Internships
The Department of Communication offers two types of internship opportunities for students. The External Internship is open to juniors and seniors with a minimum 2.5 grade point average. Students receive credit for interning at any of a large number of media outlets, including the major news networks and talk shows in Manhattan, as well as public relations agencies, newspapers, film production companies and Fortune 500 corporations. Through the Internal Internships (Communication Practicum) students receive credit for working on campus-based media outlets, including the Radio, Television, and Film Programs. Permission from the instructor in charge of the specific area and the internship coordinator is needed for students to enroll.
Courses
Search the current class schedule
Links for Academic Advisement
Undergraduate Program
Unless otherwise noted, all courses are 3 credits
COMM 101 Introduction to Theatre: An innovative study of the dramatic process covering historical and practical facets of plays and theatrical production. This course is approached from the appreciation point of view. Purchase of tickets to see plays may be required.
COMM 102 Acting I: Use of improvisation and monologues to explore individual and group expression on stage. Emphasis is on physicalization, theatre exercises and the language of acting as it applies to behavioral choices in acting an in life.
COMM 110 Communication in Action: A study of oral communication as an interpersonal and dynamic process. Students engage in communication experience designed to develop understanding of and skill in interpersonal communication.
COMM 115 Production Laboratory: A practical application of the principles of stagecraft. Production-related projects in such crafts as scenic construction, scene painting, properties, lighting, and sound. Evening hours required. May be repeated. 1 credit
COMM 117 Performance Laboratory: A practical application in acting under faculty supervision. Work includes rehearsing and performing a play for public presentation. Prerequisite: Audition May be repeated 1credit
COMM 120 Mass Communication: The institutions, history and technology of the mass media are examined as communication systems. Newspapers, magazines, film, and broadcasting media are studied in terms of social and personal impact. Contemporary media issues, policies, and ethics are discussed.
COMM 121 Communication Theory: Acquaints the student with contemporary theory and research in the field of communication. Motivation, interaction and effects of communication are examined in a range of contexts, including between person, small and large groups, organizations, cultures, and mass communication systems.
COMM 210 Media Writing: Explores the forms, content, potentials, and limitations of writing for media, including writing for radio, television, film, print journalism, and electronic journalism. By creating both factual and fictional writing for various media, the student develops critical standards and individual abilities. Prerequisite: ENG 110
COMM 217 Scenery Construction I: Fundamentals of theatrical set design and construction are covered in conjunction with current campus productions. Students are introduced to the scene shop and related facilities and equipment, and learn how to execute and produce theatrical design.
COMM 220 Radio and Television: An introductory course tracing the historical development and implications of the media. The student is introduced to programming materials, criticisms, standards, skills, and production methods. Prerequisite: COMM 120
COMM 222 Media Law and Ethics: A study of the relationship between the media and society in the United States, with emphasis on legal and ethical issues. Press criticism is an important part of content. Prerequisite: COMM 120
COMM 223 The Press and the Presidency: A study of the relationship between the news media and the presidency with emphasis on the nature of the news coverage of each of the last few presidential campaign in progress, if any.
COMM 224 International Media: A comparative study of the national and international media systems of the world.Regional media systems and the structure and operations of present communication systems. Prerequisite: Comm 120
COMM 225 Audio Production: Examines the audio aesthetics of sound production. Analyzes the creative responsibilities involved in the elements of sound production. Students are trained in the use of studio and remote audio equipment and are given practice in writing, producing, directing, and performing in audio production. Prerequisite 210.
COMM 226 EFP and Video Editing: An advanced course in electronic field production and video editing. In field situations, students create, produce, videotape and edit video documentaries, public service announcements and instructional projects for cable and campus use. Extensive use of portable video cameras and * in editing systems is required.
COMM 227 Television Production: Practice in writing, producing, directing, performing and crewing television productions and videotape materials. Provides the opportunity to study and practice broadcast program creation under laboratory circumstances that simulate the conditions of on-the-air television broadcasting.
