Communication, Media, Journalism and Film Courses

Communication (COM) courses

  • COM 621 Communication, Mediation, and Negotiation

    Explores the communicative foundation for understanding the processes of mediation and negotiation as methods for resolving conflict, with an emphasis on interpersonal and organizational conflict. The course covers theories and concepts pertaining to mediation and negotiation, particularly alternative dispute resolution, and provides students the opportunity to apply concepts through a variety of experiential activities. May be taught concurrently with COM 521. Cannot receive credit for both COM 521 and COM 621.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Spring
  • COM 631 Teaching Debate

    This course prepares the student to teach various forms of debate in a high school setting. It will explore all major forms of high school debate, including CX Policy Debate, L/D Debate, parliamentary, and Public Forum debate. May be taught concurrently with COM 532. Cannot receive credit for both COM 532 and COM 631.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Fall
  • COM 633 Teaching Individual Events

    This course prepares the student to teach various individual events common in a high school setting. It will explore all major high school individual events, including Foreign and Domestic Extemporaneous Speaking, Original Oratory, Poetry, Prose, Dramatic Interpretation, Humorous Interpretation, Radio Speaking, Storytelling, and Student Congress. May be taught concurrently with COM 534. Cannot receive credit for both COM 534 and COM 633.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Spring
  • COM 635 Directing Forensics

    Problems in coaching and conducting forensic contests. May be taught concurrently with COM 536. Cannot receive credit for both COM 536 and COM 635.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    212Upon demand
  • COM 698 Studies in Communication Theory and Practice

    In-depth examination of a specific communication topic. May vary from semester to semester. Variable content course. May be repeated to a maximum of 12 hours with permission of the department. May be taught concurrently with COM 597. Cannot receive credit for both COM 597 and COM 698.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Upon demand
  • COM 700 Service Learning in Communication Graduate Study

    Prerequisite: permission of instructor and concurrent enrollment in a communication, media, or journalism course designated as a service-learning offering.

    This service component for an existing course incorporates community service with classroom instruction in communications to provide an integrative learning experience that addresses the practice of citizenship and promotes an awareness of and participation in public affairs. Includes 40 hours of service that benefits an external community organization, agency, or public service provider. Approved service placements and assignments will vary depending on the course topic and learning objectives; a list of approved placements and assignments is available from the instructor and the Citizenship and Service-Learning Office.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    1Fall, Spring
  • COM 701 Introduction to Graduate Studies

    Introduction to graduate study in communication. Topics include an overview of the field, introduction to relevant journals, library skills, professional associations, planning a program of study, and how to satisfy the research requirement.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Fall
  • COM 702 Communication Theory and Research

    Survey of communication theory, models, and research. Topics include perception, construction of meaning, language and symbol systems, interpersonal discourse, relationships, small group interaction, and organizational communication.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Fall
  • COM 703 Professional Communication Skills

    Prerequisite: admission to the MBA program.

    This course seeks to enhance students' awareness and appreciation of communication processes in business and professional settings. An emphasis is placed on improving skills in interpersonal relations, teamwork, and professional presentation. Skills and applications related to communication competence and impression management from the individual's perspective working within the contextual enabling and constraining of organizational hierarchy are underscored.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    110Fall, Spring
  • COM 704 Health Communication and Culture

    The examination of intercultural communication concepts in the health care context. Emphasis will be on understanding the health needs of diverse populations, Western health practices, non-Western health practices, and the conflicts that can emerge when cultures collide.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Upon demand
  • COM 705 Health Communication

    Examination of communication theory in the health care context. Emphasis will be on communication effectiveness in health care professional/client relationships, in addition to message practices in small group, organizational, and mediated health campaign settings.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Upon demand
  • COM 706 Rhetorical Theory

    The study of rhetorical theories from the pre-Socratic period to the contemporary period.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Fall
  • COM 707 Family Communication

    This course is intended to provide students with an in-depth examination of communication as it functions in family systems.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Upon demand
  • COM 708 Patient-Provider Communication

    This course explores the nature of patient-provider interactions in health care contexts. Emphasis is placed on traditional and non-traditional health care providers, their patients, and interpersonal communication theories specific to health care interactions.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Upon demand
  • COM 710 Contemporary Communication Education

    Examination of current practices and trends in Communication Education. Graduate teaching assistants in communication are required to take this course during the first semester of the assistantship. Course is only open to graduate teaching assistants in the Department of Communication.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    322Fall, Spring
  • COM 711 Conflict and Communication

