Communication Studies and Theatre Arts Courses Offered

The following courses are offered within the Communication Studies and Theatre Arts Department:

 

COMM 145: Media Production I (3 credit hours – Fall)

This course is designed as an introduction to multimedia production. The theories and methods are applicable to print, online, broadcast, cable and corporate media. Special emphasis will be placed on the hardware and software used to produce text, photos, graphics, audio and video media.

 

COMM 200: Introduction to Journalism (3 credit hours – Fall)

An introduction to journalistic writing is provided and the course focuses on the process of researching, investigating, writing and editing original news, sports, and feature stories, the ethics of journalism and the role of journalism in society. Prerequisite: ENGL 121 or the consent of the instructor.

 

COMM 208: Mass Media (3 credit hours – Even year Fall)

Communication theory and practice is covered. History of the mass media is included, as well as an analysis of the present situation with the media with particular emphasis on ethical and legal problems. Prerequisite: ENGL 121 or the consent of the instructor.

 

COMM 209: Multimedia Feature Writing (3 credit hours – Spring)

Introduces students to digital AV production with advanced reporting techniques. Prerequisite: COMM200 or by the consent of the instructor.

 

COMM 211: Editing and Publishing (3 credit hours – Even year Spring)

Students learn the art of editing and publishing newspapers, magazines and online publications. Prerequisite: COMM200 or by the consent of the instructor.

 

COMM 230: The Film (3 credit hours – On demand)

This course is an introduction to film as a humane art: its history, its techniques, its aesthetics, its relation to other arts, and its criticism. The class will discuss selected films and certain writings on film. Prerequisite: ENGL 121 or equivalent.

 

COMM 232: Audio and Video Reporting and Anchoring (3 credit hours – Fall)

Students are taught how to write and read scripts for short audio and video productions. An emphasis is placed on styles, skills and techniques currently practiced in Web video news coverage. Practice in articulation, diction and pronunciation, as well as poise and appearance, is featured.

 

COMM 238: Human Communication (3 credit hours – Spring)

An introduction to the range of human communication. The course includes consideration of such topics as language, listening, non-verbal communication, interpersonal communication, interpersonal communication, small group communication, organizational communication, public communication, mass media, and intercultural communication. Required for majors and helpful for students in all disciplines.

 

COMM 240: Public Relations I (3 credit hours – Fall)

This course acquaints students with the theory, role, social responsibilities and potential of public relations in society. It provides the methods, principles and practice in communication skills needed for effective public relations programs for industry, business or education. Prerequisite: ENGL121 or by the consent of the instructor.

 

COMM 247: Publications – News (1-2 credit hours – Fall and Spring)

Guidance and evaluation of special projects in the production of news.

 

COMM 248: Publications – Yearbook (1-2 credit hours – Fall and Spring)

Guidance and evaluation of special projects in the production of yearbooks.

 

COMM 249: Publications – Video (1-2 credit hours – Fall and Spring)

Guidance and evaluation of special projects in the production of electronic media, including television productions and internet broadcasts.

 

COMM 286: Special Topics (Variable credit – On demand)

Designed to accommodate the student in a particular area of communications, special topics allow the professor to create a course, which is suited to the particular interests of the student’s needs. Possible topics may include television directing, set design creations, advanced journalism or public relations, an exploration of Internet broadcasting for radio and web streaming for television, and pop culture topics. This course may be repeated for credit under different subtitles.

 

COMM 290: Independent Study (Variable credit – On demand)

Independent study consists of research, reading, or other scholarly investigation or creative work in the area of television, radio, journalism or public relations. See Independent Study under Alternative Means to Academic Credit for a more detailed description or contact the department faculty.

 

COMM 325: Media Management (3 credit hours – Odd year Spring)

Students learn theories and policies that govern and influence media companies. Prerequisite: ENGL121 or by the consent of the instructor.

 

COMM 340: Public Relations II (3 credit hours – Even year Spring)

This course is a follow-up to the basics taught in Public Relations I. An emphasis is placed on three significant areas to facilitate the knowledge of the future practitioner. An examination of case-study reports and the development of research skills are explored. Writing techniques, which include persuasion, creativity and clarity are practiced and enhanced. Prerequisite: COMM240 or by the consent of the instructor.

 

COMM 370: Media Production II (3 credit hours – Spring)

An extension of the Media Production I course. Media Production II includes the introduction of field production, digital videotape editing and visual graphic elements. Individual, group and term projects are assigned. Some studio work is expected. Prerequisite: COMM145 or by the consent of the instructor.

 

COMM 460: Internship (1-3 credit hours – On demand)

This course offers intensive field experience in the area of television, radio, journalism, public relations and advertising within a community organization. The portion of time a student will spend in his/her internship on a weekly basis is equivalent to the number of credits enrolled. Placement is based on the student’s career orientation. Prerequisite: Department approval and satisfaction of any entry criteria where applicable.

 

COMM 485: Special Topics (Variable credit – On demand)

Designed to accommodate the student in a particular area of communications, special topics allow the professor to create a course, which is suited to the particular interests of the student’s needs. Possible topics may include television directing, set design creations, advanced journalism or public relations, an exploration of Internet broadcasting for radio and web streaming for television, and pop culture topics. This course may be repeated for credit under different subtitles.

