Strange Attractor Wire sculpture
Open Cuboctahedron
Department of Art and Communications Catalog 2023-2023

 

The Department of Visual and Performing Arts

The mission of the Visual and Performing Arts Department is to educate our students to lead productive personal and professional lives and to prepare each student for a rewarding career in the fine arts. The Department of Visual and Performing Arts brings together the disciplines of Art, Music and Dance coordinating cultural endeavors wherever possible, for the enrichment of the Albertus Magnus student. Curricula combine the humanistic offerings of a Liberal Arts college with a broad and integrated training in the arts.

With a choice of five concentration, students are provided with a strong basic foundation in a variety of art areas, preparing them for advanced programs, graduate studies and careers in art related professions. Courses are designed to give students an extensive background in the history of art and an opportunity to achieve competence in studio art areas.

Art Major

The art major requires 45 credits in studio art, art history and correlative courses in one of the following concentrations: Studio Art, History of Art, Graphic Design, Photography or Art Therapy.

 

Concentration in Studio Art (45 credits)

This concentration is designed to introduce the student to the language of art in its many forms. Small interactive classes nurture growth in personal style and expression in art and encourage individual excellence and the cooperative interchange of ideas. A one person art exhibition is required of each major as preparation for a career as an artist. Students are offered opportunities to investigate and explore possibilities in the field and are encouraged to find a direction which will lead them toward a future in the art world.

Required Courses:

AR 111 Drawing I
AR 113 Three Dimensional Design
AR 122 Two dimensional Design
AR 213 Color
AR 391 Senior Project

One of the following: (3 credits)
AH 230 History of Art I
AH 231 History of Art II

One course in art history beyond AH 141 (3 credits)

Seven courses in studio electives in three or more areas (21 credits)

AR 380 Practicum 3cr.

Recommended Correlative: (3 credits) PH 265 Origins of Art

Concentration in Graphic Design (45 credits)

The graphic design concentration is of timely and practical value to the student interested in the commercial art world. Students are provided with extensive training in basic art techniques with an emphasis on good design. Because of the diversity of graphic design careers, students are required to develop competency in several computer designing programs. This background with a practicum in the field, prepares them for advanced practical training in this field.

Required Art Courses: (45 credits)

AR 111 Drawing I
AR 114 Graphic Design I
AR 122 Two-Dimensional Design
AR 201 Introduction to Computer Art
AR 213 Color
AR 214 Graphic Design II
AR 235 Introduction to Photography
AR 236 Photography II
AR 314 Advanced Graphic Design I
AR 315 Advanced Graphic Design II
AR 335 Digital Photography I
AR 336 Digital Photography II
AR 380 Practicum AR 391
AR 391 Senior Project

One course in art history: (3 credits)

Required Correlatives: (6 credits)

CO 235 Magazine Editing and Publishing
CO 260 Advertising Techniques

Concentration in Photography (45 credits)

The Photography concentration provides the student with the opportunity to work with the medium of photography as a fine art and to purse a rewarding career in the area of photography. Introductory level courses are followed by advanced topics in black and white as well as digital color photography, preparing the student for work in the field or for graduate studies in photography.

Required Art Courses: (45 credits)

AR 111 Drawing I
AR 113 Three Dimensional Design
AR 122 Two Dimensional Design
AR 201 Introduction to Computer Art
AR 213 Color
AR 235 Introduction to Photography
AR 236 Photography II
AR 335 Digital Photography I
AR 336 Digital Photography II
AR 237 Advanced Photography I
AR 238 Advanced Photography II
AR 391 Senior Project

One of the following: (3 credits)

AR 211 Drawing II
AR 311 Painting I

2 courses in Art History (6 credits)

Required Correlatives: (3 credits) CO 255 Photojournalism

Minor in Photography

Foundation Studies

AR 122, Two Dimensional Design (recommended) 3 cr. Level A (fall)
                                     OR
AR 113, Three Dimensional Design, 3 cr., Level A

AR 235 Introduction to Photography 3 cr.
AR 236 Photography II, 3 cr.
AR 335 Digital Photography I, 3 cr.
CO 237 Photo Journalism, 3 cr.

AR 336 Digital Photography II, 3 cr. (spring)
                                     OR
AR 237, Advanced Photography I, 3 cr. (fall or spring)

Total: 18 cr.

Concentration in Art Therapy (45 credits)

The art therapy concentration presents for the student a particular focus designed to lead to a graduate art therapy program. The program offers the student a rich and varied background in various media and techniques of art, so important as a vocabulary for the art therapist. Also, the art therapy student acquires the psychology courses needed to prepare for this rewarding field.

