The major in Communications offers a combination of intercultural communications and interdisciplinary studies. The degree offers students a broad-based knowledge of current communications theory and extensive hands-on practical experience. This combination prepares students ideally for graduate study or for careers in international media, international marketing, corporate communications or other creative fields. The required lower and upper division courses are enhanced by a theoretical and a practical module of four courses each. In their final year, students bring their acquired theoretical knowledge to the completion of COM 491 Senior Seminar and their acquired practical skills to COM 401 Communications Projects Workshop.
COM 100 (3 CREDITS)
Introduction to Media and Communications
This course provides an introduction to the study of mass media in contemporary modern societies. The course will pay particular attention to the production and consumption of mass media, including newspapers and magazines, television, film, radio, and the internet. Thus the course will encourage students to critically analyse the stratgeis of media giants, the impact of media ownership over democracy, the effects of media over culture, identities and public opinion. Each topic of the course will be examined with reference to contemporary examples of mass media.
COM 203 (3 CREDITS)
Intercultural Communications
Reflecting strongly the mission of the University, this course provides a theoretical and practical foundation for the degree in Communications. It provides students with a strong sense of their own complex cultural identities before moving on to teach them the theories underlying the study of International Communication. There will be opportunities for practical applications of these theories in case studies, simulations, and project work.
Prerequisite: ENG 215.
SCL/ANT 203 (3 CREDITS)
Beginning Social Research
Familiarizes students with the basics of social research: the formulation of research questions, the structure of research projects, the most common types of social research methodologies, the use of new technologies in social research and simple analysis of qualitative and quantitative data.
Prerequisites: MTH 100 or equivalent and any 100-level social science or communications course.
COM 231 (3 CREDITS)
Signs, Image and Meaning
This course explores images and representations across cultural and historical contexts: the way meaning and ideologies can be decoded from such cultural artifacts as advertising, photography, cinema, modern art, sculpture, architecture, propaganda and comic books. Through varied examples, it takes an introductory route through some of the most important cultural theories and concepts of the last 100 years. The class is based around lectures and group exercises, coupled with at least one major field trip to a London cultural institution (entrance fee may be required) and guest presentations on specific topics.
Prerequisite: Sophomore status and ENG 215.
COM 304 (3 CREDITS)
Research and Writing Methods
This course prepares students to conduct original research in the communication discipline, and leads directly into the Senior Seminar. Students engage with a study of different research methods, including qualitative and quantitative approaches and come to terms with various theoretical models before selecting the most appropriate for their own work. Having chosen an original topic to research, students are guided through the various stages of investigation and writing as they produce a substantial proposal. Step by step, students work on their abstract, literature review, method, data and preliminary conclusions. Draft work is supervised and graded every week in a process of continuous assessment
Prerequisites: ENG 215 and Junior status.
COM 316 (3 CREDITS)
Mass Communications and Society
In this course, "mass communications" is taken in its broadest sense to include cinema, television, newspapers, magazines, comics, and the Internet, as well as fahsion and merchandising. "Society" involves the people who engage with those texts, from critical theorists to fans, censors to consumers. The course examines the relationship between texts and the people at various points during the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, from various cultural and national perspectives. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to test and debate established theories by bringing them to bear on everyday popular texts.
Prerequisites: COM 203 and COM 231 or equivalent.
COM 320 (3 CREDITS)
Cultural Theory
This course provides an intermediate introduction to the key aspects of cultural theory used within the discipline of Cultural Studies. The course provides a theoretical foundation to aspects of media practice (e.g.; journalism, public relations, photography, film, video, graphic design, web design, popular music, etc.) covered in the practical Multimedia and Working in the Mass Media components of the Communications degree. The intent of the course is to establish both an historical grounding of current theories and to expose students to contemporary theoretical orientations that address pertinent questions for their practical work.
Prerequisite: COM 231 or equivalent.