COMM 234 Film as a Medium: An introduction to the study of film as a language and as an art, this course examines the aesthetic and social factors that construct our responses to films. Using multiple approaches to understanding and discussing a film, the student is introduced to technical and aesthetic terminology and to a range of elements in the filmmaking process such as narrative structure, camera movement, mise-en scene, editing and sound. This course is composed of lectures., screenings, discussions, and shot-by-shot analysis of works by major directors. Prerequisite: ENG 110
COMM 239 Filmmaking I: An introduction to 16mm cinematography and production techniques that acquaint the student with all aspects of the filmmaking process from initial concept to final exhibition. Using modern film equipment, students focus on self-expression, visual thinking, composition, lighting, camera movement, and editing techniques. Each student explores different approaches to filmmaking through several filmed exercises and has the opportunity to direct, shoot, and edit a final film. Prerequisite: COMM 234
COMM 244 Communication Research Foundations: An opportunity for advanced study and discussion of issues and questions, together with the opportunity to study and analyze the reserch available in various areas of communication. Each student chooses an area of communication in which to plan and carry out a research project. Prerequisite: COMM 121
COMM 250 Journalism: Practical experience in gathering news and writing the basic journalistic forms, including the straight news story and various types of features. Students undertake reporting assignments designed to develop skills in interviewing, observation and writing, and receive individual evaluation of their work. Prerequisites: COMM 210
COMM 260 Oral Interpretation: Students learn to communicate the content, form and mood of works of literature through the medium of oral reading. Includes expository, narrative, and dramatic prose and narrative, dramatic and lyric poetry.
COMM 263 Public Speaking: Students learn the theory and skills of preparing and presenting public speeches. Emphasis is on practice and criticism of classroom speaking experiences.
COMM 264 Voice and Speech Production: A study of the speech mechanism and its relationship to the development and mastery of basic breathing, vocal, and articulation skills. Students in communication, education, business, theater, radio, singing, and allied fields are encourage to master these skill. Special attention given to individual voice, articulation, and communication problems. Conference and practice hours to be arranged.
COMM 265 Foundations of Language: Presents an overview f the nature and function of language as a communication tool. Stresses the aspects of language relating to the phonologic, semantic, and linguistic structures.
COMM 266 Dynamics of Communication: A study of the meaning of verbal and nonverbal languages and the influence of these languages as tools for communication.
COMM 270 Acting II: Advanced Improvisation: A continuation of the emphases of Acting I. Additionally, Acting II focuses on dramatic processes as they formalize into theatrical performances. The creation of dramatic form (plot, character, setting) as it relates to theme (or message, metaphor) is of particular focus. An introduction to improvisation as a formal theatrical mode. Prerequisite: COMM 102
COMM 271 Theatre Management: An investigation of operational procedures including administration, purchase and accounting practices, box-office management, publicity, promotion, public relations, policy and decision making, and management of theatre personnel.
COMM 272 Acting III: Principles of Characterization: An array of methods to discover and to perform characters from drama, including the use of costume and makeup as creative sources. Prerequisite: COMM 270
COMM 273 Fundamentals of Comedy Writing and Performing: This course offers students the opportunity to learn the craft of comedy as written and performed. They will analyze the structure of comedy writing and obtain the skills to create original personae on stage, use audience response to help shape material and perform stand-up comedy.
COMM 274 Acting for the Camera: A course rooted in theory and principles, that introduces students to the nature of television and affords basic on-camera performing experience. Prerequisite: COMM 102
COMM 275 Acting IV-Scene Study: An advanced course in acting techniques with an introduction to various styles and approaches through group scene work. Prerequisite: COMM 272
COMM 276 Sketch Comedy Writing and Performing: This course offers students the opportunity to learn the craft of sketch comedy. They will analyze the structure of comic scenes for comedic premise, characters and dramatic action, and learn how to write, perform, and critique sketches.
COMM 280 Theatre Workshop I: This course focuses on giving students practical knowledge of technical processes involved in putting on a theatrical production. Workshops in lighting/sound, costume/makeup and scenery/painting, and backstage crew assignments allow students to experience theatre firsthand.
