Course Descriptions

This course gives students a foundation for beginning studies in the Department of Communication Arts. It will focus on the history of the department, its philosophy, its four-and five-year degree plans, its concentrations and its faculty as well as help equip students to plot their course from matriculation to graduation at this university.

This course studies the nature and function of mass communication systems. Includes the history, structure, and interrelationships of the components of mass media, as well as the relationship between media and society. This class is a prerequisite to other classes for Communication Arts majors. May be taken as a Cultural Studies elective.

This course introduces basic computer terminology skills and concepts in communication. The student receives hands-on experience in file management techniques, Internet and e-mail software, online library databases and software, word processing and presentation software, spreadsheet and database management software. Media software and communication applications will be emphasized. This course meets the computer literacy requirements for Communication Arts majors.

This course introduces students to the preparation, deliver and evaluation of informative and persuasive speeches. (Spring, Fall)

An examination and practice of the types of writing that are produced in the media arena. In this course, the emphasis is on style, structure, and techniques involved in a wide spectrum of writing platforms: print journalism, copywriting, broadcast journalism, online writing forms, public relations writing and scriptwriting.

Prerequisites: COMM 1301 and ENGL 1311

A survey of past and current trends in communication theory. The class emphasis is on perspectives found in social science and cultural studies. May be taken as a Cultural Studies elective.

Prerequisite: COMM 1301

This course explores diversity and its role in the media, including the influence of various political, social, and economic factors in the makeup of those in media coverage and what various media - including newspapers, radio stations, TV stations and movies - portray about various peoples and topics on a historical and cultural basis. May be taken as a Cultural Studies elective.

Prerequisite: COMM 1301

This class explores the theory and principles of sight and sound values that relate to media production. It involves examination of color, light, space, time-motion and sound.

Prerequisite: COMM 1301

This course examines the rhetorical power of media and popular culture. It studies rhetorical theories that explore how mediated texts communicate, and illustrate ways in which people make sense of these messages. Throughout the course students will apply a rhetorical lens to examine everyday messages distributed by mass media in order to reach a more critical and self-reflexive understanding of these texts.

Prerequisites: COMM 1301

This class provides students with the basic production technology necessary to design and create multimedia. Students will be given the opportunity to learn various aspects of the technology: text, graphics, audio, video and website technology. Through developing their own multimedia, students will explore how this technology can be used in society as a communication tool for education, industry and media production. Fee.

Prerequisites: COMM 1301 and COMM 1305

This class examines media standards and employs case studies, text, and discussion sessions. It is designed to help students develop their own standards concerning the communication arts. Topics include censorship, free speech, government regulations, and media accountability. May be taken as a Cultural Studies elective.

Prerequisite: COMM 1301

This course offers academic credit earned through practical experience. Students work part-time in the professional media with the guidance of an on-site supervisor. Minimum 140-160 hours of work required.

Prerequisite: 75 Credit hours. May be repeated once for credit. (Every semester and summer)

This class is an introduction to law and policy related to mass communication. Libel, privacy, news gathering, and broadcast regulation are explored.

Prerequisites: COMM 1301, COMM 2315, and COMM 3310.

This course surveys the theory and application of social and physical environment, body image, and artifacts, gesture and posture, face, eyes, voice, time, and the senses.

This course covers the building of an electronic portfolio. The course emphasizes the preparation of a multimedia or print portfolio for professional development and evaluation. This is the capstone course for the Communication Arts undergraduate degree. Should be taken in the final semester.

An introduction to film editing theory and editing workflows will be examined. This course focuses on non-linear digital editing with an emphasis on continuity editing. Students will learn to use effects, transitions, graphics, and color grading to enhance storytelling.

Prerequisite: COMM 1301

This class introduces the student to audio production theory and technique. The course focuses on sound aesthetics and values while providing an overview of traditional analog sound production and audio equipment. It is an introduction to desktop audio and the digital audio workstation which includes an introduction to Protools or other editing software. Fee.

Prerequisite: COMM 1301

An examination of American and international cinema. The international nature of the silent era will be studied as well as the introduction of sound. The birth of film styles, including Russian Formalism, German Expressionism, Classical Hollywood Cinema, Italian Neorealism, and the French New Wave will be analyzed. Film concepts such as film conventions and genres will be studied and the social and cultural impact of film will be assessed. Additionally, the influence of new technologies, film standards, and production modes will be surveyed as they changed through the decades.

This course emphasizes the importance of strong written material prior to production. The class explores the principles, techniques and practice of script preparation.

Prerequisite: COMM 1301

This course focuses on screenwriting techniques with a strong emphasis on narrative structure, character development and theme. Students will develop and write an original short screenplay or short episodic narrative.

Prerequisite: COMM 1301

This course is designed to familiarize the student with the fundamentals and processes of digital film production. It will focus on basic concepts and techniques of film production. Course work emphasizes proficiencies in camera operation, audio recording, 3-point lighting and non-linear editing. Students will gain the confidence to successfully operate and control the building blocks of production.