COM 321 (3 CREDITS)
Language and Society
The course aims to introduce students to the way language works in relation to culture and communication. At all times, the language resources provided by the international body of students in the classroom are exploited to illustrate linguistic principles and processes. Examination of the systematic aspects of language provides a base for exploration of broader questions such as language and identity, bilingualism, globalization, language death. The course is always up to date on glottopolitics and new language research, and thus encourages students to think linguistically about current issues.
COM 401 (3 CREDITS)
Senior Project
A practice-oriented course in which students work together as a group to develop a portfolio for a client outside the University. Students are required to use both their individual technical skills; photographic, journalistic, graphic and their interpersonal communication skills in this capstone course for the communications major.
Prerequisite: Open to senior year students only or by permission of instructor. Study abroad students with a communications background may also enroll.
COM 491 (3 CREDITS)
Senior Seminar in Communications Theory and Research
The Senior Seminar/Senior Essay is the capstone course for all Social Science, Humanities and Communications majors. It differs from the other courses in the department in that students primarily work independently and meet for a weekly tutorial with the aim of developing a substantial thesis driven research paper ( 6000-8000 words) related to a topic in their major. Students are also required to present orally their research according to conference standards taking into consideration the interdisciplinary nature of the class. The Senior Seminar team is facilitated by three faculty members from different disciplines - the idea being to stress interdisciplinary approaches to contemporary issues in the department. The course serves as a platform for postgraduate research as well as for professional outcomes.
Prerequisites: COM 304 and Senior Status.
Each student must take four courses, at least one at 400-level, from one of the following theoretical modules.
SCL 305 (3 CREDITS)
Minority and Ethnic Relations
Investigates the dynamics of relations between majority and minority groups in cultures throughout the world. The formation of ethnic groups, the role of ethnic groups in social organization and the distribution of goods, and the symbols and uses of ethnic identity, are examined, as well as the issues of prejudice and discrimination, assimilation, pluralism and segregation. This is followed by analysis of selected concrete case studies.
INR 310 (3 CREDITS)
Globalization: Power, Networks, and Identity in the New World Order
Combining perspectives from anthropology, sociology, business studies, and international relations, this interdisciplinary course addresses the vitally important and complex phenomenon of contemporary globalization. Topics for discussion include the worldwide diffusion of political, economic, and cultural practices and relations across continents and the organization of social life on a global scale. The course will feature guest lectures and pesentations by recognized experts in various aspects of the globalization process.
HST 316 (3 CREDITS)
Pictures of Power: History, Image, and Propaganda
The course aims to introduce students, by way of specific case-studies ranging from the ancient world to the modern day, to innovative methods of studying the past that utilise popular forms of visual culture and propaganda. While recognising the complexity of the propaganda process and the various influences that form and shape images, the course will focus on the historical relationship between propaganda (in architecture, cartoons, film, painting, pamphlets, photography, posters, sculpture, and television) and politics. The focus on the theme of propaganda and its relationship with various forms of media through the ages allows for the opportunity to compare and contrast particular case-studies over time and geographical space and therefore to distinguish elements of continuity and change, which will help students to ‘read’ historic images critically, both as vehicles for understanding the past and in order to identify the relationship between propaganda and power.
SCL 330 (3 CREDITS)
Deviance, Crime and Society
Introduces students to the history and development of theories of deviant and criminal behavior. Positivist, subcultural, interactionist, conflict and critical approaches are analyzed. Juvenile delinquency, ‘white collar’ crime, rioting and crimes against women are considered within analysis of criminal law and policing.
PLT 331 (3 CREDITS)
Ethnicity and Identity
Examines the questions of whether ethnicity is a universal phenomenon, and if ethnic conflict is inevitable. Investigates why ethnicity has become such an important tool of political organization in the 20th century. This course examines ethnicity, and to a lesser extent nationalism, as bases of social and political belonging and differentiation and sources of both creativity and conflict. Starting with the premise that identity is socially constructed, the ways in which ethnic identity has been formed and used in different societies will be examined. Different theories of ethnicity will be explored during the course, as well as specific case studies.
