COMM - Communication

The course provides a broad introduction to the field of communication focusing on both interpersonal and mediated communication. The course goal is to help one think critically about everyday interactions and to "discover" the degree in which the content and forms of communication contribute to creating meaning, and shaping personal and social realities. The process of meaning-making will be examined to help one become a more effective communicator, especially in situations where communicators experience "difference" with others within and across cultures.

An introductory course dealing, humanistically, with the process and effects of mass communication. Topics include: (1) a description of the industries of mass communication based on their mutual dependence; (2) related media industries such as advertising, public relations, news services; and (3) the influence and results of mass communication studying mass media research. Consideration of the ethical standards for the media.

Basic principles involved in public communication. Emphasis on the techniques involved in audience analysis, critical thinking and argumentation, listening, ethics, and message structure and delivery for public presentations.

Students will learn the applications and techniques necessary to create animations and graphics for video in Apple's Motion, part of the Final Cut Pro Suite. The course covers basic graphic editing, such as manipulating layers and objects, as well as more advanced techniques. This includes using replicators, partlicle emitters, sequence replicators, keyframes, and virtual cameras and lighting. Along with working within the Motion software, students will also learn how to incorporate Motion files into video editing software and DVD authoring software.

Five week mini-course dealing with the skills and concepts involved in creating and publishing pages on the World Wide Web. Emphasis is placed on learning Adobe Dreamweaver, one of the most commonly used HTML editors. Students will also become familiar with techniques to incorporate other media into a web page.

Five week mini-course dealing with skills and concepts involved in preparing video for computer multimedia presentation. Digitizing, non-linear editing of video and sound, effects and transitions, incorporation of computer graphics, and computer animation.

Five week mini course introducing students to Adobe Flash, a vector based multimedia web design application. Students will learn to create projects for the web incorporating animated graphics, photographs, audio and video.

Five week mini-course covering the basics of computer imaging, retouching, and color painting. Emphasis is placed on learning the powerful features of Adobe Photoshop for manipulating images and ways to integrate image editing into multimedia applications.

Five week mini-course in advanced techniques for manipulating still images using Adobe Photoshop. Topics covered include using the pen tool, special effects, creative layering, masks, paths and shapes.

Five week mini-course introducing the use of desktop computers to prepare and produce print and electronic publications such as newsletters, brochures, charts, magazines, and books. Material covered includes page design and layout, typography, integrating graphics and text software, pre-press, and professional publishing practices.

Learn to create and edit audio on a MacIntosh computer. Work with the latest audio software and hardware for hard disc recording and CD production techniques in a desktop computer environment.

Extracurricular participation in the staffing of the college's radio station, WCVF, and WDVL; television station, WNYF; or department societies.

The study of multiple forms of journalism expression with emphasis on print, radio, television and Internet news coverage. Strengths and weaknesses of each medium are examined. Multiple communication theories applicable to journalism and media convergence are emphasized.

A foundational course for communication majors. Explores the ways the elements of production (lighting, color, framing, sound) are used in media to shape the meaning of the content and communicate ideas and emotions.

A course designed to introduce new majors to the department and faculty, and to suggest areas of study and activity.

Writing for the ear and writing in relation to visual images. Weekly writing exercises and discussions relative to audio and video news, documentary, sports, advertising and other non-fiction formats.

The course focuses on the description, explanation and analysis of communicative behavior related to interpersonal relations. As a skills-based course, the students will apply the course concepts to aid in comprehension and appreciation of how communication works in relationship development, maintenance, and termination.

Students learn the basic theories, history, ethical codes, and practices of public relations; how to write according to Associated Press style; and also how to prepare basic written documents such as news releases and news advisories.

The course will emphasize the news gathering process/reporting across media, as well as some basic news writing. Areas covered will include identifying subjects for stories/research, basic research techniques, interviewing, beat coverage, computer-assisted/data-based research, background, special considerations of various coverage areas, and challenges specific to individual media. Special emphasis will also be given to the ethical and legal implications of various news gathering methods.

