2021-2022 Undergraduate Bulletin [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Department of Communication
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Chair: Professor Ford (Communication Studies).
Communication Studies: Professor Hardig, Ozley; Associate Professors Wang; Instructor Walker.
Mass Communication: Professor Cofield; Associate Professor Finklea; Assistant Professor Dean, Deavours; Instructors Vest.
Department Contact Information
Dr. Sherry Ford, Chair
Strong Hall
(205) 665-6625
fords@montevallo.edu
www.montevallo.edu/communication/
Mission
The Department of Communication facilitates opportunities for students and faculty to develop and apply functional knowledge of relevant theory, which is necessary for successful storytelling and effective creation and management of meaning in a variety of contexts (e.g. personal, professional, public.) The department places particular emphasis on using best practices and innovative technologies to ensure interdisciplinary understanding; media and informational literacy; informed and engaged citizenship; cultural awareness; and effective ethical written, oral, and visual communication.
General Education
All students seeking an undergraduate degree at UM must complete a core General Education curriculum that includes courses in English, history, mathematics, the natural sciences, social sciences, fine arts, oral and written communication, and personal development.
The minimum requirements can be found in the General Education Credit Hour Requirements section of the Academic Programs and Policies page.
The department supports the General Education Core requirements by offering COMS 101 (or 102 ) which is required for all undergraduate students. MC 100 and MC 325 applies toward the Humanity and Fine Arts requirement.
Experiential Approach to Learning
Effective communication must be active. One learns only by applying classroom theories in real-time situations. Thus, communication majors are encouraged to engage in a number of experiential learning opportunities including collaboration with other programs across campus, service learning, undergraduate research, internships, study away, and hands-on learning outside the classroom, such as livestreaming athletic events, attending academic conferences, and event planning. Majors get hands-on experience in our new state-of-the-art television studio producing newscasts, entertainment programs, and music shows. Majors also have access to a wide range of media production gear for class and experiential learning projects.
Internships
Majors in the Department of Communication are encouraged to seek out internship opportunities to gain valuable real-world experience, network with professionals, and build their portfolios. Up to six hours of approved internship credit can be counted toward the degree. Contact your academic advisor for Communication Studies or Internship Coordinator for Mass Communication.
Strong Hall
Communication Studies and Mass Communication are housed in Strong Hall, a state-of-the-art facility that began operations in Fall 2017. Majors in both programs learn their craft on industry-standard, digital equipment and receive personal instruction and guidance from the Communication faculty. Strong Hall ensures that the Department of Communication’s long history of preparing graduates for successful communication careers will continue.
Student Organizations
Each communication program includes a student club or honorary society: Lambda Pi Eta for Communication Studies; The National Broadcasting Society, Broadcast Education Association, and Alpha Epsilon Rho for Mass Communication. Students who meet the grade-point requirements and who desire to become actively involved should contact the student club or honorary society advisors for details.
Reproduction Rights
The Department of Communication reserves the right to retain examples of student work for instructional, publicity or recruiting purposes. Similarly, each program of the department reserves the right to use photographs, video/DVD and audio recordings of student productions in any departmental promotional material, including University-related websites and social media platforms.
Programs and Courses
The Department of Communication offers Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in Communication Studies (COMS) and Mass Communication (MC). Courses in the Department of Communication are three (3) credit hours unless otherwise noted. Every class is not offered every semester. It is strongly recommended that students arrange their schedules around courses in the major.
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Science
Minor(s)
Communication Studies
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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. A student may not receive credit for both COMS 101 and 102. -
COMS 102 - Honors Foundations of Oral Communication 3 credit hours General Education Course Principles of foundations of communications for Honors Program students 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. A student may not receive credit for both COMS 101 and 102. -
COMS 140 - Principles of Public Speaking 3 credit hours The study and application of audience analysis, content creation, speech occasion, social context, and ethical communication through the performance and analysis of multiple public speeches. 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 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 Introduction to the strategic management function of communication in public relations. Includes an overview of public relations planning and ethics for the contemporary corporate communicator. -
COMS 299 - Career and Professional Development 3 credit hours Overview of career development and successful job search strategies. Topics include: career assessment, resume writing, interview skills, career advancement, and communication in the workplace. Required for all COMS majors. Open to all majors. Prerequisite(s): COMS 101 (or 102 ). -
COMS 310 - Social Media and Public Relations 3 credit hours Communication techniques to build personal/corporate brands and use of social media and web tools to engage customers. Application of social media strategies to organizational needs. Class format includes lecture, discussion, case study analysis, and team projects. Prerequisite(s): COMS 101 (or 102 ) and 220 . -
COMS 320 - Communication Theory 3 credit hours Effect of communication theories on interpersonal, group, public, and other communication contexts. Formulation and evaluation of communication theories. -