Required Art Courses: (27 credits)

AR 111 Drawing I
AR 213 Color
AR 391 Senior Project

One of the following (3 credits):

AR 113 Three Dimensional Design
AR 122 Two Dimensional Design

One course in Art History (3 credit)

Four courses from studio art electives including: (l2 credits)

Required Psychology Courses: (18 credits)

PY 111 Introduction to Psychology
PY 218 Statistics
PY 340 Assessment of Human Behavior
PY 371 Introduction to Art Therapy
PY 372. Theory and Practice of Art Therapy

One of the following courses: (3 credits)

PY 330 Child Psychology
PY 341 Adolescent Psychology

Students Applying to a MAAT graduate program are strongly encouraged to take
PY 211, Abnormal Psychology

Art Minor (18 credits)

AR 111 Drawing I
AR 213 Color

One of the following (3 credits):

AR 113 Three Dimensional Design
AR 122 Two Dimensional Design

One course in Art History (3 credits)

Two courses in studio art electives. (6 credits)

Art History Minor (18 credits)

Five courses in Art History (15 credits)
One course in Photography (3 credits)

Graphic Design Minor (18 Credits)

AR 111 Drawing
AR 122 Two Dimensional Design
AR 201 Introduction to Computer Art
AR 114 Graphic Design I
AR 214 Graphic Design II
AR 314 Advanced Graphic Design I)

Music Minor (18 Credits)

MU 111 Introduction to Music 3cr
MU 112 Fundamentals of Music 3 cr


*12 credits additionally divided among lecture or performance courses with a maximum of 6 credits in performance-choir, vocal, or instrumental study.

Interdepartmental Major with Business and Economics

Bachelor of Arts in Art Management

Consistent with the mission of Albertus Magnus College to provide an education that promotes the pursuit of truth in all of its dimensions and is practical in its application, the Bachelor of Arts inArt Management combines a liberal arts core curriculum and an inter- disciplinary blend of managerial, artistic, business and communications courses. The pro- gram enables students to developtheir understanding and expertise in visual arts and prepares them to assume management positions in organizations dedicated to the visual arts, pursue careers as artists, or gain acceptance into agraduate program.

This program is currently housed in the Business Department.

 

 

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS


AR-111 Drawing I
An introduction to observational drawing. Development of a personal vision and an
individual style through an exploration of the expressive means of drawing: form, line,
texture, composition. Various tools and techniques. General Education: A. 3 credits

AR-113 Three-Dimensional Design
Provides an analytical approach to design elements and principles with an emphasis
on spatial organization and three-dimensional forms using a variety of materials and
techniques. This course investigates numerous approaches to understanding the visual
world. General Education: A. 3 credits

AR-114 Graphic Design I
An introduction to page layout and design as it relates to constructed documents
including books, posters, and brochures. Provides an overview of the field of commercial
art including advertising, web design, and art direction. 3 credits

AR-122 Two-Dimensional Design
An introduction to the elements of two-dimensional design and study of visual language
principles used to organize the plane. Projects are geared to solving visual "problems"
with an eye toward elegant and economical solutions. This course will be conducted
using the computer as the primary tool and investigating numerous approaches to
understanding the visual world. General Education: A. 3 credits

AR-139 Introduction to Digital Video & Audio
This course focuses on concepts and techniques associated with digital video production
with a focus on internet distribution. Topics include introductory video production
and post-production principles, introductory animation principles, documentary bestpractices,
pre-production planning, and both on-location and studio production. Through
a combination of planned location shoots, group projects, and individual creative
production students will be exposed to principles and practices associated with both field
and studio production. General Education: A. 3 credits

AR-201 Introduction to Computer Art
An introduction to imaging using windows based tools. The course explores digital bit
mapped and vector systems to create two-dimensional works for paper and the web.
General Education: A. 3 credits

AR-211 Drawing II
A continuation of AR 111 with an emphasis on development of a personal style and
drawing as communication and expression. P: AR 111. 3 credits

AR-212 Figure Drawing
Figure Drawing is an advanced drawing course. Students enrolled should already have
developed a competency in the technical aspects of observational drawing. This course is
an introduction to the skills and concepts associated with drawing the nude and clothed
human form through creative studio and homework projects. P: AR 111. 3 credits

AR-213 Color
This course includes projects analyzing the physical and psychological aspects of color in
painting and design with emphasis on theories of color interaction. General Education: A.
3 credits

AR-214 Graphic Design II
A continuation of AR 114 with a focus on typography, layout, and design for commercial
publication. Type specification, production techniques, and digital design tools will be
surveyed. The course culminates with a portfolio of publication-ready design. P: AR 114.
3 credits

AR-216 Arts and Entrepreneurship
This course introduces students to a variety for students in creative fields within their
individual practices, providing business skills, tools, and resources to enable future
achievement of their creative goals with an emphasis on professional practice. This
course will focus on creating new, self-driven opportunities for creative production.
General Education: A. 3 credits

AR-218 Introduction to Digital Game Development
This studio course will introduce students to the primary concepts of game-making in
a digital age, examining games as an emergent art form. Students will replicate historic
games using contemporary digital tools and produce both physical and digital game
elements. Students will study the development and impact of games as interactive art.
General Education: A. 3 credits

