Media, Journalism and Film Courses

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

A course upon a single topic of current interest. May be repeated to a maximum of six hours with permission if topics are different.

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.

Instruction and practice in gathering news material, writing news reports, and editing copy. Includes introduction to news beats and specialized reporting techniques.

Instruction and practice in writing editorials, opinion columns, news analyses and critical reviews.

Practice in writing feature articles for print and online publications, including human interest stories, news features, personality profiles, how-to articles and historical pieces.

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.

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.

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.

Instruction and practice in news gathering techniques for television. Students will learn the basics of video production (shooting, editing, lighting, etc.) and reporting as well as advanced storytelling techniques, including solo reporting, recording natural sound packages, and live shot production and reporting. Emphasis is placed on gaining expertise in shooting and editing techniques as they apply to news.

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. May be taught concurrently with JRN 607. Cannot receive credit for both JRN 407 and JRN 607.

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

Instruction and practice in multimedia reporting and publishing for mobile screens, including digital still photography, video, audio, social media, and text. The course will also address content management systems for the web, compatibility for mobile display, ethics, and legal concerns. Note: Students must have a current smartphone.

Instruction and practice in multi-platform news producing. Students will learn news judgment, how to create a rundown, and how to make critical decisions that are essential to producing.

Supervised independent study exploring topics determined by the student in consultation with journalism faculty member. May be repeated to a maximum of six hours with permission of the department.

Students will work with faculty supervisor on equipment-based journalism projects. Particular focus on leadership and communication skills, as well as using technology appropriate to the professional workplace. Variable content course. May be repeated to a maximum of six hours with permission of the department when project is different.

Capstone course on instruction and practice in advanced reporting techniques, including gathering material and writing in-depth stories on public affairs issues, with an emphasis on state and local government.

A variable content course addressing topics of current interest as well as timeless issues. May be repeated to a maximum of six hours with permission if topic is different. May be taught concurrently with JRN 690. Cannot receive credit for both JRN 590 and JRN 690.

Practical on-air experience with a student-run news program. Students will produce, report, anchor and work as studio crew for a weekly show. May be repeated to a maximum of six hours.

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 maximum of six hours.

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. May be taught concurrently with JRN 407. Cannot receive credit for both JRN 407 and JRN 607.

A variable content course addressing topics of current interest as well as timeless issues. May be repeated to a maximum of six hours with permission if topic is different. May be taught concurrently with JRN 590. Cannot receive credit for both JRN 590 and JRN 690.

Work experience with news organizations. 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 maximum of six hours. May be taught concurrently with JRN 595. Cannot receive credit for both JRN 595 and JRN 695.

The course examines theories and issues related to mass media. Students will understand the media's role through historical, present and future trends as agents of social change and cultural influence. The course will examine the media as an industry and its critical role as the fourth estate in American democracy.

An introduction to professionalism across all areas of media. Emphasis will be placed on collaborating to produce audio, video, web and social media content. Students create and maintain an online portfolio, learn to manage a professional online presence, and learn to write basic proposals for media projects.

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.

A broad exploration of multimedia design via readings and creative experiences. The following areas are considered: fundamental design principles, effective multimedia design, implementation and implications of multimedia, evaluation of existing multimedia examples, and collaboration in a group multimedia project.

A course upon a single topic of current interest. Topics may include: Asian Horror Cinema; Great Directors; Sci-Fi Noir; The Films of the Coen Brothers; Advanced Storytelling; Promoting Yourself in the Digital Age; Miyazaki!; Disney Animation: The Golden Age; Warner Bros. Animation: The Golden Age; Steadicam Practicum; Selling Your Idea: The Art of the Pitch; Collaborate: Make a Web Series; Storytelling Across All Media; Reality TV and Genre; Writing the Short Film. Variable content course. May be repeated to a maximum of six hours if topics are different. May be taught concurrently with MED 600. Cannot receive credit for both MED 300 and MED 600 for the same topic.

An examination of the history, development, and current state of media effects theory and research. Emphasis will be from a social science perspective and will consider behavioral, cognitive, emotional, and other media effects.

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.

