William Paterson University College of the Arts & Communication
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COMMUNICATION MAJOR DEGREE REQUIREMENTS:

 

All Communication majors are required to take COMM 119 during their first semester. Choose a link below for required courses in each major.

INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION MAJOR

The Interpersonal Communication concentration provides students the opportunity to study human interpersonal communication from behavioral, humanistic and scientific perspectives. This includes instruction in the theory and history of communication, the development and application of intercultural and international communication practices, as well as relational, team and leadership communication competencies in business, education and social settings. Enhanced competency in written and oral expression is supported through the examination of oral and nonverbal and current technology based messaging formats.

COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS (6 CREDITS)

***** All classes are 3 Credits, unless otherwise noted*****

* COMM 119 Survey of Communication Studies and Practice

(Note: COMM 119 must be the first course taken within the department in the major.)

* COMM 445 Capstone

(Note: Students must complete 21 credits in department requirements and major requirements before taking capstone)

INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION MAJOR REQUIREMENTS (18 CREDITS)

(These requirements MUST be met for students to qualify for Capstone.)

COMM 121 Communication Theory

COMM 244 Communication Research Foundation PREREQ COMM 121

COMM 265 Foundations of Language

COMM 340 Intercultural Communication

COMM 360 Interpersonal Communication

COMM 463 Group Discussion

INTERPERSONAL CONCENTRATION REQUIRED ELECTIVES (15 CREDITS) (Choose five from the following list):

COMM 230 Organizational Communication

COMM 264 Voice and Speech Production

COMM 266 Dynamics of Communication

COMM 330 Communication Internship (Internal and/or external)

COMM 361 Successful Business and Professional Communication PREREQ COMM 210

COMM 363 Public Speaking

COMM 365 Persuasion and Social Change

COMM 420 Nonverbal Communication PREREQ COMM 244

COMM 443 Applied Communication

SUGGESTED FREE ELECTIVES:

Students should consider taking additional credits within the Interpersonal Major, other majors within the department, or selected courses outside the department that complement their study focus.It is recommended that students make these decisions through discussions with faculty members from the Interpersonal Major.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completion of the Interpersonal Communication major, students should demonstrate abilities to:

* Write and deliver effective oral presentations (in public, small group, and professional settings.)
* Recognize, plan and conduct research in interpersonal communication.
* Identify and critique communication theories as they occur in practice.
* Use communication strategies for resolving conflicts and demonstrating effective leadership.
* Recognize how diversity and culture impact personal, social, professional and intimate relationships.

Journalism / Public Relations Major

The Journalism/Public Relations major introduces students to the methods and techniques for gathering, processing, and delivering information in print and broadcast media. The major includes instruction in news writing, reporting, editing, media laws/ethics, and public relations principles and practices. Students produce television news shows, publish a campus newspaper and create public relations campaigns.

Upon selection of the major, students may choose from the following concentration areas to better customize their course of study based on specific interest areas:

* Print Journalism
* Broadcast Journalism
* Public Relations

Print Journalism Concentration

The Print Journalism concentration prepares students for professional careers in the newspaper and related industries and for advanced study. The curriculum enables student to become sophisticated consumers of news media and includes instruction in news writing, reporting, editing, and media law/ethics. Emphasis is placed on integrating new media throughout the concentration’s curriculum. Students prepare for internships and entry level positions at newspapers through writing for the student newspaper.

COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS (6 CREDITS)

***** All classes are 3 Credits, unless otherwise noted*****

* COMM 119 Survey of Communication Studies and Practice

(Note: COMM 119 must be the first course taken within the department in the major.)

* COMM 445 Capstone

(Note: Students must complete 24 credits in department requirements, major requirements and concentration requirements before taking capstone)

Journalism/Public Relations Major Requirements (12 CREDITS)

(These requirements MUST be met for students to qualify for Capstone.)