Prerequisite: Any lower division social science course.
COM 332 (3 CREDITS)
Political Communications
The course focuses on the role of political communications in the political process. It examines the relationship between governments, the media and the public in Western democracies, with emphasis on the UK and the US political systems. Starting with an overview of the role of the media in political theory, it moves to the examination of the origins and development of political marketing and public relations, the use of political advertising by political parties, and the representation of non-governmental actors in the media coverage. Furthermore, the course considers issues of national security and secrecy as well as changes in political communications brought about by the introduction of new technologies. Particular attention is given to the use of techniques and strategies during election campaigns.
Prerequisite: At least one 200-level COM, PLT or INR course.
ARH 352 (3 CREDITS)
Art in Context
An introduction to major art historical themes, methods, and approaches. Weekly visits to museums, galleries, and exhibitions, with their rich intercultural collections, provide an opportunity for students to test theories put forward in class in front of original art works.
SCL 360 (3 CREDITS)
Masculinities and Feminisms
The course familiarizes students with current debates in cultural and media studies related to the social construction and enactment of gendered identities. The first part of the course explores the impact of feminist politics and postfeminist culture on the spectrum of masculinities. The second part adopts a cross-cultural perspective and considers the influence of global media on consumption practices and social change.
Prerequisites: SCL 210 or COM 231 or permission of instructor.
COM 362 (3 CREDITS)
Adaptations: Literature and Cinema
Deals with adaptations from literary texts, in the broad sense – novels, plays and comic books – to cinema and television. It engages with issues around the transition from one medium to another, debating questions of authorship and the relative advantages of different forms. Adaptations are discussed in terms of their historical and cultural contexts, and ‘faithful’ versions contrasted with ‘free’ adaptations which retain the tone and spirit of the original while deviating from the letter of the text.
Prerequisite: At least one Communications course or one Literature course at 200-level or higher.
PLT 364 (3 CREDITS)
Religion, Identity and Power
The recent emergence of a number of religious movements in many parts of the world has raised important questions about the role of religion in political and social life. This course explores the relationship between religion, political identity and its expression between and across nation-state borders. By focusing on a number of religious movements, such as various Islamic revivals and the new Christian right, this course will examine the various ways in which religious traditions are used as identity-building vehicles, particularly at times of cultural transition and social change. It examines how the internet and other communication networks serve as mediums for Religious identity formation.
SCL 372 (3 CREDITS)
Sociology of Culture and Subculture
Introduces the field of cultural studies by examining various concepts of culture, the positions taken in cultural criticism, and the relationship between social and cultural transformation. Emphasis is placed on differences between US and UK culture and the theory of subcultures.
Prerequisite: SCL 150 or equivalent.
COM 378 (3 CREDITS)
Gender in Film
Investigates the relative fixity in the representation of gender in mainstream film by examining the construction of images in half a century of film and teaching students to deconstruct the images which have dominated the screen during that period. Students will be encouraged to study film texts closely to make their own readings based on the semiotics of the film and ideology behind it. The myth of stardom and its manipulation will be examined. Students will investigate the extent to which the most recent Hollywood products are eroding the fixed representations of gender in the past.
Prerequisite: COM 231, or SCL 210, or equivalent.
ADM 438 (3 CREDITS)
Contemporary Visual Culture I
Through theoretical and empirical insights into our image-based culture, this course deals with the multifariousness of contemporary visuality. It views traditional and media-generated images taken from various areas (art, design, film, print, photography, video, computer) in the context of urban life today. In a program of gallery visits, talks with artists and theoretical discussions, students will learn about visual representation and various ways of encountering the complexity of imagery in the 20th/21st century.
ADM 448 (3 CREDITS)
Contemporary Visual Culture II
This course continues the work undertaken in ADM 438. Further contemporary theory is Studied and its relevance to the understanding of current visual, sound and performance arts is explored by focusing on a variety of exhibitions and events available during the semester in London venues.
