School of Communication

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Overview

The School of Communication offers five undergraduate majors: Advertising, Communication, Multimedia Journalism, Public Relations, and Sports Media and Analytics. These majors lead to a B.A. in Communication. The five majors, each grounded in a strong liberal arts curriculum, prepare students for careers in journalism, broadcasting, digital media production, public relations, advertising, sports media, business, public service, government, and professional specializations, such as law. Coursework in the school focuses on strategic, theoretical, and practical application of message creation, delivery, and analysis. Graduates from each major are prepared to apply their skills immediately in various professional settings or continue their studies in graduate school.

The school is organized into three curriculum divisions: Communication Studies (CMST), Journalism and Mass Communication (JMC), and Public Relations and Advertising (PR/ADV). Each division is responsible for specific majors. The three divisions share responsibility for the school's core (COMM) curriculum. The Communication Studies division coordinates the school's Communication Skills and Public Speaking offerings. The Public Relations curriculum is certified by the Public Relations Society of America.

Majors

Advertising (ADV) - This major prepares students to craft and deliver persuasive messages through paid media. Coursework explores theories, practice, and ethics of advertising. Students learn about market research, consumer behavior, account planning, media buying, brand storytelling, copy design and production, and campaign evaluation. Major courses come from the School of Communication, Pamplin College of Business, and School of Visual Arts.

Communication (COMM) - This major develops human-interaction strategies and skills for face-to-face, public, and organizational contexts relating to decision making, influence, and information exchange. As a graduate, you might consider careers in business, health, civic engagement, public opinion, law, education, and ministry.

Multimedia Journalism (MJ) - This major prepares students for news careers at newspapers, magazines, broadcast and cable outlets, and online news operations. The lines that separate these specialties are blurring as media convergence becomes the norm. Courses provide both practical skills and theory as they address history, law and ethics, current controversies and opportunities in the changing news media.

Public Relations (PR) - This major emphasizes both skill and management functions of public relations through theoretical and practical applications. Public relations spans media, organizational, corporate, and political contexts and includes investigation and analysis of public relations situations (e.g., crises, successes), message production and campaign planning, writing and presentation, and evaluation of public relations strategies. Public relations permeates many areas of corporate, non-profit, and political work, so this major provides students a foundation for many different career paths. The public relations curriculum is certified by the Public Relations Society of America.

Sports Media and Analytics (SMA) - This major prepares students to produce and deliver sports news, consider ways to promote the sports industry, and analyze data related to sports accomplishments, fan participation, and social media. Employment opportunities are varied and include sports reporting; public relations for sports venues, teams, or athletes; and promotional work for businesses that support the fans.

Major Requirements

The curriculum for each major is designed to provide foundational and development courses along with major-specific study. Students are introduced to concepts early in the undergraduate career, and the curriculum allows them to build knowledge and skills as they work on increasingly complex tasks. Students develop skills in written, spoken, and visual communication. At the foundational level, students in every major are required to take the same introductory courses.

Degree Requirements

The graduation requirements in effect during the academic year of admission to Virginia Tech apply. When choosing the degree requirements information, always choose the year you started at Virginia Tech. Requirements for graduation are referred to via university publications as "Checksheets." The number of credit hours required for degree completion varies among curricula. Students must satisfactorily complete all requirements and university obligations for degree completion. The university reserves the right to modify requirements in a degree program.

Please visit the University Registrar's website at https://www.registrar.vt.edu/graduation-multi-brief/checksheets.html for degree requirements.

Minor Requirements

The School of Communication offers three undergraduate minors: Advertising, Health Communication, and Strategic Communication.

Advertising This 18-credit minor introduces students from outside mass communication disciplines to basic principles of paid persuasive communication. The minor requires students to earn 15 credits from divisions within the School of Communication and 3 credits from the Marketing Department in the Pamplin College of Business.

Health Communication This 21-credit multidisciplinary minor exposes students to core Pathways learning outcomes and builds knowledge about health communication. Four introductory requirements, two mid-level electives, and a capstone course consider theoretical and practical tools used to promote and affect health behavior change.