Prerequisite: COMM 1301

This course builds upon the concepts of digital film production through improvement of technical knowledge and incubation of creativity. It is designed to give students practical hands-on experience of the production process including pre-production skills: planning, pitching and scriptwriting; production skills: production management, camera operation, lighting and audio; post-production concepts and distribution of completed film. Students will gain experience working with clients and producing professional projects. Emphasis is placed on engaging storytelling.

Prerequisite: COMM 1301 and COMM 3381

This special course is a forum to investigate various issues and themes in American and International film.

This course will explore the history of auteur study and assess how authorship has been used within cinema studies. Throughout the course, the work of a single or multiple directors may be utilized to examine issues of cinematic authorship and how this mode of filmmaking situates the filmmaker, the film itself, and its audience.

This course explores advanced lighting techniques and cinematography for digital film productions. Students will create camera and lighting scenarios that convey mood and enhance the visual narrative. Advanced camera operation will focus on composition and framing, lens choice and camera movement.

Prerequisite: COMM 1301 and COMM 3381

This course focuses on the post-production phase of the student's portfolio short film with an emphasis on advanced editing techniques, color correction, sound mixing, and effects. Coursework emphasizes marketing and film festival submission

Prerequisite: COMM 1301, COMM 3350 and COMM 4358

This course emphasizes pre-production elements, production management, production values and the development of directing techniques. Practical training is taught through individual production projects that require a comprehensive approach. It includes a critical analysis of professional directors' interpretations as well as professional producers' approaches.

Prerequisites: COMM 1301, COMM 3350 and COMM 3382

This course introduces students to the historical, cultural and intellectual developments of contemporary media and culture. Emphasis will be placed on how media has, is and continues to shape cultural formation and meaning and interrelatedly, how such cultural meaning further influences our design and use of media in culture. Readings and class discussions will cover various movements and developments within both media and culture with a particular focus on theories of mass communication and the strategic and ethical considerations therein.

This seminar course offers historical and critical-theoretical frameworks to examine different aspects of media environments within contemporary cultural contexts. This course facilitates students to understand various topics concerning media and culture from critical media-cultural perspectives.

This class provides an introduction to new technology and explores the ramifications of the use of that technology and its impact on current culture. This course will help students to critically explore the new forms of communication and their effects on the societal dynamics, which fiber optics, satellites, teleconferencing, the Internet and personal computing have forged in our culture. May be taken as a Cultural Studies elective.

Prerequisite: COMM 1301

This course is a survey of the factors what affect bilingual mass communication in the United States with emphasis on the South Texas regional market.

Prerequisite: COMM 1301

This class offers discussion and study of various topics in cinematography and the film industry. Content will include screen artists (specific directors, producers, screenwriters, and cinematographers), as well as film genres, content analysis, and the business of the film industry. May be taken as a Cultural Studies elective.

Prerequisite: COMM 1301

This course introduces the leading issues in the study of global media and focuses on the dynamic transformations in various media in a broad global and comparative context. This course explores the socio-historical, political-economic and textual forces which shape media culture in local and global environments.

Prerequisite: COMM 1301 or permission of instructor.

This class introduces the student to audio production theory and technique. The course focuses on sound aesthetics and values while providing an overview of traditional analog sound production and audio equipment. It is an introduction to desktop audio and the digital audio workstation which includes an introduction to Protools or other editing software. Fee.

Prerequisite: COMM 1301

This class explores the fundamentals of writing news for print and electronic media with an emphasis on newspaper journalism. Class focus will be on story organization, leads, style, clarity, conciseness, attribution, balance, objectivity, etc.

Prerequisite: COMM 1301

This course is designed to familiarize the student with the fundamentals and processes of digital film production. II will focus on basic concepts and techniques of film production. Course work emphasizes proficiencies in camera operation, audio recording, 3-point lighting and non-linear editing. Students will gain confidence to successfully operate and control the building blocks of a production.

Prerequisite: COMM 1301

This class gives students practical experience working for the campus radio station. Students will manage, promote, produce and broadcast on the radio station. Course may be repeated for elective credit.

This class gives students practical experience working for the UIW-TV, the campus television station. Students will manage, promote, produce, and broadcast on the television station.

This course explores the impact and potential of publishing via new electronic media. Students will become familiar with a variety of on-line publications, will learn about the similarities and differences between electronic and other forms of publishing, and will practice the non-linear writing and design techniques required for electronic publishing.Fee

Prerequisites: COMM 1301 and COMM 1305 or permission of instructor.

This course introduces students to event planning basics. Topics include fundamentals of event planning; selecting event dates and venues; developing agendas; time line; budgets and contracts; marketing events; sales and facilitating events. There is a service learning component in which students participate in coordinating a fundraising gala as to gain further understanding of course content, a broader appreciation of the discipline, and an enhanced sense of civic responsibility.

This class features principles and application of graphics used in the Communication arts professions. It examines design, layout, paste-up and typography of graphics, both fundamental and current trends. Fee.

Prerequisites: COMM 1301 and COMM 1305.

