2003 - 2004 Communication Courses

Introduces students to the basics of writing in preparation for further study in journalism, public relations, advertising, marketing, and business and technical writing. The framework required of the basic news story is used to help students process complex information and write about it clearly and concisely. The course includes basic editing, writing for broadcast, the feature story, and consideration of legal and ethical aspects of public communication.

Analyzes the history, nature, effects, responsibilities, influence, and power of the mass media. Media history leads into instruction about ethical principles and legal accountability.

Presents selected topics not offered in the regular Communication curriculum. Prerequisites may vary with course content.

Provides practical experience working on the college newspaper. May be taken more than once for credit. Prerequisite: COMM 203, equivalent transfer course, or instructor consent.

Supplies photographs for the school newspaper. Class assignments include action, candid, creative, and descriptive photography. Students work with publications editors, photo director, and publications advisors in receiving assignments, meeting deadlines, and processing film. Prerequisite: ART 180 or permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit.

Introduces students to fundamental techniques, concepts, and principles used to produce effective document designs. This course includes hands-on projects that develop students' visual literacy and basic desktop publishing skills. The designing of layouts for letterheads, advertisements, flyers, newsletters, and magazine articles are possible projects.

Builds upon skills learned in COMM 306, emphasizing hands-on projects in which students explore document design principles and desktop publishing techniques in greater depth. Students learn more about the publication design and production process and how to produce effective, professional-quality publications. Prerequisite: COMM 306.

Focuses on the writing of high-quality correspondence and a variety of reports for business and other professional areas. Students learn to conduct research on the Internet, as well as to write collaboratively and review manuscripts online. Prerequisite: COMM 203 or equivalent.

Covers basic technical skills for the digital photographer. These include image capture, image processing, retouching, manipulation, and printing. This course also deals with visual and conceptual skills needed to produce effective images. Prerequisite: ART 180. Same as ART 320.

Presents methods of establishing and maintaining two-way communication between an institution and its publics. The course focuses on publicity and placement with the media, program planning and management, lobbying, administration, and public affairs. It also covers writing and editing, small-group communication, research procedures, and legal-ethical considerations.

Teaches advanced skills in writing copy, creating advertisements, designing layouts, and putting together a complete advertising campaign. The course builds on the principles of advertising as an activity of marketing, but the class focuses on creative strategies and techniques.

Allows students to initiate proposals for intensive tutorial-based study of topics not otherwise offered in the Communication Program. Prerequisite: consent of instructor and school dean.

Uses current methods of computer research plus traditional news-gathering methods as a basis for advanced writing projects. Students assemble information and produce various forms of in-depth writing on public interest topics. Prerequisite: COMM 310.

Focuses on writing with clarity about technical subjects for various audiences. Projects might include technical descriptions, instructions or procedures, and technical manuals or reports. Technical writing style and effective peer review are emphasized. Some collaborative work is required. Prerequisite: COMM 310.

Provides students with knowledge and skills needed to work with and produce electronic media. Students are introduced to electronic media and software tools for producing, presenting, and sharing information in an organizational setting. Collaborative capabilities are stressed to ensure that students are prepared to work in the team-based atmosphere common to real-world communication departments. Prerequisite: COMM 310.

Offers students the opportunity to integrate classroom knowledge with practical experience. At least two separate internships are strongly recommended. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing (for transfer students, at least 15 hours completed at Westminster), minimum 2.5 GPA, completion of the Career Resource Center Internship Workshop, and consent of program director and Career Center Internship Coordinator.

Gives students an opportunity to create portfolios from samples of their work that reflect various skills acquired in the Communication Program. Students learn to produce professional-quality portfolios displaying work done in courses and internships. Course should be taken in one of the last two semesters before graduation.