Department of Communication and Media Culture

CU-102. Media Literacy. 3.00 Credits.

An entry level course that expands the definition of literacy beyond print to include electronic and digital forms. Being media literate means the ability to access, understand, analyze, evaluate and create messages in a wide variety of forms. It also means to be aware and conscious of the media environments that surround us.

CU-190. Introduction to Film. 3.00 Credits.

Screenings, reading and discussions are used to introduce students to the basic elements of film and to build an understanding of cinematic art, development, history and theory. Prerequisites: CM-102.

CU-202. Intro to Media Studies & Communication. 3.00 Credits.

An introduction to the study of media with a focus on the history of print, broadcasting, film, video games, the internet and social media.

CU-203. Media Communications II. 3.00 Credits.

A survey of mass communication theories with a focus on how theories emerge from different historical eras and how such theories are still applicable to mass media events and industries. Prerequisites: CM-102 AND CU-202.

CU-205. News Writing and Reporting. 3.00 Credits.

An introduction to journalism, including a survey of print media, and practice in interviewing, reporting, and writing hard news and news feature stories. Prerequisites: CM-102; Course Type(s): Writing Intensive.

CU-208. Broadcast Newsroom. 3.00 Credits.

A course on the practical skills of broadcast TV. Students will be introduced to TV news writing and productivity. They will learn to shoot and edit news stories for broadcast. Prerequisites: CM-102.

CU-210. Writing Workshop. 3.00 Credits.

Learn to write with more style in this course that reviews and builds upon the basic rules of grammar. Intended for students who have completed composition requirements and wish to become better communicators. Also intended to assist students who may enter areas of media requiring strong verbal skills and editing abilities. Prerequisites: CM-102 REQUIRED FOR COMMUNICATION MAJORS WHO SCORE LESS THAN A B IN COMPOSITION.

CU-212. History of Film I: Beginnings to 1959. 3.00 Credits.

This course presents an overview of cinema history from its beginning to 1959 and provides students with the basic tools for analyzing the art of film. Students view representative films from major movements and study the uses of camera, editing, light, and sound.

CU-213. History of Film =ll 1960 to Present. 3.00 Credits.

This course presents an overview of cinema history since 1959, with attention to the cultural, political, economic, and technological forces that helped to shape cinema during this time. Significant trends within the U.S. are studied, including new and changing genres, independent and maverick filmmakers, and the dominance of Hollywood blockbusters. Students are introduced to national cinemas in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

CU-218. Media Business. 3.00 Credits.

An examination of media as a profit making industry. The roles of sales, advertising and investors are viewed, as are trends of corporate media and entrepreneurship. Public relations and ethics are introduced. Prerequisites: CU-202 OR CU-203, AND CM-102.

CU-228. Asian Film. 3.00 Credits.

This course introduces students to the history of Asian film industries and landmark films. They will look at the major films and film makers of Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan and Korea, as well as the popularity of the anime phenomenon and Indian Bollywood films. Course Type(s): Pluralism.

CU-246. Introduction to Speech Science. 3.00 Credits.

An introduction to speech science theory, instrumentation, and measurement. Emphasis on normal speech production. This course addresses analysis of sound patterns and vocal production, perceptual aspects of acoustic patterns, examination of physiological and acoustic bases of speech, psychological aspects of acoustics, as well as critical analysis of voice quality.

CU-247. Marketing Communications and Branding. 3.00 Credits.

This course is designed as an exploration of the history, development and current strategies, tactics and technologies of Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) and branding. Using major communication theories, students will explore integrating the practices of marketing, advertising, public relations, publicity, special events, promotions, and a variety of promotional activities in a changing world of new relationships with consumers and new media technologies. Prerequisites: CM-102.

CU-249. Phonetics. 3.00 Credits.

The aim of this course is to provide the student with the practical skills to apply phonetics and phonology within the field of communication sciences and disorders. This involves the description and scientific explanation of language sound systems. It will give training in the production, perception, physiological and acoustic description, and IPA transcription of the speech sounds used in the languages of the world.

CU-251. Survey of Comm Disorders. 3.00 Credits.

