Missouri State University

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Office of the Registrar 

Department of Media, Journalism & Film

370 Craig Hall, Phone: (417) 836-5218, Fax: (417) 836-4637
Email: MJF@missouristate.edu
Web Site: http://mjf.missouristate.edu
Department Head: Professor Karen Buzzard, Ph.D.

Faculty (as of March 14, 2008)

Professors: Arlen E. Diamond, Ph.D.; Thomas V. Dickson, Ed.D.; Mark Paxton, Ph.D.; Joel Persky, Ph.D.

Associate Professors: Mark M. Biggs, M.A.; James W. Bihlmeyer, M.F.A.; Mary Jane Pardue, D.A.; Weiyan Wang, M.F.A.; Timothy White, Ph.D.

Assistant Professors: Andrew Cline, Ph.D.; Deborah Larson, Ph.D.; Kevin P. Swift, M.A.

Instructor: Diana Botsford, M.A.; Jack E. Dimond, M.A.; Robert W. Linder, M.S.; M. Shawn Maxfield, M.A.

 

Program Requirements and Restrictions

Admission Requirements: All students majoring in the Department of Media, Journalism & Film (except for those seeking a major in Electronic Arts) must satisfy the following requirements before they can be admitted to the program. 
  1. Complete a minimum of 59 credit hours.

  2. Complete the General Education Basic Required Courses.

  3. Have a combined grade point average (Missouri State and transfer) of 2.25 or higher.

  4. Complete the following departmental core courses and the core course for the Mass Media or Journalism option to which they are applying with a GPA of 3.00. For the purpose of achieving the 3.00 GPA requirement for the three core courses, a student may retake a core course only once and may retake no more than two of the core courses. 

    Departmental Core: MED 120(3), MED 204(3)

    Core Courses for Departmental Options: Journalism (Non-Comprehensive)-JRN 270(3); Mass Media (Non-Comprehensive)-MED 274(3); Mass Media (Comprehensive)-MED 365(3)

  5. Complete any additional admission requirements for selected major.

  6. Submit application for admission and receive approval by faculty advisor and Head of the Department of Media, Journalism & Film.

A student must meet these requirements by the time he/she has completed 90 hours of courses (Missouri State and transfer) to be admitted to the program. No waiver of these requirements will be granted except for transfer students transferring 90 hours or more will be allowed one semester to complete the departmental core courses after transferring to Missouri State.

Restriction: Departmental majors may not take a second major within the department.

Majors

Electronic Arts (Non-Comprehensive)

Bachelor of Science
This program is offered in conjunction with the Department of Art and Design

Preadmission Core Courses: complete 9 hours with a GPA of 3.00 or higher from the following Electronic Arts preadmission core courses before applying to the program: ART 110(3) or 100(3); MED 290(3), 365(3); MUS 216(3). Core courses in the student’s chosen option must be completed before applying.

Initial Portfolio Review: Portfolio must include a minimum of two and a maximum of three examples of audio, video, multimedia, and/or computer animation work, with at least one example coming from a core course. Students seeking admission to the Electronic Arts program in the area of Computer Animation Studies must include at least one work from ART 230 or ART 330. Specific guidelines are required for portfolios. See advisor or the Electronic Arts Coordinator for details.

  1. General Education Requirements - see “Academic Programs and Requirements” section of catalog

  2. Major Requirements (37 hours)

    1. Core Courses: ART 110(3) or 100(3), 300(3); MUS 216(3); MED 290(3), 365(3); ART 498(4) or MED 498(4)

    2. Choose one of the following options (18 hours):

      1. Audio Studies: MED 461(3), 561(3); MUS 316(3), 529(3); select 6 hours with advisor approval: MED 382(3), 495(1-6); MUS 111(2), 113(2), 137(1), 327(2), 512(3); THE 558(3)

      2. Computer Animation Studies: (See "Department of Art and Design" section of catalog)

      3. Multimedia Studies: MED 390(3), 490(3); ART 210(3); DES 202(3); select 6 hours with advisor approval: ART 230(3); MED 465(3), 492(3), 495(1-6). DES 202 should be taken only after successful completion of initial portfolio review.

