Undergraduate Catalog: Communication Arts

Goals | Programs | Special Features | Professional Internships | Facilities | Major Requirements

Advertising & Public Relations | Digital Media & Broadcast Production | Broadcast Journalism | Secondary School Teacher | Arts Administration w/Specialization in Corporate Communication | Arts Administration w/Secondary Concentrations in Corporate Communications | Ad Hoc Program | Additional Requirements | Minors | Five Year Program

Douglas B. Lawrence, Ph.D., Chairperson
Michael Mirabito, Ph.D.
Wanda Reyes­Velasquez, Ph.D.
Lindsey Wotanis, Ph.D.
*Catherine Bolton, B.A.
*James Fitzgerald, B.A.
*Ernie Mengoni, B.A., Coordinator of Broadcast Operations
†Chris Norton, B.A.
*Patricia Richards, M.A.
†Paul J. Sevensky, B.A.
*Scott Weiland, Ph.D.

*Part-time
† Part-time, consultant in professional area

Goals

The Communication Arts curriculum at Marywood University provides students with a comprehensive education in the communication discipline. It is a broad-based program that includes Advertising and Public Relations (Ad/Pr), and Broadcast Journalism. Students may also take courses in Speech, Scriptwriting, and Audio Production.

The department also supports an ad hoc program. Students can, with an advisor, develop an individualized program consisting of digital media, or advertising/public relations. A program can also be developed with courses from other departments, such as Art.

The department prepares students to assume roles as communication professionals in television and radio stations, advertising and public relations firms, newspapers, audio/video production houses, and other public and private organizations. The jobs range from TV producers and filmmakers to media reporters to advertising specialists to administrators and educators.

The department also echoes the University's goal to provide an education directed toward the self-development of a fully human person; to pursue truth and academic excellence. Students are also encouraged to develop critical, creative, and independent thinking skills and to examine contemporary issues.

Department Programs

Specific program aims are as follows:

1. Advertising and Public Relations

   Students are prepared for careers in advertising and public relations agencies and varied private and public organizations.

2. Digital Media and Broadcast Production

   The major has two tracks: Broadcast and Corporate Communication. A student selects either track in conjunction with an academic advisor.

   Broadcast Communication:
   Students are prepared for careers in the broadcast and production media, that is, television, film media, or radio industries. The skills and knowledge a student gains may also be applicable for cable organizations and production houses. Students also explore the most advanced applications in digital audio and video production, which prepares them for careers in other media outlets. To meet the industry interests of our incoming students we also provide courses that support the knowledge base of "video as film."

   Corporate Communication:
   The non-broadcast media include media departments in hospitals, private and public organizations, consulting firms, and the government.

3. Broadcast Journalism

   Students are prepared for careers in the journalism field. Students gain practical and theoretical skills and knowledge applicable to reporting, editing, and writing, using current, as well as new and emerging media such as print, radio, television, and online platforms. Special emphasis is placed on electronic media.

4. Secondary School Teacher Certification Program

   Directed to the preparation of secondary school teachers in Communication Arts, the programs of study with specialization in theatre arts and media are approved for certification by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

5. Program in Arts Administration

   Communication Arts students who pursue the program in Arts Administration pursue a focus in corporate communications. The promulgation of the arts to various public constituencies implicitly requires a knowledge of the art form itself, as well as, a familiarity with relevant business procedures. The program prepares a student for both competencies.

6. Ad Hoc Program in Communication Arts

   To meet a student's unique educational objectives that cannot be satisfied within existing programs, an Ad Hoc major combines studies in the several areas of the Communications Arts and related disciplines. Consequently, if an established program does not meet a student's needs, a special program can be developed.

   This course of study is designed with an academic advisor and can include courses outside the department. Sample Ad Hoc majors include: Advertising/ Corporate Communication; Advertising/Art.

7. Five Year Bachelor/Master (BA/MA) in Communication Arts

   Students who present appropriate qualifications will be able to study and complete two degrees in five years. The program is scheduled to allow completion of both bachelor's and master's degrees within a five-year coordinated program.

Special Features

The department offers a student a number of opportunities to enhance his or her education. These include professional internships, independent studies, and membership in professional and student-based organizations, such as the AAF and PRSSA (advertising/public relations), and the NACB (digital media). The department also supports its activities through its own and campus-wide, contemporary teaching facilities.

