COM 100 Mass Media and Society
Credits: 2.00
In this, course students explore the impact of Mass Media on how we view, interpret, and evaluate our world. Students gain a basic understanding of the aesthetic, cultural, economic, and political forces that guide the creation and distribution of content via mass media. The course provides students with a clear understanding of the activities, roles, and issues related to mass media in today's society. Students explore how those issues have changed and will work to recognize and articulate the impact mass media have on diverse audiences. Prerequisite: Students must have successfully completed or test out of ENG 011, ESL 011, REA 017, REA 018 Co-requisite: COM 160.
COM 101 Survey of Mass Media Industries in U.S.
Credits: 2.00
This course surveys the history and evolution of mass media in the Untied States. Students achieve a basic understanding of mass media industries and trends. They examine the technology and history of print, motion pictures, recording industries, radio, television, multimedia, the Internet and emerging digital media, and use reasoning and analysis to understand the future of mass media. Prerequisite: COM 100 Co-requisites: COM 161, ENG 101.
COM 103 Introduction to Video Equipment
Credits: 2.00
Students are introduced to the theory and operation of analog and digital cameras, elementary lighting and basic audio equipment, common professional video production, and filmmaking. After instructors explain the theory of production equipment, students complete assignments in basic equipment operation. The fundamentals of visual storytelling are emphasized. Prerequisite: COM 100 Co-requisite: COM 163.
COM 104 Introduction to Audio Equipment
Credits: 2.00
This course introduces the theory and operation of audio equipment for video production, filmmaking, animation, music, and radio. Students are introduced to sound theory and the basics of recording and editing and then complete assignments in basic equipment operation. Emphasis is placed on the fundamental of audio production and storytelling with sound. Prerequisite: COM 100 Co-requisite: COM 164.
COM 105 Introduction to Acting
Credits: 3.00
A basic introduction to the theory and practice of acting both for the stage and the camera. Emphasis will be placed on the individual development of acting skills by participating in rehearsal and performance projects. Lectures, demonstrations, studio work.
COM 106 Introduction to Acting II
Credits: 3.00
A continuation of Introduction to Acting I.
COM 114 Survey of Performing Arts
Credits: 3.00
This course traces the origins and traditions of performing from the beginning of recorded performance through today's theatre and performance art, dealing with conventions, styles, and interaction with society through these periods.
COM 120 Introduction to Scriptwriting
Credits: 2.00
In this introductory survey course, students analyze different forms and techniques used in narrative scriptwriting for film, television and radio. Emphasis is placed on the pitch, treatment, and appropriate format. Demographic information, media writing, techniques of dialogue, along with the structure of the narrative are stressed. Prerequisite: COM 100 Co-requisites: COM 121, ENG 102 (Concurrent registration or previously completed).
COM 121 Introductory Scriptwriting Workshop
Credits: 1.00
In this workshop, students apply the basics of scriptwriting introduced in COM 120 to original and adapted material. Students are encouraged to develop a personal style by researching, writing, and editing character bibles and sketches, treatments, scenarios, pitches, log lines, tags, demographic statements and script scenes. Students write scripts to form for television, film, and radio that are also used in advertising, public relations, gaming, animation, and narrative drama. Prerequisite: COM 160 Co-requisites: COM 120, ENG 102 (Concurrent registration or previously completed).
COM 123 Introduction Writing for Broadcast News
Credits: 2.00
This course teaches students to organize, research, and write coherent news stories for broadcast. It explores theory and practice to give students a foundation in the principles and practice of broadcast news reporting and writing. Students analyze written formats and styles used in radio and television newsrooms, write broadcast news copy, and are introduced to professional information-gathering and interviewing techniques. Prerequisite: COM 100 Co-requisites: COM 124, ENG 102 (Concurrent registration or previously completed).
COM 124 Broadcast News Writing Workshop
Credits: 1.00
In this workshop, students apply the basics of broadcast news writing learned in COM 123. They research, write, and report television and radio news stories. Students write voiceovers and anchor readers, and field packages. They learn to conduct interviews, chose sound bites, and write broadcast copy using a variety of professional news styles. Prerequisite: COM 160 Co-requisites: COM 123, ENG 102 (Concurrent registration or previously completed).