Strategic communication This 18-credit multidisciplinary Pathways minor is open to majors from across the university and is especially appropriate for students in business or science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines. Courseworkfour introductory requirements, one elective, and a capstone courseshows students how strategic communication works in a variety of industries. Few jobs have no communication components.

Specific course requirements for each minor are explained on checksheets. These three minors are not open to students in the Advertising, Communication, Multimedia Journalism, Public Relations, or Sports Media and Analytics majors.

Satisfactory Progress Toward the Degree

University policy requires that students demonstrate their progress toward the degree by meeting minimum requirements. A student will be certified as making satisfactory progress toward a degree by meeting the following requirements:

• Completion of COMM 1004 within the first three classes (9 credits) in the major.
• Completion of COMM 1014 within the first six classes (18 credits) in the major. Minimum grade of C- required.
• Completion of COMM 2124 within the first eight classes (24 credits) in the major.
• Overall GPA: 2.0
• Major GPA: 2.0

Students who fall below the standard for either the overall GPA or the major GPA will have one semester to regain the required GPA standards. A student who fails to make satisfactory progress toward degree after that semester will be blocked from continuing in any School of Communication and Digital Media major.

Freshmen and External Transfers into Communication

Incoming freshmen and students enrolled at other institutions should follow directions for application as shown on the Admissions website.

Internal Transfers into Communication

Students enrolled in other Virginia Tech majors who wish to transfer into the School of Communication may use the online system for application.

School Website and Contact

Please see the school website for more information about majors and the minor: www.liberalarts.vt.edu/departments-and-schools/department-of-communication.html
Contact: comm@vt.edu

Undergraduate Course Descriptions (ADV)

2134 (CMST 2134): INTRODUCTION TO HEALTH COMMUNICATION Introduction to health communication with a focus on current issues and perspectives, including patient-provider communication, cultural conceptions of health and illness, media portrayals of health, communication in health organizations, health communication theories, information technologies in health communication, ethical considerations, and health promotion campaigns. (3H,3C)

3004: ADVERTISING COPYWRITING AND BRAND STORYTELLING Writing advertising messages for print, broadcast, and online media. Basic design and strategic messaging for visual, verbal, and video storytelling. Promotional and sales appeals for products, services, and causes. Theories of image creation and brand identity. Legal and ethical considerations in paid media. Pre: COMM 2024, MKTG 3504. (3H,3C)

3014: ACCOUNT PLANNING AND MEDIA BUYING Account planning and media buying in an agency environment. Business and market analysis for advertising clients. Research and assessment strategies for paid-media messages. Management, motivation and persuasion theories in programming. Data analysis, creative briefs, and copy testing. Selection and scheduling of media buys to deliver promotional messages through appropriate communication channels to target audiences efficiently and effectively. Legal and ethical considerations in advertising planning and management. Pre: MKTG 3504. (3H,3C)

3024: ETHICS AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY IN ADVERTISING Social and ethical issues in commercial and corporate speech. Government regulations of advertising. Propaganda in business, social, and political communication. Influence of advertising on culture, social movements, race, ethnicity and gender identity. Pre: MKTG 3504. (3H,3C)

4324 (CMST 4324): ISSUES IN HEALTH COMMUNICATION Study of issues related to the theory and practice of health communication, including interpersonal, public, organizational, political, and cultural. Junior standing required. (3H,3C)

Undergraduate Course Descriptions (CMST)

2064: THE RHETORICAL TRADITION Analysis of great classic and contemporary theories of rhetoric developed throughout the world during the past 2500 years to demonstrate the dynamic, critical nature of persuasive communication. Study of methodological approaches to rhetorical criticism, ethics of message creation, communication contexts, emerging perspectives, and impact of changing culture on rhetorical theory. (3H,3C)

2134 (ADV 2134): INTRODUCTION TO HEALTH COMMUNICATION Introduction to health communication with a focus on current issues and perspectives, including patient-provider communication, cultural conceptions of health and illness, media portrayals of health, communication in health organizations, health communication theories, information technologies in health communication, ethical considerations, and health promotion campaigns. (3H,3C)

3024: DIGITAL PUBLISHING Study and contemporary practices in digital publishing aimed at multichannel distribution for diverse audiences. Principles, standards, workflows, technologies, and strategies for ethical and accessible design and automation of content for Web, mobile, print, multimedia, and voice environments. Pre: COMM 2034. (3H,3C)

3044: ORAL COMMUNICATION CENTER PRACTICUM Focus on peer pedagogy in a communication center to support development of oral communication competence among students across disciplines. Emphasis on oral communication theory applied to one-on-one support for students oral presentations. May repeat 1 time. Pre: COMM 1016 or COMM 2004. (1H,1C)

3064: PERSUASION Theoretical foundations of persuasion; techniques of persuasion; contemporary persuasive practice and campaigns; persuasive media strategies. Junior standing required. Pre: COMM 1014. (3H,3C)

3074: PERSUASIVE PUBLIC SPEAKING Advanced critical analysis, preparation and presentation of persuasive speeches. Study of advanced rhetorical principles with emphasis on policy speeches and the use of proofs to convince, strengthen beliefs, and motivate listeners to overt action. Advanced focus on approaches to research, audience analysis, effective organization and extemporaneous delivery. Pre: COMM 1016 or COMM 2004. (3H,3C)

3124: INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION Basic theories and processes of person-to-person communication; interpersonal perception; verbal and nonverbal communication; establishment of relationships in the family and work situation. Junior standing required. (3H,3C)

3134: PUBLIC ADVOCACY Practical reasoning and argumentation about questions of community significance, emphasizing critical thought, rhetorical strategies, and advocacy. Junior standing required. Pre: COMM 2004 or COMM 1016. (3H,3C)

3164: GROUP PROCESSES AND PRESENTATIONS Study of group theory and its application to a group project, including team dynamics and leadership, conflict resolution, project management, and team presentation strategies. (1H,1C)

3214: PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION Theory and contemporary practice of professional oral communication, including interpersonal interaction, small group problem-solving, and public presentations. Emphasis on ethical exchanges in traditional or virtual workshops settings. Pre: COMM 1016 or COMM 2004. (3H,3C)

3264: COMMUNICATION AND GENDER Examines how verbal, nonverbal, and visual communication create, sustain, and challenge the meaning of gender and cultural structures and practices. Junior standing. (3H,3C)

3274: SOCIAL DIMENSIONS OF GAMES, SIMULATIONS, AND VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENTS Social impacts, key issues, and research findings related to video games, simulations, and virtual environments. Ethical, policy, and social dimensions in society; industry data and research. Prerequisite: Junior standing. (3H,3C)

4174: DIGITAL ADVOCACY CAMPAIGNS Study of advocacy campaigns with digital components. Rhetorical considerations in message construction, analysis of persuasive techniques, ethical standards, and strategies for campaign development. Senior standing required. Pre: (COMM 1016 or COMM 2004), COMM 2124. (3H,3C)

4214: WEB CONTENT MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES Methodologies, tools, and strategies for managing workflow of communication projects for Web distribution. Software tools for Web-based communication. Quantitative and qualitative methods for usability and readability of Web content. Web analytics and content metrics to support decision making. (3H,3C)

4224: TOPICS IN MEDIA CRITICISM Selected topics in media criticism. Offered on demand. Senior standing and consent required. (3H,3C)

4244: TOPICS IN COMMUNICATION SCIENCE AND SOCIAL INQUIRY Selected topics in communication science and social inquiry. Emphasis on application of theory and research in selected context. May include theories of persuasion and social influence or media studies. Theoretical foundations, research methods, media and technology that determine the communication effects, strategies, and tactics used to reach and influence publics. May be repeated with different content for a maximum of 9 credit hours. Pre: Junior standing. Pre: COMM 1014. (3H,3C)

4284: COMMUNICATION FOR TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT Communication principles and practices for training and development. Communication roles, strategies, and products for learning in workplace environments. (3H,3C)

4324 (ADV 4324): ISSUES IN HEALTH COMMUNICATION Study of issues related to the theory and practice of health communication, including interpersonal, public, organizational, political, and cultural. Junior standing required. (3H,3C)

Undergraduate Course Descriptions (COMM)

1004: FIRST-SEMESTER EXPERIENCE IN COMMUNICATION Introduction to areas of research, ethical behaviors, and career paths in the discipline. Consideration of strategies for learning, accessing advising, and locating resources. (1H,1C)

