Communication Arts
Women's College
Overview
Major
Minor
Four-Year Plan
Course Descriptions
Stacey Peterson, Ph.D., Acting Chair
Timothy R. Cline, Ph.D.
Debra Minick Franklin, Ph.D.
Joseph C. Schaub, Ph.D. (on leave)
The communication arts department of the School of Arts and Sciences offers a major and minor in communication arts to students in the Women's College. The program provides an intensive study of communication between and among persons, via the mass media and in cyberspace. The department mission is to enable students to be knowledgeable creators and astute consumers of messages within our increasingly complex, technological society. The core curriculum aims to develop the student's talents in communicating effectively in print, in visuals, in speech and with diverse types of media. By offering the student additional choices through a series of electives, the program also encourages the student to design a specialty within the communication fields, such as advertising, video and digital media, public relations, journalism or corporate communication. Through internships, practicums and advanced courses, the student learns in more depth about the theory and practices of the specific communication area of the student's interest.
Department facilities include a color video studio with computer-based nonlinear editing, a campus video cable network, ENG equipment for video field work and the campus radio studio. Classes meet frequently in the campus Macintosh laboratory for sessions on writing, digital publishing, digital design work and multimedia presentations.
Early internships during the sophomore and junior years may be taken to explore various career areas in which students may be interested. All communication arts majors must complete an advanced practicum with an approved organization as part of their senior year experience.
Graduates in communication arts have been employed in settings as varied as C-SPAN, Animal Planet, SmartCEO magazine, Baltimore Magazine, the Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts, and The Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center. They serve as advertising media planners, Webmasters, media relations experts, television producers, newspaper editors and sports information directors. An active Advisory Board of department graduates assists the faculty in preparing the students for careers. The department sponsored the first student chapter of the Association for Women in Communications in the state of Maryland.
The general education requirement in fine arts may be fulfilled by any of the following courses: COM-325, COM-330 or COM-351. The general education proficiency in oral communication may be fulfilled by COM-106 or COM-206. COM-106 is designed specifically for non-communication arts majors; communication arts majors and minors must complete COM-206. The general education requirement in gender studies may be met by completing COM-330, COM-382 or the honors course COM-329. COM-329 also fulfills the requirement in history. The general education requirement in cross-cultural studies may be met by completing COM-303. Communication arts majors and minors must complete all courses for the major/minor (including departmental electives) with a grade of C or higher.
Program of Study
Required Courses for a Major in Communication Arts (Credits)
COM-101 Introduction to Media Writing (3)
COM-131 Mass Media and Society (3)
COM-200 Digital Skills Workshop (1)
COM-201 Interpersonal and Team Communication (3)
COM-206 Speaking in Professional Settings (fulfills general
education requirement for majors) (3)
COM-210 Social Media (3)
COM-256 Popular Culture (3)
COM-310 Media Literacy (3)
COM-313 Digital Media Skills (3)
COM-314 Reporting and Writing News (3)
COM-356 Communication Research Methods (3)
COM-441 Mass Communication Law (3)
COM-461 Communication Arts Practicum (4)
Students also take three additional courses of their choice to prepare for specific careers in communication. Students interested in digital production are strongly encouraged to enroll in DMA-201 Time-Based Media.
Minor in Communication Arts
COM-101 Introduction to Writing for the Mass Media (3)
COM-131 Mass Media and Society (3)
COM-201 Interpersonal and Team Communication (3)
Plus three communication arts electives of the student's choice, two
of which must be at the 300- or 400-level (9)
N.B. majors and minors must complete COM-206 Speaking in Professional Settings with a grade of C or higher to fulfill the communication proficiency requirement in general education.
Four-Year Plan
A sample program of study for the communication arts major follows. Students should select courses with the assistance of a faculty advisor. The plan is intended as a guide only. Many variations are possible.