COM 153 Campus Radio Workshop
Credits: 1.00
Campus Radio Workshop focuses on creating and producing original content for radio. As part of this course, students conceive, create, produce and distribute production about the College and College life for the college radio station, and other community-based media outlets. The students participate in workshops where they are introduced to radio procedures and operations and work on sound packages including narrative, interview, music, news, and drama. They obtain hands-on industry experience and work to become key members of the student-operated college radio station. Prerequisite: COM 160.
COM 159 Recording Industry Workshop
Credits: 1.00
Recording Industry Workshop focuses on production for a student operated recording label and recording studio. As part of this course students conceive, create, produce, and distribute production to the campus community, the college radio, and other community-based media outlets. They participate in task-oriented workshops where they are introduced to the procedures, methods, and operation of a recording studio and label. They obtain hands-on industry experience in production, marketing, promotion, distribution, public relations, product design, and new media Prerequisite: COM 160.
COM 160 Media Literacy Workshop
Credits: 1.00
Students are introduced to the basic building blocks of storytelling and journalism. They gain a foundation level understanding of mass media by writing, producing and distributing aural and visual packages for digital media that help them better understand and interpret messages in today's media saturated world. Projects developed are distributed over class, school and student-based digital media. Prerequisites: Students must have successfully completed or tested out of ENG 011, ESL 011, REA 017, REA 018 Co-requisite: COM 100.
COM 161 Media Industries Workshop
Credits: 1.00
Building on skills and insights obtained in COM 100 and COM 160, students explore how mass media issues such as press censorship, copyright infringement, privacy rights and fair trial, libel and defamation, digital manipulation and other contemporary problems impact mass media industries. To better understand and critically evaluate the implications of these issues on media industries, students use observational and writing skills and develop and distribute their media-based stories about these concerns. Projects developed are distributed over class, school and student-based media. Prerequisite: COM 160 Co-requisite: COM 101.
COM 163 Visual Storytelling Workshop
Credits: 1.00
Through demonstrations and hands-on experience, students apply the basics of lighting, exposure, composition, sequencing, and non-linear editing techniques used by professionals in visual narrative storytelling. The students develop ideas learned in COM 160 and 161 and apply the skills taught in COM 103 to capture quality images and sound using digital video equipment. Using these skills, they learn to tell stories using video and sound. Projects developed are distributed over student and other community-based media. Prerequisite: COM 160 Co-requisite: COM 103.
COM 164 Aural Experience Workshop
Credits: 1.00
Students experience the interactive world of sound by implementing sound theory and production techniques on state-of-the-art digital sound production equipment. In addition to production, emphasis is placed on aesthetic analysis of audio through a series of critical listening assignments and workshops where voice, sound effects, and music are combined to create theater of the mind. Prerequisite: COM 160 Co-requisite: COM 104.
COM 166 Introduction to Electronic Journalism
Credits: 2.00
This course introduces the basic building blocks of electronic journalism. It builds on basic broadcast writing skills and explains how professionals in mass media tell stories using digital technology. Students explore the reporter's roles and the technology involved in news reporting. They learn how to find stories, edit words, and produce both the pictures and sound as they prepare for electronic distribution to a diverse audience. Students gain a clear understanding of the principles and professional practices of television news production and learn to critically evaluate the ethics and controversies in unbiased storytelling. Prerequisite: COM 101 and either COM 120 or COM 123, and COM 103 or COM 104. Co-requisite: COM 167.
COM 167 Introduction to Electronic Journalism Workshop
Credits: 1.00
In this course students apply the skills obtained in COM 166. Students develop stories, edit words, and produce both the pictures and sound as they prepare their stories and news packages for electronic distribution to a diverse audience over college, student and community-based media. Prerequisite: COM 161 and COM 121 or COM 123, and COM 163 or COM 164 Co-requisite: COM 166.
