Communication, Media, Journalism and Film Courses
Communication (COM) courses
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Problems in coaching and conducting forensic contests. May be taught concurrently with COM 536. Cannot receive credit for both COM 536 and COM 635.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The study of rhetorical theories from the pre-Socratic period to the contemporary period.
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This course is intended to provide students with an in-depth examination of communication as it functions in family systems.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Argumentation as related to decision making, conflict resolution and negotiation in business, industry, government, and education.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Prerequisite: permission of advisor.
Study may be reading project or a practical application of theories. May be repeated to a maximum of six hours.
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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.
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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.
Journalism (JRN) courses
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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.
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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.
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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.
Media (MED) courses
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Survey of theories, models and research in mass communication. Topics include propaganda, attitude change, agenda setting and media effects research.
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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.
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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.
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Students workshop and complete the scripts for the feature films begun in MED 712.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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An introductory course in cinematic storytelling. Students will write, shoot, and edit short video production projects, analyzing and discussing them in class.
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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.
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Prerequisite: MED 684 and MED 762.
Practicum in pre-production for both web series and stage projects.
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Practicum in staging productions for web series and theater.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.