Department of Communications and Theater Arts

Course Descriptions

100. SPEECH COMMUNICATION (2 cr.) Principles of oral communication; application of theory as it relates to preparation and delivery of speeches.

101H. PRINCIPLES OF ORAL COMMUNICATION (1 cr.) Application of theory as it relates to the preparation and delivery of speeches. For students in Honors Program only.

140. JOURNALISM PRACTICUM (1-3 cr.) Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Reporting and editing for publication. Interviewing techniques, beat reporting, newspaper graphics, layout, and design. Students also learn the Apple Macintosh computer system as applied to journalism. P/F only. Course may be repeated for a maximum of 3 credits.

145. DEBATE PRACTICUM (1-3 cr.) Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Credit for effective participation in forensic activities: preparation, research, and delivery and/or performance in debates. Requires participation in off-campus and weekend activities and prior debate experience or a demonstrated equivalency. P/F only. Course may be repeated for a maximum of 3 credits.

150. RADIO PRACTICUM (1-3 cr.) Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Fundamental aspects of radio station organization and of broadcast facility operation. Emphasis on the duties of and interrelationships among various departments at the broadcast station. Uses facilities of WJCU. P/F only. Course may be repeated for a maximum of 3 credits.

155. PUBLIC RELATIONS PRACTICUM (1-3 cr.) Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Work on public relations campaigns, designing brochures, newsletters, press releases. P/F only. Course may be repeated for a maximum of 3 credits.

160. TELEVISION PRACTICUM (1-3 cr.) Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Effective participation in preparation and production of campus cable news program. Attendance at productions required; also, regular reports of progress, readings, and final paper. P/F only. Course may be repeated for a maximum of 3 credits.

161. SPORTS TELEVISION PRACTICUM (1-3 cr.) Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Effective participation in preparation for sports televising. Course requirement is to work as part of a crew for games televised for Ohio Sports Network during the semester. P/F only. Course may be repeated for a maximum of 3 credits.

170. MOVEMENT FOR THE THEATRE (2 cr.) Theories and development of movement for the actor. Character centering, relaxation, Alexander technique, neutralization of mannerisms.

175. THEATRE PRACTICUM (1-3 cr.) Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Credit for effective participation in theatre productions: set construction, technical theatre, acting, backstage crew support. Participation in weekend and evening rehearsals required; attendance mandatory at all required rehearsals. P/F only. Course may be repeated for a maximum of 3 credits.

180. PUBLIC SPEAKING PRACTICUM (1-3 cr.) Prerequisite or co-requisite: CO 100. Instructor permission required. Application of public speaking skills reflecting co-curricular experiences to be presented in community settings.

200. INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS (3 cr.) Emphasizes dyadic communication and the effect of diversity on perception, language, nonverbal communication, listening and conflict in building relationships and reducing misunderstandings based on prejudice or stereotypes. Ethical analysis of communication.

201. INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNICATION RESEARCH (3 cr.) Increases knowledge and understanding of communications as an academic discipline. Focus is on developing hypotheses, applying qualitative and quantitative research methods, developing competency in identifying useful resources, critically analyzing these resources and creating clear and concise written and oral arguments.

205. GENDER AND COMMUNICATION (3 cr.) Similarities and differences in male and female patterns of communication: the development of relationships, verbal and nonverbal communication, and impact of gender differences in different contexts.

210. FAMILY COMMUNICATION (3 cr.) Long-term relationships of family members and communication patterns integral to relationship development. Families of multiple origins and ethnicity.

215. FUNDAMENTALS OF BROADCAST PERFORMANCE (3 cr.) Analysis, interpretation, and communication of types of announcing performance areas: voice development, news presentation, interviewing, commercial delivery, and microphone and camera techniques. Effectiveness of styles and use of various scripts. Uses WJCU and Klein Television Studio.

220. AMERICAN ELECTRONIC MEDIA (3 cr.) Evolution of electronic media in the U.S. and their impact on society, economics, programming, technology, and convergence. Uses WJCU and Klein Television Studio.

225. JOURNALISM (3 cr.) Introduction to news writing and analysis of news stories. Uses electronic newsroom. Emphasis on writing and developing information-gathering research skills for news production.

235. BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL SPEAKING (3 cr.) Prerequisite: CO 100. Extension of the types of public speaking introduced in CO 100. Emphasis on presentational requirements of business and the professions, including videotaped reports, special occasion speeches, manuscript delivery, analytical and technical reports, motivational and persuasive speeches.

245. ARGUMENTATION AND DEBATE (3 cr.) Prerequisite: CO 100. Analysis of argumentation theory and its application in debates on significant contemporary problems. Consideration of propositions, issues, evidence, analysis, briefing, case construction, and refutation.

265. ORAL INTERPRETATION OF LITERATURE (3 cr.) Problems in analysis, criticism, interpretation, and communication of literature. Classroom performance in oral interpretation of various types of prose, drama, and poetry.

270. PLAYWRITING (395) (3 cr.) Prerequisite: permission of instructor. The art and craft of the playwright through play analysis and discussion of Aristotle’s six elements of drama. The playwriting process (idea, scenario, characters, drafts), contemporary relationships in the theatre, and oral reading of an original one-act script.

275. THEATER PRODUCTION (3 cr.) Lecture-workshop course. Aesthetic and practical aspects of producing a play: backstage production, organization, the promptbook, and technical support. Uses Marinello Little Theatre and Kulas Auditorium as a laboratory.

280. INTRODUCTION TO THE THEATRE (3 cr.) History and development of theatre arts from the ancient Greeks to the present. Detailed examination of the components of live theatre and the contributions of actors, directors, designers, playwrights, and critics to the creation of theatre. Requires attending area theatre productions.

285. ACTING FOR THE STAGE (3 cr.) Problems, basic performance, and rehearsal techniques for the actor. Practice in creative exercises and improvisations; studies in character development and physical/vocal work. Examination of historical development of the actor and theories of acting. Classroom performance/critique of scenes.

295. SCREENWRITING (3 cr.) Prerequisite: permission of instructor. The craft of writing for the screen through film analysis, discussion of screenwriting format, dramatic elements, character and plot development, legal issues, marketing of scripts, and agent representation.

300. SMALL GROUP COMMUNICATION (3 cr.) Small group theory, leadership, decision-making and communication skills. Practical application of group discussion concepts.

301. METHODS IN COMMUNICATION RESEARCH (3 cr.) Examines both quantitative and qualitative methods in communications. Special attention given to hypothesis construction, research design, and analysis of data gathered.

305. INTERVIEWING PRINCIPLES. (3 cr.) Analysis of theories, methods, and research in survey, journalistic, employment settings, and persuasive settings.

308. LITERARY JOURNALISM (3 cr.) Prerequisite: CO 225. Writing and publishing in-depth features for newspapers, magazines, and books with emphasis on the study of classis works by Berner, McPhee, Thompson, Didion, and others.

