Mass Media (BS)

This course helps students develop a flexible writing process, practice rhetorical awareness, read critically to support their writing, research effectively, represent others ideas in multiple ways, reflect on their writing practices, and polish their work.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-1A

Nature, functions, responsibilities and effects of the media in contemporary society.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-09

Diverse Cultures: Purple

Basic techniques of gathering information and writing readable and accurate media stories.

Prerequisites: ENG 101, MASS 110

Principles of the First Amendment, libel, fair trial, privacy, access to news, pornography and regulation of radio and television.

Prerequisites: MASS 221W

Study, analysis and criticism of the mass media, their ethics and performance.

Prerequisites: MASS 221W

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Prerequisites: MASS 221W, MASS 312, and MASS 411, plus two additional 300/400 level MASS courses, one of which must be MASS 325, MASS 330, MASS 334, MASS 431, MASS 434 or MASS 436

Survey of current practices and problems in the field of public relations. Emphasizes successful case histories and planning techniques.

Prerequisites: MASS 221W

Exploration of the basic principles of visual media design, stressing the significance of images in a mass media society. Special focus on contextualizing historial and technological changes affecting image production for mass media.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-06, GE-07

Diverse Cultures: Purple

Discussion of and practice in reporting about public affairs and social issues, plus examination of copy editing and headline writing for traditional and new media.

Prerequisites: MASS 221W

Creation of photo, audio, video, and written content for multi-platform distribution. Includes critical consideration and application of content creation tools, social media management tools, and legal and ethical issues.

Prerequisites: MASS 221W

This course introduces students to the concepts, approaches and tools for gathering and analyzing information in mass media research. Students will become acquainted with and effectively use the terminology and concepts used in mass media research.

Prerequisites: none

Discussion of and practice in reporting about public affairs and social issues, plus examination of copy editing and headline writing for traditional and new media.

Prerequisites: MASS 221W

Creation of photo, audio, video, and written content for multi-platform distribution. Includes critical consideration and application of content creation tools, social media management tools, and legal and ethical issues.

Prerequisites: MASS 221W

Planning, writing and delivering of broadcast news.

Prerequisites: MASS 221W

Marketing and writing of non-fiction articles for contemporary print and electronic magazines.

Prerequisites: MASS 221W

Practical skill in the development of public relations writing including news releases, brochures, public service announcements, pitch letters, annual reports.

Prerequisites: MASS 233 

Techniques and practicum in writing of features, reviews, editorials, opinion columns and other specialized fields for print and electronic media.

Prerequisites: MASS 221W

Selected topics in mass media.

Prerequisites: MASS 221W or consent

Instruction in the fundamental concepts, terminology, techniques and applications of digital imaging in mass media. Development of the basic skills necessary to design, create, manage and distribute photographic and video digital images in mass media communication. Students must provide own camera equipment.

Prerequisites: Select either MASS 221W or MASS 260

Practicum in typography, design, layout and production processes, including job budgeting and estimating, for newspapers, magazines, newsletters, brochures, posters, annual reports, direct mail and related print materials used public relations and journalism. Emphasis on graphic design software.

Prerequisites: Select either MASS 221W or MASS 260

Survey of the social, cultural, intellectual and technological development of advertising, public relations and print, broadcast and electronic journalism in the United States. Open to non-major/minors.

Prerequisites: none

Exploration of historic and contemporary examples of strategic public relations successes and failures. Analysis of public relations practices related to these cases, including planning, communication, evaluation exercises and management responsibilities.

Prerequisites: MASS 233 

Directed research on a mass media topic chosen by the student.

Prerequisites: MASS 221W