Communication Arts Graduate Program of Study

Course Descriptions (COMM)

(COMM 6311, 6312, 6315, 6318 and 6319 may be repeated for credit as topics vary)

6300 Research and Writing Techniques
Course is writing-intensive, focusing on both informative and persuasive writing modes. It will emphasize essay composition and revision, the philosophy of scholarship, and qualitative and quantitative research methods.

630l Communication Theory
Introduction to the theories of mass communication. Should be taken in the first semester offered. Prerequisite: COMM 6300

6302 Media Ethics
This course focuses on media accountability, media problems and changing roles of the media. The relationship between the media and various societal groups, i.e., family, government, community, women, and minorities will be examined. Prerequisite: COMM 6300

6303 Principles of Writing for the Media
Examination of writing principles, approach, and practice for print and broadcast media. Survey of techniques and samples.

6304 Aesthetics of Visual Perception
Class will explore the fundamentals of sensory perception of sight and sound as they relate to the arts of media communication.  Principles of motion, color, light, space, and sound. Focuses on successful integration and application of these elements.

6309 Communication Research Methods
This class is an introduction to the techniques and principles of communication research. Prerequisite COMM 6300, COMM 6301, COMM 6302, COMM 6303.

6311 Media Production
Various topics examining principles and techniques of media production. Topics include video production, radio production, multimedia, producing and directing, audio production, digital imaging, graphic design and layout. May be repeated for credit as topics vary.

6312 Applied Media Writing
Various topics in theory and practice of writing for the media. To include topics such as script writing, news writing, literary journalism. May be repeated for credit as topics vary.

6315 Seminar in Film Studies
Various topics examining film and its role in society. To include topics such as film genres, film history, American cinematographers, images of women in film. May be repeated for credit as topics vary.

6317 Communications, Technology, and Culture
Class will investigate new technologies and explore the ramification of the use of these technologies and their impact on current culture. It will help students to reflectively and critically explore the new forms of communication; their effects on the media, business, education, and government industries; and the corresponding societal issues. The class will encourage students to reinterpret these issues within a scholarly framework by examining current new media research. Prerequisite COMM 6301.

6318 Seminar in Mass Communication
Examination of contemporary issues in mass communication. Topics include public opinion, media sociology, journalism, media law, media framing, and critical analysis of advertising, public relations and public address. May be repeated for credit as topics vary.

6319 Seminar in International Communication
Various topics examining international issues in communication.  Topics include international journalism, development communication, and world cinema. May also include study abroad.

6320 Public Relations
This course is designed to examine theories and principles of advertising and to apply them to case studies and an extensive term project. Students will develop advertising critique methods and critical analytical skills to interrogate advertising in society, corporations and non-profit organizations.

6330 Latino/a Identities in U.S.
A critical approach on the emergence of Latino/a identities in the United States, their cross-cultural expansion in the American Southwest, as well as their cultural influence in society and media institutions.

6335 Advanced Bilingual Journalism
This course is designed as a workshop for advanced bilingual students interested in improving their writing and reporting skills for broadcasting in English and Spanish.

6345 Practicum in Specialized Area of Study
Course provides experience and training in the communications field with a designated company or an accomplished professional. Practicum requires a minimum of set hours on-the-job experience per week and a comprehensive report evaluating the practicum experience at the end of the semester.  Prerequisite: Eighteen hours of graduate credit and permission of graduate advisor and internship advisor.

6375 Advertising
This course is designed to examine theories of public relations and persuasion and to apply them to case studies and a term project. It is writing intensive and emphasizes analytical techniques of public relations practice.

6398 Directed Studies in Communication Arts
Opportunity for advanced graduate students to engage in specialized tutorial study with specific faculty. Prerequisite: Permission of graduate advisor and specified faculty.

63CS1 Communication Capstone
Final class, which culminates with a choice of a project or written thesis that integrates various skills and theories of the Communication Arts degree into one final capstone product. COMM 63CS1 must be taken as the final course of the degree.

63TP Thesis Proposal
Written thesis proposal to be completed at the end of program.  Must have 27 hours of graduate work completed in Communication Arts.  Taken as an independent study. Prerequisite COMM 6300, COMM 6301, COMM 6302 , and COMM 6309.

63TR Thesis Research
Completion of thesis in final semester.  Pre-requisite COMM 63TP.