      4. Video Studies: ART 230(3); MED 465(3); select 12 hours with advisor approval: MED 390(3), 492(3), 495(1-3), 562(3), 565(3), 583(3)

  3. Minor Required. NOTE: No more than 6 hours may count for both the major and the minor. Students should seek advisor approval for courses in the minor.

  4. General Baccalaureate Degree Requirements - see “Academic Programs and Requirements” section of catalog

Journalism (Non-Comprehensive)

Bachelor of Science
  1. General Education Requirements - see “Academic Programs and Requirements” section of catalog

  2. Major Requirements (39 hours)

    1. Departmental Core: MED 120(3), 204(3)

    2. Journalism Core: JRN 270(3), 407(3), 595(3); MED 454(3), 581(3)

    3. Choose one of the following options (18 hours):

      1. Broadcast Journalism: JRN 284(3), 381(3), 388(3), 481(3); MED 365(3); MED 382(3) or 383(3)

      2. Print Journalism: JRN 370(3), 372(3), 476(3); select 9 hours of JRN courses other than JRN 574 chosen with approval of advisor but no more than 6 hours of JRN 300

    NOTE: A student must achieve a combined GPA of 3.00 in MED 120(3), MED 204(3) and JRN 270(3) along with a 2.25 overall GPA to be admitted to this major.

  3. Minor required. NOTE: No course may count for both the major and the minor. A minor in Mass Media will not meet the minor requirement.

  4. General Baccalaureate Degree Requirements - see “Academic Programs and Requirements” section of catalog

Mass Media (Non-Comprehensive)

Bachelor of Arts
  1. General Education Requirements - see “Academic Programs and Requirements” section of catalog

  2. Major Requirements (39 hours)

    1. Departmental Core: MED 120(3), 204(3)

    2. Mass Media Core: MED 274(3), 325(3), 365(3), 454(3), 581(3); JRN 270(3), 407(3)

    3. Choose one of the following options:

      1. Film Studies: MED 374(3), 375(3), 470(3), 570(3)

      2. Media Operations: MED 320(3), 598(3); MKT 350(3), 352(3)

      3. Media Studies: 12 hours of MED or JRN electives chosen with approval of advisor

    NOTE: A student must achieve a combined GPA of 3.00 in MED 120(3), MED 204(3) and MED 274(3) along with a 2.25 overall GPA to be admitted to this major.

  3. Minor Required. NOTE: No course may count for both the Mass Media major and the minor.

  4. Specific Requirements for Bachelor of Arts Degree - see “Academic Programs and Requirements” section of catalog

  5. General Baccalaureate Degree Requirements - see “Academic Programs and Requirements” section of catalog

Mass Media (Non-Comprehensive)

Bachelor of Science
  1. General Education Requirements - see “Academic Programs and Requirements” section of catalog

  2. Major Requirements (39 hours)

    1. Departmental Core: MED 120(3), 204(3)

    2. Mass Media Core: MED 274(3), 325(3), 365(3), 454(3), 581(3); JRN 270(3), 407(3)

    3. Choose one of the following options:

      1. Film Studies: MED 374(3), 375(3), 470(3), 570(3)

      2. Media Operations: MED 320(3), 598(3); MKT 350(3), 352(3)

      3. Media Studies: 12 hours of MED or JRN electives chosen with approval of advisor

    NOTE: A student must achieve a combined GPA of 3.00 in MED 120(3), MED 204(3) and MED 274(3) along with a 2.25 overall GPA to be admitted to this major.

  3. Minor Required. NOTE: No course may count for both the Mass Media major and the minor.

  4. General Baccalaureate Degree Requirements - see “Academic Programs and Requirements” section of catalog

Mass Media (Comprehensive)

Bachelor of Science
  1. General Education Requirements - see “Academic Programs and Requirements” section of catalog

  2. Major Requirements (51 hours)

    1. Departmental Core: MED 120(3), 204(3)

    2. Mass Media Core: MED 274(3), 325(3), 365(3), 454(3), 581(3); JRN 270(3), 407(3)

    3. Choose one of the following options (24 hours):

      1. Digital Film Production: MED 374(3) or 375(3); MED 461(3), 465(3); MED 561(3) or 562(3); MED 565(3); select 9 hours chosen with approval of advisor from MED 300(3); MED 374(3) or 375(3); MED 492(3), 495(3), 561(3), 562(3), 570(3), 597(3)

      2. Media Production: MED 382(3) or 383(3); MED 381(3); select 9 hours from MED 290(3), 382(3), 383(3), 390(3), 490(3), 492(2-3), 583(3), 595(1-3); JRN284(3); select 9 hours of elective courses chosen with approval of advisor

    NOTE: A student must achieve a combined GPA of 3.00 in MED 120(3), MED 204(3) and MED 365(3) along with a 2.25 overall GPA to be admitted to this major.

