COMM - Communications

This course is an overview of the development, operation and impact of the mass media as well as the impact of mass communication messages and institutions on individuals and society. In addition, much of the information received today is mediated information. The bulk of the political debate and the discussion of public issues comes through the mass media. A substantial amount of leisure time is also spent with media products. This course will help students become a more critical decoder of mediated messages by better understanding the process and effects of mass communication. 

This course provides students the opportunity to study topics in various aspects of communication theory and/or practice. Subject matter will vary.

This course is designed as an introduction to the various styles of writing used by journalists - print, electronic and online as well as public relations, corporate communication and advertising professionals.

An introduction to basic theories of communication, this course includes an examination of techniques of communication in three common communication settings: interpersonal relationships, group gatherings and public gatherings. The public context includes the presentation of a minimum of three speeches. At least one speech is an informative speech and at least one is persuasive. All students are required to give at least three speeches. Topics to be covered include nonverbal communication and listening.

IAI: C2 900

This course covers the theory and practice of graphic design principles when creating: newspapers, newsletters, brochures and magazines, and provides experience with desktop publishing software and equipment.

This course provides an overview of the forms and styles of journalistic writing, as well as practice in writing and editing the basic types of news stories for print media and online media. The course also introduces students to the multimedia elements of online news stories.

This course covers all aspects of working at a radio station, from control board operations to sales. The class uses the University's radio station WLRA to provide students with hands-on experience.

Students develop a variety of newsgathering skills in research, data collection and interviewing, as well as practice in writing general assignment and beat stories.

This course is designed to introduce the student to the concept of visual literacy and the various forms of visual media used by today's communication professionals. The course includes the theory, aesthetics and application of digital still and video cameras and digital editors.

This course analyzes the fundamental principles and processes of technology utilized in modern telecommunications.

This course provides an overview of the forms and styles of journalistic writing, as well as practice in writing and editing the basic types of news stories for print media and online media. The course also introduces students to the multimedia elements of online news stories. Instruction will include basic foundations of journalism, preliminary knowledge of reporting skills, understanding of proper grammar and writing styles and the fundamentals of digital photography, video, audio and multimedia as it applies to journalism. Students will learn foundational skills including the conception, planning and creation of multimedia projects in an evolving digital landscape.

This course provides instruction and practice in writing local and specialized feature stories for newspapers, consumer and trade magazines, newsletters and online publications. The course examines the fundamental principles and techniques of feature writing and then apply these principles in a variety of journalistic forms. The course also develops skills in listening, observation, interviewing and information gathering. This course is for students interested in careers in journalism, public relations and corporate communications as well as for students who enjoy writing and would like to someday publish their writing in the local community. 

This course takes a functional approach to Roberts Rules of Order as part of a study of procedures for running meetings, whether political or social.

Students explore the social, technological and economic conditions under which the American broadcasting industry emerged and the impact of new technologies of broadcasting on American society.

This course introduces current tools in developing, maintaining, and capitalizing on an online audience through social media, web analytics and other online tools. Not only will techniques and strategies for accruing a meaningful audience be analyzed, but also how these technologies can be used as a means for distribution of content.

The course introduces students to the fundamentals of advertising, public relations and the promotions process. The course will cover topics such as PR and advertising agency structure, roles in an agency, types of advertising and PR, communication and persuasive strategies, and current PR and advertising trends. 

This course introduces the student to digital newsgathering, writing, and reporting as a broadcast journalist.

Skills for success in both professional and personal relationships are developed by learning how these relationships work through laboratory experiences.

Discussion, problem-solving, conflict management, and leadership are reviewed, along with research of contemporary problems.

This course focuses on techniques of television production, including the use of the television camera, video recorder, lighting, audio control and TV direction. The class offers extensive practical experience in producing and recording video programs.

This course will introduce the student to the various techniques used in digital filmmaking. Students will be able to experience all aspects of digital video production, from scripting and storyboarding to shooting video and recording audio to editing and post-production.

Students will learn how to defend or oppose positions through the use of research, analysis, logic, and to recognize common fallacies in reasoning. They will learn formal theory of argumentation and how it is used in politics, courts, organizations, and interpersonal relationships. They will learn to debate ethically in many contexts and to defend themselves from unethical tactics.

This course examines interpersonal and public speaking occasions integral to business and the professions, such as performance evaluations, proposals, summaries, sales presentations and training sessions.

This course analyzes the fundamental principles and processes of the technology used in the expanding role of media applications in industry, business, educational and training institutions, and medical and paramedical organizations.

This course provides an overview of skills used in multimedia journalism. Lectures and projects in this course focus on developing the skills of a multimedia journalist including: AP style, news reporting/writing, video editing, audio editing, social media, and photography. Computer programs used will include but are not limited to: Photoshop, Final Cut Pro, Facebook, Twitter, Tumbler, wix.com and various blogging software.