COM 199 Independent Study/Speech Communication
Credits: 1.00
Independent Study in Communications is designed to meet the special educational needs or interests of individual students. The study to be undertaken is first agreed upon by the student and his instructor and then presented to a committee of the Communications faculty for approval.
COM 200 Ethic, Responsibility, Mass Media and the Law
Credits: 3.00
Students examine and analyze mass media through case studies and commentaries that focus on a wide spectrum of historical and contemporary legal and ethical issues faced by media practitioners in broadcasting, advertising, public relations, publishing, and filmmaking. The course builds on information learned in COM 101 to provide a foundation for the theoretical principles of media ethics and the legal issues surrounding mass media, journalism, and content distribution. Prerequisite: COM 101 Co-requisite: ENG 102.
COM 201 Theater Production Workshop I
Credits: 3.00
A studio class in which students learn the components of theatre production by participating in producing, staging and mounting a full-length stage production. The course culminates in the evaluation of the production processes' strengths and weaknesses and the performances of those who participated in it.
COM 202 Theater Production Workshop II
Credits: 3.00
A continuation in the participation of producing, staging and mounting a full-length stage production. Students are expected to take greater responsibility and positions of leadership in this endeavor. Evaluation of the processes strengths and weaknesses and one's performance in it will be evaluated and self-evaluated. Recommendations for future success are encouraged.
COM 203 Technical Theater I
Credits: 3.00
A lecture/studio class in which the students learn "hands-on" the basics of design, production and running of sets, lighting, sound, costuming, properties and make-up.
COM 204 Technical Theater II
Credits: 3.00
A lecture/studio class in which students continue and practice the skills they learned in Technical Theater I. The hands-on practice of design, production and running of sets, lighting, sound, costuming, properties and make-up will be in positions of greater responsibility.
COM 208 Introduction to Media Operations
Credits: 2.00
Students learn about the organizational skills, financial practices, and business operations of mass media facilities. Students analyze the impact of new technologies, research issues, problems and solutions, develop case statements, and prepare plans and strategies for operating and programming media business. Prerequisite: COM 101 Co-requisite: COM 209.
COM 209 Media Operations Workshop
Credits: 1.00
Students apply what they learn in COM 208 to operate, manage, direct, and motivate a workforce of students and volunteers at co-curricular media and theater clubs: CAPG, the college radio, and the Drama Club. They organize staff, develop programming schedules, market and operate campus-based media facilities. They prepare business presentations, operational budgets, and strategies crucial for the success of student media operations. Prerequisite: COM 161 Co-requisite: COM 208.
COM 210 History of Film
Credits: 3.00
This course introduces students to the history, ideas, and vocabulary of modern cinema. Students learn about the various cinematic styles, genres, and techniques used in filmmaking as an art form. Students view, analyze, and comment on classic and contemporary films by domestic and foreign directors, including the works of Griffith, Hitchcock, Chaplin, Bergman, Ford, Capra, and Welles. The goal of this course is to teach students how to think and write about cinema from a historical, cultural, and aesthetic perspective. Prerequisite: COM 101 Co-requisite: ENG 102 (Concurrent registration or previously completed).
COM 211 History of Film II
Credits: 3.00
This course will teach students how to research, analyze and comment on contemporary cinema. Students examine significant aesthetic developments in narrative, documentary, and experimental film history since WWII to gain a better understanding of the artistic, social, economic, and technological developments that helped create specific film movements inside and outside of the Hollywood studio system. The course focuses on individual films and filmmakers of the period. Prerequisite: COM 101 Co-requisites: ENG 102 (Concurrent registration or previously completed) COM 210 or COM 230 (Successful completion suggested).
COM 213 Rock and Roll, Radio, and the Recording Industry
Credits: 3.00
A survey of the history and evolution of Rock and Roll in America and its impact on radio, the recording industry, television, and society. Topics range from Rock and Roll's relationship to the birth of AM and FM radio to its influence on current and emerging technologies. Emphasis is placed on understanding Rock and Roll's impact on modern society. Prerequisite: COM 101 Co-requisite: ENG 102.
