Apr 29, 2024  
2012-2013 Undergraduate Bulletin 
    
2012-2013 Undergraduate Bulletin [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Course Descriptions


 

Communication Arts

  
  • COMM 300A - Laboratory

    1
    Prerequisite: COMM 2000 
    Practical experience in routine reporting, investigative reporting, or newspaper design. Pass/Fail.
  
  • COMM 300B - Laboratory

    1
    Prerequisite: COMM 2000 
    Practical experience in routine reporting, investigative reporting, or newspaper design. Pass/Fail.
  
  • COMM 300C - Laboratory

    1
    Prerequisite: COMM 2000 
    Practical experience in routine reporting, investigative reporting, or newspaper design. Pass/Fail.
  
  • COMM 309A - International Communication: Broadcast Media

    3
    Prerequisite: Junior standing and instructor approval
    This course offers international perspectives to students in broadcast media. This study abroad experience is linked to selected upper division communication courses.
  
  • COMM 309B - International Communication: Corporate Communication

    3
    Prerequisite: Junior Standing and instructor approval
    This course offers international perspectives to students in corporate communication. This study abroad experience is linked to selected upper division communication courses.
  
  • COMM 309C - International Communication: Print and Web Journalism

    3
    Prerequisite: Junior standing and instructor approval
    This course offers international perspectives to students in print and web journalism. This study abroad experience is linked to selected upper division communication courses.
  
  • COMM 309D - International Communication: Media Technologies

    3
    Prerequisite: Junior standing and instructor approval
    This course offers international perspectives to students in media technologies. This study abroad experience is linked to selected upper division communication courses.
  
  • COMM 309E - International Communication: Public Relations

    3
    Prerequisite: Junior standing and instructor approval;
    This course offers international perspectives to students in public relations. This study abroad experience is linked to selected upper division communication courses.
  
  • COMM 400A-H - AP Magazine Production

    2 each
    Students will create weekly live studio production (12-14 shows per semester). Only 1 course per term. This course cannot be substituted for required courses or electives in the concentration. Pass/Fail.
  
  • COMM 422A-H - Live Events Production

    2
    Students will gain experience in directing, editing, and producing of APSU and other activities. A minimum of 60 clock hours shall be required for academic credit. Only 1 course per term. This course cannot be substituted for required courses or electives in the concentration. Pass/Fail.
  
  • COMM 425A-C - Broadcasting Practicum

    1
    Prerequisite: Permission of instructor prior to registration
    Special production projects in the radio or video studio to complement academic study in radio and television. Pass/Fail.
  
  • COMM 426A-H - Communication Practicum

    1
    Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
    Special audio or video production projects or professional communicator experiences in a campus setting which complement study in radio, television/cable, public relations, and corporate communication. Pass/Fail.
  
  • COMM 433A-H - Digital Editing Production

    2
    Students will create, direct, edit, produce, and evaluate digital media. A minimum of 60 clock hours shall be required for academic credit. Only 1 course per term. This course cannot be substituted for required courses or electives in the concentration.
  
  • COMM 470A,B,C - Magazine Production

    1 ea
    Prerequisite: Permission of faculty advisor for CAPSULE
    Involvement with student publication process, including all aspects of magazine production (on-line processes, layout, editing, desktop publishing, darkroom techniques, photography, and printing).
  
  • COMM 480A,B,C - Independent Study in Mass Communication

    3 ea
    Prerequisite: Communication Arts majors only with permission of instructor
    Supervised readings and research projects in selected areas of communication. Open only to Communication Arts students with permission of the instructor.
  
  • COMM 490A,B,C - Communication Internship

    3 ea
    Prerequisite: Communication Arts majors only. Upper division standing and permission of instructor required prior to registration
    Practical experience in a professional communication medium to augment classroom activity intended for advanced students. Students are required to document internship activities according to department policy.
  
  • COMM 499A,B,C - Special Topic in Communication

    3 ea
    Selected topics of interest to students concerning their studies in Broadcast Media or Sports Broadcasting.
  
  • COMM 1010 - Fundamentals of Public Speaking

    3
    Public speaking principles with emphasis on preparation and presentation of informative and persuasive speeches.
  
  • COMM 1030 - Interpersonal Communication

    3
    Communications’ role in interpersonal relationships with emphasis on the application of theory in dyadic situations.
  
