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Course Descriptions

 

MFJS 2000 Introduction to Film Criticism (4 credits)
Theories and methods of social, cultural and aesthetic criticism of film; emphasis on critical writing. Laboratory fee required.
MFJS 2100 Culture, Media and Power (4 credits)
Theories of culture and the relationships among media, culture and society, focusing on ways in which contemporary popular cultures are produced and articulated, and to social politics of representation.
MFJS 2110 Tech Found of Digital Media (4 credits)
The course provides the fundamental concepts of digital systems. Study of the number systems and components of computers (hardware and firmware) and how they function to solve problems.
MFJS 2130 Literary Journalism (4 credits)
MFJS 2140 Newswriting & Reporting (4 credits)
Fundamentals of newswriting and reporting for print and broadcast journalism. Laboratory fee required.
MFJS 2150 Scriptwriting (4 credits)
Fundamentals of writing for film and television. Prerequisite: MFJS 2000 or permission of instructor.
MFJS 2200 Crit Approaches Digital Media (4 credits)
Analysis of current critical approaches to understanding digital media and the impact of these media in personal, community, cultural, social, institutional and international life. Rhetorical constructions of digital media and the positioning of new media in modern commercial culture are emphasized.
MFJS 2210 Intro to Media & Culture (4 credits)
Course introduces students to the organization of the U.S. media industries and their historical and contemporary role in U.S. culture.
MFJS 2240 Online & Visual Journalism (4 credits)
An introduction to web-based, print, video, and audio news in a rolling deadline format. It also includes a project-based cross-cultural component to highlight internationalization of the news industries and to build upon the internationalization focus of the University. Prerequisite: MFJS 2140.
MFJS 2280 Politics and Media (4 credits)
We examine the nature of the media and how media institutions shape the way citizens understand politics. We discuss global media institutions and the role media play in various societies. We explore the role of media in providing information for citizens in a democracy, examine how the media influence the political process, and investigate how the goals of and changes within the media industry influence the effect media coverage has on the political process. Through our study, we explore how the media either enhance or limit the potential for citizens to contribute to democracy.
MFJS 2290 Innovations in Media (4 credits)
Today, it is difficult to imagine a life free of the media. There are more than 4 billion mobile phones in the world, and a billion people are now able to access the Internet. Television is available to close to 100% of people living in the media-saturated societies of North America, western and Eastern Europe, and East Asia, with radio widely available almost everywhere else. Moreover, with youtube, blogs, online gaming, citizen journalism, experimental film, and peer-to-peer file sharing, people are actively creating and sharing their own news and entertainment experiences like never before. <br /><br /> Communication technologies are changing the way money circulates, how and where business is conducted, the ways in which labor is deployed, and how people communicate between home and work, national and diasporic contexts. The media are facilitating both globalization and cultural hybridity, at times securing social cohesion and at other moments facilitating social movements for change. <br /><br /> Where do these technologies come from? Who controls them? Who profits from them? How are they used, and with what potential implications? What does the future hold? These are some of the questions we'll address.
MFJS 2400 Strategic Comm Planning (4 credits)
This course introduces students to foundational principles in strategic communication and covers both public relations and advertising. Students learn and apply the elements of a comprehensive strategic communication plan, including conducting research, setting communication goals, designing messaging strategies and tactics, and evaluating the plan's effectiveness. An emphasis on ethical communication practices is central to the course.
MFJS 3020 Mass Communication Effects (4 credits)
Behavioral science theory as applied to mass communications systems and audiences.
MFJS 3040 Media Law (4 credits)
Law and regulation systems governing the mass media. Senior standing required.
MFJS 3110 Audience Research (4 credits)
Analysis of behavioral research methods as applied to mass communication audiences.
MFJS 3120 Media Ethics (4 credits)
Analysis of problems affecting mass communications profession that result from interaction among governmental, legal, institutional and socioeconomic forces in mass communications systems. Senior standing required.
MFJS 3140 Introduction to Publishing (4 credits)
Through lectures and field trips, students learn how books get published--with all the steps involved.