  3. General Baccalaureate Degree Requirements - see “Academic Programs and Requirements” section of catalog

Minors

Film Studies

Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Science
  1. MED 274(3)

  2. 12 hours of electives from MED 374(3), 375(3), 470(3), 570(3) to bring the total hours in minor to at least 15 hours.

Journalism

Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Science
  1. JRN 270(3), 370(3), 374(3) or 375(3), 407(3), 476(3)

  2. 3 hours of elective JRN courses to bring total hours in minor to at least 18 hours.

Mass Media

Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Science
  1. MED 120(3), 454(3)

  2. 12 hours of MED electives (6 hours must be numbered 300 or higher) to bring total hours in minor to at least 18 hours.

University Certificate (undergraduate)

Writing for Television and Film

The undergraduate certificate in Writing for Television and Film is designed to teach students the screenwriting craft; to develop each student’s potential and to help all students find their unique style; to expose students to the concept of “workshopping pages” and giving and receiving critical input on style, writing technique and structure; and to provide insight into today’s film and television market.
Admission Requirements: Minimum of 30 credit hours and a combined GPA (Missouri State and transfer) of 2.50 or better
Requirements:
  1. MED 565(3), 566(3), 567(3) 
  2. 3 additional hours from MED 462(3), 463(3), and 464(3) for a total of at least 12 hours 
  3. Attain a GPA of 2.00 or better on all certificate coursework

Journalism Courses

JRN 270 Introduction to Journalism 3(3-0), F,S

Prerequisite: ENG 110. Study of the purposes and forms of journalism. Includes writing the basic types of stories. Typing skills required.

JRN 284 (MED) Broadcast Performance 3(2-2), F,S

The development of disciplines controlling vocal and visual mechanics as well as interpretative performance for announcers, newscasters, interviewers and narrators of various radio and television situations.

JRN 300 Special Topics in Journalism 1-3, D

A course upon a single topic of current interest. May be repeated with permission of the department to a total of 6 hours if topics are different. Approved recurring course topic: Storytelling with a Camera. 2(2-0) D. Emphasis on basic principles of picture composition and the use of light with a 35mm digital or film still camera in the manual mode.

JRN 305 Service Learning in Journalism 1, F,S

Prerequisite: 30 hours and concurrent registration in a journalism course designated as a service learning offering. This service component for an existing course incorporates community service with classroom instruction in journalism to provide an integrative learning experience that addresses the practice of citizenship and promotes an awareness of and participation in public affairs. Includes 40 hours of service that benefits an external community organization, agency, or public service provider. Approved service placements and assignments will vary depending on the course topic and learning objectives; a list of approved placements and assignments is available from the instructor and the Citizenship and Service Learning Office. May be repeated but no more than 2 hours of service learning credit may count toward graduation.

JRN 370 (371) News Reporting and Writing 3(3-0), F,S

Prerequisite: ENG 110 and JRN 270. Instruction and practice in gathering news material, writing news reports, and editing copy. Includes introduction to news beats and specialized reporting techniques.

JRN 372 Public Affairs Reporting 3(3-0), S

Prerequisite: JRN 370. Instruction and practice in gathering material and writing stories on public affairs, with emphasis on state and local government.

JRN 374 Opinion Writing 3(3-0), F

Prerequisite: JRN 270. Instruction and practice in writing editorials, opinion columns, news analyses and critical reviews.

JRN 375 Writing Features for Newspapers and Magazines 3(3-0), S

Prerequisite: JRN 270. Practice in writing newspaper features and nonfiction articles for magazines, including human interest stories, news features, personality profiles, how-to articles and historical pieces.