    Equips students to understand the dynamics of interpersonal conflict and its resolution in a variety of community settings. Students will learn to analyze their own conflict styles and to develop self-regulation strategies for collaborative outcomes. The course covers conflict theory and research and applies these ideas to current community and organizational settings and diverse populations. Lectures/discussions by scholars, community leaders, and/or agency personnel who deal with conflict as well as simulations of conflict situations will be provided.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Fall
  • COM 712 Quantitative Research Methods in Communication

    Quantitative research methodology in human communication. This course is designed to teach students how to read, interpret, and conduct research that uses numerical data. Some descriptive and inferential statistical analysis included. Students will design and carry out communication research using the methods they have learned.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Upon demand
  • COM 713 Public Relations Campaigns

    This course is designed to provide students with an opportunity to explore the interface of profit and non-profit organizations with television, radio, newspapers and the internet to enhance organizational effectiveness. The course is project based focusing on developing specific media resources to meet strategic organizational communication goals.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Upon demand
  • COM 714 Qualitative Research Methods in Communication

    Qualitative research methodology in human communication. This course is designed to teach students how to read, interpret, and conduct various types of qualitative research. Students will design and carry out communication research using the methods they have learned.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Spring
  • COM 716 Rhetorical Criticism

    Rhetorical criticism methodologies in human communication. This course is designed to teach students how to read, interpret, and conduct various types of rhetorical criticism. Major themes in rhetorical criticism explored include roles of the critic, audience, situation, theory, method, and artifact. Students will engage a rhetorical criticism project.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Fall
  • COM 717 Communication and Diversity in the Workplace

    Exploration of current theory and research regarding communication and diversity in the workplace. Study of practical applications for the assessment and training of communication skills relative to culture, race, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation and other diversity issues. Emphasis is placed on improving understanding of communication similarities and differences among diverse population groups. Includes readings, class discussion, observation, and/or class projects about assessment and training in communication skills in a diverse workplace.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Upon demand
  • COM 718 Applied Communication Research Methods

    Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

    In-depth examination of a specific applied communication research methodology including: survey research, media criticism, communication audits, in-depth interviewing, and focus group interviewing. Topic will vary semester to semester. May be repeated but only three hours will count toward the degree.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Upon demand
  • COM 719 Ethical Issues in Communication

    Ethical theories and justification models are studied and then related to ethical decision making in a variety of communication contexts, including interpersonal communication, group communication, organizational communication, and public communication. The course will examine the components of good ethical decision making in communication, as well as obstacles that can stand in the way of responsible choices.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Upon demand
  • COM 722 Argumentation as Communication

    Argumentation as related to decision making, conflict resolution and negotiation in business, industry, government, and education.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Upon demand
  • COM 723 Contemporary Topics in Conflict

    An in-depth exploration of a specific topic in conflict. Topics will vary from semester to semester and may include but are not limited to the following: Dialogue and Facilitation, Conflict and Communication Coaching, Advanced Mediation, Family Conflict, Communication and Restorative Processes, Conflict Management in Schools, and Peace and Conflict. Variable content course. May be repeated to a maximum of nine hours with permission of the department.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    1-3Upon demand
  • COM 724 Interpersonal Communication

    Advanced study in interpersonal communication theories and concepts. Topics may include relational development and maintenance, conflict resolution, identity management, verbal and nonverbal message analysis, and information management.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Upon demand
  • COM 732 Small Group Communication

    Survey of theories and concepts related to communication in small groups. Topics include group development, roles, norms, leadership, cohesiveness, decision making, conflict, interaction analysis, and research approaches to small group communication.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Upon demand
  • COM 736 Organizational Communication

    Advanced study of communication in organizations. Application of traditional and contemporary theories of communication and organizations in current research and practice. Particular attention is given to the symbolic nature of organizing and to the analysis of organizational culture.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Upon demand
  • COM 739 Public Relations Theories and Applications

    Examination of concepts which underlie practices in public relations. Analysis of current practices and issues important in public relations for corporations, not-for-profit organizations. government agencies, and educational institutions.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Upon demand
  • COM 750 Political Communication

    Examination of the communication process in modern political campaigns. Emphasis is placed on the role of communication strategies and tactics in political organization, message formation, fund raising, and mass media usage.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Fall
  • COM 752 Communication Technology and Politics

