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2017-2018 Undergraduate Bulletin [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
COMM Courses
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Department of Communication
COMS 101 - Foundations of Oral Communication
3 credit hours
General Education Course
Foundation in the principles of communication focusing on understanding the intrapersonal, interpersonal and group, organizational, cultural, and public communication climates within which the students interact daily. Provides students the opportunity to study and practice effective communication and to prepare for real-life situations.
COMS 102 - Honors Foundations of Oral Communication
3 credit hours
General Education Course
Principles of foundations of communications for Honors Program students.
COMS 140 - Principles of Public Speaking
3 credit hours
Performance of several types of public speeches, with emphasis on subject matter and content, purpose, social context, and occasion. Prerequisite(s): COMS 101 or 102 .
COMS 141 - Interpersonal Communication
3 credit hours
Study and practice of effective dyadic communication in family, social, and work environments. Explores such topics as the development of the self-concept, perception, language, nonverbal communication, and conflict management.
COMS 200 - Introduction to Communication Research Methods
3 credit hours
Study, application, and evaluation of quantitative and qualitative research methods employed in scholarly communication research. Includes experimental, survey, textual analysis, and ethnography. Prerequisite(s): COMS 101 or 102 .
COMS 220 - Introduction to Public Relations
3 credit hours
An introduction to theories, practices, responsibilities and management functions in the field of public relations. Class format will include lecture, discussion, and team projects.
COMS 299 - Career and Professional Development
3 credit hours
This course is designed to provide career development orientation, with an emphasis on communication in the workplace. This course will also provide an in-depth overview of professional and academic standards expected of Communication Studies (COMS) majors. Topics covered will include: career assessment, job search strategies, résumé and interview skills, and career advancement. Required for all COMS majors. Prerequisite(s): COMS 101 or 102 .
COMS 310 - Social Media and Public Relations
3 credit hours
This course will review current practices in the field for using communication to build personal/ corporate brands and to engage customers using social media and web tools. Particular focus will be given to the application of social-media strategies to current needs of organizations. Class format will include lecture, discussion, case-study analysis, and team projects. Prerequisite(s): COMS 220 .
COMS 320 - Communication Theory
3 credit hours
In-depth exploration of communication theories as they relate to interpersonal, group, public, and other communication contexts. Emphasis on how theories are formulated and evaluated. Prerequisite(s): COMS 101 or 102 .
COMS 330 - Persuasion
3 credit hours
A study and application of the theory and practice of persuasive strategies that constantly influence human behavior and attitudes. Includes performance opportunities. Prerequisite(s): COMS 140 .
COMS 344 - Organizational Communication
3 credit hours
A study of the principles of group discussion, leadership, conflict, and communication patterns in businesses and organizations. Prerequisite(s): COMS 101 or 102 .
COMS 350 - Nonverbal Communication
3 credit hours
Communication beyond the spoken or written word, including personal appearance, touch, space, eye contact, gestures, chronemics, olfaction, body adornment, and body language. Prerequisite(s): COMS 101 or 102 .
COMS 355 - Intercultural Communication
3 credit hours
An introduction to communication between people from different cultures. Class format will include lecture, discussion, debate, and participation in intercultural events. Prerequisite(s): COMS 101 or 102 .
COMS 360 - Small Group Communication
3 credit hours
Nature, uses, and types of group discussion, including leadership, group problem solving, and the individual’s role in a group. Prerequisite(s): COMS 101 or 102 .
COMS 365 - Family Communication
3 credit hours
This course helps students gain an understanding of how communication functions to develop, maintain, enrich, or limit family relationships and develop an understanding of functional families across a wide range of structures and cultural backgrounds. Consent of instructor required.
COMS 375 - Gender Communication
3 credit hours
Study of the development, usage, and effects of gendered communication interpersonally and in organizational settings. Prerequisite(s): COMS 101 or 102 .