COMM 210 Media WritingPREREQ ENG 110

COMM 249 Research Methods in Applied Communication

COMM 250 Print Journalism PREREQ COMM 210

COMM 350 TV News PREREQ COMM 210

Print Journalism concentration REQUIREMENTS (15 CREDITS)

COMM 222 Media Law and Ethics PREREQ COMM 120

COMM 351 Advanced Reporting PREREQ COMM 250

COMM 451 Freelance Writing PREREQ COMM 250

COMM 454 News Editing PREREQ COMM 250

COMM 459 Journalism Field Studies PREREQ COMM 250

Print Journalism concentration ELECTIVES (6 credits)

COMM 120 Media and Society

COMM 223 Press and the Presidency

COMM 224 International Media PREREQ COMM 120

COMM 330 Communication Internship

COMM 348 Public Relations PREREQ COMM 250

COMM 349 Radio News PREREQ COMM 210

COMM 455 Electronic News Gathering PREREQ COMM 350

POL 240 International Relations

POL 120 American Government & Politics

POL 275 Politics & Media

MGT 202 Introduction to Business

LAW 120 Introduction to Law & Legal Systems

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completion of the print journalism concentration, students should demonstrate abilities to:

* Research and locate information from credible sources, including interviews, databases and Internet sites.
* Identify, write clearly, and report in styles prevalent in professional journalism.
* Use editing techniques to enhance both written and visual projects.
* Outline the ethical and legal guidelines of the profession.
* Practice professional journalism, as evidenced through a strong portfolio.

* Describe the role of journalism and other media in a global society.

Broadcast Journalism Concentration

The Broadcast Journalism concentration gives students an overview of the theory and history of television news, and focuses on the research, writing and production skills associated with putting together the various parts of a TV network-style news program. Students learn to: write and produce TV news stories, both in the newsroom and also using cameras editing and sound equipment; do “live” video reports from remote locations; assemble a news show rundown; supervise preproduction of a TV news program; and supervise the program as it airs. In this way, students are prepared for internships at the major TV news networks and ultimately for TV industry jobs.

COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS (6 CREDITS)

***** All classes are 3 Credits, unless otherwise noted*****

* COMM 119 Survey in Communication Studies and Practice

(Note: COMM 119 must be the first course taken within the department in the major.)

* COMM 445 Capstone

(Note: Students must complete 24 credits in department requirements, major requirements and concentration requirements before taking capstone)

Journalism/Public Relations Major Requirements (12 credits)

(These requirements MUST be met for students to qualify for Capstone.)

COMM 210 Media Writing PREREQ ENG 110

COMM 249 Research Methods in Applied Communication

COMM 250 Print Journalism PREREQ COMM 210

COMM 350 TV News PREREQ COMM 210

Broadcast Journalism Concentration REQUIREMENTS

(18 credits)

COMM 220 Radio and Television Industries PREREQ COMM 120

COMM 222 Media Ethics and LawPREREQ COMM 120

COMM 226 Video Production and Editing PREREQ COMM 210 or COMM 274 Acting for the Camera

COMM 227 TV Production PREREQ COMM 210 or COMM 102 Acting I

COMM 355 Broadcast News Production

COMM 452 Advanced Broadcast Journalism PREREQ COMM 350 or COMM 455 Electronic Newsgathering PREREQ COMM 350

Broadcast Journalism Concentration RECOMMENDED ELECTIVES (3 CREDITS)

COMM 263 Public Speaking

COMM 330 Communication Internship

POL 224 Political Parties

POL 240 International Relations

POL 275 Politics and the Media

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completion of the broadcast journalism concentration, students should demonstrate abilities to:

* Research and locate information from credible sources, including interviews, databases and Internet sites.
* Identify, write clearly, and report in styles prevalent in professional broadcast journalism.
* Use editing techniques to enhance both written and visual projects.
* Outline the ethical and legal guidelines of the profession.
* Practice professional journalism, as evidenced through a strong portfolio and/or internship.

* Describe the role of broadcast journalism and other media in a global society.

Public Relations Concentration

The Public Relations concentration prepares students for employment in public relations and related industries and for advanced study in the field of public relations, corporate communication, management or business. The curriculum provides students with an understanding of the broad career opportunities available in the field and explores the various definitions of public relations as a management function. Students who complete the Public Relations concentration will benefit from course work covering cultural and economic context, public relations theory and evolution of the practice. Rigorous applied public relations practice includes public relations writing and oral presentation, audience analysis, media outreach, strategic integrated communication, program development and crisis management. The program encourages participation in an internship or cooperative experience where students gain valuable experience by applying their public relations skills and knowledge in a professional setting.

COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS (6 CREDITS)

***** All classes are 3 Credits, unless otherwise noted*****

* COMM 119 Survey of Communication Studies and Practice

(Note: COMM 119 must be the first course taken within the department in the major.)

* COMM 445 Capstone

(Note: Students must complete 24 credits in department requirements, major requirements and concentration requirements before taking capstone)

Journalism/Public Relations Major Requirements (12 CREDITS)

(These requirements MUST be met for students to qualify for Capstone.)

COMM 210 Media Writing PREREQ ENG 110

COMM 249 Research Methods in Applied Communication

COMM 250 Print Journalism PREREQ COMM 210

COMM 350 TV News PREREQ COMM 210

Public Relations concentration REQUIREMENTS (12 CREDITS)

COMM 348 Introduction to Public Relations PREREQ COMM 250

COMM 449 Public Relations Workshop PREREQ COMM 250

COMM 448 Public Relations Case Studies PREREQ COMM 250

COMM 459 Journalism Field Studies PREREQ COMM 250

Public Relations concentration ELECTIVES (9 CREDITS)

COMM 222 Media Law and Ethics PREREQ COMM 120

COMM 224 International Media PREREQ COMM 210

COMM 260 Oral Interpretation

COMM 264 Voice and Speech Production

COMM 330 Communication Internship

COMM 352 Broadcast Advertising PREREQ COMM 210

COMM 361 Successful Business & Professional Communication PREREQ COMM 210

COMM 454 News Editing PREREQ COMM 250

COMM 451 Freelance Writing PREREQ COMM 250

MKT 210 Principles of Marketing

MKT 314 Marketing Communication Strategy PREREQ MKT 210

MGT 200 Principles of Management

POL 240 International Relations

MGT 202 Introduction to Business

MGT 309 International Management

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completion of the public relations concentration, students should demonstrate abilities to:

* Identify and write clearly in styles prevalent in professional public relations.
* Use editing techniques to enhance both written and visual projects.
* Research and locate information from credible sources, including interviews, databases and Internet sites.
* Outline the ethical and legal guidelines of the profession.

* Apply research, planning, communication and evaluation methods to a successful PR campaign.

* Create effective, objective-oriented PR materials in a variety of formats and for different audiences.
* Describe the role of public relations and other media in a global society.

Media Studies and Production Major

The Media Studies and Production major introduces students to both the aesthetic and applied methods of communication media. The major offers two concentration areas: Media Studies, which examines the cultural, social and ethical dimensions of communication practices, and Media Production, which encompasses the production of broadcast and film.

Upon selection of the major, students may choose from the following concentration areas to better customize their course of study based on specific interest areas:

* Media Studies
* Media Production

Media Studies Concentration

The Media Studies concentration takes a generalist approach to understanding the social, economic, political, cultural, aesthetic, legal and ethical dimensions of communication media. Courses are designed to introduce students to an international and multicultural appreciation of the role of media technologies in a global society. Students have the opportunity to blend their critical studies in media with hands-on creative studies through elective media production courses. Students considering careers in the various media industries would benefit from this broad understanding and the program’s emphasis on the critical analysis of the role of media in a society characterized by rapid media change.

COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS (6 CREDITS)

***** All classes are 3 Credits, unless otherwise noted*****

* COMM 119 Survey of Communication Studies and Practice
(Note: COMM 119 must be the first course taken within the department in the major.)
* COMM 445 Capstone:

(Note: Students must complete 27 credits in department requirements, major requirements and concentration requirements before taking capstone)

MEDIA STUDIES AND PRODUCTION MAJOR REQUIREMENTS (9 CREDITS) (These requirements MUST be met for students to qualify for Capstone.)

