Course Descriptions – Graduate Program in Media Studies
Media Studies Graduate Course Descriptions (all courses are 3 credits unless otherwise noted)MS 500. Digital Storytelling
A foundation course in the study and application of media aesthetic principles to visual media, utilizing digital imaging and manipulation technologies and software. Students will analyze and develop digital presentations containing graphics and text based on the principles of effective visual design for several screen formats. Theory will be integrated into practice through several guided projects, culminating in a major media design project published to CD, DVD and the web. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Media Studies graduate program or permission of the instructor.
MS 502. Graduate Research and Writing
An entry-level graduate course designed to familiarize students with the basic tools and techniques to do acceptable graduate work. Emphasis will be given to critical methods of research, study, and writing. Required in the first year of graduate work in the Media Studies program. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Media Studies graduate program or permission of the instructor.
MS 503. Mass Communications Theory
Students will learn about the structure, content, process and effects of communication, the contributions of other disciplines and barriers to effective communication. Students will explore the vibrant relationship between theory building, research and knowledge. Students will examine key theories in detail, considering their relationships with other theories and the insight they provide into human communication. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Media Studies graduate program or permission of the instructor.
MS 505. Media Research
Introduction to quantitative and qualitative research procedures used in the social sciences and communications studies. Methods include experimental design, surveying, sampling, content and narrative analysis, as well as focus groups and interviewing techniques. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Media Studies Graduate program or permission of the instructor.
MS 510. Digital Graphic Design
This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of visual expression as a means of communicating information, and the technical skills to digitally translate information into visual communication. Emphasis is placed on the development of strong conceptual design skills, understanding the history and development of creative applications of technology, and the mastery of technical information to facilitate effective messages. Prerequisite(s): MS 500 or permission of the instructor. (Note: Students are expected to have a working knowledge of basic design principles and to be familiar with the Mac platform.)
MS 515. Public Relations Theory and Practice
This course will examine the application of communication, social and behavioral science theory and research techniques in the overall planning, programming, implementation, analysis and evaluation of public relations programs and campaigns. Emphasis will be placed on the identification and analysis of strategies as they are used and affect profit as well as non-profit organizations. Prerequisite(s): MS 505.
MS 541. Digital Video Production
This course will focus on narrative project conceptualization, scripting, storyboarding, production and postproduction utilizing digital video strategies, technology and software. Students, through individual projects, will apply narrative and media aesthetic principles in the production of a series of structured digital projects, culminating in a major narrative project. Prerequisite(s): MS 500 or permission of the instructor.
MS 543. Animation Production
This class consists of screenings, lectures and a series of projects that will introduce the student to animation production for film and video. The course focuses on the concepts, techniques and processes of producing an image, as well as surveying the history of the art form, international trends and recent developments in the industry. Prerequisite(s): MS 541.
MS 548. Screenwriting
This course is designed as a theoretical as well as practical approach to learning the art and craft of screenwriting. Students will study exemplary film through existing screenplays (on reserve), watch and analyze appropriate film works and find the commonalities of traditional writing styles/techniques as they relate to screenwriting while learning the specific technical aspects of writing for the screen. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Media Studies graduate program or permission of the instructor.
MS 561. Media Law and Regulation
Students will learn the legal structure of radio, television, cable, satellite, Internet and other new media forms. Issues to be addressed include intellectual property laws, copyright, Internet regulations, First Amendment legislation and FCC law. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Media Studies Graduate program or permission of the instructor.
MS 565. Producer’s Seminar
A theoretical and practical study of the art and craft of the film/video producer. The student will become familiar with the role of the producer and what function he/she performs in the various visual, audio, and multimedia production formats. Lectures, readings, guest visits, and assignments will address the producer’s role in feature and short narrative, documentary, commercial, industrial, educational and art film and video making. Radio (commercial and public) as well as music production will also be included. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Media Studies graduate program or permission of the instructor.
MS 570. Theories of Visual Communication
This course is a critical, philosophical and historical exploration of images as the objects of visual communication. Broadly defined to include still and moving images, graphic design, typography and also visual phenomena such as fashion, professional and political posture and interaction, visual communication is rooted in basic principles of perception and visual interpretation. Exploring various theories about the structures and uses of visual communication, students will also investigate how the social world is constructed, represented and contested in visual discourse. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Media Studies graduate program or permission of the instructor.