230 ALBERTUS MAGNUS COLLEGE 2022–2023 Undergraduate Programs
AR-231 Introduction to Ceramics
Study of the formal elements of shape, volume, color, and texture as they relate to clay
and glazes; important historical and contemporary examples; techniques in handling clay,
especially hand-building. 3 credits

AR-232 Ceramics II
A continuation of AR 231 with more emphasis on various ways of finishing, glazing, and
firing hand built as well as wheel thrown clay. P: AR 231. 3 credits

AR-235 Introduction to Photography I
Introduces students to the fine art and craft of photography and photographic
printmaking. Instruction in camera and darkroom techniques leads to a portfolio with
emphasis on visual thinking and photographic seeing. 3 credits

AR-236 Photography II
A continuation of AR 235, Photography II develops a personal approach to photography
and solving formal and technical problems. P: AR 235. 3 credits

AR-239 Digital Video & Audio I
A continuation of AR/CO 139, this course provides support for students to develop and
complete an intermediate project using digital video and audio tools. Students will carry
individual projects through pre-production, production, post-production and distribution.
Students will further be required to assist with the productions of their peers. P: AR 139
or CO 139. 3 credits

AR-243 Motion Graphics & Visual Effects I
This course builds on the post-production skills introduced in AR/CO 139 developing
motion graphics and compositing visual effects for digital, time-based productions.
Students will study the history of visual effects and motion graphics technology,
contemporary and historic time-based works, and develop original animated content.
P: AR 139 or CO 239. 3 credits

AR-244 Motion Graphics & Visual Effects II
This course builds on the post-production skills introduced in AR/CO 243 and allows
for students to develop advanced works of digital animation. If offered simultaneously
with Digital Video I or II, this course may further support the significant development
of motion graphics or visual effects for peers' productions in those courses.
P: AR 243 or CO 243. 3 credits

AR-252 Special Topics
Selected topic studied in-depth within an Art frame of reference. 3 credits

AR-255 Special Topics
Selected topic studied in-depth within an Art frame of reference. 3 credits

AR-311 Painting I
An introduction to various techniques and approaches to painting with acrylic and/or oils.Regular critiques, gallery visits. P: AR 111, AR 213 or permission of Department Chair.3 credits

AR-312 Painting II
An advanced course in painting. Students will develop their personal style through an indepth approach toward technical and conceptual problems. P: AR 311. 3 credits

AR-313 Advanced Painting III
This course provides the student with the opportunity to explore advanced technical and
conceptual work in painting. It allows the student to create one or two thematically linked bodies of work which will be accompanied by supporting research, a written proposal and an Artist's Statement. Students are mentored in the development of an "interview ready"
portfolio/binder and other career preparation materials. P: AR 311, AR 312. 3 credits

AR-314 Advanced Graphic Design I
Introduction to design for the World Wide Web. Students will create a professional
portfolio site for themselves and take it live to the web with their own domain name. P:
AR 214. 3 credits

AR-315 Advanced Graphic Design II
A semester in company identity and package design. Design to meet the strategic needs
of corporate branding and packaging. P: AR 314. 3 credits

AR-331 Advanced Ceramics I
An opportunity for further work at advanced levels in the medium. P: AR 231, AR 232. 3
credits

AR-332 Advanced Ceramics II
An opportunity for further work at advanced levels in the medium. P: AR 231, AR 232,
AR 331. 3 credits

AR-335 Digital Photography I
An exploration of photographic color, light, and design using digital tools. Coursework
includes scanning into digital image from conventional film. Adobe Photoshop software
is utilized to manipulate, edit, collage, and combine digital images. 3 credits

AR-336 Digital Photography II
An opportunity to explore advanced coursework in digital photographic editing. Students
will pursue a defined project throughout the semester. P: AR 335. 3 credits

AR-337 Advanced Photography I
An opportunity for motivated students to pursue more advanced work in still photography
including color and large format work. P: AR 235, AR 236. 3 credits

AR-338 Advanced Photography II
An opportunity for motivated students to pursue more advanced work in still photography
including color and large format work. P: AR 235, AR 236, AR 337. 3 credits

AR-339 Digital Video & Audio II A continuation of AR/CO 239, this course provides support for students to develop and
complete an advanced project using digital video and/or audio tools. Students will carry
individual projects through pre-production, production, post-production and distribution.
Students will further be required to assist with the productions of their peers. P: AR 239
or CO 239. 3 credits

AR-355 Special Topics
Selected topic studied in-depth within an Art frame of reference. 3 credits

AR-356 3D Modelling and Animation I
Students will explore 3D techniques such as modeling, motion, transformation, lighting,
and texturing in the creation of original assets, virtual worlds, and animations. Students
will strengthen their individual artistic voice while creating assets for either time-based or
interactive creative works. 3 credits.