Storytelling will emphasize the presentation aspect of journalism: how information is conveyed to the reader/viewer/listener. Among the topics covered will be identifying good stories, leads and story structures across media, identifying the heart of a story and the best way to tell it, how words, images and sounds interact, and how to engage the audience. Special emphasis will also be given to fairness and ethical implications of how a story is told.

Introduces students to terms, issues and debates in contemporary media theory. Students will read theoretical texts exploring, for example, the nature of truth, the rise of objectivity, and ambiguity of signs (language, image, sound). The relationship of U.S. journalism to global media will also be a focus in the course, allowing students to understand the functions of critique in contemporary journalism. Additional topics include an exploration of alternative journalism practices in the U.S. and globally such as the impact of the community and public journalism movements, the role of the feminist and ethical press, and the impact of the Internet.

The highly practical course focuses on the critical communication skills involved in effective written and oral communication while emphasizing applications of communication concepts in the world of business. Students will be able to engage in application exercises, build their exploratory skills, and confront problems of diversity. The course is cross-listed with BUAD 235.

This course will introduce students to the various means of social networking and its effect on the practice of public relations. Students will engage in hands-on applications.

Introduction to audio production equipment and its operation. Focus on listening skills; sound design; developing an ability to understand and use sound effectively and the ethical use of persuasive techniques. Principles of writing for the ear examined and practiced; editing, announcing, and interviewing introduced.

Students in this class will master the basics of Pro Tools and Adobe Audition. Students will learn to utilize the audio software systems to produce audio productions for radio television and video productions.

Basic skills in studio production techniques: lighting, camera work, shading, film-chain operation, audio setup and monitoring, videotape recorder operation, floor management, and technical directing. Final projects require students to work in teams to produce and direct their own programs.

In this class, we explore all of these dynamics, studying the history of video games and the impact games have had culturally. Modes of instruction will include historical readings, literature on the impacts of video games, and online discussion. As games represent a personal textual experience, students will be required to play video games from different historical eras and keep an online journal detailing their playing experiences. Links to websites hosting these historically significant games will provided in class (i.e. Zork, Pong, Pac-Man, Pitfall, the Mario games, etc.). Students will also be expected to submit an substantial research paper at the end of the course exploring some aspect of the history and cultural impact of video games.

A 200-level course focusing on a topic not covered in the existing curriculum. Topic(s) announced by the department each semester.

Study of both qualitative and quantitative approaches to inquiry and their applications in theoretic and applied communication research.  Emphasis will be devoted to basic interview and survey methods as they apply to evaluating communication practices and assessing communication needs.

The course will study communication in the small task group emphasizing communication in decision-making and problem solving. Course instruction will review theories that explain the role of communication in group maintenance, cohesion, conflict management, leadership, socialization, and personality management. Attention will be given to the communication practices for conducting meetings, idea generation, goal setting, project analysis and group discussion formats. The goal of the course is to develop proficiency in assessing group situations by applying communication theory and practices to maximize group effectiveness, productivity, and member satisfaction.

The study of human discourse with a focus on how oral and written language is used to influence audiences in public venues such as politics, advertising, and social movements. The main goal of the course is to develop critical thinking skills using traditional and contemporary rhetorical theories and methods of analysis. Developments in rhetorical and western intellectual thought will be examined for their influence and contributions to rhetorical theory. Students will acquire skills that prepare them to be active consumers of persuasive messages and effective, ethical creators of such messages.

This is a Communication Studies course, and as such its goal is to familiarize students with the broader discipline of Health Communication so that they will gain a greater understanding of health and medical interactions, become more savvy health communication consumers, and be more knowledgeable in providing social support in the care of others. The course will explore the major domains within the discipline and highlight a number of different approaches to studying the subject matter. It will examine health campaigns in the interpersonal, organizational, and mass communication contexts.