COMM 281 Lighting I: This course provides training in the problems of lighting design and its application to stage and television production in various forms. Color, rhythm, and aesthetic backgrounds are examined in the context of good lighting design.
COMM 282 Scene Design I: Training in the problems of scenery design for production in various media. Color and line are examined in the context of good design. Individual projects are required.
COMM 283 Playscripts: A study of playscripts in terms of both their functional, narrative content and their theatrical, structural function. Investigation of the reasoning process involved in visualizing the transformation of a script on the page into a play on the stage.
COMM 284 Scenery Construction II: Advanced problems in set construction are considered in laboratory and practical situations. This course also concerns itself with analysis of various construction problems. Prerequisite: COMM 130
COMM 290 Theatre Workshop II: A continuation of COMM 280 requiring students to actively share in the responsibility for a specific theatrical production. Prerequisite: COMM 280
COMM 318 Forms of Art: Study of the principles and practices of critiquing plays, concerts, paintings, and film. The student can expect to analyze selected works of art to study the historical and cultural background of a work of art and to read critical theories of art. Special emphasis is placed on the discovery of the commonalties that link forms of art. Attendance at concerts, plays, exhibits, and media viewing is required.
COMM 320 Media Criticism: Examination of critical approaches to the analysis of the production, composition, transmission and reception of mass media programs. Concentrating on film, TV and radio, this course develops criteria for making aesthetic judgments of media programs as mass art.
COMM 321 Announcing: Introduction to the responsibilities and skills required of the individual performer in the preparation, announcing, and variation of the various types of non-dramatic material for television, radio, and film.
COMM 322 Advanced Announcing: An in-depth treatment of the field. Heavy emphasis on narration for television and film. Extended work in the production of news and disc jockey programs, using broadcast-level facilities. Prerequisite COMM 321
COMM 324 Writing for Radio and Television: The technique of writing dramatic and nondramatic material for radio and television. Theory, practice, and analysis of broadcast material, advertising, and continuity are emphasized. Designed to develop skill in expository, narrative and persuasive writing as it relates to broadcasting. Prerequisites: COMM 210
COMM 326 Advanced Television Production: Provides an opportunity to work within standard operating procedures similar to those utilized by commercial and educational television. Includes practice and projects in such critical areas as timing, electronic editing, minor equipment maintenance, and color programming. Prerequisites: COMM 225 and COMM 227
COMM 329 Communication Practicum: Students are assigned to on-campus media outlets for practical experience in communication fields. Prerequisite: Permission of Chair
COMM 330 Internship: Students are assigned to on-Campus media outlets or external sites for practical experience in communication fields. Prerequisite: Permission of Chair
COMM 331 Filmmaking II: An intermediate course that develops further the use to professional 16mm film equipment and techniques introduced in Filmmaking I. Through lectures, demonstrations, and filmed exercises students learn how to use cameras, light meters, lenses, film stocks, sound equipment and professional editing techniques. Students also learn the conventions of continuity and montage filming and editing, the organization of a film crew, the creative use of sound and image, and of dramatic lighting. Each student has the opportunity to produce a final 16mm short film. Prerequisites: COMM 239
COMM 332 Filmmaking III: An intensive laboratory course in film production in which each student produces a 5-10 minute 16mm sound film. The course concentrates first on organizational aspects of pre-production such as scripting, budgets, story boards, sets, scheduling, and locations. Students then become familiar with production techniques such as sync sound filmmaking and advanced lighting, as well as post production work including analog and digital sound and picture editing. Students are encouraged to come to the first day of class with a well developed short film screenplay or shooting script, and to work as crew members on each other's productions. Prerequisites: COMM 331