AR-357 3D Modelling & Animation II
A continuation of AR 356, 3D Modelling & Animation II provides an opportunity for
students to pursue a singular time-based project or, if taken in conjunction with AR
360 or 361, develop original assets for an interactive project. Students will more deeply
research and develop their abilities with 3D character design, environmental design,
virtual lighting, model rigging, and animation. P: AR 356. 3 credits

AR-360 Digital Game Development I
Digital Game Development I builds upon the foundations of the introduction course and
gives the student the opportunity, time, resources, and faculty support to build individual
games from conception to playable prototype. P: AR 218. 3 credits

AR-361 Digital Game Development II
A continuation of AR 360, Game Development II allows the student to complete a more
finished version of their work from that previous class. Game Development II will further
offer a foundation in distributing platforms and marketing practices. P: AR 218, AR 360.
3 credits

AR-380 Art Practicum
Program of supervised practical experience in museum, gallery, art, or advertising studio
related to the student's course of study in art. P: Permission of Department Chair. 2-12 credits

AR-381 Internship: Art Management
This is a field based course in which students gain on site experience working in the
Art and/or Art Management field for 120 contact hours per 3 credits. The student is
responsible for maintaining an integrative journal and completing other academic
requirements. A student may repeat this course only once, and the second internship must
be at a different location. P: Junior or Senior standing. 3 to 12 credits

AR-390 Special Problems in Art
In this course, the student will, under the supervision of the department chair/program
director, research and produce an integrative culminating project that draws together
various aspects of the student's course of study. This project will require the student
not only to engage new academic research and material, but the student must also draw
deliberately upon learning done in previous classes in the major to support and develop
the project. By the end of the semester, the project should be a clear expression of, and
culminating investigation into the set of questions or themes that formed the basis of the
major course of study. 1-12 credits

AR-391 Senior Project
Includes discussion of current writings on art and art criticism, and a studio project or
research paper. Exhibition required of seniors concentrating in studio art; lecture or
project required of those concentrating in the history of art. P: Open to Senior Art majors.
3 credits

Art History (AH)

AH-143 Evolution of Art: Ideas and Practice
This is an art history survey course which encourages active learning through creative
studio projects, research, collaborative discussion and problem solving. The course will
examine a selection of major visual art forms in various cultures and time periods ranging
from the ancient to the contemporary. General Education: A. 3 credits

AH-230 Art History Survey I
A survey of painting, sculpture, and architecture of the Western World from prehistory to
the Late Gothic. This course investigates aesthetic and technical developments in art and
architecture and their relationship to the social, political, and cultural growth of Western
civilization. It is designed to introduce students to new perspectives through the visual
language of art history (Prehistoric, Ancient Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Medieval, and
Islamic influences on the development of Romanesque and Gothic). General Education:
A. 3 credits

AH-230W Art History Survey I
A survey of painting, sculpture, and architecture of the Western World from prehistory to
the Late Gothic. This course investigates aesthetic and technical developments in art and
architecture and their relationship to the social, political, and cultural growth of Western
civilization. It is designed to introduce students to new perspectives through the visual
language of art history (Prehistoric, Ancient Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Medieval, and
Islamic influences on the development of Romanesque and Gothic). General Education:
A. 3 credits

AH-231 Art History Survey II
A continuation of Art History I, the survey of Western painting, sculpture, and
architecture from the 14th century Renaissance to 19th century Neo-Classicism
(Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, Romanticism, Neoclassicism). General Education: A. 3
credits

AH-231W History of Art II
A continuation of Art History I, the survey of Western painting, sculpture, and
architecture from the 14th century Renaissance to 19th century Neo-Classicism
(Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, Romanticism, Neoclassicism). General Education: A. 3
credits

AH-232 Art History Survey III
A continuation of Art History II, the survey of Western painting, sculpture, and
architecture from 19th century Realism and Impressionism to the major modernist and
postmodernist movements of the 20th-21st century (Realism, Impressionism, PostImpressionism,
Cubism, Futurism, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, Pop, Op,
Minimalism to the New Genre of Today). General Education: A. 3 credits

AH-321 Modern Art and Architecture
This course introduces students to the Modernist movement in art and architecture and
the currents that came after it. Capitalizing on our proximity to fine examples of Modern
art and architecture in New Haven, students are given opportunities to learn beyond the
classroom. Visual art movements covered include impressionism, expressionism, Dada,
surrealism, abstract expressionism, pop art, conceptual art, minimalism, Earthwork, site
specific art, and video art. In architecture, students become acquainted with Le Corbusier,
Frank Lloyd Wright, the Bauhaus, the International Style, Postmodern innovators from
Phillip Johnson and Frank Gehry, and recent artists who cross boundaries between art
and architecture, such as Olalekan Jeyifous and Patricia Johanson. Aesthetic tropes are
examined and evaluated, including realism, disorder, fragmentation, the sublime, irony,
pastiche, surface, depth, ruins, and everydayness. As an interdisciplinary course bridging
Art History and Philosophy students are also introduced to theorists of art, culture, and
architecture who have not only observed these movements, but in some cases shaped
them. They range from Charles Baudelaire and Freidrich Nietzsche to Theodor Adorno,
Walter Benjamin, Roland Barthes, Susan Sontag, Frederic Jameson, Jean Baudrillard,
Jean Francois Lyotard, Robert Venturi, Charles Jencks, and others. General Education: C.
3 credits