Prerequisites: ADM 304 and ADM 438 or equivalent.
COM 462 (3 CREDITS)
New Media/Cyberculture
This course traces the historical development of new media, emphasizing the social, political and cultural context of new media technologies. It introduces the students to a number of contemporary theoretical debates for understanding the role of new media in contemporary democracies and their impact on identity formation processes. Interfacing practical skills and critical thought, a number of key debates in digital culture are addressed through written texts and the investigation of internet sites and electronic texts.
Prerequisite: COM 304 or equivalent, and COM 316.
COM 470 (3 CREDITS)
International Cinema
This course examines global cinema while considering the extent to which cultural, political, and historical contexts have influenced the form and grammar of film during the last century. The overall focus of the course is broad, ranging across more than eight decades and many different countries; it aims to study a variety of approaches to and theories of narrative cinema. During the semester, many international film "movements" are covered, which can include the French New Wave, the Chinese Sixth Generation, and Italian Neo-Realism. In addition, the representations of non-Western cultures from an “insider” and a “Hollywood” perspective are compared.
Prerequisites: COM 231; COM 304; and either COM 316 or COM 320 or equivalent. Study Abroad students may take this course with the permission of the instructor.
COM 478 (3 CREDITS)
Mainstream Cinema: Studies in Genre
This course investigates the development of genre films over a historical period. Students examine issues critical to genre studies, which can include iconography, key themes, authorship, and stardom. Specifically, through a study of film criticism and theory, students consider the evolution of a few popular genres from the 1920s to the present. The course also explores the idea that genre films necessarily retain basic similarities while changing over time to reflect cultural concerns and to keep audience interest. In addition, the course provides an opportunity for students to examine and compare the perspectives of Hollywood and non-Hollywood genre films.
Prerequisites: COM 231; COM 304; & either COM 316 or COM 320 or equivalent. Study Abroad Students may take this course with the permission of the instructor.
MGT 301 (3 CREDITS)
Organizational Behavior
This course explores the structure and nature of organisations and the contribution that communication and human behaviour makes to organisational performance. The course will address not only macro level issues relating to the environment and context within which organisations operate, but also the micro level influences of people as individuals and groups, their motivations and operating styles. The management of people for successful organisational performance will be emphasised by considering work environmental factors that facilitate or impede organisational success.
Prerequisite: Completion of The Richmond Core, MGT 205, 220, ACC 202, or Permission of Instructor.
MKT 302 (3 CREDITS)
Consumer Behavior
This course will focus on the study of what it means to be a consumer in a global, information-oriented (technologyoriented, market-oriented) culture. Examines behavioral science concepts, processes and approaches that inform marketing strategy as to what, how, when, where and why people consume. Provides a managerial oriented understanding of the ubiquity of consumption in post-modern life. Examines the influences upon and the behavior of consumers, both in groups and as individuals.
Prerequisite: MKT 301.
MKT 304 (3 CREDITS)
Marketing Research
This course is designed to provide an overview of marketing research and its use in making more effective marketing decisions. The primary emphasis is on providing the students with the skills to effectively utilize marketing research findings and understand how they aid in the development of sound marketing strategy. The course is also intended to familiarize students with the development of effective measuring instruments (i.e., questionnaires) and using them to collect and analyze data.
Prerequisites: MTH 212, MGT 220, and MKT 301.
MKT 306 (3 CREDITS)
Advertising Management
The course provides an in-depth study and application of advertising and its role in marketing plans. Study includes identification of relevant data to analyze the marketing situation, development of product positioning, marketing and advertising objectives, creative strategy, media planning, and evaluation.
Prerequisites: MKT 301.
MKT 308 (3 CREDITS)
Internet Marketing
Provides students an insight into the techniques and processes involved in creating and maintaining a marketing presence on the Internet. New technologies have created some radical changes in the way companies reach their markets. The successful entrepreneurs of the 21st century will be those who can harness the potential of virtual technology and marry it to sound marketing practice. Students will have the opportunity to learn about electronic commerce in action; the interplay between the technology and marketing applications; the changing scope and uses of the Internet, along with current management issues facing businesses attempting to use the World Wide Web.