  • COMM 1200 - Introduction to Mass Communication

    3
    Designed to introduce the student to the mass media. Course explores media as institutions in American society.
  
  • COMM 1400 - Introduction to Public Relations

    3
    History, function, and practice of public relations with emphasis on persuasion, public opinion, mass media and their application to public relations.
  
  • COMM 1500 - Introduction to Sports Broadcasting

    3
    The course provides a strong foundation into the field of sports broadcasting. Students will explore the key issues that drive the sports broadcasting industry. Students will participate in the production of sports broadcasting.
  
  • COMM 1600 - Introduction to Popular Culture

    3
    Introduction to the basic theories and approaches to the study of popular culture, including the various media, literature, music, folklore, culture, society and everyday life.
  
  • COMM 1900 - Introduction to Event Planning

    3
    This is course is a comprehensive introduction to the meeting and event planning industry. The course includes researching, designing, organizing and assessing events and meetings.
  
  • COMM 2000 - News Reporting

    3
    Prerequisite: COMM 1200  ; ENGL 1010 , 1020 
    News gathering methods and the newspaper style book, with emphasis on exercises in writing all types of news stories.
  
  • COMM 2020 - Media, Society, and the Individual

    3
    The historical development and current status of mass media are explored from a consumer’s point of view with the goal of media literacy. Students develop global perspectives by encountering issues dealing with the relationship of the mass media to education, society, politics, economics, religion, family, and the individual.
  
  • COMM 2030 - Social Issues and Advocacy

    3
    Theory and practice of argumentation, examinations of propositions, evidence, reasoning, and refutation.
  
  • COMM 2100 - Broadcast Equipment Operation and Technology

    3
    An in-depth examination of current broadcast technology in radio, television and cable, its use and function. Significant student time is required outside of regular class sessions.
  
  • COMM 2110 - Television and Cable Equipment Operation and Technology

    3
    Prerequisite: COMM 2100 
    An indepth examination of current equipment and technology, its use and function in television and cable broadcasting.  Significant lab time is required outside of regular class sessions.
  
  • COMM 2170 - Introduction to Sports Broadcasting


    The course provides a strong foundation into the field of sports broadcasting. Students will explore the key issues that drive the sports broadcasting industry. Students will participate in the production of sports broadcasting.
  
  • COMM 2200 - Introduction to Sports Interviewing

    3
    The course explores the sports interview. Students will examine theoretical and practical issues related to interviewing coaches, players, administrators, and others related to the sports industry.
  
  • COMM 2310 - Small Group Communication

    3
    The nature of communication processes occurring in a small group setting. Focus will be given to decision-making in groups; gathering, assessing, and using information; leadership and power; and resolving conflict.
  
  • COMM 2400 - Writing for the Electronic Media

    3
    Prerequisite: COMM 1200  , ENGL 1020 
    This course will cover formats and techniques of writing for the broadcast media. The course will discuss writing copy for the electronic media including general continuity, commercials, and information related copy such as public service announcements and editorials.
  
  • COMM 2500 - Audio in Media

    3
    An examination of audio technology and equipment used in a variety of media, to include radio, television, video, film, and music recordings. Special consideration to be given to legal and ethical constraints and considerations.
  
  • COMM 2720 - Introduction to the Internet

    3
    This course provides students with an orientation to the Internet as an everyday communication tool, medium impacting society, and high technology communication industry.
  
  • COMM 2920 - Photojournalism

    3
    Prerequisite: COMM 1200 
    Provides students with skills in the storytelling function of journalism.
  
  • COMM 2930 - Media Imaging

    3
    Students are introduced to media imaging software and applications for creating, editing, and compressing electronic images. Student then work with media imaging software in laboratory sessions to create projects and edit images for web design, print and web journalism, broadcast media, public relations, and media technology.
  
  • COMM 3010 - Integrated Corporate Communication

    3
    Prerequisite: COMM 1200 1400 ; ENGL 1010  (with a grade of “C” or higher), 1020  and junior status or instructor permission
    Students will examine important corporate communication areas such as internal communication, advertising, public relations, integrated marketing communication, and new communication technologies. The course focuses on how these areas work together to achieve organizational objectives.
  