COMM 333 Applied Techniques: An intensive production workshop designed for students of film or video who wish to integrate several media production techniques in individual or collaborative advanced projects. This course explores the use of different production approaches used in the making of diverse products such as music videos, television commercials, brief dramatic films and film or video installations. Since both individual and collaborative projects are encouraged, they must be based on the presentation of fully developed proposals. Collaboration with others in related fields is encouraged and proposals based on drawings and a preliminary shooting script is required and it is due at the end the first session. Students and instructor meet frequently during the semester for review, discussion and progress reports. Upon completion, students have a sophisticated knowledge of the potentials of the interdisciplinary medium and are expected to have work ready for exhibition. Prerequisites: COMM 332 or equivalent
COMM 334 The Documentary and the Non-fiction Film: The development of the documentary and other non-fiction cinemas, incorporating Cultural Studies notions addressing how we view otherness, exoticism and social and political issues that affect culturally distant societies. Through screenings and discussion seminars, students learn to define the different documentary modes and to analyze their formal production approaches, narrative and rhetorical structures and the ways in which these construct meaning in the non-fiction film. Issues such as the ethics and politics of representation are addressed, in addition to more abstract questions related to the documentary such as the real or imagined lines between fact and fiction, relationships between truth and reality, personal experience and the problems of its representation. Prerequisite: COMM 234
COMM 340 Intercultural Communication: Through a comparison of numerous cultures, students explore the primary distinguishing characteristics of culture and identify strategies for relating their won culture to those of others. Emphasis is placed on an eclectic cultural design. The primary goal is to provide students with practical and theoretical knowledge and an understanding of intercultural communication in contemporary life situations. Prerequisite: COMM 121
COMM 348 Public Relations: Defines the functions of public relations method and its historical context. Students are apprised of the basic tools used in varied public relations situations. Prererequisite or Corequisite: COMM 250
COMM 349 Radio News: Instruction and practical experience in the basic techniques of television news writing. Reporting for radio and producing radio news programs. Analysis of radio news broadcasts and discussions of the major issues involved in radio journalism. Prerequisite: COMM 210
COMM 350 Television News: Instruction and practical experience in the basic techniques of television news writing. Writing for film and videotape, reporting for television and producing television new programs. Analysis of television news broadcasts and discussion of the major issues involved in television journalism. Prerequisite: COMM 210
COMM 351 Advanced Reporting: Guides students in developing in-depth news and feature articles. Evaluation of individual's work. Matters of current concern to the news media are discussed. Prerequisite: COMM 250
COMM 352 Broadcast Advertising: Introduces the student to the development and philosophy of broadcast advertising. Theory and practice of commercial advertising techniques are covered. Emphasizes the nature of the creative process and the relationship existing among client, broadcaster, and the government. Prerequisite: COMM 210
COMM 353 Advanced Audio Production: Students increase their ability to write, produce, direct, and perform in audio production projects. Introduction to various formats, creation of sound effects, musical background, and direction are emphasized. Prerequisite: COMM 225
COMM 360 Interpersonal Communication: Course focuses on interpersonal communication theory, research, and application. Students study and apply the elements of dynamic communication within personal, small group, corporate, and intercultural contexts. Prerequisite: COMM 121
COMM 361 Successful Business and Professional Communication: Through the study of communication theory as it relates to business and the professions and through practice simulations, the student acquires a knowledge of those communicative and motivational skills essential for success in business and professional life. Prerequisite: COMM 210
COMM 362 Debate: The application of the principles of argumentation by debating a selected topic in public and intercollegiate formats. Stresses theory and performance in oral advocacy. Prerequisite: COMM 263
COMM 377 Directing for Stage and Media: Principles and theories for directing plays, from the text to the visual. Practical experience in guiding performers as they create characters for stage and other media. Prerequisite: Comm 102
COMM 380 Stage Management: Introductory training in the duties of the manager in the normal process of producing a play. Audition, rehearsal period, performance, and postperformance function and procedures are examined.
COMM 381 Scene Painting I: A study of the basic styles of scene painting with a concentration on dry pigments and case in mediums. This course allows a student to develop a basic ability to interpret the scenic designer's elevations and reproduce them for the stage and media.
