Communication
Degrees and Certificates
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Communication, Bachelor of Arts -
Communication, Minor
Classes
COMM 1310: Writing for the Media
COMM 1312: Pathways in Communication
COMM 1331: Public Speaking
COMM 1350: Foundations of Relationship-Centered Care
COMM 2310: Communication and the Liberal Arts
COMM 2330: Intro to Media Studies
COMM 2332: Persuasion and Argumentation
COMM 2341: Newswriting and Reporting
COMM 2351: Understanding Film
COMM 2352: Intro to Screenwriting
COMM 2361: Introduction to the Mass Media
COMM 2362: Digital Audio Production
COMM 2463: Television Production I
COMM 3310: Media, Society, and Technology
COMM 3330: Profoundly Disturbing – The Art of Horror Cinema
COMM 3333: Nonverbal Communication
COMM 3342: News Editing
COMM 3345: Public Relations I
COMM 3346: Public Relations II
COMM 3347: Covering the Criminal Justice System
COMM 3350: Interpersonal Communication
COMM 3353: Journalism for the Media
COMM 3354: Film & Society
COMM 3355: Advanced Screenwriting
COMM 3356: Italian Cinema
COMM 3357: American Film History
COMM 3363: Beginning Digital Media
COMM 3364: Advanced Digital Media
COMM 3367: Performing for the Media
COMM 3370: Rhetorical Dimensions of the Media
COMM 3375: Editing for the Digital Media
COMM 3376: Motion Graphics for Digital Media
COMM 3380: From Pitch to Screen: The Film-making Business
COMM 3381: Social Impact of the Media
COMM 3382: Mass Communication Law
COMM 3383: Intro to Media Management
COMM 3464: Television Production II
COMM 4191: Internship in Communication
COMM 4192: Directed Reading/Independent Study in Communication
COMM 4193: Special Topics in Communication
COMM 4291: Internship in Communication
COMM 4292: Directed Reading/Independent Study in Communication
COMM 4293: Special Topics in Communication
COMM 4340: Investigative Journalism: The Innocence Project
COMM 4342: Convergence Journalism Practicum
COMM 4350: Feature Writing
COMM 4352: Media Law, Ethics & Film
COMM 4354: Documentary Production
COMM 4355: Film Practicum
COMM 4360: Digital Media Practicum
COMM 4361: Project-Based Practicum in Communication
COMM 4375: Media Ethics
COMM 4380: Propaganda & Mass Communication
COMM 4383: Communication Theory
COMM 4385: Small Group Interaction
COMM 4391: Internship in Communication
COMM 4392: Directed Reading/Independent Study in Communication
COMM 4393: Special Topics in Communication
COMM 4399: Senior Thesis
COMM 4491: Internship in Communication
COMM 4492: Directed Reading/Independent Study in Communication
COMM 4493: Special Topics in Communication
COMM 4591: Internship in Communication
COMM 4691: Internship in Communication
COMM 6310: Media, Technology, & Society
This course explores the reciprocal relationship between digital media, society, and technology. Drawing from Marshall McLuhan's theories and the concept of media ecology, students examine how digital media shapes and is shaped by active audience engagement. Through theoretical readings, case studies, and discussions, topics such as identity formation, social relationships, and cultural production are explored. Students gain insights into the holistic nature of media ecosystems and develop a nuanced understanding of the dynamic interplay between digital media and society. The course focuses heavily on the socio-cultural, ethical, moral, and humanistic questions that arise with the advent of new technologies. Practical assignments allow for hands-on exploration of digital media phenomena, equipping students with critical thinking skills for navigating the everevolving digital landscape.
COMM 6312: Media Theory and Criticism
COMM 6314: My:Meta – Into the Metaverse
COMM 6316: Virtual Engagement
Students learn to create, produce, and lead high-quality virtual events, meetings, and live-streaming experiences. This includes social media content, YouTube podcasts, Insta/TikTok/FB reels, etc. Through Microsoft VIP content area lectures and applied demonstrations, students learn technical troubleshooting, audio/visual production strategies, production equipment, content management, and general engagement techniques for hosting effective virtual sessions.
