MASS COMMUNICATION
College of Arts and Sciences
MAC 120 Fundamentals of Speech Three hours
A course designed to help students write and present informative and persuasive speeches effectively.
MAC 130 American Cinema Three hours
An introductory course in film studies bringing American filmmaking (both Hollywood and Independent) into focus as an industry and art form. The course explores how American film technically, artistically, and culturally reinforces and sometimes even challenges America’s self-identity. Films studied will include examples of major genres, such as westerns, musicals, science-fiction, melodrama, screwball comedies, and film noir.
MAC 140 Introduction to Communication Three hours
This course is an overview of interpersonal, public, and mass communication where students cover public speaking, human interaction, and media literacy. Offered each semester.
MAC 165 Video Production Three hours
Beginner level production course in which students focus on the technology, equipment, and production process of video. Special focus will be given to scriptwriting, storyboarding, editing, audio design, and actor coaching. Fall semester.
MAC 210 Mass Communication Three hours
What are “mass media”? How did they evolve? How do they affect individuals and influence society? These questions and the business and regulation of the mass media are the subjects of this course. Spring and summers as needed.
MAC 240 Reporting and Newswriting Three hours
An introduction to journalism with emphasis on reporting and basic newswriting. Students will discuss the role of a reporter and the function of the media in society. Fall semester.
MAC 245 Copyediting Three hours
Prepares students to write clearly and to edit the writing of others by reviewing English grammar and syntax from the ground up. Extensive writing. Spring semester.
MAC 330 Photojournalism Three hours
Study of basic photojournalism including the use of a camera, basic lighting and composition. Use of either a digital SLR or 35mm SLR camera with interchangeable lenses is required. A “point-and-shoot” camera is not acceptable. Darkroom work is not required. Students will process photos at a one-hour lab. Prerequisite: MAC 240. Fall semester.
MAC 335 Editing Aesthetics and Technologies Three hours
This course focuses on the study and practice of the art of editing film and video. Students will watch many historical and contemporary films known for their editing style in addition to receiving intensive training on Final Cut Pro, an industry leading video editing software application. Prerequisites: MAC 160. Spring semester, odd.
MAC 345 Mass Media Ethics Three hours
This course explores the question of right and wrong in mass media use and mass media production (journalism, photography, public relations, advertising, cinema/TV production, etc.). Fall semester.
MAC 361 Advanced Video Production Three hours
This production-heavy course studies the craft of producing video for businesses, schools, government agencies, and professional associations. Students will produce corporate videos, documentaries, and music videos.
MAC 365 Public Relations Three hours
An overview of public relations, its history and role in society. This is also a practical course designed to improve, strengthen, and cultivate publicity and community relations skills. Prerequisite: ENG 112. Fall semester, odd; spring even.
MAC 370 Media Advertising Three hours
In this overview of advertising, including its influence on society and its importance and its role in the media, students will discuss advertising influence on news decisions and design basic ads for print and video media. Prerequisites: MAC 165 and 245
MAC 371 Writing for Public Relations Three hours
Applying the fundamentals of public relations analysis to writing in that field. Students will learn and practice the basic PR-writing formats, including news releases, features, speeches, newsletters, brochures, and press kits. A writing-intensive course. Prerequisite: MAC 245 Spring semester.
MAC 380 Special Topics Three hours
A special course offered on demand to cover specific needs and interests in the field of mass communication.
MAC 386 Practicum One to Three hours
For non-paid students who work for the Campus Times, TV-4, in the Office of University Communications or a comparable office either on campus or off. (Must be arranged with instructor). One to three hours per semester. May be repeated for a total of six credit hours. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
MAC 390 Independent Study Three hours
Individual study of mass communication issues not offered in other courses. Prerequisite: permission of instructor and minimum of junior standing. Offered as needed.
MAC 400 Motion Picture Industry Three hours
An in-depth exploration of the motion picture industry, from the early development to its current multibillion dollar influence on modern society and its perspectives. Students will study industry structures, ethics, moral, conglomerates, mergers, copyright, and censorship as well as the producer’s role in creating the budget, the script breakdown, the schedule, and numerous contracts. Prerequisites: MAC 130 and MAC 165
MAC 405 Mass Media Law Three hours
A contemporary and historical examination of English common law, the First Amendment, communication regulatory efforts, libel, invasion of privacy, protection of sources and selected legal cases involving media. Emphasis will be placed on the laws directly affecting media – broadcast and print. Spring semester.
MAC 414 Film Theory and Criticism Three hours
An examination of the origins and development of film theory and criticism, including montage, auteur, genre, semiotic, feminist, psychoanalysis, postcolonial, postmodern, and digital theories. Prerequisite: MAC 130
MAC 421 Advanced Photojournalism Three hours
Emphasis on composition, lighting, visual communication, and other advanced techniques. This course will stress the skills necessary to produce news, feature, and sports photographs for newspapers and other publications. Digital photography will be emphasized. Students will produce a portfolio of photographs and will prepare an exhibit of original work for display at the end of the semester. The course will consist of lecture, fieldwork, and computer lab work. Prerequisite: MAC 330 or demonstrated proficiency with a digital or 35mm SLR camera and basic knowledge of Adobe PhotoShop. Spring, odd.
MAC 425 Directing for Broadcast and Digital Media Three hours
In this course, students will learn how to establish creative, collaborative relationships with actors through the study of character spines, scene beats, quick fixes, imaginative choices, casting and rehearsing. Prerequisites: MAC 165. Spring semester, odd.
MAC 440 Advanced Reporting and Newswriting Three hours
This course is designed for students who have completed the basic Reporting and Newswriting class or who have a basic understanding of newspaper writing or possibly experience in the field. Emphasis will be on writing for publication. Students will produce a variety of stories suitable for a portfolio. Prerequisite: MAC 240. Spring semester, odd.
MAC 451 Internship One to Three hours
Supervised study of communication in the workplace. Students will receive hands-on experience at a newspaper, radio station, TV station, public relations firm or other media. May be repeated for a total of six hours. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor and an overall GPA of 2.5. Each semester.
MAC 461 Advanced Public Relations Three hours
Focuses on the duties and responsibilities of public relations offices for such agencies as hospitals, schools, businesses, corporations, government entities, and non-profit groups. Students will discuss, analyze and perform some of those major duties. Prerequisite: MAC 371. Fall semester, even.
MAC 465 Graphic Design for Mass Media Three hours
Design basics for newspapers, magazines, brochures and other publications will be studies as will the basics of Web design. Students will use Adobe Photoshop and QuarkXPress to create such publications. The course will also focus on the creation and use of advertisements, graphics, and illustrations. Students will also use generic software to create a basic website. Prerequisites: MAC 245 and MAC 330. Fall semester.
MAC 480 Special Topics: International Cinema Three hours
A study of national cinemas and industries outside the United States, examining significant directors and film movements. Students will screen several world films throughout the semester and write about individual films, entire director filmographies, and unique international movements. Prerequisite: MAC 130. Spring semester, odd.