Prerequisite: MKT 301.
MKT 310 (3 CREDITS)
Developing and Managing Sales
This course examines the role of sales development and management for new business as well as existing companies of any size. The emphasis of the course will be on the various theories and applications of new business and market development strategies designed to help companies compete in a global and increasingly electronic market place. Lectures, projects and cases analyze all aspects of the systems and controls necessary for the effective management of a sales team, whether in consumer goods, business-to-business, or service marketing.
Prerequisite: MKT 301.
MGT 358 (3 CREDITS)
Human Resource Management
Combines elements of different disciplines ranging from industrial relations, social psychology, personnel management, motivation, recruitment and selection, leadership, communication, manpower planning, aspects of training and development and related processes. It is appropriate for those seeking to follow a career in personnel management to those contemplating careers in other areas of functional management.
Prerequisite: Completion of the Business Core Courses.
MKT 402 (3 CREDITS)
Global Marketing Management
Provides an insight into the strategic problems and opportunities companies face as they move from local to multinational to global markets. The problems and issues encountered in market entry are highlighted and standardization, contextualization and adaptation strategies are assessed for their appropriateness to new market situations. Students will be expected to understand and be able to implement an environmental approach to strategic international marketing planning. Lectures, case studies, research projects and presentations comprise the teaching format for the course.
Prerequisite: MKT 301.
COM 460 (3 CREDITS)
PR and Self-Presentation in the Media
*
This course examines the theory and practice of contemporary public relations. Topics include: planning, the selection and use of appropriate public relations tactics, evaluation, how to handle media interviews and self presentation skills.
As part of the course, students will examine and evaluate a real PR campaign and develop, budget, propose tactics for, evaluate and present a theoretical public relations campaign.
For Communications Seniors only. Study Abroad students may take this course with the permission of the instructor.
Each student must take four courses, at least one at 400-level, from one of the following practical modules.
ADM 323 (3 CREDITS)
Photography: Theory and Practice
Photography: Theory and Practice Intended for students with modest or no background in the history, theory and practice of black and white photography. It is designed to familiarize students with skills which combine visual research, photographic composition, camera operation and printing, together with conceptual ideas, especially those of narrative photography. Students provide their own film and photographic paper. The University has cameras for student use, although it is recommended that students provide their own manual 35 mm SLR camera.
A studio fee is levied on this course.
ADM 326 (3 CREDITS)
Video Production
A ‘hands-on’ course for students new to video, involving most aspects of production from camera work and sound recording to editing and audio dubbing. The theory and practice of video technology are taught through a series of group exercises and out-of- class assignments. Students also study a range of classic videos and film as a means of understanding the language of the medium. A studio fee is levied on this course.
A studio fee is levied on this course.
ADM 335 (3 CREDITS)
Photojournalism and Publication Layout
Concentrates on the reportage area of photography, using digital equipment. Students learn about the history, nature, and techniques of photojournalism by studying the work of eminent practitioners, and by designing, shooting, printing, and laying out a number of documentary style projects. This course is recommended for communications, journalism, and social science students as well as photographers. The University has digital SLR cameras for student use.
Prerequisite: ADM 323 or equivalent. A studio fee is levied on this course.
ADM 340 (3 CREDITS)
Communication Design: Type
This course focuses on the theory and practice of communication design, with emphasis on type-based solutions. It introduces students to the concept of graphic design as a social activity and projects include book design, grid systems and poster design. The course has an important theoretical component which includes visual culture and graphic design criticism.
Prerequisite: ADM 362 or equivalent.
ADM 362 (3 CREDITS)
Pixel Playground
This course focuses on the study of image-making -- both digital and hand-made. Through art and design briefs, students will study and explore color, composition, illustration and visual narratives. This course introduces students to two core visual applications: Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. No previous experience with design or computers is necessary. This course serves as a prerequisite for most of the ADM digital courses.
