CMA - Communication Arts

CMA 200 Mass Media and Society

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. 

Credits

3.0

Core

Social and Behavioral Analysis

Offered

Both Semesters

CMA 201 Media Writing I

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.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Both Semesters

CMA 204 Media History

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.

Credits

3.0

Core

Historical Analysis

Offered

Spring semester (Even years)

CMA 207 Principles of Speech Communication

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.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Spring Semester

CMA 208 Principles of Editing

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

Credits

3.0

Offered

Spring Semester

CMA 209 Mass Media and Revolution

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.

Credits

3.0

Core

Global Persp & Social Behav Analysis

Offered

Spring Semester

CMA 222 The Art of Skepticism

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.

Credits

3.0

Core

Social and Behavioral Analysis

Offered

Either Semester

CMA 226 Visual Media Production

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.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Both Semesters

CMA 227 Podcasting

Prerequisites: CMA 201 and CMA 207 or permission by instructor. This course will teach students how to conceptualize, write, record, and post podcasts at a professional level.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Both Semesters

CMA 246 Graphic Design I

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.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Both Semesters

CMA 260 Media Writing II

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.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Fall Semester

CMA 270 Film Studies

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

Credits

3.0

Offered

Both Semesters

CMA 270A Alfred Hitchcock: Master of Suspense

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.

Credits

3.0

Core

Art/Visual & Performing

Offered

Fall Semester (Odd Years)

CMA 270B Reel Journalism

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.

Credits

3.0

Core

Art/Visual & Performing

Offered

Fall Semester (Even Years)

CMA 270C America's Great Film Comedies

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.

Credits

3.0

Core

Art/Visual & Performing

Offered

Spring Semester (Odd Years)

CMA 280 Screen Craft

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.

Credits

3.0

Core

Art/Visual & Performing

Offered

Both Semesters

CMA 281 Introduction to Screenwriting

Prerequisites: CMA 280 or 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)

Credits

3.0

Offered

Spring Semester

CMA 282 History of American Film

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.

Credits

3.0

Core

Art/Visual & Performing

Offered

Spring Semester

CMA 299 Special Topics in Communication Arts

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.

Credits

1.0 - 3.0

Offered

As Needed

CMA 302 Visual Media Production II

Prerequisites: CMA 226 or permission of the instructor. Lab fee. Students will advance their video production skills and knowledge while creating digital video content. Work includes producing scripted and unscripted industry video packages. Included are advanced video production skills in the context of pre-production, production and post-production processes.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Both Semesters

CMA 303 Reporting for the Media

Prerequisite: CMA 201 or permission of the instructor. Advanced exercises in the gathering and writing of news with emphasis on more complex forms of reporting and writing, including interpretive and investigative work. Off-campus reporting assignments will be encouraged.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Spring Semester

CMA 305 Communications Law

Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing. CMA 200 or CMA 201 or LW 230, or permission of the instructor. A survey of the evolution of the laws of mass communication including journalism, advertising, broadcasting, and the varieties of intellectual property. Emphasis is on the First Amendment, the application of the laws of defamation and privacy, and media regulation in the digital age.

 

Credits

3.0

Offered

Both Semesters

CMA 306 Business Writing in the Digital Age

Prerequisite: ENGL 100 or 3 credits from ENGL 110-139. Sophomore standing. May not be taken on an audit basis. This course focuses on forms of writing required in today's ever-evolving digital world, including e-mail, blogging, writing for the web and social media, as well as letters, memoes and reports. Students will also write their own bio-sketches, resumes and letters of recommendation.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Both Semesters

CMA 310 Public Relations

Prerequisite: CMA 200 or CMA 201 or CMA 306 or permission of the instructor. (CMA 201 recommended for IMC and CMA majors). Students will learn how to become strategic communication leaders for an organization and the importance of creating mutually beneficial relationships between an organization and its publics. 

