Mass Communications

2005 - 2006 College of the Ozarks Catalog

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Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science

A major in Mass Communications offers four different emphases: journalism/ print media, journalism/broadcast media, electronic media production and public relations. Graduates should have: 1) working knowledge of the history, structure, and economics of American media; 2) writing and/or production skills sufficient to gain an entry level position in the industry and/or for graduate work; 3) orientation toward ethical decision making in media professions.

COURSES IN MASS COMMUNICATIONS (MCC)

103 Foundations of Mass Media A survey of the mass media industry, its evolution and associated issues in western society, particularly in the United States, including ownership, producers, distributors, regulators, audiences and technology. Basic processes of mass communications will be examined.  The student also will analyze self-use of the mass media. (F/S)

203 Writing for Media An overview of basic styles and structures used in writing for various media. The first part of the course focuses on grammar and composition fundamental to media writing. (F/S)

Prerequisite for all 300-400 level courses: 45 hours or permission.

343 Media in Society—Prerequisite: 55 hours. Examination of how we question, evaluate, create and/or produce, interpret and respond to the media we consume. The course includes a study of the major theories and research as well as the exploration of symbolic and persuasive communication. (F)

403 Communications Law and Ethics—Prerequisite: MCC 103 and 55 hours. A chronological study of the U.S. courts’ interpretations of the First and Fourteenth Amendments and related legal issues such as libel and the right to privacy, especially as pertains to mass communications. (S)

COURSES IN JOURNALISM/PRINT MEDIA (MJR)

211 Publications Practicum I Students will work on the student newspaper or yearbook, writing news and features, proofreading, editing, helping with layout or performing other duties as assigned. (May be repeated three times.) (F/S)

213 Introduction to Journalism—Prerequisite: ENG 103 and MCC 103. A survey of modern journalistic theory and practice. Basic techniques in news gathering and writing. (F)

Prerequisite for all 300-400 level courses: 45 hours or permission.

303 Editorial and Critical Writing Forms and functions of contemporary editorial and critical writing, including reviewing. Special emphasis will be placed on critical thinking in relation to the evaluative and opinion processes.

311 Publications Practicum II—Prerequisite: 55 hours. Practice in design, layout, editing and writing for the experienced student journalist. (May be repeated three times.) (F/S)

313 Reporting and Newswriting I—Prerequisite: MJR 213 or permission. Theory and practice in reporting and news writing. Students will cover community (college), city, county and state news and will write, rewrite and edit, sometimes under deadline pressure. (S-odd)

323 Public Relations A study of the public relations field in today's society and duties a practitioner may be called on to perform. Students will receive a foundation in the skills necessary to perform those duties. (S)

343 Feature Writing—Prerequisite: MJR 213 or permission. Analysis of feature and longer story structures; study of advanced interviewing techniques; how to find the feature behind the news. Students will work on developing style. Writing Intensive. (F)

403 Public Relations Writing Function of professional, trade, business and other specialized publications. Practice in writing, editing, designing and laying out of brochures, newsletters and small magazines. Each student will create two publications. (S–even)

413 Reporting and Newswriting II—Prerequisite: MJR 213 or permission. Coverage of more difficult beats and stories; some investigative, team and series reporting; specialty reporting such as sports, lifestyle and consumer news. (F-odd)

433 Editing for Print—Prerequisite: MJR 313. Theory and practice of editing copy for print media, including study of headlines, typography, design and layout; photo cropping and layout and cutline writing. (F–odd)

443 Senior Seminar—Prerequisite: senior standing. A capstone course for majors in both Journalism/Print Media and Public Relations. Each student will produce a significant work that will synthesize knowledge s/he has gained throughout the major course of study. The student is to submit a written rationale for the project. The project will be formalized through a contract outlining requirements and expectations. The project may take the form of a substantial research paper or a professional project. In addition, for evaluation and assessment, each student will present a portfolio of work from the academic major. (F/S)