MS 600. 3D Design
This class is a workshop in 3D computer animation production. The class will consist of screenings, lectures and hands-on projects designed to provide an overview of the history, practices and aesthetics of computer-generated images (CGI). While the primary focus of the course is 3D computer animation; the course will also introduce students to a variety of software packages for editing, titling, image processing, audio processing, 2D animation and compositing. Prerequisite(s): MS 500.
MS 601. Critical Approaches to Media Studies
In this critical studies course, students will learn how to apply quantitative and qualitative analytical tools to mass- mediated texts as they look for embedded cultural and political meaning within our media. Students will learn critical theory and apply that theory as they deconstruct the media products they confront on a daily basis. Students will uncover embedded messages in broadcast news and advertising, print articles and advertising, film, television shows and websites. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Media Studies graduate program or permission of the instructor.
MS 635. Race, Gender and Media
This course will examine and analyze the role played by the U.S. mass media (newspapers, magazines, film, radio and television) in establishing, facilitating and confronting the social constructs of race, gender and ethnicity. The primary focus of the course is on contemporary media; however, they will be examined within their historical context. Prerequisite(s): MS 501 or permission of the instructor.
MS 640. Interactive Media
This course will focus on the theory and practice of designing, recording and editing still and motion images and text in interactive/nonlinear formats. Students will read and report on pertinent theory and apply it in the production of interactive media exercises, culminating in a major digital interactive media project. Theory will be put into practice utilizing digital technology and software. Prerequisite(s): MS 500 or permission of the instructor.
MS 645. Film Theory
This course will examine various theoretical approaches to viewing, analyzing, producing and writing about film. Students will read and discuss theories about the language of film; narrative, dramatic and descriptive strategies; the representation of a reality; the medium of film – image and sound in motion; film artists; genres and conventions, especially in relation to postmodernism; the psychology of the spectator; economic and industrial factors in film production; social and ideological subtexts; and nonlinear approaches to narrative and filmmaking, such as hypertext. Readings will include a range of primary texts on film and narrative theory. In-class screenings will allow students to apply various theories to a variety of films. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Media Studies graduate program or permission of the instructor.
MS 655. Film History
Motion picture films have a history of approximately 115 years. We may divide the films produced in this time-frame into three types: narrative, nonfiction – including documentary – and experimental. This course will provide an examination of exemplary films, directors, styles, genres, movements, studios, national cinemas, technologies as well as historical, cultural, economic and political contexts of the films studied. This course is designed to provide Media Studies graduate students with an adequate foundation in narrative, documentary and experimental film history, directors, styles, etc. This foundation will prepare them to successfully research, plan, and implement their theses/projects – the culmination of each one’s Master’s degree. Instruction and learning will be accomplished through the screening and discussion of films, and the reading and discussion of published articles and portions of books. A few selected films will be screened in class, with the majority of them screened out of class via whatever source media the students decide to access. This out-of- course access is the responsibility of the students. Prerequisite(s): MS 500, MS 501, and MS 502; or permission of the instructor and graduate program coordinator.
MS 590. Media Ethics: Public Health Communication
This online discussion class focuses on ethical theory and current ethical and legal issues in public health and health policy, including patient privacy, quarantine requirements, mandatory vaccination, resource allocation, the right to health care, and conflicts between autonomy and health promotion efforts. A large portion of the course will be devoted to current ethical issues. Prerequisite: admission to graduate program.
MS 591. Global Health Communication
This course explores the complex relationships among communication and the many contexts, issues, and relationships surrounding health and well-being in the world today. This course investigates cultural, historical, social, and ethical meanings of health and illness as communicated in the doctor’s office, the counselor’s couch, patient narratives and stories, in family relationships, in the media and much more. It also explores issues in global health, culture, and communication in health care initiatives. Prerequisite: admission to graduate program.
MS 670. Seminar in Media Studies
Areas of study not normally covered in other courses. Topics vary from semester to semester. Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.
MS 691. Public Health & Government Relations
This course provides an overview of health policy, specifically focused on the role that government plays in health, health care, quality of life and the environmental factors that influence our health. The course provides a framework for understanding the social, political and economic dimensions of health policy and how communication tools can best be used for better understanding and advocacy. Prerequisite: admission to graduate program.
MS 692. Public Health & Media Engagement
The course provides an introduction to the theory, design, implementation, and evaluation of health communication programs. It allows students to acquire practical knowledge and skills in health communication planning and implementation. Resources, research tools and examples of different media channels are reviewed and analyzed to explore how to reach different target audiences with the most effective health communication interventions. Specific emphasis will be given to the use and evaluation of New Media. Prerequisite: admission to graduate program.