This course will take a look at American life in the last six decades through an analysis of the medium of television. From its origins in radio to its future in digital convergence, we will examine television as it both shapes and reflects American society. Discussions will include television genres, history, structure, technological advancements and it's impact on society and democracy.

The course introduces students to the historical development and critical theories of the documentary genre. Students will be exposed to the different modes of documentary representation and the theoretical implications of each style.

A study of contemporary filmmakers' work in feature length films. Particular focus on production elements that create aesthetic values and reflect current times and concerns.

Course concentrates on authoring multimedia projects which integrate graphics, animation, digital video, and audio. It combines both multimedia theory and production. Students will learn how to structure information, anticipate user experience and create transparent interfaces.

This course addresses U.S. politics as a communication process. It examines the communication of campaigns as well as the communication of governance at all levels. The course addresses the evolution of political communication practices throughout history and the critical the analysis of speeches, debates, ads, news, entertainment, social media and other types of political communication. The primary goals of this course are to equip students to become more critical consumers of political communication and to encourage and prepare students to become more civically engaged through the use of effective communication practices.

Course trains students to be proctors in the Sheldon Lab. Through class workshops students will become familiar with the basics of the MAC operating system and with all of the software applications in the Sheldon Lab. Students will gain experience in supervising a computer lab. Must be taken concurrently with COMM 475 (Communication Studio Supervision). At least one of the prerequisite courses listed or consent of instructor.

Extracurricular participation as a manager on the elected board of directors of the university's radio stations, television station, Applied Communication Association, or Public Relations Student Society of America.

Environmental Communication investigates communication about the environment, focusing on ways that organizations, corporations, politicians, advocacy leaders, scientists, citizens, and so on describe, persuade, and shape human interactions with the environment. Students study foundational environmental communication theories, worldviews, and processes, examining how these influence speakers' and listeners' attitudes and actions toward the natural world. In our current cultural setting, it is crucial that citizens are able to assess competing claims and appeals about the environment; consequently, students will learn to become more critical producers and consumers of a broad range of environmental discourses.

Students learn basic research and planning principles associated with public relations writing and how to prepare an assortment of public relations documents. Associated Press (AP) style is reinforced and students learn how to construct news releases, media advisories, fact sheets, position statements, features and fliers. Students will begin portfolio building.

Analysis of classic and contemporary public relations cases in industry, labor, education, government, social welfare and trade associations.

Techniques in print and Internet journalism, focusing on story structure as well as layout and design. News gathering techniques in the field and online are emphasized. Students will create an in-class newspaper and Internet site highlighting stories produced in class. Editing skills for the copy editor with emphasis on news judgment, news style and legal considerations are also covered.

The study and practice of writing for print and the Internet. Techniques in crafting both short and long format stories for publication are emphasized. Various writing styles are covered, including hard news, feature reporting and news commentary. Students will be expected to contribute stories to the campus newspaper for possible publication.

Introduction to audio and video production techniques with immersion into digital software used in professional news gathering. Conversion of radio, television and web news writing is emphasized. Students will research, cover, write and produce news reports to be delivered across multiple media platforms.

Builds on skills students mastered in COMM 348. Writing and production techniques are emphasized. Students will center efforts on producing quality news reports under extreme deadline pressure. Course focuses on critical analysis of student work. Professional standards are encouraged and maintained. Students are expected to produce news reports, which will be submitted to campus media outlets, including WNYF-TV, The Leader and the Fredonia Radio Systems.

Examination of the historical, technical, economic and regulatory status of communications technologies such as cable television, satellites, telephone, and computer communications. Discussion of general communication systems theory of video, audio and data communication including analog and digital signal transmission.

Refining skills and techniques acquired in COMM 251; more emphasis on announcing and interviewing; understanding the ethical and legal perspectives of audio material; introduction to the design, scripting, production and promotion of audio content for any application (e.g. radio, TV, film, web).

Basic skills and techniques for shooting video outside the studio in ENG and EFP configurations, and for editing on non-linear video editing systems, camera lighting, sound and editing skills applicable to news, commercials, documentary, narrative, and art of music video.