AH-321W Modern Art and Architecture
This course introduces students to the Modernist movement in art and architecture and
the currents that came after it. Capitalizing on our proximity to fine examples of Modern
art and architecture in New Haven, students are given opportunities to learn beyond the
classroom. Visual art movements covered include impressionism, expressionism, Dada,
surrealism, abstract expressionism, pop art, conceptual art, minimalism, Earthwork,
sitespecific art, and video art. In architecture, students become acquainted with Le Corbusier,
Frank Lloyd Wright, the Bauhaus, the International Style, Postmodern innovators from
Phillip Johnson and Frank Gehry, and recent artists who cross boundaries between art
and architecture, such as Olalekan Jeyifous and Patricia Johanson. Aesthetic tropes are
examined and evaluated, including realism, disorder, fragmentation, the sublime, irony,
pastiche, surface, depth, ruins, and everydayness. As an interdisciplinary course bridging
Art History and Philosophy students are also introduced to theorists of art, culture, and
architecture who have not only observed these movements, but in some cases shaped
them. They range from Charles Baudelaire and Freidrich Nietzsche to Theodor Adorno,
Walter Benjamin, Roland Barthes, Susan Sontag, Frederic Jameson, Jean Baudrillard,
Jean Francois Lyotard, Robert Venturi, Charles Jencks, and others. General Education: C.
3 credits

AH-351 Special Topics
Selected topic studied in-depth within an Art History frame of reference. 3 credits

AH-351W Special Topics
Selected topic studied in-depth within an Art History frame of reference. 3 credits

AH-380 Art History Practicum
Program of supervised practical experience in museum, gallery, or arts administration
related to the student's course of study in art history. P: Permission of Department Chair.
2-12 credits

AH-390 Special Problems in Art History
In this course, the student will, under the supervision of the department chair/program
director, research and produce an integrative culminating project that draws together
various aspects of the student's course of study. This project will require the student
not only to engage new academic research and material, but the student must also draw
deliberately upon learning done in previous classes in the major to support and develop
the project. By the end of the semester, the project should be a clear expression of, and
culminating investigation into the set o

 

Communications, B.A. (45 credits)

The Bachelor of Arts in Communications, under the Department of Arts and
Communication, is designed to prepare students for their individual career goals.
Students who complete any of our majors will be ready to continue to graduate school
options or professional careers in fields that include studio arts, digital arts, broadcasting,
media, journalism, digital and social media, business, and law, or carve out their own
entrepreneurial space. Our students will develop both technical and broad integrative
skills within their chosen field, and will be able to work with and manage many different
types of people.

Upon completing the program of study in Communications, students will:

• Demonstrate basic oral and written communications skills.
• Demonstrate knowledge of mass media structures and a facility with respect to media
literacy.
• Demonstrate critical thinking capabilities through interpretation, analysis, evaluation
and reaction.
• Demonstrate specific media creative skills in one of more of the following areas:
advertising, public relations, media writing, film and television production, sports
promotion and performance.
• Demonstrate an ability to apply skills and knowledge gained through coursework in a
real media context.
• Demonstrate a clear understanding of the significant roles within and impact upon
society and culture.
• Demonstrate recognition of and the formation of personal positions on the significant
ethical issues associated with mass media in modern society.

Communications, B.A. - Advertising

MAJOR REQUIREMENTS
REQUIRED CORE (27 credits)

CO 121 Introduction to Mass Communication
CO 141 Public Speaking
CO 161 Human Communication
CO 219 Research Methods
CO 220 Sociology of Communications
CO 229 Introduction to Digital Communications
CO 326 The Creative Mind
CO 380 Internship
CO 391 Communications Capstone

CONCENTRATION REQUIREMENTS (18 credits)

MG 231 Principles of Marketing
Select five (15 credits):
AR 114 Graphic Design I
AR 201 Introduction to Computer Art
AR 214 Graphic Design II
AR 314 Advanced Graphic Design I
AR 315 Advanced Graphic Design II
AR 335 Digital Photography I
AR 336 Digital Photography II
BE 205 Principles of Microeconomics
CIS 286 Internet and Web Publishing
CO 230 Internet Marketing and Advertising
CO 260 Advertising Techniques
CO 261 Public Relations
CO 362 Persuasion
CO 365 Writing for Interactive Media
EN 143A Introduction to Creative Writing
EN 143B Introduction to Creative Writing
MG 241 Marketing Research and Strategy
MG 320 Product Development
MG 328 International Marketing