COMM 382 Lighting II: Advanced training in the problems of lighting design and control as related to their application to production on the stage and in the media. Prerequisite: COMM 281
COMM 383 Scene Design II: An advanced study of the problems of the scenic designer in theatre, television, and film. Concentration is on the areas of materials and techniques. The student is expected to produce models and renderings utilizing various techniques and structures. Prerequisite: COMM 282
COMM 384 The Golden Ages of the Theatre: Explores the historical development of drama, the physical theatre, and technical theatre arts from ancient Greece to the present. Investigates the social and cultural forces that shape the theatre and were shaped by the theatre and develops critical standards of theatre. The student is expected to attend representative theatre productions.
COMM 385 Field Experience in Drama and Theatre: Students receive academic credit for guided experiences in drama and theatre in the college community. These experiences include touring productions to area schools, geriatric centers, etc; drama therapy internships, drama education in local schools, and other assignments as determined by the instructor.
COMM 386 Acting for Television II: An advanced course in television acting that includes challenging work on various modes of dramatic literature adapted to television. In addition, the course features advanced performing techniques and varied experiences with the dramatic television director. Prerequisite: COMM 274
COMM 387 Acting V: Advanced Scene Study: An advanced course centering on role preparation and performance of various modes of drama in the setting of theatre as a comprehensive art. Prerequisite: COMM 275
COMM 388 American Theatre and Drama: The study of the development of the American theatre and its drama from the colonial period to the present with emphasis on twentieth-century American drama.
COMM 389 Drama for Children: Study of the importance of dramatic process in a child's individual and social growth. Investigation of the dynamics of the creative process within formal drama (children's theatre) and informal drama (creative dramatics).
COMM 399 Selected Topics: A topic not covered by an existing course is offered as recommended by the department and approved by the dean. Prerequisite: Permission of the department chairperson 1-6 credits
COMM 421 Broadcast Management: An appraisal of management problems in commercial broadcasting for the advanced student. Includes sales and profit, personnel, programming, audience, governmental regulations, and technical factors. Prerequisite: COMM 220
COMM 424 Radio Production Workshop: An advanced course in audio production designed to augment the student's skills and techniques in radio production. Direction and production of various commercial and non-commercial spots, news documentary, discussion, and music formats are produced for airing on campus radio and commercial and noncommercial public radio stations. Prerequisite: COMM 353
COMM 425 Television Workshop: Students produce, write, and direct video projects dealing with instructional material, news and public affairs, and entertainment programming. Projects must be programmable for campus use, cable television, public broadcasting, and other open circuit channels. Prerequisite: COMM 227
COMM 431 Screenwriting: An introduction to the technique and form of the dramatic screenplay with an emphasis on visual story telling, character development and dramatic structure. Weekly writing exercises lead each student from initial concept to a completed 20-30 page screenplay. Primary dramatic and narrative concepts are explored in depth. Analysis of scene structure and varieties of dramatic film structure provide basic tools for sharpening characterization and focusing dramatic conflict. The role of the screenwriter in the filmmaking process is explored and, in addition, the production of a short film screenplay to be produced in the Filmmaking sequence is encouraged. Prerequisites: COMM 234
COMM 432 Dramatic Film Production: An intensive laboratory course in film production in which advanced film students collaborate in the production of two short sync-sound 16mm films from student-written scripts. The class is broken into crews with each student responsible for a production department. The students perform all the duties required of their crew position for the pre-production and production of the film. All students learn to work with a film budget, perform Assistant Director and departmental breakdowns, produce a line script and a shooting schedule. Crew positions are determined based on a series of exercises in shooting and directing, and sample script breakdowns. Students are encouraged to submit short film scripts in advance to be selected for production. Prerequisites: COMM 332 and COMM 431 or equivalent
COMM 434 Current Cinema: A film analysis course focusing on contemporary film and criticism. The class looks at recent works form the international and independent film world and particularly those works that are innovative and unconventional in their approach. The films are considered within current theoretical, aesthetic and social contexts using different perspectives: the technical and economic aspects of filmmaking, the ideological and psychological effects of cinema, and the recent aesthetic developments of the art form. This advanced cinema studies course is designed for students who want to strengthen their critical writing skills and for filmmakers who want to expand their aesthetic and creative knowledge of the medium. Prerequisite: COMM 234
COMM 437 Film Editing: An advanced course for students who have basic film production and post-production knowledge and wish to learn the standard techniques of editing a sound film. In a workshop environment, the student becomes familiar with editing vocabulary, equipment and procedures, from editing dailies to learning to prepare a rough cut and a fine cut in both analog and digital formats. The techniques of editing picture and sound are examined in lectures and later applied in a series of hands-on exercises and creative assignments. At the same time, the class balances the technical by providing an aesthetic overview of historical and current editing styles used in this complex art. Prerequisite: COMM 331
COMM 445 Communication Capstone: Every communication major is required to complete a capstone experience. In order to take the capstone course two of the following courses must be completed prior to enrolling in the capstone: Radio and Television (COMM 220), Media Ethics and Law (COMM 222), International Media (COMM 224), Film as a Medium (COMM 234), Intercultural Communication (COMM 340), Media Criticism (COMM 320).
