Media/Communications
MCO 101 INTRODUCTION TO MASS COMMUNICATIONS
This survey course provides an overview of the history, development, and influences of the various forms of mass communication, such as print, radio, and television. The course will also examine technological breakthroughs (innovations) within the field and their effects on the experience of various audiences, including the merging of mass and interpersonal communication. Three credit hours. Offered Fall semester (d).
MCO 110 JOURNALISM: ORGANIZATION AND PRACTICE
This course is an examination of the basic tenets of newspaper journalism--how to research, organize and write a story. This course also covers internal structures of a newspaper: advertising, circulation and editorial policies and practices. Newspaper censorship and libel laws will also be discussed. Three credit hours. Prerequisite: ENG 110.
Offered Spring semester (d).
MCO 130 BROADCASTING: PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE
An introduction to current organizational structures, programming, production, and operation of broadcast media. Also details functions of the Federal Communication Commission, and laws relating to electronic media. Effects of broadcasting are also discussed. Three credit hours. Offered Fall semester (d).
MCO 150 MEDIA PROMOTION: ORGANIZATION AND PRACTICE
The purpose of this course is to introduce media undergraduates to the process of promotion. Each element of the promotional mix--advertising, public relations, sales promotion, and personal selling--is discussed within the framework of integrated marketing communications. Three credit hours. Offered Spring semester (d).
MCO 210 COMPUTER ASSISTED REPORTING
This course will be a hands-on journalism course, providing students with instruction on use of techniques and software that would then be used in development of stories. This course will introduce students to the fundamentals of Computer Assisted Reporting (CAR), including spreadsheet, database and mapping skills, as well as using the internet in researching a story. Prerequisites: MCO 110, ENG 110. Offered: Fall Semester
MCO 211 WRITING FOR MEDIA
This course is intended to provide the students with an opportunity to practice non-persuasive and persuasive writing for mass media audiences. This course will introduce students to the various styles of writing for public relations, advertising, radio and television broadcasting and print media (newspaper and magazine). Three credit hours.
Prerequisites: MCO 110 and ENG 200. Offered Fall semester (d).
MCO 230 RADIO PRODUCTION TECHNIQUES
Students are introduced to various types of radio continuity writing. Using college studio facilities, students are exposed to current radio programming production methods and are given opportunity to use professional broadcasting equipment to produce original programs and "spot" announcements. Three credit hours. Prerequisites: MCO 101, MCO 130, and ENG 110. Offered as needed.
MCO 236 BROADCAST MEDIA PERFORMING
A course designed for those persons who wish to develop their skill as "on-air" performers. Attention is given to techniques of delivery, style, announcing and performing on radio and television. Three credit hours. Prerequisites: MCO 130 and SPE 130. Offered as needed.
MCO 267 BASIC DESKTOP PUBLISHING AND GRAPHIC DESIGN
This course will introduce students to the basics of desktop publishing and graphic design. They will be exposed to a form of communication that combines writing skills, design techniques and computer capabilities. Students will be given the opportunity to create ads, fliers and professional grade publications through hands-on experience. Three credit hours. Prerequisite: Any CIS or MMS course. Offered as needed.
MCO 277 FIELD EXPERIENCE I
Observational and "hands on" introduction to a media form through field placement in a media agency. A total of 120 hours is required for this field experience. It is a required course for Media/Communications majors. Three credit hours. Prerequisites: MCO 101, MCO 110, MCO 130, MCO 150,ENG 200, and a 2.5 cumulative GPA. Offered every semester.
MCO 298 SPECIAL TOPIC IN MEDIA/COMMUNICATIONS
(Topic to be specified each semester course offered.)
MCO 300-MASS COMMUNICATION THEORY
The purpose of this course is to provide a comprehensive grounding in mass communication theory. We will review the historical development of media theory, consider the many issues and problems created by the introduction of media. And then focus on contemporary conceptualizations of media, ending with a discussion of media literacy. Three credit hours. Prerequisites: SPE 130 and ENG 110.