COMS 390 - Communication, Leadership, and Society
3 credit hours
This course explores the concept of leadership as a communication phenomenon. Students will review the history and development of various approaches to the study of leadership; explain specific communication strategies that will improve individual leadership behaviors; and apply communication leadership principles to a variety of contemporary social contexts. Particular attention will be given to individual reflection and application of course materials to personal followership and leadership activity. Prerequisite(s): COMS 101 or 102 .
COMS 410 - Environmental Communication
3 credit hours
This course begins from the presumption that how we communicate about the environment powerfully affects our perceptions of both it and ourselves and how we define our relationship with the natural world. We will examine various contexts, styles, and strategies of communication about the environment focusing primarily on the rhetorical perspective. Prerequisite(s): COMS 101 or 102 .
COMS 420 - Interpersonal Conflict Management
3 credit hours
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the basic principles of effective communication and conflict engagement. Ideally, the course will enable students to develop greater capacity for perspective taking, to enhance awareness of the role of power and emotion in conflict, and to expand their understanding of the range of conflict strategies employed in interaction. Prerequisite(s): COMS 101 or 102 .
COMS 430 - Argumentation and Debate
3 credit hours
A study of the development, techniques, and styles of argumentation to facilitate communication in social, political, and cultural settings. Prerequisite(s): COMS 140 .
COMS 435 - Social Movement Rhetoric
3 credit hours
A survey and criticism of the rhetoric of social movements throughout U.S. history. The purpose of this course is to analyze the changing styles of rhetoric revealed in the public address of U.S. citizens as they respond(ed) to the historically and constantly changing cultural and social contexts such as abolition, women’s suffrage, and 20th-century Civil Rights movements including the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s, 2nd Wave Feminism, and the contemporary LGBT rights movement. Prerequisite(s): COMS 101 or 102 , and ENG 102 or 104 .
COMS 445 - Communication Training and Development
3 credit hours
Strategies and techniques for improving the communication skills of business personnel, classroom students, and clients. Prerequisite(s): COMS 101 or 102 .
COMS 450 - Rhetorical Criticism
3 credit hours
A survey and practice of rhetorical methods and criticism through analysis of speeches, campaigns, and other rhetorical artifacts. Prerequisite(s): COMS 101 or 102 , and ENG 102 or 104 .
COMS 460 - Seminar in Communication Studies
3 credit hours
Special offerings on a Communication Studies topic not covered in the curriculum. May be repeated for credit as topics vary.
COMS 475 - Internship in Communication Studies
1-6 credit hours
Practical experience in a professional environment. Applications, including requirements, are available in departmental office. May be repeated for a total of 6 credit hours. Graded Pass/Fail. Open to juniors and seniors only with departmental and instructor consent.
COMS 491 - Directed Studies in Communication Studies
1-3 credit hours
Supervised, independent directed study in communication- related area. Faculty adviser must approve research topic the semester prior to registration. Consent of instructor required.
COMS 495 - Public Relations Campaigns
3 credit hours
This course will review current practices in the field for the planning, proposing, implementation, and analysis phases of public-relations campaigns. Particular focus will be given to the application of theory and research strategies to current problems and needs of organizations. The class format will be primarily discussion and team projects - to include case study analyses and service-learning projects. Prerequisite(s): COMS 220 .
COMS 499 - Senior Seminar in Communication Studies
3 credit hours
This course will include a synthesizing of previous work in Communication Studies (COMS) and how that work has contributed to an understanding of the overall subject of COMS, culminating in the presentation of either a senior project or thesis. Must be taken during fall semester of senior year. Senior standing and consent of instructor required.
MC 100 - Introduction to Mass Media
3 credit hours
This course examines the evolution of mass media and their influence on our society throughout the Modern and Post-Modern Eras. Ranging from books to the Internet and everything in between, this introductory course provides a broad understanding of print and broadcast media and online convergence. This course also introduces students to processes of mass communication, related theories, and media effects. Offered during the Fall and Spring semesters.
MC 200 - Introduction to Mass Media Writing
3 credit hours
This introductory class is designed to teach the basics of journalism with an emphasis on developing and improving writing and professional skills for print, online, and broadcast. Offered during the Fall and Spring Semesters.