An introduction to theories applied in the field of cultural studies. Emphasis will be placed on primary sources and their application to literature, media, and popular culture. Identical with ENG 317. Cannot receive credit for both ENG 317 and MED 317.

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.

The development and growth of U.S. mass media from their origins through the development of the internet. Emphasis will be placed on changing technologies, changing socio-political roles and changing structure of the mass media industry.

This course is designed for students who are not majoring in Digital Film and Television Production, Mass Media (Comprehensive) or Electronic Arts. The course will provide an opportunity to learn and practice basic film and video production techniques while applying knowledge from lectures. The individual and group projects completed in the course will emphasize preproduction planning and creative use of the camera, lighting, sound and editing. Students will learn a wide range of practical production strategies.

An overview of how social media are changing the ways we communicate, collaborate and create through digital media. Students will examine the historical, theoretical and practical implications of social media on human communication through a series of critical readings, media presentations and practical encounters with social networking.

An introduction to the fundamental craft of writing for film and television. Students will learn format, structure, and the principles of character-based storytelling, as well as the basics of the film and television industry. Combining lectures and workshops, students will focus on scene work before outlining and completing a short film script. Variable content course. May be repeated to a maximum of six hours when project changes. May be taught concurrently with MED 660. Cannot receive credit for both MED 360 and MED 660 for the same project.

A foundational audio course with an emphasis on field and custom sound recording. The course is designed to invoke awareness and creativity of sound as an art form to deliver the message and convey the feeling. Fundamental recording technologies and techniques will be introduced to record the sounds from the field and live events, and to edit and mix them with basic tactics. Students are expected to apply the knowledge to design and manipulate sounds creatively for a variety of applications, such as film, television, radio, podcasting, games, and immersive media.

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.

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. May be taught concurrently with MED 674. Cannot receive credit for both MED 374 and MED 674.

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. May be taught concurrently with MED 675. Cannot receive credit for both MED 375 and MED 675.

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.

Study and exploration of the creativity of sound through recording and editing/mixing, with an emphasis on sound design for motion pictures, in studio and post-production settings. Students will learn to "see" the diegetic and non-diegetic sounds in movies and create them, particularly in the form of ADRs and Foleys, to improve and enrich movie soundtracks and ultimately enhance storytelling. The essential sound recording and editing technology, workflow and techniques will be taught and applied to a set of designated hands-on projects.

Orientation to and practical experience in creating TV production in the professional studio setting.

This intermediate-level production course focuses on how to work with a client when producing video packages for business, corporate, commercial, and other forms of non-fiction media production. Students will learn how to interview a client to find out their needs, then go through the pre-to-post production process on how to create original content packages for the client. This course is geared toward creating viable content for the students' demo reels, and will work with a community partner to produce real-world videos for use by the organization(s) the course will be working with during the semester.

An overview of multimedia design and multimedia-specific concepts. The course will look at multimedia design standards on multiple levels; content design and creation, user experience, navigation, interface, functionality, interactivity, multimedia integration, etc. Students will create and publish a website.

Students gain a general understanding of the history and theory of documentary film by investigating the major creative approaches, the impact of technological advances in filmmaking, and the differences and similarities between nonfiction and fiction narratives in film. Students learn to write effective film criticism – to craft a well-reasoned critical analysis of a documentary film.

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

An introduction to the theoretical and practical principles of sound editing for digital film and TV post-production. Students will be exposed to sound-design ideas and learn sound-editing skills and techniques using a professional sound-editing program. Students will design and build soundtracks for digital film and TV with both aesthetic and technical considerations.

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.

Study and practice in adapting material for television or film. During the course, students will select a source to adapt and will outline and begin writing their script. Variable content course. May be repeated when project changes. May be taught concurrently with MED 663. Cannot receive credit for both MED 463 and MED 663 for the same project.

An overview of the expectations and requirements of various genres in both film and television. Students will study past, present and possible future trends of each genre in the professional marketplace. The course will focus on what defines audience expectations as students write for different genres. Variable content course. May be repeated when project changes. May be taught concurrently with MED 664. Cannot receive credit for both MED 464 and MED 664 for the same project.

