MLA-Communication

This course introduces students to the discipline of media studies and the fundamentals of rhetoric, strategic communication, representation theory, history of media, genre studies, analysis, and other key themes that allow students to better understand the business, circulation, socio-cultural implications, rhetorical strategies, and humanistic considerations of media, communication, and representation. These foundational skills translate across media modes, genres, and platforms by empowering students to understand and gain a critical awareness of how media and communication impacts our lives, and how our subjective understandings, in turn, impact the processes of production.

From the culturally rooted folk horror of Nosferatu (1922) to the socio-psychological terror of Psycho (1960) to the xenophobia of Hostel (2005), we recognize the horror genre as a profound and uncomfortably visceral discursive front for exploring our deepest personal and cultural fears. This course explores the rich and diverse world of horror cinema, including the narrative, literary, and artistic traditions from which it emerged. We examine horror films as a literary vehicle that allows (ideally) for the confrontation of complex issues of social trauma, violence, and terror.

Analysis of vocal and nonverbal interaction variables, including gestures, posture, territory/space, paralanguage, facial expressions, eye behavior, environment, touch, clothing and time. Fall, odd years.

Nature of public relations practices in business, education and government. Emphasis on public relations strategies, identifying target public, press relations, cost management and planning public relations programs.

Practical application of public relations theories and strategies; students develop hypothetical persuasive campaigns of “professional” quality.

Grounded in a Catholic humanist perspective, this course studies advanced concepts in the field of interpersonal communication, such as: the phenomenology and semiotics of interpersonal interaction, understanding, and meaning; the interpersonal development and maintenance of conceptions of selfhood; the sociocultural background of interpersonal action; the technologically mediated character of contemporary social interactions; and the ethics of dialogue and friendship.

Grounded in a Catholic humanist perspective, this course studies advanced concepts in the field of interpersonal communication, such as: the phenomenology and semiotics of interpersonal interaction, understanding, and meaning; the interpersonal development and maintenance of conceptions of selfhood; the sociocultural background of interpersonal action; the technologically mediated character of contemporary social interactions; and the ethics of dialogue and friendship.

In this course students will simulate the creative writing process of professional TV and film writers. Working in a team, they will conceptualize and write a television series. All students will work on the pilot as a group. Each student will also be assigned an individual episode. Additionally, each student will write a film script.

Advanced Digital Media enhances student understanding of all the elements of digital media production (in the studio and in the field), such as camera placement and operations, camera color balancing, camera optics, light levels and the use of special filters, lighting techniques, including existing light and three-point lighting. Also included are elements of effective visual composition, an understanding postproduction, along with the ability to critique the strengths and weaknesses of digital media production.

An analysis of major contributions to rhetorical theory. Study will include criticism, criteria and measures of effectiveness in the media.

In this course, students will learn every aspect of the business of film making, including both creative (pitching, developing a story) and business components (all aspect of producing). By the end of the semester, they will create a short film and a business proposal to pitch it.

Study of the process and effects of mass communication, including audience characteristics, diffusion of innovations, political processes, media violence, social learning, children and television and social effects of emerging media technologies.

Analysis and examination of statutory laws, congressional legislation and federal rules and regulations governing the mass media in the United States. Focus on the First Amendment, libel and slander, privacy, copyright, free press/fair trial, obscenity, advertising, antitrust and monopoly, taxation and licensing.

This course will educate students on the practical aspects of media management; from training, recruiting and acknowledging both professionals and volunteers, to ethical fund-raising, development and measurement of success, along with detailed emphasis on aspects of the Catholic Church teachings on mass media as expressed in the Vatican II decree.

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.

Students learn to create, produce, and high-quality virtual events, meetings, and live-streaming experiences. 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.

This course is a joint project between the Communication Department and the University of Houston Law Center’s Innocence Network. Students will learn investigative journalism techniques such as interviewing witnesses, searching public records, reviewing case files, plus sorting and weighing evidence. Course participants will serve the ends of social justice by striving to uncover and write about unjust convictions.

The class looks at how certain American films of the 20th and 21st century have focused on media law issues impacting journalists, media professionals and the public. Students will study each film for its "form" (aesthetic value) and will analyze the "film inside the film" for its media law content

This course provides an intensive, hands-on experience in documentary media production, including logistics, research, planning, project-management, and delivery/exhibition. Working in teams, students conceptualize, develop, and implement a documentary film, video, or digital media project over the course of the semester. All students will receive training in core aspects of the documentary production process, but the course will culminate in a team project with students filling specific crew roles based on prior coursework and individual experience – research, producing, directing, cinematography, production sound, and editing.

This is a project-based practicum course that focuses on design thinking, leadership/teamwork, and the real-world application of academic and professional skills. Students work in teams of 4-5 to execute an industry sponsored project with the guidance of a faculty mentor. The course consists of a series of structured class meetings, followed by a field practice period of approximately 9 weeks. During the fieldwork phase, students meet weekly to debrief in small groups with a faculty or industry advisor. Students maintain a weekly progress report, as well as an ongoing self-assessment of performance and lessons learned. The course culminates in a Leadership Project Review, which includes a written overview and an oral presentation on the overall project experience and learning outcomes.

A systematic, case-study approach to moral dilemmas encountered by media practitioners, including questions of truth, privacy, confidentiality and conflicts of interest.

Analysis of various theoretical models of communication, behavioral science theories and communication research paradigms. Topics include information theory, scientific method, balance and congruity theories, dissonance, perception, attitude change, group dynamics, persuasion, interpersonal communication and nonverbal communication.

Principles of current methods and theories of human interaction in group situations, both formal and informal. Emphasis on behavioral antecedents and consequences of messages and on processes of positive group interaction.

Practicum or on-the-job experience under guidance of practicing specialists in the communication field. To be supervised individually by a department faculty member with the approval of the chair. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credit hours. Fall, Spring, Summer.

Student research on a selected problem in the field pursued under the guidance of an assigned member of the faculty. Substantial research paper or audio/video production required. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credit hours. Prerequisite: Department Consent.

Selected topics of mutual interest to the faculty member and students.