    This course focuses on how communication technology contributes to the political process including campaigns, discourse, and information gathering. Heavy emphasis is placed on the distribution, reception, and process of political information through all communication technology, including social media, in terms of both theory and practice.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Spring
  • COM 754 Presidential Rhetoric

    Examination of rhetoric used in governance, with a primary focus on presidential rhetoric. Emphasis is placed on history of presidential address, genre expectations for common presidential topics, political speechwriting, and rhetorical norms for legislative and judicial rhetoric.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Spring (odd-numbered years)
  • COM 760 Social Movement Communication

    Examination of social movement communication with emphasis on functionalist, dramatistic, and symbolic convergence theories. Study of movements' use of communication to generate discontent, mobilize and coordinate support, defend themselves and attack opponents, and negotiate with external groups. Critical analysis of collective actions such as student, civil rights, identity, labor, religious, feminist, lesbian/gay, and utopian movements.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Spring (even-numbered years)
  • COM 794 Conflict Internship

    Prerequisite: 6 hours of conflict courses; admission to the graduate certificate in Conflict and Dispute Resolution; and permission.

    This course allows students an applied opportunity to integrate theoretical material on conflict and dispute resolution in a variety of contexts and settings in which conflict occurs. May be taught concurrently with COM 494. Cannot receive credit for both COM 494 and COM 794.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    1-3Fall, Spring, Summer
  • COM 795 Communication Internship

    Prerequisite: 12 graduate hours in Communication; and permission of department.

    Independent projects in the various areas of communication. May be repeated to a maximum of six hours with permission of the department.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    1-6Fall, Spring
  • COM 796 Independent Study

    Prerequisite: permission of advisor.

    Study may be reading project or a practical application of theories. May be repeated to a maximum of six hours.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    1-6Fall, Spring
  • COM 797 Seminar: Communication Theory

    Special topics in history, theory and criticism of communication. Topic may vary from semester to semester. With permission, may be repeated for a maximum of six hours.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Upon demand
  • COM 799 Masters Thesis

    Prerequisite: completion of 9 graduate hours in communication; and permission of the Director of Graduate Studies and admission to the thesis option; and complete 3 graduate hours in research methods or be concurrently enrolled in one of the following courses: COM 712, COM 714, COM 716, or COM 718.

    Independent research and study connected with preparation of thesis.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    1-6Fall, Spring

Journalism (JRN) courses

  • JRN 607 Media Law

    History and application of the speech and press clause of the First Amendment; libel law, privacy law, copyright and other legal matters relating to mass media; relation of media law to journalistic ethics. May be taught concurrently with JRN 407. Cannot receive credit for both JRN 407 and JRN 607.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Fall, Spring
  • JRN 690 Issues in Journalism

    A variable content course addressing topics of current interest as well as timeless issues. May be repeated to a maximum of six hours with permission if topic is different. May be taught concurrently with JRN 590. Cannot receive credit for both JRN 590 and JRN 690.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Upon demand
  • JRN 695 Journalism Internship

    Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

    Work experience with news organizations. The student will be provided an educational opportunity not available through classroom experience. The instructor must approve all necessary paperwork before the student may begin the internship. May be repeated to a maximum of six hours. May be taught concurrently with JRN 595. Cannot receive credit for both JRN 595 and JRN 695.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    1-6Fall, Spring

Media (MED) courses

  • MED 600 Special Topics in Media

    A course upon a single topic of current interest. Topics may include: Asian Horror Cinema; Great Directors; Sci-Fi Noir; The Films of the Coen Brothers; Advanced Storytelling; Promoting Yourself in the Digital Age; Miyazaki!; Disney Animation: The Golden Age; Warner Bros. Animation: The Golden Age; Steadicam Practicum; Selling Your Idea: The Art of the Pitch; Collaborate: Make a Web Series; Storytelling Across All Media; Reality TV and Genre; Writing the Short Film. May be repeated to a maximum of six hours if topics are different. May be taught concurrently with MED 300. Cannot receive credit for both MED 300 and MED 600 for the same topic.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    1-3Upon demand
  • MED 610 Playwriting I

    An introduction to the craft of playwriting with a focus on process. Students learn dramatic structure, complete writing assignments, and analyze their scripts in workshops before ultimately writing and revising a 20-30 minute one-act play.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Spring
  • MED 660 Beginning Screenwriting

