Undergraduate Course Descriptions

1100 Orientation to Communication Arts
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 concentration and its faculty as well as help equip students to plot their course from matriculation to graduation at this university. This class is required for all communication arts majors. Ideally, it will be taken the student's first semester but no later than the first year.

1301 Introduction to Mass Communication
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. Offered each semester.

1305 Computer Literacy for Communication Arts
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. Fee. Offered each semester.

2315 Writing for the Media
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 print journalism, copy writing, broadcast journalism, public relations writing, scriptwriting. Prerequisites: COMM 1301, ENGL 1311.

2320 Audio Production I
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.  Radio station production will be required.  Fee.  Prerequisite: COMM 1301. Offered each semester.

2354 Journalism I
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

2357 Introduction to Photography
This course will explore the principles of black and white photography as a means of visual self-expression and the technical skills involved.  This class offers instruction in the use of the camera and darkroom equipment. Fee.  35mm camera required. Recommended: ARTS 1311.

2360 Video Production I
Topics in this class explore the theory and technique of video production with an emphasis on remote location and electronic news gathering (ENG).  Projects include news and feature stories, as well as commercials and music video.  Fee.  Prerequisite: COMM 1301.

3310 Theories of Communication
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. (Every semester)

3317 Diversity in the Media
This course explores diversity and its role in the media, including the influence of various political, social, gender, race, class, age and economic factors in the makeup of those in the news media, decisions involved in media coverage and what various media -- including newspapers, radio stations, TV stations, web sites, ads, sitcoms, dramas, documentaries 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.

3320 Aesthetics of Vision and Sound
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.  Recommended: ARTS 1311.

3325 Writing the Script
This class explores the principles, techniques, and practice of script preparation. This course focuses on commercial and promotional writing for radio/television, including script formats, verbal to visual style, budgets, and presentation skills.  Prerequisite: COMM 1301.

3330 Impact of Media on Society
This course is an intensive study of the influence and interplay of media on various aspects of our culture. Topics may include the socioeconomic and physiological effects of media, and the imagery and impact of advertising. Topics will vary each semester.  May be taken as a Cultural Studies elective. Prerequisite: COMM 1301.

3340 New Media Narrative
New Media Narrative explores the relationship between new media and narrative story telling. The course explores the history, the present and future of story telling and how it has evolved over time.  Fee.  Prerequisite:   COMM 1301 & 1305.

3353 Broadcast Journalism
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.  Fee.  Prerequisites: COMM 1301, 2315. Recommended: COMM 2354, 2358. Offered each summer.

3354 Journalism II
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, 2354.

3355 Publications Practicum
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. Offered each semester.

3358 Digital Photography
Digital photography is a process for creating images using the controlled reactions of light and a photo-electric microchip followed by computer manipulation.  This is a studio art/graphic production course providing the student an opportunity to explore the contemporary uses of digital photography in artistic and graphic design production.  Fee.  Offered Summer and as needed.

3360 Video Production II
This course offers an examination of the theory and techniques of video production including scriptwriting, production management, camera operation, basic lighting design and set design. Emphasis is placed on studio production. Fee. Prerequisite: COMM 1301. Offered in spring.

3365 Multimedia Design and Production
This class provides students with the basic production technology necessary to design and create multimedia.  Students will be given the opportunity to learn various tools concentrating on different 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, COMM 1305, COMM 2320, COMM 3359.

3370 Organizational Communications and Leadership
This course explores organizational communication and leadership. It emphasizes the interpretive, critical and cultural approach in organizational life and leadership development. Course may be taken as a cultural studies elective or upper division elective in other disciplines. The course may not be repeated for credit.

3380 Announcing/Performance
In this class, students will explore announcing techniques for radio and on camera performance.  It includes newscasting (anchoring, reporting and interviewing), commercial talent, on-camera acting, and casting sessions.  Emphasis is placed on individual performance and evaluation using professional scripts and video playback.  Radio station production will be required.  Fee.  Prerequisites: COMM 1301.  Recommended: COMM 2358. Offered each summer.

3390 Radio Practicum
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. Prerequisite: COMM 1301 for Comm Arts majors only. Fee. Offered each semester.

