Courses in Mass Communications

Completion of a Foundations course in English is required as a prerequisite for any 200-level courses in Mass Communications. Completion of a 200-level English or Mass Communications course is required as a prerequisite for any 300-level courses in Mass Communications. Specific prerequisites are listed under the course description.

MCM 105 Introduction to Mass Communications
Development and contributions of various media to contemporary society. Historical analysis of publishing, newspapers, photojournalism, radio, television, advertising, public relations, cable, and new technologies. Communication theories and research methods. CC

MCM 110 Effective Speaking
Develop and practice public speaking skills that will be useful in a broad range of careers. The focus will be on informative and persuasive speaking skills with an emphasis on speech research, organization, and delivery. In the supportive climate of the classroom, students will grow in their understanding of speaking principles and in their ability to use public speaking skills.

MCM 120 Interpersonal Communications
Survey of psychological, environmental, cultural, and socioeconomic variables that influence communication. Definition of competent communicators in a variety of situations. Exploration of appropriate tools to alter communication behavior.

MCM 201 Journalism I
Development of skills required by newspaper writing and production, including principles of interviewing, reporting, editing, and design on Microsoft Word. WI

MCM 207 The Media and Popular Culture
Examines the media’s role in promoting culture and the impact of popular culture on the social, political, and economic values of society as a whole. CC, CD

MCM 210/310 Women in the Media
Class, race and other relevant social and cultural aspects of media audiences and impact will be investigated, as well as current trends in feminist theory and criticism that come to bear on the production of popular culture in society. This course includes a service learning component. CC, WS, WI

MCM 270/370 Topics in Mass Communications
Special topics offered to enhance the curriculum.

MCM 270/370 US Advertising Culture
An historical and critical analytical approach to the role of advertising in U.S. culture. Political, economic, and social factors will be considered to examine the larger and more complex issues related to the ideological functions of advertising. CC, WI

MCM 301 Journalism II
Continued study of media writing and design, including magazine journalism, genre-based journalism (including electronic), advertising copywriting, writing for public relations, and desktop publishing via the Adobe Creative Suite. Prerequisite: MCM 201. WI

 MCM 303 Media Law and Ethics
Legal and ethics-based study of court rulings, and other issues that concern journalists, especially with respect to censorship, obscenity, libel, copyright, privacy and First Amendment rights and responsibilities. ETH, WI                                                                                

MCM 304 Mass Media in Society
Social, cultural, economic, and political influences of mass media studied from a sociological perspective. Analysis of works of writers who create images of the media contrary to popular opinion. Major research project with class presentation. CC, WI