Electronic news gathering and studio news techniques in the context of a weekly news program. Legal and ethical issues in news gathering.

A 300-level course focusing on a topic not covered in the existing curriculum. Topic(s) announced in online Course Offerings each semester.

Techniques of developing concepts, treatments, outlines and scripts for dramatic fictions in the media of video, film and radio. Emphasis on traditional, modern and post-modern dramatic structure with units on character, dialogue, setting, visual narration, etc.

A balance between editing concepts such as continuity, pacing, dramatic focus, etc. and editing skills such as SMPTE code, signal monitoring, and digitized non-linear techniques. Students will learn the rules and methods by which an editor constructs fiction or a representation of actual events. Several short projects.

The course focuses on the issues surrounding "fact" vs. "opinion" in journalism, including discussion of concepts such as objectivity, truth, and the importance of background, context and balance. Students will gain experience with techniques appropriate to presentation of opinion and critical commentary such as columns, editorials, cartoons and critical reviews of the arts as well as learning how to thoughtfully critique such work.

(Cross-listed with ENGL 366)

A course that covers knowledge, methods and techniques essential to the work of a director of photography. Covers concepts of directing the camera, visual techniques, compositional methods and technical aspects of videography and lighting.

Using a variety of theoretical models and critical approaches, students examine everyday communication practices to identify how gender, communication and culture create a complex and dynamic web of meaning with significant implications for individuals and society.

The course will examine the historical context of media theory covering the emergence of United States media technology, economics, cultural implications, and political influences to provide a basis for examining the evolution of media theories. Emphasis will be placed on mass media theories and address their implications to the media industry, the influences on American society and culture, and the evolution of democratic institutions. The course will be taught as a seminar involving readings, group discussions, and a research report.

Examination of a wide body of humanistic, and social scientific literature concerning persuasion and persuasive techniques. Emphasizes evaluation and potential application of persuasion theory in communicative transactions.

An introduction to the study of international and domestic media systems around the world. Students will understand and appreciate how different countries and cultures use the media in unique ways and learn of different systems of ownership, financing, regulation, and programming. Key international media issues will also be discussed. Media examples (primarily films) will be used to show how cultures are portrayed by their media.

Students will view, discuss, and critique a variety of contemporary films from a variety of countries. Emphasis will be placed on examining how contemporary cultures are portrayed through film. Films will be compared and contrasted.

Theory and practice of radio journalism including writing and reporting news and journalism law and ethics. Students produce weekly radio newscasts during the second half of the semester.

Analysis of the various techniques and problems involved in management of telecommunication industries including broadcast, cable television, telephony, and Internet. Topics examined include general theories of management, industry structures, audience research, content, sales and marketing, business and finance, and industry ethics.

This course is designed to advance student skills beyond basics in television studio production. The class will attempt to convey the excitement -- and the reality -- of the community networking movement through productions specifically designed for broadcast on the FSU campus closed circuit channel, as well as on the village of Fredonia cable access television channel. It will convey a semester-long, realistic simulation of a working production house. All projects will require students to work as a team to produce their own programs.

Assessment of the regulatory framework and major legal issues of the mass media. Examination of ethical issues in the media as well as principles and concepts of ethical theory.

This capstone experience focuses on strategic public relations management. Students will develop a campaign for a real client, with an emphasis on formative research, objectives, strategy, tactics, and evaluation, as well as engage in a news conference and client presentation.

This course provides a structured and practical framework for understanding the complexities of international public relations. In an increasingly multinational and multicultural economy, the course will guide students through the challenges of communication and problem solving across a range of organizations in cross-cultural settings. General course principles will include foundational theories to draw upon when considering public relations in a global context, strategies for effective intercultural communication in reaching diverse publics, and trends affecting the public relations profession throughout the world. The course will make extensive use of international public relations cases and utilize the international community of Fredonia to allow for direct exploration of the values and interests of diverse publics. This course also highlights the different approaches professionals must consider in specific global PR contexts.

