Communication and Media Arts (CMMA)

Digital media messages surround us in a constant flow of visual, audio and written messages through the web, phone apps, television, music, advertising, social media and more. Students will become competent in producing aesthetically effective digital messages and gain awareness of the social, economic and political contexts of those messages and the systems that foster them. As citizens of an increasingly digitally connected society, students will learn how to create as well as analyze digital content and put it in social context. In short, media literacy aims to create critical media consumers who are civically responsible, articulate producers of digital media content.

Provides a general introduction to interpersonal, small group, organizational and cultural communication theories, and emphasizes analysis of communication behavior in variety of settings.

Introduces the CMMA major to fundamentals of human communication and emphasizes the development and function of current mass communication technologies (print, film, radio, TV and web) and their forebears. Focus on socio-cultural, aesthetic, economic, legal and political contexts and effects of mass media systems and content.

A basic course in photography. It covers camera controls, composition, history and usage of digital media. This course will cover historical photographers and their contribution to the discipline of photojournalism. Students will use digital cameras to produce their original photographs and also practice some fundamental digital photographic editing with Adobe Photoshop in a Macintosh environment.

Introduction to radio and television communication principles and practical announcing techniques. Laboratory experiences are designed to cultivate professional announcing skills and to lead to the development of an effective on-air personality. Applicable to audio, video and web content production.

Examines the basic theory and practice at the heart of public speaking. Draws upon both ancient and modern perspectives, from one of the original components of Western liberal arts to modern theories of persuasion, in order to reduce speech apprehension and provide practice in the research, writing, and delivery of speeches to inform, persuade, and entertain.

Introduces essential concepts and techniques, including origins and evolution of public relations, functions of public relations in and out of the organization, opinion formation and change, maintenance of organizational image and culture including writing news releases, planning and executing a public relations campaign, and event planning.

Deals with the unique problems and skills involved in handling sources of information and writing news, advertising and editorial copy for broadcast radio, television and the Internet.

Survey of the fundamentals of writing for the print and electronic media (particularly print, audio, and web) and public relations. Analyze professional writing and current trends in media. Writing-intensive.

Survey of the fundamentals of writing for the print and electronic media (particularly magazines, video, and web) and advertising. Analyze professional writing and current trends in these media.

Offers an opportunity to study and practice filmless photography using digital tools. The practice and possibilities of digital still and motion photography cameras will be presented as well as the history of photojournalism. Students will manipulate the resulting digital imagery in image editing package such as Adobe PhotoShop. Digital color models and theory will also be covered. (Mac platform)

Teaches students the fundamentals of radio broadcasting. Writing, announcing, split-second timing, production of commercials, public service programs, promotional announcements, and equipment operation are all covered. Students will perform weekly on-air shifts on WCSF-FM. In addition, station formats, programming, basic broadcast law, and current topics are covered.

Examines station operation within the broadcast day and offers integrated practice in on-the-air broadcasting functions: announcing, writing, and program building, along with an in-depth study of station management, including duties of persons involved in programming, sales, advertising, public relations, continuity, public affairs, and music.

Introduces the student to multi camera production. Includes terminology, conceptualization, basic script writing, audio/video operations, and lighting in a studio setting. Emphasizes aesthetic and technical aspects of video production.

Provides the opportunity for students to produce weekly newscasts and learn to conduct interviews, write copy, and perform in front of the camera. Students will improve their skills in camera operation, audio mixing, and lighting for studio and field settings. Postproduction editing will be emphasized.

Studies techniques for describing sporting events for the print and broadcast media, web, administration of statistics, and resolution of communication problems.

Provides an introduction to the theory and practice of multimedia graphics. Basic graphic design principles (proximity, alignment, repetition, contrast) and layout techniques will be explored. Digital tools in desktop publishing and image production will be used to solve typical graphic design problems. (Mac platform)

Requires students to engage in research, interviewing and writing in a variety of modes: news, feature, editorial and interpretive.

Requires students to employ techniques of editing, scripting, announcing, mixing, dubbing, and special effects as they relate to continuity and/or programming.