  • COMM 3100 - Desktop Publishing

    3
    Prerequisite: COMM 2000  or 2400 
    Students develop the basic skills needed in electronic desktop publishing, including instruction in popular desktop publishing programs, providing hands-on experience. Course requires students to complete several practical projects including a newsletter and brochure.
  
  • COMM 3200 - Copy Editing

    3
    Prerequisite: COMM 2000 
    Instruction and practice in editing newspaper stories for style, meaning, and accuracy, in writing headlines, and in designing newspaper pages.
  
  • COMM 3210 - Sports and Media

    3
    Beginning with an examination of the historical role of media and sports, students will explore theoretical and practical changes that have shaped the sports media industry.
  
  • COMM 3240 - Investigative War Reporting

    3
    Student will delve into the intellectual and practical worlds of investigative war reporting.  In this rigorous research and writing class, students learn to use the styles and techniques of investigative journalists.
  
  • COMM 3320 - Business and Professional Communication

    3
    Prerequisite: COMM 1010  or permission of instructor
    Theories of persuasion are applied to business presentations. Interview techniques, group dynamics, and use of communication technology in the professional business setting.
  
  • COMM 3350 - Broadcast Announcing

    3
    Prerequisite: COMM 1200  or permission of instructor
    A detailed and practical examination of broadcast techniques. Topics include: voice use and improvement; coping with mic and camera fright, and various styles of announcing. Students will be required to demonstrate an improvement in announcing technique and ability.
  
  • COMM 3400 - Mass Communication Research Methods

    3
    Prerequisite: COMM 1200 
    Application of qualitative and quantitative media research methods including survey research, focus groups, content analysis and experimental studies. The course prepares students to conduct research for media studies, public relations, and marketing communication programs.
  
  • COMM 3410 - Data Analysis and Mass Communications Research

    3
    The purposes of this course is to apply some commonly used data analysis techniques in the field of communication, develop a deeper appreciation of research strategies and analysis decisions, and provide the opportunity for practice in analyzing quantitative data.
  
  • COMM 3450 - Broadcast News Writing

    3
    Prerequisite: COMM 1200 , 2000  or permission of instructor
    Concepts of writing for broadcast media including format, style and deadline requirements, and the use of radio and visual elements in the news. This course is writing intensive and requires student activities outside the classroom.
  
  • COMM 3550 - Audio Production 1

    3
    Prerequisite: COMM 2100 
    Practical application required of students in the study of audio production for radio and television. Studio exercises which demonstrate the students audio production skills with voice, music, sound effects in a broadcast studio setting.
  
  • COMM 3600 - Radio Theatre Workshop

    3
    Prerequisite: COMM 3550  or THEA 1300 , permission of instructor;
    A workshop on theatrical productions delivered to a mass audience through radio. Special consideration will be given to the incorporation of sound effects. Study will include script writing, characterization, and time restraints in electronic media. Course will climax with an original production by students.
  
  • COMM 3620 - Weather Broadcasting

    3
    Prerequisite: COMM 2100 
    The course will provide the foundation for weather broadcasting. Students will learn the theory and skills necessary to produce quality weather briefings, weather segments, and weather news for television. Students will produce weather broadcasts in the field and in the studio.
  
  • COMM 3650 - Popular Culture in the South

    3
    An indepth examination of the American South as a definitive sub-culture.  Analysis of social elements such as food, music, family, traditions, language, gender, and race.  Special emphasis on analysis of representative books, rhetoric, plays, and films.
  
  • COMM 3710 - Corporate Media Scriptwriting

    3
    Practical experience in creating scripts specifically tailored to corporate media/multimedia presentations.
  
  • COMM 3720 - Authoring Web Pages

    3
    Prerequisite: COMM 2720  or permission of instructor
    Skills needed in developing web pages, HTML and popular web design programs, elements of design, online publications, history of the Internet, censorship, ethics, and advertising on the web.
  
  • COMM 3730 - Internet and Web Technology

    3
    Students explore the technology of the Internet through study and practice involving networks, domain name service, IP addressing, online protocols, equipment, cabling, connections, servers and various operating systems.
  