MFJS 3150 Activist Media (4 credits)
Today's alternative cultures use internet and mobile technologies to access and circulate mainstream information, but also to rapidly exchange information that exists outside mainstream media channels. Activist movements today with access to digital tools and networks are no longer dependent on newspapers and broadcast networks to represent them and to disseminate their messages. We are, however, just beginning to see how the proliferation of alternative networks of communication, and the content, practices, and identities they facilitate, interact with traditional political and business organizations, as well as with traditional media products and practices. This course focuses on media activism over the past half-century tied to various social movements with an emphasis on contemporary protest movements and their use of new and old media tools and strategies. Prerequisite: junior standing or permission of instructor. MFJS, SCOM, MDST, COMN, JOUR, MCOM, IIC, or DMST majors only.
MFJS 3160 Networked Journalism (4 credits)
This course traces the shift that has taken place over the past 15 years from mass-mediated journalism to networked journalism, with emphasis on experiments in citizen and participatory news and on the changing relationship between journalists and their publics. It explores emergent communication technologies and practices and how they are changing the news media landscape. Prerequisite: junior standing or permission of instructor. MFJS, SCOM, MDST, COMN, JOUR, MCOM, IIC, or DMST majors only.
MFJS 3201 Digital Design and Editing (4 credits)
Students explore publication design, learn techniques for creating effective layouts, and use page layout software to incorporate and manipulate text, photographs and illustrations. Prerequisite: MFJS 2140.
MFJS 3203 Women & Film (4 credits)
Representation of women in film, both in the dominant Hollywood cinema and in alternative filmmaking practices (experimental film, documentary, etc.). Laboratory fee required.
MFJS 3204 Film & Broadcast Documentary (4 credits)
History of the documentary or nonfiction film, from Lumiere brothers to the present. Laboratory fee required. Prerequisite: MFJS 2000.
MFJS 3205 Internatn'l & Development Comm (4 credits)
International communication and the role of mass media in development of the Third World.
MFJS 3206 Film History I: Silent Cinema (4 credits)
This course explores the international history of film, from the origins of cinema through the late silent period. We also will discuss film historiography and the special challenges posed by film historical research and writing. Lab fee required. Prerequisite: MFJS 2000 or permission of the instructor.
MFJS 3208 Feature, Editorial, & Blogs (4 credits)
Nature and functions of newspaper and magazine article writing and editing, with concentrated practice in these areas. Laboratory fee required. Prerequisite: MFJS 2140.
MFJS 3209 TV Culture & Criticism (4 credits)
Theoretical and critical approaches to television, including semiotics, poststructuralism, ethnography; television programming from a cultural studies perspective. Laboratory fee required.
MFJS 3211 Tangible Interactivity (4 credits)
Explores methods and devices for human-computer interaction beyond the mouse and keyboard. Students learn to create and hack electronic input and output devices and explore multi-touch, augmented reality, and other forms of sensor-based technologies. Prerequisite: MFJS 2110 or DMST 2100 or DMST 4100 or permission of instructor. MFJS, SCOM, MDST, COMN, MCOM, JOUR, IIC and DMST majors only.
MFJS 3212 Film History II: Sound Cinema (4 credits)
This course explores the international history of film, from the development of sound cinema through the post-World War II period, 1926-1960. We will examine the ways in which important events such as the Depression, the rise of fascism, the Second World War, and the Cold War have altered the face of film history and we will look at some of the most important cinematic movements of the period. We also will discuss film historiography and the special challenges posed by film historical research and writing. Lab fee required. Prerequisite: MFJS 2000 or permission of the instructor.
MFJS 3215 Intro Field Prouctn & Editing (4 credits)
Application of video production principles and methods to multi-camera studio and field production. Laboratory fee required. Prerequisite: MFJS 2000.
MFJS 3216 Film History III: Cont. Cinema (4 credits)
This course explores the international history of film, from the 1960s to the present. We also will discuss film historiography and the special challenges posed by film historical research and writing. Lab fee required. Prerequisite: MFJS 2000 or permission of the instructor.
MFJS 3218 Narrative Film Production I (4 credits)
Technical and personnel management skills required for successful production of motion pictures and television programming. Prerequisites: MFJS 2000, MFJS 2150 and MFJS 3215.
