Credo Department Courses
Courses:
Communication Studies Courses
IOC 100 — Inquiry: Oral Communication, 1.0 credit. E. Students will learn to produce and critique reasoned and informed messages in public speaking and group settings. Instructional activities will emphasize the oral applications of critical thinking strategies, research techniques and citation methods, informative and persuasive message purposes, and the roles and functions of group members and leaders. Assessment measures will include written content examinations and the evaluation of both planned and spontaneous oral expressions in speeches and group performances.
COM 139 — Appreciating Film, 1.0 credit. E1. A study of major motion picture directors, their most influential work, and the development of the film director’s art through the cinematic language. The course examines the evolution of directorial style and the techniques of filmmakers from the silent era to contemporary times. Creative approaches to the cinematic medium are explored in depth, and students will gain a basic understanding of film grammar through their participation as members of a critical audience.
COM 201 — Introduction to Communication Studies, 1.0 credit. E. A research-oriented survey of communication principles. Students are introduced to models of the communication process, methods of scholarly inquiry typically employed, classical and contemporary theory, and a selection of topics currently being investigated by scholars. Students test their learning through examinations and papers that require them to read current representative research. Prerequisite: IOC 100 — Inquiry: Oral Communication and sophomore level status. Freshmen only by permission of the department.
COM 202 — Communication Criticism, 1.0 credit. A2 (2009-2010). An introductory course on the critical analysis of communication. The course focuses on learning basic methods of criticism, and on applying those methods to a variety of communicative texts. Students examine popular culture and mediated materials (television, music, film) as well as other types of public discourse (speeches, debates). Included are units on narrative approaches, dramatistic criticism, feminist and cultural analysis, media criticism, as well as traditional/classical analytical models of communication. Course requirements include quizzes and frequent written and oral critiques.
COM 203 — Argumentation, 1.0 credit. E1 or E2. Emphasis is placed on argumentation skills, including argument construction and criticism. Students will both research and present arguments. A significant portion of the course is spent critiquing arguments presented to the class. The course is relevant to pre-law students or any students who want to improve their critical-thinking skills and will help them develop writing abilities and expertise in applied persuasion. Prerequisite: IOC 100 — Inquiry: Oral Communication
COM 205 — Advanced Public Speaking, 1.0 credit. E1 or E2. An examination of the theories and methods of oral presentation, especially suited to teachers, business persons and professionals. It is designed to enhance the abilities of the student to deal with communication in contemporary settings. Emphasis is placed upon student presentations and evaluations in order to provide practical applications of theoretical material. Prerequisite: IOC 100 — Inquiry: Oral Communication
COM 207 — Oral Interpretation, 1.0 credit. E1 or E2. The course is intended to help students gain confidence and proficiency in oral performance of written material. Students will gain experience in analysis and performance of literature. Evaluation will include examinations, analytical papers, research, and critique of vocal development and gestural communication skills. Prerequisite: IOC 100 — Inquiry: Oral Communication
COM 214 — Nonverbal Communication, 1.0 credit. E1. An examination of major findings in the relationship of verbal and nonverbal behaviors, coupled with observations enabling the student to recognize these displays when they occur. Lectures address questions of theory development, the prevailing methods of observation and the features of the dominant display systems. Students participate in personal as well as research-related observations.
COM 231 — Introduction to Telecommunications, 1.0 credit. E2. An examination of the variety of elements that make up the field of telecommunications. These areas include radio and television broadcasting, cable and satellite communications, motion picture production, distribution, and exhibition, and electronic media and the World Wide Web. Students who take the class are also expected to participate in hands-on media experience. Suggested for sophomores and juniors interested in mass media.
COM 236, ART 236 — Introduction to the Photographic Process, 1.0 credit. D. The study of basic photographic procedures, including camera and darkroom techniques. Approaching photography as both an art form and a communication medium, the course will introduce students to the specific techniques used in such fields as architectural photography, photojournalism and photography for advertising. Open to majors in art, communication, theatre art, and print journalism.