  • COMM 3740 - e-Commerce Technology

    3
    Prerequisite: COMM 3720  or 3800 
    Students explore and evaluate today’s elements of electronic commerce including a focus on shopping cart programs, digital certificates, configuration and operation of secure servers, online financial transaction technology, and the development and implementation of e-business plans from an advertising, marketing communications, and public relations perspective.
  
  • COMM 3750 - Event Planning: Risk Management

    3
    Prerequisite: COMM 1900
    Students will examine the legal risks involved in event planning and event management.
  
  • COMM 3760 - Video Production 1

    3
    Prerequisite: COMM 2100 
    Each student enrolled will be responsible for the development and production of several short video projects. Skills will be developed in all areas of television production and related concepts.
  
  • COMM 3800 - Principles of Media Advertising

    3
    Students learn the principles of advertising and the role of advertising communication in society and in organizations; reviews advertising and persuasive ethics and the impact of advertising on media and offers a survey of various advertising types including print, broadcast, direct response, and new technology-based advertising efforts.
  
  • COMM 3810 - Live Studio Production

    3
    Prerequisite: COMM 2100 
    Students learn the principles of a live television production. Television and broadcasting elements will be incorporated that are necessary in creating and producing a live production.
  
  • COMM 3900 - Motion Picture Production Workshop

    4
    Prerequisite: COMM 2100 , 3760  and permission of the instructor
    Using portable and versatile video camcorders, students develop and complete short motion pictures. Includes camera operation, roles in motion picture production, sound and editor.
  
  • COMM 3910 - Media Relations

    3
    The professional communicator’s establishment of meaningful relationships with electronic and print media is studied including a focus on ratings, news releases, press conferences, media buying, building a network of media contacts, special event planning, and the preparation of a comprehensive media relations plan.
  
  • COMM 3950 - Methods of Film Analysis

    3
    Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of instructor
    This course begins with an examination of the elements of film form. The course will provide students with the terminology to analyze films and fortify students analytical skills. Representative films are exhibited. Emphasis is placed on dramatic structure, types of film, film theory and the function of film.
  
  • COMM 4010 - Communication Theory

    3
    Prerequisite: COMM 1010 , 1200 , and Junior status;
    In this capstone course, communication theories are examined and applied to relevant social issues(gender, diversity, violence, social change, and entertainment). Students analyze and critique research findings, theoretical paradigms, and media effects.
  
  • COMM 4020 - Communication in Organizations

    3
    Prerequisite: Students can take either COMM 4410  or 4020 (not both)
    Study of communication in complex human organizations. Course relates communication to values, leadership and uses of power in such organizational contexts as business, professional, social, educational and political groups.
  
  • COMM 4100 - Authoring Web Page

    3
    Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
    Skills needed in developing web pages, HTML, and popular web design programs, elements of design, online publications, history of the internet, censorship, ethics, and advertising on the web.
  
  • COMM 4110 - Sports Broadcasting Workshop

    4
    Prerequisite: Approval of instructor
    The course provides hands on experience in the production, direction, and editing of live sporting events (basketball, football, baseball, softball, volleyball, etc.). Students will learn camera operation, digital switching, instant video replay, floor direction, and digital editing. A minimum of 60 hours outside the scheduled class period producing events are required.
  
  • COMM 4120 - Sports Marketing

    3
    Prerequisite: Students can take either COMM 4410 or 4020 (not both)
    The course will be an in-depth examination of the role of marketing in the sports arena. Students will examine the issues of product placement, camera view, uniforms, superimposed images, sports commentaries, personalities, etc.
  
  • COMM 4150 - Feature Writing

    3
    Prerequisite: COMM 2000 
    Instruction and practice in writing feature articles for newspapers, trade journals, and magazines.
  
  • COMM 4200 - Advanced Web Pages

    3
    Prerequisite: COMM 4100  and junior status
    In this advanced course, web pages will be critiqued, examined, and created. Students will analyze the societal effects of the web as it impacts commerce, education, social interactions, and social interactions, and social decision-making. Student will create web pages using HTML, Dynamic HTML, JAVA script, CGI script, and streaming video.
  
  • COMM 4300 - Topics in Popular Culture

    3
    Indepth study of popular culture and American society in everyday life through selected themes, topics, era and issues.
  