The fundamental theoretical and practical principles of using the camera and lighting for film and video. Studio and location lighting, camera techniques, and aesthetics will be explored in depth. Students will light and shoot a variety of exercises designed to illustrate the theoretical, practical, and aesthetic issues explored in this course.

An examination of the theoretical, historical, and practical principles involved in editing narrative film and video. Students will learn intermediate editing techniques. Editing theory and aesthetics will be addressed through a series of editing exercises pulled from feature films and television series. Issues of narrative clarity, dramatic focus, pacing, and effective storytelling will be emphasized.

An examination of special topics from historical or current interest in film. Topic will vary from semester to semester depending on student interest and faculty availability. Approved recurring course topics: Animation, Asian Cinema, Postmodern Trends in Movies, Women Directors, Women Characters in Film. Viewing of selected films outside of class may be required. Variable content course. May be repeated to a maximum of six hours when the topic is different. May be taught concurrently with MED 690. Cannot receive credit for both MED 470 and MED 690 for the same topic.

An examination of the theoretical, historical and practical fundamentals of film directing. Students will explore techniques for successful script/scene analysis, visualization, collaboration with cast and crew, and set management. Via a series of short but increasingly complex projects, students will gain an understanding of what it takes to successfully lead a production.

Secondary level of multi-camera or film-style production. Students serve as production assistants and crew members, generally on a larger project being led by students in a senior-level capstone or electronic arts course, under the supervision of and in tandem with another class.

An advanced study of interactive multimedia design based on human-computer interaction principles. Course will include the creation of a project incorporating interactivity as a core element. Topics may include mobile applications, site-specific multimedia design, trans-media, advanced physical interactivity, or advanced Flash design. Variable content course. May be repeated to a maximum of six hours if topics are different.

Supervised independent study exploring selected areas determined by the student in consultation with the media faculty. Coursework may include readings, term papers, or projects. May be repeated to a maximum of six hours with permission of the department.

Students will work closely with faculty supervisor to produce and create film, television, or internet projects. Particular focus on leadership and communication skills, as well as using technology appropriate to the professional workplace. Variable content course. May be repeated to a maximum of six hours with permission of the department when project is different.

Admission to this course is contingent upon the successful completion of the Electronics Arts junior portfolio review and the achievement of a C grade or better in all required option courses completed at the time of the junior portfolio review. Under advisement from faculty, EA students will form production teams consisting of computer animation, video, interactive new media and audio studies students. Each team will produce a broadcast-quality project over two semesters. The first semester will be spent in pre-production preparations for the approved senior project. The second semester will involve production and post-production of the approved project. This course must be repeated in sequence for a total of six hours across a single academic year. Identical with ART 498. Public Affairs Capstone Experience course.

Students study documentary techniques in video, audio, and photography leading to the development of a formal documentary project proposal. Emphasis is placed on idea development and pre-production with journalistic research standards. Students will have the opportunity to contribute to documentary projects currently in production as well as complete several, short documentary production exercises.

An in-depth exploration of the art of sound design for digital film and TV. Students will learn how to carry out the aesthetic considerations of sound through the mixing process. Emphasis will be placed on advanced sound editing for sub- and final mixing, mix engineering, sound-effect processing and surround-sound practice. Students will learn how to mix a movie's dialogue, sound effects, ambience and music into stereo and surround tracks. May be taught concurrently with MED 661. Cannot receive credit for both MED 561 and MED 661.

A film-style production class in high-definition digital filmmaking. Students will form small production teams to plan, design, and produce short narrative films. May be taught concurrently with MED 662. Cannot receive credit for both MED 562 and MED 662.

Writing the feature film screenplay. Students will study format, structure, and the effective tools of screenwriting. The course will include discussion of feature films and their screenplays, as well as the business of professional screenwriting. Students will create a premise, outline their projects, and write the first act of a feature-length film. Variable content course. May be repeated when project changes. May be taught concurrently with MED 667. Cannot receive credit for both MED 565 and MED 667 for the same project.

This course will focus on the foundations of structure, character, conflict, dialogue, and setting, and how to apply these elements to storytelling on the small screen. Students will learn to pitch their ideas effectively to writer-producers and then outline, write, and polish a spec script for a currently running television series. Variable content course. May be repeated when project changes. May be taught concurrently with MED 668. Cannot receive credit for both MED 566 and MED 668 for the same project.