MFJS 3219 Documentary Film Production I (4 credits)
The first half of a two-course sequence, this class focuses on the various modes and styles of documentary and on selecting and researching a topic for documentary production. Prerequisites: MFJS 2000 and MFJS 3215
MFJS 3220 Narrative Film Production II (4 credits)
Application of film and video production techniques to creation of narrative/dramatic projects. Laboratory fee required. Prerequisites: MFJS 2150, MFJS 3215 and MFJS 3218.
MFJS 3221 Documentary Film Production II (4 credits)
The second half of a two course sequence, this class focuses on the production of a 10 minute documentary film. Prerequisites: MFJS 2000, MFJS 3215 and MFJS 3219.
MFJS 3222 Experimental Video Thry & Prod (4 credits)
Historical, critical overview of experimental film/video movements; training in experimental production techniques; production of own experimental projects. Laboratory fee required. Prerequisite: MFJS 3215.
MFJS 3223 Advanced Editing (4 credits)
Building on the basic non-linear editing skills gained in Introduction to Field Production & Editing, this course focuses on advanced techniques of image and color manipulation, movement and graphic effects, advanced sound sweetening and manipulation and advanced text/credit effects. Prerequisite: MFJS 3215.
MFJS 3224 16mm Film and HD digital Cin (4 credits)
This course focuses on the visual aspects of telling a cinematic story. Students learn the basics of black and white cinematography using 16mm film cameras and the basics of color cinematography using high definition digital cameras. The class emphasizes silent storytelling, using lighting, art design and camera movement to develop character and theme. Prerequisite: MFJS 3215.
MFJS 3229 Video Editing is for Everybody (4 credits)
This course is designed to provide students with a basic understanding of television and film editing. When students complete this course, the goal is for them to have a basic working knowledge of editing using various media elements (video, audio, photos, music, graphics), developing proficiencies using different editing software (Final Cut Pro, IMovie, Windows Movie Maker) and applying a mixture of editing theories and techniques (continuity and montage style editing).
MFJS 3230 Interaction and Collaboration (4 credits)
Students combine skills to create complex interactive works that encourage social collaboration of their users. Prerequisite: MFJS 3211 or DMST 3211 or DMST 3212 or DMST 3213 or permission of instructor. MFJS, SCOM, MDST, COMN, MCOM, JOUR, IIC, and DMST majors only. Can be repeated once.
MFJS 3301 Culture Jamming (4 credits)
"Culture Jamming" describes a set of tactics that certain artists, activists, filmmakers, musicians and journalists use to subvert power structures through appropriation, re-use or re-contextualization of dominant media influences. Students study the cultural context of (to name just a few topics) graffiti art, musical mashups, the re-editing of film and video, flash mobs, media interventions, drop-lifting, and the critical graphic design and journalism of publications like Adbusters.
MFJS 3305 MCOM Criticism & Commentary (4 credits)
MFJS 3310 Adv Newswriting & Reporting (4 credits)
Application of investigative techniques to interpretive reporting in areas of contemporary social concern. Laboratory fee required. Prerequisite: MFJS 2140.
MFJS 3320 Screenwriting for TV & Film (4 credits)
Development of feature-length fiction and nonfiction scripts for film and television. Prerequisite: MFJS 2150.
MFJS 3330 Broadcast & Video Journalism (4 credits)
Preparation and presentation of radio and television news; use of videotape and film. Laboratory fee required. Prerequisite: MFJS 2140.
MFJS 3400 PR Concepts & Cases (4 credits)
Public relations as practiced by business, government and nonprofit organizations with evaluation of applied public relations procedures. Prerequisite: MFJS 2140.
MFJS 3410 Strategic Messaging (4 credits)
This course focuses on learning and applying strategic communication principles to the creation of strategic messages for a client. Students also evaluate strategic communication techniques as they learn how to target a specific audience and learn how strategic messages fit within an overall strategic communication plan. Prerequisite: MFJS 2400.
