These requirements are from an excerpt from the University Academic Catalog, which outlines the requirements for a student to earn the distinction of being a Castleton University graduate. The complete catalog is available online.
Bachelor of Arts graduates in Media & Communication will be able to:
Code | Course | Credits |
---|---|---|
COM 1040 |
Media WritingThis course introduces students to the basics of writing for 21st century media, exploring both forms that have their origins in print, and emergent forms native to the digital landscape. Students will practice writing for news and entertainment outlets, film and video, podcasting and radio, advertising, public relations and social media. Every Semester |
3 |
COM 1211 |
Introduction to Video and FilmmakingThis is a project-oriented course in which students develop their abilities to communicate in a wide range of video applications. It offers hands-on instruction, practice and guidance in writing, producing, directing, camerawork, audio recording, single and multi-camera production, and editing. Depending on their interests, students produce, direct and/or appear on camera in a number of in-and out-of class productions. This course fulfills an Arts and Aesthetics general education requirement. Fee Studio fee $20. Every Semester |
3 |
COM 1220 |
Introduction to Media and CommunicationThis course introduces students to the study of communication processes and media literacy practices. Students will explore print media, audio-visual media and mobile platforms. They will also examine historical and technological developments, and subsequent cultural, political and economic implications of these platforms. This course fulfills a Social Science general education requirement. Every Semester |
3 |
COM 2140 |
Race, Gender and Sexuality in MediaOR COM 2260 - Media and Society 3 cr Media are among our primary sources of images of people, places and things we do not encounter ourselves in our everyday lives. This course examines the images of women and racial and sexual minorities who have been on the fringes of policy development and yet at the center of narratives created by mainstream media. It takes a detailed look at the symbolic and social power of commercial media's role in constructing social and cultural differences around age, gender, race, class and sexuality. This course fulfills an Arts and Aesthetics general education requirement. Prerequisite: COM 1220 or consent of instructor. Fee Fee $20 Spring |
3 |
Code | Course | Credits |
---|---|---|
COM 2220 |
Web Content and Site Developmentcomplete these three courses: This course will provide an overview of website design & development. Students will learn the basics of HTML and CSS, principles of graphic design for the web, content strategy, search engine optimizations and web analytics. This course will culminate with the creation of a hosted website using the organizational, design, and coding skills learned through the course. Fee Fee $15 Spring |
3 |
COM 3120 |
MultimediaThrough theory and practice, students will learn to use a variety of media to provide instruction in a number of content areas. Media will range from video through world wide web delivery of multi-media. Students will produce instructional materials for use by the university and community from needs assessment and educational objectives through project planning and production to distribution and evaluation. Prerequisite: COM 1211 and COM 2220 or consent of instructor. Spring, odd years |
3 |
COM 4010 |
The Future of CommunicationThis course will consider the explosive growth in new technologies used in various communication processes which together form the so-called "information revolution." Its intent is to provide students, as both potential consumers and leaders in the field, with information and skills they might need to consider the communication media of the future. It is not an overly technical or theoretical course, despite the name; however students will learn certain technical concepts in order to understand the possible uses, advantages and disadvantages of new technologies and their likely impacts on individuals, organizations and society. While most of the course material will be considered in traditional classes, there will be a course listserv (electronic mailing list) on which students will write about various topics related to the course and a course web site that will include links to many of the assignments. This course fulfills the Digital and Computing Literacy general education requirement. Fall, odd years |
3 |
ART 3130 |
Motion Graphics and Animationand complete two of these courses: This course will introduce the study and application of the basic technical and aesthetic components of motion design. Using industry standard time-based media software, students learn animation principles ans skills as applied to a variety of media on computer and video screens. Topics include character animation, animation layering, motion logo development, and motion typography. Prerequisite: ART 2221 or COM 2221 Fee Fee $50 Periodically |
3 |
COM 1410 |
Digital Photography IOR ART 1410 - Digital Photography I 3 cr The student will explore the mechanical and electronic aspects of digital photography, as well as developing some of the basic tools of image manipulation. Instruction will include the aesthetics of digital images. This course fulfills an Arts and Aesthetics general education requirement. Prerequisite: Digital camera is required. Fee A studio fee may be required. Every semester |
3 |
COM 2221 |
Graphic Design I: Intro to Graphic DesignOR ART 2221 - Graphic Design I: Intro to Graphic Design 3 cr This course will introduce students to the basic principles, language, tools and practice of graphic design and teach them how to apply concepts through visual problem solving and communication. Students will also learn the process of design: research, ideation, iteration, implementation via industry-standard graphics software, and critique. Fee Fee $50 Every Semester |
3 |
COM 2222 |
Graphic Design: Publication DesignOR ART 2222 - Graphic Design: Publication Design 3 cr Students continue to explore and apply graphic design, typographic principles, and type/image integration with emphasis on print and online publication, including newspaper, magazine and advertising layout and design. The course continues the consideration of design in a historical perspective. Prerequisite: COM 2221/ART 2221 or consent of instructor. Fee Fee $50 Spring |
3 |
Code | Course | Credits |
---|---|---|
COM 4510 |
Communication PortfolioIn this course students develop and organize materials to support their career development efforts. Drawing from papers, stories, scripts, graphics, videos, audio files, etc. produced during their time as undergraduates, students produce online and hard copy portfolios and "reels." Students reflect on their overall growth and development within their fields of study, and thoughtfully address the works selected for their portfolios. Restrictions Restrictions: Senior Standing Fall |
3 |
COM 4810 |
Internship in Communicationand one of the following courses: The student takes on a position of responsibility in an off-campus professional environment under the direction of an on-site supervisor and a faculty member. Experiences are available in newspapers, magazines, large and small radio and television stations, production companies, marketing and PR firms, nonprofits, and other areas. All students enrolled meet periodically to discuss experiences. (Students may take up to 15 credits in COM 3810 and COM 4810 combined.) Signed contract required at time of registration. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. |
1-12 |
COM 4850 |
Senior Project in CommunicationThe student produces an independent project in his or her field under close supervision of a faculty advisor. Projects may be production oriented (short film) or analytical (thesis paper). Such projects may be in coordination with the university radio station, newspaper or local television facilities, but may not consist of an established position within these organizations. All students enrolled meet weekly to discuss projects. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor and senior standing. |
3 |
Complete an 18 or more credit Minor or related area of focused study approved by the faculty advisor, or a Civic Engagement Certificate. The Minor or area of focused study may not be in Media & Communication, nor may it include any courses the student applies to the Major requirements. Should the Major and Minor require the same course, a relevant substitution is required in one or the other.
View the General Education Requirements.
This major participates in the 3+2 program with Vermont Law School, in which highly-focused students can earn a Bachelor's degree in just three years at CU and a Juris Doctor (JD) degree in just two years at VLS.
For details, see the Law Degree page.