This course will cover convergent media theory, practice and studies. Through the readings, in class group workshops, individual projects and research papers students will develop a skillset needed to succeed both professionally and academically in the convergent media field.

Prerequisites: COMM 1301, COMM 1305, and COMM 3365.

This course will familiarize students with multiple digital platforms used in journalistic and electronic writing practices to gather and disseminate information. This course will explore theories, practices and experience of digital writing. Students will learn various strategies to enhance skills through various digital platforms including blogging, podcasting, and writing for new online media. Topics may vary depending on trends in the industry.

Prerequisites: COMM 1305, COMM 2354, COMM 3354, and COMM 3365.

This course covers the building of an electronic portfolio. The course emphasizes the preparation of a multimedia or print portfolio for professional development and evaluation. This is the capstone course for the Communication Arts undergraduate degree. Should be taken in the final semester.

In this class, the fundamentals of gathering and reporting information for the news media are analyzed. The class emphasis will be on gathering facts, observation, interviewing and research. The course includes an advanced news writing component.

Prerequisites: COMM 1301 and COMM 2354

In this class, students learn the principles of writing, editing and presenting television news. It incorporates an overview from newsroom organization to basic television news gathering and studio production.

Prerequisites: COMM 1301 and COMM 2315 or COMM 2354 and COMM 2358

This course will cover convergent media theory, practice and studies. Through the readings, in class group workshops, individual projects and research papers students will develop a skillset needed to succeed both professionally and academically in the convergent media field.

Prerequisites: COMM 1301, COMM 1305, and COMM 3365

This class explores the role and the evolution of journalism including the influence of various political and economic changes in journalist practices, and the role of journalism in society. It also covers the history and evolution of various technologies used to present the news. May be taken as a Cultural Studies elective.

Prerequisite: COMM 1301

This course is an investigation of an issue or topic of current interest in the communication arts. Topics will vary each semester. It may include projects or productions.

Prerequisite: COMM 1301

This course builds upon the concepts of digital film production through improvement of technical knowledge and incubation of creativity. It is designed to give students practical hands-on experience of the production process including pre-production skills: planning, pitching and scriptwriting; production skills: production management, camera operation, lighting and audio; post-production concepts and distribution of completed film. Students will gain experience working with clients and producing professional projects. Emphasis is placed on engaging storytelling.

Prerequisite: COMM 1301 and COMM 3381

This course is designed to give students practical hands-on experience in live television studio productions. Students will learn multi-camera operation, switching and directing live productions, and working with talent and crews. It will focus on basic concepts and techniques of studio production including panel programs, scripted programs, and music and entertainment programs. Students will gain confidence and skills to successfully direct and operate all aspects of live television.

This course explores advanced lighting techniques and cinematography for digital film productions. Students will create camera and lighting scenarios that convey mood and enhance the visual narrative. Advanced camera operation will focus on composition and framing, lens choice and camera movement.

Prerequisite: COMM 1301 and COMM 3381

This course emphasizes pre-production elements, production management, production values and development of directing techniques. Practical training is taught through individual production projects that require a comprehensive approach. It includes a critical analysis of professional directors' interpretations as well as professional producers' approaches. Fee.

Prerequisites: COMM 1301 and COMM 3381

This class gives students practical experience working for the Logos. Students will design, write and publish the University newspaper. Course may be repeated for elective credit.

Prerequisite: COMM 1301

This course explores the role of communication in corporate contexts related to organizational culture and communication with a particular focus on crucial conversations, related to value and vision and conflict management and resolution, along with corporate and executive coaching and consulting.

This course introduces students to various forms of organizational dynamics and communication related to the development of leadership attitudes and practices. Emphasis will be placed on how to design and deliver competent and confident, versatile and adaptable, forms of communication as it relates to a range of prominent developments and issues in organizations and leadership. Readings and class discussions will cover various issues related to organizational dynamics and leadership.

This course introduces students to various forms of strategic communication planning and practice. Emphasis will be placed on how professional communicators convey deliberate message(s) through the most suitable media to the designated audience(s) at the appropriate time to contribute to and achieve desired short- and long-term effect. Readings and class discussions will cover various concepts of corporate communication; theories of mass communication, persuasion and public opinion; public relations; ethical communication practices; and strategic communication case studies.

This class gives students practical experience working for the campus radio station. Students will manage, promote, produce and broadcast on the radio station. Course may be repeated for elective credit.

This class gives students practical experience working for the UIW-TV, the campus television station. Students will manage, promote, produce, and broadcast on the television station.

This course explores the impact and potential of publishing via new electronic media. Students will become familiar with a variety of on-line publications, will learn about the similarities and differences between electronic and other forms of publishing, and will practice the non-linear writing and design techniques required for electronic publishing. Fee.

Prerequisites: COMM 1301 and COMM 1305 or permission of instructor.

This course addresses timely issues, current events, while introducing students to various forms of corporate, organizational, and strategic communication challenges and the role of critical and crucial conversations to confront and reconcile such challenges. Emphasis will be placed on critical readings and case studies with a particular focus on the role of coaching and consulting.