MFJS 3420 Strategic Communication Sem (4 credits)
This is the capstone course in the strategic communication sequence. In this course, students examine special topics in strategic communication and apply what they have learned to group projects in which they take on a client and work together as a team on a strategic communication campaign. Prerequisites: MFJS 2400 and MFJS 3410.
MFJS 3440 Global & Multicultrl Campaigns (4 credits)
This course explores several issues and aspects of global and multicultural campaigns, using a combination of readings, lectures, discussions, and presentations from guest speakers with experience in this rapidly expanding field. Students discuss real-world campaigns and learn about the challenges and necessities of planning, implementing and evaluating global and multicultural campaigns. Prerequisite: MFJS 2400.
MFJS 3470 Business Behind Media-New York (4 credits)
MFJS 3501 Web 2.0 Design & Content Mgmt (4 credits)
This course covers the building and management of web pages using CSS and XHTML. The course also covers creating sites using open source content management systems, preferably for applications related to the not-for-profit sector. Applicants must be comfortable integrating Web 2.0 content into sites as well as have a knowledge of User Experience Design practices. MFJS, SCOM, MDST, COMN, MCOM, JOUR, or IIC majors only.
MFJS 3502 Adv Web Bldg & Site Management (4 credits)
This course covers the concepts and tools utilized when building industry standard Rich Internet/Desktop Applications. During the course the student gets an introduction to Object Oriented development practices and how it applies to ActionScript 3.0 development for the Flash Player and Adobe Integrated Runtime platforms. <br /><br /> The student is exposed to design patterns and frameworks that are commonly used during RIA development. During the course the student learns how data is handled in an RIA situation, covering such aspects and XML, AMF remoting, and local file storage. Flash, Flex, and AIR are all discussed and used during the course when building Rich Internet/Desktop Applications.
MFJS 3504 Adv Multimedia Storytelling (4 credits)
This class integrates the reporting, writing, editing and multimedia production and editing skills students have acquired and practiced in previous journalism studies classes and applies them to building, from the ground up, a content management based multimedia website. Students design, build, produce, and promote multimedia web sites in groups using an open course content management system. Prerequisites: MFJS 2140, MFJS 2240 or MFJS 3215, and MFJS 3501.
MFJS 3510 Web Application Development (4 credits)
The goal of this course is to provide students with the fundamentals of planning and building web database applications using macromedia ColdFusion MX. Students will acquire a range of skills in planning, designing, developing and implementing a web database application. This course is focused on four core areas: Website Management, ColdFusion language, Database Design, and SQL. Prerequisite: DMST 3501 or MFJS 3501.
MFJS 3550 Digital Audio Production (4 credits)
This class introduces the tools and techniques of digital audio production, including sampling and synthesis; sound editing and effects processing; multitrack recording; audio sequencing and mastering; and distribution.
MFJS 3600 Introduction to 3D Modeling (4 credits)
This course will serve as an introduction to 3D modeling, texturing, and lighting on the computer. Students will complete a series of projects in which the processes of preparing and producing a 3D piece will be explored. Various strategies and techniques for creating detailed models to be used in animation and games will be examined. Additional attention will be spent on virtual camera techniques as well as the use of compositing in creating final pieces. Current trends in the field will be addressed through the analysis and discussion of current and historical examples. Prerequisites: MFJS 2110, DMST 2100, DMST 4100 or permission of instructor. MFJS, SCOM, MDST, MCOM, IIC, JOUR, COMN and DMST majors only.
MFJS 3630 3D Animation (4 credits)
This course examines animation within virtual 3D environments. Starting with basic concepts, the course develops timing and spacing principles in animation to support good mechanics. They also serve as the basis for the more advanced principles in character animation as the class progresses. Prerequisite: MFJS 3600 or permission of instructor. MFJS, SCOM, MDST, COMN, MCOM, IIC, JOUR, and DMST majors only.
MFJS 3650 3D Spaces (4 credits)
An exploration of 3D digital space and the possibilities found in games, narratives and visualizations in these spaces. A real-time engine is used by students to examine the opportunities of virtual 3D worlds. Prerequisite: MFJS 3600 or DMST 3600 or permission of instructor. MFJS, SCOM, MDST, COMN, MCOM, IIC, JOUR or DMST majors only.
