Degree Programs

LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES – MEDIA STUDIES OPTION AA | LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES – PERFORMING ARTS OPTION AA | LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES – SPEECH PATHOLOGY OPTION AA | MEDIA AND DIGITAL FILM PRODUCTION AS

Course Descriptions

Prior to Fall 2013, all Communication courses were listed as CMS courses. These courses encompass four disciplines and are now being listed by discipline: Communications (COMM), Film Studies (FILM), Media Studies (MEST), and Theater (THEA).

In Fall 2013, an A.S. in Media and Digital Film Production replaced the A.A.S. program. All Media and Digital Film Production courses have the appellation MEDP.

COMMUNICATION

COMM 09
1 rec 0 cr
Speech Clinic
Clinical program of speech therapy for organic and functional disorders such as lisp, stuttering and related articulatory difficulties. Students are assigned on the basis of Speech Placement Screening, diagnostic interview, or referral by department faculty. Required course for students where evaluation indicates need.

COMM 10
3 rec 3 cr
Phonetics
Study of contemporary American English through phonetic analysis; practice in broad and narrow transcription, using the International Phonetic Alphabet; and exercises designed to develop auditory and kinesthetic sensitivity to phonetic distinctions.

COMM 11
3 rec 3 cr
Fundamentals of Interpersonal Communication
Dynamics of communication through examination of theory and discussion. Designed to provide an understanding of communicative processes; opportunities for each student to experiment with personal communicative activity.
Prerequisites: ENG 01 and RDL 01 if required.
Co-requisite: ENG 02 or ENG 10 or RDL 02 if required.
Flexible Core – Individual and Society

COMM 12
2 rec 2 cr
Voice and Diction: Business and Professional Speech
Study of voice and articulatory factors in effective speech communication, with special attention to individual needs through speech diagnosis, development of auditory, discrimination, and exercises geared to individual and group needs. Designed for the student who needs more effective speech communication for business and professional environments.
Co-requisite: ENG 01.

COMM 20
3 rec 3 cr
Public Speaking and Critical Listening
Principles and practice of contemporary forms of public speech communication; informative, persuasive, inspirational, and entertaining; principles and practice of critical listening; analysis and evaluation of public communication.
Prerequisites: ENG 01 and RDL 01 if required.
Co-requisite: ENG 02 or ENG10 or RDL 02 if required.
Flexible Core – US Experience in its Diversity

COMM 22
3 rec 3 cr
Small Group Communication: Theory and Practice
This course explores the core principles and techniques of small group theory in relationship to both the individual who communicates in social groups, and the diverse social contexts in which small group communication occurs. Students will use assigned readings and outside research (e.g., scholarly articles, social media, and observation) to assess the impact of factors such as diversity, leadership, conflict, problem-solving methodologies, and spatial ecology on small group dynamics.
Prerequisites: ENG 01 and RDL 01 if required.
Co-requisite: ENG 02 or ENG 10 or RDL 02 if required.
Flexible Core – Individual and Society

COMM 26
3 rec 3 cr
Oral Interpretation of Literature
This course emphasizes oral performance of prose, poetry, drama, essays, and historical speeches. Emphasis is on expression, interpretation, and delivery skills involved in interpretive oral presentation to an audience. Selection and analysis of appropriate literary forms used in performance will also be included.
Flexible Core – Creative Expression

COMM 28
3 rec 3 cr 
African-American and Puerto Rican Rhetoric
Analysis and evaluation of the messages and rhetorical methods of selected African American and Puerto Rican Spokes-people.
Prerequisites: ENG 01 and RDL 01 if required
Co-requisite: ENG 02 or RDL 02 or ENG 10
Flexible Core – World Cultures and Global Issues

COMM 34
3 rec 3 cr
Intercultural Communication
This course explores issues of culture and communication within the context of the global environment. Students will examine the impact of factors such as perception, attitudes, values, etiquette, customs, and oral and written patterns on communication in national and international settings.
Prerequisites: ENG 1 or ENG 9 and RDL 1 if required
Co-requisites: ENG 2 or ENG 10 or RDL 2 if required
Flexible Core – World Cultures and Global Issues

COMM 41
3 rec 3 cr
The Theory of Language Development
This course in the theory of language development includes study of phonological, morphological, semantic, syntactic, and pragmatic sequences and processes in speech and language acquisition as well as multicultural and multilinguistic language acquisition.
Prerequisite: COMM 11.

COMM 42
3 rec 3 cr
The Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech Mechanism
This course in the anatomy and physiology of the speech mechanism includes study of the anatomy and physiology of respiration, phonation, articulation, hearing, a discussion of speech acoustics and an introduction to the nervous system.
Prerequisite: COMM 11.

