Degrees

COMMUNICATIONS CONCENTRATION
Associate in Arts Degree
Media Studies Career Plan

Download "Off The Vine" - Lackawanna College's Newspaper
Issue III - Fall 2007

• Objectives

• Degree Information

• Recommended Course of Study

• Course Descriptions

• Media Technology Career Plan

• Theater Arts Career Plan

In Media Studies, Students will:

• Experience the balances of philosophy and applied skills in many fields of media communication.
• Be prepared effective communicators in varied professional, public fields.
• Be skilled, effective, communicators who understand the effects and responsibilities of media.
• Pursue their personal interests within the field of Communication Arts by offering courses in Audio/Video/Theater Studies/Film/Speech Communication and Rhetorical Studies.
• Research, and analyze the social, legal, political, historical, and economic factors that influence the media and the media's influence on society.
• Have a solid foundation to enter the diverse areas of communication workforce or to pursue baccalaureate studies in any field relating to communications and theater arts.
• Be acquainted with technology used within various media and theater fields.
  

Degree Information

Media studies will develop skills essential in today's media world, leading graduates to careers in public relations, media research, broadcasting and journalism.

Recommended Course of Study

First Semester College Writing* Mathematical Reasoning* or College Algebra* Introduction to Psychology* Introduction to Mass Media or Computer Apps. II Self-Dev. Elective (1 cr.)	Second Semester Effective Speaking Introduction to Literature or Business Communications Applied Ethics* Global History Elective Media and Research Methods Self-Dev. Elective (1 cr.)
Third Semester Media Ethics Broadcasting in America Natural Science Elective Introduction to Interpersonal Communications Advanced Public Speaking	Fourth Semester New Media Technologies Internship/Practicum Journalism I Media Criticism Public Relations/Professional Writing

*Developmental courses may be required as prerequisities

**Courses listed in blue are described below. Other course descriptions are listed with Core Requirements.

Course Descriptions

COM 105 (Formerly CM 100) - Introduction to Mass Media

This course is designed to familiarize the student with all phases of media, including newspapers, magazines, radio, films and television. Background information and contemporary technologies are studied to give the student a better understanding of all media forms and their impact on the public. Classes may be conducted at local radio/television stations and four-year universities. Seasoned professionals in the media field are invited to the class to give students a behind the scenes look at their particular careers (3 Credits). Click here to view course objectives.

COM 110 (Formerly CM 124) - Media and Communication Research Methods

This course will introduce students to scholarly research in the field of media. Students will focus on five different aspects of communication (intrapersonal, interpersonal, small group, organizational, and mass media) and explore different research methods (3 Credits). Prerequisite: EN105 Click here to view course objectives.

COM 125 (Formerly EN 121) - Effective Speaking

This course stresses the various methods of speech for effective oral communication. Special emphasis is placed on the informative and persuasive speech, as well as on group presentations. A variety of formal and informal speaking situations provide the student with a balance between the study of principles and practice (3 Credits).

COM 205 (Formerly CM 205) - Journalism I

This course is an introduction to journalism, including practice in all activities relevant to newsmaking. Students will become familiar with interviewing, editing, feature writing and many other aspects of journalism involved in today?s communication driven world. Students also will participate in the development of the College?s newspaper, Off the Vine (3 Credits). Prerequisite: EN105 Click here to view course objectives.

COM 208 (Formerly CM 208) - Public Relations/Professional Writing

This course is a workshop in public relations within the professional writing fields. Students will learn writing forms and styles, from basic press releases to multi-media public relations campaigns. Media relations, business ethics, and private and not-for-profit institutional case studies will also be covered. Students will have the opportunity to work “hands on” within the field through a public relations campaign project (3 Credits). Prerequisite: EN105 Click here to view course objectives.

COM 215 (Formerly CM 214) - Broadcasting in America

This course looks at the history of broadcasting in America. Students will discover how media outlets and professionals developed, how programs have been created and financed, and the differences among programs through the years. The course also will explore the difference between our electronic media and other countries’, while looking toward the future of the digital age (3 Credits). Prerequisite: EN105 Click here to view course objectives.

COM 218 (Formerly CM 216) - New Media Technologies/Digital Editing

This course will introduce students to emerging technologies appearing today and the impact they have on society. Through self-exploration and lecture, students will gain knowledge of how new technology works and its ever-evolving nature (3 Credits). Click here to view course objectives.

COM 225 (Formerly CM 221) – Advanced Public Speaking

Students will attempt to master the five canons of rhetoric: organization, invention, style, memory and delivery that they have been exposed to in Effective Speaking (EN121). This course will build upon students’ fundamental speaking skills and move on to advanced presentation styles (3 Credits). Prerequisite: EN105, EN121 Click here to view course objectives.

COM 228 (Formerly CM 220) - Introduction to Interpersonal Communications

This course will explore intrapersonal and interpersonal communication processes. Students will learn the skills and techniques of enhancing interpersonal relationships. This course will provide students with an understanding of communication and self, interpersonal communication and perception, listening and responding, communicating nonverbally, and communicating verbally (3 Credits). Click here to view course objectives.

COM 235 (Formerly CM 227) - Media Ethics

This course is designed to familiarize students with moral decisions involving mass media. Students will discuss and analyze ethical decisions made in the media through case studies presented by the text (3 Credits). Prerequisite: SS123 Click here to view course objectives.

COM 238 (Formerly CM 232) - Media Criticism

This course will look at the importance of media today in many powerful arenas and attempt to unmask the often hidden manipulation of various media sources. Students will examine the trends that define media today and become aware of the many tactics used to deliver information by a number of media outlets (3 Credits). Click here to view course objectives.

COM 245 (Formerly CM 240) - Internship/Practicum

This course is designed to provide experience in a student’s major field of study through full-time work. Students are graded on the basis of learning objectives and an employer’s evaluation. On-the-job experience is supplemented by a consultation/reporting period of approximately 15 hours per semester, which will be individually arranged in a flexible time setting to meet criteria for the program and sponsoring agencies (3 Credits). Click here to view course objectives.