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.

This course provides an introduction to communication studies with a focus on digital media. Students will identify the specific career pathways available to professionals as digital communication contractors, producers, and solution providers. Students will explore and summarize the essential skills necessary to develop and deliver digital media solutions as part of an overall communication strategy.

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.

This is a video production course focused on studio operations and field production. It is designed to give students the background and instruction they need to communicate using television equipment in group and individual productions. Class discussions, lectures, labs and hands-on projects will be used to teach the process and skills of production.

A practical course introducing the student to the operation of audio equipment, and a radio station. Projects are designed to acquaint the student with current radio station requirements. Included in the course 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 mediated communication settings. Students will examine the ethics of communication and prepare and deliver presentations.

Work in varied environments on projects aimed at communication activism, with individuals or groups to improve communication. Learn firsthand about responsibilities that accompany the gift of communication. May be taken up to three times, as long as the work is with different aspects of communication.

Students will identify the specific career pathways available to professionals as digital communication contractors, producers, and solution providers. Students will explore and summarize the essential skills necessary to develop and deliver digital media solutions as part of an overall communication strategy. Corequisite: COM-105.

Provides practical experience working for The Sojourn, in print and/or online. Requires attendance at weekly story assignment meetings. Graded on a CR/NC basis.

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

Students will work in the on-air broadcasting of WIWU-FM. Responsibilities will include training, weekly staff meetings, a regular radio shift and various production activities.

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

Students will work in the production efforts of WIWU-TV and the Communication Division. These activities can include weekly programs such as Crossroads, Perspectives and Wildcat Week and can also include special events, athletics, and other production opportunities as announced.

A survey of the writing required in multimedia communication, including the web and broadcast news, social media, and marketing media. Practical application in gathering information and writing content for various outlets, both in theory and in practice. Requires some field work.

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.

In this course, students create a project to demonstrate storytelling techniques using core Adobe InDesign features and tools. Students will also collaboratively evaluate design aesthetics and technical execution. Corerquisite: COM-112

This course introduces students to the various development platforms and deliverable formats used to create digital media strategies. Students investigate solutions for email, mobile/web, social media, and blog messaging by using written communication, digital imagery, and video options. Students will also be introduced to proposal/project management techniques.

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. Students create a project to demonstrate storytelling techniques using core Adobe InDesign features and tools. Students will also collaboratively evaluate design aesthetics and technical execution.

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, university magazine, and yearbook. Graded on a CR/NC basis.

Provides practical experience for students 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.

The course features an introduction to the various development platforms and deliverable formats used by communication professionals when creating digital media strategies. Solutions for large-scale, text-based email and mobile messaging interactivity are included. Students will also be introduced to the productivity features and functions of project management software.

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.

The course involves the development of DSLR photographic skills as a strategy for digital story telling. Techniques will include artistic framing in both automatic capturing and manual exposure modes. An introduction to digital image file formats and enhancing images for publication with Adobe Photoshop is also part of the course. Note: Students are required to possess a DSLR camera capable of manual exposure settings for use in capturing still images.

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 photojournalism and graphic design for the web and print in 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, community and University-related activities. Requires field assignments and attendance at newspaper meetings. Prerequisite: ENG-120 or Advanced Standing in English.

Students will explore graphic design procedures and techniques using industry-standard software for producing layout based digital media solutions. Students will learn to import and edit pre-packaged native art, develop info-graphics and memes, and create basic digital brochures. Participants will practice preparing, editing, and integrating a variety of rasterized and vector-based graphics into a digital design environment. Prerequisite: COM-130 or by permission of the Division

Course focuses on modern techniques to help the student gain greater control over their body and voice. Students will explore various techniques for the voice and body that will help them clearly communicate characters both physically and vocally to the 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: Residential students COM-105 or permission of Division; National and Global students COM-340

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. CAPS/IWU-National & Global students must be enrolled concurrently in COM-300.

Students will develop and capture digital video as a strategy for digital storytelling. Techniques will include preproduction processes from script development to production of a project to be edited in COM-249. Required Materials: Digital Production Equipment listed in Program Requirements. Prerequisites: COM-112, COM-122, and COM-219.

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.

Students will prepare for and complete postproduction on a digital video production. Students will learn and employ the basic features and functions of an industry standard, cross-platform, non-linear, digital video editing software, Adobe Premiere Pro. Students will present their rough cuts and receive feedback from their peers, which they will use to complete their final cuts. Students will prepare for and complete postproduction on a digital video production. Students will learn and employ the basic features and functions of Adobe Premiere Pro. Prerequisite: COM-239

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.

This course presents the paradigm of servant leadership within a study of the historical and communication models of leadership. Leadership and Followership will be defined and the Servant Leadership Model presented and contrasted to traditional views.