Provides training and experience in AP style, layout and design, headlines, photographs, captions, as well as, an understanding and appreciation of news values, ethics and publication management.

Instruction in the basic use of SLR cameras, darkroom processing, printing and composition are provided. The course also includes the study of ethics in photojournalism.

This course offers specialized study in an area of journalistic writing or an exploration of current issues in journalism.

Provides an introduction to the planning, promoting, management and assessment of special events for businesses and non-profit organizations.

Provides advanced theory and practice in graphic design principles and electronic page layout for a variety of print and electronic publications.

This series of seminars focuses on various topics related to communications and is usually offered on weekends.

This course also involves a critical study of the theory, application, aesthetics, and techniques of audio production, audio editing, and the equipment and its operation used in various types of audio production for media.

This course is an overview of sports journalism and sports public relations. The first half of the course will be concerned with sports writing. Students will examine the fundamental principles and techniques of gathering, writing and editing sports stories and then apply these principles. The second half of the course will deal with sports public relations, promotion and media relations. Students will also become familiar with sports organizations and associations. 

In this course, students learn and apply skills in the use of video and audio production equipment in a number of production situations based on their interests to create content for LUTN-TV news. They will work with community service organizations using their production talents to help meet the needs in the community. Service Learning at Lewis University is an experiential pedagogy in which faculty and community partners co-determine structured opportunities for students that meet academic learning outcomes and contribute to goals in the community. Service learning experiences are integrated with course materials, activities and directed reflection that enable students to practice social and civic responsibility while deepening disciplinary knowledge and skills.

This course provides an introduction to all phases of sports broadcasting, including radio, television and field work, as well as standard sports terminology.

Students learn the theory and get practice in writing and preparing various forms of informational and promotional material used in public relations, such as news releases, fact sheets, media kits and backgrounders.

The course will provide additional information on and practice in public relations.  Future strategic communicators will study real-life scenarios they will likely encounter during their career.  A variety of case studies will be reviewed, and students will apply ethical decision-making to evaluate the manner in which challenges and crises were managed. 

This course is designed to provide the students with the opportunity to gain insight through analysis and evaluation of the converging impact of media on global business taking into consideration the common, unique and divergent approaches media takes on issues experienced by nations that interact in the global market.

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of media sales and promotions for all forms of communications used in media society.  Students will review the development and current trends of sales in media in the United States as well as explore a variety of concepts and theories of future sales opportunities in the media field.

The objective of this course is to teach students how to write clear, concise and creative messages for various media formats. Students will study and practice writing a variety of advertising pieces such as creative briefs, print and digital media. Emphasis is placed on research, strategy, understanding one's target audience and translating that information into impactful copy. 

The purpose of this course is to assist juniors and seniors in preparing for the internship and professional job search process. The course will target resume writing, cover letter writing, internship/job searching strategies, networking tactics, and tips for mastering the interview process, among other goals.

The course will provide additional information and practice in social media. Future strategic communicators will study real life scenarios, good and bad, they may encounter during their career. A variety of case studies will be reviewed, and students will apply ethical decision-making to evaluate the manner in which challenges and crises were managed.

Students will examine and practice the communication skills that are pertinent to leadership such as communicating a vision, team building, conflict management, handling paradoxes and motivating followers.

This course provides a study of organizations as communicated cultures and the various systems of communication relevant to organizations. The course examines power, politics, decision-making, conflict and racial and gender policies.

Culture, language, nonverbal communication and strategies for overcoming barriers are examined. The course prepares students to interact comfortably with those who are unlike them with respect to nationality, ethnicity, regionality, gender and other factors of cultural diversity.

Students learn and apply skills in the use of video and audio production equipment in a number of "real life" production situations including the production of a PSA for a non-profit agency in the region.  Throughout the course, students critically analyze narrative, documentary, corporate, news, single camera film style, and other field production methods.

This course will include advanced common editing techniques and functions on both Avid and Final Cut editing systems.  Students will be able to understand aesthetics and various common practices of editing that will be able to be applied to any system encountered after graduation.

Students study advanced problems of motivation, audience psychology, construction of various types of speeches, organization, and delivery.

This course covers principles and practice in writing for broadcast media. Assignments focus on writing commercials, as well as training, documentary, dramatic, educational, and news scripts.

Students get instruction and practice in writing editorials and reviews for newspapers, magazines, and online publications.

This course introduces students to the online writing format of blogging and opinion writing using facts, research, and personal experience. Students get instruction and practice in writing editorials and reviews for newspapers, magazines, and online publications.

Digital Advertising is intended to be a mid level course in the PR and Advertising Program at Lewis University.

Students examine various corporate media development and design theories, principles and applications to develop materials designed to meet specific communication needs of the corporate client.

This course provides an overview of the concepts, theories and principles of content-first, website design and front-end development. Topics include: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, wireframing, content writing and website hosting.

