2006-07 Catalog Archive (Archived July 31, 2006)

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Course Descriptions

MCM111
Introduction to Mass Communications
Basic survey that examines the many different mass media, including newspaper, magazine, radio, television, motion picture, book publishing, and the recording industries. Examines such areas as advertising in commercial media, photography and photojournalism, mass media, networks, syndicates, cable, satellite communications, legal issues in the working press, regulatory control of the mass media, the audience and the effects of mass communication. Includes a glossary of media terms. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Fall Only.

MCM120
News Writing
Techniques of basic news writing for print and broadcast media. Emphasizes gathering and organizing information, rewriting and editing copy, and critiquing published as well as peer writing. Introduces on-line word processing and other forms of electronic networking to deliver copy. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): ENL111. Spring Only.

MCM122
Media and Law
Surveys mass media and its relationship to the law. Includes examination of libel, slander, right to privacy, privilege, and provisions of the First Amendment. Considers precedent-setting court rulings and case histories. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): MCM111. Spring Only.

MCM127
Principles of Advertising
Survey of the history of American advertising and its relation to the economy. Media management and placement; integrated marketing communication; retail and national advertising; sociological aspects; creative production. (Formerly MCM 121) 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab)

MCM130
Audio in Media
Introduction to audio equipment in mass media. Emphasizes the entire audio chain as it applies to broadcast transmission and production. Includes demonstrations in the use and maintenance of audio equipment found in typical stations and studios. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Fall Only.

MCM131
Announcing Techniques
Develops skills necessary for various jobs in the broadcast industry and its allied fields. Emphasizes voice training in phonation, articulation, and performance. Includes learning techniques related to creating personas and to using technical equipment specific to the various broadcasting formats and media. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Fall Only.

MCM133
Radio Station Operation and Production
Working as part of the College radio station staff, students learn the various production formats used in the radio industry today; develop basic production skills; work with studio and remote equipment to regularly produce material for broadcast on WPTC; develop an on-air technique through regular air shifts; and develop, through daily participation in the management of WPTC, a specialty area or focus. Students should leave the course with a fundamental understanding of the internal workings of a radio station and recognize the interdependence of the departments for a successful station operation. Workshops allow for critique and discussion of student work. (Formerly MCM 132) 3 Credits (2 Lecture - 3 Lab) Spring Only.

MCM136
Introduction to Video Production
Theory and practice of video production with emphasis on understanding the visual media and their functions as means of communication. Emphasizes basic production elements such as camera operation, lighting and audio and video recording. Examines the pre-production process necessary for outlining, script development and storyboard creation. (Formerly MCM 135) 3 Credits (2 Lecture - 3 Lab) Spring Only.

MCM152
Introduction to Cinema
Studies film as mass media. Includes the international development of cinema as well as the historical significance of various films. Stresses an understanding of the social, cultural, political and aesthetic values communicated by film. Introduces basic elements of movie making and discusses film criticism. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) (ART) As needed.

MCM221
Electronic Journalism
Emphasizes practical experience in news gathering, news writing, reporting and interviewing for the electronic media with a focus on local and campus coverage. Students will write and produce newscasts and public affairs programs for the College's radio station, WPTC, and the cable channel PCTV. Students also examine ethical and legal issues in electronic journalism. Frequent workshops allow for critique and discussion of students' work. (Formerly MCM 220) 3 Credits (2 Lecture - 3 Lab) Prerequisite(s): MCM120 and MCM133 and MCM136. As needed.

MCM225
Reporting Public Affairs
Develops refined writing skills through class assignments and news beat coverage. Emphasizes meeting deadlines and creating tight, thorough writing. Focuses on reporting public events through practicum and field experience. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): MCM120. As needed.

MCM232
Radio Programming and Management
Radio programming and successful management of radio stations. Discusses sources of programming, programming development and implementation, and current trends in programming. Exposes students to various aspects of effective radio management. Develops individual skills in radio management as students work as executive staff members of the College's radio station. 3 Credits (2 Lecture - 3 Lab) Prerequisite(s): MCM133 or MCM132.

MCM236
Digital Media Editing
Theory, techniques, software applications and peripherals used in the process of creating and editing digital media content. Includes non-linear digital video editing, digital media asset creation and management of digital media content for digital video (DV), Internet, CD-ROM, and presentation applications. 3 Credits (2 Lecture - 3 Lab) Prerequisite(s): MCM136. Fall Only.

MCM241
Advanced Media Writing
Refined techniques for specialized and specific writing for a range of mass media. Surveys news features including scripts, instructional presentations, bites, color stories, sidebars and personality sketches. Includes techniques for interviewing, researching and writing with the goal of publication for pay. (Formerly MCM 244) 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): MCM120. As needed.

MCM243
Public Relations
Surveys the practice of Public Relations as a management function that enhances communication between an organization and its publics. Includes specialized writing and techniques used in a range of print and electronic media for disseminating information to particular publics, including in-house groups. Includes critiques of news releases, house organs, and other public relations vehicles. Students apply principles and techniques in simulated and actual projects. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): MCM111 or ENL111. Fall Only.

MCM246
Advanced Digital Media Production
Advanced non-linear video and audio production, delivery and distribution. Students produce short features and documentaries and, as part of project teams, create identity or advocacy pieces for non-profit groups. 3 Credits (2 Lecture - 3 Lab) Prerequisite(s): MCM136 and MCM236. Spring Only.

MCM250
Internship
Practical work experience in mass communications through placement in an advertising, public relations, radio or newspaper firm, or in other related organizations. Permission of program faculty required. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab)