(CMN) Communication Courses


(3 credits)  CMN 101 - Mass Media
Corequisite: ENG 101
Survey of the growth and development of books, newspapers, magazines, film, radio, television, cable, the Internet, and new media delivery systems. Analysis of the mass media's impact on society and individuals, and whether the media effectively fulfill their functions as deliverers of information, persuasion, entertainment, and culture. 3 lecture hours

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(3 credits)  CMN 102 - Media Issues and Ethics
Prerequisite: ENG 101 with a minimum C grade
An examination of current issues and ethical dilemmas in mass media such as sensationalism, press censorship, violence, political coverage, rights of privacy, and photo manipulation. The implications of recent developments in mass media and current regulation of broadcast and cable media are discussed. Students read, evaluate and analyze media ethical case studies. 3 lecture hours

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General Education course Humanities
(3 credits)  CMN 107 - Cinema
Study of artistic achievement in the film medium from the point of view of the director (author). Classic and contemporary feature films are viewed, analyzed and discussed, including the works of such directors as Griffith, Eisentein, Chaplin, Hitchcock, Bergman, DeSica, and Welles. 3 lecture hours

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General Education course Communication
(3 credits)  CMN 111 - Speech: Human Communication
Prerequisite: eligibility for placement in ENG 101
Exploration of the fundamental elements, characteristics, and processes of communication, including communicating in a multicultural society, interpersonal, intrapersonal, as well as small group contexts. Oral presentation experiences are heavily integrated throughout the course with a focus on public speaking design and delivery. 3 lecture hours

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General Education course Communication
(3 credits)  CMN 112 - Public Speaking
Corequisite: ENG 101
Introduction to principles and practice of audience-centered, credible, confident messages for diverse audiences. Includes a variety of presentations: special occasion, personal experience, impromptu, panel, informative, and persuasive. Special focus on communication anxiety management, organizational patterns, supporting research, visual aids, and dynamic delivery. Sustained reading, writing, and testing are also part of the course. 3 lecture hours

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(3 credits)  CMN 122 - Organizational Communication
Prerequisite: ENG 101
Study of the knowledge, skills, sensitivity, and values associated with the variety of communications within and between organizations. An exploration of various methods, channels, and audiences of organizational communication in the corporate world. 3 lecture hours

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(3 credits)  CMN 125 - Public Relations
Prerequisite: ENG 101 with a minimum C grade
Comprehensive study of public relations including identifying and reaching internal and external publics, dealing with print and electronic media, advertising, printing, direct mail, and preparing a public relations plan and budget. Also involves the writing of news releases, public service announcements, and advertising copy. [occasional offering] 3 lecture hours

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(3 credits)  CMN 141 - Introduction to Television Production
Basic theory and operation of TV production equipment including camera, switcher, character generator, prompter, audio console, and lighting. Following study of studio procedure, students plan, produce, write, and direct several short video productions. 2 lecture / 2 studio hours

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(3 credits)  CMN 142 - Introduction to Field Production
Production of programming with complete formats such as news, interview, music, drama, and fashion. Students plan, produce, write, and direct 15-minute interview/demonstration programs. 2 lecture / 2 studio hours

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(3 credits)  CMN 144 - Screenwriting
Prerequisites or Corequisites: ENG 101, ENG 102
Aimed at the conception, planning and writing of screenplays. Through a series of writing exercises, scenes, short scripts and treatments, the student is expected to complete a 20-page short film script. The basics of character development, narrative, structure, texture, genre, and the ability to visualize in writing are explored. 2 lecture / 2 laboratory hours

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(3 credits)  CMN 146 - Social Media Technologies
Extensive exploration of current social media technologies, utilizing the Mac platform, for storytelling and narrative purposes. With emphasis on usability, management and distribution, topics include multimedia development and design; the media elements of text, graphics, sound and video; and trends in emerging hardware and software. Multimedia projects demonstrate technical understanding and coherent narratives. 2 lecture / 2 laboratory hours

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(3 credits)  CMN 147 - Introduction to Story
Aimed at the analysis, deconstruction, and construction of story. Analyzing a series of films, television shows, graphic novels, video games and transmedia properties, students explore the basics of character development, narrative, arc, structure, and genre. 2 lecture / 2 laboratory hours

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(3 credits)  CMN 148 - Introduction to Editing
Covers the art of composing space and time through the arrangement and assembly of images and sounds, including basic concepts of editing, storytelling, and emotion. Students develop their editing skills utilizing current and professional non-linear editing software and tools. 2 lecture / 2 laboratory hours

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(3 credits)  CMN 151 - Introduction to Radio
An orientation to commercial radio in the United States. Topics include historical development, ownership, management, sales, programming, promotion, commercial and news writing, audience measurement, and government regulation. Students learn the hands-on technical skills necessary to operate broadcast consoles and audio editing applications. Production projects include newscasts, commercials, and a weekly music program. 2 lecture / 2 studio hours

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(3 credits)  CMN 153 - Digital Audio Production I
Students practice and develop audio production techniques used in broadcasting and other commercial applications. Theory of audio fundamentals combines with lab exploration of digital editing, digital multi-tracking, digital music creation, synchronizing audio with video. Students write and/or produce commercials, documentaries and short soundtracks for video and other entertainment venues. 2 lecture / 2 studio hours

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(3 credits)  CMN 157 - Podcasting
Exploration of podcast production with an emphasis on content creation. Analysis of existing podcasts assist students in formulating subject material for their own podcast. Defining an audience, aligning content, writing and producing the podcast, evaluating and defining areas for improvement are all considered as the student works to produce several episodes of a consistent podcast. Podcast hosting and distribution methods also addressed. 2 lecture / 2 studio hours

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(3 credits)  CMN 201 - Persuasion and Propaganda
Prerequisite: CMN 111 or CMN 112
Inquiry into the forces of persuasion and propaganda as they exist in a technological society and how they influence beliefs, attitudes and actions. 3 lecture hours

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(3 credits)  CMN 211 - Interpersonal Communication in Human Relations
Prerequisite: CMN 111 or CMN 112
Combining theory and practice, examines the nature and skills of interpersonal communication. Emphasizes the uniqueness of interpersonal communication as opposed to other forms of human communication. 3 lecture hours

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General Education course Diversity and Global Perspective
(3 credits)  CMN 214 - Issues in Intercultural Communication in the U.S.
Examines communication that bridges diverse cultures, values and realities. Explores racial, sexual, and class identities and the impact of privilege on the ability to relate to others. Develops effective communication skills for addressing obstacles to global citizenship. 3 lecture hours

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General Education course Diversity and Global Perspective
(3 credits)  CMN 215 - Communication and Gender
Prerequisite: ENG 101 or equivalent English skills
Critically analyzes issues of gender and communication. Examines theoretical perspectives used to explain gender phenomena, gender socialization, male and female interactions and stereotypes, with an emphasis on improving communication skills. 3 lecture hours

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(3 credits)  CMN 241 - Applied Field Production
Prerequisite: CMN 142
Develops practical skills and knowledge of video production while executing a project for a community client in a professional atmosphere. Pre-production, production, and post-production activities center around the realities of client expectations, professional deadlines, and working together as one production unit. Advanced post-production techniques are implemented utilizing professional-level software and applications. 2 lecture / 2 laboratory hours

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(3 credits)  CMN 242 - Advanced Film Production
Prerequisites: CMN 241, CMN 243
Advanced television students enhance knowledge and skills while writing, editing, producing and marketing a short film or documentary. Students apply pre-production, production, and post-production skills with the goal of competing in a television program film festival. 2 lecture / 2 studio hours

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(3 credits)  CMN 243 - Cinematography
Prerequisites: CMN 141, CMN 142
Covers directing, lighting, and camera work through lecture and text materials. Includes an overview of cinematic production with attention to the art of lighting and cinematography. Additionally introduces steadi-cam camera technique, camera lens systems, cinema lighting techniques, and hi-definition image acquisition. 2 lecture / 2 studio hours

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(3 credits)  CMN 250 - Announcing for Media
Students explore, practice and develop announcing techniques used in broadcasting and other media applications. Practical assignments provide training for a variety of professional roles such as radio disc jockey, talk show host, podcast host, broadcast journalist, and voice-over announcer. Students produce commercials, public service announcements, interview programs, and corporate/industrial voice-overs and host a radio show. 2 lecture / 2 laboratory hours

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(3 credits)  CMN 252 - Applied Radio Programming and Production
Prerequisites: CMN 153 and CMN 250 with a minimum C grade
Study of the development and nature of current radio formats, programming philosophies, and group ownership. Students analyze and critique current radio formats and create a commercially-viable format of their own. Students apply advanced production techniques to produce station "imagers," format demos, and an audition CD suitable for entry-level positions. 2 lecture / 2 studio hours

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(3 credits)  CMN 253 - Digital Audio Production II
Prerequisite: CMN 153
An overview of multitrack recording techniques using state-of-the-art digital audio workstations. Topics include mastering techniques, digital signal processing, auto-tune, session management, and techniques for real-time and processed audio plug-ins including reverb, delay, sampling, automation, MIDI sequencing, and virtual instruments. Students produce multilayered recordings using live talent in a studio environment. 2 lecture / 2 studio hours

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(3 credits)  CMN 254 - Live Sound Reinforcement
Prerequisite: ETT 102 or permission of coordinator
Basic principles of the behavior of sound in various environments, with emphasis on signal flow, acoustics, sound reinforcement setups and installation, signal processing, as well as microphone selection and placement. Includes setting up sound systems and mixing live music. Topics include microphones, recording equipment, control consoles, reproduction techniques, amplification, distribution, loudspeaker systems, frequency response, decibels, and dynamic range. 2 lecture / 2 laboratory hours

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(3 credits)  CMN 255 - Sound Design for the Entertainment Industry
Prerequisites: CMN 153, CMN 254
Examines audio production techniques, technologies, and aesthetics related to the development of a compelling soundtrack for theatre, television, radio or the Internet. Through training in all phases of digital sound recording, editing and mixing, students work with location and field recording equipment and use advanced editing and mixing techniques associated with digital audio workstations. 1 lecture / 4 laboratory hours

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(3 credits)  CMN 256 - Digital Audio Production III
Prerequisite: CMN 253
Continues the study of multitrack recording techniques using state-of-the-art digital audio workstations. Topics include advanced mastering techniques, digital signal processing, auto-tune, session management, techniques for real-time and processed audio plug-ins including reverb, delay, sampling, automation, MIDI sequencing, and virtual instruments. Students produce multiple multilayered recordings using live talent in a studio environment acting as a producer, engineer, mixer, and mastering engineer. 2 lecture / 2 studio hours

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(3 credits)  CMN 275 - TV Technology and Culture
Prerequisite: ENG 102
Critical survey of the key areas of television studies: technology and media ownership, textual analysis, and audiences. Topics include federal regulations, audience measurement, distribution and programming strategies, and cultural theory. Promotes industry networking skills through field trips, meeting with media professionals, and creating a resume/portfolio. 3 lecture hours

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(3 credits)  CMN 285 - Special Studies in Television Production
Prerequisites: CMN 301, minimum 3.0 GPA, and divisional permission
Opportunity for students who have completed all regular television writing and production courses to continue their studies at an advanced level. Individual students and faculty develop a project contract that sets forth objectives, standards of quality, evaluation guidelines, and deadlines. [occasional offering]

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(3 credits)  CMN 286 - Special Studies in Radio Production
Prerequisites: CMN 151, CMN 153, CMN 161, CMN 250, CMN 253, minimum 3.0 GPA, and divisional permission
Opportunity for students who have completed all regular radio writing and production courses to continue their studies at an advanced level. Individual students and faculty develop a project contract that sets forth objectives, standards of quality, evaluation guidelines, and deadlines. [occasional offering]

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(3 credits)  CMN 287 - Special Studies in Communication
Prerequisites: second-year standing as a Communication program major at MCCC and permission of the program coordinator; minimum 3.0 GPA
Opportunity for students who have completed all regular communication and communication writing courses to continue their studies at an advanced level. Individual students and faculty develop a project contract that sets forth objectives, standards of quality, evaluation guidelines, and deadlines.

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(3 credits)  CMN 290 - Internship: Communications
Prerequisites: second-year standing and coordinator approval
Work experience at a radio station, TV station, cable system, industrial or instructional TV facility, or other allied business. 1 lecture / 180 work experience hours

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