COM 250 — Pre-May Seminar: International Communication, 0.5 credit. D. International Communication is an examination of the role of communication in the lives of citizens from ancient to modern times. Emphasis is placed on the role of cultural values in shaping communication and the effects on daily life. The function of international organizations in the development of communication policies will be featured. Specific organizations studied will vary depending on the particular itinerary in any given year. This course is the pre-seminar course for COM 300 — International Communication.
COM 250 — Pre-May Seminar: World Media, 0.5 credit. D. An investigation into the use of mass media in international and global contexts. Economic, political, and social factors will be studied in order to understand the development of various media systems, and to examine how media may be a useful tool in the study of cultural issues. Course activities are designed to prepare students for their
COM 300 — May Seminar experience, providing them with the necessary background to understand and analyze aspects of media they may encounter. This course is the pre-seminar course for COM 300 — Exploring International Media.
COM 300 — May Seminar: International Communication, 1.0 credit. MS. This seminar will broadly explore the roles of communication in culture from ancient to modern, from rural to urban and from everyday to unusual. It will trace the development of communication from the Greek and Roman models for speaking and citizenship to the enlightened models of free speech and individual rights supported by contemporary international organizations. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the cultural variables that affected these developments and on the people that lived or are living with them. To promote this understanding there will be a mixture of lectures, site visits, museum exhibits, cultural tours, and structured observations. Prerequisites: COM 250 — International Communication and COM 316 — Intercultural Communication
COM 300 — May Seminar: Exploring International Media, 1.0 credit. MS. Exploring International Media examines on-site mass media applications at a variety of international locations. Students will have the opportunity to be involved in a wide variety of media productions and other creative media projects related to the locations. Past destinations have included NRK (Norwegian National Television), Deutsche Welle (international broadcasting in Germany), Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty in Prague and the Cannes Film Festival. Students participating in the 2008 seminar will travel to Athens, Rome, Madrid, Dublin and London.
COM 312 — Interpersonal Communication, 1.0 credit. E. An exploration of the nature and importance of interpersonal communication. Readings, class discussions and lectures about communication theory help students’ understanding of interactions in friendships, families, and work relationships. Although not a skills-oriented course, this class is designed to increase students’ understanding of the effects of their own communication styles. Prerequisite: COM 201 — Introduction to Communication Studies or consent of instructor
COM 313 — Persuasive Communication, 1.0 credit. E. An examination of the theories and research about persuasion that emerge from rhetoric, communication theory and media studies in contexts including interpersonal communication, group communication and mass communication. Ethical issues that arise whenever persuasion occurs are considered from the perspective of both the persuader and the persuadee. Readings, exercises, class discussions, and papers enable students to understand and apply theoretical concepts. Prerequisite: COM 201 — Introduction to Communication Studies
COM 314 — Group Communication, 1.0 credit. E. Emphasis is on examining research about group dynamics and communication, as well as group communication theory and its application to groups and teams in various contexts. Topics include: team building, leadership, problem solving and decision-making, cohesiveness, conflict, power, norms, roles and cultural effects and diversity. The course includes assigned reading, journaling, experiential exercises, group projects, and exams. Prerequisites: COM 201 — Introduction to Communication Studies or consent of instructor
COM 315 — Interviewing, 1.0 credit. E1 or E2. Lectures, class exercises, discussions, tests and projects will be used to evaluate student understanding of and practice in interviewing theories and skills. Some of the interview settings to be considered are journalism, employment, survey, counseling and performance appraisal. The emphasis of each will concern the nature of the interview as an information-gathering skill. Prerequisites: IOC 100 — Inquiry: Oral Communication and COM 201 — Introduction to Communication Studies
COM 316 — Intercultural Communication, 1.0 credit. E. This course examines the interaction of cultural and communicative processes. Readings, lectures and discussion will focus on the differences in communication rules and practices that emerge when participants are from different cultures. Topics studied include interpersonal interaction, perception, information control, free speech rights, immigration and refugee issues, organizational communication, and nonverbal messages. Exercises, tests, and papers form the basis for evaluation.