Professional Internships

Internships provide practical experience under the direction of qualified professionals at cooperating organizations in all of the areas of specialization in Communication Arts. An internship may be arranged with organizations in various geographical locations to meet the student's career objectives.

Facilities

WVMW-FM: On-air stereo radio station licensed by the FCC; studio for interview programs equipped with PC-based music system and a digital delay for talk shows. A student staff manages and operates the station's daily broadcasting schedule with a coverage area that encompasses northeastern Pennsylvania; affiliated with the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System.

TV MARYWOOD: Digital facilities with full audio and video production capabilities, electronic field, graphics, and post-production facilities. Students have ready access to computer-based audio labs, nonlinear editors, and a comprehensive television control room and studio. Professional audio and lighting kits complement sophisticated digital field production systems. Student management and operational staff direct live and taped programming via regional facilities of Comcast Cable; programming may also be produced for internal and external clients.

DIGITAL LEARNING LAB: A Mac based audio suite combined with a digital imaging suite, complete with high end mics, music keyboard, audio production software, and photo imaging software and printer.

MULTIMEDIA THEATRE: Audio-video facility for public presentations involving cinema, slides, audio and video recordings, and computer-based media.

COMPUTER LABORATORIES: Word processing, desktop publishing, three-dimensional computer graphics, scriptwriting, and multimedia productions. Access is also provided to the Internet.

WOOD WORD: Marywood's student newspaper.

Degree Requirements

	Major	Core	Electives	To Graduate
1. Advert/Public Relations	50	43/46	30/33	126
2. Digital Media
a. Broadcast Communication	50	43/46	30/33	126
b. Corporate Communication	50	43/46	30/33	126
3. Broadcast Journalism	50	43/46	30/33	126
4. Secondary School Certification
Specialization in Non-print Media	74/71	43/46	15/21	135
5. Arts Administration
(Corporate Communication)	77	43/46	4/7	127

Requirements - All Majors

The following courses are required for all Communication Arts students, in Advertising/Public Relations, Digital Media/Broadcast, and Broadcast Journalism (23 credits):

COMM 110	Dynamics of Speech Communication	2
COMM 112	Communication Theory	3
COMM 115	News Writing	3
COMM 130B	First-Year Practicum	1
COMM 230A and B	Communication Arts Practicum	1,1
COMM 233	Video Production I	3
COMM 233L	Video Production I Lab	0
COMM 330A and B	Communication Arts Practicum	1,1
COMM 336	Broadcast Newswriting	3
COMM 430A or B	Communication Arts Practicum	1
COMM 451	Coordinating Seminar in Communication Arts	3

Note: Seniors must take 430A or 430B during the semester in which they are not registered for COMM 451.

Specific Program Requirements

1. Advertising and Public Relations

Major specialization in Advertising and Public Relations requires 50 total credits:

COMM 201	Marketing Principles for Communication	3
COMM 202	Advertising: Principles and Practices	3
COMM 204	Public Relations: Principles and Practices	3
COMM 301	Advertising Copywriting	3
COMM 303	Public Relations Writing for the Media	3
COMM 305	Media Planning and Buying	3
COMM 306	Communication Graphics	3
COMM 307	Case Problems in Public Relations	3
COMM 309	Computer Graphics (Desktop Publishing; Multimedia Production)	3

Minor in advertising requires 18 credits:

COMM 115	News Writing	3
COMM 201	Marketing Principles for Communication	3
COMM 202	Advertising: Principles and Practices	3
COMM 230A or B	Communication Arts Practicum	1
COMM 301	Advertising Copywriting	3
COMM 305	Media Planning and Buying	3
COMM 330B	Communication Arts Practicum	1
COMM 430B	Communication Arts Practicum	1

The practica may be replaced by COMM 450 Internship, with permission of the program director and department chair.

Minor in public relations requires 18 credits:

COMM 115	News Writing	3
COMM 201	Marketing Principles for Communication	3
COMM 204	Public Relations: Principles and Practices	3
COMM 230A or B	Communication Arts Practicum	1
COMM 303	Public Relations Writing for the Media	3
COMM 307	Case Problems in Public Relations	3
COMM 330B	Communication Arts Practicum	1
COMM 430B	Communication Arts Practicum	1

The practica may be replaced by COMM 450 Internship, with permission of the program director and department chair.