Requires students to be involved in researching, producing, scripting, shooting and editing video as it relates to continuity and/or programming.

Requires students to engage in public relations activities such as research, writing, planning, programming, and evaluation.

Is a title given to a course which covers broad themes, practices, and subject content not currently offered in the curriculum. This course is directed primarily at non-majors and may be used for general education where approved.

Teaches advanced public relations concepts that provide students with experience in writing, research, and practical application of theory. It also analyzes current case studies.

Examines gender as a social creation and its effect on human communication in interpersonal, organizational, rhetorical and media contexts. Examines material and ideological components of gender-as-message with emphasis on the styles men and women exhibit in communication tone, vocabulary, intent and meaning. The causes of these styles and their ramifications will be discussed.

Explores in depth news stories as well as features and possibly editorials. Students examine the system of beats used in gathering local news, the setup of local government, and sources of information. Students then participate in a local beat.

Provides the opportunity to read and analyze the best in editorial and feature writing. Students will study literary and journalistic techniques and apply these in a variety of writing projects.

Beginning practice in the theory and design of effective web pages. Students will to combine web editing, graphic design and creative copywriting. Emphasis is placed on similarities and differences for designing pages for print versus the web. Guides the student in developing technical skills to construct a web page based on sensitivity to design principles.

Utilizes the techniques used to create and prepare 2D animations for trans-media publication. The bulk of this course combines traditional drawing techniques with animation software as a means of developing animation sequences. Using vector and bitmapped formats students will complete scripts, storyboards, exercises, projects and a final animation presentation. Color, composition, continuity and creativity will be emphasized. Using vector and bitmapped formats; students will complete scripts, storyboards, exercises, projects and a final animation presentation. Color, composition, continuity and creativity will be emphasized.

This course gives the student a foundation in the aesthetics and applications of visual effects from a filmmaker’s perspective, which can be useful for advanced professional coursework or training. Students will apply styles and techniques using leading industry software in animation and special effects.

Continuing practice in the theory and design of effective web pages in the context of a website, a collection of related web pages. Students will learn about design technology awareness and information architecture. In addition, students will translate copywriting and print graphics to the Web environment. Storyboard, site maps and navigation structures will be discussed and implemented through the use of current web editing software.

Provides instruction in nonlinear editing. Involves capturing audio/video clips, creating effective shot sequences using still and moving graphics, digital compositing and titling.

Requires students to work as a video production team in the field while learning pre-production planning, researching, writing, announcing, taping and editing techniques. Emphasis includes the development of disciplines controlling vocal and visual mechanics and interpretive performance.

Provides the opportunity for students to produce weekly newscasts and learn to conduct interviews, write copy and perform in front of the camera. Students will improve their skills in camera operation, audio missing and light for student and field settings. Postproduction editing will be emphasized.

Is a continuation of the multimedia design problem solving techniques introduced in CMMA 251. Graphic design historical context will be covered and Gestalt theory of visual perception will be practiced. Multimedia production procedures will be emphasized. The student will use digital layout, vector/paint, image editing and possibly audio/video packages to solve visual communication problems. (Mac platform)

Gives an overview of the advertising industry and relevant advertising theory and concepts and provide student with skills to create advertising copy that enhances and complements the objectives of the advertisement. Students will also discuss copywriting as it relates to corporate communication.

Provides an opportunity to learn how to produce acceptable reviews or criticisms of artistic and athletic events and performances. Students will write reviews relating to film, television, music, drama, literature, and sports.

Examines mythic structure and function in general, and within specific cultures in particular, to illuminate the intimate connections of the mass communication industry and its programming to myth. Emphasizes depth and variety of theories of myth and practical application to media artifacts, organizations and processes in each student's area of concentration and interest.

Provides a practicum experience for students interested in holding top-level management positions with WCSF-RADIO. It deals with areas such as staffing, personnel management, legal responsibility, as well as overseeing top quality copywriting and broadcasting.

