2000-2001 Undergraduate Catalog
Indiana, Pennsylvania 15705
COMM 150 Aesthetics and Theory of Communications Media
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisite: COMM 101
Examines the theoretical assumptions of sight, sound, and motion as applied to the design of communication products for different media formats. Within the course, strategies for creative composition are demonstrated. Psychological and physiological implications of images are discussed. (Offered as CM200 Images prior to 1999-2000)
COMM 201 Internet and Multimedia
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisite: BEDU 101/COMM 101/COSC 101/IFMG 101 or prior exposure to word processing and electronic mail
The major focus will be on the evaluation of information and multimedia resources available on electronic networks when doing research in an area of one’s choice. This information literacy course is designed for students to gain a more in-depth understanding of the information resources available electronically and of how to utilize them more effectively in communicating. Students will learn how to access and utilize these resources for two-way communications and support for decision making while incorporating selected elements in multimedia presentations of their own design. (BEDU 201/COMM 201/COSC 201/IFMG 201/LIBR 201 may be used interchangeably for D or F repeats and may not be counted for duplicate credit.)
COMM 205 Media Presentation Skills
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisites: COMM 150, CM majors only
Introduces students to basic presentation skills, emphasizing the use of media to enhance presentations. Students will research, organize, and write presentations, design appropriate media, and deliver presentations in various settings, including to large groups, on camera and in groups with other students.
COMM 230 Issues in International Communication
3c-0l-3sh
A survey of international communications with particular emphasis on communications flow, four-press theories, ownership, structure and access to media, government/media relationships, and the impact of communications on developed and developing countries.
COMM 240 Communications Graphics
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisites: COMM 101 or permission
An introduction to graphic design concepts and related processes and techniques for a variety of forms of presentation media including television, multimedia, and on-line communications for educational, corporate training, and communications specialists. Both two- and three-dimensional design, and basic animation concepts will be explored. Hands-on experiences using a variety of graphic software applications. (Offered as CM440 prior to 1999-2000)
COMM 249 Basic Audio Recording Techniques
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisite: COMM 101 or permission
Theory and practice of recording sound, developing an understanding of the language of sound recording as well as the ability to make sound recordings. Offers exposure to recording for various media including radio, music, motion pictures, television, and multimedia production. Material also appropriate for teachers who wish to make use of tape recorder in the classroom. Students will gain hands-on experience through labs and projects to be completed outside of class. Students will be expected to provide an audio tape recorder. (Offered as CM449 prior to 1999-2000)
COMM 251 Television Production
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisite: COMM 101 or permission
Develops basic skills in television production and direction. Consideration of operating problems of a television studio, as well as functions, limitations, and capabilities of television equipment and facilities. (Offered as CM451 prior to 1999-2000)
COMM 271 Beginning Photography
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisite: COMM 101 or permission
Working with black-and-white materials, the student learns to operate a camera, develop film, make contact prints and enlargements, and mount prints for display. Ancillary topics are introduced such as filtration, print spotting, flash, and the use of accessory lenses. Student is required to have a 35mm camera, preferably a single-lens reflex, with fully manual focusing and exposure capability.
COMM 281 Special Topics
var-1-3sh
Prerequisite: As appropriate to course content
Special topics are offered on an experimental or temporary basis to explore topics that are not included in the established curriculum. A given topic may be offered under any special topic identity no more than three times. Special topics numbered 281 are offered primarily for lower-level undergraduate students.
COMM 301 Technology for Learning and Instruction
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisite: EDSP 202 or permission
Preservice teachers gain competencies in selection, evaluation, and utilization of various instructional technologies. Application of new technologies to teaching and learning will be emphasized, along with performance-based activities in instructional design. A major portion of the course is devoted to the integration of computer-based instructional activities in the school curriculum. Does not count towards semester hours needed for Communications Media major.
COMM 302 Research in Communications Media
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisite: COMM 150, ENGL 101 and ENGL 202 (C or better)
Designed to provide knowledge of the resource materials and research strategies used in the communications media field. Students will design basic data gathering instruments, collect data, and assimilate information from various sources and data into communication products, services, or documents.
COMM 303 Scriptwriting
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisite: COMM 101, ENGL 101 and ENGL 202 (C or better) or permission of instructor
An introduction to the design of media materials and script writing. Style and techniques of writing will be analyzed. Classroom emphasis is on writing, critiques, and revision of designs and scripts. Scripts for audio, multimedia presentations, and motion picture and television productions will be written.
