COM 101 Introduction to Electronic Media
3 credits
Introductory course exploring the business of radio and television broadcasting while learning the basic hands-on skills necessary for careers in broadcasting. Fall
COM 105 Understanding Media
3 credits
A history of the various forms of print and electronic media, their development, and an identification of their various markets. Emphasis will be placed on the manipulative techniques used by the media to inform and persuade, as well as the media producer’s responsible use of these techniques.
COM 109 Multimedia I
3 credits
An introduction to the theory and practice of multimedia production. Course content will include graphics creation, animation, video editing, audio editing, and post-production editing. Students will learn to combine media formats into various multimedia productions. Fall
COM 110 Fundamentals of Television
3 credits
Hands-on, skills development course covering major aspects of television production. Students will start with learning the camera as an electronic medium to tell a story, moving on to learning lighting, audio, graphics, editing, and directing; all skills will be used in studio and field production. Students will be involved with WCTV and other department television productions. Prerequisite: COM 101 or permission of the department chair. Spring
COM 126 Principles of Design
3 credits
An introduction to the principles and visual elements of design to use them for optimal visual impact in media applications. The course will also cover the tools and processes used to complete graphic design and interactive design projects. This course satisfies the computer literacy requirement for communication.
COM 127 Sports Announcing I
3 credits
A study of introductory techniques for on-air sports announcing on radio, television, and emerging media; emphasis placed on play-by-play announcing and interviewing. Spring
COM 137 Introduction to Public Relations
3 credits
This course seeks to introduce students to the context and processes by which public relations professionals establish and maintain lines of communication between an organization and its publics. The course examines methods and engages in skill development relevant to the practice of public relations, including historical development, definitions, concepts and management of public relations. Spring
COM 201 Fundamentals of Radio Broadcasting
3 credits
A practical course introducing students to the operation of radio equipment. Projects are designed to acquaint students with current radio station requirements. Included is a survey of the major areas of radio: history, technical information, programming philosophy, regulations, and social effects. Course work will be closely related to the campus station WCYJ-FM; thus, the course is required for all students who wish to be on the WCYJ-FM staff. Prerequisite: COM 101. Fall
COM 202 Television Technology
3 credits
The nature of television production is not only an aesthetic medium, but a technical one as well. Students will learn how television equipment works in order to function as a knowledgeable crew member in various kinds of production situations. Students will be involved with WCTV and other department television productions. Prerequisite: COM 110. (Fall of even numbered years)
COM 205 Sports Writing
3 credits
An introduction to and overview of the specific techniques of news and feature writing as they relate to the coverage of sporting events. Includes practical experience in preparing copy for print and broadcast media. Prerequisite: ENG 102 or 188. Fall
COM 206 Videography
3 credits
This course involves a careful evaluation of digital video production skills with an emphasis on shooting techniques and visual composition and post-production editing. This course will introduce students to the terminology, application interfaces, and creative processes utilized in broadcasting today. This is a workshop-style course designed around open class discussions in which topics are presented, discussed, and put into practice. Students will be challenged to think visually, creatively, and collaboratively. Fall
COM 207 Announcing
3 credits
A study of on-air announcing for radio and television. Emphasis on news reading, commentary, interviewing, sports play-by-play, and sports color announcing. Fall
COM 208 E-publishing
3 credits
Electronic publishing is a medium for distribution of short and long documents that include newsletters, magazines and books. This course explores tools for E-publishing in an effort to address emerging means of communication in this area. Students will study interpretation of traditional print documents in digital format, focusing on planning and design considerations. (Spring of odd numbered years)
COM 209 Photography I †
3 credits
The basic study of photography as an art form and a medium of communication. Emphasis will be on visualization, composition, and aesthetics of digital photography. An introduction to the operation of the camera and to electronic imaging will be covered.
COM 211 News Writing and Reporting
3 credits
An introduction to the principles and practices of journalism, with a special emphasis on newsgathering for print media. Includes basic techniques of newswriting, interviewing and editing copy for publication. Prerequisite: ENG 101 or 187.
COM 212 Broadcast Journalism
3 credits
A further study of the principles and practices of journalism, with special emphasis on newsgathering and newswriting for electronic media. Includes techniques of writing and interviewing in the preparation of news for radio and television broadcast. Prerequisites: COM 211 or permission of the department chair. Spring
COM 215 Web Production
3 credits
An introduction to the processes required to develop and maintain content for the internet. Topics will include content management systems, web usability, web resources, database management, web programming, and advanced content creation. (Fall of odd numbered years)
COM 216 Introduction to Sports Management
3 credits
This course will provide students with an introduction to the critical principles and issues impacting the sports industry. Topics will include the development of the modern sports industry from the late 19th Century to the present, promotion and external relations, communication strategies, strategic planning, emerging technologies, and revenue stream in sport, such as media rights and sponsorship cultivation and activation. (Fall of even numbered years)
COM 219 Illustration
3 credits
An introduction to the tools and processes used to create digital illustrations and graphics for print and electronic media. Prerequisite: COM 126.