    An introduction to the fundamental craft of writing for film and television. Students will learn format, structure, and the principles of character-based storytelling, as well as the basics of the film and television industry. Combining lectures and workshops, students will focus on scene work before outlining and completing a short film script. Variable content course. May be repeated to a maximum of six hours when project changes. May be taught concurrently with MED 360. Cannot receive credit for both MED 360 and MED 660 for the same project.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Fall, Spring
  • MED 661 Sound Mixing

    An in-depth exploration of the art of sound design for digital film and TV. Students will learn how to carry out the aesthetic considerations of sound through the mixing process. Emphasis will be placed on advanced sound editing for sub- and final mixing, mix engineering, sound-effect processing and surround-sound practice. Students will learn how to mix a movie's dialogue, sound effects, ambience and music into stereo and surround tracks. May be taught concurrently with MED 561. Cannot receive credit for both MED 561 and MED 661.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    331Fall
  • MED 662 Digital Filmmaking Capstone

    Prerequisite: six hours of intermediate production courses and permission of the instructor.

    A film-style production class in high-definition digital filmmaking. Students will form small production teams to plan, design, and produce short narrative films. May be taught concurrently with MED 562. Cannot receive credit for both MED 562 and MED 662.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    322Spring
  • MED 663 Writing Adaptations for Television and Film

    Study and practice in adapting material for television or film. During the course, students will select a source to adapt and will outline and begin writing their script. Variable content course. May be repeated when project changes. May be taught concurrently with MED 463. Cannot receive credit for both MED 463 and MED 663 for the same project.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Fall, Spring
  • MED 664 Genre Writing for Television and Film

    An overview of the expectations and requirements of various genres in both film and television. Students will study past, present and possible future trends of each genre in the professional marketplace. The course will focus on what defines audience expectations as students write for different genres. Variable content course. May be repeated when project changes. May be taught concurrently with MED 464. Cannot receive credit for both MED 464 and MED 664 for the same project.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Fall, Spring
  • MED 667 Intermediate Screenwriting

    Writing the feature film screenplay. Students will study format, structure, and the effective tools of screenwriting. The course will include discussion of feature films and their screenplays, as well as the business of professional screenwriting. Students will create a premise, outline their projects, and write the first act of a feature-length film. Variable content course. May be repeated when project changes. May be taught concurrently with MED 565. Cannot receive credit for both MED 565 and MED 667 for the same project.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Fall, Spring
  • MED 668 Writing for Television

    This course will focus on the foundations of structure, character, conflict, dialogue, and setting, and how to apply these elements to storytelling on the small screen. Students will learn to pitch their ideas effectively to writer-producers and then outline, write, and polish a spec script for a currently running television series. Variable content course. May be repeated when project changes. May be taught concurrently with MED 566. Cannot receive credit for both MED 566 and MED 668 for the same project.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Fall, Spring
  • MED 669 Rewriting Film and Television Scripts

    Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

    An examination of the many phases of rewriting television or feature length screenplays for professional submission. Students will rewrite and workshop their scripts with an eye toward the current marketplace. Variable content course. May be taught concurrently with MED 567. Cannot receive credit for both MED 567 and MED 669 for the same project.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Spring
  • MED 670 Film Theory

    An analysis of the art of film by using classical and contemporary film theory to investigate such aspects as the relationship between form and content, visual style, and the nature of pictorial motion. Weekly screenings and discussions of short film excerpts, complete classics and contemporary films. May be taught concurrently with MED 570. Cannot receive credit for both MED 570 and MED 670.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    331Spring
  • MED 671 Writing the Web Series

    An advanced practicum in conceiving and collaboratively writing an original episodic series for the web. Students will work together in an intimate writers' room atmosphere to develop original web series for future production at Missouri State. Emphasis will be on sustainable premises, filmable budgets, and compelling character-based conflicts. Variable content course. May be repeated to a maximum of six hours when project changes. May be taught concurrently with MED 568. Cannot receive credit for both MED 568 and MED 671 for the same project.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Spring
  • MED 672 Advanced Screenwriting

    Prerequisite: MED 667 or MED 668 or permission of Instructor.