This course provides a general introduction to normal and disordered speech, language, and hearing in children and adults. This course considers normal development of communication behavior, the nature of communication disorders, and reviews the various conditions associated with communication disorders.

CU-252. Creative Writing. 3.00 Credits.

Creative Writing is designed to teach the craft of writing creatively; the objective of the course to produce original work through the study of published authors with a wide range of styles, determined by the genre focus. These writing workshops will work on audience, point of view, tone, language choice, plot, character, setting, dialogue and description, depending on the overall form. Students may repeat the course depending on the subject matter, which will alternate between creative writing and the short story, the novel, poetry, drama and fan-fiction.

CU-253. A & P of Speech-Lang Hear Mech. 3.00 Credits.

This course provides a general introduction to normal and disordered speech, language, and hearing in children and adults. This course considers normal development of communication behavior, the nature of communication disorders, and reviews the various conditions associated with communication disorders.

CU-254. Audiology. 3.00 Credits.

Scientific foundations of the hearing process are explored, focusing on the peripheral auditory systems, coding of the basic attributes of sound, and the perception of simple sounds.

CU-255. Ethics in Communication. 3.00 Credits.

This course considers both the rational basis for good human action and, in particular, the application of those principles to the personal and social dimensions of communication. Topics such as truth speaking, fairness in reporting, truth in advertising, selection of data, bias in professional judgment, and so forth, will be considered. Values course. Satisfies values, but not core elective requirements. Prerequisites: CM-102; COMPLETE 6 CREDITS: 1 COURSE FROM COURSES PL-130 PL-140 AND 1 COURSE FROM COURSES TH-110 TH-120; Course Type(s): Values.

CU-256. The Horror Film. 3.00 Credits.

A look at the horror genre as a metaphorical representation of social anxieties. The course traces the roots of horror from early European cinema to modern times, looking at the landmark films and the important stars and film makers of the genre. Prerequisites: CM-102.

CU-259. Creative Writing: Playwriting. 3.00 Credits.

An introduction to the basics of dramatic writing, this course is for students who wish to concentrate on developing scripts for the stage.

CU-260. Radio Station I. 3.00 Credits.

A course in the practical skills of radio broadcasting. It teaches the basics of using equipment to produce, edit and broadcast a radio program. Productions students create will be part of the new campus radio station's programming. Prerequisites: CM-102.

CU-261. Podcasting. 3.00 Credits.

Students will produce a podcast in this course, from ideation to final production.

CU-265. Screenwriting. 3.00 Credits.

This course is designed to introduce the fundamentals of writing for film and television. Students experience the same creative process as a professional screenwriter, moving through the various levels of a typical Hollywood "step" deal. During the first two weeks of class, the students conceive, plan, outline and "sell" their ideas for either a feature length film (75-120 minutes) or a television program (sit-com or drama series pilot). Prerequisites: CM-102; Course Type(s): Writing Intensive.

CU-266. Advanced Screenwriting. 3.00 Credits.

Students with promising projects in Screenwriting will continue their work under the supervision of the instructor. Includes story conferences, sharing work, analyzing successful scripts, creating "bibles" for TV series, and completing a script suitable for professional submission. Prerequisites: CU-265.

CU-269. Media Crime & Public Policy. 3.00 Credits.

This course provides insight into the intersection of media and crime and the subsequent influence this has on public policy. Every citizen, every day, has contact with the media in some form. Newspapers, advertising, television, etc. all have an impact on our lives. The list of media forms has grown rapidly-in addition to more traditional sources of media, we now rely on websites, social network sites, and blogs. From the beginning of this "American experiment," crime and criminal justice have held a prominent place in media. Today, this focus on crime and entertainment that centers on crime is widespread. This explains why people who rely on media for their information about crime and criminal justice often hold misconceptions about the nature of crime, criminal justice practices, and criminals themselves. It is imperative that future practitioners in the field of criminal justice come to an understanding of this phenomenon. Because much of public policy stems from reaction to voters' opinions, how voters form these opinions matters greatly. If there are minor or gross misconceptions surrounding the criminal justice system and voters galvanize what we refer to as "living room policy-making," the results can be ineffective, irresponsible, or injurious.

