The following course descriptions are from the Clarke University 2012-2013 Academic Catalog.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS: COMMUNICATION
COMM 100 MASS MEDIA AND SOCIETY 3 hours
The theory and development of human communication systems are introduced. A cultural and analytical approach emphasizing philosophies and theories of communication, ethics, and political, social and economic structures affecting communication. The course analyzes the relationship between the mass media and social systems nationally and internationally.
COMM 101 MASS MEDIA WRITING AND EDITING 3 hours
Introductory course designed to familiarize students with the fundamentals of reporting and writing necessary for work in journalism and public relations. Basic skills include news and feature writing, advertising writing, writing for the Web, interviewing, developing story ideas, writing public relations press releases, editing skills, writing headlines and captions, and doing page layout. The first part of the course reviews basic punctuation and grammar and provides an introduction to AP Style.
COMM 102 PUBLICATION PRODUCTION AND DESIGN 3 hours
Provides a hands-on introduction to computer layout and design using state-of-the-art software applications, desktop publishing software and basic design principles. The basics of commercial printing and practical experience in designing and producing brochures, newsletters, flyers and news pages are highlighted. Prerequisites: COMM 100, COMM 101.
COMM 104 NEWS REPORTING AND WRITING 3 hours
Basic reporting and newswriting techniques for newspapers, magazines, newsletters and other media such as radio, television and news Websites are emphasized in this course. Prerequisites: COMM 100, COMM 101.
COMM 112 DIGITAL AUDIO-VIDEO PRODUCTION 3 hours
Fundamentals of audio-video production shooting, editing, transferal and utilizing a state-of-the-art editing workstation are stressed. The course includes postproduction techniques, transitions, digital special effects, and applications to advertising, PR and news coverage. Prerequisites: COMM 100, COMM 101.
COMM 116 DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY/PHOTOJOURNALISM 3 hours
Addresses photography as a communication application. Students will learn camera operation using digital cameras. Emphasis will be on learning photographic compositional techniques especially as it pertains to photojournalism. Students must have access to a manually adjustable digital or 35mm camera. Prerequisites: COMM 100, COMM 101.
COMM 200 EDITING 3 hours
Principles of editing and practice in copy editing, captioning and headline writing for newspapers, newsletters, magazines and other publications such as brochures and business letters and reports are introduced in this course. A practical review of basic grammar and punctuation for the workplace and AP Style are included. Prerequisites: COMM 100.
COMM 201 ADVERTISING 3 hours
An integrative study of advertising viewed from national and international standpoints and perspectives of marketing, communication and art are provided in this course. The course uses the IMC (Integrated Marketing Communication) approach. Designed to teach advertising in both theory and practice, the course requires students to develop a comprehensive advertising project. Prerequisites: COMM 100, COMM 101.
COMM 202 PUBLIC RELATIONS 3 hours
Designed to give the student an overview of both the theoretical and practical aspects of pubic relations. In addition to the history of PR, public opinion, problem solving and prevention, legal aspects and mechanics, international standards and practices are highlighted. Web content, intranet communication, and Web feedback are among the sources examined. Prerequisites: COMM 100, COMM 101.
COMM 216 ADVANCED PHOTOGRAPHY 3 hours
A continuation of COMM 116 Digital Photography/Photojournalism, advanced study of digital, color, black-and-white, flash, and studio photography, as well as special lighting techniques, are included. Prerequisite: COMM 116.
COMM 230 COMMUNICATION PRACTICUM CV
Under the supervision of a faculty adviser, academic credit and evaluation for practical communication experience are available to individuals serving on the staff of the student newspaper or magazine. Three credits of this course are required and it may be repeated for up to six credits. Prerequisites: COMM 100, COMM 101.
COMM 240 FIELD DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY 3 hours
Hands-on course designed to provide students with the mechanics of digital photography in varied settings. Students receive immediate feedback throughout the field experience. Students will develop a portfolio based on a designated theme as well as problem solve in a variety of photographic conditions, unexpected situations and real-life conditions. Portfolios will include composing for the Web, print and other communication modalities. This course may be repeated for up to six credits. Prerequisites: COMM 100, COMM 101, Majors only.
COMM 270 PHOTOSHOP 3 hours
Designed to explore Photoshop as an application of visual communication. Students will learn how to prepare photos for print, journalistic, PR, advertising and other communication needs by using the classic Photoshop and Image Ready. Prerequisites: COMM 100, COMM 101.