MCO 301 NEW COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGIES
An intensive examination of technological innovation and changes in the mass media. This course will discuss how these technologies have impacted on the traditional process of information gathering and dissemination. The impact of technological change on consumers and industries will also be examined. Three credit hours. Prerequisites: MCO 101 and ENG 110. Offered Spring semester (d).
MCO 315 FEATURE WRITING
This course is designed to train students with an interest in professional writing careers in print journalism. Elements of this course will prepare students to meet a growing demand in the industry for people who can write features as well as hard news. Three credit hours. Prerequisites: MCO 110 and ENG 200. Offered as needed.
MCO 330 TELEVISION PRODUCTION TECHNIQUES
A study and implementation of current television production methods and equipment. Students learn the basic concepts of shooting, editing, lighting, producing and directing television program material. Three credit hours. Prerequisite: MCO 130 and MCO 230. Offered as needed.
MCO 336 BROADCAST NEWS JOURNALISM
A course which covers the operation of radio and television station newsrooms. Concentrates on techniques of reporting and editing news for an audio audience as well as practical instruction development of visual ideas for those media. Students will visit area radio and television newsrooms. Three credit hours. Prerequisites: MCO 110, MCO 130, and ENG 110. Offered as needed.
MCO 355 THE THEORY OF MEDIA CRITICISM
This course will not only allow Media and non-Media majors to become more articulate in their apprisal of media content, but it also will teach them how to assess the validity of other reviews of media content. The course will review form and content of all areas of media and the arts, including radio, television, print, and graphic art. Three credit hours. Prerequisites: ENG 200 and Junior standing. Offered Fall semester (d).
MCO 377 FIELD EXPERIENCE II
Observational and "hands-on" work experience in a second media placement situation. A total of 120 hours is required for this field experience. It is a required course for Media/ Communications majors. Three credit hours. Prerequisites: MCO 277 and a 2.5 cumulative GPA. Offered every semester.
MCO 388 FIELD EXPERIENCE
Optional observational and "hands-on" work experience in a third media placement setting. A total of 120 hours is required for this field experience. It is for students wishing to explore a third media situation. Three credit hours. Prerequisites: MCO 277 and a 2.5 cumulative GPA. Offered every semester.
MCO 398 SPECIAL TOPIC IN MEDIA/COMMUNICATIONS
(Topic to be specified each semester course offered.)
MCO 400 MEDIA COMMUNICATION LAW AND ETHICS
A study of the history of media communication law from the First Amendment of the Constitution to laws in Congress today. Students discuss current issues and regulations involving ethical standards in all media. This course deals specifically with the rights of the reporter, the right of the public to know, government constraints and moral sensibilities. Three credit hours. Prerequisites: MCO 377. Offered Spring semester (d).
MCO 421 ADVERTISING/PR CAMPAIGN PLANNING
A course involving the students in the design, implementation, and execution of a complete Advertising/PR campaign. Students work in teams on analysis of marketing problems, research expenditures, media selection, and creative plan execution. May include multimedia presentation format. Three credit hours. Prerequisite: MCO 320. Offered as needed.
MCO 475 MEDIA AND SOCIETY SEMINAR
A historical investigation of media communications systems and their role in human society. The course will survey the history of communications from early civilizations to the present. After tracing a social history of communications, the course will then relate it to a discussion of current issues in the mass media, including issues of commercialism, information overload and media convergence. Three credit hours. Prerequisite: MCO 300, ENG 200, and Junior standing. Offered Fall semester (d).
MCO 477 FIELD EXPERIENCE III
An intensive off-campus experience which builds upon the skills/ knowledge/attitudes gained in MCO 277 and MCO 377. It prepares the student for employment in his or her chosen field of media. The student will complete 200 hours of supervised internship at an approved site. Five credit hours. Prerequisites: MCO 377 and a 2.5 cumulative GPA. Offered every semester.