MC 210 - Introduction to Media Production
3 credit hours
Students will use the computer tools for photography, video, and audio production. Students apply these fundamentals by participating in hands-on group projects. Offered during the Fall and Spring Semesters.
MC 215 - Producing Video in the Studio
3 credit hours
Principles and practices of television production in a studio environment. Offered during the Fall and Spring Semesters.
MC 255 - Media Writing Fundamentals
3 credit hours
Emphasis on writing commercials and public-service announcements for radio and television. Offered during the Fall and Spring Semesters.
MC 265 - Broadcast News Writing
3 credit hours
This course focuses on writing for broadcast news outlets. The primary focus is on television news, but the course also covers radio news writing. Students will also explore tease writing and social-media writing skills.
MC 300 - Advanced Journalism Practices
3 credit hours
Practical approaches to print journalism, including covering a beat, developing sources, news writing, and editing. Introduction to layout and design for newspapers. Prerequisite(s): A grade of C or better in MC 200 .
MC 310 - Publication Layout and Design
3 credit hours
In-depth layout and design for newspapers, magazines, brochures, and other publications using desktop-publishing software. Spring Semester only.
MC 315 - Video Field and Post Production
3 credit hours
This course is designed to further develop the skills and knowledge of electronic field production for video, concentrating on the areas of scripting, producing, and directing for location videography, including lighting techniques and audio recording, and the post-production process including basic Photoshop® and video editing. Offered during the Fall and Spring Semesters. Prerequisite(s): A grade of C or better in MC 210 .
MC 320 - Multimedia Videojournalism
3 credit hours
Students will learn the fundamentals of videography for television and online news. Additionally, students will learn on-camera interviewing techniques. Class projects will include shooting, writing, and editing news stories for use on Montevallo’s weekly campus newscast. This course does not require students to appear on camera. Offered during the Spring Semester. Prerequisite(s): MC 315 and a grade of C or higher in MC 200 .
MC 325 - Survey of American Cinema
3 credit hours
General Education Course
A study of American cinema, examining its impact, techniques, theories, and style. Includes regular screening of movies.
MC 327 - Electronic Photojournalism
3 credit hours
Students will learn multimedia storytelling techniques for television and online reporting. Course emphasizes writing, videojournalism, and interviewing skills. Students will produce news packages for use on various television shows produced on campus. This course requires students to be on camera. Prerequisite(s): A grade of C or higher in MC 210 and MC 265 .
MC 333 - Television Newscast Production
4 credit hours
Students will work as producers, anchors, and reporters to create a weekly newscast. The course emphasizes news judgment, time management, story and tease writing, newscast producing techniques, anchoring and on-camera performance, and social-media management. Prerequisite(s): A grade of C or higher in MC 265 .
MC 355 - Advanced Media Writing
3 credit hours
Advanced writing skills, including character, plot development, visualization, action and dialog for television scripts. Prerequisite(s): MC 255 .
MC 357 - Special Topics in Public Relations
3 credit hours
Varied topics in the field related to public relations agency work. May be repeated for credit as topics vary.
MC 360 - Mass Communication Theory and Media Effects
3 credit hours
An exploration of the prevailing mass-communication theories and media-effects research. Offered during the Fall and Spring Semesters.
MC 370 - DVD and Video Graphic Design
3 credit hours
Theoretical and practical instruction in DVD design and video graphic techniques. Prerequisite(s): MC 215 or 310 or ART 122 .
MC 375 - Strategies for Video in Social Media
3 credit hours
Strategies for Video in Social Media explores techniques for effectively using Internet-based video to promote products or causes in a professional setting, either as an entrepreneur or for a client. Analytics, social-media applications, and mobile video will be discussed and techniques to increase a video’s reach applied. Students will demonstrate mastery of material by applying Web-based social and technical video techniques to a variety of video projects. Class members will develop a plan to increase a video’s impact, apply the plan, and analyze the results.
