Course Descriptions
CORE COURSES
Courses described below are required core courses in one or more of the four master’s programs and will be offered once every year. Elective courses in mass communications are described on subsequent pages. Please note that up to 12 credit hours of electives may be taken outside the department.
MCOM 4050 STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT OF COMMUNICATION CAMPAIGNS
Focuses on understanding, designing and implementing public communication campaigns. Central to the course is the exploration of the theoretical social science framework underlying communication campaigns and examination of the ways these theories are used to define and explain communications problems and to plan and evaluate communication campaigns. 4 qtr. hrs.
MCOM 4060 STRATEGIC MESSAGING
Focuses on learning and applying key public relations techniques, including media relations and media writing. Also includes an evaluation of techniques and strategies in real-world public relations case studies, paying particular attention to ethical considerations. Prerequisite: MCOM 4050 or instructor’s permission. 4 qtr. hrs.
MCOM 4070 SEMINAR IN PUBLIC RELATIONS
Examines special topics in public relations, such as health communication, nonprofit organizations, crisis communications and risk management. Prerequisite: MCOM 4060 or instructor’s permission. 4 qtr. hrs.
MCOM 4080 INTERNATIONAL AND INTERCULTURAL PUBLIC RELATIONS
Explores 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 and PR, international media relations and international PR issues of governments and foreign policy. Primary course focus is placed on relevant theories and issues. Prerequisite: MCOM 4050 or instructor’s permission. 4 qtr. hrs.
MCOM 4160 MASS COMMUNICATION THEORY
Provides an overview of various theoretical approaches to the study of mass communications, paying particular attention to the relationships among technology, media institutions, culture and society, and the way these various relationships have been conceptualized and researched. 4 qtr. hrs.
MCOM 4218 NARRATIVE FILM/VIDEO PRODUCTION I
The first in a two-course sequence, this course introduces the student to the entrepreneurial and management skills necessary to bring a motion picture or television script to fruition. Topics include: story or screenplay rights, budget breakdown and the production board, location logistics, unions and guilds, and how to develop a production schedule in accordance with recognized parameters and common practices. Prerequisite: MCOM 4470 or instructor’s permission. 4 qtr. hrs.
MCOM 4219 DOCUMENTARY FILM/VIDEO PRODUCTION I
This course presents an integrated (theory and practice) approach to film and video documentary. The theoretical component presents a historical overview of the various styles and modes of documentary with a discussion of the way each has developed in response to perceived limitations of the mode then dominant. The production component focuses on selecting and researching a topic for documentary treatment. Prerequisite: MCOM 4470 or instructor’s permission. 4 qtr. hrs.
MCOM 4220 NARRATIVE FILM/VIDEO PRODUCTION II
This is a continuation of course MCOM 4460. Students are expected to participate fully in production and post-production phases of a short narrative project. Prerequisite: MCOM 4460. 4 qtr. hrs.
MCOM 4221 DOCUMENTARY FILM/VIDEO THEORY AND PRODUCTION II
This is a continuation of course MCOM 4219. It focuses on the strategies required for various documentary styles. Students are challenged to integrate effectively the technical, intellectual and emotional facets of the documentary director’s craft in preparation for proposing and executing team productions. Prerequisites: MCOM 4470 and 4219. 4 qtr. hrs.
MCOM 4222 EXPERIMENTAL FILM/VIDEO THEORY AND PRODUCTION
This class includes a historical and critical overview of experimental film and video movements as well as technical and aesthetic training in experimental production. Students integrate theory and criticism into the production of several experimental projects. Prerequisite: MCOM 4470. 5 qtr. hrs.
MCOM 4250 SEMINAR IN CRITICAL STUDIES OF FILM, TELEVISION AND POPULAR CULTURE
Introduces students to the major theories of culture and to various critical approaches to film, television and popular literature. Includes semiotics, genre theory and ideological analysis. Prerequisite: MCOM 4160. 4 qtr. hrs.
MCOM 4260 QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS
Provides a survey of interpretive critical theories and practices. Areas of study include historiography and historical research, participant observation/ethnography, textual analysis, reception or audience studies, cultural studies and legal research. Prerequisite: MCOM 4250. 4 qtr. hrs.
