200

All forms of mass media -- from journalism to advertising to entertainment -- profoundly influence society. This course explores how and why media are so impactful, both on the people who produce it as well as those who consume it. 

Prerequisite: ENGL 100 or 3 credits from ENGL 110-139. May not be taken on an audit basis. An introduction to writing for various publics using a variety of formats within the contexts of informing, persuading and entertaining. Areas addressed include writing for print, broadcast, public relations, social media and the web.

The history and development of mass communications in the United States, from colonial newspapers and pamphlets to recent innovations in satellite and fiber optics transmissions, with attention to the significance and effect of the media on American culture.

Prerequisite: ENGL 100, or 3 credits from ENGL 110-139. An analysis and application of theories and techniques to communicate effectively with another person, and with small, large and massive groups in a variety of situations.

Prerequisite: CMA 201 or permission of the instructor. May not be taken on an audit basis. 
Evaluation and preparation of copy, pictures and other graphic materials for publication; page layouts; newspaper makeup. Some attention to news websites. 

Students will explore how the mass media foster, influence and are shaped by political and social revolutions from ancient times to the modern day. Students will consider how predominant press theories explain the media’s role in events that include the American Revolution, the fall of the Soviet Union and Middle East protests.

In the digital-media age, we are vulnerable to misinformation both because of its quantity and the ease with which it can be spread. How do we know what to believe? The skill used to distinguish information is called skepticism, and developing it is the focus of this course.

Lab fee. Introduction to video production, including script writing, camera work, editing and sound in both field and studio situations. Includes survey of commercial and non-commercial video applications. Video screenings, written and visual projects required.

This course is planned to provide a working knowledge of basic skills required in the graphics field including layout, design and desktop publishing. Studio problems and lectures provide diversified experiences upon which future specialization can be developed. Extensive computer use. No computer experience necessary.

Prerequisite: CMA 201 or permission of the instructor. May not be taken on an audit basis. A study of the basic types of feature articles; emphasis on practice in research and writing.

Prerequisite: ENGL 100. May be repeated with a different lettered course. A study of films and their filmmakers, including techniques and genres.

Prerequisite: ENGL 100 or 3 credits from ENGL 110-139. Alfred Hitchcock is widely considered the greatest director of suspense films in the medium's history. This course will study Hitchcock's films within the social, political, and economic context of their time, and analyze why his films are so revered and imitated.

Prerequisite: ENGL 100 or 3 credits from ENGL 110-139. An exploration and analysis of reporters, editors, photojournalists, and broadcasters as depicted in feature narrative films made in the U.S. from the 1930s to the present, with attention to their social and political contexts.

Prerequisite: ENGL 100 or 3 credits from ENGL 110-139. This course examines classic American film comedy from the silent era through modern day with emphasis on slapstick, screwball, and the more social comedies of the modern era.

Prerequisite: ENGL 100 or 3 credits from ENGL 110-139.  Students will acquire the tools to analyze the form and content of American contemporary and classic motion pictures through an examination of the film industry, the elements of cinematography and screen writing and the criteria for critical review.

Prerequisites: ART 275 or permission of the instructor. Introduction to Screenwriting is designed to acquaint students with the process of writing fiction narrative film. The class will concentrate on story structure, scene construction, character development, and dialogue. (CW)

Prerequisites: ENGL 100 or 3 credits from ENGL 110-139. A survey of American narrative film from the great silents through the 3D blockbusters of today. Emphasis will be placed on every major period of American narrative film history through the 20th Century, in relation to the cultural and political history of the times in which they were made.

An opportunity for groups of eight or more students to study topics suggested by their special interests and those of the staff and not included in the regular offerings. Topics will vary. Offered at the discretion of the Department of English.