COM 228 Business and Professional Speaking
3 credits
Study of and practice in public speaking, conference speaking, oral presentations, group dynamics, interviewing, mediation, and conciliation. Theoretical basis for the course is in process-oriented rhetoric that emphasizes problem-solving and language appropriate for audience and purpose. This course satisfies the speech course requirement and the oral competency requirement in the General Education curriculum. Prerequisite: ENG 102, 188.
COM 235 Sign Communication
3 credits
This course provides a study of the fundamentals of sign communication. Preparation for visual/gestural communication includes basic information relating to finger spelling, vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure and expressive/receptive techniques. Students will also engage in an intensive study of American Deaf Culture. (Fall of even numbered years)
COM 237 Public Relations Writing and Production
3 credits
This course provides students with the opportunity to study and practice the various kinds of writing required of public relations practitioners, including but not limited to news releases, brochures, newsletters, and speeches. The course will also examine the emerging communication technologies diffusing into the field. Spring
COM 238 Message Design
3 credits
This course presents an opportunity to explore the planning and teamwork related to a design project. Discussions and hands-on work focus on the documentation and resources that support a project and include reinforcement of principles and elements of design for effective communication of a specific message to a particular audience through an appropriate format. (Spring of even numbered years)
COM 301 Television Remote and Field Production
3 credits
An advanced level course that focuses on producing and directing television productions that take place in the field. Specific focus will be on sports production. Attention will be given to lighting, set design, editing, and technical considerations. Students will be involved with WCTV and other department television productions. Prerequisite: COM 109 and 110. (Fall of odd numbered years)
COM 302 Television Studio Production
3 credits
An advanced level course that focuses on the producing and directing of television production that is live or taped in the studio. An emphasis will be placed on the role of producer and director. Technical considerations including editing will also be covered. Students will learn to work together as a crew to accomplish good programming. Prerequisite: COM 109 and 110. (Spring of even numbered years)
COM 305 Sports Information Management
3 credits
A study of the operation of a sports information office, with the goal of making the student aware of the various responsibilities assumed by the sports information professional. Included in the course are study of and practice in developing a variety of news and information releases, coordinating news conferences, gathering and disseminating statistics, conducting interviews, managing a sports information staff, and developing positive relationships with the media. Spring
COM 307 Profile and Feature Writing
3 credits
A study of the fundamentals of profile and feature writing. This course will focus on the narrative story structures and their use in publication. Long-form story development and structure will also be discussed. Prerequisite: COM 211. (Spring of odd numbered years)
COM 308 Document Design
3 credits
This course is a study of design principles and the practical application of those principles for the conceptualization and creation of short and long documents. The documents students will be expected to plan and design will include a variety of single and multiple-page documents, including newspapers and magazines.
COM 309 Photography II †
3 credits
An advanced exploration of digital photography techniques and studio photography. The course will cover the use of industry-standard digital cameras and software applications to produce quality digital images. Prerequisite: COM 209. Spring
COM 311 Radio Station Management and Operations
3 credits
Prepares students for future jobs in radio management. Topics covered include audience analysis, ratings, programming, developing on-air sound, playlists, FCC regulations, and financing. The course is required for all students who wish to be on the WCYJ-FM staff. Spring
COM 315 Web Design
3 credits
An introduction to the tools and processes used to create semantic and valid web sites. Topics will include modern web programming, web design, web typography, and web development. Spring
COM 316 Advanced News Writing and Reporting
3 credits
A further study of the principles and practices of journalism for print media. Students will refine skills in news and feature writing, interviewing and editing copy for publication. Prerequisite: COM 211. (Spring of even numbered years)
COM 317 Communication Law
3 credits
Introduction to the federal, state, and local law concerning the uses and abuses of media, including copyright law.
COM 318 Script Writing
3 credits
Students produce scripts for radio, television, and other media productions. Scripts may be produced for WCYJ-FM and/or WCTV. Prerequisites: COM 101, 105. (Fall of even numbered years)
COM 326 Social Media Production
3 credits
An examination of the Internet and social networks as message delivery media. This course explores the impact of technology on how media professionals do their job, the way stories are told, and the manner in which relationships with audiences are nurtured and transformed. Students will study current issues in the industry, focusing on advances in technology and their impact on both the practice and the business of media.