MCOM 4300 ISSUES IN FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
Focuses on the historical development of First Amendment freedoms and on the various theories and philosophies that underlie constitutional rights and free expression guarantees. Judicial interpretations of the scope of the First Amendment are examined as they relate to political, social, corporate and commercial expression. 4 qtr. hrs.
MCOM 4320 BRANDS AND IDENTITIES
Revises 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. Combines instincts from marketing, social psychology and cultural studies to explore the importance of brands for both consumers and practitioners. Students will master core branding concepts and use them to critically analyze salient social and cultural issues. 4 qtr. hrs.
MCOM 4450 SCRIPTWRITING
Examines the creative process for writing the motion picture screenplay. Topics include format and structure; character and dialogue; rising conflict and confrontation; visualization and imagery; and understanding the conventions of the medium and its limitations. Students will complete a full-length screenplay by the conclusion of the course. Prerequisite: MCOM 4470. 4 qtr. hrs.
MCOM 4470 INTRODUCTION TO FIELD PRODUCTION AND EDITING
Following a brief review of basic production techniques, this course will focus on the broader range of production aesthetics and the creative process. Topics include: film-style shooting techniques; mise-en-scène and pictorial composition; the design of proxemic patterns within the territorial limits of the visual frame; and the role of the director as creator and auteur. 4 qtr. hrs.
MCOM 4550 EFFECTS AND CONSEQUENCES OF THE MASS MEDIA
An empirically based examination of the psychological effects and sociological consequences of mass communications. Combines theoretical perspectives from social science inquiry in an attempt to define how audiences use the mass media and the effects that media have on audiences. Emphasis is on areas of inquiry that impact mass communications policy in contemporary society. Prerequisite: MCOM 4160. 4 qtr. hrs.
MCOM 4560 QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS
The development and application of specific social science research techniques to the study of mass communications with emphasis on survey research strategies. Prerequisite: MCOM 4550 or instructor’s permission. 4 qtr. hrs.
ELECTIVE COURSES
The 4000-level courses described below are graduate-level electives. Also listed are 3000-level mass communications courses that graduate students may choose as electives. (Consult the annual University schedule of classes for offerings.)
MCOM 4140 ISSUES IN MASS COMMUNICATIONS HISTORY
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. 4 qtr. hrs.
MCOM 4200 CRITICAL APPROACHES TO DIGITAL MEDIA
Introduces graduate students to the growing body of theories in the field of digital media studies. The class establishes some of the major historical, cultural, sociopolitical, philosophical and other critical trends shaping this emerging field. We will conduct discussions both within the traditional classroom setting and in various networked formats. Class assignments utilize various digital forms. 4 qtr. hrs.
MCOM 4310 NEW MEDIA LAW
An examination of recent conflicts in mass communications law; topics vary with current developments. Particular emphasis is given to the legal problems of broadcasting, cable and the new communications technologies. Other topics may include libel, privacy, obscenity, newsgathering, copyright, media ownership and advertising regulation. 4 qtr. hrs.
MCOM 4501 WEB BUILDING AND SITE MANAGEMENT
Introduces students to the fundamental concepts of Web site development and management, including HTML, DHTML, graphical Web-building tools (Macromedia Dreamweaver and others), multi-level site planning and construction, navigation schemes, basic interactivity (via JavaScript and CGI), information organization, Web site management and the delivery of basic multimedia content. 4 qtr. hrs.
MCOM 4502 ADVANCED WEB BUILDING AND SITE MANAGEMENT
Involves students in advanced approaches to Web site development, including advanced interactive scripting, web-based animation, advanced multimedia content delivery and complex DHTML approaches to Web layout and design (integrating Macromedia Dreamweaver and Director Shockwave Internet Studio and other software tools). 4 qtr. hrs.
MCOM 4503 SEMINAR IN INTERNET COMMUNICATION
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 e-mail, chat, discussion groups, instant messaging, IP telephony, streaming audio/video and more). 4 qtr. hrs.
MCOM 4540 ATTITUDE CHANGE AND PERSUASION
A review of the major theories of persuasion, and analysis of their application in mass communication campaigns. 4 qtr. hrs.