 

Credits

3.0

Offered

Both Semesters

CMA 312 Introduction to Communication Research

Prerequisites: Completion of the Quantitative Literacy area of the Core. Completion of one or more of the following is recommended, but not required: CMA 200, CMA 310, MGMT 301, or MGMT 306. This course will examine the basic components of communication research including logic, theories, and ethics. Topics covered include the different approaches to communication research, the essential elements of both qualitative and quantitative research, analysis and interpretation of data, and resources available.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Fall Semester

CMA 313 Writing for Public Relations

Prerequisites: CMA 201 and CMA 310 or permission of the instructor. This course will prepare students to become effective and persuasive public relations communicators. They will learn how to decisively communicate complex information in simple and clear prose appropriate for the intended audience. As a final project, students will assemble a comprehensive writing portfolio of all assignments.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Fall Semester

CMA 316 Event Planning

Prerequisites: CMA 310, CMA 313 (CMA 246 recommended); or permission of instructor

This high-impact course introduces students to event planning and management by connecting communication theory to event planning practices.  Students will gain practical experience with event planning by working in teams to plan an event. 
 

Credits

3.0

Offered

Offered Fall Odd Years

CMA 320 Broadcast Writing and Reporting

Prerequisite: CMA 201. This course is designed to teach students the techniques of writing, reporting and editing for the broadcast media. Topics to be covered include interviewing for broadcast, selecting and matching video and soundbites and the use and potential misuse of video and sound.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Spring Semester

ARCA 322 Photojournalism

Prerequisites: CMA 201 or ARTS 211 or permission of the instructor. Lab fee. This course will introduce students to the communication field of photojournalism. Photojournalism is a very powerful tool in documenting the world around us. From community events, conflicts around the world, the political arena, high school through professional sports and the environment, photojournalists are empowered to show to their audience events that affect their daily lives.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Spring Semester (Odd Years)

CAMG 330 Social Media Marketing

Prerequisites: MGMT 205Drawing from information systems, social science, and communications, students will explore social media trends and applications. Connections will be made to organizational objectives and strategies, including design, implementation, and assessment. Topics covered include the origins of social media, impact on news dissemination, communication styles, campaigns, crowdsourcing, conflict resolution, and impact on society.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Spring Semester

CMA 335 Teaching Assistantship

Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. (May be repeated for a maximum of 4 credits). Interested students are selected by the department. Grading is on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.

Credits

1.0 - 2.0

Offered

Either Semester

CMA 336 Graphic Design II

Prerequisite, CMA 246 or permission of the instructor. CAIT 221 does not fulfill this prerequisite. Lab fee. This course expands on the fundamentals of design introduced in CMA 246. In addition to learning about typography, color and composition, students will be expected to use critical thinking skills to solve fundamental design problems. Students will complete more complex projects and will be expected to demonstrate their skills at a higher level.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Fall Semester

CMA 337 Graphic Design III

Prerequisites: CMA 336 or permission of the instructor. Lab fee. This course will focus on creating finished professional-quality work. Students will complete a portfolio of advanced projects, including one with real clients. Emphasis will be on showcasing a unique style and demonstrating conceptual abilities. Students will research, write, edit and create their own imagery for the final project.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Spring Semester (Odd Years)

CMA 350 Television in America

Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing and completion of the Social and Behavioral Analysis area of the Core. An examination of the cultural, political and sociological effects of television on America. The course will offer a brief history of the development of television, and then examine such issues as television and violence; television and children; television and politics; and television and society.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Fall Semester (Odd Years)

CMA 370 Student Media Practicum

Prerequisites: ENGL 100 and CMA 201

This practicum gives students an opportunity to create, edit and produce the Hood student newspaper, the Blue & Grey, and prepares them for internships and professional environments post graduation. This course is the prerequisite to CMA 399 Internship.

Credits

2.0

Offered

Every Semester

CMA 375 Independent Study

Prerequisites: 12 credits in communication arts at the 200-level or above and permission of the instructor and the director. May be repeated once. An opportunity for students to explore topics in communications not covered by coursework or to conduct projects involving communications skills

Credits

1.0 - 3.0

Offered

Both Semesters and Summer

CMA 397 Special Topics

An upper-level special topics course offered at the discretion of the department. The content and methods vary with the interest of students and faculty members

Credits

3.0

Offered

As Needed

CMA 399 Internship in Communications

Prerequisites: CMA 370 and Permission of the department required. 
Practical experience in the application of communication concepts and the utilization of communication skills in settings such as business, industry and the mass media. Grading is on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. (May be repeated for a maximum of 9 credits).