2. Digital Media and Broadcast Production

Broadcast Communication

Major specialization in Broadcast Communication requires 50 total credits:

COMM 231	Audio Production	3
COMM 234	Video Production II	3
COMM 234L	Video Production II Lab	0
COMM 237	New Communication Technologies	3
COMM 238	Media Scriptwriting	3
COMM 334	Media Management	3
COMM 337	Media Programming	3
COMM 339	Media Performance	3
COMM 389	Telecommunications Sales and Promotions	3
COMM elective:	Internship or any other Communication Arts course; i.e., COMM 431 or 448	3

Minor in Broadcast Communication requires 18 credits:

COMM 233	Video Production I	3
COMM 233L	Video Production I Lab	0
COMM 234	Video Production II	3
COMM 234L	Video Production II Lab	0
COMM 237	New Communications Technologies	3
COMM 238	Media Scriptwriting	3
COMM 330B	Practicum in Broadcast Communication	1
COMM 337	Media Programming	3
COMM 430A, B	Practicum in Broadcast Communication	1,1

The practica may be replaced by COMM 450 Internship, with permission of the program director and department chair.

Corporate Communication

Major specialization in Corporate Communication requires 50 total credits:

COMM 204	Public Relations: Principles and Practices	3
COMM 206	Organizational Communication	3
COMM 234	Video Production II	3
COMM 234L	Video Production II Lab	0
COMM 237	New Communication Technologies	3
COMM 306	Communication Graphics	3
COMM 334	Media Management	3
COMM 340	Writing for Corporate Communication	3
COMM 400	Instructional Design and Media	3
COMM elective:	Internship or any other Communication Arts course with permission of the program director	3

Minor in Corporate Communication requires 18 credits:

COMM 206	Organizational Communication	3
COMM 233	Video Production I	3
COMM 233L	Video Production I lab	0
COMM 237	New Communication Technologies	3
COMM 330B	Practicum in Broadcast Communication	1
COMM 340	Writing for Corporate Communication	3
COMM 400	Instructional Design and Media	3
COMM 430A, B	Practicum in Broadcast Communication	1,1

The practica may be replaced by COMM 450 Internship, with permission of the program director and department chair.

3. Broadcast Journalism

Major in Broadcast Journalism requires 50 total credits:
 

COMM 118	Introduction to Electronic Journalism and Social Media	3
COMM 224	Electronic Newsgathering Seminar	3
COMM 234	Video Production II	3
COMM 234L	Video Production II Lab	0
COMM 237	New Communication Technologies	3
COMM 238	Media Scriptwriting	3
COMM 306	Communication Graphics	3
COMM 320	Communications Ethics and Law	3
COMM 418	Electronic Storytelling and Documentary Production	3
ENGL 484	Political Writing and Rhetoric	3

4. Secondary School Teacher Certification in Communication Arts with Specialization in Non­Print Media

To fulfill secondary school teacher certification requirements, students must complete:

Non­print Media Core

COMM 112	Communication Theory	3
COMM varies	Practicum	5
COMM 231	Audio Production	3
COMM 233	Video Production I	3
COMM 237	New Communications Technologies	3
COMM 433	Educational Telecommunications	3
COMM 451	Coordinating Seminar in Communication Arts	3
ENGL 412A	Teaching Writing	3
ENGL 412B	Teaching Literature	3
ENGL varies	English Electives	6

Choose 6 credits from the following:

THEA 113	Introduction to Theatre	3
THEA 241	Fundamentals of Acting	3
THEA 247A	Stage Management	2
THEA 247B	Scenic Design	2
THEA 247C	Lighting/Sound Design	2
THEA 347	Fundamentals of Directing	3

Professional Education Requirements

EDUC 000	Field Experience	ongoing
EDUC 005D	Practicum IV Secondary/K-12	1
EDUC 100/101	Introduction to Education	.5,.5
PSY 252	Psychology of the Adolescent	3
*EDUC 311	Educational Psychology	3
*EDUC 411A	Effective Instruction in Secondary and K-12 Education	3
*EDUC 414	Social Foundations of Education	3
S ED 100	Characteristics of Students with Disabilities	3
**S ED 300	Curriculum Adaptations	3
*S ED 367	Behavior and Classroom Management	3
EDUC 442	Student Teaching	9
*EDUC 561	Methods, Materials, & Assessment of ELL	3

*requires upper level screening
 **taken with student teaching

Also see Education Department for a description of admission and retention criteria and further course requirements.

