Communication Studies Course Descriptions

COMM 203 Interpersonal Communication (3)

Introduction to concepts, processes and skills in face-to-face communication. Emphasis on perception, listening, language and nonverbal messages with attention to relationship development and maintenance.

COMM 204 Composition Theory and Practice (3)

An introduction to contemporary theory combined with the practice of writing, including uses of Microsoft Word for graphic design, collaborative writing and editing, and formatting. (Fall and Spring)

COMM 205 - 206 Journalism Practicum (1-6)

Credit for working on campus publications and broadcast media. Specific terms contracted between instructor and student. (Fall and Spring)

COMM 210 Introduction to Mass Media (3)

A foundational survey in the analysis of major mass media, print and broadcast. Some emphasis on journalism history, law and ethics. Of interest and value to consumers of mass media. (Fall and Spring)

COMM 220 Broadcast Journalism (3) 

Writing for broadcast news. Also a study of the history of broadcast journalism from pre-Murrow to CNN and the makeup of the broadcast newsroom. (Fall)

COMM 225 Business and Professional Speaking (3) COMM 230 Public Speaking (3)   

COMM 230 Public Speaking (3)   

A course in the practical aspects of effective public speaking, with special attention to methods of delivery and attention to the issue of facts in speeches of information, conviction and persuasion. (Fall and Spring)

COMM 303 Argument (3)

An introduction to the method and theory of constructing persuasive arguments and refutations on a variety of topics. Students learn how to analyze, construct and support arguments written to well-defined audiences. Counts for the legal studies minor. (Spring)

COMM 305 Descriptive and Narrative Writing (3)

A course in developing a personal writing style. For the final project students write a short story. A valuable complement to COMM 380 Creative Writing. (Spring, even years)

COMM 306 Professional and Technical Writing (3)

Organizing and communicating technical information in written form. Typically includes assignments in process description, proposals, executive summaries, and progress and feasibility reports. (Fall, even years)

COMM 307 Public Relations Theory and Practice (3)

Theory and practice of the mutual understanding between an institution and its public through effective communication. Emphasis on research, planning, communication and evaluation of public relations efforts. (Spring)

COMM 308 Personal Writing (3)

A course in writing the informal essay. Students also read essays by modern British and American writers. (Fall, odd years)

COMM 310 Electronic Publishing (3)

Principles and practice in publication design, layout and typography from initial concept and editorial policy to final product. Prerequisite: COMM 210 or permission of instructor. (Spring)

COMM 315 News Reporting (3)

News gathering, interviewing and practice in news writing. Includes copyediting, some feature writing, exercises and library research. (Fall)

COMM 316 Public Address (3)

Examination of significant American speeches in the 20^th and 21^st centuries. Genres of speech studied may include presidential inaugural and farewell addresses, eulogies, commencement addresses, political convention speeches and speeches on public policy.

COMM 320 Feature and Magazine Writing (3)

For the freelancer and staff writer. Taking article ideas from original concept and query letter to research and revision for publication. Includes study of modern writers. (Spring)

COMM 321 Political Communication (3)

Explores efforts by both the powerful and the seemingly powerless to influence public opinion using a variety of communication channels. Students will participate in critical analyses of a wide variety of political messages, ranging from campaign advertisements to protest music.

COMM 325 Art of Persuasion (3)

An examination of persuasive discourse from the 5th century B.C. to the 2nd century A.D. Students also apply historical theories of persuasion to modern practice. Prerequisite: COMM 204. (Spring)

COMM 326 Sports Journalism (3)

Provides students with an overview of sports journalism and enhances students’ writing, reporting, interviewing and editing skills. Students will learn about the history of sports to better understand the evolution of sports journalism.

