Communication, Media and Technology
The Communication, Media and Technology Department prepares students for positions with video, television, radio, internet and other media organizations. With a strong background in communication, technology, computers, writing and message design, students who want to be writers, directors and producers of mass media can get their start in the department of Communication, Media and Technology. The program also offers significant background and experience in understanding the structure of computer-mediated communication and the ways that people communicate through the internet. For those from developing countries, Communication, Media and Technology is especially relevant in preparing students to help organize, plan and provide programming for media such as radio, television, internet and cable.
To complete the Communication, Media and Technology major successfully, the following course work is required:
- 51 credits of Major Requirements
- 37 credits required in the core curriculum
- 32 credits of general electives
Summary of Requirements
Basic Skills and Fundamental Knowledge Area: Select 6 credits
ADMG2021MARKETING MANAGEMENT (MRKT2021)
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
A basic study of marketing systems in the American economy. This course includes, identifying the activities involved in the flow of goods among manufacturers, brokers, wholesalers, retailers and consumers. The nature of demand, buyer behavior, costs and pricing, sales strategies, promotions and techniques are presented. Cross-listed with MRKT2021
ISTC2008INTRO TO CYBERSPACE
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This course introduces the student to the world of the Internet. The course will focus on the effective and efficient use of the Internet to find and evaluate quality resources, communicate and collaborate using appropriate tools, create HTML files, and examine issues such as privacy, security and safety.
MRKT2007ADVERTISING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS(ADMG2007)
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
A comprehensive study of advertising, detailing its relationship to marketing practice. Topics such as advertising preparation, media evaluation, market research, pricing and retailing problems are included. The role of public relations in an organizational communication program is also explained.Cross-listed with ADMG2007
PREREQUISITES:
ADMG2021 or MRKT2021
SOCL1021RACE, CLASS AND GENDER: INTRO TOSOCIOLOGY (SLSO)
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This course is an introduction to the study of society through the critical analysis of social relations, behavior, and organization. It is designed to facilitate students to develop a broad knowledge of how social structures and human behavior influence each other, as well as to identify the issues that arise from such interactions. In order for students to critically analyze contemporary social issues and problems, such discussions will focus along the dimensions of race, class, and gender. No prior knowledge of sociology is expected.
SOCL2070CULTURE AND HUMAN SOCIETIES
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
Sociological study of what we mean by culture is taken and critically applied to the discussion of global-historical transformations in human social development, from the period of simple societies to the present age of complex, industrial, and globalized societies.
Capstone Requirements: 6 credits
CMET4050SENIOR CAPSTONE
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
As a part of each Communication, Media, and Technology student's program, they are required to design and complete a focus project in the specific area of their choice. Similar to a Senior Thesis, the focus project should be a capstone for study in Communication, Media, and Technology and bring multiple elements together into a substantial research and/or production project. Individual project design requires faculty approval. Successful evaluation includes the participation of a local professional in the student's chosen area.
CMET4051INTERNSHIP I - COMMUNICATION AND MEDIA TECHNOLOGY
Credits (Min/Max): 1/6
A practical work experience in a field setting which deals with communication. The student is given the opportunity to integrate his/her theoretical and practical knowledge under the supervision of professionals in the field of communication. This internship must be taken in the student's track specialization.
PREREQUISITES:
Junior or senior status
Communicating Effectively: Select 9 credits
ENGL2040CREATIVE WRITING
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
A course designed to stimulate writing in prose and poetry, with emphasis on readings and exercises in craft.
ENGL3034WRITING FOR ADVERTISING
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This course is designed to teach students how to write advertising copy that targets various audiences and employs multiple venues: print, radio, TV, and the internet.
PREREQUISITES:
ENGL1012(H)
ENGL3042WRITING FOR NON-PROFITS
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This course is designed to teach the basic principles of public relations and grant writing for non-profit organizations, combining both theory and practice.
PREREQUISITES:
ENGL1012(H)
FILM1025FILM AND VISUAL STORYTELLING
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
The course provides a basic introduction to the world of film, including a brief history and the technology and tools that have made film possible. The course though is focused primarily on film as the arrangement of images into something we call a story. Together we examine the process of telling stories with moving images - that is how to craft a story in relation to composition, color, sound, and editing. We explore two main film genres, narrative and documentary, and discuss how storytelling is fundamental to them. For narrative film we examine dramatic storytelling aspects such as mise-en-scène, concept, character, theme, plot, and dialog. In documentary film we explore how filmmakers can incorporate strong, often character-driven stories that also have a beginning, middle and end. We look at how they can raise issues with much at stake, offer rising tensions, and still utilize a narrative arc that keeps viewers actively engaged. We look also at experimental/avant-garde films, that is non-narrative forms of filmmaking, which focus on movement, rhythm, and composition, because ideas and techniques from this genre have and continue to influence story-based filmmaking.
SPCH1001MODERN PUBLIC SPEAKING
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
Intended to develop an understanding of and facility in the preparation, organization, delivery and criticism of speeches.
SPCH1022CREATIVE DRAMATICS (SLAE1010)
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
A course in improvisational drama with emphasis on educational and motivational skills, games and the performing arts. Workshop participation is expected.
SPCH2002CONTEMP COMM THROUGH DISCUSSION
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
Intended to acquaint the student with basic concepts essential for effective communication in small groups, to increase the student's ability to examine and evaluate small group interactions and to develop communication skills through participation in small group discussions.