JRN 376 Business Reporting 3(3-0), D

Prerequisite: JRN 270. Instruction and practice in gathering information and writing business-related articles. The course covers interviewing and reporting techniques used to write business stories, including enterprise and trend stories as well as company profiles. The student also will gain an understanding of the importance of business news to public affairs.

JRN 378 Photojournalism 3(3-0), S

Prerequisite: JRN 270. Instruction and practice in news, feature and sports photography, photo editing, caption writing, and traditional and electronic image development for the print media. The course will also address the relationship of photos to text, photojournalism ethics and legal practices. Note: Students must have their own still camera, either film or digital, with a manual mode for adjusting aperture and shutter speed.

JRN 381 Broadcast News Writing 3(3-0), F,S

Prerequisite: JRN 270. Instruction and practice in basic scripting technique and writing skills needed to be a broadcast journalist. Through writing, students will examine the fundamentals of news judgment and the organizational style of storytelling for radio and television formats.

JRN 388 Electronic News Gathering 3(2-2), F

Prerequisite: JRN 270, MED 365, and JRN 381 or MED 381. News gathering techniques for television. Students will be introduced to photojournalism methods as they learn to tell news stories using pictures and sound.

JRN 407 Media Law 3(3-0), F,S

Prerequisite: MED 120. History and application of the speech and press clause of the First Amendment; libel law, privacy law, copyright and other legal matters relating to mass media; relation of media law to journalistic ethics.

JRN 476 Newspaper Editing 3(3-0), F,S

Prerequisite: JRN 370. Principles and practices of copy-editing and rewriting news stories, headline writing, use of graphics, and makeup for print and online newspapers.

JRN 477 Publications 3(2-2), F,S

Prerequisite: JRN 270. Design and production of tabloids, magazines, newsletters, and brochures using desktop publishing techniques; survey of printing processes and type selection; use of color, graphics, and photographs.

JRN 481 Broadcast News Reporting 3(2-2), S

Prerequisite: JRN 381 and JRN 388. Fundamentals of researching, gathering, and reporting broadcast news; creating news packages for radio and television.

JRN 492 Independent Study in Journalism 1-3, D

Prerequisite: JRN 270 and permission of instructor. Supervised independent study exploring topics determined by the student in consultation with journalism faculty member. May be repeated to a total of 6 hours with permission of the department.

JRN 590 Issues in Journalism 3(3-0), D

Prerequisite: 60 hours. A variable content course addressing topics of current interest as well as timeless issues. May be repeated to a total of 6 hours with permission if topic is different.

JRN 595 (574) Journalism Internship 1-6, F,S

Prerequisite: 60 hours and permission of instructor. Work experience with a professional news organization. The student will be provided an educational opportunity not available through classroom experience. The instructor must approve all necessary paperwork before the student may begin the internship. May be repeated to a total of 6 hours.

Mass Media Courses

MED 120 Mass Media and Society 3(3-0), F,S

General Education Course (Culture and Society/Social Sciences Perspective) Theories and issues related to mass media as agents of social change. Both print and electronic media will be covered, including newspapers, radio, television and film.

MED 204 Survey of Mass Media Theory 3(3-0), F,S

A survey of the history, development, and current state of mass communication theory and its relationship to the ways in which mediated messages are delivered and received.

MED 274 Introduction to Film 3(2-2), F,S

The aesthetic and technical perspective of all types of motion pictures (narrative, non-narrative, experimental), using a number of selected domestic and foreign films as examples. Written analyses are required. Viewing of selected films outside of class time may be required.

MED 290 Introduction to Multimedia Design 3(2-2), F

Prerequisite: ART 100 or ART 110. A broad exploration of multimedia design via readings and creative experiences. The following areas are considered: principles underlying the production of multimedia titles, elements of appropriate multimedia design, evaluation of existing multimedia releases, and group participation in a multimedia project.