CU-270. Broadcast Studies. 3.00 Credits.

Students will be introduced to the basic structure, history, social impact, and operations of the broadcast industry. Prerequisites: CM-102.

CU-275. Public Speaking Workshop. 3.00 Credits.

An introduction to the techniques of public speaking and intensive practice in giving information and persuasive speeches. Performance evaluations and specific recommendations for improvement. Prerequisites: CM-102; Course Type(s): Oral Communications.

CU-277. Strategies of Oral Communication. 3.00 Credits.

Techniques of oral presentation to promote clear and effective exchange of information and ideas in a variety of everyday situations, with special attention to business interviews and small group settings. Prerequisites: CM-102.

CU-280. Mediated Comm in Organizations & Society. 3.00 Credits.

Examination of how new technologies are being used to organize work, facilitate organizational decision making, conduct personal relationships, create communities and manage everything from personal interaction to global business organizations. Prerequisites: CM-102.

CU-281. Science Fiction Film. 3.00 Credits.

This class is designed as a cultural analysis and history of the science fiction film genre. Students will look at the origins of science fiction on film, starting with its roots in literature. Through readings and the viewing of films, they will become familiar with the landmark films of the genre, the important film makers working in the genre, writers, and screen personalities. Ultimately, they should be able to analyze and read the science fiction film as a symbolic text, an art form of metaphors designed to address society's relationship to science, technological progress, and artists' use of the genre as a way of commenting on social trends in any given period and a way of predicting the future of a society based on its use of and relationship to science. Prerequisites: CM-102.

CU-282. Leadership. 3.00 Credits.

An examination of the foundations of leadership by major theorists. Current and emerging leadership models will be studied in the context of the business environment.

CU-283. The Conspiracy Theory Film. 3.00 Credits.

The course looks at the themes of conspiracies and paranoia in film and popular culture. Students examine how social and political conflicts through the decades have created fears of large-scale corruption in organizations of power and how these fears were translated to the movie screen. Prerequisites: CM-102.

CU-284. Strategies of Media Literacy. 3.00 Credits.

A more advanced approach to media literacy that focuses on how to construct media products in ways that have social, cultural, psychological, political and pedagogical impact. The course will teach students how to approach both the form and content of media critically by exploring media literacy's key concepts, theories and issues, so they will be able to educate others through strategies for integrating media literacy into curriculum and educational programs.

CU-285. Gender & Communication. 3.00 Credits.

This course is an introduction to the field of study of communications and gender. The objective is the explanation, observation, discussion and understanding of a gender and how it affects communication at the personal, group, organization and societal levels and how gender id portrayed in our culture through digital technology and the mass media. Course Type(s): Pluralism.

CU-293. Today's Film Scene. 3.00 Credits.

Students will meet in Manhattan to view and analyze contemporary films, often before they are released to the general public. At times the film makers are likely to participate. The course will give students a knowledge of the contemporary film scene as well as skills in film analysis. Additional course fee of $235. Prerequisites: CM-102.

CU-295. Credited Internships. 3.00 Credits.

CU-300. Film Theory and Criticism. 3.00 Credits.

To develop an understanding of film and TV and the ability to write about them, students will be introduced to major theoretical and aesthetic approaches, including auteur theory, genre theory, semiotics and spectatorship. Prerequisites: CM-102.

CU-304. Principles of Media Law and Ethics. 3.00 Credits.

An overview of laws governing writing and reporting, from first amendment to libel, roles of journalists in criminal cases and the relationship between the press and government. Looks at where the law stops and ethical obligations begin. Prerequisites: CM-102.

CU-306. The Animated Film. 3.00 Credits.

This course will explore the history of animation, from the early lantern shows of the 19th century to modern digital technology. The class will also discuss the social, cultural, economic and artistic impact of various animators and their creations. Prerequisites: CM-102.

CU-307. Art Commerce & Cultural Impact of Disney. 3.00 Credits.