COMM 6318: Documentary Production
COMM 6320: Fiction Production
COMM 6322: Advanced Strategies in Content Creation and Streaming
This course focuses on advanced strategies for content creation and streaming. Students will explore techniques for producing high-quality audio and video content, as well as developing engaging social media and marketing strategies for reaching and building an audience. Through practical projects, students will gain skills and knowledge for creating successful and sustainable online content.
COMM 6324: Advanced Screenwriting and Narrative Storytelling
This course focuses on advanced screenwriting and narrative storytelling for digital media. Students learn to craft compelling stories for film, television, and web-based platforms using a range of techniques such as character development, dialogue, and pacing. Through practical assignments and projects, students develop and practice skills in creating effective narratives for a variety of contemporary formats. Students also develop a production concept to be executed in COMM 6508 Production II.
COMM 6326: Emergent Technology in Media
COMM 6328: Visual Anthropology & Media Ecology
This course in visual anthropology takes a media ecology approach, examining how visual media shape culture. Drawing inspiration from Marshall McLuhan and other media theorists, the course explores the dynamic relationship between visual media and society. Additionally, the course highlights the contributions of a notable anthropologists and media theorists grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition, including such scholars as Rene Girard (mimesis and the triangulation of desire through media), James Carey (media ethics, community, and ritual view of communication), Walter Ong (sensory inscription and the relationship between orality, literacy, and technology). Course readings provide a theoretical and historical context, while contemporary case studies, guest speakers, and class exercises offer insights into the intersection of visual culture, anthropology, communication, and Catholic philosophy.
COMM 6330: Profoundly Disturbing – The Art of Horror Cinema
COMM 6332: iCreate: Social Media and Influencer Culture
In this course, students gain an in depth understanding of social media, content creation, and the art, business, and socio-cultural implications of influencer culture. Prominent guest lecturers from business, entertainment, and industry provide students with real-world insights about all aspects of the Influencer Revolution and the career opportunities that have arisen. We also consider the social, psychological, and humanistic implications of a pervasive shift from in-person human interaction to digitally mediated.
COMM 6334: Fantasy Film – The Epic Cinematic Worlds of Sword, Sorcery, and the Hero’s Journey
COMM 6336: Blockbuster Dreams: The Epic Cinema of the 1980s
COMM 6338: Representing Reality – Mediating Fact, Fiction, and Truth
COMM 6340: Advanced Directing and Producing
This course provides students with the skills necessary to produce and direct a professional quality digital media project (e.g., film, podcast, commercial, advertising campaign, promotional video, etc.). Producing - learn and practice essential producing skills, including talent acquisition, project management, funding processes, and production logistics. Directing – focus on developing a guiding vision for the project, articulating that vision, and working with talent and cast/crew members to deliver a viable final product.
COMM 6342: re:Imagination – Anime, Manga, and Society
COMM 6344: Advanced Digital Editing
This course provides advanced techniques in digital media and video editing, and trains students in the art of narrative storytelling through content editing. Students are expected to gain proficiency in contemporary video editing software (Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere, etc.), but this is an advanced production course, so the focus is on the art of content and story editing. The course culminates in a capstone editing project in collaboration with either a community partner/client or a student team enrolled in another advanced COMM production course (e.g., Project-Based Practicum, Virtual Engagement, Documentary Production, Fiction Production, etc.)
COMM 6346: Advanced Cinematography and Sound Production
The course introduces students to advanced techniques in cinematography and sound in film, video, and digital media, with an emphasis on controlling and constructing the cinematic experience. Students gain a foundational understanding of visual theory and aesthetic techniques – contrast/affinity, composition, hue/saturation, spatial depth, visual progression, etc. Focus topics include visual theory, cinematic lighting, camera, sound production/design, and production planning. The course culminates in a crew experience, where students conceptualize, plan, and produce a team-based digital media project. Students also learn the principles of sound recording, editing, and mixing, as well as the use of sound effects and music in various media productions. Through hands-on projects, students will develop practical skills and techniques for creating effective and engaging soundscapes.