MED 300 Special Topics in Media 1-3, D

A course upon a single topic of current interest. May be repeated to a total of 6 hours if topics are different. Approved recurring course topic: Authoring DVD Portfolios and Press Kits. 2(2-0) D. Interactive design aspects of authoring for DVD. The course focuses on the implementation of interactivity to help the students promote themselves as visual artists. Course includes preproduction and previsualization, menu pages, buttons, transitions, slide shows, audio components, and presenting your work in an efficient manner geared to having an impact on your target audience. Students should have previously completed video, audio and graphic work such as portfolio items to be used in the final DVD project. Approved recurring course topic: Documentary Film History and Theory. 2(2-0) D. Students will screen a series of classic documentary films as they study the history, theory, and the social role played by documentaries in the 20th century. The course will examine those characteristics that distinguish the documentary from other film genres. The diversity and historical development of the genre will also be traced through critical essays written by documentary film makers and critics, and through discussions of classic films. Approved recurring course topic: James Bond and the Movies. 1(1-0) D. Historical view of the way in which the James Bond film series, the longest-running series in movie history, progressed, changed and adapted as well as how it influenced not only the whole spy/action/adventure film genre but society itself over a period of more than three decades. Approved recurring course topic: The Portrayal of Women in Television Situation Comedies. 2(2-0) D. Students will examine what we have been watching on prime time television between 1952 and the present in an attempt to determine how the image of women, as seen in network situation comedies, has evolved. Two questions will frame the course: 1) Is there a correlation between what we watch and how we act? 2) Is there a correlation between sitcom life and real life?

MED 305 Service Learning in Media 1, F,S

Prerequisite: 30 hours and concurrent registration in a media course designated as a service learning offering. This service component for an existing course incorporates community service with classroom instruction in media to provide an integrative learning experience that addresses the practice of citizenship and promotes an awareness of and participation in public affairs. Includes 40 hours of service that benefits an external community organization, agency, or public service provider. Approved service placements and assignments will vary depending on the specific course topic and learning objectives; a list of approved placements and assignments is available from the instructor and the Citizenship and Service Learning Office. May be repeated but no more than two hours of service learning may count toward graduation.

MED 320 (486) Understanding the Broadcast Industry 3(3-0), D

Prerequisite: MED 120. An overview of national and local broadcast operations, including a detailed examination of national and local broadcast operations including organizational structure, management functions, program production and distribution strategies, program management, sales, promotion and research.

MED 325 History of Broadcasting 3(3-0), F,S

The development and growth of broadcasting with emphasis on political economic history, regulatory development and programming history and development.

MED 355 New Communication Technologies 3(3-0), D

Prerequisite: MED 120. An examination of existing and future communication technologies, the role each might play in the emerging telecommunications environment, and the effects of these technologies on current and future television and audio program development and distribution.

MED 365 Media Design and Production 3(2-3), F,S

Prerequisite: MED 120. A study of visual aesthetics and production techniques used in film and video. Students will learn image, motion design, sound, and nonlinear concepts that will be reinforced through video production exercises.

MED 374 History of Film I 3(2-2), F

An examination of the evolution of film technique and theory from 1895 to World War II. Emphasis is placed on the social impact of film and on the artistic and technical aspects of the medium. Viewing of selected films outside of class may be required.

MED 375 History of Film II 3(2-2), S

An examination of the evolution of film technique and theory from World War II to the present. Emphasis is placed on the social impact of film and on the artistic and technical aspects of the medium. Viewing of selected films outside of class may be required.

MED 381 Broadcast Writing 3(3-0), F,S

Prerequisite: ENG 110. An examination of the principles and production techniques involved in writing broadcast copy. Three areas will be investigated in depth: copywriting for radio and television, news writing and feature story preparation.

MED 382 Radio Production 3(2-2), F,S

Theory and practice of radio production techniques, procedures, and aesthetics. Emphasis is placed on production, programming, use of audio equipment and digital software, and analysis of the technical and aesthetic quality of radio programs.

MED 383 Television Production 3(2-4), F,S

Prerequisite: MED 365. Orientation to and practical experience in creating TV production in the professional studio setting.

MED 384 Internet Radio Practicum 3(2-2), D

Practice in the Internet environment creating actual radio programming in such areas as Music, Talk, News, Sports, and Live Events. Instruction will be provided in promotion, operations and streaming technology and in preparing a portfolio CD. A basic knowledge of computers, audio editing and the content area of the proposed radio show are necessary. May be repeated to a total of 6 hours.

MED 390 Website Design and Construction 3(3-1), D

Prerequisite: ART 100 or ART 110. Through readings and production experiences, students are expected to acquire a basic working knowledge of WWW site design. Web design is analyzed on many levels: audience considerations, screen layout, navigation controls, image use, interactivity options, etc. This course includes the creation and publication of a website.