MCOM 4650 INTERNATIONAL COMMUNICATION
A review of major theories concerning international communication flows, concentrating on transborder flows, satellite footprints, external broadcasting and the distribution of international communication resources, entertainment and news. Prerequisite: MCOM 4160 or instructor’s permission. 4 qtr. hrs.
MCOM 4651 DEVELOPMENT COMMUNICATION
Provides an overview of major theories in development communication. It will review major theories concerning the past, present and future roles of media in economic and cultural development around the world. Prerequisite: MCOM 4160 or instructor’s permission. 4 qtr. hrs.
MCOM 4912 SEMINAR IN MASS COMMUNICATIONS: DIGITAL AUDIO PRODUCTION
Introduces students to the tools and techniques of digital audio production. Covered are: sampling and virtual synthesis; multitrack recording and editing; effects processing; and audio sequencing, mixing and mastering. We will cover Web-based audio platforms (RealAudio, MP3 and Beatnik) as well as compact disc production. Throughout the course, will discuss the creative, social, ethical and commercial ramifications of digital audio production and distribution. 4 qtr. hrs.
MCOM 4912 SEMINAR IN MASS COMMUNICATIONS: CULTURE, GENDER AND GLOBAL COMMUNICATION
Combines theory and practice in global communication, examining how culture and gender affect a variety of international and intercultural issues. 4 qtr. hrs.
MCOM 4912 SEMINAR IN MASS COMMUNICATIONS: LANGUAGE, POWER AND GLOBALIZATION
Linguist Noam Chomsky suggests that questions about language are essentially questions about power. This course focuses on key historical and contemporary political and cultural struggles surrounding language around the world. It introduces students to various theoretical and political discourses on the nature of language and the relation of language to individual and collective identity, especially (inter)national identity. Finally, it aims to equip students with the conceptual and analytical tools to critically engage and reflect upon the significance of language to both their own and others’ sociopolitical identities and existences. 4 qtr. hrs.
MCOM 4912 INTERNATIONAL HEALTH COMMUNICATION
Course begins with an overview of communication and health, discussing individual, social, cultural and technological factors, as well as theories and concepts used in the field. Students will then learn about the role of communication in international health; the social and cultural factors that influence the design, delivery, reception and effectiveness of international health communication programs; the role of the big players (e.g. WHO, UNAID, Doctors Without Borders, pharmaceutical companies, etc.) in international health communication; and the ways in which international health communication affects development in countries around the world. We will examine case studies of international health communication and apply health communication theories from a variety of perspectives. 4 qtr. hrs.
MCOM 4980 INTERNSHIP
Students arrange with the mass communications and journalism internship director to complete an internship with a Denver-area media organization. Prerequisite: varies, consult internship director. Arranged. 4 qtr. hrs. maximum.
MCOM 4991 INDEPENDENT STUDY
Arranged. 4 qtr. hrs. maximum.
MCOM 4995 INDEPENDENT RESEARCH (MA THESIS)
Arranged. 8 qtr. hrs. maximum.
MCOM 3180 SEMINAR IN POLITICS AND MASS MEDIA
Analysis of function and consequences of mass communications in political process. 4 qtr. hrs.
MCOM 3190 INNOVATIONS IN MASS COMMUNICATIONS
Analysis of the roles and consequences of historic, contemporary and future technological and institutional mass communications sytems. 4 qtr. hrs.
MCOM 3203 WOMEN AND FILM
We will be concerned, for example, with the representation of women in film, both in the dominant Hollywood cinema and in alternative film making practices (independent, experimental, documentary and other national cinemas), with films by women and with women as cinema viewers or spectators. We will also examine a variety of feminist approaches (historical, critical and theoretical) to our subject matter. 4 qtr. hrs.
MCOM 3204 FILM AND BROADCAST DOCUMENTARY
This course represents a historical study of documentary film and video, from the films of the Lumiere brothers to several contemporary examples. We will explore such issues as the nature of documentary and what distinguishes it from fiction, the development of various documentary modes or styles, propaganda and ideology in documentary film, documentary ethics, borderline forms that combine documentary and fiction, and documentary’s role in supporting established institutions, regimes and/or social change. 4 qtr. hrs.