315. PUBLIC RELATIONS (3 cr.) Prerequisite: CO 225. Functional role of public relations as a tool of leadership in organizations: research, planning, writing, communicating, and evaluation. Analysis of public relations campaigns, ethics, methodologies, and their impact.
316. THE DOCUMENTARY IN FILM AND TELEVISION (3 cr.) Rise of the documentary from pioneers through the work of Flaherty, Lorentz, Riefenstahl, Grierson, Murrow, Wiseman, and Burns, among others. Historical, informational, news, poetic, persuasive and propaganda documentaries and techniques.
317. FILM AND COMMUNICATION (3 cr.) Rise of the American film industry with attention to the evolution of camera techniques, sound, and special effects. American classis films, directors, stars, and institutions from 1895 to 1960.
318. INTERNATIONAL FILM: SILENT TO MODERN ERA (3 cr.) Historical exploration of the development of film as an international phenomenon from beginnings in France to the modern era. Historical background and related cultural elements in which each was created. Various film schools and directors are examined with attention to the evolution of styles and storytelling methods.
319. TELEVISION PRODUCTION (3 cr.) Prerequisite: CO 220. Introduction to television production, including leadership, program idea development, research and preplanning, balancing information and entertainment values, and studio procedures and direction. Uses Klein Television Studio.
320. AUDIO PRODUCTION (3 cr.) Prerequisite: CO 220 or consent of instructor. Fundamental theory and techniques in the use of audio equipment and basic audio production. Includes scripting, editing, and production of several program forms. Uses facilities of WJCU and O’Malley Center as a laboratory.
321. MULTICULTURALISM IN MASS MEDIA (3 cr.) History, problems, roles, struggles, and contributions of major minority groups in the United States in relation to mass media. Stereotyping, access limitations, evolution of ethnic media, issues, and problems in American mass media systems.
322. WOMEN IN MASS MEDIA (3 cr.) Examines the historical contributions of women in various mass media, including print, electronic, and film. Explores development of awareness of the portrayal of women by the media and the impact on society.
323. ELECTRONIC SALES AND MARKETING (3 cr.) Sales function in commercial radio, television, and cable. Theory and practical application on electronic media advertising, sales, and research. Discussion of media competitive advantages, as well as vocabulary and techniques of electronic media sales.
324. VIDEO GRAPHICS AND ANIMATION (3 cr.) Examines the aesthetic and practical dimensions of creating still-frame and animated images for the video screen. Students create graphics and animations, and learn techniques to enhance visual literacy and to “read” images more critically.
325. INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING (3 cr.) Prerequisite: CO 225. Process of investigative reporting. Major investigative projects; original public records research, information-gathering interviews, and written findings.
330. PHOTOJOURNALISM (3 cr.) Prerequisite: CO 225 or permission of instructor; co-requisite: CO 331. Role of the photographer as communicator and as member of an editorial team at newspapers and magazines. Analysis of noted photojournalists and creative theory and art of photojournalism. Editorial decisions about the composing, editing, layout, and eventual publication of news and feature photos. Photo assignments and photo essays. Requires use of on-campus darkroom as a laboratory.
331. PHOTOJOURNALISM LABORATORY (1 cr.) Co-requisite: CO 330.
335. ILLUSTRATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY (3 cr.) Co-requisite: CO 336. The art and science of magazine and advertising photography. Includes use of large-format cameras and color film.
336. ILLUSTRATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY LABORATORY (1 cr.) Co-requisite: CO 335.
340. BROADCAST AND BROADBAND AUDIO MEDIA (3 cr.) Prerequisite: CO 220 or permission of instructor. Examines development of broadcast radio and broadband audio services. Focal points include emerging business structures, programming, and unique issues facing broadcast radio, satellite radio, podcasting, and streaming audio services such as Internet radio.
341. PERSPECTIVES IN CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN POLITICAL DISCOURSE (3 cr.) Examines how various groups and causes make use of public expression to seek redress of grievances of to attempt significant social, political, or economic changes. Specific groups and causes may vary.
343. INTERNATIONAL THEATRE (3 cr.) Examines performance outside of Europe and the United States. Topics range from Latin American and the Caribbean to Africa and Asia. Topics vary according to semester. History, critical theory, production methods, and plays of these theatres.
344. MULTICULTURALISM IN THE THEATRE (3 cr.) Comparative analysis of performance within the United States that speaks for minority groups. Topics vary according to semester but range from African-American theatres to theatres that represent Native Americans, Chicanos or women.
346. CAMPAIGN ISSUES AND IMAGES (445) (3 cr.) Issues, images, and rhetorical and communication strategies of selected candidates in current political campaigns. Offered during the fall semester of election years.