1014: INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNICATION Survey of the communication discipline across areas of specialization from interpersonal to mediated and mass communication, including history and fundamental concepts, theories, contexts. Emphasis on ethical human behavior and message analysis. (3H,3C)

1015-1016: COMMUNICATION SKILLS Introduction to oral and written communication. 1015: Focus on oral and written communication in interpersonal, small group, and public contexts. Special emphasis on the writing process, listening, interviewing, conflict resolution, critical analysis, and communication in digital and visual media. 1016: Continued Study in oral and written communication skills for small group and public contexts. Focus on practical applications in ethical research and information gathering, audience analysis and adaptation, message development, and oral, written, and visual presentations by individuals and groups. May not receive credit for both 1016 and 2004. (3H,3C)

2004: PUBLIC SPEAKING Strategies and practice for speaking to specific audiences. Ethical considerations for message preparation, development, presentation, and evaluation. Pre: Sophomore standing. COMM 2004 partially duplicates COMM 1016. (3H,3C)

2014: SPEECH COMMUNICATION Introductory study of communication messages across various types, including intrapersonal, interpersonal, small group and public. Credit may not be earned for both 1015 and 2014. (3H,3C)

2024: MEDIA WRITING Writing and information gathering skills including news, features, press releases, and advertising copy for broadcast, print and public relations media. Sophomore Standing Required. Pre: 1016 or ENGL 1106 or ENGL 1204H. (3H,3C)

2034: VISUAL MEDIA An introduction to the visual image and visual thinking applied to photography, video, and film. COURSE FEE $59. Sophomore standing required.. Pre: 1016 or ENGL 1106 or ENGL 1204H. (3H,3C)

2084: MEDIA AND SOCIETY An examination of media influence on society. Emphasis on impact of media (such as newspapers, film, social networks, and video games) on diverse audiences and cultures. Considerations of the evolution of media; social institutions and trends related to the media; domestic, global, ethical, and legal questions posed by the media; intercultural communication; and new technologys influence on society. (3H,3C)

2094: COMMUNICATION AND ISSUES OF DIVERSITY Study of communication theory and practice related to diversity and the media. Analysis of ethical implications of media influences on workplace communication across disciplines. Development of a personal understanding of diversity and identity by examining media producers, audiences, workforces, outlets, and content. Pre: 1016 or ENGL 1106. (3H,3C)

2124: INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNICATION RESEARCH Study of approaches to research in the discipline, including identification and analysis of existing research; procedures for conducting and reporting basic research in communication. Sophomore Standing required. Pre: 1016 or ENGL 1106 or ENGL 1204H. (3H,3C)

2754H: TOPICS IN SINGLE MEDIUM COMMUNICATION ABOUT TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION Study of discovery, analysis, creation, and evaluation of single medium - written or spoken or visual - presentations of ideas related to collaborative technology innovation for societal impact. Analysis of how race, class, gender, and age shape written, oral, or visual expression in the United States and vice versa. Special attention to single medium communications with stakeholders in business, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and universities. Ethical dimensions of written, spoken, or visual communication about collaborative technology innovation for societal impact. May be repeated 2 times with different content for a maximum of 3 credits. Pre: 1016 or ENGL 1105. (1H,1C)

2764H: TOPICS IN MULTIMEDIA COMMUNICATION ABOUT TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION Study of the discovery, analysis, creation, and evaluation of multimedia presentation of ideas related to collaborative technology innovation for societal impact. Analysis of how race, class, gender, and age shape multimedia expression and vice versa. Special attention to communicating across disciplinary, organizational, and cultural differences in the workplace. Ethical dimensions of multimedia communication about collaborative technology innovation for societal impact. May be repeated 2 times with different content for a maximum of 3 credits. Pre: 2754H. (1H,1C)

2964: FIELD STUDY Pass/Fail only. Variable credit course.

2974: INDEPENDENT STUDY Variable credit course.

2974H: INDEPENDENT STUDY Honors section. Variable credit course.

2984: SPECIAL STUDY Variable credit course.

3954: STUDY ABROAD Variable credit course. X-grade allowed.

