other visual presentation material, such as mailers, and handouts will also be examined. Methods and theories of formatting, layout, visual narrative, and graphic impact will be investigated. Entry into the professional world will be further prepared by the creation of resumes and interview documents, and the examination of networking, public speaking, and interviewing techniques.

This course teaches the entire proposal writing experience of research, funders, project definition, letters of inquiry, proposal components, and tracking systems all through the spectrum of practical experience with real non-profits.

Social media is rapidly changing the way businesses interact with their target audiences and markets. A happy or unhappy customer used to tell 10 people about their experience, today they can tell 10,000+ in minutes. Businesses of all sizes need to understand how this new way of communication is changing their competitive landscape. Public relations professionals need to understand how to communicate via social media platforms since it has become an important communication vehicle for target publics. This course provides an in-depth understanding of the use of social media as a form of business communication by public relations professionals as well as strategies and tools to aid in the decision-making process.

Discussion of processes for building appropriate media kits, following ethical standards and use of technology in communicating with the public. Relationships between the promotion of products, services, and the entire organization will be investigated.

Course focuses on exploring current or special topics of relevance to public relations, journalism and communication majors and minors. Possible invited guest instructors or speakers will bring current professional expertise into the course. Expectations of the student in this course approximate those in other 300-level courses.