COMS 330 - Persuasion 3 credit hours Study and application of theories and practices of persuasive messages used strategically to influence human behavior and actions. Includes critical analysis and public performance of persuasive strategies with a focus on ethical communication Prerequisite(s): COMS 101 (or 102 ) and 140 . -
COMS 344 - Organizational Communication 3 credit hours Examines communication patterns in businesses and organizations. Applies management and communication theories to workplace topics such as conflict, decision-making, diversity, leadership, and power. -
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. -
COMS 355 - Intercultural Communication 3 credit hours An introduction to human communication as it reflects and shapes culture. Emphasizes communication’s role in living, socializing, and working effectively in a culturally and co-culturally diverse world. 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. -
COMS 365 - Family Communication 3 credit hours Effect of communication in family relationships. Functional and dysfunctional family systems across a wide range of structures and cultural backgrounds are examined. -
COMS 375 - Gender Communication 3 credit hours Development, usage, and effects of gendered communication interpersonally and in organizational settings. -
COMS 390 - Communication, Leadership, and Society 3 credit hours Analysis of leadership and followership as communication phenomena. Application of leadership principles in a variety of contemporary social and business contexts. -
COMS 410 - Environmental Communication 3 credit hours Effect of communication on how the natural world is perceived. Contexts, styles, and strategies of communication about the environment examined from a rhetorical perspective. Prerequisite(s): COMS 101 (or 102 ). -
COMS 415 - Crisis Communication 3 credit hours This course prepares communication practitioners to anticipate and respond effectively to organizational crises. We will review causes and solutions for organizational crises, with specific focus on public perceptions. Students will review case studies and learn best practices for the ethical use of communication strategies to manage and respond to organizational crises. Students will write a Crisis Communication Plan in which they will demonstrate understanding of key principles and theories guiding crisis communication practice. -
COMS 420 - Interpersonal Conflict Management 3 credit hours Principles of effective communication and conflict engagement. Conflict strategies employed in interaction and techniques to increase awareness of power and emotion in conflict. -
COMS 430 - Argumentation and Debate 3 credit hours An introduction to theories, techniques, and styles of debate with a focus on understanding the role of ethics in argumentation. Includes opportunities to analyze and perform argumentation and debates in a variety of contexts including interpersonal, community, and political. Prerequisite(s): COMS 101 (or 102 ) and 140 . -
COMS 435 - Social Movement Rhetoric 3 credit hours Survey and criticism of the rhetoric of social movements throughout U.S. history including abolition and 20th century civil rights; women’s suffrage and the waves of 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 communication skills of business personnel, students, and clients. -
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. Prerequisite(s): COMS 101 (or 102 ). -
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 Academic Advisor consent. -
COMS 491 - Directed Studies in Communication Studies 1-3 credit hours Supervised, directed study in communication-related area. Faculty advisor must approve research topic the semester prior to registration. Consent of instructor required. -
COMS 495 - Public Relations Campaigns 3 credit hours Review of current strategic communication management practices related to planning, proposing, implementing, and analyzing public relations campaigns. Application of theory and research strategies to current problems and needs of organizations. Class format is primarily discussion and team projects, including case study analyses and service learning projects. Prerequisite(s): COMS 220 or instructor consent. -
COMS 499 - Senior Seminar in Communication Studies 3 credit hours Communication Studies capstone experience. Presentation of senior projects that demonstrate how coursework in the COMS program contributes to the understanding of research, theory, and practice in the field of communication studies. Required of all COMS majors. Offered in fall term only. Prerequisite(s): COMS 299 . Senior standing and consent of instructor.
Mass Communication
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MC 100 - Introduction to Mass Media 3 credit hours General Education Course Students learn the historical development of all forms of mass media, including how culture both shapes and is shaped by mass media products. Course topics also include business and financial aspects of media industries and an introduction to relevant theories of communication and media effects. -
MC 200 - Introduction to Mass Media Writing 3 credit hours Developing and improving news writing and professional skills for print, online, and broadcast. -
MC 210 - Introduction to Media Production 3 credit hours Fundamentals of photography, video, and audio production. -
MC 215 - Producing Video in the Studio 3 credit hours Principles and practices of television production in a studio environment. -
MC 265 - Broadcast News Writing 3 credit hours Students learn the fundamentals of writing for broadcast news, both television and radio. Course topics also include tease writing and social media. -
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): “C” or higher in MC 200 . -
MC 305 - Media Writing 3 credit hours Writing commercials, promotional announcements, and public service announcements for radio and television. -
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. -
MC 315 - Video Field and Post Production 3 credit hours Electronic field production for video. Scripting, producing, and directing for location videography, including lighting techniques and audio recording, and the post-production process including basic Photoshop® and video editing. Prerequisite(s): “C” or higher in MC 210 . -
MC 320 - Multimedia Videojournalism 3 credit hours Videography for television and online news. On-camera interviewing techniques. Shooting, writing, and editing news stories for the weekly campus newscast. Students are not required to appear on camera. Prerequisite(s): “C” or higher in MC 315 and MC 200 . -