3984: SPECIAL STUDY Variable credit course.

4024: COMMUNICATION LAW Study freedom of speech and the press and how these freedoms apply to the press, public relations, advertising and personal speech. Consideration of First Amendment theories and jurisprudence; related ethical issues. Senior standing. (3H,3C)

4204: COMMUNICATION INTERNSHIP Placement in a communication industry for practical internship under supervision by a departmental advisor and a professional in the field. May be repeated for credit up to a maximum of 6 hours credit. Junior standing and consent required. Pass/Fail only. Variable credit course.

4404: COMMUNICATION CAPSTONE In-depth study of a particular issue or theme in communication. Integrates previous work in the discipline, focuses on research and presentation of research. Pre: Junior standing. (3H,3C)

4964: FIELD STUDY Pass/Fail only. Variable credit course.

4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY Variable credit course.

4974H: INDEPENDENT STUDY Variable credit course.

4984: SPECIAL STUDY Variable credit course.

4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH Variable credit course.

4994H: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH Variable credit course.

Undergraduate Course Descriptions (JMC)

1114: INTRODUCTION TO MEDIA PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY Introduction to basic technologies necessary for multimedia production. Attention to aesthetics and technical aspects of production technologies, including creation, editing, and organization of content. COURSE FEE $95. (3H,3C)

2074: INTRODUCTION TO SPORTS MEDIA Development, concepts, and impact of sports media, including roles and responsibilities of journalists, production staff, and public relations professionals. Considerations of stakeholders behaviors and connections. Study of ethical standards and perspectives, communication in sports organizations, types of media, issues in context, and data analytics. (3H,3C)

3114: VIDEO PRODUCTION: STUDIO Producing, directing, and writing live video segments; operating control room and studio equipment including studio camera, video switcher, audio board and the creation of video graphics and written packages. Pre: COMM 2034. (2H,3L,3C)

3154: MULTIMEDIA REPORTING Multimedia news gathering, news writing, audio/visual storytelling, and news judgment for the print and online media. Consideration of professional strategies and standards for reporters, including legal and ethical issues. Pre: COMM 2024, COMM 2034. (3H,3C)

3174: ADVANCED MULTIMEDIA REPORTING Multimedia gathering and writing of complex news, features, and documentary; visual content and news judgment for television, print and online media; techniques of broadcast interviewing and on-camera performance. Considerations of legal and ethical issues related to the reporting of complex news. Pre: COMM 3154 or JMC 3154. (2H,2L,3C)

3184: MEDIA WEATHER REPORTING Techniques for gathering meteorological, information, reporting weather news, and delivering weather forecasts through print, broadcast and online media. Weather information in disaster response. Ethical uses of weather information in reporting threats to public safety. (3H,3C)

3244 (PSCI 3244): POLITICAL COMMUNICATION Distribution of political information; elite-mass communication; alternative models of political communication; communication and telecommunications policy. Pre: PSCI 1014 or PSCI 1014H or PSCI 1024 or PSCI 1024H or IS 1024. (3H,3C)

3254 (PSCI 3254): MEDIA AND POLITICS Explores the role of the mass media in contemporary American politics by examining the development of media as sources of social and political influence. Study of news organizations, their coverage of electoral and issue campaigns, and their impact on candidates and voters. Includes the role of new technologies in campaigns. Pre: Junior Standing. (3H,3C)

3284: DATA JOURNALISM Numeracy and data analysis in news reporting. Data sourcing and visualization in storytelling. Ethical and legal issues in data use. Careers in data journalism. Pre: COMM 2024, COMM 2034. (3H,3C)

3304: TOPICS IN SPORTS COMMUNICATION Study of the theory and practices related to sports communication in fields such as public relations or reporting. Topics may include print, broadcast, and online news; college sports information; social media; crisis management; and media relations. May be repeated once with different course content. Junior standing. (3H,3C)

3314: SPORTS JOURNALISM Theory and practice of sports journalism, including strategies for writing and broadcasting sports information. Study of ethics and professional standards. Junior standing required. Fee $95. Pre: COMM 2024, COMM 2034. (3H,3C)