MS 695. Integrated Media Management
This course applies management principles and practices to the effective organization of different media agencies, firms and/or systems, including broadcast stations, cable systems, public relations agencies, etc. Current research and models in telecommunications administration, economic planning and control, merchandising and positioning, sales and advertising will be reviewed, as well as case studies and current problems in research, planning, operations, administration and evaluation. Prerequisite(s): Completion of 15 credits in Media Studies M.A. Program.
MS 696. Independent Study
Students may not take this class more than two times. Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.
MS 698. Media Studies Thesis I 1-3 Hours
Prerequisite(s): Permission of graduate advisor.
MS 699. Media Studies Thesis II 1-3 Hours
Prerequisite(s): Permission of graduate advisor.
COMM 101. Introduction to Mass Communications
A survey course in mass communications with an emphasis on print and broadcast media and their roles, responsibilities and effects upon American society.
COMM 103. Introduction to Digital Editing
This course is designed as an introduction to digital editing. In class sessions will focus on hands-on techniques and procedures used in creating a variety of digital media formats. Students will be introduced to various editing software including Adobe and Final Cut.
COMM 105. Public Relations Lab (1 credit hour)
The Public Relations lab is designed to introduce students to the creative and technical aspects of planning and executing a PR campaign plan. Students will benefit from the experiential nature of the lab by applying skills and knowledge learned toservicing clients of Tower Communication, a student-run firm. A maximum of eight credits may be earned.
COMM 106. Voice and Diction
A study of the vocal mechanism and production to enable the student to improve the speaking voice and command of general American English.
COMM 111. Radio Laboratory (1 credit hour)
An introduction to radio station management and daily operations at a student station. Credit is earned by serving as a music format producer, the music director, promotions director, news director, production director, training assistant, sports director, or traffic director. A maximum of eight credits may be earned.
COMM 140. Film Appreciation
An introduction to the basic technical and aesthetic elements of the art of film. The class will examine the nature of cinema and its relation to our culture and our lives through analysis of its many components.
COMM 145. Horror and Fantasy Films
Survey of the history and development of the horror/ fantasy and science fiction film genres. Trends in narrative and visual elements will be studied with regard to the genre.
COMM 161. Survey of Broadcasting
Survey of the corporate, regulatory, technical, economic and audience foundations inherent in American commercial and non-commercial broadcasting. The course shall include a study of the interrelationships of these foundations and their subsequent influence on the continuing evolution of modern communications systems.
COMM 162. Television Production/Direction
The principles and methods of producing and directing for television. Students will be given the opportunity to create, produce and direct a minimum of one television program during the period of the course.
COMM 163. Television Laboratory (1 credit hour)
An introduction to television production and news casting. Credit is earned by serving as a reporter, editor, videographer, anchor, or production team member on student television productions. A maximum of eight credits may be earned.
COMM 170. The Art of the Theatre
An introduction to the art of the theatre through observed and participatory activities. The class will examine the nature of theatre and its relation to our culture and our lives through analysis of its many components, including directing, acting, dramatic literature and design. Prerequisite(s): Eligible for ENGL 101.
COMM 171. Theatre Laboratory (1 credit hour)
An introduction to technical theatre, its tools, construction methods and other phases of offstage activities. Credit is earned by working in technical areas on West Virginia State University and Charleston Stage Company productions. A maximum of eight credits may be earned.
COMM 173. American Musical Theatre
The history and nature of American musical theatre from the minstrel shows of the 19th century to the contemporary Broadway stage. Emphasis will be placed on the development of the musical comedy format, a genre which has remained America’s only original contribution to world drama.
COMM 175. Design and Lighting for Stage, Film and Television
An introduction to the basic techniques ofset and lighting design for the media and performing arts. Emphasis will be placed on practical application of theories through work on productions, projects and media/arts events.
COMM 195. Journalism Laboratory (1 credit hour)
Students electing this course assist in the production of the student newspaper. They are expected to attend weekly staff meetings and work a minimum of three hours per week. A maximum of eight credits may be earned.
COMM 205. Public Relations
The basic concepts of public relations and its relationship to mass communication, media, and advertising. Prerequisite(s): ENGL 101.
COMM 206. Introduction to Theatre Production (3 credit hour)
Course provides introduction to theatrical production skills through work on the University’s theatre productions. Students take on introductory positions such as small acting roles; assistants to stage manager, technical director, costume or set designer; or serve on running crews.