Communication, Media and Technology Electives: Select 9 credits
CMET2001COMMUNICATION IN ORGANIZATIONS
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This course provides an overview of the interaction of structure, culture, technology, and communication in organizations. Classes will focus on case studies of the structures and culture of new technology organizations and the dynamic encountered when new technology meets old economy culture. Within this course the student will also practice specific communication skills such as preparation for job interviews, performance appraisals, professional presentations, and negotiation.
CMET3005MESSAGE DESIGN AND MEDIA
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This course is a broad examination of mass media as message design with an emphasis on understanding the visual, aural and contextual aspects of a variety of communications media such as: film, video, print media, outdoor advertising and web pages. Elements of control in message design, as well as conceptual frameworks in popular culture, will he addressed from still and moving images, to sound, color, texture and text. Message Design will prepare students entering fields of media production to under-stand the inherent meaning of every element of mass media construction.
CMET3009SOCIAL MEDIA RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
The goal of this class is to help students understand the significance and meaning of social media to society and culture on both a large scale and on an individual basis. The class will include reading and conducting research on the effectiveness and effects of social media on individuals and on the larger scale of politics, business, education, society and culture. Research methods like surveys and focus groups as well as participant/observation will be used to help students gather data to answer specific questions about the short term and long term effects of social media.The origins, structures and business models of the major social media platforms will be examined along with some of the fringe apps which provide similar services but to smaller, niche audiences. The future of social media, including possible regulations, the changing marketplace, extensive use of artificial intelligence and virtual reality will also be considered.
CMET3040SPECIAL TOPICS IN COMMUNICATION,MEDIA AND TECHNOLOGY:
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
SP18: Intro to Game Studies - This course offers students an opportunity to explore games from an academic perspective. Students will learn about play and games, from their early roots in history to the multimillion dollar video game and board game industries of today. Through a comprehensive selection of readings from leading game scholars, students will learn how games deliver meaning through narrative and mechanics, explore issues of violence and gender, and understand the streaming and eSports communities growing in the United States and beyond.
PREREQUISITES:
ENGL1012 or ENGL1012H
CMET3043POLITICAL COMMUNICATION AND ELECTIONS
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
The class will bridge concepts form multiple majors in relation to the upcoming election by focusing on how politicians, special interest groups/organizations, and citizens use communication to influence public policies and the election through debate, advertising, speeches, social networking and other forms of communication. In analyzing the many forms of political communication, students will learn how to become more critical consumers and users of political communication. The course is an elective open to juniors and seniors.
CMET4005GAMIFICATION
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This course will provide the student with a deep understanding of how a wide variety of games are produced by collaborative teams for purposes as varied as entertainment, training, marketing, sales, business and education. Students will be exposed to game logic, games for learning and training, and gamification concepts for a range of activities. Individual and group projects, research, surveys and simulations will all be major parts of the class learning activities. The social, cultural and economic implications and roles of games today and in the future will be examined.
PREREQUISITES:
CMET3007 or INQU3007
INQU3007GAME STUDIES
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
The course is an introduction to the significance of games through human history and their evolving role in the digital age. The course will include examining how games are made, logical progressions of play, how games can teach as well as create narrative structures similar to film, television and literature.
Required Coursework: 21 credits
CMET1001HUMAN COMMUNICATION (SLSO)
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
In this course the student examines human, verbal, non-verbal and visual communication. Through an interactive classroom the student will combine the theory and definitions of the text with their experience to clarify and understand the concepts that make up human communication. In the classroom, writing, making presentations, working in groups, solving problems and applying creativity to the concepts of communication will be some of the ways the students learn and reinforce the subject matter. Written papers, research and computer-mediated-communication further reinforce the concepts of the course and serve as a means of evaluation of the student's understanding and absorption of the material.
CMET1002MASS MEDIA AND DIGITAL COMMUNICATION
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
The subject matter of this course is the history and development of mass communication. The course will include examining the origin, economics, technology, mode of communication, communication effectiveness, social role and future of a variety of communication media including: newspapers, magazines, books, radio, television, film and computer-mediated-communication.
PREREQUISITES:
CMET1001 or SLSO1008
CMET2003COMMUNICATION BETWEEN CULTURES
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This course begins with a focus study on communication factors which affect any cross-cultural interpersonal interaction. The students then survey specific differences between U.S. cultural customs and other of countries. Finally, the role of the media in intercultural relations is discussed.
CMET2005COMMUNICATION THEORY, RESEARCH AND CRITICISM
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This course is an introduction to the application of theory and research to mass communication including Internet communication. In addition, the course provides a starting point for students in understanding and creating a critical perspective on mass communication through the lens of specific theoretical perspectives.
PREREQUISITES:
CMET1001 or SLSO1008
CMET3002NEW MEDIA AND DIGITAL COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This course deals with the evolution of technology and the use of communications technology for business, entertainment and information. Through readings, discussion, group work and hands-on experience the class examines the social, cultural and economic aspects of communication technology.
CMET4001LEGAL ISSUES OF MEDIA AND DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This course will examine the of laws and rules affecting various types of mass communication industries in the United States, i.e., broadcasting, cable communication, the Internet, advertising and journalism. The roles of the public, political leaders, research groups, the Federal Communication Commission (FCC), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the First Amendment and the Supreme Court will be examined.
CMET4002BROADCASTING, CABLE AND NEW MEDIA
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This course overviews the television, radio and cable television industries and the economic, regulatory, technological and legal forces on them. The course also deals with aspects of production in television, radio and cable programming such as newscasts, interviews, advertising, entertainment and public service programming.