COM 317 — Rhetorical Theory and Criticism, 1.0 credit. A1 (2008-2009). Course focuses upon an understanding of rhetorical theory and the application of various methods of criticism to oral discourse. Emphasis upon a historical development of theory and criticism including readings of classical and contemporary theorists. This course includes assigned readings, papers and discussion. Prerequisite: COM 201 — Introduction to Communication Studies or consent of instructor
COM 331 — Mass Media, 1.0 credit. E. An introduction to mass communication history, theory and practice. Emphasis will be placed on the student as media consumer. Class discussion topics will relate to major issues affecting the contemporary media. Objective and essay exams, in-class discussion, writing, and a major project will serve as modes of evaluation.
COM 332 — Media Production I: Video, 1.0 credit. E1. Provides students with the opportunity to develop skills in the technical elements of television equipment use and production technique. The course takes a start-to-finish approach to planning and preparing video productions. Individual and group projects feature contemporary understandings of how video is used in television production, film production, and other multimedia contexts. Additionally, the course provides an introduction to computer-based, digital, nonlinear postproduction.
COM 333 — Media Production II: Audio, 0.5 credit. E2. Building on a variety of skills acquired in COM 332 — Media Production I: Video, this class focuses its attention on a variety of projects using sound design as the primary element. Students will produce major projects employing digital audio and video media, and may extend their work to include projects incorporating radio, multimedia, television, and film applications. Students will also gain experience working with their own original scripts, live interviews, sound effects, music, and other facets of audio. Additionally, students learn how to record and use their own voices in class and individual projects.
COM 334 — Broadcast Performance, 0.5 credit. E2. This course will focus on the theories and techniques of radio and television performing. Project assignments and classroom critique sessions apply the theories to practical situations. Input from guest professionals and evaluation sessions of professional performers will provide additional insight for the student.
COM 368, ART 368 — Digital Photography, 1.0 credit. E1. Digital Photography is the study of basic digital photographic procedures, including digital camera and processing techniques. Approaching digital photography as an art form and as a communicative medium, the course will introduce students to the specific techniques used in such fields as fine art photography, photojournalism and photography for advertising. By permission of instructor.
COM 380 — Special Topics, 1.0 credit. D. Courses covering various topics of interest in this particular discipline are offered regularly. Contact department or program chair for more information.
COM 382 — Analyzing Film, 1.0 credit. E2. A challenging upper-level course that applies a variety of film theories to a series of American and international feature films from classic and contemporary periods. With an emphasis on the communicative nature of cinema, students will actively engage in the practices of film analysis and criticism, as well as study issues of film aesthetics. Integrating theoretical, historical, social and literary perspectives, this course helps students gain an understanding of the unique properties of cinema.
COM 390 — Cooperative Education, 0.25 to 2.0 credits. E.
COM 403 — Public Relations, 1.0 credit. E. An examination of the history, practice, and foundations of public relations. Emphasis is placed on understanding public relations as a management function that establishes and maintains mutually beneficial relationships between an organization and its publics. In addition to lecture and discussions, students prepare communication campaign strategies and materials. Prerequisites: COM 201 — Introduction to Communication Studies and COM 313 — Persuasion: Influencing Human Behavior
COM 413 — Advertising, 1.0 credit. E2. An examination of advertising theory, content and practice. The analysis of advertising messages is undertaken both from the perspective of the creator of advertising and from the perspective of the consumer of the messages. Readings, exercises, class discussions, lectures, projects and testing form the basis for evaluation. Prerequisites: COM 201 — Introduction to Communication Studies and COM 313 — Persuasion: Influencing Human Behavior
COM 414 — Organizational Communication, 1.0 credit. E. A course especially appropriate for management-bound students. This course in organizational behavior deals with a variety of organizational dynamics, the coordinating functions of communication, as well as the pragmatics through which individuals interact with groups and others in the organizational context. It examines concepts including: organizational assimilation, organizational culture, motivation, power, decision-making, leadership, learning styles, conflict management, nonverbal communication, organizational ethics, change management and diversity. Emphasis is upon a theoretical understanding of organizational behavior and communication within organizations. The course includes assigned readings, experiential exercises, case studies, exams and papers. Prerequisites: COM 201 — Introduction to Communication Studies. Junior standing is recommended.