COMM 330 Public Relations Cases (3)

An examination of public relations theory and practice with particular attention to actual cases studies drawn from real-world contexts. Students will explore a variety of actual public relations problems as well as plan responses to hypothetical situations. No previous training or experience in public relations is required. (Fall)

COMM 335 Communication Law and Ethics (3)

Study and research in current press law, especially libel, privacy, copyright and obscenity—plus analysis of contemporary media ethics and principles. (Spring, odd years)

COMM 340 Writing and Producing Television (3)

Practice in techniques of planning, scripting and producing in the multicamera television studio format. Provides students with the opportunity to write and create live-to-tape television programs. Offered at the Frederick Community College TV production studio for Mount credit. (Spring)

COMM 345 Writing for Film and Television (3)

A writing and television field and studio production workshop that explores documentary concepts, the dramatic screenplay and the semiscripted television talk format. (Fall)

COMM 355 Advanced Public Speaking (3)

Advanced study in the art of public speaking and refinement of skills taught in the basic public speaking course. Prerequisite: COMM 230.

COMM 372 Special Topics in Communication (3)

Supplements regular offerings by permitting the pursuit of topics of special interest suggested by faculty members or students. (As needed)

COMM 374 Creative Nonfiction (3)

Students read and write creative nonfiction (also called literary journalism), combining factual or informational content of journalism with creative techniques like humor, imagery, metaphor, dialogue, description and stylistic experimentation. (Fall, even years)

COMM 380 Creative Writing (3)

Study and practice of creative writing techniques. Students are expected to produce a short story and some poetry. (Same as ENGL 385.) (Fall)

COMM 398 Independent Study (1-3)

A student and faculty mentor work on a special project, typically writing for publication. Permission of the supervising instructor, the department chair and the dean for academic affairs is required.

COMM 498 Senior Seminar (3)

A course for seniors to assemble a portfolio of their best writing for public exhibition. (Fall)

COMM 480 Internship (1-6)

On- and off-campus opportunities to gain practical experience in the field of communication. Open to juniors and seniors.

Approved Communication Studies Elective Courses

BUSCM 304 Business Communications: Written and Oral (3)

Forms and techniques most often encountered in business communications: business letters, letters of application, résumés, memoranda, reports and oral briefings. (Same as BUS 304.) (Fall)

BUSCM 306 Advertising and Promotion (3)  

A study of advertising as a management tool to further organizational objectives including the social, economic and managerial aspects of advertising; the impact of advertising practices on the consumer; and the full promotional mix of public relations and sales promotion. Prerequisite: BUS 313. (Same as BUS 306).

FACM 309 Graphic Design (3)  

Expands and elaborates on material covered in Two-Dimensional Design (FAAR 108). A study of layout principles, mechanicals, type specifications and design aesthetics with the clear communication of information as a guiding principle. (Same as FAAR 309.) (Fall)

An expanded use of image-based software as a problem-solving tool for communication design. Emphasis is on developing and integrating visual skills to communicate with meaning and purpose. This course covers the design, layout and proper production of graphic communications. Prerequisite: FAAR 309 or permission of instructor. (Same as FAAR 310.)

BUSCM 313 Principles of Marketing (3)  

An examination of the problems faced by the marketing manager when required to execute decisions concerning markets, products, prices, channels, promotion and basic marketing strategy. Findings from the behavioral sciences will be applied to practical marketing problems. Prerequisite: ECON 102. (Same as BUS 313.) (Fall and spring)

BUSCM 350 Marketing Research (3)

A study of research methods, procedures and techniques, and their effective use by marketing managers in decision making. Attention afforded to the gathering, analysis and flow of marketing information and the use of qualitative and quantitative tools. Prerequisite: BUS 313. (Same as BUS 350.) (Spring)

NOTE: Under a special cooperative agreement between Mount St. Mary’s and Frederick Community College, Mount students may take one course per semester at FCC, which has an exceptionally well-equipped TV production studio.

These courses are compatible with the communication studies major:

CM 109 Video Production

CM 209 Intermediate Video Production

See department chair for course descriptions.

FACM 310 Graphic Design II (3)

This course is designed for future C.P.A.s. who need a public speaking course to fulfill their pre-professional requirements. The course does not fulfill the Communication Studies major’s public speaking requirement. (Fall)