COMM 305 Electronic Media Programming and Sales
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisite: COMM 150
Explores two primary functions of the electronic media: providing programming for audiences and providing economic viability to media outlets by selling commercial time to clients. Students will explore topics such as program development, scheduling, and promotion. Also explores the basic strategies used in the electronic media to sell commercial time and the use of audience and ratings analysis in the processes of programming and sales.
COMM 330 Instructional Design for Training and Development
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisites: COMM 101, 240, ENGL 101 and ENGL 202 (C or better) or permission
Examines the systems approach for the design, development, and evaluation of instructional material. Students will learn about the history of instructional design and development and the current status of the field. Each student will produce a self-instructional prototype that will require the student to systematically and creatively apply the concepts and rules learned in the class. (Previous title: Communications Media in Training and Education)
COMM 335 Communications Consulting and Project Management
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisite: COMM 101
Presents the theoretical views and clinical applications of consulting skills and practices associated with and needed by communication professionals. Presented will be the functions and role of the consultant, the client’s perspective on consulting, hiring a consultant, ethics in consulting, personal assessment tests, and related literature and models.
COMM 340 Advanced Communication Graphics
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisite: COMM 240, permission
Provides in-depth experience in planning and preparing graphic materials commonly used in the communications profession; graphic materials include design, photosketching, lettering, slide titling and duplication, preparation of camera-ready art, lithographic film and master layout sheets, professional slide flat production and photocopy, large-format transparency production, color key, and color systems. (Offered as CM441 prior to 1999-2000)
COMM 345 Television Criticism
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisite: COMM 150 or permission of instructor
The medium of television offers a unique environment for development and delivery of information, entertainment, and news. Explores and analyzes television programming. Includes examination of genres ranging from situation comedy to drama, to mini-series and made-for-TV movies.
COMM 349 Radio Production
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisite: COMM 150 or permission of instructor
An introduction to production techniques as they pertain to radio. The student will be exposed to programming, scripting, producing programs, intros, outros, commercials, public service announcements, station identifications, and promotional announcements. Also deals with the interaction of a radio station with national networks and with the real-life concerns of deadlines. (Offered as CM405 prior to 1999-2000)
COMM 351 Advanced Video Production
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisite: : COMM 251 and COMM 303 or COMM 403
A production course that emphasizes advanced field production techniques. Some of the topics covered will include field lighting, video post-production editing with A-B roll, on-line editing, and nonlinear editing. Students will gain hands-on experience through projects and field trips.
COMM 354 Broadcast Regulation
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisite: COMM 150 or permission of instructor
Delves into the areas of law affecting broadcasters. Topics covered are laws pertaining to cable television, station licensing and renewal, political broadcasting, libel, copyright, the right of reply, and privacy. The historical development of the FCC and its jurisdictions will also be examined. Case studies will be discussed along with the relevancy of some laws as they pertain to today’s society. (Offered as CM454 prior to 1999-2000)
COMM 371 Consulting Practices in Communications
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisites: COMM 271, permission
Students will develop camera and print-making skills to the degree that they can produce salon-quality photographic prints. Students will understand the photographic processes utilized in producing a high-quality negative and print to the extent that they can manipulate those processes to communicate an intended message with their photographs. Emphasis will be on camera and print control as well as composition and negative and print manipulation. (Offered as CM472 prior to 1999-2000)
COMM 375 Mass Media and Behavior
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and junior or senior status
Theory and research on the influence of the mass media on human behavior and attitudes. Topics include the effects of news and political advertising on public opinion; the effects of racist and sexist portrayals; and the effects of violence and pornography on aggressive behavior. (Also offered as PSYC 375; may be taken only once)
COMM 380 The History of African Americans in Film
3c-0l-3sh
Traces the historical development of the roles of African Americans in film and television. Students examine the early stereotypic portrayals of this group, the origins of these stereotypes, and the ongoing changes, positive and negative, that have occurred regarding the media representation through research, film, and archetypal analysis, observation, and discussion. The new generation of African American filmmakers and their creative efforts to promote more realistic portrayals are analyzed.
COMM 390 Practicum in Communications
var-1-3sh
Prerequisites: COMM 101, written permission
An opportunity with credit for students to make contributions to department and campus media-related facilities and offices including WIUP-TV, WIUP-FM, Penn, Public Relations, and Media Resources. Repeatable for a maximum of 6sh.
COMM 395 Career Planning in Communications Media
1c-0l-1sh
Prerequisite: Minimum 20 COMM semester hours
Serves as a primary skill-building and strategy-seeking experience for the internship program and later career entry and growth. Extensive writing, research, and individual counseling are involved. Travel may be necessary.