COM 417 — Applied Research Methods in Communication, 1.0 credit. E1. A course in scientific inquiry methods in communication, including the study of methods of research design, data collection and analysis. Topics include the ethical application of research methods in various contexts, and the development of applied research methods available to effectively collect and analyze communication data. Prerequisites: COM 201 — Introduction to Communication Studies
COM 419, ENG 419 — Mass Communications Law, 0.5 credit. A2 (2008-2009). This course immerses students in the basics of the legal system in the areas of mass media, journalism, and public relations. Students will be exposed to the workings of the legal system, the rationale behind the First Amendment guarantee of freedom of expression, and relevant legal vocabulary. The course will cover the basic areas and cases of mass communication law including such topics as prior restraint, defamation, corporate and commercial speech, privacy, access to information and the media, and intellectual property. Focus will be on the case method and students will be involved in writing and presenting briefs and other exercises.
COM 420, ENG 420 — Mass Communications Ethics, 0.5 credit. A2 (2008-2009). This course engages students in a wide-ranging examination of contemporary issues in mass communication ethics. The course will cover topics and situations in the fields of mass media, journalism, and public relations including truth in communication, privacy, confidentiality, conflicts of interests, social responsibility, professional standards, etc. Analysis of these topics will be prefaced by an examination of the major theoretical approaches to ethical decision-making and by an examination of relevant codes of ethics.
COM 431 — Broadcast Newswriting and Reporting, 1.0 credit. D. This course focuses on the specialized style of journalistic writing used in the broadcast media. Class presentations and writing assignments are designed to provide enhancement of students’ skills in writing for oral presentations. Specific content areas covered include: principles of broadcast journalistic form, story construction, language usage, news judgment and application of ethical standards in the broadcast news situation. Limited enrollment. Prerequisites: COM 201 — Introduction to Communication Studies, COM 231 — Introduction to Telecommunications and demonstrated writing background, or permission of instructor
COM 432 — Electronic News Gathering, 1.0 credit. D. This course is designed to orient students to the structure and procedures of gathering news materials with the use of electronics. Emphasis will be placed on story construction, visual and aural communication patterns, ethical decision-making, and the relationship of electronic news gathering to the broadcast news program. Limited enrollment. Prerequisite: COM 332 — Media Production I: Video or consent of instructor
COM 480 — Independent Study, 0.25 to 1.0 credit. D. This course provides an opportunity for individual students to conduct in-depth research of a particular topic under the direct supervision of a faculty member. Contact the department or program chair for more information.
Theatre Art Courses
THR 122 — Theatre Production Organization and Procedures, 1.0 credit. E1. THR 122 provides the framework for understanding the role, responsibility, relationship and skills of key personnel in a theatre production or theatre building. Students combine classroom information with experiential learning to develop a sampling of projects and skills for the producer/director and theatre managers, plus costume, scenic and lighting designers, artists and technicians. Theatre arts and theatre art are integrated into the life experiences and learning available to every liberal arts student.
THR 124 — Contemporary Drama: Literature and Criticism, 1.0 credit. E2. An introductory course in the literature of drama in which modern and contemporary plays are analyzed and discussed. This course will introduce students to a variety of issues in which contemporary playwrights and critics are immersed, including race, ethnicity, gender and sexuality. Students work to understand plays’ potential meanings for modern audiences, and learn how to analyze plays as actors, directors and designers do.
THR 127 — Elements of Acting, 1.0 credit. E. A beginning course in acting intended as a practical basis for future study in acting, directing and related areas. Coursework on such topics as voice and movement, script analysis and realistic characterization lead to a heightened awareness of creativity and more proficient performing.