COM 327 Sports Announcing II
3 credits
A study of advanced techniques for on-air sports announcing on radio, television and emerging media in a field setting; emphasis placed on intensive critique of play-by-play announcing and interviewing field experiences completed by the students. Prerequisite: COM 127. Fall
COM 329 Cross Cultural Communication
3 credits
The course is designed to examine the principles and processes of communicating from one culture to another. Focus for the course lies in the theoretical framework including differing perceptions, ways of thinking, values, non-verbal expression, language expression, and sub-groups within a culture as they relate to the medium and the message. Furthermore, students will have the opportunity to discuss strategies for practical application that will address these issues and integrate Christian values. Fall
COM 335 Documentary Production
3 credits
In this course, students will learn the fundamentals of documentary production through analysis, critique, and hands-on production tasks. Students will work in a collaborative environment to create and develop ideas, write and illustrate compelling narratives, and produce creative content that documents events of historical and societal significance. While some of the material covered will be presented in the form of lecture, much of the course will entail hands-on production work that will be conducted both in and out of our regularly scheduled class time. This course involves a careful evaluation of documentary production with an emphasis on concept development, story composition, writing, interviewing, video/audio recording and editing techniques. Prerequisite: COM 109. (Spring of even numbered years)
COM 336 The History of Film (cross-listed as THE 366)
3 credits
A survey of the development of film from the early twentieth century through the 1960’s, this course provides an understanding of cinematic art through an international survey of acknowledged classics of the past. This course satisfies the film course requirement in the General Education curriculum. (Fall of even numbered years)
COM 337 Sound, Projection, and Lighting for Ministry
3 credits
An in-depth study of operation and projection techniques, purchase and maintenance of media equipment and designing of media facilities including classrooms, PA systems, multimedia and traveling media packages within the context of ministry. (Offered when interest is expressed and departmental resources permit.)
COM 338 Non-profit Public Relations and Fundraising
3 credits
This course will introduce students to the concepts, tools, and applications used in non-profit public relations. Special emphasis is placed on the effective use of fundraising to enhance an organization’s resources. Other topics include fund drives, gift planning, capital campaigns, and information technologies. (Fall of odd numbered years)
COM 339 Creativity Theory and Practice
3 credits
This course will focus on the theory and application of creative problem solving to the various fields of communication. Students will study the nature of creativity in relation to person, product, process, and environment. Throughout the course, students will be exposed to many facets of creativity. Students will become increasingly aware of their creative self and will learn how to nurture their creativity skills through the use of assorted creativity techniques. (Spring of even numbered years)
COM 345 Advanced Field Reporting
3 credits
This course is designed to prepare students for the challenges of working in a modern broadcasting, climate, covering topics related to news and/or sports. While some of the material covered will be presented in the form of lecture, much of the course will entail hands-on production work that will be conducted both in and out of our regularly scheduled class time. This course involves a careful evaluation of field reporting skills with an emphasis on story composition, writing, interviewing, video/audio recording and editing techniques. This course will challenge students to produce content suitable for professional news or sports broadcast under tight deadline. Projects will be presented weekly on WCTV or WCYJ. Prerequisite: COM 206 or 212 (Spring of odd numbered years)
COM 346 Sports Announcing Seminar
3 credits
A seminar course in which students will be introduced to advanced issues in the sports announcing field. An emphasis is placed on critique of professional announcers in addition to self-assessment. The course will also provide a broad overview of the sports announcing field and the skills required for success as a professional announcer. (Offered when interest is expressed and departmental resources permit.)