MC 390 - Multimedia Website Creation
3 credit hours
Theoretical and practical instruction in use of multimedia website programs to create effective websites. Prerequisite(s): MC 100 .
MC 400 - Special Topics in Journalism
3 credit hours
Varied topics in the field, offered on a one-time basis. May be repeated for credit as topics vary.
MC 411 - Video Engineering
3 credit hours
Theoretical and practical application of analog and digital video engineering principles in a broadcast environment, including work as technical crew for weekly newscasts. Offered during the Fall and Spring Semesters. Prerequisite(s): A grade of C or higher in MC 215 .
MC 412 - Audio Engineering
3 credit hours
Aesthetic and technical considerations for analog and digital multi-track recording, mixing, and sound reinforcement. Offered during the Fall Semester. Prerequisite(s): MC 315 .
MC 415 - Advanced Video Post Production
3 credit hours
Philosophy and technical considerations in software based, non-linear video editing. Offered during the Fall and Spring Semesters. Restricted to junior or senior MC majors. Prerequisite(s): MC 315 .
MC 425 - Documentary Production
3 credit hours
Individual projects (documentary, dramatic, animation, etc.) completed under faculty supervision. Prerequisite(s): MC 415 .
MC 433 - Advanced TV Newscast Production
4 credit hours
Students selected for this course will gain experience as the Executive Producer of the weekly campus newscast. Students will not only gain advanced experience producing a newscast, but they will also gain managerial experience as they oversee the operations of the news team on days when the newscast is produced. Consent of instructor required. Prerequisite(s): MC 333 .
MC 450 - Seminar in Mass Communications
3 credit hours
Special offerings on topics not covered in the regular curriculum. May be repeated for credit as topics vary.
MC 452 - Public Relations Writing
3 credit hours
This advanced course focuses on public-relations writing, including news releases, videos, online material, fact sheets, position papers, and other PR-oriented messages. The departmental newsletter, The Brick Street Journal, is produced by this class. Prerequisite(s): MC 310 and a grade of C or higher in MC 200 .
MC 453 - Advanced Journalism Practicum
3 credit hours
Practical experience in the production of the semimonthly campus newspaper.
MC 455 - Media Law
3 credit hours
Examination of laws affecting the broadcast, cable, and print media. Offered during the Fall and Spring semesters.
MC 456 - Nonfiction Freelance Writing
3 credit hours
This course will teach students how to produce and market stories to magazines and newspapers as a freelancer. Restricted to junior and senior COMS and MC majors. Prerequisite(s): MC 200 and 300 .
MC 460 - Media Management
3 credit hours
Management and motivational theories applied to print, broadcast, and cable industries. Offered during the Fall and Spring semesters.
MC 475 - Internship
1-6 credit hours
Practical experience in a professional environment. May be repeated for a total of 6 credit hours on a pass/fail basis. Open to juniors and seniors only with departmental consent. Applications, including requirements, are available in departmental office.
MC 491 - Directed Study
1-3 credit hours
Supervised, independent directed study in media related area. Faculty adviser must approve research topic the semester prior to registration.
MC 494 - Location Production
3 credit hours
Theoretical and practical instruction in the techniques of advanced video production. Teamwork aspects of location production are emphasized. Prerequisite(s): MC 315 .
MC 495 - Broadcast Production Capstone
1 credit hour
Preparation of an advanced media project and e-portfolio for Broadcast Production concentration majors. Detailed critical analysis required for portfolio. Topics and guidelines for media project must be approved by faculty adviser the semester prior to registration. Offered during the Fall and Spring Semesters. Restricted to senior Broadcast Production concentration students in their last 30 hours of study. Prerequisite(s): MC 415 .
MC 499 - Multimedia Journalism Capstone
3 credit hours
This capstone course gives student reporters practical hands-on experience creating stories for print, television, and the Internet. In addition to mastering journalistic storytelling techniques, students will also be required to create a portfolio of their work to send to potential employers. Prerequisite(s): MC 300 and 327 .
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