See course descriptions for a list of required courses and description of course and program options.
| Fall | Spring | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| First year | |||
| COM-131 Mass Media in Society | 3 | COM-101 Writing Mass Media | 3 |
| Foreign Language | 3 | COM-256 Popular Culture | 3 |
| Natural Science | 4 | Mathematics | 3 |
| ENG-101 College Writing | 3 | RST-201 Introduction to Biblical Studies | 3 |
| IDS-100 Perspectives in Education | 3 | History or Social Science | 3 |
| [16 credits] | Physical Education | 1 | |
| [16 credits] | |||
| Second year | |||
| COM-201 Interpersonal Communication | 3 | COM-206 Public Speaking | 3 |
| COM-210 Social Media | 3 | COM elective | 3 |
| PHL-201 Introduction to Philosophy | 3 | History or Social Science | 3 |
| English Literature | 3 | PHL or RST 300/400 level | 3 |
| General Education/Course in minor | 3 | General Education/Course in minor | 3 |
| [15 credits] | [15 credits] | ||
| Third year | |||
| COM-314 Reporting and Writing News | 3 | COM-356 Communication Research Methods | 3 |
| COM elective | 3 | COM-310 Media Literacy | 3 |
| Course in minor | 3 | COM-313 Digital Media Skills | 3 |
| Gender Studies/Cross Cultural | 3 | Gender Studies/Cross Cultural | 3 |
| PHL or RST 300/400 level | 3 | Ethics/Values Requirement | 3 |
| [15 credits] | [15 credits] | ||
| Fourth year | |||
| COM-441 Mass Communication Law | 3 | COM-461 Practicum | 4 |
| COM elective | 3 | General Education/minor/Electives | 9-11 |
| General Education/Course in minor | 6 | [13-15 credits] | |
| Internship | 3 | ||
| [15 credits] |
Communication Arts Course Descriptions
COM-101 INTRODUCTION TO MEDIA WRITING
Explores the various types of writing and rhetorical approaches used
in crafting messages for the mass media. Provides experience in
writing for journalistic, broadcasting, public relations and
advertising needs, with diagnostic attention given to the
individual student's writing skills. Writing requirements of the Web
and digital media are previewed. Intensive laboratory work assists
the student in improvement of skills. Offered in Women's College
only. Prerequisite: ENG-101 or permission of department. [3 credits]
COM-106 FUNDAMENTALS OF ORAL COMMUNICATION
Cultivates oral communication skill for non-majors, with emphasis on
improving speaking and listening skills. Analyzes factors affecting
oral communication with self, in dyads, small groups, the public
arena, organizations, mass media, and among members of differing
cultural backgrounds. Practical experience in delivering speeches
and briefings. Fulfills the general education requirement in oral
communication.
[3 credits]
COM-131 MASS MEDIA AND SOCIETY
Studies the role of newspapers, magazines, radio, television, motion
pictures and the "new media" in contemporary life and their impact
on sociological and cultural patterns. The goal of the course is to
develop the students' critical perspective through reflective review
of media messages and analysis of current media systems. [3 credits]
COM-200 DIGITAL SKILLS WORKSHOP
Provides students with hands-on experience in using digital
technology tools toward development of competencies needed for
advanced courses in the major and professional field work. Should be
completed by majors in the first or second year. [1 credit]
COM-201 INTERPERSONAL AND TEAM COMMUNICATION
Examines concepts, principles and skills central to interpersonal
communication processes. Develops understanding of verbal and
nonverbal dimensions of human interaction from both experiential and
competency-based approaches. Consideration given to group dynamics.
Students write reflective journals and participate in a number of
workshop experiences. [3 credits]
COM-202 COLLEGE MEDIA WORKSHOP
Provides training for staff members and leaders of the student media
on campus—the yearbook, television channel, radio station and
newspaper. Requires substantial writing, editing, promotional,
and/or production work on at least one campus medium. Opportunities
to develop materials for presentation in a professional portfolio.
May be repeated for additional credit (up to six credits) to
complete an extended project or learn new skills. [1-3 credits]
COM-206 SPEAKING IN PROFESSIONAL SETTINGS
Explores the art of public communication and persuasion, content and
delivery, through composition and delivery of a variety of speeches.
Particular attention is given to the expectations of the workplace.