 

COMM 490: Independent Study (Variable credit – On demand)

Independent study consists of research, reading, or other scholarly investigation or creative work in the area of television, radio, journalism or public relations. See Independent Study under Alternative Means to Academic Credit for a more detailed description or contact the department faculty.

 

SCTH 100: Introduction to Theatre (3 credit hours – Even year Fall)

Introduction to the practice of theatre and the various curricular and program areas of the department. It includes critical analysis and discussion of the theatre as an art form, including consideration of the functions of the playwright, actor, director, critic, designer, historian, and theatre architect.

 

SCTH 106: Introduction to the Arts (3 credit hours – Fall and Spring)

The course includes the interdisciplinary study of the various arts, including music, painting, theater, film, and others. Its goal is to help students achieve increased understanding, greater appreciation, and critical evaluation of works of art and of aesthetic experience. It is designed for all students, not only majors in the arts.

 

SCTH 110: Techniques of Acting (3 credit hours – Even year Fall)

Acting is the foundation upon which the tradition of the dramatic arts rests. This course involves the training of the body, voice and mind into an acting and dramatic arts-thinking instrument. The training consists of acting exercises, scene analysis, and performances.

 

SCTH 130: Principles of Speech (3 credit hours – Fall and Spring)

This course is designed to develop skill in public speaking. Its emphasis is upon the organization of effective thinking and effective delivery. Guided practice is given in the preparation of informative and persuasive speeches.

 

SCTH 137: Oral Interpretation of Literature (3 credit hours – Even year Spring)

Instruction is given in analysis of prose, poetry and dramatic literature with practice in communicating orally both the intellectual and emotional meanings essential to the interpretation of literature.

 

SCTH 140F: Speech and Drama Activities: Forensics and Debate (1-2 credit hours – Fall and Spring)

Forensics and Debate is the development of Speech events, Debate events, and Interpretation of Prose, Poetry, and Drama into presentations for intercollegiate competition.

 

SCTH 140T: Speech and Drama Activities: Theatre (1-2 credit hours – Fall and Spring)

The Activities course provides credit for activities accomplished outside the formal classes. These activities may include theatre production, acting theatre management, and others in consultation with the advisor.

 

SCTH 205: Arts Management (3 credit hours – Even year Fall)

This course will explore how to manage people and resources to maintain and grow an arts organization. Special emphasis will be placed on theatre management but all of the arts will be explored. Topics will include: selling a subscription season, fundraising, and facilities management.

 

SCTH 215: Technical Theatre (3 credit hours – Odd year Fall)

This course is designed to introduce the student to the practical aspects of technical theatre, including construction of properties and scenery, scenic painting, lighting, sound, costume construction, and the running of a production.

 

SCTH 230: Classical Rhetoric and Criticism (3 credit hours – Odd year Fall)

In this course the student will be introduced to Rhetorical theory, from the Classical Rhetoric of Aristotle and Cicero to 20th century theorist, Toulman and Perelman. Persuasion theory will be presented as a tool to be used in argument constructs and audience analysis.

 

SCTH 286: Special Topics (Variable credit – On demand)

 

SCTH 290: Independent Study (Variable credit – On demand)

Independent Study consists of research, reading, or other scholarly investigation or creative work. See Independent Study under Alternate Means to Academic Credit.

 

SCTH 310: Directing in the Modern Theatre (3 credit hours – Even year Spring)

This is the study of the art, theory, role and craft of modern directing for the educational, community or commercial theatre. Prerequisite: By consent of instructor only.

 

SCTH 325: Theatre History and Literature (3 credit hours – Odd year Fall)

A survey of theatre history through the study of major dramatic works. The plays will be studied from both an historical context and a performance aspect.

 

SCTH 335: Current Practices in Debate and Forensics (3 credit hours – Even year Fall)

This course offers classroom instruction and practical experience in administering a forensics and debate program. The class will offer instruction in the hosting of a variety of tournaments and festivals, coaching debate and forensics, finding and evaluating appropriate materials, and judging a variety of debate forms and individual events.

 

SCTH 343: Principles of Stage Design (3 credit hours – Odd year Spring)

This is an introduction to design elements for the stage including set, light and costume design. If time permits, the course may include discussion about makeup and property design. Prerequisites: SCTH 100, SCTH 140, and by consent of the instructor.

 

SCTH 350: Topics in Speech, Communications, and Theatre (3 credit hours – On demand)

Possible subjects include Debate, Advanced Acting, Puppet Theatre, Scenery Construction and Painting, Directing Period Plays, Voice and Diction, and Stage Lighting. The course may be repeated for credit under different subtitles.

 

SCTH 404: Senior Project (3 credit hours – On demand)

All speech and theatre majors are required to complete a special project. Suggested directing projects include directing a production, writing a play, designing aproduction, performing a one-person show or organizing a major panel discussion, etc.

 

SCTH 460: Internship (1-3 credit hours – On demand)

This course offers an intensive field experience with a community organization. Placement will be based on the student’s career orientation. Prerequisite: Department approval and satisfaction of any entry criteria where applicable. See Internships under Alternate Means to Academic Credit for a more detailed description.

 

SCTH 485: Special Topics (Variable credit – On demand)

 

SCTH 490: Independent Study (Variable credit – On demand)

Independent Study consists of research, reading, or other scholarly investigation or creative work. See Independent Study under Alternate Means to Academic Credit for a more detailed description or contact the departmental faculty.