COM 214 Radio Around the World
Credits: 3.00
This course surveys the history and evolution of radio in America and around the world and its impact on society and culture. Topics range from the roots of AM and FM to Internet, Satellite, and emerging technologies that affect radio. Emphasis is placed on the history of programming styles, marketing, music, news promotion, and job development in the radio history. Prerequisite: COM 101 Co-requisite: ENG 102.
COM 216 History of Television
Credits: 3.00
This course surveys the historical, social, economic, and aesthetic implications of television in American life sine WWII. Students learn about the people, personalities, technology, and business decisions responsible for the development of television as an industry. Students explore the development of television and the global impact of the medium, and they learn how American life shapes both the content and development of the television industry. Prerequisite: COM 101 Co-requisite: ENG 102.
COM 217 History of New Media
Credits: 3.00
Students study the history of New Media and how computers and emerging technologies have influenced, shaped and changed our culture and society. During their course of study, students interact with various forms of new media and investigate the theories that helped create current digital communications. Prerequisite: COM 101 Co-requisite: ENG 102.
COM 220 Scriptwriting
Credits: 2.00
This class builds on scriptwriting skills introduced in COM 120. Students analyze film and television, scripts, styles and genres, and develop their understanding of audience as they work to find a writing voice. Students develop an increased ability to present their ideas as they learn about varying methods and techniques of scriptwriting. They explore copyright, registration, employment, and guild issues and are introduced to the business of scriptwriting. Prerequisites: COM 101 and COM 120 Co-requisite: COM 221.
COM 221 Scriptwriting Workshop
Credits: 1.00
Students apply the information they learn in COM 220 while they work to complete a treatment, character bible, and script. During this workshop students read their work and listen to comments and analyzes from their past faculty. Prerequisites: COM 161 and 121 Co-requisite: COM 220.
COM 223 Electronic Journalism Production
Credits: 2.00
Students build on previous production experience to develop more involved techniques of electronic reporting while planning and producing a news or documentary project in a professional atmosphere. Students perform increasingly complex pre-production, production, and post-production techniques while working on individual and team projects. They work to enhance their storytelling knowledge and skills while meeting professional news standards and deadlines. Prerequisite: COM 166 Co-requisite: COM 224.
COM 224 Electronic Jounal Production Workshop
Credits: 1.00
In this advanced class, students work in production teams using professional audio and video equipment to develop news and documentary programs. The programs produced are faculty and peer reviewed and presented as news-based production ready for distribution over student, college, and community-based media. Prerequisite: COM 167 Co-requisite: COM 223.
COM 230 The Movies: Meanings and Methods
Credits: 3.00
The popular arts of "the movies" and television are carefully prepared constructions of sights and sounds. This course is about learning to get more meaning from them. Watching "movies" and television is the chief way our society comes to recognize itself. This course is about what is meant in the moving visual arts and how that meaning is stated. Basic concepts and techniques in constructing and interrelating visual and aural images will be discussed in light of the historical development of film and video technology and techniques.
COM 235 Current Issues in Mass Media
Credits: 3.00
In this survey course, students analyze current issues in mass media by examining existing communications technologies, programming, and business models. They explore current issues related to cable TV, emerging technologies, interactive and satellite technologies, the Internet, fiber-optics, digital audio and video, HDTV, and nanotechnology. Students research topics of interest, analyze personal and business uses of emerging technologies, and examine their implications for the audience, users, producers and distributors. Prerequisite: COM 101 Co-requisite: ENG 102.
COM 248 Directing Actors
Credits: 3.00
This course is designed to teach future directors the method, vocabulary, and decorum for working on stage, television, and film. Students become beginning directors who are introduced to the conventions and methods of acting and learn how to analyze text, define a vision, and communicate with actors. The course consists of readings, discussion, exercises, and in-class rehearsals. As part of the course, students are required to direct actors in a series of projects presented in class. Prerequisite: COM 114 and either COM 105 or COM 120 or COM 270.
COM 250 Introduction to Audio Production
Credits: 2.00
This course introduces students to the theory and practice of audio production. Students are introduced to audio production techniques including multi-track recording, missing, editing, equalization, and signal processing. Emphasis is placed on the procedures and processes of preparing for and carrying out a basic audio production. Students act as the sound engineer, producer, director, and other audio production roles. Prerequisite: COM 104 Co-requisite: COM 251.