    Focus on group discussion and criticism. Students either build on past work to complete a feature length screenplay or else write a new television pilot and series bible. Variable content course. May be repeated to a maximum of six hours when project changes. May be taught concurrently with MED 569. Cannot receive credit for both MED 569 and MED 672 for the same project.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Spring
  • MED 674 History of Film I

    An examination of the evolution of film technique and theory from 1895 to World War II. Emphasis is placed on the social impact of film and on the artistic and technical aspects of the medium. Viewing of selected films outside of class may be required. May be taught concurrently with MED 374. Cannot receive credit for both MED 374 and MED 674.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    331Fall
  • MED 675 History of Film II

    An examination of the evolution of film technique and theory from World War II to the present. Emphasis is placed on the social impact of film and on the artistic and technical aspects of the medium. Viewing of selected films outside of class may be required. May be taught concurrently with MED 375. Cannot receive credit for both MED 375 and MED 675.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Spring
  • MED 680 Media in Politics

    An in-depth examination of the role of print and electronic media in American politics. Emphasis is placed on media coverage of government, social issues, and political campaigns. The course examines both the strategies of paid media and the media's coverage of politics as news. May be taught concurrently with MED 580. Cannot receive credit for both MED 580 and MED 680.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Upon demand
  • MED 681 Media Ethics and Law

    An examination of legal and ethical issues in media, including news and information media, entertainment media, and social media. Focus on the historical foundations of media rights and regulation and the application of ethical principles to past and current debates about media practice and content. May be taught concurrently with MED 581. Cannot receive credit for both MED 581 and MED 681.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Fall, Spring
  • MED 683 Advanced Television Production

    Prerequisite: MED 383.

    Principles, skills, and techniques involved in advanced television production. Practical experience in writing, producing, directing and editing non-fiction television content for a video-magazine, news show, and/or promotions. May be taught concurrently with MED 583. Cannot receive credit for both MED 583 and MED 683.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    322Upon demand
  • MED 684 Producing the Feature Film

    This course will present the essential components of entrepreneurial producing, including obtaining investors, pre-sales, international co-financing and production, business negotiations, collaborating with unions and film commissions, procuring A-List talent, and others. Students will workshop an existing feature film with the intentions of "pitching" a modern remake to ideal investors and distribution outlets. Students will design a comprehensive package - including financing, budgeting, marketing and distribution strategy - that is realistic in the contemporary marketplace. May be taught concurrently with MED 582. Cannot receive credit for both MED 582 and MED 684.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Spring
  • MED 690 Special Topics in Film

    An examination of special topics from historical or current interest in film. Topic will vary from semester to semester depending on student interest and faculty availability. Approved recurring course topics: Animation, Asian Cinema, Postmodern Trends in Movies, Women Directors, Women Characters in Film. Viewing of selected films outside of class may be required. Variable content course. May be repeated to a maximum of six hours when the topic is different. May be taught concurrently with MED 470. Cannot receive credit for both MED 470 and MED 690 for the same topic.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    331Upon demand
  • MED 695 Media Internship

    Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

    Work experience with a professional media organization. The student will be provided an educational opportunity not available through classroom experience. The instructor must approve all necessary paperwork before the student may begin the internship. May be repeated to a maximum of six hours. May be taught concurrently with MED 595. Cannot receive credit for both MED 595 and MED 695.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    1-6Fall, Spring
  • MED 697 Advanced Studies in Media

    Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

    In-depth examination of a special topic in media. Variable content course. May be repeated to a maximum of six hours. May be taught concurrently with MED 597. Cannot receive credit for both MED 597 and MED 697.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Upon demand
  • MED 704 Theory and Research in Mass Communication

    Survey of theories, models and research in mass communication. Topics include propaganda, attitude change, agenda setting and media effects research.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Spring
  • MED 711 Fundamentals of Screenwriting

    An introduction to the fundamental craft of writing for film, television, and the web. Students learn format, structure, and the principles of character-based storytelling, as well as some basics of the film and television industry. Combining lectures and workshops, students focus on scene work before outlining and completing a short film script.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    331Fall
  • MED 712 Feature Film Writing I

    The course will include discussion of feature films and their screenplays, as well as the business of professional screenwriting. Students will create a premise, outline their projects, and write the first act of a feature-length film.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    331Fall
  • MED 713 Feature Film Writing II

    Prerequisite: MED 712.

    Students workshop and complete the scripts for the feature films begun in MED 712.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    331Spring
  • MED 714 Writing Episodic Television

    Prerequisite: MED 711.

    Focus on the television industry and how to apply the fundamentals of screenwriting to episodic storytelling for the small screen. Students will learn to pitch their ideas effectively to writer-producers and then outline, write, and polish a spec script for a currently running television series.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    331Spring
  • MED 715 Rewriting

    Prerequisite: MED 713.

    An examination of the many phases of rewriting feature-length screenplays for professional submission. Students will rewrite and workshop their scripts with an eye toward the current marketplace.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    331Summer
  • MED 716 Writing Episodic Pilots

    Prerequisite: MED 714 or permission of instructor.