Recommended in first year or second year. Fulfills the general
education requirement in oral communication. [3 credits]
COM-210 SOCIAL MEDIA
Engages students in a theoretical and critical look at the incursion
of social media (such as blogs, Facebook, Twitter) into human
communication processes and considers the implications of use of
these media for the future of communication. [3 credits]
COM-221 SMALL GROUP COMMUNICATION
Studies communication in task and decision-making groups. Explores
communication that contributes to cohesion, conformity, conflict and
coalition formation. Provides methods of team building and group
observation through varied workshop opportunities. [3 credits]
COM-249 TELEVISION PERFORMANCE
Employs a workshop format to examine the techniques used in
television performance. Develops skills in news delivery,
interviewing and on-camera demonstration. Students spend extensive
time in front of the camera improving their delivery. Teaches basic
scriptwriting and directing. [3 credits]
COM-256 POPULAR CULTURE
Explores contemporary American culture through an examination of the
creation and propagation of iconic images, myths, stereotypes and
shared beliefs within a mass-mediated context. Extensive discussion
and analysis of media and media artifacts. [3 credits]
COM-301 FEATURE WRITING
Focuses on the preparation of long and short feature articles,
columns and editorials for magazine, newspaper or web publication.
Analyzes markets for writing. Requires reporting activities outside
of class. Opportunities to prepare manuscripts for publication and
for the professional portfolio. Prerequisite: COM-101. [3 credits]
COM-303 INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION
Provides an overview of face-to-face intercultural communication,
integrating theory and interaction. Examines the anthropological,
sociological and psychological aspects of culture as applied to
solving communication problems in multicultural and international
settings. Fulfills general education requirement in cross-cultural
studies. [3 credits]
COM-310 MEDIA LITERACY
Explores visual and audio literacy through the balance of critical
consumption and production skills. Employs a series of units in
which students decode complex visual and audio images and then move
to composition in both visual and auditory production. Creation of a
Web-based portfolio is the culminating unit. [3 credits]
COM-313 DIGITAL MEDIA SKILLS
Provides hands-on experience in the use of digital and social media
in professional contexts in the communication fields. Students will
complete a number of projects applicable to professional situations
that will enhance the job-search portfolio. [3 credits]
COM-314 REPORTING AND WRITING NEWS
Stresses the writing of accurate and stylistically compelling news
and information and the development of interviewing skills. Students
will use digital media and new technologies necessary for covering
stories and preparing news packages in the field. Mobile reporting
and convergence are stressed. [3 credits]
COM-315 TOPICS IN COMMUNICATION
Provides an intensive study of a specific topic in communication. May
be taken for credit more than once if topic is different. [3
credits]
COM-319 ADVERTISING
Provides a foundation in the principles of advertising and studies
the advertising media. Includes the planning of advertising strategy
and making ads. Practical assignments advance understanding of key
message objectives, copywriting principles and ad design principles
introduced in COM-101. Discusses social and economic aspects of
advertising and advertising research. [3 credits]
COM-325 FILM THEMES (BY TOPIC)
Teaches the principles of screen art with viewing of selected films.
Critiques the films based on theories of filmmaking. Themes drawn
from world cinema. (May be taken for credit more than once if topic
is different.) Fulfills the general education requirement in fine
arts. [3 credits]
COM-329 HONORS: WOMEN IN MASS COMMUNICATION HISTORY
Engages students in an historical-critical study of the role of
women in the communication fields of broadcasting, journalism,
public relations and advertising. Surveys their contributions as
practitioners and the challenges they have met as part of the
professional media culture. Opportunities to meet women working in
the media and to participate in an oral history project. Fulfills
general education requirement in history and gender studies. [3
credits]
COM-330 WOMEN IN FILM
Heightens awareness of the ways in which women have been portrayed
in Hollywood-made films during the 20th century. Presumes that mass
media serve as agents of socialization and will consider how popular
films have both reinforced and challenged gender stereotypes and
ideals. Extensive screening of films and film clips. Fulfills
general education requirement in fine arts and gender studies. [3
credits]
COM-331 PUBLIC RELATIONS
Takes a social science approach to the study of public relations as
relationship management. Examines communication strategies for
reaching various publics and stakeholders. Provides practical
experience in planning and writing publicity and public relations
materials to reach communication goals. Opportunities to produce
materials for the professional portfolio. [3 credits]
COM-343 VIDEO AND AUDIO PRODUCTION
Introduces students to audio and video production in the studio and
in the field through the study of aesthetics and technical
principles. Hands-on learning of cameras, video switching, audio,
lighting, effects and non-linear, digital editing. Opportunities to
produce materials for the professional resume tape and portfolio.
Extended class plus lab session in studio. [4 credits]
COM-351 ART OF THE FILM
Surveys the evolution of motion pictures as a distinctive art form.
Studies major film theories, film genres and film reviewing.
