COM - Communication

Analysis and understanding of the human communication process with attention to interpersonal and public applications. Includes interpersonal and group relationship experiences as well as public speaking. Strongly recommended within first 60 hours of any bachelor's degree program.

A seminar-style introduction to communication studies and its practical applications through giving voice to the stories of others.

Develops world changing communicators who are effective and ethical creators and consumers of public address both theoretically and practically.

Fundamental skills in multimedia technology are integrated through various approaches to non-fiction storytelling. Course includes education in basic page design, image manipulation, audio and video production.

Introduction to multi-camera and single camera television production. Studio equipment, operations, set, lighting and editing are covered with an emphasis on the creative process from scripting to finished product. Class includes field experience with WIWU-TV51.

A practical course introducing the student to the operation of radio equipment, and a radio station. Projects are designed to acquaint the student with current radio station requirements. Included is a survey of the major areas of radio history, technical information, program philosophies, regulations, and social effects.

Provides students with an understanding of communication encountered in various social settings, with an emphasis on both theoretical and practical aspects. Students will gain an understanding of communication as it affects the individual in message construction, interpersonal interaction, group and organizational settings, public settings, cultural settings, and mass communication settings. Also examines the ethics of communication, and participate in group projects, leading to presentations.

Provides practical experience for non-convergent journalism majors working for The Sojourn or other division media outlets in a news gathering and reporting role. Requires attendance at weekly story assignment meetings. Graded on a CR/NC basis.

Provides practical experience for non-strategic communication majors, working with on- or off-campus organizations in public relations capacity (e.g., event planning, fundraising, sports information, promotion). Graded on a CR/NC basis.

Provides practical experience for non-media communication majors, at the university radio station, WIWU-FM, completing technical training, on-air broadcasts, and off-air meetings and activities. Graded on a CR/NC basis.

Provides practical experience working in theatre program productions. Graded on a CR/NC basis.

Provides practical experience working for the university television station, WIUW-TV, completing technical training and serving as production crew for the studio and field broadcasts. Graded on a CR/NC basis.

This course offers an overview and introduction to the understanding and appreciation of dramatic arts by examining foundations of drama, dramatic terminology, and dramatic works, as well as basic techniques of the theatre. Students will gain insight into the imaginative and creative process that makes up the art of theatre. Laboratory hours required.

Addresses basic techniques of acting applied to creating contemporary characters, including imaginative, emotional, and sensory responsiveness to realistic dramatic situations. Develops appreciation for the craft of acting, and clear and motivated characters for stage and church worship. Primarily for Theatre majors and minors and related majors; nonmajors by permission from the professor or Division Chair.

Classroom discussion and laboratory work for the university newspaper (print and online), university magazine, and yearbook. Graded on a CR/NC basis.

Gain practical experience in public relations through working with officially sanctioned groups on campus and with organizations off-campus. Graded on a CR/NC basis. May be repeated, but credit will be assigned for no more than two hours.

Provides background and skills related to small group communication theory and practice. Students participate in group projects leading to class presentations. Topics include leadership, discussion, roles, consensus, organization, decision-making, and persuasion. Standards for ethical conduct are considered. Prerequisite: COM-105 or permission of Division.

A survey of the media communication industries, focusing on their historical development in the United States and professional and ethical standards required in media professions.

Principles of audio production are applied to radio station operations. Learn fundamentals of microphone technique and multi-channel digital recording in common radio projects such as commercials and public service announcements. Laboratory work on college radio operation required.

Laboratory work for the staff of the university radio station. May be repeated up to a total of three semester hours. Graded on a CR/NC basis.

Course provides proficiency in theory and production skills in computer-aided graphic design for the web, print, and for a variety of communication contexts.

A survey of the field of journalism, including the news media, the role of reporters, ethics, methods, and operations. Practical application in gathering information and writing news stories through covering campus and University-related activities. Requires field assignments and attendance at newspaper meetings. Prerequisite: ENG-120 or Advanced Standing in English.

Course focuses on modern acting techniques to gain greater control over body and voice. Students will explore various techniques for teh voice and body to clearly communicate characters to the theatrical audience.

Introduces students to the research process. Examines how research is planned and designed, explores both quantitative and qualitative methods, introduces the techniques of these methods, and provides experience in conducting original research. Prerequisite: COM-105 or permission of Division.

Examines the history, roles, functions, purposes, methods, responsibilities, and ethical issues of public relations in various contexts, including corporate, nonprofit, and agency environments. Focuses on how organizations effectively communicate with various publics to achieve specific public relations objectives.

Independent, creative work in television or video production. Student will propose a project and work with instructor to accomplish project goals over the course of a semester. May be repeated for a total of 2 hours to count toward major.

Principles of developing and writing scripts for multiple electronic media including radio, television, and online forms. Emphasis on the common principles applied across media, and developing scripts in coordination with available production techniques. Applications could include commercials, promotions, educational, public service, news and short-form narratives.