COM 251 Sound Design Workshop
Credits: 1.00
Sound Design Workshop focuses on the art of creating and inventing original sounds for video production, filmmaking, animation, music, and radio. Emphasis is placed on audio postproduction as the student practices being a sound editor and sound designer. Students work to expand their aesthetic understanding, analyze audio through production, and participate in a series of critical listening assignments and workshops. Prerequisites: COM 161 and COM 152 Co-requisite: COM 250.
COM 253 Campus Radio Workshop II
Credits: 1.00
In this Workshop, students must take leadership roles in creating and producing original content for radio. They help to operate the station and to create sound packages for distribution, including narrative, interview, music, news, and drama. As a result, they obtain an in-depth, hands-on industry experience and take an increasingly active role in operating the student-run radio station. Prerequisite: COM 153 Co-requisite: COM 251 or COM 209.
COM 256 Audio Production
Credits: 2.00
This course explores the theory and practice of audio production. Emphasis is placed on the technical application of multi-track recording, missing, editing, signal processing, equalization, DSP, and MIDI sequencing. Students oversee and participate in production from the early stages of conception, through the process of distribution. Prerequisite: COM 250 Co-requisite: COM 257.
COM 257 Digital Sound Production Workshop
Credits: 1.00
Digital Sound Production focuses on audio postproduction for state-of-the-art digital audio workstations. Students explore techniques for real-time and processed audio plug-ins including reverb, delay, sampling, automation, MIDI sequencing, and virtual instruments. Students expand their aesthetic analysis of audio through a series of critical listening assignments and workshops. Prerequisite: COM 251 Co-requisite: COM 256.
COM 259 Recording Industry Workshop II
Credits: 1.00
Recording Industry Workshop II builds on the experience, knowledge, and skills gained in COM 159. In this Workshop, students are required to take leadership roles in creating and producing in a recording studio environment. They participate in the operation of the recording studio and take the lead in creating final products for distribution to the campus community. As a result, they obtain a more in-depth, hands-on industry experience, take an increasingly active role in the operation of the student-run recording studio, and label. Prerequisite: COM 159 Co-requisite: COM 251 or COM 209.
COM 260 New Media Production
Credits: 2.00
This course is an introduction to the theory and practice of New Media production. Students are introduced to new media production techniques for audio, video, broadband (internet), and distribution of content over emerging technologies. Students will examine examples from current programs, technologist and interactive journalists. Emphasis is placed on the procedure and processes of preparing for and carrying out a new media production. Prerequisite: COM 101 and either COM 103 or 104 and either COM 120 or COM 123 Co-requisite: COM 261.
COM 266 Introduction to Civic Journalism
Credits: 2.00
Using professional production equipment, students learn journalistic skills by researching, writing, editing, and producing short documentary-style news reports that examine local issues facing Montgomery County communities. They broaden creative styles and techniques for producing documentary style reports while meeting professional news standards and deadlines. Completed projects are distributed over student, College and community based media. Prerequisite: COM 166 Co-requisite: COM 267.
COM 267 Civic Jounalism Workshop
Credits: 1.00
In this, workshop students develop production skills and practice the basics of Civic Journalism. They produce short-form news documentaries that are researched and developed in the co-requisite COM 266. Using professional digital production equipment, students submit proposals, review rough 150cuts for approval, and edit their final stories for distribution via mass media to a diverse audience. Prerequisite: COM 167 Co-requisite: COM 266.
COM 270 Introduction to Video Production
Credits: 2.00
This course introduces the student to basic video and film production. Emphasis is placed on the procedures and processes of preparing for and carrying out a basic narrative shoot. Students act as producers-directors. They pitch stories, write treatments and scripts, learn pre-production techniques, discuss the role of the director and producer, produce a one-minute, three-minute, and five-minute story, and submit production books for review. Prerequisite: COM 103 Co-requisite: COM 271.