COMM 448 Public Relations Case Studies: Case studies of public relations in action are analyzed to identify general principles and strategies that can be applied to the systematic solution of public relations problems and to the creation of public relations opportunities. Prerequisite: COMM 348
COMM 449 Public Relations Workshop: This course provides background and practice in developing written communications important in the practice of public relations. Using a workshop format, the course emphasizes planning, writing, and targeting communications designed to persuade specific audiences using various media channels. Prerequisite: COMM 348
COMM 451 Freelance Writing: Instruction and supervised practice in nonfiction writing for today's periodical. Students learn how to analyze market needs, develop ideas suitable for publication, prepare manuscripts, and market what has been written. Prerequisite: COMM 250
COMM 452 Advanced Broadcast Journalism: A course aimed at preparing students for work in broadcast news in radio or television. The goal is to polish skills developed in previous journalism courses to a level at or approaching that required to obtain entry-level jobs in broadcast journalism. Prerequisite: COMM 350
COMM 454 News Editing: Prepares students to function as copy editors in the new field. Supervised practice in editing new copy and writing headlines. Use of visual materials and layout of pages. Analysis of various United States newspapers. Prerequisite: COMM 250
COMM 455 Electronic News Gathering: The investigation, preparation, and production of news stories for broadcast. Emphasis on the independent preparation of copy, individual selection of story content, and production and video/ audio tape for journalistic enterprise. Students refine previously developed skills in writing and editing for broadcast. Individual and group-produced news stories in the field receive feedback from instructor and peers. Programming materials are developed and produced for use on local outlets. Prerequisite: COMM 350
COMM 456 Playwriting: A study and practice in the basic techniques of playwriting. Emphasizes dramatic structure and characterization developed through the writing of scenes and short plays. Prerequisite: ENG 110
COMM 459 Journalism Field Studies: Practical application of what is learned in the classroom. Students work at news or public relations jobs on-or off- campus by undertaking special fieldwork assignments in journalism. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor
COMM 460 Reporting Public Affairs: The nature and law of public affairs on federal, state, and local levels. The rights of working reporters and the public to matters of legitimate record are outlined, as are the practical steps necessary to gather this information. Prerequisite: COMM 250
COMM 463 Group Discussion: Theory and practice in various types of discussion situations. Consideration of the place of discussion in a democratic society. Integration of traditional principles with recently developed concepts and approaches. Prerequisite: COMM 121
COMM 480 Scene Painting II: A continuation of the scenic artist's craft. Advanced techniques, concentrating on the use of aniline dyes, are explored. Prerequisite: COMM 381
COMM 481 Scene Painting II: A continuation of the scenic artist's craft. Advanced techniques, concentrating on the use of aniline dyes, are explored. Prerequisite: COMM 381
COMM 482 Acting Showcase: A directed independent practicum culminating in a public performance.
COMM 483 Childrens Theater: Study of the educational and artistic modes of contemporary children's theater. Focuses on styles of presentation and children's dramatic literature.
COMM 499 Independent Study: As approved and to be arranged through the student's department advisor.
1-6 credits
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