MASS COMMUNICATION COURSES

MASS 130 Introduction to Mass Media credit 3 hrs.

This course is designed to introduce students to the world of mass communication or mass media.Students will gain a basic understanding of how the major areas of the media function and their purposes. Students will be introduced to the workings of print, broadcast, public relations, and advertising as well as related media such as recordings and movies.

MASS 232 Broadcast Writing/Reporting credit 3 hrs.

Basic scripting for media production will be introduced. Commercial styles will be heavily stressed.Public service announcements and corporate scripting will also be included.

MASS 233 Writing for Mass Media credit 3 hrs.

In this course students become acquainted with news reporting and writing. Students acquire handson, practical experience through the writing of several articles they are required to complete for thisclass. They learn a variety of writing styles which emphasize the rudiments of basic news writing andacceptable reporting. Students have opportunities for developing story ideas and sharpening theirreporting techniques. They also learn copy editing techniques and are able to edit their own work aswell as the work of their fellow students.

MASS 234 Copyediting and Layout credit 3 hrs.

This course teaches the basics of copyediting and layout. The student will become familiar with all aspects of publication including designing and laying out. Formats include brochures, pamphlets,newsletters, newspapers, magazines, and other printed materials. Students use standard copy-edit-ing nomenclature. Prerequisite: MASS 233.

MASS 235 Audio Recording Techniques credit 3 hrs.

Students are introduced to the theory of sound and hearing. Simple microphone and tape editing techniques are included. Audio for visual media is emphasized, as well as music and sound effect selections. Aesthetic aspects of aural media are stressed.

MASS 330 Photography credit 3 hrs.

Students are instructed in black and white photographic production, including camera operation, exposure, development, and printing. Various fields of photographic application, including photojournalism, art photography, advertising photography, and commercial photography are discussed. Three hours of laboratory per week are required. Permission of the instructor is required.

MASS 331 Introduction to Video Production credit 3 hrs.

The course will stress standard video recording and editing techniques. Work with computer generated graphics is included. Students produce a complete video presentation, with the focus on aesthetic aspects.

MASS 332 Broadcast Practicum credit 3 hrs.

This course permits the student to work in the professional broadcast community at an establishedstation. Options include television, radio or close circuit broadcasting. The student is required to work a minimum of three (3) hours per week for each credit hour given.

MASS 333 Introduction to Public Relations credit 3 hrs.

Students learn that public communications is an area that involves every business and numerous individuals. They study the meaning of public relations, examples of public types that practitioners haveto deal with, and case studies of public relations campaigns. Students create public relations campaigns and analyze the need for them and how they can be successful in their goals and strategies.On-site visits with public relations professionals or corporations that handle public relations are included.

MASS 334 Feature/Editorial Writing credit 3 hrs.

Editorial and feature writing is stressed in this course. Students study the art of feature writing by looking at excellent examples of various feature stories. They analyze the writing and then complete several feature length articles. They also analyze editorials and how they are put together. Students will also look at some investigatory articles and complete one for presentation to the class. The goal is tobroaden and strengthen the writing talents of the student, enabling him or her to be published in a professional publication or company. Prerequisite: MASS 233.

MASS 339 Professional Seminar credit 3 hrs.

This course is designed to give students insight into the changing role of media in society, and the role of the media producer in society. The course utilizes texts of a contemporary nature, which change from year to year. Current magazines and journals are also used.

MASS 430 Production Yearbook I credit 3 hrs

This is a production course in yearbook publishing. It will allow the student to have hands-on participation in the production of the College's yearbook. The practicum covers photography techniques, thematic sequence, and layout. Permission of Instructor required. Prerequisites: MASS 330

MASS 431 Digital Imaging Technology credit 3 hrs.

This is an advanced photography course. The format, digital imaging, is taught with the use of digitalcameras, both still and video, digitizing equipment, and photographic editing software. Permission ofInstructor required. Prerequisite: MASS 330.

MASS 432 Production Yearbook II credit 3 hrs.

This course is a continuation of MASS 430. Students who wish to contribute to the publication of theyearbook, including planning activities for the next year's annual, may do so by being a part of thisproduction. Students can continue to enhance their skills in yearbook production, photography, and planning. Permission of Instructor required. Prerequisites: MASS 330.

MASS 433 History of Mass Media credit 3 hrs.

This course covers the history of the print media, the broadcast industry, public relations, and advertising. It is an overview of the major historical figures that helped to shape and develop these areasof Journalism. Students gain insight into how and why media history is tied to the nation's history. Theystudy figures in recent media history and the contributions of modern personalities most likely to leavean impact on mass media for future historians to study. Prerequisite: MASS 130.

MASS 434 Production Print I credit 3 hrs.

The purpose of this course is to train aspiring mass communicators in the publication of a newspaper. They will acquire information about the field of newspaper publishing that can translate into other useswhether their goal is to work in the print media as a writer, in publishing, or in sales and advertising.The students discover the processes involved in newspaper sales and marketing and learn the relationship between news copy and advertising. Prerequisite: MASS 233.

MASS 435 Production Print II credit 3 hrs.

This course is a continuation of Mass 335. Students who wish to contribute to the campus newspaperyear round may do so by being a part of this practicum. Prerequisite: MASS 233.

MASS 436 Research in Mass Communication credit 3 hrs.

This course guides students in examining contemporary and historical issues related to the broad fieldof mass media. Students explore trends, concerns, and problems in the discipline. The course requires the completion and defense of a Senior Paper or Senior Project so that students can demonstrate an in depth, analytical treatment of a topic in the field. The course focuses on research resources, such as trade journals and web content, as well as various research methods.

MASS 437 Media Law credit 3 hrs.

The course examines principles of libel, privacy, fairness, and governmental control of the mass media. Professional and ethical standards that go beyond legal requirements are also discussed.

MASS 438 Production Broadcast I credit 3 hrs.

The course introduces students to the several perspectives of the electronic media. Students will studybroadcasting and the newer media in context of contemporary social forces and as social forces intheir own right. It will cover the impact that the electronic media has on virtually all aspects of life.This course also includes a one hour lab per week that introduces the students to the intricacies ofbroadcasting on a practicum level.

MASS 439 Production Broadcast II credit 3 hrs.

This course is a continuation of MASS 337, but includes such elements as archival of production material, video tape logging, the art of broadcast spotting, broadcast liaison, broadcast videooperation, commentary, and other elements of the broadcast field. Prerequisite: MASS 438

MASS 440 Internship I credit 3 hrs.

Internship is the final course which offers practical experiences with one of the local news media. The course is under the supervision of a mass communication instructor from the College. Students arerequired to work a minimum of three (3) hours per week for each credit hour given.

MASS 441 Internship II credit 3 hrs.

This is also an internship course with the same criteria as Internship I. This course offers the mass communication major an opportunity to obtain a second internship, which is strongly encouraged bythe program faculty. Taking a second internship simply affords the student the opportunity to achieve more experience in the mass media field.

Source: Benedict College Catalogue, 2007-2009.