This interdisciplinary course will explore how one company, using branding, corporate synergy, and transmedia storytelling has had an impact on the global economy, social institutions, public spaces, culture & our private lives. Prerequisites: CM-102.

CU-310. News Writing II. 3.00 Credits.

Students build on expertise acquired in CU/JN-205, developing skills further in news gathering, writing, editing and interviewing. They will generate stories and complete assignments on deadline. Topics include: beat and specialized reporting, headline and feature writing and writing for print vs. broadcast vs. digital. Prerequisites: CU/JN-205 AND CM-102.

CU-313. The News Lab. 3.00 Credits.

Students will report, write, photograph and produce the student newspaper of Saint Peter's University, the Saint Peter's Tribune. Students will learn copyediting and design skills as well as produce multimedia for the online edition.

CU-315. Business and Professional Communication. 3.00 Credits.

How to communicate in various channels necessary for the efficient functioning of groups and organizations. This includes writing for all forms of print and online, as well as, understanding interpersonal interaction and group dynamics that support and promote effective teamwork. Prerequisites: CM-102; Course Type(s): Writing Intensive.

CU-320. Augmented Reality. 3.00 Credits.

This course covers the technical and experiential design foundation required for the implementation of immersive environments in current and future virtual, augmented and mixed reality platforms. The curriculum covers a wide range of literature and HCI concepts following the evolution of all supporting technologies including visual displays for VR, AR and MR, motion tracking, interactive 3D graphics, multimodal sensory integration, immersive audio, user interfaces, IoT, games and experience design.

CU-327. Digital and Social Media Marketing. 3.00 Credits.

This course introduces students to the current thinking, practice and developments in digital and social media marketing, including: Social media marketing for B2C, B2B, not-for-profits, Internet marketing, online PR and reputation management, and mobile marketing. Prerequisites: CM-102.

CU-340. Sportswriting. 3.00 Credits.

A study of the growth of this area of specialized journalism, including interviewing, reporting, and writing assignments for a variety of sports. Prerequisites: CM-102.

CU-341. Art & Entertainment Journalism. 3.00 Credits.

An overview of an area of specialized journalism: Arts and Entertainment. A look at the history and current issues in the arts, from early 20th century tabloids to today's bloggers, copyright concerns and arts in the community. Prerequisites: CM-102 AND CU/JN-205.

CU-350. Public Relations. 3.00 Credits.

Influencing public opinion is the major goal of public relations activities. This course examines the roles of opinion research, press agentry, product promotion, publicity, lobbying, public affairs, fund-raising and special events management in creating a favorable image for a client. Writing skills are emphasized. Prerequisites: CM-102.

CU-352. Conversations With Writers/Metro Seminar. 3.00 Credits.

A Metropolitan Seminar local travel course.: An introduction to the working habits and aesthetic ambitions of professional writers of books, screenplays, newspaper articles and other media content. Students will read writers' works, publicity and marketing material, then students will discuss the information with the authors in New York City. Additional course fee of $50.

CU-355. Video Storytelling. 3.00 Credits.

This course is designed to introduce video storytelling, shooting and editing techniques for multi-platform environments in journalism, public relations, advertising and marketing. The course will teach students to recognize and understand the technical and aesthetic aspects of visual storytelling, and how to produce narratives using a combination of still images, video, ambient sound, interviews and graphics. Prerequisites: CM-102.

CU-376. Making Documentary Films. 3.00 Credits.

This course will introduce students to the production of historical documentaries. Students will learn to curate a variety of primary and secondary sources into a visual narrative. Students will be introduced to the techniques of directing, producing and filming documentaries.

CU-383. Animation Production. 3.00 Credits.

This course will explore how to convert storytelling into animations. Taking this concept students will explore the complete process from creating storyboards to implementation into various animation formats. Basic principles of animation will be taught in multiple applications such as stop motion animation, timebase animation, motion graphics, 3D animation, and animation in Augmented Reality.

CU-385. Digital Storytelling and Social Media. 3.00 Credits.