FILM STUDIES

FILM 61
3 rec 3 cr 
Introduction to Film 
This course provides the student with an appreciation of the film experience. Particular attention is given to important techniques, theories, and genres that influenced the development of the medium. Concepts are illustrated through the weekly viewing of classic American and International films.
Prerequisites: ENG 1 and RDL 1, if required.
Co-requisite: ENG 2 or ENG 10 or RDL 2, if required.
Flexible Core – Creative Expression

FILM 91
3 rec 3 cr 
World Cinema
Study of documentary and narrative motion pictures and their role in the world. Development of the film as an art form and as a major source of influence upon and reflection of society.
Prerequisite: ENG 1 or RDL 1, if required
Co-requisite: ENG 2 or ENG 10 or RDL 2, if required
Flexible Core – World Cultures & Global Issues

MEDIA AND DIGITAL FILM PRODUCTION

MEDP 10
3 rec 3 cr
Introduction to Media and Digital Film Production
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of digital video production while providing the context for a career including industry trends, technology tools, and production requirements.
Prerequisites: ENG 1 and RDL 1
Co-requisite: ENG 2 or RDL 2

MEDP 12
3 rec 3 cr
Digital Studio Production
Students will be introduced to the theory and practice of an HD digital television studio, including camera operation, switching and other control systems, lighting, and in-camera editing. Students will manage, operate and work in the customary roles in a digital television production studio.
Prerequisites: MEDP 10

MEDP 14
3 rec 3 cr
Digital Animation and VFX 
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of 2D & 3D animation for film, television, and the web. Students learn to model and texture objects; compose and light scenes; and logo, title, and character animation.
Prerequisites: MEDP 10

MEDP 18
3 rec 3 cr
Introduction to Visual Storytelling
Students will learn how to create effective scripts and storyboards for film, television, internet, and mobile applications.
Prerequisites: ENG 1 and RDL 1, if required.
Co-requisite: ENG 2 or ENG 10 or RDL 2, if required.

MEDP 23
3 rec 3 cr
Digital Video Field Production
Students will be introduced to the basic principles of digital field production such as single-camera set up, audio techniques, lighting for interviews and in-camera editing.
Prerequisite: MEDP 10

MEDP 31
3 rec 3 cr
Digital Audio Production and Post Production
This course introduces students to basic theories and techniques of digital audio production (microphones, on location recording) and audio post-production (nonlinear digital editing and mixing with ProTools.)
Prerequisites: MEDP 10

MEDP 33
3 rec 3 cr
Digital Video Editing I
This course introduces students to the basics of post-production digital video editing for multimedia, video and web capabilities using the non-linear editing system Final Cut Pro.
Co-requisite: MEDP 12

MEDP 35
3 rec 3 cr
Digital Video Editing II
This course provides students with advanced theoretical and practical post-production digital video editing experience working with the nonlinear editing system AVID.
Prerequisites: MEDP 33

MEDP 36
3 rec 3 cr
Media and Digital Film Projects
Production of a short, synchronized-sound media project from development and preproduction through principal photography and editing. This course requires departmental approval, which will be based on student completion of 45 curriculum credits including in-progress credits.
Prerequisite: MEPD 18 and MEDP 23 and departmental permission

MEDP 51
3 rec 3 cr
Media and Digital Film Internship
The Media and Digital Film Internship is designed to give students on the job experience and a chance to network with professionals involved in Digital Media: television, film, web, gaming, public access, governmental agency or corporate. The Media and Digital Film Internship introduces students to the application of skills obtained in the program and prepares students for the professional expectations of the field. Note: The internship requires a commitment of 90 hours. Students are required to submit a resume one semester prior to the internship.
Prerequisites: Minimum of 45 curriculum credits, including MEDP 33, a completed resume, and departmental permission

MEDP 53
3 rec 3 cr
Media Projects Lab
Students utilize knowledge and skills accumulated in the prerequisites to produce a meaningful, complete media project in one or a combination of principle media formats studied in the curriculum, including scripting, storyboarding and standard production processes. Completed project should be suitable for display in a job portfolio. All production materials are to be paid by the students.
Explanation: Some students go on to a four-year college that requires a production reel. MEDP cv 53, Media Projects Lab, will enable students, under the guidance of professionals, to create either a reel or film/video suitable for use as a portfolio.

MEDIA STUDIES

MEST 60
3 rec 3 cr
Introduction to Mass Communication
Survey of mass communication media, including radio, television, film and print (press); the development, characteristics and uses of the media and their effects on the individual and the environment.
Prerequisites: ENG 1 and RDL 1
Co-requisite: ENG 2 or ENG 110 or RDL 2
Flexible Core – US Experience in its Diversity

MEST 96
3 rec 3 cr
Television, Society and the Individual
This course examines television as a cultural, economic, and educational force in society. Investigation of the production and reception of television in its national and global contexts. Students will identify the use by and influence of television on individuals and consider its effect in relation to broader cultural issues and trends.
Prerequisites: ENG 1 and RDL 1
Co-requisite: ENG 2 or ENG 110 or RDL 2
Flexible Core – Individual and Society

THEATRE

THEA 70
3 rec 3 cr
Introduction to Theatre
Study of the movements and theories and world of theatre, including an examination of relevant theatrical structures and equipment. European and American theatre; Oriental theatre, including Japanese, Chinese, Indian, Balinese; African theatre.
Prerequisites: ENG 1 and RDL 1
Co-requisite: ENG 2 or ENG 10 or RDL 2
Flexible Core – Creative Expression

THEA 75
3 rec 3 cr
Introduction to Acting
Introduction to the theoretical background, history of and practical experience in acting. Students will apply dramatic theories to various public performance situations as well as pre​pare dramatic works from diverse cultures.
Prerequisites: ENG 1 and RDL 1, if required.
Co-requisite: ENG 2 or ENG 10 or RDL 2, if required.
Flexible Core – Creative Expression