COMM 225. Journalism I
A combination lecture-laboratory course which emphasizes the functions of newspapers in society, standards of good newspaper practice, newspaper layout, the principles of gathering news and the composition of various types of news stories. Students will prepare some assignments for publication in the University newspaper. Prerequisite(s): ENGL 102 or consent of instructor.
COMM 227. Copy Editing
A combination laboratory-discussion course in editing copy, writing headlines and designing pages for various types of news publications. Prerequisite(s): COMM 225 or ENGL 225.
COMM 240. Film History: The Narrative Tradition
Survey of American and continental cinema from 1900 to the present, emphasizing humanity’s changing concept of self as mirrored infilm. Prerequisite(s): COMM 140.
COMM 241. Filmmaking
An introduction to the fundamental concepts of single- camera media production. Students will develop their understanding of the filmmaking process by writing, photographing and editing several projects using digital video and non-linear editing systems. Prerequisite(s): COMM 140.
COMM 245. Film History: The Documentary Tradition
A survey ofAmerican and foreign documentary, ethnographic and experimental film representative of major styles, movements and directors in the development of the cinema. Prerequisite(s): COMM 140.
COMM 261. Introduction to Audio Production
The technical and individual performance aspects of professional radio and television announcing. The course emphasizes acquisition of individual competence in all phases of audio production, including voice, style, copywriting and production methods found in the radio and television broadcast station.
COMM 262. Broadcast Management and Operations
A study of radio/TV station management, operations and structure, including on-air operations, programming and local network interrelationships.
COMM 270. Principles and Theories of Acting
A study of the elements of acting, acting techniques, role analysis, group performance and improvisations.
COMM 275. Structure of the Drama
An introduction to theatrical literature from the Greeks to present.
COMM 285. Web Design and Digital Media
An introduction to the strategies and techniques of website design, development, and management for the World Wide Web/Internet, the newest, most important and pervasive mass medium. Site design and management as well as digital image production and manipulation will be studied and practiced.
COMM 299. Special Topics in Communications (1-3 credit hours)
A sophomore-level course designed for a topic of special current interest, including televised courses. Prerequisite(s): COMM 101, 170, 241 or consent of instructor. May be repeated for a maximum of six credit hours.Â
COMM 301. Persuasion: Principles and Practices
An advanced theoretical and applied course with emphasis on messages used in public relations, advertising and politics. The course includes critical analyses, discussion of ethics, propaganda and subliminal persuasive methods used in mass communications. Each student will be required to apply principles learned to an original work aimed at one of the mass mediums of print, radio, or TV. Prerequisite(s): COMM 100, 101 and 205.
COMM 305. Communications Research
Applied and theoretical approaches to mass media research. This course will examine the decision-making process of mass media organizations and involve students in the planning, executing and assessing of communication activities with various publics and audiences. Prerequisite(s): COMM 101 and 205.
COMM 307. Writing for the Media
This course is designed to improve student skills and techniques in writing, preparing and distributing public relations material to a variety of media networks aimed at both internal and external audiences. Prerequisite(s): ENG 102 and COMM 101.
COMM 326. Journalism II
This course is a continuation of Journalism I and is designed to provide the student practical experiences in the many areas of newspaper writing and production. Activities in the course include staff organization, the writing of news stories, editorials, drama and musical reviews, personality profiles, headlines, interviews and copy makeup.
COMM 340. New Media
Conventional mass media are rapidly converging with the Internet to create new media forms that accentuate technological advances. This course will teach students how to analyze new media and culture within a deliberative, informed context. Prerequisite(s): COMM 101.
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COMM 341. Advanced Filmmaking
A series of advanced experiences with an emphasis on the directional role in the pre-production, production and post- production phases in film and video image making. Prerequisite(s): COMM 241.
COMM 343. Animation Production
This class consists of screenings, lectures and a series of projects (ranging from flipbooks to computer graphics) that will introduce the student to animation production for film and video. The course focuses on the concepts, techniques and processes of producing an image. The course also surveys the history of the art form, international trends and recent developments in the industry. Prerequisite(s): COMM 241.
COMM 345. Film Theory, Genres and Directors
Detailed analysis of selected contemporary problems in film theory as exemplified through the study of specific film genres and/or the works of specific film directors and authors. Prerequisite(s): COMM 140.
COMM 348. Scriptwriting for Film
The procedures involved in writing scripts for the factual and for the narrative film. Students will study exemplary film in script through the several stages of the scriptwriting process. Prerequisite(s): ENGL 101 and 102.
