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Courses in Mass Media (MM)

1311 Writing for Mass Media (3-0). The fundamentals of purpose, context, voice, technique, and structure for effective writing for various forms of mass media.

1318/COMM 1318 Photography I (3-0). Application of photographic principles using a digital SLR. Emphasis on effective use of camera controls, light, and composition. Digital file formats, storage, and output will also be discussed.

1335/COMM 1335 Introduction to Radio/Television/Film (3-0). A survey of the radio/TV cable industry in America including programming, regulations, technology and history. (Credit may not be earned for this course and Communication 1335.)

1337/COMM 1337 Beginning Video Production (2-2). Operation and use of television production equipment; fundamentals of digital video production and direction using single- and multi-camera formats. (Credit may not be earned for this course and Communication 1337.)

2300/COMM 2300 Media Literacy (3-0). An analysis of media and its impact on society. Emphasis is on understanding the cultural, political, economic and social impact of media in the United States and the world.

2303/COMM 2303 Audio Production (3-0). Capturing quality recordings in the field and studio. Course assignments will include preproduction planning, scheduling, writing and editing audio projects. (Credit may not be earned for this course and Communication 2303.)

2311 News Reporting and Writing (3-0). Methods of gathering and writing news including audience analysis, news evaluation, fact gathering, interviewing, and information dissemination.
Prerequisite: Mass Media 1311.

2335 Writing for Public Relations (3-0). The fundamentals of creating messages for a variety of Public Relations applications including press releases, pitch letters and campaign proposals. Special attention will be given to social media applications.

2345 Multimedia Development and Design (3-0). Principles and practice of visual communication using a variety of industry-standard software. Projects range from publication design to web development with a focus on the application of graphic design principles.

3313 Magazine and Feature Writing (3-0). Techniques of feature writing, with a practical approach to researching, writing, targeting niche audiences, and marketing feature stories to the mass media.
Prerequisite: Mass Media 1311.

3314 Copy Editing (3-0). Principles and practices in copy editing, photograph selection and editing, headline writing, use of the language, and news judgment.
Prerequisite: Mass Media 1311.

3335 Public Relations Principles (3-0). Fundamentals of public relations including the history, terminology and various components of the profession. Some time will be spent preparing news releases and a public relations campaign.

3342 Advertising Principles (3-0). A study of the principles and practices of advertising, with an emphasis on the strategic process and preparation of advertising for the mass media. (Credit may not be earned for this course and Communication 3342.)

3360 Sports Broadcasting (3-0). This course will provide an introduction to the Sports Broadcasting Media Industry. Students will learn the various role within conducting a live sports broadcast for local television. The roles to be taught in the course will feature: Play-By-Play, Color Analyst, Sports Production and Reporting. (Credit may not be earned for this course and Communication 3360.)

3361 Electronic Media Programming (3-0). Theories and strategies of program selection, scheduling and evaluation for electronic media. Theory and practice of producing and scheduling prime time television programs. (Credit may not be earned for this course and Communication 3361.)
Prerequisites: Communication 1337 or Mass Media 1337 and advanced standing.

3363 Electronic News Gathering and Production (2-2). Theory and practice of producing video newscasts on location and in a station environment. Focus on shooting and editing. Extensive hands-on experience equipment. Production of multiple packages and news pieces. (Credit may not be earned for this course and Communication 3363.)
Prerequisites: Communication 1337 or Mass Media 1337, and advanced standing.

3370 Communication and Media Law (3-0). A study of statutory, administrative, and case law relevant to the First Amendment and U.S. communication industry. Attention given to applicable Texas Law. (Credit may not be earned for this course and Communication 3370.)

3381 International Study Abroad in Mass Media (3-0). This course is designed for classes offered through the study abroad program. Course topics vary by program. This course may be repeated for up to 6 hours to meet major requirements.

4301 Senior Seminar (3-0). Capstone course for all areas of mass media, emphasizing portfolio development and other preparation for entry into the mass media profession. Course topics also include: professional communication excellence, job interviewing, team communication, cultural sensitivity, and work-life balance. (Credit may not be earned for this course and Communication 4301.)

4321 Advanced Photography (3-0). Advanced photographic principles using a digital SLR. Emphasis on the use of color, light, and composition in photography.
Prerequisites: Mass Media 1318, Communication 3325 or Mass Media 3325, or permission of the instructor.

4335 Advertising/Public Relations Campaigns and Cases (3-0). Casemethod and campaign planning as they pertain to advertising and public relations administration. Emphasis on development of creative strategy and media selection. (Credit may not be earned for this course and Communication 4335.)
Prerequisite: Mass Media 3335 or 3342.

4355 Mass Media Effects and Ethics (3-0). A study of social science research methodology as applied to mass media research. The course will examine current theories of the effects of mass media on audiences. The study of reasoning and ethical decision making as they relate to the mass media. (Credit may not be earned for this course and Communication 4355.)

4360 Entertainment-Education in Media (3-0). This course will involve the study of how Entertainment-Education in Media has impacted social change in the United States and throughout the world by educating and entertaining audiences through film and television study from a theoretical perspective. Students will design a new Entertainment-Education media proposal for film or television through social change.

4364 Media Management (3-0). Management functions, advertising, sales, and internal organizational structure of media.
Prerequisite: Advanced standing.

4365 Advanced Video Production (2-2). Theories and techniques for producing, directing, and editing single and multiple-camera productions; to include script writing, shooting, and post production for video field and studio work. (Credit may not be earned for this course and Communication 4365.)
Prerequisite: Communication 1337 or Mass Media 1337.

4366 Visual Editing Theory and Techniques (3-0). A study of professional editing techniques, theories and trends in the history and current practice of film and television. Class will use non-linear editing systems, emphasizing technical and creative processes to visual storytelling.
Prerequisite: Communication 1337 or Mass Media 1337.

4379 Mass Media Internship. Students gain on-the-job experience by working in the industry. Limited to students majoring in Mass Media. Upper-level students are selected on the basis of a written application submitted to the department chair one semester in advance. (May be repeated once for credit for a maximum of 6 semester hours credit.)
Prerequisite: Department permission required.

4381 Special Topics (3-0). Selected topics in mass media and mass communication. (May be repeated once for credit when topic varies.)
Prerequisites: Senior standing and department chair approval.

4391 Research. A specialized course which may be directed reading or research for superior students majoring in mass media.
Prerequisites: Senior standing and department chair approval.