The curriculum requirements discussed in this section are subject to change, based on guidelines established by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

5. Arts Administration (with Specialization in Corporate Communication)

Major in Arts Administration requires the following:

1. 24 credits in Corporate Communication as an area of primary concentration.
   The courses are:
2. 15 credits in Art or Music, Theatre, and Dance as an area of secondary concen­tration in courses designated by the respective departments. Please see the course list in each department for specific requirements.

 

COMM 204	Public Relations: Principles and Practices	3
COMM 206	Organizational Communication	3
COMM 233	Video Production I	3
COMM 233L	Video Production I Lab	0
COMM 234	Video Production II	3
COMM 234L	Video Production II Lab	0
COMM 237	New Communication Technologies	3
COMM 340	Writing for Corporate Communication	3
COMM 400	Instructional Design and Media	3
COMM 451	Coordinating Seminar in Communication Arts	3

c.  24 credits in Business, including the following courses:

 

BUS 111	Principles of Marketing	3
BUS 123	Management and Career Options	3
BUS 131	Accounting I	3
BUS 132	Accounting II	3
BUS 200	Advanced Computer Tools for Management	3
BUS 252	Business Law I	3
BUS Elective:	The student will select 6 credits in business courses to complete their 24 credits

6. Arts Administration (with Secondary Concentrations in Corporate Communication)

 

1. Student selects Art or Music as an area of primary concentration. Please see the course requirements listed for each department in this catalog.
2. Student selects a second concentration of 15 credits in Corporate Communication. The courses are:

 

COMM 204	Public Relations: Principles and Practices	3
COMM 206	Organizational Communication	3
COMM 233	Video Production I	3
COMM 233L	Video Production I Lab	0
COMM 340	Writing for Corporate Communication	3
COMM 400	Instructional Design and Media	3

7. Ad Hoc Program in Communication Arts

Students develop a specialized course of study in consultation with an academic advisor. All students must take the Communication Arts 12 credit core. Other courses are selected on an individual basis in consultation with an academic advisor.

Additional Requirements for Communication Arts Majors

 

1. Transfer credits in Communication Arts will be accepted from other colleges and universities, up to a maximum of one-half the total number required in an area of specialization.
2. The program directors and chairperson determine appropriate course equivalences (if applicable). The department may also require personal demonstration of specific competencies in Communication Arts consistent with program objectives.
3. All major programs of study in Communication Arts additionally require that the student submit an approved thesis or equivalent project. The thesis or project is completed as part of the requirements for Senior Seminar in Communication Arts.
4. Students may take one (1) additional practicum as an elective (7 credits total).
5. All students, including transfer students, must take six (6) practica.
6. Students can take up to 63 Communication Arts credits toward their degrees.

8. Journalism and Multimedia Minors

The Department supports journalism (with English Department) and multimedia (with Art Department) minors.

Minor in journalism requires 18 credits:

English Department

ENGL 160	Writing Skills	3
ENGL 400	Structure of Linguistics	3
	OR course substitution approved by Communication Department Chair
ENGL 321	The Essay as Literature	3
OR
ENGL 480	Advanced Writing	3

Communication Arts Department

COMM 115	News Writing	3
COMM 233	Video Production I	3
COMM 233L	Video Production I Lab	0
COMM 336	Broadcast Newswriting	3

Minor in multimedia requires 18 credits:

Art Department

ART 118	Two-Dimensional Design and Color	3
ART 221A	Visual Concepts	3
ART 221L	Visual Concepts Lab	0
ART 241	Computer Graphics	3
ART 241L	Computer Graphics Lab	0

Communication Arts Department

COMM 233	Video Production I	3
COMM 233L	Video Production I Lab	0
COMM 237	New Communication Technologies	3
COMM 309	Computer Graphics	3

9. Five Year Bachelor/Master Program in Communication Arts

A combined undergraduate/graduate program will allow students to receive both bachelor's and master's degrees in only five years. Students must meet specific qualifications and follow a prescribed program in order to successfully complete both degrees in five years.

Students seeking completion of the combined degree program (BA/MA) must:

1. Apply for the combined program in their sophomore year.
2. Meet all undergraduate requirements for degree completion and for taking graduate courses in the senior year.
3. Meet all admission requirements for acceptance into the graduate program.

Graduate courses taken in senior year will be selected in consultation with the department chairperson. Contact the Communication Arts Department for further information on the master's degree in communication arts.

Communication Arts Courses