Explores methods of reading, studying, and analyzing theatrical scripts for production on stage and screen. By concentrating on the script as a vehicle for performance, students understand the script from the perspective of the actor, director, and designer. Extensive writing required.

Addresses basic techniques of acting applied to creating contemporary characters, including imaginative, emotional, and sensory responsiveness to realistic dramatic situations. Develops appreciation for the craft of acting, and clear and motivated characters for stage and church worship. Primarily for Theatre majors and minors and related majors; nonmajors by permission from the professor or Division Chair.

A study of the theory and practice of stage management related to resident and touring theatre companies. Involves the study and practice of all aspects of stage management from preproduction responsibilities through rehearsal responsibilities, performances responsibilities, and ultimately the responsibility for closing the show.

Introduction to scenery, lighting, costume design, technical theater practices, and production management, stressing practical production experience and terminology. Learn to use stools, equipment, and techniques necessary for basic scenery construction, including stock 2-D and 3-D units, weight bearing scenery, properties and basic scene painting techniques. Requires practical production involvement and laboratory hours.

Explores intercultural communication theory and practice within interpersonal, group and public contexts. Topics include similarities and differences in values, language, nonverbal, interethnic/intergroup communication, identity, and adaptation. Students will enhance flexibility with such encounters. For CAS/residential students this course meets General Education requirements for Intercultural Competency.

Guided academic research in communication studies, designed for presentation and publication to external audiences. May be repeated up to 4 credit hours. CAS/Residential students require permission of instructor. CAPS/Non-residential students must be enrolled in Human Communication Studies program.

Provides practical experience working in theatre program productions.

Concentrates on stage design, including set design, set painting, props design, and lighting design. Examines evolution of theatrical design and the development of dramatic forms, various design problems, and research possibilities. Basic work at script analysis from the perspective of a designer expected. Learn basic techniques for drafting, rendering, and model-making, skills that are used to create the stage design for a musical.

Develops production and leadership skills in studio-based, long-form production. Work as a team to develop and produce an original television program for WIWU-TV. Format may vary among studio forms and could include talk, game show, situation comedy or drama. Prerequisite: COM-113 or permission of Division.

Explores basic theories and techniques of stage directing for school and professional productions. Through play readings and script analyses, attendance of local performances, and discussion, students develop a basic understanding of the directing process. Direct short scenes to gain an appreciation for the art of directing. Prerequisite: COM-120 or permission of Division.

A historical, critical, and theoretical study of Western and global theater and drama from its origins through the end of the eighteenth century. Representative plays from each period of theater history will be studied, noting the interrelationship bewteen scenic and production techniques and dramatic form. Examines cultural and historical elements that have influenced the rise and fall of dramatic forms and practices. Prerequisite: COM-120 or permission of Division.

A historical, critical, and theoretical study of Western and global theater and drama from the beginning of the nineteenth century to the present. Representative plays from each period of theater history will be studied, noting the interrelationship between scenic and production techniques and dramatic form. Examines cultural and historical elements that have influenced the rise and fall of new dramatic forms and practices. Prerequisite: None.

This course examines the science and art (theory and practice) of wielding ethical influence interpersonally, corporately, and publicly. Prerequisite: COM-105.

The process and production of news reporting for radio and television with focus on broadcast writing style. Complete on-air assignments for the university radio station which includes gathering, writing, technical production, and on-air presentation. Prerequisite: COM-224 or permission of Division.

During this course students will develop communication process skills using conventional and social communication technology. Students will illustrate active listening skills to increase their communication effectiveness in business dealings. In addition, students will develop a systematic, written, and spoken communication plan to successfully convey ideas to diverse audiences. All work will be done from a biblical perspective.

This course examines the role of communication in managing interpersonal, group, and organizations conflict. Prerequisite: COM-105.

A critical approach to interpreting media messages is grounded in the study of how messages are constructed, how media industries function and are shaped by social structures and how communication theory and research explain media impact on society. Emphasis is placed on making informed choices as a media consumer, and considering the impact of media from a Christian perspective. For CAS/residential students course can be used toward the Social Science and Psychology General Education requirement.

A critical approach to interpreting media messages is grounded in the study of how messages are constructed, how media industries function and are shaped by social structures and how communication theory and research explain media impact on society. Emphasis is placed on making informed choices as a media consumer, and considering the impact of media from a Christian perspective. For CAS/residential students course can be used toward the Social Science and Psychology General Education requirement.

Partnerships with public agencies allow the acquisition of professional-level experience and skills in publicity, promotion, and fund-raising in various settings. Examines how organizations interact with print, broadcast, and online media to gain publicity. Explores general principles of media relations and develops the writing, presentation, and production skills used in media relations work. Prerequisite: COM-233 or permission of Division.

Examines the applications of functions performed by pictures, how photography developed, the essential techniques used by professional photographers and editors. Use photography to tell a story, set a mood, and capture the high point of an event.

Provides more intensive and advanced study of specific areas of communication (i.e., Communication Studies, Journalism, Media Communication, Public Relations, Theatre). May be repeated to earn up to 6 credit hours. Prerequisite: Permission of Division.