After taking this course, students will have the ability to hand code aesthetically pleasing media focused HTML and CSS media websites. Topics include HTML/CSS, HTML5/CSS3, Responsive Design, user experience design, JavaScript (jQuery), and strategies to design front-end user interfaces that work well with back-end developers. This course builds on the front-end design skills students developed in COMM 38200: Media Web Design.

This course introduces students to a critical view of the mass media and technology. In addition to looking at new media theories, the course will focus on the Internet's continuing evolution. Areas of the course will include technology's impact on users, the mass media, democracy, and globalization.

Students study of the First Amendment freedoms and the laws that regulate or restrict the flow of information access.

This is a mastery-level course for the PR and Advertising program at Lewis University intended to deepen student's understanding of the overall advertising campaign planning process. It focuses on research, strategy, copy and design, media selection and sales promotion. Students will use Adobe Creative Suite software to create logos and other digital media to develop and execute a comprehensive campaign for a client.

This course is designed to develop a strong base of knowledge in the area of corporate media production. The student will learn and apply skills in the use of digital media and audio production equipment and software in a number of "real life" production situations including the production of a promotional/instructional production for a non-profit agency in the region.

This course provides advanced training and practice in newswriting and editing with an emphasis on public affairs reporting.

Students produce programs, do sound engineering, write and produce radio commercials, and practice advanced production studio techniques. All aspects of radio broadcasting and managing a radio station are covered.

This is a mastery-level course for the both broadcast journalism and digital media and journalism programs at Lewis University intended to deepen students’ understanding of the overall digital media writing planning process. It focuses on research, sourcing information, data journalism, diversity and inclusion, covering trauma and ethics. We will also stress enterprising story ideas, how to contribute to a newsroom and time management. Students will develop and execute a comprehensive platform focusing on a topic that the class chooses. This news reporting class teaches you multimedia reporting tools and strategies to develop stories for content and/or neighborhood-based beat. Students’ stories can apply the video, audio and interactive skills from other classes. You explore a variety of story formats to craft clear and compelling pieces of journalism.

Academic credit is granted for work with the campus radio station (WLRA). Students must work one semester with the station before being eligible to apply for credit. Credit must be arranged with the instructor (maximum of eight hours).

On-the-job training at the school-run television studio and remote television productions are provided.

Students in the course will work with the Broadcast News program WFLY-TV.

Students in this course are expected to serve as web masters and producers for the online version of the student newspaper.

This examination of special topics and problems unique to the broadcast industry includes social, cultural, ethical and technological issues.

A survey of selected classical and contemporary theories in human communication is provided.

This course offers a survey and application of the methods and materials of rhetorical criticism.

Prepares students for newswriting, research, and news production for live television newscasts. Includes newsroom, television studio, location, and minicam unit remote operation.

This course provides experience in single and multicamera shoots, advanced studio techniques, writing and producing media programs including news packages, commercials/PSAs, and documentaries.

Students direct and produce television shows. This course concentrates on all aspects of producing and directing, including pre-production planning, set-up and rehearsal, production and post-production.

This course provides an understanding of the primary research methods utilized in advertising, broadcasting, communication, journalism, and public relations. The course covers the elements of scientific research, sampling methods, various data collection and research approaches, basic statistical procedures, research ethics as well as writing and reporting techniques.

This course provides experience in advanced level computer-based digital editing.

Students examine the means of motivation in any message or social situation that can be used to influence others and protect individuals from influence. They also analyze the observed persuasive effects and presentation of persuasive messages and develop a mock persuasive campaign.

In this special topics seminar, subjects include nonverbal communication, as well as intercultural, political and gender communication.

Provides in-depth experience and mastery of animation software. The course involves the creation of elaborate games and simulations for various multimedia clients.

This course provides a comprehensive examination of the social and ethical responsibilities of the professional communicator. The first half of the course examines the major ethical questions confronting journalists and media practitioners such as truth, censorship, conflict of interest and privacy. The second half of the course concerns ethical questions in the area of media effects created by trying to balance social scientific research findings with the concept of freedom of speech.

Students in this course are expected to serve as multimedia producers for the online version of the student newspaper.

Students get an opportunity to produce long-form digital media productions including documentaries and promotional work under the direction of the Lewis University media staff.

Students get an opportunity to apply skills learned in journalism courses by working on the staff of The Flyer by writing, editing, or working on layout.

Students will learn how to create and manage media-focused web applications, as well as create and present a proposal for a media-focused web application based on their individual background. Additional topics include manipulating statistical data in web applications for digital storytelling; developing expertise in ecommerce solutions, freelancing, and branding; and gaining an understanding of sole proprietorships, corporations, and LLCs.

By being placed in various media or other business communication outlets arranged with an advisor, students gain on-the-job experience.

Students conduct independent research projects directed by a departmental instructor. The project is in an area of communication not covered in other courses. Students must present a brief outline of the project and obtain the instructor's approval before registration.