Courses

COM 100 (3 credits)
Basic Writing
Introduction to writing process for incoming freshmen or transfer students who demonstrate weakness in writing. Carries transcript credit but does not count in credits required for graduation. Should be used as elective only after consultation with academic advisor and English faculty chairperson. Does not fulfill any requirements, nor can it substitute for COM 101, the required writing course.

COM 101 (3 credits)
Composition and Research
Core writing requirement, reviews fundamental principles of rhetoric, grammar, punctuation and spelling. Requirements include a research paper using MLA documentation guidelines and several expository papers. Course is available only after placement by departmental faculty. Students must achieve “C” or better to fulfill core requirements.

COM 103 (3 credits)
Fundamentals of Speech
Basic course in the development of communication attitudes and skills with a view to enabling the student to feel comfortable and competent in public speaking ventures. Includes exercises in the oral interpretation of literature; the organization, delivery, and evaluation of various types of speeches; and participation in panels or symposiums.

COM 122 (3 credits)
Mass Media
Introduction to interrelationships between contemporary American life and communication media. Includes a survey of basic theories, models, and practices of mass communication.

COM 131 (3 credits)
Writing for the Media
Introduction to writing styles and format requirements necessary to write for various American media. Emphasis on process of gathering and writing news for print and broadcast media.

COM 132 (1 credit)
Journalism Workshop
Workshop where students write for the College newspaper, The Alvernian, and are responsible for production assignments. Prerequisites or co-requisites: COM 131 or 330 or permission of the instructor. May be repeated.

COM 134 (1 credit)
Theatre Workshop
An overview of the various elements that make up the art of the theater. Students participate in the Alvernia College Theatre Ensemble (ACTE) and are responsible for production assignments. May be repeated for credit.

COM 150 (3 credits)
Introduction to Theatre
A brief, but comprehensive introductory view of the theatre examining all elements that make it a lively art.

COM 155 (3 credits)
Introduction to Acting
Principles of basic acting technique-given circumstances, tasks, facets of embodying and experiencing the portrayal of a character. Some attention given to physical and vocal characterizations.

COM 212 (3 credits)
Grammar Studies
Study of various linguistic theories incorporated with practical application of rules of English syntax and usage. Designed primarily for elementary and secondary English education majors; recommended for English majors and minors. Suggested for all who wish to base improvement in their writing upon sound mechanics and effective rhetorical strategies. Prerequisite: COM 101.

COM 213 (3 credits)
Interpersonal Communication
An introductory survey of basic theories, models, and practices of interpersonal communication. Students learn interpersonal communication principles, sharpen awareness of own and others’ personal communication habits, and ultimately improve interpersonal communication skills.

COM 240 (3 credits)
Public Relations and Advertising
Study of principles and applications of modern public relations and advertising. Emphasis placed on development of promotional campaigns. Topics include media relations, publications, media placement, copy writing, creative development and crisis management.

COM 250 (3 credits)
Interpretation of Film
Critical approach to analyzing film and its significance in contemporary society.

COM 251 (3 credits)
Broadcasting and Electronic Media
Overview of contemporary broadcasting and electronic media with an emphasis on television. Students study the history of broadcasting, development of technology, as well as the business and administrative aspects surrounding broadcast media. Students apply their textbook learning in an actual broadcast facility. At the facility, students produce video assignments such as PSAs (public service announcements) for non-profit organizations. Most of the sessions are held at a local broadcast facility.

COM 255 (3 credits)
Intermediate Acting
Intermediate instruction in techniques for character development including improvisation. Also an introduction to acting styles and acting in verse plays.

COM 261 (3 credits)
Poetry Writing
Workshop in which principle forms of poetry are studied, with emphasis on developing student’s own ability to write poems.

COM 263 (3 credits)
Fiction Writing
Study of fiction styles/techniques aimed at developing student’s ability to write fiction.

COM 310 (1 credit)
Tutoring Assistant
Elective for juniors or seniors demonstrating competence in English and communication courses and are judged qualified to assist students, one to one, with problems in all aspects of effective writing. Permission of departmental faculty required. May be repeated.

COM 330 (3 credits)
News and Feature Writing
Thorough study of news writing techniques; emphasis on development of feature stories, investigative pieces, and multi-source news articles for newspapers and news magazines. Prerequisite: COM 131 or permission of instructor.