MC 325 - Survey of American Cinema 3 credit hours General Education Course Examining the impact, techniques, theories, and style of American cinema. Includes regular screening of movies. -
MC 327 - Television and Digital Reporting 3 credit hours Students combine their videography, writing, and editing skills to create news stories for use on the campus newscast. Students also report on digital platforms, including websites and social media platforms. This course requires students to appear on camera. Prerequisite(s): “C” or higher in MC 210 and MC 265 . -
MC 330 - Digital Filmmaking Fundamentals 3 credit hours Digital Filmmaking Fundamentals is designed to develop the skills and knowledge of digital film production, concentrating on the areas of digital cinematography, narrative editing, and pre-production planning. Prerequisite(s): MC 210 grade of C or higher. -
MC 333 - Television Newscast Production 4 credit hours Students work as producers, anchors, and reporters to create a weekly newscast. Course topics also include news judgment, time management, story and tease writing, anchoring, and on-camera performance, and management. Prerequisite(s): “C” or higher in MC 210 and MC 265 . -
MC 347 - Exploring Star Trek 3 credit hours An exploration of the fandom and cultural influences of the Star Trek franchise. The course also examines how various Star Trek series and movies address societal issues, such as race, gender and sexuality, politics, ethics, etc. Includes regular screenings of movies and television episodes. -
MC 355 - Scriptwriting 3 credit hours Advanced writing skills, including character, plot development, visualization, action and dialog for television and film scripts. -
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 Overview of research in media effects and mass communication theory. -
MC 375 - Strategies for Video in Social Media 3 credit hours Using Internet-based video to promote products or issues in a professional setting, either as an entrepreneur or for a client. Includes analytics, social-media applications, mobile video, and techniques to increase a video’s reach. Students will develop a plan to increase a video’s impact by using Web-based social and technical video techniques, apply the plan, and analyze the results. -
MC 380 - Film Theory 3 credit hours A survey of the literature and films associated with classical film theory (1916-1958) and also film theory from the mid-twentieth century to the present. The course will consider the questions and answers early film theorists considered about the new art form of film. The course addresses semiotic, psychoanalytic, Marxist, feminist, and cognitive theories of film. -
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 video engineering principles in a modern digital broadcast environment, including working as technical crew for weekly newscasts. Prerequisite(s): “C” or higher in MC 215 . -
MC 412 - Audio Engineering 3 credit hours Aesthetic and technical considerations for digital multi-track recording, mixing, and sound reinforcement. Prerequisite(s): “C” or higher in MC 315 . -
MC 415 - Advanced Video Post Production 3 credit hours Philosophy and technical considerations in software based, non-linear video editing. Restricted to junior or senior MC majors. Prerequisite(s): “C” or higher in MC 315 or MC 330 . -
MC 425 - Documentary Production 3 credit hours Individual projects completed under faculty supervision. Includes documentaries, dramas, animation, or other appropriate subjects. Topic must be approved by Instructor prior to registration Prerequisite(s): “C” or higher in MC 330 or MC 415 . Prerequisite(s) with concurrency allowed: MC 415 . -
MC 433 - Advanced TV Newscast Production 4 credit hours As Executive Producer, the student will gain advanced managerial experience in producing and overseeing the operations of the campus newscast. Consent of instructor required. Prerequisite(s): “C” or higher in MC 333 . -
MC 450 - Seminar in Mass Communication 3 credit hours In-depth examination of critical Mass Communication issues. May be repeated for credit as topics change. -
MC 452 - Public Relations Writing 3 credit hours Writing news releases, videos, online material, fact sheets, position papers, and other PR-oriented messages. Prerequisite(s): “C” or higher in MC 200 and MC 310 -
MC 453 - Advanced Journalism Practicum 3 credit hours Practical experience in the production of the campus newspaper. -
MC 455 - Media Law 3 credit hours Examination of laws affecting broadcast, cable, and print media. -
MC 460 - Media Management 3 credit hours Management and motivational theories applied to print, broadcast, and cable industries. -
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 available in the departmental office. -
MC 491 - Directed Study 1-3 credit hours Supervised, directed study in media related area. Faculty advisor 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): “C” or higher in MC 315 or MC 330 . -
MC 495 - Broadcast Production Capstone 1 credit hour Production of an advanced media project and e-portfolio with detailed critical anaylsis. Project topics and guidelines must be approved by faculty advisor the semester prior to registration. Broadcast Production senior in last 30 hours of study. Prerequisite(s): “C” or higher in MC 415 . -
MC 497 - Digital Filmmaking Capstone 3 credit hours Theoretical and practical instruction in advanced digital filmmaking. Teamwork aspects of filmmaking are emphasized. Students will learn the role of the Producer and Director in filmmaking, as well as how to create and control the visual and aural structure of a scene. Students will learn to plan and execute complex and creative visual images using digital filmmaking cameras, dollies, steadicams, and other lens accessories. Lighting to support the visual message of a narrative will be applied and explored. The course will consist of lectures, analysis of film scenes and narratives, applied class exercises, and creation of creative short narrative films. Prerequisite(s): “C” or better in MC 210 and MC 355 . Recommended: Completion of the History and Production requirements for the Digital Filmmaking Minor. -
MC 499 - Multimedia Journalism Capstone 3 credit hours Students report stories across print, television, and digital platforms. Students are required to create a portfolio. Prerequisite(s): MC 300 and MC 327 .
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