COM 399 Public Relations Research
3 credits
This course introduces students to the principles, tools, and methods in public relations research. Students will learn various methods and techniques to gather information, including case study, participant-observation, focus group, content analysis, and survey research. (Fall of even numbered years)
COM 401 Single Camera Production
3 credits
An advanced level course which focuses on producing and directing film-style production. The focus will be on the entire production process from working with a client to off-line and on-line editing sessions. The course will also address lighting and editing. Prerequisite: COM 301 or permission of the department chair. (Spring of odd numbered years)
COM 405 Advanced Public Relations Strategies
3 credits
This course provides instruction in the key elements of the public relations plan as they apply to public relations campaigns. Topics include situation analysis, objectives, strategies and tactics, timeline and budget. Additional topics include discussion of media relations, evaluation, internal communication and crisis management. Prerequisite: COM 237 or permission of the department chair. (Spring of odd numbered years)
COM 406 Newsroom Production
3 credits
The course will enhance higher-level journalistic skills of writing and reporting. Students will explore the role of the editor and the editing process and the role of the freelance writer. The course will include a requirement to submit copy to local or regional media outlets. Prerequisite: COM 211. (Fall of even numbered years)
COM 411 Advanced Radio Production
3 credits
This course develops the student’s ability to produce and direct radio from idea to completed program. The course covers both live and recorded radio including talk radio formats, sports production, commercials, documentaries, and music production. (Spring of odd numbered years)
COM 419 Multimedia II
3 credits
A study of advanced multimedia techniques, including video editing and post-production. Includes a study of theory and practice of designing advanced multimedia productions. Prerequisite: COM 109. (Spring of even numbered years)
COM 436 History of Broadcasting
3 credits
An examination of the development of radio and television in the United States, specifically its programming, audience, organization, technology, and philosophies. Special focus will be given to this development in light of cultural, economic, and civic interaction. (Spring of odd numbered years)
COM 437 Special Events Planning
3 credits
This course will instruct students in the effective planning, implementing, and managing of a special event. Students will examine the essential components of events planning, including identifying event objectives, working with planning committees, managing volunteers, marketing, and budgeting. Students will learn professional planning strategies and tactics for workshops, conferences, fundraisers, and many other special events. Prerequisite: COM 237. Spring
COM 438 Communication Theory and Research
3 credits
The primary goals of this course are to provide the skills needed to understand and interpret research applications, methods, and results and to offer practice in basic research writing skills. This course will also prepare students to evaluate communication theories effectively and to apply these theories within a number of varying contexts. (Fall of odd numbered years)
COM 439 Design Seminar
3 credits
A seminar course in which students will be introduced to design history and advanced discussions regarding current trends in the design industries. (Fall of odd numbered years)
COM 465 Internship
3-6 credits
On-the-job experience in either an on-campus or off-campus site. Specific internship duties are determined in contractual arrangement among the student, the on-site supervisor, and the department internship coordinator. All interns write a proposal, keep a journal of their work experiences, meet regularly with the coordinator, write a final report, and deliver a public final report on their internship experiences. Academic credit is three semester credits for 12 hours of work each week or six semester credits for 24 hours of work each week; all internships run 14 weeks. Prerequisites: attendance at three final report meetings prior to time of application, approval of the department internship selection committee, approval of the on-site supervisor, a 2.5 grade point average, and junior or senior standing. Graded credit.
COM 466 Practicum
3 credits
The course is designed to structure formally a practical working experience for students at the senior level in which a minimum of 50 clock hours of communication-related experience is required. Students will work in the general communication areas of electronic, print, and social media, and digital design to produce mass mediated messages for outlets such as The Yellow Jacket, The Lamp, WCYJ-FM, WCTV, and other on-campus activities or organizations. The emphasis for instruction will be on the management of media outlets and also the techniques for producing mass mediated messages. Fall
COM 475 Advanced Faith and Learning Integration
3 credits
In the spirit of the mission of Waynesburg University, this course intends to provide junior and senior level students with an unparalleled opportunity to integrate the Bible materials and its history of interpretation to the academic disciplines. Students who wish to engage in this level of theological reflection on vocation should consult with both their academic advisors and with the Chair of the Biblical and Ministry Studies Major Program. See BMS 475 for further information. This course will not substitute for senior capstone/research courses required in the majors. Prerequisites: Junior or Senior standing; three credits in BMS courses; 3.00 minimum grade point average. (Offered when interest is expressed and departmental resources permit.)
COM 195, 295, 395, 495 Special Topics
3 credits
A study of various particular topics which are chosen by the members of the department in consultation with students. The topic will usually be different for each semester. Students may take only two Special Topics courses to fulfill major requirements. Once the major requirements have been completed, the student may take as many Special Topics courses as his/her schedule permits. (Offered when interest is expressed and departmental resources permit.)
COM 497 Independent Studies
1-3 credits
A carefully guided writing, editing, or communication project, this course is open to sophomore, junior, and senior Communication majors with the approval of their advisor. The course is also open to non-majors with the approval of the Communication department chair and their major advisors.
COM 499 Senior Project
3 credits
An intensive study of an advanced topic selected by the student in consultation with a faculty supervisor. Suggested topics may include, but are not limited to, Web-based applications, digital pre-press processes, or multimedia presentations. The student’s study will lead to the production of a portfolio-quality project. Other course requirements will be negotiated between the students and the faculty supervisor.
† indicates a special fee is charged.