Provides a comprehensive investigation into various theoretical and metatheoretical perspectives which currently direct theory building and research in communication. Emphasis on critical thinking as literature in the field is investigated and evaluated in light of accepted scientific criteria.

The capstone experience will encourage students to put together everything they have learned in the journalism major and to do it across media. Students will prepare a project for their portfolio emphasizing the media track and the subject areas of emphasis they have chosen, but will work with other students to integrate their work across print, broadcast and Internet platforms. The work will also be posted on a departmental web site, where the resulting work will be available to the general public.

Examination and practice of advanced sound design, production with ancillary equipment, and multitrack recording techniques for broadcast applications.

An in-depth seminar on advanced topics in public relations that are not fully-covered, or covered at all, in other courses. Open to majors in Public Relations with senior standing.

Exploration and execution of steps involved in writing and producing a documentary: preliminary research, program concept, aesthetic and ethical issues, target audience, outline, research, interviews, treatment, script, and production.

The first semester of a two-semester capstone course in non-fiction video production. Topics include treatments, preproduction, interviewing, genres of documentaries, and ethics. Students produce several documentaries in different styles and prepare proposals for a larger project

A production course focused on fiction from script analysis to production of videos representing several genres from traditional to post modern. Units on directing, script breakdowns, pre-production and production of several short fiction video programs.

Theory and practice of programming and promoting a radio station: formats, sources, techniques; and development and production of a weekly radio series.

Provides a variety of experience in both studio and field production. Simulation of actual work situation with weekly assignments. Requires commitment to responsibilities and substantial production skills.

A 400-level course focusing on a topic not covered in the existing curriculum. Topic(s) announced in Course Offering Bulletin each semester.

An advanced study of communication patterns in social organizations. In particular, communication environments within business and industry are analyzed. Application of procedures commonly used to evaluate and improve communication in organizations.

Second semester of a two-semester capstone course. In small groups, students produce well-crafted documentaries incorporating the theoretical, technical and practical skills learned in COMM 452. Must be taken immediately after COMM 452.

A course on fiction videos including pre-production, production, post-production and distribution of longer fiction videos. Emphasis on single camera, multiple take methods. Students all execute one or more production roles for a complex digital video with high production values. Must be taken immediately after COMM 454.

The course focuses on assisting students in interacting effectively and appropriately with people from various cultural backgrounds and on understanding dimensions of intercultural communication related to domestic and international contexts. Students will explore the formation of their own cultural identity and examine the complex relationship between culture, communication, context and power in intercultural communication.

Students will study the technical and creative audio components needed to create the audio elements for mass media projects, focusing on audio production for video projects. The class will use several softwares including Pro Tools, Final Cut Pro, and Sound Track Pro, and Quicktime movies in the audio projects. Units will include audio and video field production techniques, post production techniques, Foley, and ADR (Looping).

The practicum is for students interested in gaining practical journalism experience working at various campus news outlets. With a focus on convergence, students will work news editorial positions, producing product for either the Fredonia Radio Systems, WNYF-TV or The Leader campus newspaper. Teamwork and management skills are emphasized. Students are expected to write a paper highlighting their experience and present a portfolio of practical work at the end of the practicum.

Advanced students are given opportunities to demonstrate knowledge of and practice application of skills in educational setting or specific subjects.

Participation in off-campus professional, subject-related experience. Requires a Learning Contract proposal prepared in consultation with agency representative and with faculty sponsor describing experience, its relationship to course of study, and how it will be monitored and evaluated. Internships are graded satisfactory/unsatisfactory. Proposal must be approved in advance by internship coordinator in communication department. Appropriate courses in specialization are required.

Approved study of particular aspect of communication, or participation in approved project not otherwise available through course work. A lab fee may be assessed if project is using department equipment.

Approved study of particular aspect of communication, or participation in approved project not otherwise available through course work. A lab fee may be assessed if project is using department equipment.