C O U R S E S
These courses provide the student with a diversified program of study in journalism and mass media. Courses in news gathering, writing, editing and photography are considered basics; thereafter, the student branches into more specialized areas. In the journalism sequence, courses may be grouped to meet career objectives in reporting-editing, photojournalism, advertising and public relations.

*The Department of Communication expects to offer the following courses in the coming academic year. The semester listed is to be used for the purpose of planning and advising but course offerings are subject to change. Students and advisors should verify these course offerings with the current printed or on-line schedule of classes.

Fall Projected Courses / Spring Projected Courses / Summer Projected Courses.

101 - Communication in Contemporary Society (COMM 1307) - An introductory course designed to acquaint the student with the process of mass communication. *fall/spring

103 - News Writing (COMM 2311) - 3 semester hours, 2 hours lecture, 2 hours lab per week. The fundamental principles of writing news. Prerequisite: Basic proficiency in typing or AAS 101. Incidental fee $16. *fall/spring/summer

200 - Digital Photography- 3 semester hours, 1 hour lecture, 4 hours lab per week. An introduction to the principles of photography. Emphasis on basic theories of film, exposure, composition, development and print quality. Single lens reflex 35mm and digital cameras are available for checkout to class members. Consumables will be provided by students. Incidental fee $30. *fall/spring

203 - News Gathering and Writing II (COMM 2315) - 3 semester hours, 2 hours lecture, 2 hours lab per week. Intensive study of methods used in gathering and writing news beyond those considered in COM 103. Prerequisite: COM 103 with grade of C. Incidental fee $30. *fall/spring

301 - Copy Editing and Headline Writing - Techniques of news editing; evaluation and processing of news with emphasis on grammar and AP style, headline writing. Prerequisite: COM 103 with grade of C. *fall/spring

303 - Advanced Photography - 3 semester hours, 1 hour lecture, 4 hours lab per week. Advanced techniques of photography beyond those elements considered in COM 201. Includes B&W and colow processing, studio lighting, location lighting and current techniques in digital photo manipulation. Students should be prepared to provide consumable supplies. Prerequisite: COM 201 with grade of C. Incidental fee $30. *fall

306 - Communication Law - A study of communications law affecting the rights and duties of the press, including electronic media. Attention given to the First Amendment, libel, privacy, freedom of information, copyright and obscenity. Prerequisite: 6 semester hours of communication. *fall/spring/summer

307 - Advertising Techniques and Procedures - A study of the role of advertising in today?s economy and its specific use in marketing. Emphasis on development of creative strategy, media selection, and audience segmentation. Prerequisite: Junior standing. *fall/spring

308 - Advertising Cases and Campaigns - A study of the principles of research, planning, budgeting, and presenting for a variety of communication campaigns. *fall/spring/summer

309 - Feature Writing - Types of special articles and writing techniques best adapted to marketing material in newspapers and magazines. Prerequisite: COM 103 and 203 with grade of C in each course. *spring

380 - Public Relations - A study of the principles and practices in the field of public relations with special emphasis on practical case study experiences. *fall/spring/summer

381 - Public Relations Writing - Fundamentals of writing for publications including newsletters, house journals, news releases, pamphlets and brochures. Prerequisites & Co Com 103, Com 380. *fall

390 - Communication Internship - 3-6 semester hours. Supervised on-the-job experience. Prerequisite: Must have completed 66 hours overall with 24 hours in commuication (12 hours at SFA.) Participants are selected on the basis of making written application to the Internship Coordinator. *fall/spring/summer

403 - Publication Layout and Design - 3 semester hours, 3 hours lecture per week. Study of design trends of contemporary media through the production of newspaper, magazine and television layouts. Prerequisites: COM 103 and 201. Incidental fee $36. *fall/spring

404 - Newspaper Graphics - 3 semester hours, 1 hour lecture, 4 lab hours per week. The application of the fundamentals of graphic arts to provide an understanding of the reproduction methods of print media. Prerequisite: COM 403. Incidental fee $36.

405 - Photojournalism - 3 semester hours, 1 hour lecture, 4 hours lab per week.Theory and practice of current photographers working in the field of journalism. Emphasis on use of digital cameras and computer equipment relating to photojournalists. Camera fee $30. *spring

430 - New Media - An introduction to multimedia services and various research and publishing tools on the Internet and World Wide Web. *spring

460 - Issues Management and Crisis Response - An examination of current practice in corporate communication issues management and crisis response.

480 - Student Publications Workshop - Study of desktop publishing techniques for the production of publications in the teaching of journalism Prerequisite: Advanced standing. *summer

495 - Special Problems in Communication - 1-3 semester hours. Independent investigation of a special topic or project by the student with advice, approval and supervision by an instructor. *fall/spring/summer

For further information on the courses listed above,
please call (936) 468-4001.