ADM 365 (3 CREDITS)
Communication Design: Image
This course focuses on the study and application of image within the practice of communication design. Typical works include identity and logo design, pictograms/signage and poster design. The course has an important theoretical component which includes semiotics, visual culture and theory of image design.
Prerequisite: ADM 362 or equivalent.
ADM 372 (3 CREDITS)
Web Design
The course provides students with the core foundations and practical skills required to design a fully functional and interactive website. It offers a snapshot of the brief history and current status of the medium, and practitioners working within it. Web Design focuses on two main areas: prepartion and design of a website, followed by the design/build ready for online publication. It is ideal for students who want to showcase a portfolio of work on the web.
Prerequisite: ADM 362 or equivalent.
ADM 379 (3 CREDITS)
Animation and Motion
Intended for students who want to create moving image work within an art and design studio environment. The course enables progress in animation, time-based media, motion graphics and video art within a single screen display (monitor or projection). Both the theory and history of moving image work is considered. A major focus of the course is practical; students will learn to develop new skills and gain hands-on technical and digital production experience in the creation of moving image work.
Prerequisite: ADM 362 or equivalent.
ADM 386-397 (3 CREDITS)
Special Topics in Art, Design, and Media
An advanced course on a topic of current interest or in a faculty member's specialty.
ADM 407 (3 CREDITS)
Communication Design: Studio
This course aims to deepen and broaden the student's understanding and experience of the graphic design practice. The goal is to develop both the theoretical grasp of the subject and the practical response to specific briefs. The briefs are based on real needs of Richmond University, using the course as a communication design studio. Emphasis is placed upon research, process, design solutions, professionalism, self-criticism and self-sufficiency. It is also a platform for individual projects within the field of communication design.
Prerequisite: ADM 340 or ADM 365.
ADM 447 (3 CREDITS)
From Script to Screen
Intended for students who have experience of video production and want to expand their knowledge and skills. Students will create and produce a video, starting from the inception of the idea through to the realization of the idea as a finished film to be screened at the end of the course. Focusing on the journey from having an idea for a film through to writing a high spec script, students will learn how drama is represented in the written form, analyze and explore scripts from existing films and other forms of drama, and learn more about the film and TV industry and the place of screenwriting in it. In doing so, students have the opportunity to try the different 'parts' of film-making, from the creative and theoretical - writing, story boarding, workshopping, casting, and directing - to the technical - camera operation, sound recording, and video editing.
Prerequisite: ADM 362 or submission on video or DVD of a video/film made by the applicant. Can be in any genre, but must demonstrate the ability to use a video camera and basic skills in sound recording and editing. A studio fee is levied on this course.
ADM 450 (3 CREDITS)
Fourth Bridge: Art, Design and Media Projects
Provides an opportunity for senior students to bring their various skills and ideas together and focus them on an ambitious project devised by themselves. These pieces are expected to be conceptually sound, well designed and structured, and technically competent. Upon completion, the work is exhibited and serves as a capstone presentation. Students work under the supervision of a course coordinator and may also be assigned to a specialist technical advisor.
Prerequisite: Senior status or permission of the instructor. Students purchase their own materials.
COM 305 (3 CREDITS)
Writing for Media/Journalism
Concentrates on the different styles and registers used in journalism and other media. Particular attention is given to the development of styles for news, features, advertising, and editorial writing and upon the intended audience. Students carry out detailed analysis of newspapers and broadcasts.
Prerequisite: COM 304 or equivalent.
COM 307 (3 CREDITS)
Scriptwriting
Students are guided through the creative processes of writing scenes for the stage, TV, and film. The building of character and plot is examined as well as the industry standard formats for writing in these media. Group and team work is encouraged as well as discussions, critique, and analysis of the narrative techniques used in existing stage plays and films.
Prerequisite: ENG 112.