Communications, B.A. - Electronic Media Production

MAJOR REQUIREMENTS
REQUIRED CORE (27 credits)

CO 121 Introduction to Mass Communication
CO 141 Public Speaking
CO 161 Human Communication
CO 219 Research Methods
CO 220 Sociology of Communications
CO 229 Introduction to Digital Communications
CO 326 The Creative Mind
CO 380 Internship
CO 391 Communications Capstone

CONCENTRATION REQUIREMENTS (18 credits)

CO 365 Writing for Interactive Media
Select five (15 credits):

AR 201 Introduction to Computer Art
AR 218 Introduction to Digital Game Development
AR 335 Digital Photography I
AR 336 Digital Photography II
AR 360 Digital Game Development I
AR 361 Digital Game Development II
CIS 286 Internet and Web Publishing
CIS 301 Technology and the Arts
CO 239 Digital Video & Audio I
CO 242 Electronic Field Production
CO 341 Film Appreciation

Communications, B.A. - with Minor

MAJOR REQUIREMENTS
REQUIRED CORE (27 credits)

CO 121 Introduction to Mass Communication
CO 141 Public Speaking
CO 161 Human Communication
CO 219 Research Methods
CO 220 Sociology of Communications
CO 229 Introduction to Digital Communications
CO 326 The Creative Mind
CO 380 Internship
CO 391 Communications Capstone

CONCENTRATION REQUIREMENTS (18 credits)

Complete the required courses for a declared minor. See the list of minors for specific
requirements. Minimum of 18 credits is required.

Communications Minor
(18 credits)

The minor in Communications will prepare students to effectively use various
communication skills in their respective fields. Students can choose between studio arts,
digital arts, broadcasting, media, journalism, or digital and social media, or carve out
their own path.

To earn the Communications minor, students must complete the courses listed below:
Choose one course from the following courses:

CO 121 Introduction to Mass Communication
CO 141 Public Speaking

Five Communications (CO) courses

Communications (CO) Classes

CO-117 Introduction to Theatre
The introduction to the study of theatre develops the student's appreciation of and
response to the theatrical event and the collaboration efforts essential to producing a
quality experience General Education: A. 3 credits

CO-121 Introduction to Mass Communication
Survey of basic content and structural elements of mass media and their functions and
influences on society. Examines social, economic, political, and cultural changes from
the perspective of mass communication theory and practice. General Education: A. 3
credits

CO-125 Podcast Writing & Development
This course introduces students to the digital audio production process. The course will
provide students the opportunity to plan, script, and produce short audio programs.
Topics include: surveying the proper equipment for the production, arranging recording
sessions, techniques for mixing, and editing sessions. 3 credits

CO-139 Introduction to Digital Video & Audio
This course focuses on concepts and techniques associated with digital video production
with a focus on internet distribution. Topics include introductory video production
and post-production principles, introductory animation principles, documentary bestpractices,
pre-production planning, and both on-location and studio production. Through
a combination of planned location shoots, group projects, and individual creative
production students will be exposed to principles and practices associated with both field
and studio production. General Education: A. 3 credits

CO-141 Public Speaking
A skills-based course focusing on the theory and practice of public speaking with
emphasis on content, audience analysis, organization, language, delivery, critical
evaluation of messages and listening skills. Emphasis is on student performance
emphasizing original thinking, effective organization and direct communication of ideas.
General Education: A. 3 credits

CO-161 Human Communication
A study of communication principles and processes as they relate to interpersonal
communication, intrapersonal communication, small group and team communication,
culture and communication, communication in organizations, and mediated
communication. Students engage in practical and ethical application of concepts to their
professional and personal lives. General Education: A. 3 credits

CO-210 Creative Copywriting
This course will study core strategies for the commercial application of creative writing.
Students will develop original copywriting skills, study their implementation, and analyze
their effectiveness. 3 credits

CO-219 Research Methods
This course is a "hands on" approach to research in which the student will learn to design
and carry out field observations, experiments, content analyses, or surveys. 3 credits

CO-220 Sociology of Communications
This course focuses on mass media representations of gender, race, class, and culture.
Students will critically engage all forms of mass media from the traditional to new
technologies to examine the effect media has on their lives, ways in which opinions are
formed and how culture is shaped. 3 credits

CO-220W Sociology of Communications
This course focuses on mass media representations of gender, race, class, and culture.
Students will critically engage all forms of mass media from the traditional to new
technologies to examine the effect media has on their lives, ways in which opinions are
formed and how culture is shaped. 3 credits

CO-229 Introduction to Digital Communications
This course will provide students with a detailed critical introduction to the field
of digital communications. Topics will include practical applications of digital
communication across disciplines: communications studies, journalism, public relations,
advertising, media and cinema studies, and communication technology. The class will
offer students a glimpse of these disciplines and allow them to integrate them all together.
Additionally, this course will provide an entry point for students who have had little
experience with either digital technology or communication courses. 3 credits