Students will research various social media strategies used by communication professionals to promote mission, build community, and encourage interactivity. Included will be case studies using the leading social media platforms and resources, including mobile applications, in which students will evaluate user interface (UI) and user experience (UX). Students will collaboratively develop and propose a social media strategy. Prerequisite: COM-225 or by permission of the Division

Students will explore website development, editing, and maintenance strategies used for internet-based digital media solutions. Included will be an introduction to website design using software from the Adobe Creative Suite of products. Students will learn website hosting strategies and search engine usage and optimization. In this course, which concludes the Creative Digital Media program, students create a professional web-based portfolio to demonstrate learning. Prerequisite: All other required courses in the Creative Digital Media program or by permission of the Division

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 tools, 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 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.

Basic introduction to theory and practice of public speaking: listening, analyzing, organizing, adapting, and delivering ideas effectively. Special attention is given to skill development in informative public speaking. The course will also explore the effective use of presentation aids. (This course is not available to students who have previously completed COM-115 or equivalent.)

This course will explore two types of public speech: persuasion and demonstration. The course will cover the principles of public speaking and discuss ways to plan, organize, and execute both a persuasive and demonstrative speech. The course will also explore the effective use of presentation aids.(This course is not available to students who have previously completed COM-115 or equivalent.)

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/IWU-National and Global students must be enrolled in Communications program. CAPS/IWU-National & Global students must be enrolled concurrently in COM-233.

Provides practical experience working in theatre program productions.

Students will explore graphic design procedures and techniques using Adobe InDesign as a central platform for producing layoutbased digital media solutions. Students will learn to import and edit pre-packaged native art, develop info-graphics and memes, and create basic digital brochures. Participants will gain experience in preparing, editing, and integrating a variety of rasterized and vector-based graphics into a digital design environment.

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. Learn basic techniques for color, drawing, 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.

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 between scenic and production techniques and dramatic form. Examines cultural and historical elements that have influenced the rise and fall of dramatic forms and practices.

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.

Students will be introduced to client-centered design theory as a pathway for mobile applications development. They will learn to apply specific design criteria when collaboratively envisioning, producing, and assessing mobile app prototypes. Students will discover how mobile apps build community and mission affinity between organizations and constituents through meaningful interactivity. Strategies to research, propose, create, develop, launch, sub-contract, maintain, and improve mobile apps will be covered as well.

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

This course will provide study of the principles and practices of journalism, with special emphasis on news gathering and news writing for radio broadcasting. Includes techniques of writing and interviewing in the preparation of news for radio.

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.

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.

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.

Examines definitions and models of communication. Exploration of specific theories will be emphasized through individual research.

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.

Students will learn all aspects of producing sports programming from pre-production through the live-to-tape shoot. Experiences include producing, camera work, directing and all other crew positions necessary for different sports productions.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Guided academic research in communication studies, designed for presentation and publication to external audiences. Requires permission of instructor. May be repeated up to 4 credit hours.

Students will explore a variety of website development, editing, and maintenance strategies used by communication professionals for internet-based digital media solutions. Included will be an introduction to website design using software from the Adobe Creative Suite of products. Also, website hosting strategies, including URL and domain management, will be studied. Search engine usage and optimization, including meta-tagging will be covered as well. Prerequisite: All 100, 200, and 300-level courses in the Digital Communication program or by permission

Students will be introduced to the various social media strategies used by communication professionals to promote mission, build community, and encourage interactivity among current and prospective affiliates and constituents. Included will be case studies using the leading social media platforms and resources. Students will collaboratively develop and propose a social media strategy. Prerequisite: All 100, 200, and 300-level courses in the Digital Communication program or by permission

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.

Designed for upper divisional Journalism majors to apply reporting skills in a consistent, professional environment. The student will contribute short- and long-form content for multiple media outlets within the campus and the local community in the area of specialty: digital and/or broadcast. May be paired with COM-422 (Television News) or COM-483 (Advanced Newswriting and Reporting) for additional newsroom hours. Prerequisite: Journalism major or minor.

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 local organization.

This course is an advanced video production course focused specifically on documentary production. Building on COM 113 Intro to Video, and COM 364 Field Production, this course will continue to develop the production skills of research, writing, shooting, lighting, sound and editing within the context of documentary production. Additional focus will be given to the funding and marketing of the documentary project. Prerequisite: COM-113.

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.

Senior Seminar I is the beginning of the Senior Capstone experience for all Communication and Digital Communication majors. Includes preliminary work on portfolio and senior project as well as analysis of professional and academic experiences across the program of study. Prerequisite: IWU-National and Global must complete a minimum of 18 hours in the major including COM-209, COM-227, COM-280, COM-329, COM-340, and COM-352

The senior capstone experience for Communication and Digital Communication 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: IWU-National & Global COM-479

A continuation of COM-224, 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 through reporting and writing for a professional news outlet. Prerequisite: COM-224, or permission of Division.