Catalog descriptions of core course work.
Core
MC 1103 - Introduction to Mass Communication
3 Hours. An introduction to the mass communication field. Includes a study of the radio, newspaper, television, public relations, and advertising fields (every Fall, Spring).
COMM 3043 - Introduction to Communication Theory
3 Hours. Strongly recommended as one of the first courses for majors and minors. The course focuses on strengths and weaknesses of theory, the connection between theory and research methods in communication, and several communication theories from a variety of contexts (e.g., interpersonal communication, group dynamics, and organizational communication). Prerequisite: COMM 1113 or permission of the instructor.
COMM 4543 - Intercultural Communication
3 Hours. Examines socio-cultural forces as they influence human interaction. Included are international cultures and co-cultures within the United States, cultural communication rules, verbal and nonverbal symbol usage, the improvement of communication and the ethics of intercultural communication.
MC 4843 - Research for Communication
3 Hours. Basic quantitative and qualitative research methods used in advertising, journalism, and public relations. Focus on research of audience behavior patterns, media buying and planning, advertising testing techniques, polling and focus group techniques. Prerequisite: M C 1103, M C 2103, and M C 3233 (every Fall, Spring).
Mass Communication Common Courses
MC 2103 - Basic Writing for the Media
3 Hours. Fundamental study and practice in the gathering, writing and evaluating of news (every Fall, Spring).
MC 3113 - Newspaper Production
3 hours. Practical lab for basic techniques in reporting, editing, layout and design, photography, and/or advertising. Six hours of lab as staff on the student newspaper. Prerequisite: M C 1103, M C 2103, and M C 3233 (every Fall, Spring, Summer). Permission of newspaper adviser required.
MC 4133 - Digital Photography
3 Hours. Study and practice in the fundamentals of photojournalism and digital photography. Students will learn how photographs are used by the media to inform, illustrate, and document (every Fall, Spring, Dec./May Intersession).
MC 3233 - Publication/Editing
3 Hours. Study and practice in editing copy, writing headlines and leads, laying out print news sources and producing electronic newscasts (every Fall, Summer).
MC 4333 - Mass Communication Law
3 Hours. Study of legal issues of the mass media; including such topics as defamation, privacy, obscenity, privilege, access, as they apply to the news, advertising/public relations and entertainment industries. Prerequisite: M C 1103, M C 2103, M C 3113, and M C 3233, (every Spring, May Intersession).
MC 4383 - Web Design I
3 Hours. An introductory course designed to acquaint students with techniques and technologies of website design and construction through hands-on training.
Core Subtotal 30 hours
Option - Journalism/Broadcast Option (4450)
MC 3333 - Reporting for the Media
3 Hours. Continuation in the study and practice of the gathering, writing and evaluating of news; emphasizing the role and practice of the field reporter. Prerequisite: M C 2103 (every Fall).
M C 4043 - Broadcast Writing
3 Hours. Study and practice in radio news writing, reporting and editing of scripts. Study and practice in television news writing, reporting, and editing of scripts. Prerequisite: Prerequisites M C 1103, M C 2103, M C 3233 (every Fall, Spring).
MC 4233 - Broadcast Production
3 Hours. Study and practice in radio production and in television videography, editing and production. Prerequisite: Prerequisites M C 1103, M C 2103, M C 4043 (every Fall, Spring).
MC 4833 - Advanced Video Production
3 Hours. Individual work fitted to the special needs of student.
MC 4983 - Media Internship I
3 Hours. Supervised practical experience in a media facility; such as a newspaper, radio or television station, public relations operation or advertising agency. Prerequisite: M C 1103, M C 2113, M C 2103, and M C 3233 (every Fall, Spring, Summer).
Option Subtotal 15 hours
Option - Public Relations (4452)
MC 3133 - Basic Public Relations
3 Hours. Study and practice of the use of public relations in maintaining and fostering positive reactions in newspapers, radio and television stations (every Fall, Spring).
MC 4043 - Broadcast Writing
3 Hours. Study and practice in radio news writing, reporting and editing of scripts. Study and practice in television news writing, reporting, and editing of scripts. Prerequisite: Prerequisites M C 1103, M C 2103, M C 3233 (every Fall, Spring).
MC 4453 - Public Relations Writing
3 Hours. Advanced study and practice in gathering, writing and evaluating of news, with an emphasis on the development of story ideas and primary sources of news information. Prerequisite: M C 3133, M C 1103, M C 2243, M C 3233, and M C 2103 (every Fall).
MC 4553 - Public Relations Campaigns
3 Hours. Integration of theory, research methods, and communication techniques for planning, implementing, and evaluating public relations campaigns, client proposal writing and presentation. Prerequisite: Prerequisites M C 3133, M C 4453 (every Spring).
MC 4983 - Media Internship I
3 Hours. Supervised practical experience in a media facility; such as a newspaper, radio or television station, public relations operation or advertising agency. Prerequisite: M C 1103, M C 2113, M C 2103, and M C 3233 (every Fall, Spring, Summer).Option Subtotal 15 hours
Option - Advertising (4454)
MC 3033 - Basic Advertising
3 Hours. The study of advertising today. Investigate audience definition, research, and planning, to learn about the advertising creative process, to explore the variety of advertising media choices that are available today. Learn the basics of putting the advertising campaign together (Spring only).
MC 4063 - Print Advertising
3 Hours. Study and practice in selling, creating, and producing newspaper and magazine advertising. The course will also focus on yellow page or directory advertising, outdoor advertising, direct mail advertising, and other supplemental types of advertising, including the internet. Prerequisite: M C 3133, M C 1103, M C 2243, and M C 2103 (every Spring).
MC 4073 - Broadcast Advertising and Production
3 Hours. Selling, creating and producing radio and television advertising. Emphasis on local rate cards, national rate estimation, scripting, selling, and producing commercials on electronic media. Prerequisite: M C 1103, M C 2103, M C 2243, M C 3233 and M C 3133 (every Fall).
MC 4093 - Advertising Copywriting/Layout
3 Hours. Study and practice in advertising copywriting and layout for the print and electronic media (every Fall).
MC 4983 - Media Internship I
3 Hours. Supervised practical experience in a media facility; such as a newspaper, radio or television station, public relations operation or advertising agency. Prerequisite: M C 1103, M C 2113, M C 2103, and M C 3233 (every Fall, Spring, Summer).
Option Subtotal 15 hours
Minimum Total 45 hours