Students will learn the fundamentals of digital journalism. Emphasizes hands-on instruction in multimedia skills. Topics include blogging, newsletters, photography, video and audio production, use of social media as a reporting tool, along with data visualization and graphics. Guest speakers and discussion on the future of news will also be part of the course. Requires students to produce a final project that consists of storytelling across a range of platforms-for example, a written article, a photo and audio story, and a video. Prerequisites: CM-102.

CU-400. Research Writing. 3.00 Credits.

This course introduces the process of conducting various forms of quantitative and qualitative research related to the field of Communication. Students will develop and write an original research paper with the long term goal of presentation and/or publication. Prerequisites: CM-102 AND CU-202 OR CU-203; Course Type(s): Capstone, Writing Intensive, Senior Seminar.

CU-410. Investigative Journalism & Advanced Feat. 3.00 Credits.

The practical application of investigative and public affairs reporting skills. Students will complete a major investigative news piece and gather information from public records and interview sources. Prerequisites: CM-102 AND CU/JN-205.

CU-419. Magazine Writing. 3.00 Credits.

Methods of writing and selling articlaes for print and web magazines from brief profiles and how-to pieces to long narrative articles. An introduction to query writing. Prerequisites: CM-102 AND CU/JN-205.

CU-420. Social Documentary Filmmaking. 3.00 Credits.

In this course students will explore the history and methods of social impact documentaries as a tool for education, action and change. Students will also produce a final project, studying filmmaking from concept, to production and post production; culminating in an end-of-the year film festival. Course Type(s): Interdisciplinary.

CU-423. The American Film. 3.00 Credits.

Through lectures, films shown in class, readings, and research projects, this course will develop the students' ability to analyze film in depth as well as to understand the historical and artistic development of the Hollywood film industry. Classical and current films will be studied in relation to American as well as foreign film traditions. Prerequisites: EL-206 EL-207.

CU-489. Globalization and Fieldwork Seminar. 3.00 Credits.

Short term study/travel course in which students conduct first hand investigations on the effects of globalization in relevant settings. Specific area and topics determined at the beginning of the Academic Year. Locations change every term. Additional travel course fee of $50. Course Type(s): International (Travel), Pluralism.

CU-495. Media Internship I. 3.00 Credits.

This course integrates study in a specialty area of media communications with a job experience in the field. Students will compare academic preparation to work place demands, and will think critically about choosing learning resources for the world of work. Prerequisites: CU-202, CU-203 OR CU-205 AND CM-102.

CU-496. Live Sports Production Internship. 3.00 Credits.

This course will students with hands-on experience in live broadcast sports production, focusing on various aspects such as camera operation, audio engineering, producing, and post-production editing. Students will serve on the production team of Saint Peter's Athletic Department's TV sports broadcast. Through practical application and mentorship, students will gain insights into the dynamics of live sports broadcasting and develop essential skills for a career in television production.

JN-205. News Writing and Reporting. 3.00 Credits.

An introduction to journalism, including a survey of print media, and practice in interviewing, reporting, and writing hard news and news feature stories. Prerequisites: CM-115 CM-117 OR CM-120; Course Type(s): Writing Intensive.

JN-208. Broadcast Newsroom. 3.00 Credits.

A course on the practical skills of broadcast TV. Students will be introduced to TV news writing and productivity. They will learn to shoot and edit news stories for broadcast. Prerequisites: CM-115 CM-117 OR CM-120.

JN-210. Writing Workshop. 3.00 Credits.

Learn to write with more style in this course that reviews and builds upon the basic rules of grammar. Intended for students who have completed composition requirements and wish to become better communicators. Also intended to assist students who may enter areas of media requiring strong verbal skills and editing abilities. Prerequisites: CM-115 OR CM-120 REQUIRED FOR COMMUNICATION MAJORS WHO SCORE LESS THAN A B IN COMPOSITION.

JN-260. Radio Station I. 3.00 Credits.

A course in the practical skills of radio broadcasting. It teaches the basics of using equipment to produce, edit and broadcast a radio program. Productions students create will be part of the new campus radio station's programming. Prerequisites: CM-115 CM-117 OR CM-120.