MCOM 3205 INTERNATIONAL AND DEVELOPMENT COMMUNICATION
An exploration of international communication and the role of the mass media in the development of the Third World. 4 qtr. hrs.
MCOM 3206 FILM HISTORY I
Explores the international history of film, from the origins of cinema through the early sound period. We also will discuss film historiography and the special challenges posed by film historical research and writing. 4 qtr. hrs.
MCOM 3209 TELEVISION CULTURE AND CRITICISM
Theoretical and critical approaches to television, including semiotics, poststructuralism and ethnography. Includes an examination of television programming from a “cultural studies” perspective. 4 qtr. hrs.
MCOM 3216 FILM HISTORY II
Explores the history of film from 1945 to the present. Film historiography and the special challenges posed by film historical research and writing will also be discussed. 4 qtr. hrs.
MCOM 3201 MAGAZINE AND NEWSPAPER EDITING
An introductory course describing the nature and functions of newspaper and magazine article writing and editing, with concentrated practice in these areas. 4 qtr. hrs.
MCOM 3208 FEATURE WRITING
An introductory course describing the nature and functions of feature article writing with concentrated practice in these areas. 4 qtr. hrs.
MCOM 3310 ADVANCED NEWSWRITING AND REPORTING
Application of investigative techniques to interpretive reporting in areas of contemporary social concern. 4 qtr.hrs.
MCOM 3330 BROADCAST JOURNALISM
Preparation and presentation of radio and television news; use of videotape and film. 4 qtr. hrs.
MCOM 3851 PUBLICATIONS AND DESKTOP PUBLISHING
Application of computers using a desktop publishing program in print journalism and public relations with emphasis on layout and design as it applies to newspapers, magazines and collateral materials (e.g. brochures, flyers, etc.). 4 qtr. hrs.
CORE COURSES IN MARKETING
Courses described below are required core courses in marketing for the MS in advertising management program, in addition to the required mass communications core courses. Consult the graduate school of business administration bulletin for elective courses in marketing or business. Up to 12 credit hours of elective courses may be taken outside the Department of Mass Communications and Journalism Studies and the Department of Marketing.
MKTG 4510 CONCEPTS OF BUYER BEHAVIOR
Behavioral sciences applied to individual and aggregate behavior of consumer households and organizations; conceptual relationships to marketing strategies. Prerequisite: MKTG 3900. 4 qtr. hrs.
MKTG 4530 MARKETING RESEARCH (OR MCOM 4560 QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS)
Learn to map the foundations of market research methods and management process development to appropriate application of market research and marketing decisions. Research, design and analysis of data are used as the methodology for effective marketing decision making. 4 qtr. hrs.
MKTG 4640 MARKETING STRATEGY OF SERVICE
Overview of distinctive approaches to marketing strategy for service and nonprofit organizations, how service organizations differ from manufacturers and the role of marketing in service businesses. Prerequisite: MKTG 3900. 4 qtr. hrs.
MKTG 4810 MARKETING COMMUNICATION
This is a foundational course designed to assess the numerous communication alternatives employed by organizations today. Advertising, public relations, publicity, packaging and point-of-purchase materials are included as well as an exploration of the role communication plays in a marketing environment. Prerequisite: MKTG 3900 or instructor’s permission. 4 qtr. hrs.
MKTG 4820 BRAND COMMUNICATION STRATEGY
This course provides an overview of strategic branding theory with a particular focus on the role of marketing communications in building customer relationships. Areas covered include brand positioning, creating and managing brand portfolios, brand contact points and strategic brand consistency. Prerequisite: MKTG 4810 or instructor’s permission. 4 qtr. hrs.
MKTG 4830 IMC CASES
This is a laboratory course where students learn how established IMC principles and strategies are applied to real-life business situations. The traditional case method is used, emphasizing analysis and strategic planning. A variety of marketing communication situations is examined including business-to-business, consumer and nonprofit. Prerequisite: MKTG 3900. Corequisite:
MKTG 4820. 4 qtr. hrs.
For More Information
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