ADM 326 (3 CREDITS)
Video Production
A ‘hands-on’ course for students new to video, involving most aspects of production from camera work and sound recording to editing and audio dubbing. The theory and practice of video technology are taught through a series of group exercises and out-of- class assignments. Students also study a range of classic videos and film as a means of understanding the language of the medium. A studio fee is levied on this course.
A studio fee is levied on this course.
ADM 335 (3 CREDITS)
Photojournalism and Publication Layout
Concentrates on the reportage area of photography, using digital equipment. Students learn about the history, nature, and techniques of photojournalism by studying the work of eminent practitioners, and by designing, shooting, printing, and laying out a number of documentary style projects. This course is recommended for communications, journalism, and social science students as well as photographers. The University has digital SLR cameras for student use.
Prerequisite: ADM 323 or equivalent. A studio fee is levied on this course.
COM 350 (3 CREDITS)
Ethics in the Media
Media professionals, and in particular journalists, face ethical dilemmas on a daily basis. This course will introduce students to the main ethical issues which journalists of the digital age encounter in their working lives. Thus, the course will focus on issues such as the public sphere and public service, market values in journalism, objectivity and neutrality, freedom of the press, censorship, codes of conduct for journalists, privacy and publicity, media regulation, reporting restrictions and national interest, gender issues, and reporting in a multicultural society.
ADM 362 (3 CREDITS)
Pixel Playground
This course focuses on the study of image-making -- both digital and hand-made. Through art and design briefs, students will study and explore color, composition, illustration and visual narratives. This course introduces students to two core visual applications: Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. No previous experience with design or computers is necessary. This course serves as a prerequisite for most of the ADM digital courses.
MSC/SCL 395 (3 CREDITS)
Modern Popular Music
An interdisciplinary course examining the historical, sociological, aesthetic, technological, and commercial elements of contemporary popular music. It deals specifically with the origins and development of contemporary popular music; the relationship between culture, subculture, style, and popular music; and the production and marketing of the music. Audio-visual resources are combined with lectures, and, where appropriate, field trips to concerts in London.
Prerequisite: SCL 150 or equivalent.
ADM 447 (3 CREDITS)
From Script to Screen
Intended for students who have experience of video production and want to expand their knowledge and skills. Students will create and produce a video, starting from the inception of the idea through to the realization of the idea as a finished film to be screened at the end of the course. Focusing on the journey from having an idea for a film through to writing a high spec script, students will learn how drama is represented in the written form, analyze and explore scripts from existing films and other forms of drama, and learn more about the film and TV industry and the place of screenwriting in it. In doing so, students have the opportunity to try the different 'parts' of film-making, from the creative and theoretical - writing, story boarding, workshopping, casting, and directing - to the technical - camera operation, sound recording, and video editing.
Prerequisite: ADM 362 or submission on video or DVD of a video/film made by the applicant. Can be in any genre, but must demonstrate the ability to use a video camera and basic skills in sound recording and editing. A studio fee is levied on this course.
COM 460 (3 CREDITS)
PR and Self-Presentation in the Media
*
This course examines the theory and practice of contemporary public relations. Topics include: planning, the selection and use of appropriate public relations tactics, evaluation, how to handle media interviews and self presentation skills.
As part of the course, students will examine and evaluate a real PR campaign and develop, budget, propose tactics for, evaluate and present a theoretical public relations campaign.
For Communications Seniors only. Study Abroad students may take this course with the permission of the instructor.
COM 461 (3 CREDITS)
Fashion and Media
This course traces the multiple connections between the fashion and media industries. It emphasizes the material realities, pragmatic and creative dynamisms, fantasy components, and essential visuality of fashion. It also highlights how London and cities in general function as creative agencies for fermenting style and fashion ideas and attitudes.
Prerequisite: COM 304 or equivalent.
Degree Planner/GCL form - for students who started in September 2009 or later.
Degree Planner/GCL form - for students who started in September 2007 or later.
