Mass Communication Course Descriptions
MAC 120 Fundamentals of Speech
This is a general education course that guides the student in developing a positive attitude toward public speaking and in increasing confidence in his or her own speaking skills. Every semester.
MAC 140 Introduction to Communication
This course will provide an overview of the many different types of communication, including interpersonal, group, public, mass, verbal, nonverbal, computer-mediated, organizational and intercultural communication. Every semester.
MAC 175 Introduction to Broadcast and Digital Media
This course will cover the major aspects of radio, television and new media delivery processes through the effective use of relevant media and technology. Course highlights include usage of broadcast terminology, writing for radio and television, and broadcast production delivery with announcing. Fall.
MAC 210 Mass Media and Society
This course surveys the broad field of communications, touching upon history and theory as well as practice (economics of making money). This is a required general education course for Mass Communication students. Every semester.
MAC 240 Reporting and Newswriting
An introduction to journalism with emphasis on reporting and newswriting. Students will study the purpose of journalism and learn basic newswriting techniques. Fall.
MAC 245 Copyediting
This course prepares students to edit their own copy as well as that written by others. Students will also write a variety of stories for print and broadcast. English grammar and the Associated Press Style Book will be emphasized. Spring. Prerequisite MAC 240.
MAC 275 Broadcast and Digital Media I
This course provides practice in gathering, writing, and reporting news for broadcast stations and online news outlets. WLCU-FM will be used as a laboratory experience. Emphasis is placed on beat assignment reporting, interviewing techniques and some specialized reporting. It is a laboratory class in which students report for the radio station and its online edition. Spring. Prerequisite MAC 175.
MAC 300 Social Media
This course introduces learners to social media as mass communication outlets through a theoretical view of the phenomenon and a practical approach that requires thinking critically about the appropriate use of such services and developing the necessary technology skills. Spring.
MAC 330 Photojournalism
Study of photojournalism theory and applications. Students will shoot a variety of photo assignments for class as well as the Campus Times. Emphasis will be placed on producing photos that tell stories. Use of a digital SLR camera with interchangeable lenses is required. A point and shoot digital camera is NOT acceptable. Fall.
MAC 345 Mass Media Ethics
An overview of various ethical dilemmas experienced in print journalism, broadcast and new media. Possible solutions will be discussed in relation to objectivity, fairness, accuracy, as well as conflict of interest, accountability and privacy. Spring.
MAC 365 Public Relations
This course introduces students to the wide-ranging world of corporate communication, government public information and agency-side public relations. The course will discuss communication strategies and tactics for non-profits as well as for the traditional duties and methods employed in the private sector and in government service. Special attention will be devoted to the popular sub-fields of “crisis communication” and “international public relations.” Every semester.
MAC 370 Media Advertising
An 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 media. Fall.
MAC 371 Writing for Public Relations
This is a writing and research course aimed at public relations practice. Students will write in this class (weekly) and outside of this class (often), sometimes under deadline pressure. Spring. Prerequisite MAC 240.
MAC 375 Broadcast and Digital Media II
This class is an examination of and practice in news for television. It is an intro course to broadcast journalism for TV news, including reporting, writing, videography, editing, scripting, producing and performance. The student will make extensive use of university equipment and facilities, including the Broadcast Services where student’s material will air. Fall. Prerequisite MAC 275.
MAC 380 Special Topics
This is a special course designed to meet specific needs and interests in the field of mass communication. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Offered as needed.
MAC 386 Mass Communication Practicum
This course will provide students hands-on experience with WLCU- Broadcast Services, the university public relations office, Campus Times or other media as determined by the instructor. Students will perform duties at the respective media including production, writing stories, taking photos, layout and other tasks that may be assigned. Every semester.
MAC 390 Independent Study
Individual study of mass communication issues not offered in other courses. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Offered as needed.
MAC 405 Mass Media Law
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.
MAC 421 Advanced Photojournalism
This course will emphasize composition, lighting, visual communication and other advanced techniques. The skills necessary to produce news, feature and sports photographs for newspapers and other publications will be stressed. Students will produce a portfolio of photographs for publication on the Web, newspapers, magazines and other media. They will also prepare an exhibit of original work for display near the end of the semester. The course will consist of lecture, fieldwork and computer lab work. Prerequisite MAC 330 and MAC 240. Spring.
MAC 430 Broadcasting Sales and Management
This course is designed to provide an understanding of the organization and administration of broadcast stations and other digital media systems, with attention to operations, the broadcast “products,” fiscal management, personnel management and other influences of management decision making.
MAC 440 Advanced Reporting and Newswriting
Advanced Reporting and Newswriting is designed for students who have completed the basic Reporting and Newswriting class or those 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 publication and a portfolio. Prerequisite MAC 240 and MAC 245. Spring.
MAC 451 Internship Supervised study of communication in the workplace. Students will get hands-on experience in the communication industry. May be repeated for a total of six credit hours. Every semester. Prerequisite senior standing.
MAC 461 Advanced Public Relations
This course introduces pubic relations students to the broad world of research as it is undertaken and/or bought in public and private sector communications. The course will cover qualitative and quantitative methods, content analysis, focus groups, structured interviews (oral history) and some statistics. Spring. Prerequisite MAC 365.
MAC 465 Graphic Design for Mass Media
Design basics for newspapers, magazines, brochures and other publications will be studied 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. Fall.
MAC 475 Broadcast and Digital Media III
This class is an examination of and practice in news for television. It is an advanced course for broadcast journalism in TV and Web news, including reporting, writing, videography, editing, scripting, producing, and performance. Spring. Prerequisite MAC 375.
MAC 490 Senior Portfolio
This class prepares the students for graduation and the career to follow by focusing on resume building and developing an online portfolio.
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