MED 454 Media Analysis and Criticism 3(3-0), F,S

Prerequisite: MED 120 and MED 204. The political, cultural, economic and social impact of the American media and their content as they affect and influence the individual and the culture.

MED 461 Sound Editing and Mixing 3(2-2), F

Prerequisite: MED 365. Fundamental theoretical and practical principles of sound editing and mixing for film-video. Emphasis will be placed on audio post-production. Students will learn editing and mixing techniques using digital audio software, and they will edit and mix a variety of exercises designed for both aesthetic and technical considerations.

MED 462 TV/Film Producing 3(3-0), F

An in-depth examination of the producer's various roles in television and film production. Practical experience with script breakdowns, scheduling and budgets will provide the student with an understanding of the various aspects of production and how the development and structure of the script can affect the production's outcome.

MED 463 Writing Adaptations for Television and Film 3(3-0), S

Study and practice in adapting material for television or film. Plot decisions, character redefinition and story structure will be examined through analysis and application. Students will select a source to adapt and will create a polished outline and selected scenes from original materials during the course. This course will also review the legalities and business issues of public domain right versus options and licensing.

MED 464 Genre Writing for Television and Film 3(3-0), F

An overview of the expectations and requirements of the various genres, including comedy, mystery, romance, horror, science fiction and fantasy. Students will study the past, present and possible future trends of each genre in the television and film markets. The course will focus on what defines audience expectations. Students will craft characters, plot, dialogue, settings and themes that are genre specific.

MED 465 Principles of Cinematography and Editing 3(2-2), F

Prerequisite: MED 365. The fundamental theoretical and practical principles of editing and lighting for film and video. Location lighting and camera techniques and aesthetics will be explored in depth. Editing theory will be addressed as students learn non-linear editing techniques. The class will shoot and edit a variety of exercises designed to illustrate the theoretical, practical, and aesthetic issues explored in this course.

MED 470 Special Topics in Film 3(2-2), F

An examination of special topics from historical or current interest in film. Subject will vary from semester to semester depending on student interest and faculty availability. Examples: Experimental Films, Science Fiction and Horror in Film, Film as Propaganda, The Image of Minorities in Film, the French New Wave, Film Criticism. May be repeated to a total of 6 hours. Viewing of selected films outside of class may be required. Variable Content Course. Approved recurring course topic: Animation. 3(2-2) D. An examination of the history and aesthetics of animation, including both commercial and independent animation. Animation techniques (cel, computer, pixilation, cut-out, etc.), national animation industries (Hollywood, Japanese, Eastern European, etc.), and significant issues of contemporary animation studies will be covered. Written research essays are required, and film viewing outside of class may be required. Approved recurring course topic: Asian Cinema. 3(2-2) D. An examination of the art and industry of Asian cinema, looking at the histories and aesthetic features of the films (both mainstream and alternative) of the major filmmaking nations of Asia, as well as the practical and social factors involved in filmmaking in Asia. Written research essays are required, and film viewing outside of class may be required.

MED 490 Multimedia Interactivity Design 3(2-2), D

Prerequisite: MED 290 and MED 365. An advanced study of interactive multimedia design based on human-computer interaction principles. Course will include the creation of a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM project incorporating interactivity as a core multimedia design element. May be repeated to a total of 6 hours if topics are different.Approved recurring course topic: Flash for the Web. 3(2-2) D. A detailed exploration into the practical use and artistic applications of Flash multimedia software for creation of online interactive media. Approved recurring course topic: Game Design and Development. 3(2-2) D. An investigation into methods of creating real-time, 3D animated games without programming. Students will be introduced to the latest software applications allowing 3D artists and animators to create interactive immersive environments and games without writing codes.

MED 492 Independent Study in Electronic Media 2-3, F,S

Prerequisite: admission to a departmental major, permission of instructor and 6 hours of upper division MED or JRN coursework. Supervised independent study exploring selected areas determined by the student in consultation with the media faculty. Course work may include readings, term papers, or projects. May be repeated to a total of 6 hours with permission of the department.