CO-230 Internet Marketing and Advertising
Internet marketing and promotional communications are increasing at dramatic rates.
Both large and small businesses and individual entrepreneurs cannot hope to survive in
the 21st Century without strong Internet marketing and advertising plans. This course
will introduce the student to the basics of product/service promotion as practiced using
the medium of the World Wide Web. Specifically, topics to be explored include: What
is "e-business"?, Internet User Characteristics and Behavior, Online Market Research,
Product and Pricing on the Net, The Net as Distribution Channel, The Internet Marketing
Plan, and Advertisement Design for the Web. 3 credits

CO-239 Digital Video & Audio I
A continuation of AR/CO 139, this course provides support for students to develop and
complete an intermediate project using digital video and audio tools. Students will carry
individual projects through pre-production, production, post-production and distribution.
Students will further be required to assist with the productions of their peers. P: AR 139
or CO 139. 3 credits

CO-242 Electronic Field Production
This course focuses on concepts and techniques associated with Electronic Field
Production (EFP). Topics include Electronic News Gathering (ENG), sports coverage,
commercials, music videos, and on-location dramatic productions. In ENG work the
primary goal is to get the story, however conditions are not always ideal. Special
attention will be given to contingency planning and preparation for unforeseen
circumstances. Through a combination of planned location shoots and group projects,
students will be exposed to principles and practices associated with all aspects of field
production. 3 credits

CO-243 Motion Graphics & Visual Effects I
This course builds on the post-production skills introduced in AR/CO 139 developing
motion graphics and compositing visual effects for digital, time-based productions.
Students will study the history of visual effects and motion graphics technology,
contemporary and historic time-based works, and develop original animated content. P:
AR 139 or CO 239. 3 credits

CO-244 Motion Graphics & Visual Effects II
This course builds on the post-production skills introduced in AR/CO 243 and allows
for students to develop advanced works of digital animation. If offered simultaneously
with Digital Video I or II, this course may further support the significant development of
motion graphics or visual effects for peers' productions in those courses. P: AR 243 or
CO 243. 3 credits

CO-254 Special Topics
Selected topic studied in-depth within a Communications frame of reference. 3 credits

CO-255 Special Topics
Selected topic studied in-depth within a Communications frame of reference. 3 credits

CO-255W Special Topics
Selected topic studied in-depth within a Communications frame of reference. 3 credits

CO-260 Advertising Techniques
In this course, we introduce the student to the workings of modern advertising. Focusing
upon the creative process in American advertising, students will submit originally
conceived and prepared advertisements or advertising copy as weekly assignments. In
addition, students will explore market research and media buying as allied topics. No
prior skills are required, but enthusiasm and imagination are welcome prerequisites.
This course is highly recommended for those wishing to pursue a career in advertising,
marketing, public relations, and/or promotional communications. 3 credits

CO-261 Public Relations
This course focuses upon the informational and promotional roles that public relations
plays in commercial and non-profit sectors. In addition to developing a student's writing
skills, we will address employee communication, community relations, media relations,
government relations, and social responsibility. Problem solving and PR expressive
skills are emphasized. Highly recommended for those students interested in corporate
communications. 3 credits

CO-263 Social Media Storytelling
How do you tell a story in 280 characters or a series of pictures? This course will teach
storyboarding for social media platforms, how to use text, pictures, and hashtags to create
a story on social media. 3 credits

CO-267 Social Media Journalism
This course explicitly studies journalistic practice in a social media environment.
Students will study contemporaneous new media works of journalism while developing,
writing, disseminating and analyzing their own original factual content. 3 credits

CO-301 Organizational Communications
Bureaucracies and large-sized organizational structures abound in modern America.
Frankly, there is no escaping this reality. Organizational Communications takes
historical, structural and ethical perspectives in examining the nature and role of
communications within the organizational framework. Direct attention will be given
to applying these perspectives to the phenomenon of the modern sports industries,
but comparative and contrasting attention will be given to large, midsize, and small
businesses; and to those organizations that exist in the not-for-profit sector. Although
part of the Sports Communications Sequence, Organizational Communications is
highly recommended for all students interested in better understanding and affecting the
dynamics involved in effective communications within any organizational framework.
General Education: C. 3 credits

CO-301W Organizational Communications
Bureaucracies and large-sized organizational structures abound in modern America.
Frankly, there is no escaping this reality. Organizational Communications takes
historical, structural and ethical perspectives in examining the nature and role of
communications within the organizational framework. Direct attention will be given
to applying these perspectives to the phenomenon of the modern sports industries,
but comparative and contrasting attention will be given to large, midsize, and small
businesses; and to those organizations that exist in the not-for-profit sector. Although
part of the Sports Communications Sequence, Organizational Communications is
highly recommended for all students interested in better understanding and affecting the
dynamics involved in effective communications within any organizational framework.
General Education: C. 3 credits