* COMM 210 Media Writing PREREQ ENG 110
* COMM 220 Radio & Television Industries (Research component) PREREQ COMM 120
* COMM 234 Film as a Medium PREREQ COM 120

MEDIA STUDIES CONCENTRATION REQUIREMENTS (15 CREDITS)

COMM 120 Media and Society (REQUIRED)

Choose four (4) of the following:

* COMM 222 Media Law and Ethics PREREQ COMM 120
* COMM 224 International Media PREREQ COMM 120
* COMM 249 Research Methods in Applied Communication
* COMM 320 Media Criticism
* COMM 328 Media History

MEDIA STUDIES CONCENTRATION ELECTIVES (9 CREDITS)

COMM 250 Journalism PREREQ COMM 210
COMM 318 Forms of Art
COMM 330 Internship
COMM 333 Internet Production Techniques PREREQ COMM 332

COMM 338 Media in Asia
COMM 421 Broadcast Management PREREQ COMM 220
COMM 431 Screenwriting PREREQ COMM 234
COMM 452 Advanced Broadcast Journalism PREREQ COMM 350

COMM 230 Filmmaking I PREREQ COMM 234

COMM 331 Filmmaking II PREREQ COMM 239

COMM 332 Filmmaking III PREREQ COMM 331

(Only two media production courses for a maximum of 6 credits are allowed.)

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completion of the media studies concentration, students should demonstrate abilities to:

* Explain theories of historical, social, economic, political and cultural dimensions and the impact of media technology and media communication.
* Research, write and speak effectively about media history, theories and practices.
* Identify the issues, theories, and practices of media representations and their social, economic, political and cultural implications.
* Analyze the creation, distribution and consumption of media content.
* Define the legal and regulatory dimensions of the media industries, as well as the ethical conducts of media professionals.

* Describe the role of media in a global society.

Media Production Concentration

The Media Production concentration introduces students to the methods and techniques used to create aural/visual messages in a variety of mass media. Sequences of introductory and advanced courses in theory and practice of film, television, and radio provide students a comprehensive understanding of the aesthetics and techniques of media production and prepare them to function as professionals in different media fields. The production facilities in the concentration allow students hands-on practice in two television studios, a radio station, a film production lab, a digital audio production lab, and several digital video and audio editing rooms.
COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS (6 CREDITS)

***** All classes are 3 Credits, unless otherwise noted*****

* COMM 119 Survey of Communication Studies and Practice

(Note: COMM 119 must be the first course taken within the department in the major.)

* COMM 445 Capstone:

(Note: Students must complete 27 credits in department requirements, major requirements and concentration requirements before taking capstone)

MEDIA STUDIES AND PRODUCTION MAJOR REQUIREMENTS (9 CREDITS)

(These requirements MUST be met for students to qualify for Capstone.)

* COMM 210 Media Writing PREREQ ENG 110
* COMM 220 Radio and Television Industries (Research component) PREREQ COMM 120
* COMM 234 Film as a Medium PREREQ COMM 120

MEDIA PRODUCTION CONCENTRATION REQUIREMENTS (9 CREDITS)

* COMM 225 Audio and Radio Production PREREQ COMM 120
* COMM 227 TV Studio Production PREREQ COMM 210
* COMM 239 Filmmaking I PREREQ COMM 234

MEDIA PRODUCTION CONCENTRATION REQUIRED ELECTIVES (6 CREDITS)

CHOOSE TWO (2) OF THE FOLLOWING COURSES:

COMM 326 Advanced TV Production PREREQ COMM 225 & COMM 227

COMM 331 Filmmaking II PREREQ COMM 234

COMM 332 Filmmaking III PREREQ COMM 331

COMM 353 Advanced Audio Production PREREQ COMM 225

COMM 424 Radio Production Workshop PREREQ COMM 353

COMM 425 Television Workshop PREREQ COMM 227


MEDIA PRODUCTION CONCENTRATION ELECTIVES (9 CREDITS)

TAKE THREE (3) OF THE FOLLOWING COURSES:

COMM 222 Media Law and Ethics PREREQ COMM 120

COMM 233 Sound as a Medium

COMM 235 Film as Crosscultural Communication

COMM 249 Research Methods in Applied Communication

COMM 320 Media Criticism

COMM 333 Internet Production Techniques

COMM 334 Documentary and Non-Fiction Film. PREREQ COMM 234

COMM 434 Current Cinema PREREQ COMM 234

MEDIA PRODUCTION CONCENTRATION RECOMMENDED FREE ELECTIVES

COMM 102 Acting I

COMM 224 International Media PREREQ COMM 120

COMM 250 Journalism PREREQ COMM 210

COMM 274 Acting for the Camera PREREQ COMM 102

COMM 318 Forms of Art

COMM 321 Announcing

COMM 330 Communication Internship

COMM 334 Writing for Radio and Television PREREQ COMM 234

COMM 349 Radio News PREREQ COMM 210

COMM 421 Broadcast Management PREREQ COMM 220

COMM 431 Screenwriting PREREQ COMM 231

COMM 452 Advanced Broadcast Journalism PREREQ COMM 350

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completion of the media production concentration, students should demonstrate abilities to:

* Identify the major movements, styles and conventions of cinema and broadcast disciplines.
* Work with a technical proficiency in the broadcast or film making process, including digital production.
* Critically analyze and employ aesthetic and formal elements in media production.
* Outline the role of broadcast media in a global society from technological, theoretical, ethical and legal perspectives.
* Research the key elements of the broadcast and cinema industries, such as creation and distribution of various forms of content

Theater and Comedy Major

The major in Theatre and Comedy offers students a focus on the arts of theatre and comedy, both academically and experientially. Live performance, writing, research, and collaborative learning are the hallmarks. Students will develop skills in presentation and creativity, and learn how to utilize these skills in all media. Students are required to perform in and/or work on theatre productions, in addition to other forms of media. The major also includes the possibility of a semester of study at the American Comedy Institute in NYC.

COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS (6 CREDITS)

***** All classes are 3 Credits, unless otherwise noted*****

* COMM 119 Survey of Communication Studies and Practice

(Note: COMM 119 must be the first course taken within the department in the ````````major.)

* COMM 445 Capstone

(Note: Students must complete 21 credits in department requirements, major requirements before taking capstone)

THEATRE & COMEDY MAJOR REQUIREMENTS (18 CREDITS)

(These requirements MUST be met for students to qualify for Capstone.)

COMM 102 Acting I

COMM 115 Production Lab (2 credits) & COMM 117 Performance Lab (1 credit)

or COMM 115 Production Lab (1 credit) & COMM 117 Performance Lab (2 credits)

COMM 274 Acting for the Camera PREREQ COMM 102

COMM 276 Sketch Comedy Writing and Performance

COMM 283 Playscripts (Research component in Dramaturgy) PREREQ COMM 101

COMM 377 Directing for Stage and Media

THEATRE & COMEDY MAJOR ELECTIVES (15 CREDITS)

COMM 217 Scenery Construction and Set Design

COMM 220 Radio and Television Industries PREREQ COMM 120

COMM 234 Film as a Medium PREREQ COMM 120

COMM 260 Oral Interpretation

COMM 264 Voice and Speech Production

COMM 270 Acting II PREREQ COMM 102

COMM 272 Acting III PREREQ COMM 270

COMM 273 Fundamentals of Comedy Writing and Performing

COMM 280 Theatre Workshop

COMM 285 Musical Theatre

COMM 290 Theatre Workshop II PREREQ COMM 280

COMM 330 Communication Internship

COMM 384 Golden Ages of the Theatre

COMM 388 American Theatre and Drama

COMM 389 Drama for Children

COMM 431 Screenwriting PREREQ COMM 234

COMM 456 Playwriting PREREQ ENG 110

NOTE: THEATRE & COMEDY MAJOR REQUIREMENTS DIRECTED GE:

ARTS &COMMUNICATION

Students should take COMM 101 Introduction to Theatre as one of the two required GE’s

from the Arts and Communication category.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completion of the theatre and comedy major, students should demonstrate abilities to:

* Use research, theory and technique in at least two of the following areas: acting, directing, the writing of plays and comedy, dramaturgy, and/or technical theatre.
* Critically analyze play scripts, performances, and production values in theatre and comedy, both orally and in writing.
* Collaborate effectively with peers in creating and producing theatre.
* Practice theatrical and comedic writing and performance in other forms of media, such as film and television.
* Explain the role of theatre and other media in a global society.