    Students will analyze successful series pilots and learn about the process and demands of creating an original television or web series. After selecting an original premise, students then design a series bible, and write a completed pilot episode for a unique television or web series.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    331Fall
  • MED 717 Portfolio Script I

    Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

    Intensive workshop of a new feature film script, full-length play, series pilot, or equivalent work aimed for the current marketplace. This course will include pitching, premise selection, in-class staged readings, and roundtable feedback sessions.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Fall
  • MED 718 Portfolio Script II

    Prerequisite: MED 717.

    Advanced workshop of the revised feature film script, full-length play, series pilot, or equivalent work developed in MED 717. Students will complete extensive rewrites and polishes to prepare the script for professional submission.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Spring
  • MED 719 Portfolio Review

    Prerequisite: MED 718 or permission of instructor.

    Students will prepare their professional writing portfolio, completing multiple rewrites and polishes to get all components (two features, two shorts, a pilot and spec TV script, and a one-act play) ready for professional submission.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Spring
  • MED 762 TV/Film Producing and Marketing

    An in-depth examination of the producer's various roles in television and film production. Practical experience with grant writing, script breakdowns, scheduling, budgets, and business plan development will provide the student with an understanding of the various aspects of production and how the development and structure of the script can affect the production's outcome.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    330Fall
  • MED 764 Visual Storytelling

    An introductory course in cinematic storytelling. Students will write, shoot, and edit short video production projects, analyzing and discussing them in class.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    322Fall
  • MED 765 Directing for Film and Stage

    An examination of the basic principles, skills, and techniques of directing for both film and the stage. Students will explore techniques for successful script/scene analysis, visualization, collaboration with cast and crew, and set management. They will also learn procedures in selecting, analyzing, casting, and producing a play. Through hands-on assignments students will gain practical experience in both areas of directing.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    322Spring
  • MED 766 Pre-Production Practicum for Stage and Screen

    Prerequisite: MED 684 and MED 762.

    Practicum in pre-production for both web series and stage projects.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    322Fall
  • MED 767 Staged Production

    Prerequisite: MED 766.

    Practicum in staging productions for web series and theater.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    322Spring
  • MED 781 Producing the Short Film

    Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

    Practicum in producing a short narrative film. Students will work closely with faculty supervisor. Variable topic course. May be repeated to a maximum of six hours with permission of the department when project is different.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    1-6Upon demand
  • MED 782 Producing the Web Series

    Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

    Practicum in producing a narrative scripted web series. Students will work closely with faculty supervisor. Variable topic course. May be repeated to a maximum of six hours with permission of the department when project is different.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    1-6Upon demand
  • MED 783 Producing the Multicam Show

    Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

    Practicum in producing multicamera studio projects. Students will work closely with faculty supervisor. Variable topic course. May be repeated to a maximum of six hours with permission of the department when project is different.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    1-6Upon demand
  • MED 784 Producing the Documentary

    Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

    Practicum in producing either short or feature documentary project. Students will work closely with faculty supervisor. Variable topic course. May be repeated to a maximum of six hours with permission of the department when project is different.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    1-6Upon demand
  • MED 785 Producing the Longform Narrative

    Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

    Practicum in producing components of feature films. Students will work closely with faculty supervisor. Variable topic course. May be repeated to a maximum of six hours with permission of the department when project is different.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    1-6Upon demand
  • MED 786 Producing the Stage Play

    Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

    Practicum in theater producing. Students will work closely with faculty supervisor. Variable topic course. May be repeated to a maximum of six hours with permission of the department when project is different.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    1-6Upon demand
  • MED 792 Independent Study in Media

    Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

    Supervised independent study in research of theories or application of learning through a creative project. Variable content course. May be repeated to a maximum of six hours if the content of the research or the project is different.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    1-6Upon demand
  • MED 793 Practicum in Producing or Production

    Students will work closely with faculty supervisor to produce and create film, television, or internet projects. Particular focus on leadership and communication skills, as well as using technology appropriate to the professional workplace. Variable topic course. May be repeated to a maximum of six hours with permission of the department when project is different.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    1-6Upon demand
  • MED 794 Practicum in Playwriting

    Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

    Supervised independent writing project in playwriting. Variable content course. May be repeated to a maximum of six hours if the content of the research or the project is different.

    Credit hoursLecture contact hoursLab contact hoursTypically offered
    1-6Upon demand