COMM 403 Broadcast Newswriting
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisites: COMM 101, 240, ENGL 101 and ENGL 202 (C or better) or permission of instructor
Acquaints students with the various styles and script formats used in writing news scripts for radio and television. Includes instruction in writing news stories for radio and television and an introduction to broadcast news production. Students will practice and work to improve writing skills in this area of broadcast writing.
COMM 408 Media Field Studies
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisites: COMM 101, junior standing, and permission of instructor
A hands-on course designed to help the students learn about the production process involving on-location production. Will have three distinct phases: students will
begin with research and pre-production tasks on campus; students may travel to a remote site to collect additional information and images and use those images to
complete a production; and students will be responsible for travel expenses. (Offered as CM 401 prior to 2000-2001)
COMM 440 Multimedia Production
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisites: COMM 240 or permission of the instructor
The student will learn the processes and techniques of planning, designing, and producing used with interactive multimedia. Provides hands-on experiences in the use of graphics, audio, animation, video, and authoring software applications to produce an aesthetically acceptable product that meets specific objectives. Designed to meet the needs of educational media, corporate training, and communications specialists.
COMM 445 Applications and Techniques of Motion Pictures
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisites: COMM 150 or permission of instructor
A survey of the role that motion picture film production plays in society. Major emphasis will be placed on the variety of applications with special consideration given to motion pictures as a tool to support research.
COMM 449 Advanced Audio Recording Techniques
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisites: COMM 249, permission
Sound recording utilizing advanced techniques and concentrating on specific applications. Student participates in an intensive lab experience utilizing the most advanced equipment available. Emphasis will be on application, editing, signal processing, and multi-track recording. Student is expected to produce a sound recording for a specific use of professional quality. (Offered as CM450 prior to 1999-2000)
COMM 451 Broadcast News Process
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisites: COMM 251, COMM 349, permission
Reporting and presenting radio and TV news programs. Analysis of news and public affairs broadcasting. (Offered as CM453 prior to 1999-2000)
COMM 460 Emerging Trends in Communication Technology
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisites: COMM 150
An introduction to the ever-changing world of telecommunication technologies, focusing on modern, computer-driven modes of information exchange. Students will get an opportunity to synthesize several of the technologies covered in the course and integrate them into a workable solution to a practical telecommunication problem. (Previous title: Alternative Systems of Communications)
COMM 470 Management Practices in Electronic Communications
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisites: COMM 150, any COMM Writing Intensive course, and junior or senior standing
Presents the theory and practice of media management. Areas covered will include problem-solving, documenting and reporting, career systems, budgeting, personnel, ownership, unionization, market analysis, and special topics as directly related to communications media industries. Students will conduct case study research related to their career direction.
COMM 471 Electronic Imaging
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisites: COMM 271 or permission
An introduction to the use of electronic still photography (ESP) for the capture, recording, and transfer of still images and the use of computers for the storage, manipulation, and output of color and black and white photography. Extensive training in the use of software packages for image enhancement, restoration, and manipulation will be provided. Students will learn the applications of this technology to the print media and will examine the ethical and legal issues of image manipulation. (Offered as CM479 prior to 1999-2000)
COMM 475 Senior Portfolio Presentation
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisites: Communications Media majors only, 24 COMM credits and COMM 395
Students will compile and present a series of works produced through previous Communications Media courses and activities. The result will be a portfolio suitable for presentation to a potential employer. The portfolio may include examples of student works from a variety of subject areas.
COMM 480 Seminar in Communications Media
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisites: COMM 302, junior or senior standing, other prerequisites as appropriate to course content
A seminar in selected communications issues or problems. Includes the reading and review of the current literature as appropriate to the major topic presented in the seminar. Students will be involved in the research and oral defense of a major research paper.
COMM 481 Special Topics
var-1-3sh
Prerequisite: As appropriate to course content
Special topics courses are offered on an experimental or temporary basis to explore topics that are not included in the established curriculum. A given topic may be offered under any special topic identity no more than three times. Special topics numbered 481 are primarily for upper-level undergraduate students.
COMM 493 Internship
var-6, 9, 12sh
Prerequisites: COMM 395, department approval
Supervised professional summer work experience in communications media. Sites reflect the academic goals of the department and are approved and administered by a department coordinator. Location, duties, length of internship, and hours are individually tailored to student career goals. Sites represent wide application of process and technology of communications in business, education, allied health, or other agencies. Students must complete 40 hours of the internship work experience per semester hour earned. A maximum of 15sh is applicable to an undergraduate degree program from any combination of internship and practicum experience.
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