Digital Mass Media AAA Degree Courses

Composition I emphasizes fluency, thesis-driven organization, the use of supporting details, and research techniques. Writing is approached as a recursive process that includes prewriting strategies, drafting, revising, and editing. The course helps students shape writing to serve readers' needs and define a sense of purpose in their writing. It also gives students strategies for reading college-level material.

Lecture Hours: 48

Prerequisite(s): Appropriate placement score or equivalent.

This course focuses on applying the writing process to job application materials and workplace-related written communication.

Lecture Hours: 48

This course examines the principles of sound and acoustics and basic audio capture techniques. The equipment for recording as well as production and editing audio will be analyzed and employed. Sound quality and final output issues will be addressed.

Lecture Hours: 32 Lab Hours: 32

This course will introduce creative storytelling using the basics of video production, camera handling, digital exposure, audio capture and workflow. Emphasis is on the aesthetics and application of production techniques to produce professional video output.

Lecture Hours: 32 Lab Hours: 32

This course will introduce students to the skills and software used for digital production of printed materials including still photos, brochures, flyers, poster, business cards and other materials printed from original digital creations.

Lecture Hours: 32 Lab Hours: 32

This course is an introduction to the basics of camera handling, exposure and meter usage.

Lecture Hours: 48

This course will focus on writing for media outlets including newspaper, television, radio, internet and public relations. Emphasis will be on writing clearly for both general and targeted audiences in order to communicate the desired message efficiently.

Lecture Hours: 48

This course will cover the fundamental elements of producing, designing and editing sound for film and video. Students learn the basics of audio recording, sound editing and multi-track sound design specifically for the moving image. Topics covered include microphone techniques, field and studio recording, ADR, Foley techniques and using digital audio multi-tracking software.

Lecture Hours: 32 Lab Hours: 32

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of D in MMS-105 and MMS-111.

This course will explain advanced video production techniques.

Lecture Hours: 32 Lab Hours: 32

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of D in MMS-111.

This course is designed to assist the student in learning advanced principles and processes of audio production. The course builds on skills learned in Audio Production I will familiarize and inform the student on proper techniques in audio production for a variety of media outputs.

Lecture Hours: 32 Lab Hours: 32

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of D in MMS-105.

This course explains the theory and execution of video editing and color grading. It addresses technical competencies, such as workflow, formats, and the use of industry standard software. Students will also explore artistic techniques in video post-production including visual storytelling, sound design, and color. Students will produce final projects to demonstrate their understanding of key concepts.

Lecture Hours: 32 Lab Hours: 32

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of D in MMS-111.

The digital audio workstation, referred to by DAW, is the primary tool for recording, editing, and mixing audio in the modern audio industry. Avid’s Pro Tools DAW software is the industry standard in studios everywhere. As an industry professional it is important to know the fundamentals of Pro Tools and DAW software. This course is designed to thoroughly explore the operation and application of the digital audio workstation using Pro Tools.

Lecture Hours: 32 Lab Hours: 32

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of D in MMS-105.

This course introduces students to the oral communication process and how it affects human interaction There will be an emphasis on developing interpersonal, small group, and public speaking skills. Students will be involved in activities that provide opportunity for the understanding and improvement of their oral communication skills.

Lecture Hours: 48

This course examines using social media outlets for promoting and doing business. The course will investigate issues and strategies related to social media environments, customer relationships, marketing, managing your communication, sustainability and what social media may look like in the future.

Lecture Hours: 48

This course examines how to produce a variety of types of videos for commercial use including promotional videos, music videos, weddings, corporate videos and live events.

Lecture Hours: 48

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of D in MMS-111.

Course will introduce students to the basic operations of a recording studio. The course will detail proper methods for wiring of a studio, discuss studio acoustics, analyze studio design and address proper monitoring. The course will also demonstrate proper microphone placements and advanced compression methods.

Lecture Hours: 32 Lab Hours: 32

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of D in MMS-105 and MMS-214 .

This course examines and explains the techniques for working in the field of video journalism as a sole practitioner.

Lecture Hours: 32 Lab Hours: 32

Pre/Co-requisite(s): A minimum grade of D in MMS-111.

This course emphasizes audio production techniques and sound creation by electronic means, as opposed to acoustic sound capture and manipulation. Emphasis on MIDI technology and music production, audio synthesis, and audio sampling in a recording studio environment.

Lecture Hours: 32 Lab Hours: 32

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of D in MMS-105 and MMS-214.

This course introduces students to the components and operation of public address sound systems. The course will cover equipment, setup, operation, and personal communication in a live sound production environment. This course offers students hands on lab and real world experiences with industry audio equipment.

Lecture Hours: 32 Lab Hours: 32

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of D in MMS-105 and MMS-214.

This course is focused on advanced lighting for commercial and narrative productions. Students will gain hands-on experience using industry standard lighting equipment and apply that knowledge and skill to real life situations. Students will study the nature of light in depth, learn how to create and manipulate light, and expand their understanding of the technical aspects of lighting.

Lecture Hours: 32 Lab Hours: 32

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C- in MMS-111 and MMS-213.

Students will intern at media agencies and outlets in the region and state, focusing on internal operations and client relations. May take for 1 – 3 credits.

Lecture Hours: Co-op Hours: 192

This course offers a specialized study or project under the supervision of a faculty member. It may not duplicate any course already in the catalog. Students earn credit based upon the agreed upon credit and contact hours. This course can be repeated with different content for credit. Course may be taken for 1 – 3 credits.

Lecture Hours: 32 Lab Hours: 64

Human Relations is the study of self and social behavior. Emphasis is placed on the understanding and application of social science theories and research for the development of effective interpersonal and organizational relationships.