MED 498 Senior Project in Electronic Arts 2(2-0), F,S

Prerequisite: ART 300. Admission to this course is contingent upon the successful completion of the Electronic Arts junior portfolio review. Under advisement from faculty, media students will form production teams consisting of video production, computer animation, and audio production students. Each team will produce a broadcast-quality audio or video project which may assume various forms, such as a music video, a computer animation piece, or a short dramatic video. The first two hours will be spent in pre-production preparations for the approved senior project. The second two hours will involve production and post-production of the approved project. This course must be repeated in sequence for a total of four hours. If a student drops out of the second semester of MED 498, the student will have to join a new senior project group and repeat the first semester (preproduction phase) for a replacement grade before completing the final two hours of the course.

MED 561 Sound Design 3(2-2), S

Prerequisite: MED 461. Students will learn how to design sound for film/video and how to carry out aesthetic considerations during film/video production. The art of sound design will be explored in depth, enhanced by recording techniques in field sound production and advanced techniques in editing and mixing. The concept of digital surrounding sound is also covered.

MED 562 Electronic Field Production 3(2-2), S

Prerequisite: MED 465. Planning, designing and executing single camera video production in non-studio settings. Emphasis will be placed on narrative projects that require advanced application of media design concepts including cinematography, nonlinear editing, directing, producing, and sound design.

MED 565 Screenwriting 3(3-0), F,S

Writing the feature film screenplay. Students will study characterization, structure, plot, description, dialogue and format. The course will include screenings and discussion of feature films and their screenplays, and the business of professional screenwriting. Student will create a premise, character biographies, story structure and scene outline as well as generate their first draft of a short film screenplay or the first act of a full-length film for student and instructor critique and feedback.

MED 566 Writing the One-Hour Drama Teleplay 3(3-0), F,S

An in-depth look at the elements of writing for the one-hour television market. The course will include the foundations of study structure and play, character and conflict, dialogue and setting, and how to apply these elements to storytelling on the small screen. Writing will include development of a story through outline and beat sheets as well as a first and polished draft of an episode of a currently run television series. Students will learn to pitch their ideas effectively to writer-producers.

MED 567 Script Rewriting and Marketing 3(3-0), S

Prerequisite: MED 565 or 566. An examination of the many phases of rewriting television or feature length screenplays for professional submission. Students will analyze and critique screenplays and teleplays, apply rewriting methods to their scripts for workshop, create a marketing business plan for submission, and receive feedback.

MED 570 Film Theory 3(2-2), D

An analysis of the art of film by using classical and contemporary film theory to investigate such aspects as the relationship between form and content, visual style and the nature of pictorial motion. Weekly screenings and discussions of short films, excerpts, complete classics and contemporary films.

MED 580 Media in Politics 3(3-0), D

Prerequisite: MED 120; and COM 209 or MED 204. An in-depth examination of the role of print and electronic media in American politics. Emphasis is placed on media coverage of government, social issues, and political campaigns. The course examines both the strategies of paid media and the media's coverage of politics as news.

MED 581 Issues in Media Ethics 3(3-0), F,S

Prerequisite: MED 120 and MED 204. An investigation of fundamental ethical issues and their implications for media practitioners. Responsibilities of media practitioners to the public, advertising agencies, the government, and special interest groups will be examined. Special attention will be paid to the possibility of conflict between the business of media and general ethical considerations.

MED 583 Producing and Directing for Television 3(2-2), D

Prerequisite: MED 383. Principles, skills, and techniques involved in effective television directing. Practical experience in producing and directing a variety of television formats.

MED 595 (495) Media Internship 1-6, F,S

Prerequisite: 60 hours and permission of the instructor. Work experience with a professional media organization. The student will be provided an educational opportunity not available through classroom experience. The instructor must approve all necessary paperwork before the student may begin the internship. May be repeated to a total of 6 hours.

MED 597 Advanced Studies in Media 3(3-0), D

Prerequisite: permission of instructor. In-depth examination of a special topic in media. The variable content course may be repeated to a total of 6 hours.

MED 598 Seminar in Broadcast Management 3(3-0), D

An in-depth analysis of management issues in the broadcast industry. Current theory and specific practices are examined and applied to broadcast operations.

MED 604 Theory and Research in Mass Communication 3(3-0), S

Survey of theories, models and research in mass communication. Topics include propaganda, attitude change, agenda-setting and media effects research.