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 1050 |
Introduction to Popular Culturecomplete all of these This inter-disciplinary theory course explores the ways in which media and the entertainment industries have made consumerism the focal point of American culture and society. Focusing primarily on the marketing and consumption of clothing, food, toys and religion, we will examine how the commercialization and privatization of popular culture have forced us to revise how we think of ourselves as individuals and as a nation. This course fulfills a Social Science general education requirement. Fall |
3 |
COM 1150 |
Introduction to Cinema StudiesWhy are movies made? Who makes them? How do they make their way to us? Why does it matter? In this course, we will explore contemporary cinema's capacity to entertain, express, inform, and generate revenue. We'll work to understand why Hollywood and other film industries favor certain subjects and styles, and to illuminate the challenges of working in film production. Each class meeting will include a movie screening, lecture, discussion, and a lab instruction period. This course fulfills an Arts and Aesthetics general education requirement. Fee Fee $15 Every semester |
3 |
COM 2140 |
Race, Gender and Sexuality in MediaOR COM 2260 - Media and Society, whichever has not been taken to fulfill the above section required of all COM majors 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 |
COM 2160 |
International Communicationand two of these courses: This course will provide a critical framework for understanding the social, political and ethical dimensions of the flow of information between nations. Central to the study will be an analysis of inter-governmental actors such as the UNESCO and the WTO in governing transborder data flows. Emphasis will be placed on examining language as an ideological tool, cultural imperialism, news imbalance, modernization and dependency, and globalization. This course fulfills a Humanistic Perspectives general education requirement. Fall |
3 |
COM 2330 |
International CinemaAn introductory survey of non-U.S. cinema, exploring prominent film movements and national cinemas from the 1940's through the present. Films screened in the course will range from popular genre cinema to art and experimental cinemas. Class meets for one four-hour period weekly. This course fulfills a Humanistic Perspective general education requirement. Prerequisite: COM 1150 or consent of instructor. Fee Screening fee $15 Fall, odd years |
3 |
COM 2730 |
Special Topics in Cinema StudiesIn-depth exploration of a topic in cinema studies, such as genre, director, national cinema, gender and cinema, race and cinema, or topics in film theory. Exact course descriptions will be provided prior to registration for the spring semester. Class meets for one 4-hour session per week. Prerequisite: COM 2050 or consent of instructor. Fee Screening fee $15 Spring |
3 |
COM 3050 |
Media and ActivismThis course examines how various media forms can, and have been, used to bring about social and political change. Because computer related media technologies, community, and alternative media are generally more accessible and multi-faceted than mainstream corporate outlets, in recent times they have been deployed more easily to influence or directly enact social or public policy change. Students study all these efforts. An important aspect of the course will be examining the current political system and media's integral role in both maintaining and challenging the status quo. This course fulfills a Social Science general education requirement. Fall, even years |
3 |
COM 3760 |
Special Topics in Media StudiesThis course is an in-depth exploration of specialized or advanced media topics and issues. Current controversies, events and concerns will inform the content of each course offering. Topics may include advocacy through social media, censorship, community and alternative media, and video games. As topics change, this course may be repeated for credit. This course fulfills a Humanistic Perspectives general education requirement. Prerequisite: COM 1220 or permission of instructor. Fall |
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 |
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.