Lecture Hours: 48

This course provides an introduction to the study of behavior and mental processes with emphasis in such areas as learning, cognition, motivation, personality, behavioral disorder, therapy, and social influence. An understanding of the impact of both theoretical perspectives and experimental evidence on the formulation of the science of human behavior is also stressed. Psychological theories and principles are utilized to explain and predict behavior.

Lecture Hours: 48

This course surveys the basic principles, concepts, and research findings of social life from small groups to societies. The course examines a range of sociological explanations for the various forms of social behaviors and establishes a basis for reflection and further study in the field.

Lecture Hours: 48

This course is designed to present basic facts of arithmetic including whole numbers, fractions, decimals, powers, roots, English and metric measurement, ratio-proportion, percents, introduction to algebra, introduction to geometry, and applied statistics. Instruction includes use of scientific hand-held calculators and emphasis placed on critical thinking, problem solving skills.

Lecture Hours: 48

Prerequisite(s): Assessment score required.

This course examines media law, including First Amendment, copyright and fair use. It focuses on social, political, and economic influences. It examines legal constraints for students planning to become professional communicators.

Lecture Hours: 48

This course explains the theory and execution of motion graphics in a video production environment. Instruction in use of and methods for constructing a variety of motion graphics and animation techniques will be delivered. Media management and output formats will also be addressed.

Lecture Hours: 32 Lab Hours: 32

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C- in MMS-111 and MMS-213

Theory and practice in the various styles of mixing and mastering audio. Students will be given instruction on the various techniques used in the craft of mixing such as: equalization, panning perspectives, dynamics processing (compressors, limiters, gates, expanders), spatial effects (reverb and delay), modulation effects (chorus, flange, filters), and basic automation of audio and its corresponding effects. The mastering portion of the class will focus on the use of equalization, dynamics control, song sequencing, and correct formats of final delivery. This course will provide multiple styles of mixing and mastering including hardware-based instruction, in-the-box digital audio workstation methods, and hybrid workflows that utilize both analog and digital tools.

Lecture Hours: 32 Lab Hours: 32

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of D in MMS-105 and MMS-214.

Students will intern at media agencies and outlets in the region and state, focusing on internal operations and client relations. May take for 1 – 3 credits.

Lecture Hours: Co-op Hours: 192

This course offers a specialized study or project under the supervision of a faculty member. It may not duplicate any course already in the catalog. Students earn credit based upon the agreed upon credit and contact hours. This course can be repeated with different content for credit. Course may be taken for 1 – 3 credits.

Lecture Hours: 32 Lab Hours: 64

Course will be an advanced study in producing within the studio environment. The course will provide hands-on use of the studio equipment including mics, mixing boards and digital audio software. Advanced recording techniques will be employed. Production of a variety of music styles and the proper steps involved in recording and mixing and outputting each will be addressed.

Lecture Hours: 32 Lab Hours: 32

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of D in MMS-105, and MMS-214, and MMS-320.

This class will focus on group production of independent, short films from concept to delivery. Emphasis will be on learning the roles and responsibilities as well as the technical and creative aspects of film making by working on small production teams. The instructor will function as “Executive Producer,” technical advisor and critical mentor.

Lecture Hours: 32 Lab Hours: 32

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of D in MMS-111 and MMS-213.

The course is intended to advance student knowledge in portfolio and resume construction and job search strategies.

Lecture Hours: 32 Lab Hours: 32

This course will prepare the student for College Algebra and Trigonometry or other equivalent course work. Topics include properties of real numbers, linear and quadratic equations, graphs of polynomial functions, systems of equations, polynomial and rational expressions, inequalities, integral and rational exponents, radicals, and complex numbers.

Lecture Hours: 64

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C- in MAT-060 or MAT-063. Or equivalent placement score.

This is a one semester, liberal arts mathematics course that satisfies the minimum general education requirement for math. The course is designed to impart math skills which are helpful in everyday life as well as to expose students to areas of mathematics they may not have seen before. Topics include problem-solving skills, set theory, algebra, consumer mathematics, probability, and statistics. Other topics may be included.

Lecture Hours: 48

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of D- in MAT-060 or MAT-063. Or equivalent placement score.

This course provides an intensified study of algebraic techniques and prepares students for future study in mathematics. The central theme is the concept of functions, their properties, graphs and applications. Functions studied include polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic.

Lecture Hours: 64

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C- in MAT-102. Or equivalent placement score.

This one-semester pre-calculus course is intended for the student with a solid algebra background who intends to take calculus. It is also beneficial (but not required) for the student to have a background in trigonometry. The course will emphasize functions using an analytical, numerical, and graphical approach. The student will study linear, polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions along with their applications.

Lecture Hours: 64

Prerequisite(s): Appropriate Placement Test Scores: ACT Math Score of 25 OR Compass Score of 51-100 in the College Algebra Domain or 31-50 in the Trigonometry Domain.

The second course of a two-semester pre-calculus sequence. Topics include trigonometry and applications, vectors, analytic geometry, and polar and parametric equations.

Lecture Hours: 48

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C- in MAT-121. Or equivalent placement score.

This course is a study of descriptive statistics including graphical representation, central tendency, correlation and regression, intuitive treatment of probability and inferential statistics including hypothesis testing.

Lecture Hours: 48

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C- in MAT-060 or MAT-063. Or equivalent placement score.

The first in a calculus sequence, this course covers topics including functions and their graphs, limits, derivatives, applications of the derivative, and integrals.

Lecture Hours: 64

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C- in MAT-128 or MAT-134. Or appropriate placement scores: ACT 27; COMPASS TRIGONOMETRY 51-100.