COMM 360. Advanced Television Production/ Direction I
An advanced theoretical and applied course with emphasis on individual mastery of production and program management methods. Instructional units include: advanced field and studio video, audio, editing, lighting and graphics, program planning, budget development and pre- and post- production management. Each student will be required to produce a minimum of two original works incorporating these advanced elements. All works will be presented for public viewing and/or use. Prerequisite(s): COMM 162, 241, 261.
COMM 362. Advanced Audio Production
Principles and methods of developing, producing and directing representative types of radio programs found in American broadcasting today. The course includes audio production methods for program and non-program matter and direction of program activities. Prerequisite(s): COMM 261.
COMM 370. Principles and Theories of Theatre Direction
Choosing, analyzing and interpreting the script, producing and play directing through the preparation of scenes under rehearsal conditions. Prerequisite(s): COMM 170.
COMM 375. Theatre for Youth
This course will introduce students to the basic principles of creative dramatics for young people. Offered in conjunction with Charleston Stage Company’s Summer Arts Camps, students will have the opportunity to work with young
people (K-12) in developing various theatre activities and production techniques.
COMM 382. Video Postproduction
An introduction to the theory and practice of digital video post-production. The class will consist of screenings, lectures and hands-on video projects designed to provide an overview of film and video editing history, practices and aesthetics. In-class exercises will introduce students to various software packages for editing, titling, image processing, audio processing, 2D animation and compositing and 3D animation. Prerequisite(s): COMM 140 and COMM 241.
COMM 399. Special Topics in Communications (1-3 credit hours)
A junior-level course designed for a topic of special current interest, including televised courses.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 101, 170, 241 or consent of instructor. May be repeated for a maximum of six credit hours.
COMM 400. Communications Field Experience (1-4 credit hours)
Placement of qualified B.S. degree students in radio, television, film, theatre and related media agencies with the purpose of providing supervised work experience in the student’s chosen area, and a minimum of 200 hours with the approved agency for four credit hours. Students must complete internship application prior to registration. Prerequisite(s): 30 credit hours of communications courses and permission of department chair. May be repeated up to eight credits.
COMM 405. Advanced Public Relations
This course emphasizes research/analysis and planning of public relations campaigns. It is intended for students seriously considering careers in the public relations field as members of firms, staff, and/ or aspiring to the role of counselor. Prerequisite(s): COMM 205.
COMM 409. Senior Project in Communications
This course is designed to provide a context in which a senior, along with the assistance of a faculty member, may develop a project based on his/her previous coursework in communications and indicative of his/ her personal interest. Prerequisite(s): Senior standing (92 credit hours) with at least 18 credit hours in Communications, of which 12 credit hours must include 101, 162, 170, 241 and consent of instructor.
COMM 445. Communications Study Abroad (1-3 credit hours)
Study and travel course. An intercultural experience in travel and learning intended to provide students the opportunities to study and enjoy communication experiences abroad. Travel will include tours of various countries and media systems. Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.
COMM 446. International Cinema
This course examines, from a cultural and historical perspective, a variety of international narrative film styles produced outside the Hollywood system. Many of the post- WWII major national cinemas will be explored, including those of West and East Europe, Scandinavia, Asia and some developing countries. Prerequisite(s): COMM 140.
COMM 460. Broadcast Seminar
A terminal course of the graduating senior whose concentration is in radio-television. Emphasis will be placed upon studies and research of contemporary themes and problems in American broadcasting. Prerequisite(s): COMM 111, 162, ENGL 225 or permission of instructor.
COMM 461. Media Law and Regulations
A study of the laws that guarantee and protect privileges and define the responsibilities of the mass media. Addresses issues and areas such as constitutional law, libel, privacy and governmental regulations. Prerequisite(s): COMM 101.
COMM 462. Advanced Television Production/ Direction II
A production course allowing students to make practical application of the skills learned in COMM 162, 241, 261 and 360. The focus of the course is on producing the cable program, Campus Connection. Prerequisite(s): COMM 360.
COMM 470. Advanced Theatre Studies
A co-curricular laboratory course emphasizing advanced skills and individual mastery of one of the following areas: acting, directing, or design and lighting. Prerequisite(s): COMM 170 and 270 or 370.
COMM 475. Theatre Production
An intensive co-curricular course providing for the applications of specific theatre-related skills (acting, management, publicity, scene design, stagecraft, etc.) through practical work with the college’s theatre productions. A maximum of nine credits may be earned.