An examination of the many phases of rewriting television or feature length screenplays for professional submission. Students will rewrite and workshop their scripts with an eye toward the current marketplace. Variable content course. May be taught concurrently with MED 669. Cannot receive credit for both MED 567 and MED 669 for the same project.

An advanced practicum in conceiving and collaboratively writing an original episodic series for the web. Students will work together in an intimate writers' room atmosphere to develop original web series for future production at Missouri State. Emphasis will be on sustainable premises, filmable budgets, and compelling character-based conflicts. Variable content course. May be repeated to a maximum of six hours when project changes. May be taught concurrently with MED 671. Cannot receive credit for both MED 568 and MED 671 for the same project.

Focus on group discussion and criticism. Students either build on past work to complete a feature length screenplay or else write a new television pilot and series bible. Variable content course. May be repeated to a maximum of six hours when project changes. May be taught concurrently with MED 672. Cannot receive credit for both MED 569 and MED 672 for the same project.

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. May be taught concurrently with MED 670. Cannot receive credit for both MED 570 and MED 670.

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. May be taught concurrently with MED 680. Cannot receive credit for both MED 580 and MED 680.

An examination of legal and ethical issues in media, including news and information media, entertainment media, and social media. Focus on the historical foundations of media rights and regulation and the application of ethical principles to past and current debates about media practice and content. May be taught concurrently with MED 681. Cannot receive credit for both MED 581 and MED 681. Public Affairs Capstone Experience course.

This course will present the essential components of entrepreneurial producing, including obtaining investors, pre-sales, international co-financing and production, business negotiations, collaborating with unions and film commissions, procuring A-List talent, and others. Students will workshop an existing feature film with the intentions of "pitching" a modern remake to ideal investors and distribution outlets. Students will design a comprehensive package - including financing, budgeting, marketing and distribution strategy - that is realistic in the contemporary marketplace. May be taught concurrently with MED 684. Cannot receive credit for both MED 582 and MED 684.

Principles, skills, and techniques involved in advanced television production. Practical experience in writing, producing, directing and editing non-fiction television content for a video-magazine, news show, and/or promotions. May be taught concurrently with MED 683. Cannot receive credit for both MED 583 and MED 683.

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 maximum of six hours. May be taught concurrently with MED 695. Cannot receive credit for both MED 595 and MED 695.

In-depth examination of a special topic in media. Variable content course. May be repeated to a maximum of six hours. May be taught concurrently with MED 697. Cannot receive credit for both MED 597 and MED 697.

A course upon a single topic of current interest. Topics may include: Asian Horror Cinema; Great Directors; Sci-Fi Noir; The Films of the Coen Brothers; Advanced Storytelling; Promoting Yourself in the Digital Age; Miyazaki!; Disney Animation: The Golden Age; Warner Bros. Animation: The Golden Age; Steadicam Practicum; Selling Your Idea: The Art of the Pitch; Collaborate: Make a Web Series; Storytelling Across All Media; Reality TV and Genre; Writing the Short Film. May be repeated to a maximum of six hours if topics are different. May be taught concurrently with MED 300. Cannot receive credit for both MED 300 and MED 600 for the same topic.

An introduction to the craft of playwriting with a focus on process. Students learn dramatic structure, complete writing assignments, and analyze their scripts in workshops before ultimately writing and revising a 20-30 minute one-act play.

An introduction to the fundamental craft of writing for film and television. Students will learn format, structure, and the principles of character-based storytelling, as well as the basics of the film and television industry. Combining lectures and workshops, students will focus on scene work before outlining and completing a short film script. Variable content course. May be repeated to a maximum of six hours when project changes. May be taught concurrently with MED 360. Cannot receive credit for both MED 360 and MED 660 for the same project.

An in-depth exploration of the art of sound design for digital film and TV. Students will learn how to carry out the aesthetic considerations of sound through the mixing process. Emphasis will be placed on advanced sound editing for sub- and final mixing, mix engineering, sound-effect processing and surround-sound practice. Students will learn how to mix a movie's dialogue, sound effects, ambience and music into stereo and surround tracks. May be taught concurrently with MED 561. Cannot receive credit for both MED 561 and MED 661.

