200

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.

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.

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.

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.