Credits

3.0 - 9.0

Offered

Both Semesters and Summer

CAMG 399 Internship in Integrated Marketing Comm

Prerequisites: Open to declared IMC majors; permission of co-directors required. Practical experience in which students apply integrated marketing and communication concepts and skills in an appropriate business setting. Grading is on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Permission of IMC co-directors required. May be repeated once. Grading is on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Both Semesters and Summer

CMA 402 Visual Media Production III

Prerequisites: CMA 302. Students will further refine their video production skills and knowledge while creating near-professional-quality digital video content. Students will work in teams to produce and distribute media projects to the College community while building personal portfolios of work.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Fall Semester

CMA 410 Crisis Communication

Prerequisites: CMA 201 and CMA 310This course will explore the theory, research, and practice of crisis communication. Topics covered include the life cycle of a crisis, the principles of crisis management, and strategic crisis management. This course aims to prepare the student to strategically plan, implement, and evaluate crisis communication across a variety of crises. 

Credits

3.0

Offered

Fall Semester

CMA 411 Public Relations Campaigns

Prerequisites: CMA 313 and CMA 312 or MGMT 423.  This is an advanced course in public relations. The focus of this course is on the process of public relations and includes all key elements of the process: research, planning, implementation, evaluation. Learning will be achieved through application of the process to a real organization's legitimate problem/opportunity.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Spring Semester

CMA 470 Seminar in Communication Ethics

Prerequisite: CMA 305 and junior standing. With an eye toward reconciling the evolving norms of a digital world, this course uses small discussions to critically analyze ethical issues in mass communication. 

Credits

3.0

Cross Listed Courses

Also offered as IMC 470

Offered

Both Semesters

CMA 490 Senior Multimedia Project

Prerequisites: CMA 200, CMA 201, CMA 226, CMA 246, CMA 305, Senior Standing; or permission of instructor

This course intends to be the culmination of the major in Communication Arts, using the wide breadth of skills and concepts learned in prior courses. In this course, you will put them all together. This capstone course requires students to demonstrate communication competencies across multiple platforms including print, web, graphics and video – regardless of whether the purpose is journalistic, marketing, public relations or entertainment.  At the conclusion of the course, students will compile and present a professional level ePortfolio that can be used on the job market. The focus of this ePortfolio is dependent upon each student’s career interests. For example, a student going into the public relations field will produce materials from the perspective of working for a client. An aspiring journalist will showcase coverage of people, topics and events across multiple platforms. Someone looking to go into entertainment will create a platform to display samples of their work and descriptions of their abilities.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Offered Spring Semester

CAMG 499A Departmental Honors

Prerequisite: By invitation of the department. The departmental honors paper is a two-semester senior-year program designed for students who wish to pursue intensive research or special projects in close coordination with faculty advisers. Departmental honors students are known as the Christine P. Tischer Scholars and receive 6 credits for this work.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Both Semesters and/or Summer

CAMG 499B Departmental Honors

Prerequisite: By invitation of the department. The departmental honors paper is a two-semester senior-year program designed for students who wish to pursue intensive research or special projects in close coordination with faculty advisers. Departmental honors students are known as the Christine P. Tischer Scholars and receive 6 credits for this work.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Both Semesters and/or Summer

CMA 499A Departmental Honors

Prerequisite: By invitation of the department. The departmental honors paper is a two-semester senior-year program designed for students who wish to pursue intensive research or special projects in close coordination with faculty advisers. Departmental honors students are known as the Christine P. Tischer Scholars and receive 6 credits for this work.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Both Semesters and/or Summer

CMA 499B Departmental Honors

Prerequisite: By invitation of the department. The departmental honors paper is a two-semester senior-year program designed for students who wish to pursue intensive research or special projects in close coordination with faculty advisers. Departmental honors students are known as the Christine P. Tischer Scholars and receive 6 credits for this work.

Credits

3.0

Offered

Both Semesters and/or Summer