A film-style production class in high-definition digital filmmaking. Students will form small production teams to plan, design, and produce short narrative films. May be taught concurrently with MED 562. Cannot receive credit for both MED 562 and MED 662.

Study and practice in adapting material for television or film. During the course, students will select a source to adapt and will outline and begin writing their script. Variable content course. May be repeated when project changes. May be taught concurrently with MED 463. Cannot receive credit for both MED 463 and MED 663 for the same project.

An overview of the expectations and requirements of various genres in both film and television. Students will study past, present and possible future trends of each genre in the professional marketplace. The course will focus on what defines audience expectations as students write for different genres. Variable content course. May be repeated when project changes. May be taught concurrently with MED 464. Cannot receive credit for both MED 464 and MED 664 for the same project.

Writing the feature film screenplay. Students will study format, structure, and the effective tools of screenwriting. The course will include discussion of feature films and their screenplays, as well as the business of professional screenwriting. Students will create a premise, outline their projects, and write the first act of a feature-length film. Variable content course. May be repeated when project changes. May be taught concurrently with MED 565. Cannot receive credit for both MED 565 and MED 667 for the same project.

This course will focus on the foundations of structure, character, conflict, dialogue, and setting, and how to apply these elements to storytelling on the small screen. Students will learn to pitch their ideas effectively to writer-producers and then outline, write, and polish a spec script for a currently running television series. Variable content course. May be repeated when project changes. May be taught concurrently with MED 566. Cannot receive credit for both MED 566 and MED 668 for the same project.

An examination of the many phases of rewriting television or feature length screenplays for professional submission. Students will rewrite and workshop their scripts with an eye toward the current marketplace. Variable content course. May be taught concurrently with MED 567. Cannot receive credit for both MED 567 and MED 669 for the same project.

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 film excerpts, complete classics and contemporary films. May be taught concurrently with MED 570. Cannot receive credit for both MED 570 and MED 670.

An advanced practicum in conceiving and collaboratively writing an original episodic series for the web. Students will work together in an intimate writers' room atmosphere to develop original web series for future production at Missouri State. Emphasis will be on sustainable premises, filmable budgets, and compelling character-based conflicts. Variable content course. May be repeated to a maximum of six hours when project changes. May be taught concurrently with MED 568. Cannot receive credit for both MED 568 and MED 671 for the same project.

Focus on group discussion and criticism. Students either build on past work to complete a feature length screenplay or else write a new television pilot and series bible. Variable content course. May be repeated to a maximum of six hours when project changes. May be taught concurrently with MED 569. Cannot receive credit for both MED 569 and MED 672 for the same project.

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. May be taught concurrently with MED 374. Cannot receive credit for both MED 374 and MED 674.

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. May be taught concurrently with MED 375. Cannot receive credit for both MED 375 and MED 675.

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. May be taught concurrently with MED 580. Cannot receive credit for both MED 580 and MED 680.

An examination of legal and ethical issues in media, including news and information media, entertainment media, and social media. Focus on the historical foundations of media rights and regulation and the application of ethical principles to past and current debates about media practice and content. May be taught concurrently with MED 581. Cannot receive credit for both MED 581 and MED 681.

Principles, skills, and techniques involved in advanced television production. Practical experience in writing, producing, directing and editing non-fiction television content for a video-magazine, news show, and/or promotions. May be taught concurrently with MED 583. Cannot receive credit for both MED 583 and MED 683.

This course will present the essential components of entrepreneurial producing, including obtaining investors, pre-sales, international co-financing and production, business negotiations, collaborating with unions and film commissions, procuring A-List talent, and others. Students will workshop an existing feature film with the intentions of "pitching" a modern remake to ideal investors and distribution outlets. Students will design a comprehensive package - including financing, budgeting, marketing and distribution strategy - that is realistic in the contemporary marketplace. May be taught concurrently with MED 582. Cannot receive credit for both MED 582 and MED 684.