  • COMM 4310 - Documentary Production

    4
    Prerequisite: COMM 2100 , 3760  and junior standing or permission of the instructor
    Through viewings, lectures, class discussions, and hands-on activities, class members learn to research, write, interview, direct, shoot, and edit a documentary. The class works in small production teams, using camcorders and editing equipment, to produce mini-documentaries designed by each team.
  
  • COMM 4350 - Broadcast Management

    3
    Prerequisite: COMM 1200 
    Fundamentals of all aspects of programming: news, sports, drama, entertainment, and education; writing of scripts, directing and editing of programs for the electronic media.
  
  • COMM 4400 - Politics and Mass Media

    3
    Cross Listed POLS 4400 
    Media’s role in U.S. politics; influence of mass media on political opinions, on elections, on political participants, and on public policy; and how political participants help shape the messages sent out by mass media.
  
  • COMM 4410 - Conflict Resolution and Negotiation

    3
    Prerequisite: Sudents can take either COMM 4410 or 4020  (not both)
    This course is designed to provide students with various approaches to conflict resolution and negotiation. The readings will focus on the role of conflict within an organizational setting. Case studies will be used to provide participants with actual conflict situations.
  
  • COMM 4444 - Cultural Context in Communication

    3
    This course integrates aspects of the Liberal Arts core with the effects of communication on culture and society, explore the role communication plays in creating social reality; and focus on the media in relation to gender roles, portrayals of women and minorities, impacts of global media, violence, politics, law, the arts, religion, science, health, education, consumer behavior, and the family.
  
  • COMM 4450 - Mass Media and Women

    3
    Historical overview of women reporters and managers in U.S. media; examination of current portrayals of women and men in media news, entertainment and advertising; discussion of research into the influence of these portrayals on audience at attitudes.
  
  • COMM 4470 - Race, Gender, and Mass Media

    3
    Prerequisite: Junior standing
    Examination of current and historical portrayals of ethnic minorities and men and women in media news, entertainment, and advertising; discussion of research into the influence of these portrayals on audience attitudes.
  
  • COMM 4510 - Communication and Public Opinion

    3
    The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of the concept of “public opinion” and to explore the relationships between communication and public opinion. An important normative goal will be to explore ways to allow media messages to contribute to a healthy civic life rather than deviate from it.
  
  • COMM 4550 - Audio Production II


    Prerequisite: COMM 3550  and permission of instructor
    An intensive senior level course which requires students to demonstrate development in extensive and in-depth advanced level audio production requirements and projects.
  
  • COMM 4600 - Media Ethics

    3
    An in-depth examination of ethical principles and conduct as they apply to mass media. Topics covered include codes of ethics, forces which affect ethical decision-making in media, consequences of ethical decisions, and media responsibility.
  
  • COMM 4650 - Mass Media Law

    3
    Prerequisite: Upper division standing or permission of instructor
    An intensive senior level course focusing on the development of our legal system, and the application of legal standards to media operations. Specific topics include the First Amendment, Libel, Privacy, Copyright, Political Programming, and Advertising.
  
  • COMM 4720 - Multimedia Design

    3
    Prerequisite: COMM 3720  and Junior status;
    Students create and edit audio files, video and images using Macromedia Flash and Fireworks, and both audio and videos are streamed into HTML files. Web pages are produced and published using HTML and JAVA scripts. The function of SSI, CGI scripts, and Plug-ins for web servers is also examined.
  
  • COMM 4730 - Internet Content Management

    3
    Prerequisite: COMM 3720 
    This survey and skills course teaches analysis and techniques in creating and managing web/electronic content. Areas covered include web-based public relations, advertising, marketing communication, and e-commerce. In addition, the social impact of these technologies is explored.
  
  • COMM 4760 - Video Production II

    3
    Prerequisite: COMM 3760 
    An intensive senior level video production course which requires advanced level video production skills and uses both studio and field production techniques in the production of longer types of video production.
  
  • COMM 4790 - Non-Linear Editing

    3
    Prerequisite: COMM 3760 
    Advanced video-editing course for students who have completed basic production courses. The course includes in-depth examination of the technical, theoretical, and aesthetic factors involved in post-production.
  
