Graduate Catalog: Communication Arts Program Courses

Communication Arts Program (Catalog)

501 New Communications Technology: Theory and Practice (3)

Examines the applications and implications of the new communications technologies, including satellites, the Internet, non-broadcast video operations, and digital technology. Intellectual property and other legal as well as ethical, economic, and aesthetic issues are covered, as is their impact in the production process (e.g., PC based multimedia presentations). Hands-on activities supplement lectures and class discussions.

502 Professional Writing (3)

Examines practical writing tools and techniques appropriate for varied institutional settings and publics. The tools and techniques include an examination of desktop publishing, technical communications, and traditional as well as electronic document design. Students may also explore topics of their particular interest, ranging from technical documentation to documents designed for electronic distribution.

503 Public Presentation (3)

The course is designed to create an awareness of effective speech delivery for various media and audiences through lectures and practical exercises. The use of supplemental materials, including handouts and PC-based presentations, is also covered.

504 Film History (3)

Introduction to film history, aesthetics, and the relationship between film and society. In-class viewings supplement lectures, readings and discussions. The class focus can change on a semester basis.

505 TV Criticism (3)

Analyzes television, cable and other electronically distributed programming with respect to their form and content. The role of the media critic, the basis for criticism, and the relationship between the media and society are also examined.
In-class viewings supplement lectures, readings, and discussions.

506 Communications Law and Policy (3)

Examines legal topics relevant to the communications field. Subjects include the FCC, regulation and deregulation, libel and slander, privacy, and copyright issues.
Both traditional and emerging media are covered.

520 Health Communication (3)

This core course of the Health Communication Track will introduce students to the field's fundamental principles. It includes an in-depth look at the delivery of healthcare systems and communication issues that affect them. These include an overview of health communication practices, its societal impact, and the tools a practitioner can use to reach diverse audiences and integrative medical systems. Selected readings will be assigned and students will engage in hands-on-activities.

522 Leadership In Communications (3)

This course introduces the student to the principles and dynamics in leadership. It will also provide motivation for the student to view the organization from a holistic and global point of view applying their skills of facilitation, mediation and clarification of the organizations process message. It provides a sound basis for the acquisition of leadership skills, including both management and administration.

531Media Production I (3)

Introduces students to broadcast and non-broadcast production equipment and operations, including basic scriptwriting skills. Students serve as producers, directors, writers, and crew for a variety of productions. In-class exercises supplement lectures; students may be required to spend additional hours outside class to complete various projects.

532Media Production II (3)

Continues the study of Media Production I, including more complex techniques and special effects. Electronic field production and editing skills are also emphasized.
Students may be required to spend additional hours outside class to complete various projects. (Prerequisite: COMM 531.)

533 Advanced Media Production (3)

Examines advanced broadcast and non-broadcast production techniques. Topics can range from advanced lighting to aesthetics to designing and short film production.
The class focus can change on a semester basis. Students may be required to spend additional hours outside class to complete various projects. (Prerequisites: COMM 531; COMM 532.)

534Video Editing (3)

Examines A/B roll editing techniques and underlying aesthetic principles. Students will also be introduced to non-linear editing and may be required to spend additional hours outside class to complete various projects. (Prerequisites: COMM 531;
COMM 532.)

535 PC-Based Media Production (3)

Examines production techniques geared for a computer environment. Topics include PC-based video editing, digital compression options, graphics, and audio integration, selecting the appropriate medium for a specific task and available production outlets. The latter range from disk-based multimedia and hypermedia presentations to the Internet. Students may be required to spend additional hours outside class to complete various projects.

536 Introduction to Theater Production (3)

Presents basic principles and practices in the technical aspects of producing a play on stage. Examines behind-the-scene organization and stage management. Practical exercises supplement in-class lectures and discussions. Students may be required to spend additional hours outside class to complete various projects.

538Web Page Design and Communication Perspectives (3)

Provides students with the skills and abilities to write and design web pages for the WWW from a creative standpoint, as well as a tool for advertising, publicity, and public relations purposes.

540 Complementary Healthcare (3)

This course will focus on fundamental issues that underline complementary healthcare including alternative medicine, legal policies, reimbursement, training, and educational opportunities for those involved in complementary healthcare. Students will examine the theoretical basis of Complementary or Holistic Healthcare, its history, its current status, and its future potential.

555 Professional Contribution (0)

Under the direction of the Communication Arts faculty, students prepare projects that can include a thesis, a professional contribution, or a professional performance.
Students develop an in-depth study of a scholarly issue and a practical application of the information in that analysis in a creative format. Completion of both the in-depth scholarly study and the practical application are required for successful completion of the course.

561MediaManagement (3)

Examines administrative principles and procedures relevant for broadcast and non-broadcast media operations. Topics include staffing issues, management styles, and how to remain competitive in a highly volatile environment.

562Media Promotion and Publicity (3)

Introduces students to integrated techniques for effectively conveying an organization's messages to relevant clients, including internal constituencies and the public.
Various promotion and publicity techniques are also covered. Hands-on activities supplement lectures, readings, and discussions.

595 Internship (3)

Involves practical experience under the direction of qualified professionals at cooperating communications organizations and institutions. Internships may also be held at appropriate departments at Marywood University, such as Marywood's TV studio and Public Relations Office.

598 Special Topics (variable credit)

To meet the growing needs of both the communication and media industries, we are constantly researching and updating a unique set of courses designed to enhance the knowledge base and skill level of our graduate students. Special Topics courses will in most cases serve as electives and include courses for our media management, production health communication, and production tracks.

599 Independent Study (variable credit)

Designed for the individual student's interests under faculty direction. Course descriptions for the graduate courses in Art and Public Administration may be found in the respective program sections of this catalog.