MFJS 3652 Culture, Gender & Global Comm (4 credits)
This course explores the ways in which culture, gender, and communication intersect and shape a variety of issues from an international and intercultural perspective. Using a global feminist perspective, it also focuses on paradigms and paradigm shifts in creating social change. Also explored are alternative paradigms of thought, action and media communications by women and indigenous peoples, which have often been ignored, discounted or buried in history.
MFJS 3690 Digital Cinema, Theory & Pract (4 credits)
This course introduces such forms of digital cinema as video remixes and cinemashups, visual music, ambient video, sonic visualization; live cinema and VJing. The class covers multitrack video and audio mixing, with an emphasis on live, performative approaches, including VJ tools and a variety of systematic approaches to making computer-generated or manipulated video. The class incorporates reading and discussion of several critical texts and documentation of digital cinematic theory, process and practices, and the class will include screening and discussion of examples of digital cinema. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. MFJS, SCOM, MDST, COMN, MCOM, IIC, JOUR, or DMST majors only.
MFJS 3700 New Media Law & Regulation (4 credits)
An examination of recent conflicts in mass communication law; topics vary with current developments. Particular emphasis is given to the legal problems of broadcasting, cable and the new communications technologies.
MFJS 3850 TV & Film Prod: Hollywood View (4 credits)
MFJS 3851 Desktop Publishing (4 credits)
Application of computers using QuarkXPress in print journalism and public relations; emphasis on layout and design as applied to newspapers, magazines and collateral materials (e.g., brochures, newsletters, etc); production of collateral materials from writing and design to paper selection and print bids. Laboratory fee required. Prerequisite: MFJS 2140.
MFJS 3852 Advanced Design (4 credits)
MFJS 4050 Strategic Mgmt-Comm Campaigns (4 credits)
Understanding, designing, implementing public communication campaigns; theoretical social science framework underlying communication campaigns, ways theories define/explain communication campaigns.
MFJS 4060 Strategic Messaging (4 credits)
In this class, students will learn, apply and evaluate Public Relations techniques. Students will also evaluate real world examples in which various techniques have been used, placing the technique within the larger context of the practice of Public Relations. We will also discuss the ethics involved in choosing and applying various techniques. Prerequisite: MFJS 4050.
MFJS 4070 Seminar in Public Relations (4 credits)
Through a combination of course readings, case study analyses and guest speakers, students will observe and learn about the practice of public relations in the health and nonprofit sectors. Students will also learn about the goals, challenges and opportunities specific to these sectors. Prerequisite: MFJS 4060.
MFJS 4080 Internatn'l & Intercultural PR (4 credits)
This course will explore several issues and aspects of international and intercultural public relations, including culture and intercultural communication issues, international media issues in PR, international corporate PR, cross-cultural and diversity training, international news & PR, international media relations, international corporate PR, and international PR issues of governments & foreign policy. This is not a PR techniques course, but focuses on relevant theories and issues. Prerequisite: minimum of one other PR class.
MFJS 4140 Issues in Mass Comm History (4 credits)
This course examines historically the interplay of economic, social, political and cultural aspects of communications technologies, media production and media institutions. The course deals primarily with American media history; some attention will be paid to media history in other countries.
MFJS 4160 Mass Communication Theory (4 credits)
Various theoretical approaches to study of mass communications; attention to relationships among technology, media institutions, culture, society, how these relationships have been conceptualized, research.
MFJS 4170 Audience Research Methods (4 credits)
MFJS 4180 Media Effects & Consequences (4 credits)
MFJS 4200 Topics in Mass Communications (4 credits)
MFJS 4218 Narrative Film Production I (4 credits)
While all forms of film and video production require a planning stage before actual production begins, it is imperative to include a detailed preproduction phase when shooting a scripted narrative. In this course, students complete the preproduction phase of an original 15-minute narrative. Preproduction consists of the following: 1) finalizing the shooting script; 2) breaking down the shooting script; 3) auditiioning actors and casting; 4) location scouting; 5) procuring a crew; and 6) developing a shooting schedule based on the demands and constraints of other preproduction factors. At the end of the course each student should have the preliminary details in place to move quickly into the actual preoduction of his or her script in MFJS 4220 Narrative Film Prodcution II. Prerequisites: MFJS 4450 and MFJS 4470
MFJS 4219 Documentary Film Production I (4 credits)
The first half of a two-course sequence, this class focuses on the various modes and styles of documentary and on selecting and researching a topic for documentary production. Prerequisiste: MFJS 4470.