COM 271 Video Production Workshop
Credits: 1.00
Students produced three basic film video projects in documentary, news, and/or dramatic/comedic style developed in COM 270. They are responsible for creating their projects from inception to completion and for producing them individually and as a group using professional production procedures. All projects are developed for an audience. They are faculty and peer reviewed, evaluated, and presented as productions ready for distribution over various student, College, and community-based media. Prerequisites: COM 161 and COM 163 Co-requisite: COM 270.
COM 276 Video Production
Credits: 2.00
Students learn about video theory, aesthetics, and techniques while gaining hands-on experience. They explore and analyze the theory and practice of video as an art form, entertainment medium, and a creative communication tool. Students learn about idea and structure as they relate to story development. Students learn about advanced camera and editing techniques, compositing software, and streaming video for the Web as they prepare projects for production.
COM 277 Narrative Workshop
Credits: 1.00
In this workshop, students develop dramatic and documentary production skills and techniques by means of hands-on practicum and assignments. They explore and analyze emerging trends and learn to use advanced camera features and increase their understanding of more advanced lighting, and editing techniques. Students refine their story ideas and structure as they discuss story development and narrative style. Students learn about compositing, audio sweetening, and motion software and prepare single-camera narrative projects for production and distributing to a diverse audience over student, College and community-based media. Prerequisite: COM 271 Co-requisite: COM 276.
COM 280 Techniques of Digital Editing
Credits: 2.00
Students develop a critical understanding of the processes, aesthetics and technical theory involved in non-linear editing for narrative filmmaking and news production. Students examine diverse editing styles and ideas through reading and close analysis of a variety of TV and film examples. Students analyze techniques and emerging technologies used in dramatic and documentary storytelling. Prerequisites: COM 101 and COM 103 Co-requisite: COM 281.
COM 281 Digital Editing Workshop
Credits: 1.00
Students work to increase their ability and effectiveness as digital non-linear editors. They learn new skills and editing techniques by working as the assigned editor on their individual student and College-based projects. Through class discussion, lectures, demonstrations and group and individual critiques, students develop a more complete understanding of editing workflow, sound design, screen direction, continuity, pacing, and how to construct the dramatic structure used in visual storytelling. Prerequisites: COM 161 and COM 163 Co-requisite: COM 280.
COM 283 Live Video Production
Credits: 2.00
Students explore the creative process and aesthetics for producing specialized work in multi-camera live studio programming. Emphasis is placed on designing, producing, directing, lighting, scheduling, and budgeting for live programs, including serial dramas and comedy, talk shows, sporting events, political debates, public-affairs, and news programs. Students analyze and critique current live television productions, apply theory, identify and discuss aesthetics, and determine trends. Prerequisites: COM 101, COM 103, AND EITHER COM 120 OR COM 123 Co-requisite: COM 284.
COM 284 Live Video Production Workshop
Credits: 1.00
In this workshop, students learn about the principles of producing live television programming. Emphasis is placed on the process and aesthetics of directing live telecasts, including serial dramas and comedy, talk shows, sporting events, and political debates. Students learn basic live directing techniques, production design, and time management skills. Students produce their own creative projects individually and as part of a group. Prerequisites: COM 161 and COM 163 and either COM 121 or COM 124 Co-requisite: COM 283.
COM 290 Communication Capstone
Credits: 1.00
Communication Capstone is where students develop, produce and edit a major media-based project in this studio/lab workshop. Emphasis is placed on developing advanced skills in scripting, planning, organizing and executing media projects from inception to completion. In this workshop students work collaboratively, discuss, conceive, create and produce a work that displays the culmination of their knowledge, experience and production skills. Students work as producers and directors as the leader of their production crew. As part of this course, students organize and finish a complete portfolio of all their work that includes a resume, reel, personal statement and cover letter. Prerequisites: COM 251 or COM 261 or COM 271 or COM 281.
COM 299 Indep. Study in Communications
Credits: 3.00
Independent Study in Communications is designed to meet the special educational needs or interests of individual students. The study to be undertaken is first agreed upon by the student and his instructor and then presented to a committee of the Communications faculty for approval.
