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 Science graduates in Media & Communication will be aware of the nature of the communication enterprise:
Graduates will also be able to:
Finally, graduates will have:
| Code | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
COM 1040 |
Media WritingThis is a basic course covering writing in a variety of media including print and broadcast journalism, advertising, instructional television, public relations and broadcast continuity. Prerequisite: ENG 1061. 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. 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 the Social and Behavioral Understanding Frame of Reference. Every Semester |
3 |
COM 2140 |
Race, Gender and Sexuality in MediaOR COM 2260 - Media and Society 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 counts towards the Aesthetic Understanding Frame of Reference. Prerequisite: COM 1220 or consent of instructor. Fee Fee $20 Spring |
3 |
| Code | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
COM 2212 |
Video Workshop II: News and Feature Productioncomplete these three courses: Students produce news and feature segments of a cablecast video magazine. Different students will emphasize different areas of interest including on-camera performance, producing, camerawork, graphics and editing. Prerequisite: COM 1211. Fee Studio fee $20. Every Semester |
3 |
COM 3020 |
Documentary WorkshopStudy of the problems of documentary writing and production for public broadcasting. Students write, produce, direct, and videotape short documentary scripts. This course counts towards the Aesthetic Understanding Frame of Reference. Prerequisite: COM 2212 Alternate years Fall, even years |
3 |
COM 4020 |
Screen Drama WorkshopStudy of drama for television with emphasis on blocking for the medium, television scene design, lighting, and special effects. Students produce, direct and videotape dramatic scripts. This course counts towards the Aesthetic Understanding Frame of Reference. Prerequisite: COM 2212 Spring |
3 |
ART 3130 |
Motion Graphics and Animation-OR- COM 3133 - Motion Graphics and Animation 3 cr 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 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. Restrictions This course counts towards the Aesthetic Understanding Frame of Reference. Fee Fee $15 Every semester |
3 |
COM 2120 |
Script Workshop IThis course is designed to allow students to explore a wide range of script styles and formats, including the stage play, film script, radio play, and television script. The focus will be on understanding the process of script development through reading and analyzing published scripts, and by writing original short scripts. Periodically |
3 |
COM 2130 |
Experimental Cinema and VideoStudents explore video as an artistic medium through group projects, production and critique of individual projects, and viewing and analysis of the work of current video artists. Emphasis is on developing methods to present artistic concepts coherently. Students are encouraged to experiment with modes of narrative, camera and editing techniques and forms of presentation. This course counts towards the Aesthetic Understanding Frame of Reference. Fee Studio Fee $20. Periodically |
3 |
COM 2210 |
Broadcast PerformanceInstruction, practice and critique of television and radio performance in a wide array of nonfiction genres such as news, talk, variety, documentary and commercial programming. Fall, odd years |
3 |
COM 2221 |
Graphic Design I: Intro to Graphic DesignThis 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 2240 |
Video Magazine WorkshopIntensive practice in news feature production emphasizing field production and editing. Limited enrollment. Prerequisite: COM 2212. Fee Studio fee $20. Every semester |
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 3790 |
Special Topics in Media ProductionThis course provides a focused study in the theory and practice of a single aspect of media production (e.g. cinematography, editing, "spot" production, streaming media, a specific industry software package). Topics will vary by semester. May be taken twice for credit. Prerequisite: COM 1211 Fee Studio fee $20 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 Communication[at least 3 credits required] 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.
Click here for General Education Requirements.