COMM 280 SPECIAL TOPICS 3 hours
Selected topics are offered for elective credit. Special topics courses capitalize on the expertise of selected faculty members and are offered when student interest warrants. This category may also include classes offered by other departments that may or may not be co-listed. Prerequisite: COMM 201 or consent. Priority given to communication majors and minors.
COMM 301 FREELANCE ARTICLE WRITING 3 hours
Provides students with the opportunity to explore nonfiction article and feature story writing for newspapers and magazines. Human interest pieces, personality profiles, research articles and procedures leading to publication are emphasized. Prerequisites: COMM 100, COMM 101.
COMM 305 WEB DESIGN 3 hours
Introduces students to the theory and practice of Web design, especially as it pertains to content, layout and production. Students learn how to integrate communication theory into Web building. Students learn how to set communication Web objectives, instigate a Web strategy, and set forward the tactics needed for daily operations as well as future changes in advertising, PR and the news industry. Prerequisites: COMM 100, COMM 101.
COMM 310 MAGAZINE DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION 3 hours
Advanced course focuses on conceptualization, preparation and final production of photos, copy and layout for a full-color magazine using desktop-publishing techniques. Prerequisite: COMM 102.
COMM 311 APPLIED PHOTOJOURNALISM 3 hours
Students discover ways to tell stories with pictures in a variety of formats, including, but not limited to, single newspaper photos, photo essays, slide shows, captions and illustrations, advertising/public relations photography, gallery and Web exhibits. Prerequisite: COMM 116.
COMM 315 ADVANCED COMMUNICATION PRACTICUM CV
Under the supervision of a faculty adviser, academic credit and evaluation for practical experience are available to students serving on the executive staff (editor, assistant editor, photo editor, advertising director) of the student newspaper. May be repeated for a total of 6 credit hours. Prerequisite: COMM 230.
COMM 320 INTERNET SEARCH APPLICATIONS 3 hours
Designed to provide communication students with skills to search the Internet for information and resources pertinent to communication research, theory and practice. Students will develop search strategies, access information from multiple digital sources and employ a variety of methods to achieve success in inquiries into the field of communication. Prerequisites: COMM 100, COMM 101.
COMM 380 COMMUNICATION LAW AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY 3 hours
Principles of media law and ethics are examined in this study of constitutional, statutory and case law related to libel, invasion of privacy, copyright and censorship, with focus on the social, ethical and moral issues confronting professional communicators in the application of media principles. Prerequisites: COMM 100, COMM 101 and junior standing.
COMM 395 INTERNSHIP CV
Academic credit and evaluation for practical communication experience on or off campus with on-site supervision. Specific title and duties vary with the interests of the student and the needs of the organization offering the internship. Prerequisite: Students must complete a written application through the Career Services Office, be of junior standing and obtain consent of the department chair and faculty sponsor.
COMM 401 ADVERTISING DESIGN AND PRODUCTION 3 hours
Principles and techniques of advertising copy writing, including head/title writing, subheads and blurbs, boxes and panels, slogans, logo types, broadcast scripts and storyboards are reviewed and demonstrated. Prerequisite: COMM 201.
COMM 402 PUBLIC RELATIONS WRITING 3 hours
Elements of style and the principles of writing with clarity will be examined. Focus will be on writing press releases, including video and audio news releases, releases and announcements for the Web, Web and print newsletters, writing public service announcements, brochures, media kits and broadcast writing. Prerequisite: COMM 202.
COMM 487 INTEGRATED ADVERTISING-PUBLIC RELATIONS CAMPAIGN 3 hours
Capstone course integrating theories and demonstration of skills acquired in communication courses. Students are required to design and implement an integrated public relations/advertising campaign following the IMC (Integrated Marketing Communication) theme. Prerequisites: COMM 305, COMM 401, COMM 402.
COMM 490 INDEPENDENT STUDY CV
Subjects or issues beyond regular course offerings may be examined in this student-initiated, self-directed study. Prerequisite: Junior standing and consent.
COMM 499 COMMUNICATION CAPSTONE 1 hour
This Capstone course provides a focal point for and closure to a liberal arts education within the context of the communication major. As a departmental offering, this course focuses on discipline specific topics and expands to include breadth of knowledge and synthesis. Interdisciplinary integration of knowledge and research is emphasized. General education and major outcomes are integral to course assessment. Prerequisites: Senior Standing. Ordinarily, a student must have senior standing with a minimum of 42 credit hours in general education completed.