THR 212 — Lighting Design and Execution, 1.0 credit. A2 (2009-2010). Students will learn the necessary skills required to design and set up the lighting for a theatrical event. They will learn to design and draft a light plot, work with lighting instruments and color media, cue a show, and how their designs interact with other members of the design and directorial team. Students will be expected to complete practical projects in lighting design as well as written assignments. The class will end with a realized, small scale, lighting design presented to the rest of their peers.
THR 222 — Theatre Design Crafts, 1.0 credit. E1. This course develops the crafts and skills necessary for all design and production personnel. The course begins with a discussion of aesthetics, architecture and the design process. Students analyze scripts and develop a unique production concept using appropriate design theory. Students present 2-D and 3-D production designs to the class. Projects include a poster design, a costume design presentation, a creative ground plan for a thrust stage, two working model pieces, and a scene-by-scene light plot. Prerequisite: THR 122
THR 224 — Theatres and Cultures: Origins to Elizabethan, 1.0 credit. A2 (2009-2010). This course focuses on changes in early Western theatre practices in ancient Greece and Rome, and Medieval and Renaissance Europe. Students will work to integrate historical information into cultural and literary contexts through a variety of primary source materials, including play texts, architectural remains, pictures and commentary.
THR 225 — Summer Theatre, 1.0 credit. D. A laboratory theatre course in which students become involved in the creative problem-solving process. Past productions have dealt with movement and pantomime, repertory, dinner and children’s theatre. Enrollment for the summer course is also open to graduating high school seniors, college students, teachers and interested adults by permission of the instructor.
THR 227 — Intermediate Acting: Scene Study, 1.0 credit. E2. Students will continue the exploration of self from beginning acting, exploring the relationship of the actor to the role by examining intention, relationship and environment while working on scenes together. Students will be expected to complete both analytical and performance objectives. Scene study projects will also include in-class rehearsals and a public performance-level showcase. The course will center on the examination of characters in conflict in contemporary drama. Prerequisite: THR 127 or consent of the instructor
THR 229 — Elements of Directing, 1.0 credit. E1. A beginning course in directing for students of theatre art, including those with avocational interests as well as those studying design, acting and directing. The course deals primarily with script analysis and rehearsal methods. Students will complete a series of projects culminating in the presentation of a short scene. Prerequisites: THR 122 and THR 127, or consent of instructor
THR 250 — Pre-May Seminar in Theatre, 0.5 credit. A2 (2009-2010). This course prepares students for the theatre May Seminar abroad. Students learn to plan and implement research in their own areas of interest, including performance, design or management. Students develop travel skills that allow for an exciting and fruitful journey, as they prepare to undertake independent theatre research in historic archeological sites, museums or a variety of contemporary performances.
THR 280 — Individualized Study, 0.25 credit. E. This unique opportunity provides an alternative learning option for theatre students to study materials and skills as 200-level “apprenticeships.” Various topic choices can utilize the available expertise levels of our designers and directors, and are designed to offer experiential study opportunities. Sample topics may include stagecraft, costume construction, playwriting, and stage management. Up to 1.0 (four topics) can be applied to the theatre major or minor. Prerequisite:
THR 122 and permission of the instructor
THR 300 — May Seminar in Theatre, 1.0 credit. MS (2009-2010). This May Seminar explores the historic and contemporary theatres and cultures of Europe. Students may research European theatrical traditions by touring ancient hillside theatres, opulent auditoriums, experimental venues and vibrant commercial spaces. Students investigate the cultural milieu of the ancient and modern streets of some of Europe’s greatest cities by visiting palaces, shops, cathedrals, restaurants and museums. Students conduct theatre research projects by visiting historical, social and cultural sites. Discover how European cultures were reflected by their historical theatre practices, and the myriad ways in which theatre still serves these societies today.