48V (3-5) Internship May be repeated twice. Maximum of six hours may be applied to the 36-hour upper-division requirement. (F/S)

49V (1-3) Special Problems—Prerequisite: permission. May be repeated three times. Will deal with areas of need or interest to students. (F/S)

COURSES IN PHOTOGRAPHY (MPH)

113 Introduction to Photography Introduction to basic black and white photography, including basic camera and darkroom techniques and underlying theory. Students supply their own cameras. A $25 fee for supplies is charged (F/S)

223 Photojournalism—Prerequisite: MCC 103. Special emphasis on reporting ideas through photography and writing. Students will produce appropriate photographs for publication, photo essays and combined photographic and written compositions.

COURSES IN MEDIA PRODUCTION (MPR)

211 Media Production Practicum I Students gain practical experience with equipment and techniques in video, audio recording, radio productions or interactive media production. The facilities of Fenix Productions and KCOZ radio will be utilized. May be repeated three times. (F/S)

213 Basic Video Production An introduction to the techniques and practices used in professional video recording with emphasis on electronic field production (EFP). Students will create video projects using cameras, editors and computers. (S)

243 Basic Radio Production An introduction to basic production and announcing skills for the purpose of producing radio programs. Also, an overview of station control room techniques and duties and the history and business of radio broadcast. (S-odd)

253 Introduction to Sound Recording An introduction to audio recording techniques and practices for professional and personal application. Students will work with modular digital multi-track, DAT, minidisk and computer-based hard drive recording equipment. (F)

263 Copywriting Emphasis on commercial, promotional and campaign copy­writing for both radio and television applications. Needs analysis, creativity process and regulatory and ethical standards will be examined. May also be of interest to students in marketing and advertising. Writing Intensive. (F–odd)

283 Live Sound Reinforcement Study of techniques and skills applicable to live sound reinforcement and sound reinforcement systems. Students will work with various sound systems, microphones, processors, sub-systems and component parts. (F-even)

Prerequisite for all 300-400 level courses: 45 hours or permission.

311 Media Production Practicum II—Prerequisite: 55 hours or permission. Students gain practical experience in creating and directing video, audio recording, radio productions or interactive multimedia productions. The facilities of Fenix Productions and KCOZ radio will be utilized. May be repeated three times. (F/S)

313 Intermediate Video Production—Prerequisite: MPR 213. A continuation of 213 Basic Video Production. Additional emphasis will be on advanced lighting and audio techniques. Introduction to the studio environment. (F)

343 Advanced Radio Production—Prerequisite: MPR 243 and MPR 253. A continuation of 243 Basic Radio Production. Advanced techniques of production for radio. Additional emphasis on station program management. (S-even)

353 Advanced Sound Recording—Prerequisite: MPR 253. A workshop in studio recording, mixing and special effects. Students will work with multi­track stereo recording equipment. (S)

373 Scriptwriting—Prerequisite or Concurrent: ENG 303 Emphasis on dramatic copywriting for both radio and television applications. Conflict and the dramatic curve will be applied. Script projects may be produced by appropriate production classes. May also be of interest to students in English and Theater. Writing Intensive. (F–even)

383 Interactive Multimedia Production—Prerequisite: permission. Study and application of techniques involved in producing an interactive multimedia project on computer. Students will work with a client to develop a functional project that may combine video, still photography, graphics, animation, text, music and other audio applications. (F-odd)

413 Advanced Video Production—Prerequisite: MPR 313. A capstone course for students in video production. The student will synthesize knowledge and skill gained throughout the course of study to produce a video project and accompanying documentation of professional quality. Studio environments will also be examined in greater detail. (S)

47V (1-3) Directed Readings—A program of directed study for students majoring in mass communications. (F/S)

48V (3-5) Internship—Internships are available for qualified students who wish to pursue off-campus learning experiences. May be repeated twice. Maximum of six hours may be applied to 36-hour upper-division requirement. (F/S)

493 Special Problems—Prerequisite: permission. May be repeated three times. (F/S)