MFJS 4220 Narrative Film Production II (4 credits)
Application of film/video production techniques in creation of extended video project; integration of theoretical approaches of Seminar in Critical Studies of Film, Television and Popular Culture. Prerequisites: MFJS 4450, MFJS 4470 and MFJS 4218.
MFJS 4221 Documentary Film Production II (4 credits)
The second half of a two course sequence, this class focuses on the production of a 10 minute documentary film. Prerequisites: MFJS 4470 and MFJS 4219.
MFJS 4222 Experimental Theory & Product. (5 credits)
Historical/cirtical overview of experimental film/video movements; technical, aesthetic training in experimental production; integration of theory and criticism into production of several experimental projects. Prerequisite: MFJS 4470.
MFJS 4223 Advanced Editing (4 credits)
Building on the basic non-linear editing skills acquired in Introduction to Field Production and Editing, this course focuses on advanced editing techniques including image and sound manipulation that utilizes rhythmic, graphic, metaphoric, temporal and spatial techniques. In addition, the class addresses advanced sound sweetening and image color correction. Prerequisite: MFJS 4470.
MFJS 4250 Crit Studies-Film/TV/Pop Cultr (4 credits)
Major theories of culture, various critical approaches to film, television, popular literature; semoitics, genre theory, ideological analysis. Prerequisite: MFJS 4160
MFJS 4260 Qualitative Research Methods (4 credits)
Interpretive critical theories, practices; ethnographic audience studies, reader response critism, institutional studies in production of culture, historiography, historical research, textual critism (semiotics, structuralism, feminist studies, psychoanalytic theory, poststructuralism, postmodernism). Prerequisite: MFJS 4250
MFJS 4300 Freedom of Expression Issues (4 credits)
Historical development of First Admendment freedoms, various theories/philosophies that underlie constitutional free expression guarantees; Judical interpretations of scope of First Amendment as related to political, corporate, commercail expressions.
MFJS 4310 New Media Law & Regulation (4 credits)
Examination of current conflicts in mass communications law. While particular emphasis is given the legal problems of broadcasting, cable and the new communications technologies, other topics may include libel, privacy, obscenity, news gathering, copyright, media ownership and advertising regulation. The primary goal is to give students an understanding of the legal rights and responsibilities of the mass media and those who work in it. It should also provide insight into how the legal process works and an understanding of the principles and philosophies that underlie the restraints on and privileges of the media.
MFJS 4320 Brands and Identities (4 credits)
This course reviews theories and cases of the role and meaning of brands in a consumer society, with a particular emphasis on understanding how brands are implicated in the construction and presentation of personal and group identities. The course combines insights from marketing, social psychology, and cultural studies to explore the importance of brands for both consumers and practitioners. Students master core branding concepts and use them to critically analyze salient social and cultural issues.
MFJS 4350 Advertising Regulation (4 credits)
An in-depth examination of the regulatory process and the Federal Trade Commission's regulation of false, deceptive, misleading and unfair advertising. The course will also explore libel, privacy, copyright, trademark and unfair competition issues as they relate to advertisers as well as the ethical issues confronting the advertising industry.
MFJS 4360 Audience Behavior Seminar (4 credits)
MFJS 4370 Mass Comm Issues Seminar (4 credits)
Varying topics; current issues in media economics, technology, policy, strategic planning; emphasis on information revolution, forecasting future of communications industry, factors that determine marketplace success or failure for communications products, strategies for coping with technological/social change, media censorship, media ethics, false and misleading advertising, media deregulation, right to privacy, libel, copyright, cable television.