Incorporates extensive screenings of selected films and readings
from film literature. Fulfills the general education requirement in
fine arts. [3 credits]
COM-356 COMMUNICATION RESEARCH METHODS
Serves as an introduction to research methods in the communication
field, detailing how to gather and analyze data about communication
processes and their effects. Emphasizes the relevance of research to
helping communication practitioners make sound decisions in applied
settings (e.g., print, video, advertising, public relations and
interpersonal relations). In workshop and small group settings,
students learn how to formulate and pursue research questions of
interest. Prerequisites: COM-131, COM-201. [3 credits]
COM-362 COPY EDITING
Teaches basic skills required in editing for print media, including
newspapers, magazines, newsletters and brochures, public relations
and advertising copy. Includes writing headlines, specifying type,
editing photos and proofreading for style and accuracy based on the
requirements of the copy. The rudiments of design are introduced
with emphasis on the relationship between editorial planning and
visual presentation. Extensive workshop and laboratory work. [3
credits]
COM-363 PUBLICATION DESIGN AND PUBLISHING
Provides extensive laboratory practice in print media design
principles and development of skills required to manipulate
illustration and desktop publishing software packages. Studies
newspaper, magazine, newsletter, brochure and advertising designs
and issues of convergence to the Web. Extensive workshop and
laboratory work. Opportunities provided to produce materials for the
professional portfolio.
[3 credits]
COM-375 EVENT PLANNING
Provides an overview of the necessary preparations for planning a
major event. Course work includes a survey of the types of events,
venue selection, catering, marketing and promotions, networking,
budgeting, execution and evaluation of events. [3 credits]
COM-382 GENDER AND COMMUNICATION
Examines how communication creates, perpetuates and recreates gender
roles. Includes an exploration of the rhetorical movements that
provide the foundation for gender and communication in different
settings such as the personal environment (gendered verbal and
nonverbal communication), the professional environment (education
and the workplace) and the media environment. Fulfills general
education requirement in gender studies. [3 credits]
COM-401 WRITING FOR THE WEB
Explores techniques for making the transition from writing for
traditional mass media to writing for online media. Teaches students
to use online resources and produce online messages and "articles"
of various types. Provides opportunities to develop materials for
the professional portfolio. [3 credits]
COM-403 ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION
Studies communication systems, structure, problems and solutions
within complex organizations, such as business corporations,
governmental agencies, hospitals and schools. Students develop
practical plans to improve communication within organizations. [3
credits]
COM-404 LITERARY JOURNALISM
Examines the literary qualities of reporting, particularly in the
20th century. Presumes that journalists are primarily storytellers
and explores the narrative structures and stylistic devices
developed in many types of articles. Students will read examples of
the best reportage, including first-person experience accounts, war
reporting, crime coverage, sociological journalism, medical and
science writing, investigative pieces, political stories and
profiles. [3 credits]
COM-419 ADVERTISING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS CAMPAIGNS
Focuses on the development of objectives, strategies, tactics and
messages for advertising and public relations campaigns. Analyzes
current ongoing campaigns to learn how and why campaigns succeed and
fail. Class functions as an agency and prepares campaign proposals
for clients. Provides opportunities to develop materials for the
professional portfolio. Prerequisite: COM-319 or COM-331. [3
credits]
COM-430 STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION
Serves as the capstone course for the corporate communications
program; requires students to apply their knowledge from the
program's core subjects in the analysis of communication,
technology, and business problems reflected in case studies of
specific organizations. [3 credits]
COM-441 MASS COMMUNICATION LAW
Provides students with opportunities to discuss and analyze the
major legal problems encountered by communication practitioners.
Teaches case method by review of benchmark federal and state court
decisions and statutes. Covers freedom of information, censorship,
copyright, privacy, libel, and law for the digital media, public
relations, business communication, advertising and broadcasting.
Students write case briefs and hypothetical case analyses. [3
credits]
COM-461 COMMUNICATION ARTS PRACTICUM
Provides opportunities to work in pre-professional settings in
communication positions with an approved organization. Prepares the
student for a career in the communication field of her choice as a
culminating experience. The student must enroll for the spring
semester of her senior year. Prerequisite: senior standing. [4
credits]
COM-463 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN COMMUNICATION
Provides the qualified student with opportunities to conduct
research or produce a body of creative work under the direction of a
faculty member. Permission required. [3 credits]