  • COMM 4810 - Public Relations Strategies

    3
    Prerequisite: COMM 3910  or consent of the PR or Corporate Communication Coordinator
    The management and counseling functions of public relations are explored through the use of communication strategies and tactics. A communication evaluation of organizational needs is done by case study analysis resulting in the development of a comprehensive communication plan for a model organization.
  
  • COMM 4910 - Public Relations Campaigns

    3
    The establishment of public relations campaigns and an examination of each of its’ components within the public relations process of research, objectives, programming, and evaluation. Students actually design and implement comprehensive public relations campaigns and review campaign case studies.
  
  • COMM 4920 - Portfolio Development

    3
    Prerequisite: Senior status
    In this course, designed as a capstone course for communication major, students will develop a professional portfolio.
  
  • COMM 4960 - Film Scriptwriting

    3
    Prerequisite: ENGL 1020 , COMM 1200 , Junior status;
    This course will lead the student through a step-by-step process in advanced techniques of script analysis, creating story boards and writing successful treatments. The student will also receive extensive practice by scripting scenes for various film categories; documentary, short feature, animated subjects and full-length feature.
  
  • COMM 4970 - Television Scriptwriting

    3
    Prerequisite: ENGL 1020 , COMM 1200 , junior status;
    This course will lead the student through the current techniques or “formulas” of television writing. The students will receive extensive practice by writing scripts for both dramatic and comedic storylines in the 30 minute, 60 minute, and 2 hour formats.
  
  • COMM 4980 - Television Criticism

    3
    Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing
    A critical study of the literature of TV. A view of television as a social and cultural institution and its impact on American society.

Computer Science

  
  • CSCI 1000 - Introduction to Computer Science

    3
    History of computers and computing; social and ethical issues in computing; networks, communications, and the internet; computer hardware; system software; application software involving web browsers, word processing, spreadsheets, database management systems and presentation software.
  
  • CSCI 1005 - Computer Hardware, Software, and Programming Concepts

    3
    An introductory course with a focus on computer technology. Topics include computer hardware and software, operating systems, networking, databases, and ethical issues in computing. An introduction to some programming and programming concepts is included.
  
  • CSCI 1010 - Introduction to Programming I

    3
    History of computing, computer organization, computer applications, algorithm design, stepwise refinement of algorithms, structured programming using C++, array representation of data, processing of character data, text file processing, subprograms, and parameter passing.
  
  • CSCI 1015 - Introduction to Computer Programming

    3
    This is an introduction to application program design and coding using the Java language; the processes and methods for writing well-structured, well-documented, and well-performing computer programs to implement common information processing tasks; overview of computer problem-solving strategies, software design and documentation methods, and program coding techniques; data types, data structures, and program control structures.
  
  • CSCI 1016 - Introduction to Visual Basic Programs

    3
    An introduction to the basic concepts of application programming using the Visual Basic Net language. Topics covered include problem solving, programming logic, object oriented programming, data types, windows forms and controls, data types, window forms and controls, data structures, exception handling, and program control structures.
  
  • CSCI 2000 - Programming and Data Structures using C++

    4
    Prerequisite: MATH 1910  and permission of instructor
    Introduction to C++ syntax and programming, data types, control structures, functions, file structures, single- and multi-dimensional arrays and applications, pointers, dynamic memory allocation, classes and methods, data structures such as linked lists, stacks, queues, and binary trees, and use of the Standard Template Library.
  
  • CSCI 2010 - Introduction to Programming II

    3
    Prerequisite: CSCI 1010 
    Continuation of 1010. Additional topics in C++ programming including records, files, and dynamic memory allocation. Data structures including arrays, character strings, stacks, queues, linked lists, and binary trees. Each structure is presented in its abstract form and its C++ implementation.
  
  • CSCI 2070 - Programming in Selected Languages I

    3
    Prerequisite: CSCI 1010  or 2000 
    Detailed study of one or more modern programming languages. Emphasis placed on competent programming in the selected language(s), understanding the main application areas for the language(s), and history and basis for creation of the language(s).
  
  • CSCI 2080 - Programming Selected Languages II

    3
    Prerequisite: CSCI 1010  or 2000 
    Detailed study of one or more modern programming languages. Emphasis placed on competent programming in the selected language(s), understanding the main application areas for the language(s), and history and basis for creation of the language(s).
 

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