MFJS 4410 Business Behind Media-New York (4 credits)
MFJS 4450 Scriptwriting (4 credits)
This course examines the fundamentals of narrative and character development with respect to writing scripts for film and television. Prerequisite: MFJS 4250
MFJS 4460 Producing the Narrative (4 credits)
While all forms of film and video production require a planning stage before actual production begins, it is imperative to include a detailed preproduction phase when shooting a scripted narrative. In this course, students complete the preproduction phase of an original 15-minute narrative. Preproduction consists of the following: 1) finalizing the shooting script; 2) breaking down the shooting script; 3) auditiioning actors and casting; 4) location scouting; 5) procuring a crew; and 6) developing a shooting schedule based on the demands and constraints of other preproduction factors. At the end of the course each student should have the preliminary details in place to move quickly into the actual preoduction of his or her script in MCOM 4220 Narrative Prodcution. Prerequisites: MFJS 4450
MFJS 4470 Intro Field Productn & Editing (4 credits)
This course is designed to provide a basic understanding of television production with a focus on postproduction editing and field shooting. Numerous facets of postproduction will be introduced including nonlinear editing, tape logging, producing edit decision lists and much more. Likewise, you will learn the fundamentals of video field shooting, lighting and gathering sound. The goal is for you to have a basic understanding of shooting, lighting and editing, as well as the process involved in producing a field-based production from start to finish. Because people are the most important part of any production, emphasis is on your ability to work effectively with class members.
MFJS 4480 Directing II (4 credits)
MFJS 4500 TV & Film Prod: Hollywood View (4 credits)
MFJS 4501 Web Building & Site Management (4 credits)
An introduction to the fundamental concepts of Web site development and management, including HTML, DHTML, graphical Web-building tools (Macromedia DreamWeaver and others), multilevel site planning and construction, navigation schemes, basic interactivity (via Javascript and CGI), information organization, Web site management and delivery of basic multimedia content.
MFJS 4503 Seminar in Internet Comm (4 credits)
This course involves students in the planning, development and evaluation of Internet-based communication plans, paying particular attention to advanced web site concept development, web-based promotion, and various tools of Internet communication (including email, chat, discussion groups, instant messaging, IP telephony, streaming audio/video, and more).
MFJS 4540 Attitude Change & Persuasion (4 credits)
A review of the major theories of persuasion, and analysis of their application in mass communication campaigns.
MFJS 4550 Media Effects & Consequences (4 credits)
Emphirically based examination of psychological effects, sociological consequences of mass communications; combines theoretical perspectives from social science inquiry to define how audiences use mass media; effect media have on mass communications policy in contemporary society.
MFJS 4560 Quantitative Research Methods (4 credits)
Development/application of specific social sciences research techniques to study mass communication, emphasis on survey research strategies. Prerequisite: MFJS 4550.
MFJS 4570 Audience Behavior Seminar (4 credits)
A review of current theory and research on the uses and effects of mass media. Students will analyze one major theory and present their findings to the group. The class may serve as a forum for students to develop theses and independent research projects.
MFJS 4620 21st Century PR & Media (4 credits)
MFJS 4650 International Communication (4 credits)
Major theories concerning international communication flows, the impact of globalization and global media, issues of new communication technologies, the rhetoric and media framing of global politics and culture; international marketing and public relations; and national and cultural sovereignty issues related to communication. Prerequisite: instructor's permission.
MFJS 4651 Development Communication (4 credits)
Major theories in development communication concerning past, present, future roles of media in economic/cultural development around world. Prerequisite: instructor's permission.
MFJS 4652 Culture, Gender & Global Comm (4 credits)
This course explores the ways in which culture, gender, and communication intersect and shape a variety of issues from an international and intercultural perspective. Using a global feminist perspective, it also focuses on paradigms and paradigm shifts in creating social change. Also explored are alternative paradigms of thought, action and media communications by women and indigenous peoples, which have often been ignored, discounted or buried in history.
MFJS 4653 Language, Power, Globalization (4 credits)
This course focuses on scholarly and political debates surrounding the social nature of language, language and (inter)national and individual identity, language policy, multilingualism and linguistic diversity, language and globalization, language and media and communication technologies, and, finally, the future of the global language landscape.
MFJS 4800 Inside Washington DC (4 credits)