THR 322 — Applied Design and Creativity, 1.0 credit. A2 (2009-2010). This course focuses on methodologies used in transforming scripts to designs for musicals and classical theatre productions. The student is then expected to develop a portfolio-ready project in costumes, scenery and lighting that incorporate creative problem-solving with crafts and skills developed in THR 222. Project development and evaluation features a combination of in-class instruction and mentoring by the professional staff. Final projects focus on the guidelines recommended in design portfolio review for advanced study or mainstage productions. Prerequisites: THR
122 and THR 222
THR 323 — Women and Theatre, 1.0 credit. A1 (2009-2010). This course focuses on women’s work, lives and ways of creating theatre. Students will study the conditions and practices in which women create theatre, as well as particular women artists. As a part of the coursework, students will engage in discussion and write journals to further develop their artistic identities. This course is part of the women’s studies program.
THR 327 — Advanced Acting, 1.0 credit. A2 (2009-2010). An advanced course for mature students of acting, whether preparing for careers in theatre or wanting to develop life skills such as creativity and effectiveness in communication. The course focuses on period style, including Shakespeare, or music theatre. Prerequisites: THR 127 or permission of instructor
THR 328 — Theatre Arts Management, 1.0 credit. A2 (2008-2009). A study of the principles of theatre arts management with special emphasis on philosophy, principles and plans of operation in commercial, educational or social theatre programs. Included among the course topics are European and American traditions in the arts, practical problems, and the integration of business and artistic models of operation necessary to a modern arts organization. Managers from local arts organizations are invited to present their personal case studies. Prerequisites: THR 122 and consent of the instructor
THR 329 — Advanced Directing, 1.0 credit. E2. A course in directing for advanced students of theatre art. Student projects focus on textual interpretation, audition and rehearsal methods, as well as practice in principles of staging. The final course project for each director is the public performance of a complete one act play. Prerequisites: THR 122, 127, 222, 229 and significant cocurricular responsibility
THR 334 — European History of Western Theatre, 1.0 credit. A2 (2009-2010). This course tracks changes in theatre from its origins in ancient Greece and Rome, through the upheavals of the Medieval, Renaissance, Neoclassical and Romantic periods. Students will integrate historical, cultural and literary sources to achieve an understanding of how and why theatre practices have changed. Students develop skills in reading texts for historical understanding, analyzing contemporaneous criticism, and investigating architecture and artifacts.
THR 335 — Non-Western Theatres and Cultures, 1.0 credit. A1 (2008-2009). This course investigates traditional and post-colonial theatre practices in non-Western cultures. Students will study a variety of traditional theatres and dramatic dance, including those of Japan, China, India and Africa. Students will research colonial experiences and read contemporary post-colonial plays. Students will investigate a variety of source materials — texts, architectural remains, images and commentary — in order to understand the interaction of historical, commercial, political and artistic forces that have shaped traditional and contemporary non-Western theatre.
THR 380 — Special Topics, 1.0 credit. D. Courses covering various topics of interest in this particular discipline are offered regularly. Contact department or program chair for more information.
THR 390 — Cooperative Education, 0.5 to 2.0 credits. E.
THR 421 — Senior Seminar, 0.25 credit. E. Students meet weekly to work on director/designer/actor communications strategies. Students create professional portfolios, work on problem-solving, and develop support, objectivity, and artistic judgment with their academic and artistic peers. Prerequisites: THR 122, THR 124, THR 127, two 200-level courses and senior status
THR 422 — Senior Thesis Project, 0.25 to 0.5 credit. D. Senior theatre majors complete their studies through a significant capstone project. Thesis projects may be tied to a mainstage production, a student-directed production, or involve non-production work. Thesis options include acting, directing, design, management, playwriting or dramaturgy. Prerequisites: THR 122, THR 124, THR 127, two 200-level courses and senior status
THR 480 — Independent Study, 0.25 to 1.0 credit. D. This course provides an opportunity for individual students to conduct an in-depth research of a particular topic under the direct supervision of a faculty member. Contact department or program chair for more information.
CSTA