Examines definitions and models of communication. Exploration of specific theories will be emphasized through individual research. Prerequisite: COM-105 or permission of the Division.

Practical study through examination of theory, actual practice, and criticism of the speech communication process in relatively unstructured face-to-face settings.

Involves study of theory, practice, and marketing of magazine articles. Study of magazine markets and planning, gathering, organizing, writing, and marketing nonfiction articles for print and online magazine publication. Prerequisite: COM-224 or WRI-224 and permission of Division.

Focuses on period acting styles, including interpretation, rehearsal, and the creation of roles. Lectures and studios examining a specific topic, style, or range of acting styles will be the primary mode of learning. Create characters in the various historical acting styles. Prerequisite: COM-252 or permission of Division.

Introduces students to the various forms of scriptwriting by exploring the art of storytelling as expressed in stage and film and by studying the accepted principles that shape this art form. Develops skills in scriptwriting, particularly in the areas of adaptation, one-acts, sketch comedy, and group writing, concentrating on writing for the theatre and church. Prerequisite: ENG-120 (or writing competency requirement met) and COM-251 or permission of Division.

Detailed survey of U.S. media law including First Amendment principles, libel/slander, prior restraint and broadcast regulation. Ethical frameworks for decision making in journalism and other media production work will be considered in a case study approach.

Advanced television production and operations associated with field production including concepts and practices in scripting, producing, editing, and on-location directing with a single-camera format. Prerequisite: COM-113 or permission of instructor.

Vocal and visual performance techniques for radio and television are developed with a focus on repetition and in-studio application on university broadcast outlets. Principal areas of study include vocal dynamics, interviewing, ad-lib and on-camera presentation.

Examines the role of communication in organizations and the effect organizational structures have on communication from both theoretical and practical perspectives. Prerequisite: COM-105 or permission of Division.

Study and development of technical theatre design and application skills related to stage costuming and makeup and property design. Work with conceptions and practical applications of design, creation, and application techniques. Specific topics include Fundamentals of Stage Costuming and Makeup, Hair & Wigs, Facial Hair, Age Makeup, Animal Makeup, Three-dimensional Make-up, Special Effects, and Character Makeup. Prerequisite: COM-272.

A study of the theory and practice of theatre management in areas of commercial, non-profit, college, and community theatre. Theory and practice of administration for non-profit and commercial theatres. Involves the study of theatre unions, financial considerations, promotions, grantsmanship, audience development, and career opportunities in the field of theatre management.

Explores the nature and use of symbols and imaging in social communication, the media, and advertising. Examines how to select symbols that capture the nature, message, service, or product of an institution or corporation for public awareness and service.

Teaching and practice in producing content for multimedia outlets with emphasis on preparing stories. Instruction in journalism techniques particularly applicable to digital platforms. Prerequisites: COM-112 and COM-224.

Consists primarily of a week-long "Little Academe" at the American Shakespeare Center in Staunton, VA, where students will attend professional theatre productions featuring ASC's current season. Students will also attend and participate in workshops led by professional theatre artists related to staging, pronunciation, scansion, and other early modern staging practices.

Work with a faculty mentor and in cooperation with an Honors College advisor, producing a research thesis or creative project.

Advanced course combining principles of journalistic writing and reporting with the field production techniques of television news and online news management. Students will learn the basic concepts of broadcast reporting, producing a television news program and managing an online website connected to the news content. The student is expected to spend many hours outside of class mastering reporting techniques, including technical expertise, and will also work as a team member in completing newsroom functions. Prerequisites: COM-113 and COM-224.

Focuses on public relations as a management function in organizations. Students analyze case studies that exemplify how real organizations successfully apply communication principles to solve public relations problem and maximize opportunities. Prepare and implement a public relations campaign for a client. Prerequisites: COM-233 and COM-331.

A supervised and intensified hands-on work experience in a professional work environment. Student's interests and competencies must coordinate with the professional activities of the cooperating organization, and the student must have successfully completed work related to the internship. May be repeated up to a total of 6 credit hours. Graded on a CR/NC basis.

Focuses on leadership principles and issues for students pursuing management careers in media organizations. Leadership styles are addressed through case studies and key issues in economics, and regulatory law and new technologies are applied to decision making strategies. Prerequisite: COM-211.

Independent study in communication.

Course is the beginning of the Senior Capstone experience for all Communication and Theatre majors. Includes preliminary work on portfolio and senior project as well as analysis of professional and academic experiences across the program of study. Prerequisite: Senior standing.

Continues the senior capstone experience for Communication and Theatre majors. Students develop a philosophy of communication based on their study, a senior career and academic portfolio and a creative project in their area of specialty. Prerequisites: COM-479.

A continuation of Introduction to Newswriting, with greater emphasis on practical experience and in-depth development of stories, interviewing, research methods, Internet resources, and other investigative tools for professional journalists. Gain professional experience and published clips through reporting and writing stories for a local news outlet. Prerequisite: COM-224 or WRI-224, or permission of Division.