JN-261. Podcasting. 3.00 Credits.

Students will produce a podcast in this course, from ideation to final production.

JN-295. Credited Internships. 3.00 Credits.

JN-304. Principle of Media Law & Ethics. 3.00 Credits.

An overview of laws governing writing and reporting, from first amendment to libel, roles of journalists in criminal cases and the relationship between the press and government. Looks at where the law stops and ethical obligations begin. Prerequisites: CU-205 CM-115 CM-117 OR CM-120.

JN-310. News Writing II. 3.00 Credits.

Students build on expertise acquired in CU/JN-205, developing skills further in news gathering, writing, editing and interviewing. They will generate stories and complete assignments on deadline. Topics include: beat and specialized reporting, headline and feature writing and writing for print vs. broadcast vs. digital. Prerequisites: CU-205 OR JN-205.

JN-313. The News Lab. 3.00 Credits.

Students will report, write, photograph and produce the student newspaper of Saint Peter's University, the Saint Peter's Tribune. Students will learn copyediting and design skills as well as produce multimedia for the online edition.

JN-340. Sportswriting. 3.00 Credits.

A study of the growth of this area of specialized journalism, including interviewing, reporting, and writing assignments for a variety of sports. Prerequisites: CM-115 CM-117 OR CM-120 CU-205 OR JN-205.

JN-341. Art & Entertainment Journalism. 3.00 Credits.

An overview of an area of specialized journalism: Arts and Entertainment. A look at the history and current issues in the arts, from early 20th century tabloids to today's bloggers, copyright concerns and arts in the community. Prerequisites: CM-115 CM-117 OR CM-120 CU-205 OR JN-205.

JN-355. Video Storytelling. 3.00 Credits.

This course is designed to introduce video storytelling, shooting and editing techniques for multi-platform environments in journalism, public relations, advertising and marketing. The course will teach students to recognize and understand the technical and aesthetic aspects of visual storytelling, and how to produce narratives using a combination of still images, video, ambient sound, interviews and graphics. Prerequisites: CM-115 CM-117 OR CM-120.

JN-385. Digital Storytelling and Social Media. 3.00 Credits.

Students will learn the fundamentals of digital journalism. Emphasizes hands-on instruction in multimedia skills. Topics include blogging, newsletters, photography, video and audio production, use of social media as a reporting tool, along with data visualization and graphics. Guest speakers and discussion on the future of news will also be part of the course. Requires students to produce a final project that consists of storytelling across a range of platforms-for example, a written article, a photo and audio story, and a video. Prerequisites: CM-102.

JN-410. Investigative Journalism & Advanced Feat. 3.00 Credits.

The practical application of investigative and public affairs reporting skills. Students will complete a major investigative news piece and gather information from public records and interview sources. Prerequisites: CU-205 OR JN-205.

JN-419. Magazine Writing. 3.00 Credits.

Methods of writing and selling articlaes for print and web magazines from brief profiles and how-to pieces to long narrative articles. An introduction to query writing. Prerequisites: CM-115 CM-117 OR CM-120, CU-205 OR JN-205.

JN-420. Social Impact Documentary History & Prod. 3.00 Credits.

In this course students will explore the history and methods of social impact documentaries as a tool for education, action and change. Students will also produce a final project, studying filmmaking from concept, to production and post production; culminating in an end-of-the year film festival. Course Type(s): Interdisciplinary.

JN-489. Globalization and Fieldwork Seminar. 3.00 Credits.

Short term study/travel course in which students conduct first hand investigations on the effects of globalization in relevant settings. Specific area and topics determined at the beginning of the Academic Year. Locations change every term. Additional travel course fee of $50. Course Type(s): International (Travel), Pluralism.

JN-496. Live Sports Production Internship. 3.00 Credits.

This course will students with hands-on experience in live broadcast sports production, focusing on various aspects such as camera operation, audio engineering, producing, and post-production editing. Students will serve on the production team of Saint Peter's Athletic Department's TV sports broadcast. Through practical application and mentorship, students will gain insights into the dynamics of live sports broadcasting and develop essential skills for a career in television production.