COM 332 (3 credits)
Multimedia Design and Editing
Designed to introduce students to the processes involved in planning, designing, creating and copy-editing multimedia projects. Topics include design and layout principles for a variety of print and electronic publications, image and text manipulations, and editing for consistency and clarity.

COM 340 (3 credits)
Advertising Workshop
Students plan and produce advertising programs for the college and/or non-profit organizations; workshop-styled atmosphere.

COM 344 (3 credits)
Writing for the Workplace
Advanced writing course oriented toward communication beyond the academic world. Assignments include correspondence, memos, resumes, proposals, oral presentations, and one or more major reports. Introduce students to current communication software, to familiarize with requirements of writing in their specific disciplines, and to help develop a clear, concise writing style.

COM 350 (3 credits)
Directing for the Stage
Study of the principles and techniques used in leading the production of theatre and the development of the director. Students mount a one-act play. Prerequisites: COM 134, 150, 155, or permission of instructor.

COM 351 (3 credits)
Scriptwriting for Television and Film
Study of the writing of a professional dramatic script for use in television or motion pictures. Students are expected to produce a first draft of an original script by the end of the course.

COM 352 (3 credits)
Video Production
Study of the process of producing a creative work in the video medium. Students are introduced to basic concepts of video production and post-production editing. Most of the classes are held at a local broadcast facility.

COM 355 (3 credits)
Theatre History
A comprehensive study of the history of theatre from its origins through the post WWII era.

COM 360 (3 credits)
Writers Workshop
Seminar for writers who wish to broaden and develop their creative writing skills. Offered as either a poetry writing or fiction writing workshop. Prerequisite: COM 261 or 263 or permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit.

COM 362 (3 credits)
New Media
This course provides understanding and application of current interactive multimedia, exploring the use and integration of visual, textual, and aural components of digital environments. The challenges of writing for nonlinear and interactive texts are explored through online exercises, electronic presentations and publications, and web design. Prerequisite: CIS 114 or permission of instructor.

COM 404 (3 credits)
Arts Operations
Explores business and finance issues associated with working in the arts as a profession. Includes working with arts organizations as well as arts entrepreneurship.

COM 420 (3 credits)
Law and Ethics of Mass Communication
Study of legal and ethical framework within which mass communication media operate. Examines legal philosophy bearing on the mass media, the development of freedom of expression, and privileges and restraints affecting the media. Topics include the study of libel, invasion of privacy, copyright, contempt and government regulation.

COM 422 (3 credits)
Social Impact of Mass Media
Investigates the principal research findings concerning the role of mass media in shaping the attitudes, values, and behaviors of our culture. Includes survey of advanced theories, models and practices of mass communication.

COM 432 (3 credits)
Newspaper Production
Restricted to student editorial staff of the College newspaper, this course requires intensive application (80-100 hours) of skills as copy editors, business managers, or page design and layout editors. Course may be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: COM 131 and permission of The Alvernian adviser.

COM 434 (3 credits)
Senior Production Workshop
Students assume leadership positions in the production of a theatrical event. Experiences may include acting, directing and/or design. Students establish an appropriate project with the director of the theatre program prior to enrolling in the course. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

COM 452 (3 credits)
Television Production
Students are responsible for putting together half-hour television shows that focus on Alvernia College. Students assist in all aspects of television production both in front and behind the camera including anchoring, reporting, producing, lighting, sound, camera and technical directing. Please note classes are held at a local broadcast facility. Course may be repeated once for credit. Prerequisites: COM 251 or COM 352 or permission of instructor.

COM 480 (3 credits)
Research Seminar
Qualified students may choose a creative writing project, a mass media or audio-visual production project, or an intensive study of a phase of communication that culminates in a significant research paper. For senior English or communication majors.

COM 481 (credits vary)
Internship
By special arrangement, a student may be granted up to 12 credits for an extended assignment involving in-depth work in some phase of communication. Such assignments might include an apprenticeship in a TV or radio station, a position as reporter at a local newspaper, internship in the communication division of a corporation or non-profit agency, etc. Prerequisite: 2.5 GPA or permission of department chair.

Updated: December 19, 2005

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