CO-326 The Creative Mind
What marks and makes a creative mind? What is the difference between talent and
creativity? Have you explored your potential as a creative person? Can we solve
contemporary problems without developing our creative self? These are some of the
questions explored as we develop knowledge of our creative mind. General Education: C.
3 credits

CO-339 Digital Video & Audio II
A continuation of AR/CO 239, this course provides support for students to develop and
complete an advanced project using digital video and/or audio tools. Students will carry
individual projects through pre-production, production, post-production and distribution.
Students will further be required to assist with the productions of their peers. P: AR 239
or CO 239. 3 credits

CO-341 Film Appreciation
As an introduction to the study of cinema, this course focuses upon the theories,
principles, and expressive skills associated with film analysis. Through the examination
of selected early film classics, major motion picture narratives, and film shorts, the
student will learn to apply classical, auteur, and genre approaches to film criticism. The
student is expected to view movies outside of class meetings and to write several, short
analytical reviews. The emphasis is upon "film literacy" and the ability to "read" a motion
picture. General Education: C. 3 credits

CO-351 Special Topics in Cinema Studies
This course highlights a specific collection of cinema production and criticism as chosen
by the instructor. This course will rotate its focus and may be taken for credit up to
three times with specific approval from the instructor to ensure an identical focus is
not repeated. This course will feature regular cinematic screenings, review of scholarly
criticism, and original analysis. Students are not expected to have any prior film analysis
background. General Education: C. 3 credits

CO-362 Persuasion
In this interactive course, students will learn the key theories, concepts, and strategies
that define persuasive communication. Students will start from the basic theories of
audience analysis and measuring attitudes and use them to craft and evaluate persuasive
messages, especially for social media. Students will also get the opportunity to apply
course concepts, utilize persuasive skills, and expand their professional portfolios by
participating in a community-based campaign and experiential-learning project. General
Education: C. 3 credits

CO-365 Writing for Interactive Media
Despite the changing media landscape, good writing skills are a necessity for professional
communication. Students in this class use written modalities to create, develop, and
hone a distinct, searchable written voice within varied media environments. Much of
professional media work involves creating a consistent voice or presence for a person,
organization, or company. In this course, participants focus on how to accomplish (or
enhance) this process using effective compositional techniques. 3 credits

CO-371 Political Communication in the 21st Century
In the 21st century, a new political system is taking shape in the United States shaped
profoundly by the interactive telecommunications revolution. America is increasingly
turning into an electronic republic and this is transforming our views of democracy and
the way we interact with government. Armed with modern technical devices, we have all
become instant journalists ready to report and document on any newsworthy event. With
the advent of the Internet, web blogging, and "instant" news, communications has been
substantially redefined. This course will explore both the opportunities and the dangers
ahead for political communications in the electronic information age. 3 credits

CO-372 Political Activism on Social Media
This course will introduce students to the movements born and continued on social
media. The course will help students understand and reflect beyond "like/share" mode of
activism and push them into creating actionable and behavioral changes via multimedia
campaigns on social media. 3 credits

CO-380 Internship
Communications internships offer the opportunity for students to be placed at
professional, media related sites in either the profit or not-for-profit sectors.
These onthe-job experiences allow students to gain "real world" experience and skills while
earning college credit. Internships require that the student complete 40 hours of site
service for every credit received for the experience. 1-12 credits

CO-390 Independent Study
In this course, the student will, under the supervision of the program director, research
and produce an integrative culminating project that draws together various aspects of
the student's course of study. This project will require the student not only to engage
new academic research and material, but the student must also draw deliberately upon
learning done in previous classes in the major to support and develop the project. By
the end of the semester, the project should be a clear expression of, and culminating
investigation into the set of questions or themes that formed the basis of the major course
of study. 1-3 credits

CO-391 Communications Capstone
In the Communications Capstone students develop a specialized project and portfolio
focused on learning from their Communications courses in a comprehensive manner. The
National Communication Association (NCA) standards of communication competence
provide the grounding for the course. As part of the course, students are asked to
demonstrate mastery or excellence in following NCA communication competencies: (1)
communication theory and practice (ability to explain, synthesize, apply, and critique
theories and concepts), (2) communication inquiry (ability to apply appropriate analytical
tools to answer a question or solve a problem), (3) audience adaptation (ability to adapt
messages, oral and written, to the diverse needs of an audience), and (4) critical thinking
(ability to listen to messages actively, evaluate messages thoughtfully, and respond to
messages mindfully). P: Senior status. 3 credits

CO-394 Social Media Capstone
The capstone project will have the student culminate the coursework they have completed
in the major. They will run a real-time project based on the theories they have learned
and test their skills on social media platforms. 3 credits

 

 

 

 

Radial array of altered cubes

Project 1: Open face polyhedron
Stainless Steel render

Student Work
Project 3, Modular High Relief
Bristol board, Mat Board, 16" X 16"

Project 2
Serial Planes

Serial Planes
Project 2

Octahedral Columns