355. MULTIMEDIA (3 cr.) Study of the thought processes and aesthetics in the production of multi-media from initial concept through development to actual construction. Students create individual projects using Dreamweaver and Flash Animation and learn to analyze and critique professional work using electronic news room.
365. DESIGN FOR THE STAGE (3 cr.) Prerequisite: CO 275. Aesthetic, practical, and process orientation to set, costume, and properties design for the stage. Includes drawing, drafting, and written analysis of plays and musicals. The process of the collaborative art is explored through group and individual projects. Basic drawing and drafting tools required.
375. DIRECTING FOR THE STAGE (3 cr.) Prerequisite: CO 265 or 280 or 285, or consent of instructor. Theory and practice of the director’s function: play analysis, concept and interpretation, casting, rehearsing, staging techniques, using the promptbook. Examination of historical development of the director. Exercises in case studies and criticism. Classroom performance/critique of scenes.
380. INTERNATIONAL JOURNALISM (3 cr.) Systematic, comparative study of the role of the press in foreign countries and the U.S. How the press operates within specific countries as well as how the identities of these countries are shaped through the media.
384. LIGHTING FOR THE STAGE (3 cr.) Prerequisites: CO 275; 215; 280; 365. Aesthetic, practical, and process orientation to lighting design. Implementation for the stage and television, practiced through group and individual projects. Lab fee for drafting equipment.
386. MEDIA LITERACY (3 cr.) Examination of the interplay of media, self, information and society to understand the role of media in shaping culture and social reality. Encourages the development of critical approach to all mediated messages in a complex, information-based society.
390. INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION (3 cr.) Prerequisite: CO 220. Influence of cultural background on cross-cultural communication experiences. Asian cultures will serves as a basis for comparison for a variety of cultures. How differences in verbal and nonverbal messages, perceptions, values, and ethics affect communication.
394. MULTICULTURAL COMMUNICATION (3 cr.) Prerequisite: CO 200. Examination of the variety of communication patterns that result from the cultural diversity of the United States. Focus on the effects of historical, cultural, and linguistic factors on perceptions, values, and communication styles.
397. BROADCAST WRITING (3 cr.) Writing for television, radio, and news media. Principles, formats, and techniques for writing commercials, news features, documentaries, talk shows, variety and comedy programs, reality TV, educational and corporate presentations, children’s media, and news media. Students are required to write a one-hour drama and half-hour sitcom for television as their final writing project.
399. SEMINAR/SPECIAL TOPICS IN COMMUNICATION (3 cr.) Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. Responsibility for this course rotates among department faculty, a new area of study being specified by each. Topic will be announced in the semester course schedule.
400. ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION (3 cr.) Focus on communication within and between organizations. Topics include theories of organizational communication, communication flow and effectiveness, organizational messages and reputation, organizational culture, globalization, and initiating change.
407. WRITING FOR PUBLIC RELATIONS (3 cr.) Prerequisite: CO 315. Emphasizes persuasive and advocacy writing and research strategies. Topics include: news releases; ghost-written speeches; press kits; fact sheets, annual reports, company newsletters, and stockholder communications. Information bases and the effect of new technologies will be addressed.
410. EDITING AND DESIGN (3 cr.) Prerequisite: CO 315. Advance study of theory and practice in presenting news, features, and information in various formats, including newspapers, magazines, and websites. This is a senior-level course that sums up journalism studies, polishes skills in copy editing, instructs students in print and web design, and examines future directions of the news media, specifically in convergent journalism.
415. PUBLIC RELATIONS CAMPAIGNS (3 cr.) Planning and implementation of PR campaigns both in crisis and non-crisis situations.
418. INTERNATIONAL ELECTRONIC MEDIA (3 cr.) Prerequisite: CO 220. Comparative analysis of systems, role and use of radio, TV, and cable in the global media environment. Impact of satellite and fiber optic. Ethical and legal concerns related to the impact of American broadcasting on international programming.
419. ADVANCED TELEVISION PRODUCTION LABORATORY (1 cr.) Co-requisite: CO 421.
420. ADVANCED ANIMATION (3 cr.) Prerequisite: CO 319 or 324. Advanced principles of animated production; critical analysis of Hollywood, independent, and international animations; history of animated film and video.
421. LINEAR/NON-LINEAR EDITING (3 cr.) Prerequisites: CO 319 and consent of instructor; co-requisite: CO 419. Examination of aesthetic decisions and skills in planning and production of television programs. Exploration of editing theory using linear and non-linear systems based on both analog and digital approaches. Examines creative approaches utilized in video development, using both field facilities and the Klein Television Studio as laboratories.
424. NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION (3 cr.) Prerequisite: CO 200. Non-language dimensions of human communication such as interpersonal distance, touch, eye contact, and use of time. Emphasis on nonverbal communication in non-Western cultures.
435. BROADCAST PROGRAMMING PRINCIPLES (3 cr.) Prerequisite: CO 220 or consent of instructor. Problems of broadcasting management, programming, sales, promotion, and marketing. Exploration of related issues in issues in both commercial and noncommercial broadcast media.
438. BROADCAST JOURNALISM (3 cr.) Prerequisites: CO 220, CO 225, and CO 319 or 397. The news gathering process for radio, TV, on-line, and cable. Uses writing and production as a means to understand the decision-making process in the electronic environment. Includes analysis of news programs, ethical responsibilities of reporters and management, effects and impact that broadcast and cable news has on society.
440. EVENT PLANNING (3 cr.) Instructor permission required. An understanding of, and experience with, the communicative strategies and behaviors associated with effective meetings, conferences, and special events. Draws on theoretical areas of communication to study effective planning, providing opportunities to integrate theory and application.
441. RHETORICAL THEORY AND CRITICISM (3 cr.) Analyzes rhetorical theory with an emphasis on criticism of persuasive discourse found in a variety of texts, including speeches, novels, film, music, campaigns. Theories and texts range from classical to contemporary.
446. PERSUASIVE COMMUNICATION THEORY (3 cr.) Contemporary theories of persuasion; theory construction, experimental field research, and applications to political, business, professional, interpersonal, and other settings.
447. PRESIDENTIAL COMMUNICATION (3 cr.) Communicative strategies and constraints of the American presidency from the perspective of political communicative theory as well as the careers and communicative abilities of individual presidents.
449. POLITCS, PUBLIC POLICY, AND THE PRESS (3 cr.) Analysis and critique of the dynamics between the press, presidential campaigns, and the voting public. Historical perspective on selected campaigns with an emphasis on social, political, and economic shifts in American society.
450. DEVELOPMENT OF COMMUNICATION THEORY (3 cr.) Historical overview of theories of communication from classical era to present. Emphasis on diversification of communication theory and its expansion into new areas, including mass communication, in the 20th century and beyond.
455. HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL MEDIA (3 cr.) Researching and communicating environmental and health issues through the media. Focus on use of data, interpreting and writing scientific and technical information, and presenting strategies of risk communication.
456. ADVANCED MULTIMEDIA (3 cr.) Prerequisite: CO 355. Advanced theory and practice in multimedia design, including idea development, information flow, system links and branching. Uses Flash, Dreamweaver, FrontPage, Photoshop, and Fireworks, among others.
465. MEDIA ETHICS (3 cr.) Classical and contemporary ethical theories and their application in media issues such as the selection of stories, their content, and the news-gathering process. Includes analysis of professional codes of ethics and extensive case studies.
467. COMMUNICATIONS AND THE FIRST AMENDMENT (3 cr.) First Amendment theory, legal opinion, and practical implications, for the freedom of speech and press, including the mass media.
470. THEATRE HISTORY AND CRITICISM (3 cr.) Survey of the theory and history of the theatre and drama from the Greeks to the present day. Relationship between the theatre and the social and aesthetic values of its time.
475. LITTLE THEATRE WORKSHOP (3 cr.) Prerequisites: open only to students who have worked in Little Theatre Workshop productions and with consent of instructor. Specified problems of an advanced nature in playwriting, acting, directing, designing, and management. Concentration on the growth of the student as an artist in the theatre. Requires a major project and research analysis. Required work in the Little Theatre Workshop productions.
476. LITTLE THEATRE WORKSHOP, DESIGN, AND MANAGEMENT (3 cr.) Prerequisites: CO 275, 365. Open only to students who have worked in Little Theatre Productions and with consent of instructor. Concentration on the growth of the student as an artist in the theatre. Requires major project, research analysis, and appropriate technical drawings. All work in Little Theatre Workshop productions.
497. INTERNSHIP (3, 6 cr.) Prerequisites: senior standing; normally at least 2.5 overall average. Open only to majors. Permission of internship director required. Supervised and directed experiential learning in a position relevant to a major sequence of study. P/F only. No more than 2 credits may be applied toward completion of the major.
499. INDEPENDENT STUDY (1-3 cr.) Prerequisite: consent of instructor and chair. Particular problem in communication examined in depth. Final paper and oral examination required. Projects must be approved prior to authorization for registration. Consult chair for details. Majors only.