An examination of special topics from historical or current interest in film. Topic will vary from semester to semester depending on student interest and faculty availability. Approved recurring course topics: Animation, Asian Cinema, Postmodern Trends in Movies, Women Directors, Women Characters in Film. Viewing of selected films outside of class may be required. Variable content course. May be repeated to a maximum of six hours when the topic is different. May be taught concurrently with MED 470. Cannot receive credit for both MED 470 and MED 690 for the same topic.

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 maximum of six hours. May be taught concurrently with MED 595. Cannot receive credit for both MED 595 and MED 695.

In-depth examination of a special topic in media. Variable content course. May be repeated to a maximum of six hours. May be taught concurrently with MED 597. Cannot receive credit for both MED 597 and MED 697.

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

An introduction to the fundamental craft of writing for film, television, and the web. Students learn format, structure, and the principles of character-based storytelling, as well as some basics of the film and television industry. Combining lectures and workshops, students focus on scene work before outlining and completing a short film script.

The course will include discussion of feature films and their screenplays, as well as the business of professional screenwriting. Students will create a premise, outline their projects, and write the first act of a feature-length film.

Students workshop and complete the scripts for the feature films begun in MED 712.

Focus on the television industry and how to apply the fundamentals of screenwriting to episodic storytelling for the small screen. Students will learn to pitch their ideas effectively to writer-producers and then outline, write, and polish a spec script for a currently running television series.

An examination of the many phases of rewriting feature-length screenplays for professional submission. Students will rewrite and workshop their scripts with an eye toward the current marketplace.

Students will analyze successful series pilots and learn about the process and demands of creating an original television or web series. After selecting an original premise, students then design a series bible, and write a completed pilot episode for a unique television or web series.

Intensive workshop of a new feature film script, full-length play, series pilot, or equivalent work aimed for the current marketplace. This course will include pitching, premise selection, in-class staged readings, and roundtable feedback sessions.

Advanced workshop of the revised feature film script, full-length play, series pilot, or equivalent work developed in MED 717. Students will complete extensive rewrites and polishes to prepare the script for professional submission.

Students will prepare their professional writing portfolio, completing multiple rewrites and polishes to get all components (two features, two shorts, a pilot and spec TV script, and a one-act play) ready for professional submission.

An in-depth examination of the producer's various roles in television and film production. Practical experience with grant writing, script breakdowns, scheduling, budgets, and business plan development 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.

An introductory course in cinematic storytelling. Students will write, shoot, and edit short video production projects, analyzing and discussing them in class.

An examination of the basic principles, skills, and techniques of directing for both film and the stage. Students will explore techniques for successful script/scene analysis, visualization, collaboration with cast and crew, and set management. They will also learn procedures in selecting, analyzing, casting, and producing a play. Through hands-on assignments students will gain practical experience in both areas of directing.

Practicum in pre-production for both web series and stage projects.

Practicum in staging productions for web series and theater.

Practicum in producing a short narrative film. Students will work closely with faculty supervisor. Variable topic course. May be repeated to a maximum of six hours with permission of the department when project is different.

Practicum in producing a narrative scripted web series. Students will work closely with faculty supervisor. Variable topic course. May be repeated to a maximum of six hours with permission of the department when project is different.

Practicum in producing multicamera studio projects. Students will work closely with faculty supervisor. Variable topic course. May be repeated to a maximum of six hours with permission of the department when project is different.

Practicum in producing either short or feature documentary project. Students will work closely with faculty supervisor. Variable topic course. May be repeated to a maximum of six hours with permission of the department when project is different.

Practicum in producing components of feature films. Students will work closely with faculty supervisor. Variable topic course. May be repeated to a maximum of six hours with permission of the department when project is different.

Practicum in theater producing. Students will work closely with faculty supervisor. Variable topic course. May be repeated to a maximum of six hours with permission of the department when project is different.

Supervised independent study in research of theories or application of learning through a creative project. Variable content course. May be repeated to a maximum of six hours if the content of the research or the project is different.

Students will work closely with faculty supervisor to produce and create film, television, or internet projects. Particular focus on leadership and communication skills, as well as using technology appropriate to the professional workplace. Variable topic course. May be repeated to a maximum of six hours with permission of the department when project is different.

Supervised independent writing project in playwriting. Variable content course. May be repeated to a maximum of six hours if the content of the research or the project is different.