3395 Television Practicum
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. Course may be repeated for elective credit up to six credits. Fee. Offered each semester

4305 Communications, Technology, and Society
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 in 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.

4310 Communication Research
This class introduces students to the primary research methods used to study communication processes, including surveys, content analysis, and experimental research.  Students will become familiar with the major communication journals and will learn to read and to interpret research results, as well as to design simple studies of their own.  Prerequisites: 1301.  Recommended: ARTS 2311

4315 Media Ethics
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.  Offered each semester.

4320 Issues and Trends in Bicultural Communications
This course is a survey of the factors which affect bilingual mass communications in the United States with emphasis on the South Texas regional market. Prerequisite: COMM 1301.

4322 Seminar in Selected Film Topics
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.

4325 Global Media Studies
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. This course is required for Media Studies concentration student. This course may not be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: COMM1301 and COMM 3310 or permission of instructor.

4328 Internship
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: COMM 1301, 2310, 2315, and Permission of instructor.  May be repeated once for credit.  Offered each semester.

4332 Law and the Media
This class is an introduction to law and policy related to mass communication.  Libel, privacy, news gathering, and broadcast regulations are explored. Prerequisites: COMM 1301, 2310 and 2315 (Note: 2310 is now 3310). Offered each semester.

4335 News and Feature Editing
The objective of this class is to edit news and feature stories for clarity, conciseness, correctness, thoroughness, fairness, and style.  Other topics covered include exercising news judgment using headline writing, and visual aspects of news presentation.  Prerequisite: COMM 1301. Offered summer.

4340 Design, Layout & Print Production
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, COMM 1305.   Recommended: ARTS 2311

4347 Electronic Publishing & Web Design
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.  Prerequisite: COMM 1301, COMM 1305,  COMM 3340 or permission of instructor.

4348 Journalism History
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.

4349 Digital and Electronic Writing
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, wiki authoring, writing e-zine articles and new online newspaper websites along with other forms of new media such as digital video and image production. This is a required course for the journalism concentration. Prerequisites include COMM 1305, COMM 2354, COMM 3354 or permission of instructor. May not be repeated for credit.

4350 Photojournalism
This class focuses on principles techniques required in photojournalism.  It combines the critical analysis of famous photojournalists with the practice of the technical aspects of making a photographic essay. Prerequisite: COMM 1301, 2357.

4351 Advanced Digital Editing and Production
This course focuses on non-linear digital audio and video editing with an emphasis in hands-on production, DVD production, creating files for new technologies, and creating special effects. Students will spend considerable lab time outside the classroom. This course is an elective for Production Track students. Production and advanced editing students are encouraged to take this course. The course may not be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: COMM 1301, 2358, 3359 or permission of instructor. Fee.

4355 Magazine Article Writing
This course offers practice in writing magazine articles with emphasis on marketing manuscripts.  It focuses on magazine article genres and development of individual styles.  Prerequisite: COMM 1301, 2315.

4358 Producing/Directing Seminar
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, 3359, or permission of instructor.

4375 Public Relations
This course covers all forms of writing for public relations including press releases, public service announcements, features, magazine queries, securing television and radio interviews, coverage memos, media alerts, trade press releases, background stories, and public relations presentations. Students will have exposure to all writing required for a Public Relations career. Prerequisite: COMM 1301, COMM 2315, or permission of instructor.  This course may not be repeated for credit.

4390 Senior Portfolio
Using new media tools, you will prepare a portfolio of your work that you will be able to use when applying for jobs, graduate school, etc.  This is the capstone course for the Communication Arts undergraduate degree. FEE. Prerequisites: Senior standing. Offered each semester.

4399 Selected Topics
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.

4628 Extended Internship
This course offers additional credit hours to those students having to do in-depth internship hours beyond those of COMM 4328.  Students work part-time in the professional media with the guidance of an on-site supervisor.  Minimum 280-320 hours of work required.  Experience in a current position within the media field may be considered towards fulfillment of required work hours.  Experience must constitute equivalency toward a media internship.  Permission of the instructor and the Chair of Communication Arts is required.  Prerequisites: COMM 1301, 3310, 2315. Offered each semester.