Communication Arts Course Descriptions

CO 201 Contemporary Mass Media (3)
This course provides both a practical and theoretical introduction to Communication Arts.

CO 210 Television Production (3)
Introduces students to the television studio experience. Practical instruction through hands-on experience with TV cameras, audio equipment, studio recording techniques and operation of the special effects switcher in the campus TV studio. Prerequisite: CO 201.

CO 215 Public Speaking (2)
A two credit core course, it exposes students to the basic techniques of public speaking. Video playback and instructor critique are employed. (This course does not count toward the major.)

CO 250 Film History: Theory and Criticism (3)
An examination of the history of film and the theory of film, how images are assembled to form the language of film. Beginning with the earliest silent pictures the course will examine selected key films, from D.W. Griffith through early "talkies" to contemporary films, including both Hollywood and foreign language films. In addition the business of the motion picture industry will be examined with its influence on creative theories of film, as well as the role of digital imaging and its effect on film language.

CO 260 Film Genres (3)
This course examines the role of various genres in film analysis. Narrative structure, visual devices, and social history will be discussed.

CO 275 Broadcast Journalism (3)
An intensive introduction to radio news techniques which also provides a brief introduction to television journalism. The history, ethics and social impact of broadcast news are also covered. Prerequisite: CO 201.

CO 305 Television Programming (3)
Teaches the theories and strategies involved in TV programming decisions. Ideal for students interested in broadcast management, TV criticism, or communications theory, this class uses the current TV season as a basis for the overall study of programming.

CO 310 Video Editing (3)
Introduces the techniques of basic video editing. The course will include heavy emphasis on hands-on projects using both the college’s videotape editing system and 12 digital video non-linear editing stations. Projects include news stories, music videos, short documentaries, commercials and individual dramatic projects. Prerequisite: CO 201.

CO 312/SO 312 Media and Society (3)
Examines the powerful role played by the media in American and world societies. Topics include TV and politics, stereotypes and role models in movies and violence in TV programming.

CO 314 Seminar in Contemporary Cinema (3)
This course, taught on Saturday mornings in New York City, offers students the opportunity to screen new films before their theatrical release. Additionally, students discuss the film with the instructor and have the opportunity to ask questions of writers, directors and stars associated with the films.

CO 320 Television Performance (3)
Students are taught how to become effective television performers. Using the College TV studios, students are taught on-camera technique for such jobs as news anchor, talk show host, commercial announcer/actor, and sportscaster. Prerequisite: CO 201.

CO 325 Advanced Broadcast Journalism (3)
Provides students with the opportunity to produce television news stories on a regular basis. Designed as a second semester follow-up to Co 275, this course requires students to write, report, edit and anchor TV news. They also analyze professional network and TV station news for content and style. TV news shows are broadcast on the campus cable system. Prerequisites: CO 201 and CO 275.

CO 330 Children’s Television (3)
Examines major issues in television programming for children. Topics include exposure to violence, federal regulations to improve children’s TV, and the medium’s ability to teach. Current children’s shows are used as case studies.

CO 340 Director as Auteur (3)
This course will be an examination of the Auteur Theory of filmmaking. Is the director the true “author” of the film? How does the director's role vary in such diverse environments as the Hollywood film factory and studio heyday, to the current Hollywood system and independents and low-budget feature production?

CO 350 Radio Broadcasting (3)
Students learn the basic elements of radio performance and production. In addition, the history of the medium, business practices, and programming methods are explained in detail. Prerequisite: CO 201.

CO 390 The American Sitcom (3)
This course examines the situation comedy genre from sociological and artistic perspectives. Sitcoms are analyzed from the 1950s to the present.

CO 420 Senior Media Seminar (3)
This course serves as outcomes assessment for graduating Communication Arts majors. Students produce a weekly television show about current controversial media issues. Senior status.

CO 479 Cooperative Education (3)
Provides for the integration of classroom study with a specific, planned period of supervised learning through paid work experience related to a student’s career goals. Prerequisite: CO 201.

CO 489 Field Internship (3)
Places qualified students in media-related work situations to gain field experience. Placement in radio and television stations and media centers of business and industry provides application of skills under professional supervision. Prerequisite: CO 201.

CO 499 Independent Study (3)
Offers qualified students the opportunity to pursue independent study in selected areas under the guidance of individual teachers. By permission. Prerequisite: CO 201.