Provides a practicum experience for students interested in holding top-level management positions with USF-TV. It deals with areas such as staffing, personnel management, legal responsibility, as well as overseeing top quality copywriting and broadcasting.

Provides a practicum experience for students interested in holding top-level management positions on the Encounter News Magazine. It deals with such areas as staffing, coordinating departments, personnel management, and legal responsibility, as well as overseeing top quality writing and editing, design, and business management.

Designed to allow students the opportunity to oversee the day-to-day operations of a graphic design / advertising agency. Therefore, the managers in this class have the primary responsibility for running the USF Design Group and the Encounter online. These managers are assisted by the students enrolled in the Media Arts management course who act as ''staff" for the Design Group. Student management will take place under the guidance of a professor as the Group's general manager.

Advanced practice in the theories and design of effective graphics incorporating computer illustrative techniques. Students will learn to combine traditional commercial illustration practices with electronic tools. Illustration as a commercial endeavor driven by client needs will be emphasized. Guides the student in developing the technical skills to solve graphic design problems requiring extensive drawing components. A working knowledge of Adobe Illustrator and Adobe PhotoShop is required.

Is an advanced practical studio in multimedia design. The student will develop specialized skills concentrating on multimedia production, color theory, four-color & spot printing, multi-page publications and possibly audio/video productions. Current layout and imaging software will be used to create and develop camera ready comprehensive files.

Explores ethical frameworks for assessing mass communication content and practice. Issues to be covered include objectivity, sensationalism, news management, access and social responsibility.

Introduces the student to key legal and ethical issues confronting the media professional: prior & Personal restraint, truth and objectivity, defamation, privacy, freedom of information, obscenity/indecency, free press-fair trial, public access to courts and meetings, social responsibility, corporate and commercial speech, electronic media and telecommunication, and intellectual property. This course introduces and uses both legal and moral reasoning to compare alternatives for dealing with these issues. It traces Supreme Court cases and ethical dilemmas from real-world media practice. Both legal philosophical perspectives and ethical frameworks are used to put these issues and cases into context that can be applied in professional media practice.

Introduces the student to the key legal issues confronting the media; libel, slander, privacy, freedom of information privilege, obscenity, free press and fair trial, access to the media. It traces Supreme Court cases that are pertinent to each issue. Also included in the course are court structure, organization, and procedure.

Provides students with an understanding of the size and scope of nonprofit organizations in the United States, the unique legal and financial challenges of nonprofit communications, and practical application of for-profit communication strategies to nonprofit circumstances. Emphasis is placed on analyzing the similarities and differences between nonprofit and for-profit advertising, marketing and public relations. Students will do research on the nonprofit sector, create advertisements and public relations material and analyze the role that strategic communication has in the success of all types of organizations.

Is a culminating capstone experience in the Communication and Media Arts major. Students will re-assess progress made and projects produced in still/motion graphics, broadcast, writing, public relations and advertising classes. Each student will produce a professional portfolio from new and existing projects. A portfolio, professional resume, interviewing techniques and job opportunities/internships will be explored.

Requires students to engage in research, interviewing, and writing in a variety of modes: news, feature, editorial, and interpretive.

Requires students to employ techniques of editing, scripting, announcing, mixing, dubbing, and special effects as they relate to continuity and/or programming.

Requires students to engage in public relations activities such as research, writing, planning, programming, and evaluation.

Is a title given to a course which covers specific themes, practices and subject content not currently offered in the curriculum. This course is directed primarily to students majoring in the subject area and could be used to complete major requirements. The course will provide an in-depth study of a specific topic.

An academic learning experience designed by the instructor. Student must have a 3.0 GPA or higher.

Requires an advanced application project selected by a team of students or an individual student dependent on interest and language desired. Emphasis is on thorough and professional design, implementation, testing procedures, evaluation, and documentation.

Internships are full or part-time credit bearing, short-term, supervised work experiences. They can be established on or off-campus and may be paid or unpaid. Faculty members, collaborating with an on-site supervisor, monitor and supervise student progress, detail content, and evaluate final achievement. Consent of instructor and 2.5 or higher G.P.A. required.