4014: MEDIA EFFECTS Impact of mass media on individuals and on society; methods for documentation of media effects; research about effects on various demographic groups such as children, elderly, and minorities; effects of advertising; effects of interactive and time shift technologies. Junior standing required. Pre: COMM 2124. (3H,3C)

4044 (IS 4044): INTERNATIONAL COMMUNICATION Comparative perspectives on global communication systems; problems with the flow of information; roles of international organizations; mass communication and national development; implications for conflict resolution; selected case studies. Senior standing required. (3H,3C)

4064: SOCIAL MEDIA ANALYTICS Introduction to analytic techniques for social media platforms. Quantitative and qualitative analytic techniques. Design, implementation, and analysis of experimental and observational studies of how people use and engage with social media platforms and how platforms themselves can be used to drive engagement with content. History and trending topics in social media use. Ethical issues involving social media and big data. Pre: COMM 2124. (3H,3C)

4094: BROADCAST MANAGEMENT Broadcast management procedures; programming; sales and advertising. Senior standing required. Pre: COMM 3154 or JMC 3154. (3H,3C)

4114: PHOTOJOURNALISM Interpretive and creative photography applied to journalism; cameras, films, photography techniques; history of photography as communication; advanced darkroom techniques. Junior standing required. Pre: COMM 2034, COMM 2024. (3H,3C)

4134: EDITORIAL WRITING Development and function of the editorial page; writing of editorials, reviews, and personal columns; examination of role of letters and syndicated columns and cartoons; problems editorial writers face in their jobs and communities. Junior standing required. (3H,3C)

4144: MAGAZINE WRITING The writing of feature material (as opposed to the reporting of hard news), plus detailed examination of several article types from a wide variety of contemporary magazines and newspapers. Junior standing required. (3H,3C)

4254: TOPICS MULTIMEDIA JOURNALISM Selected topics in multimedia journalism; emphasis on critical analysis of issues in journalism, and application of media to disseminate information. May be repeated for credit up to a maximum of 6 credit hours with different content. Pre: COMM 2024, COMM 2034. (3H,3C)

4264: SOCIAL MEDIA THEORY AND PRACTICE Study of social media as a professional communication and media tool. Emphasis on foundations in communication theory and contemporary approaches. (3H,3C)

4274: BROADCASTING PERFORMANCE Advanced study of on-air performance for broadcasters. Professional behaviors and strategies for developing conversational writing, broadcast style, interviewing, reporting, and anchoring. Fee $95. Pre: COMM 3154 or JMC 3154. (3H,3C)

4334: COMMUNICATION ETHICS Discussion of issues related to professional communication ethics; emphasis on recognizing ethical issues, applying theoretical models and critical thinking skills to ethical issues in multimedia journalism, public relations, and communication studies. Includes research on topics related to communication ethics. Pre: Junior standing. (3H,3C)

4344: FREE SPEECH IN CYBERSPACE Discussion of free expression on the Internet; an examination of how First Amendment law; state laws and federal communication policies impact the multiple kinds of speech that take place in cyberspace; examination of the history and development of the Internet and the future of free speech in cyberspace. Pre: Senior standing. (3H,3C)

4344H: FREE SPEECH IN CYBERSPACE Discussion of free expression on the Internet; an examination of how First Amendment law; state laws and federal communication policies impact the multiple kinds of speech that take place in cyberspace; examination of the history and development of the Internet and the future of free speech in cyberspace. Pre: Senior standing. (3H,3C)

4374: NEW COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY Identify recent trends in the innovation of new communications technologies; storage, transmission, and display systems of mediated communication: optical disc, common carriers, telecommunication-computer linkages, high-definition TV, and virtual reality; information industries and society; markets for new and existing telecommunication services. Junior standing required. Pre: COMM 2084 or COMM 4014 or JMC 4014. (3H,3C)

4814: DIGITAL NEWSROOM: ONLINE Production of news content for social networks, mobile applications and web-based content management systems. Preparation of news and feature stories on deadline in a newsroom setting. Collection of information from diverse sources. News judgment. Production requirements for online platforms. Audience engagement. Ethical and legal issues in news reporting. Design/lab studio. COURSE FEE $95. Pre: 3174. (5L,3C)

4824: DIGITAL NEWSROOM: BROADCAST Production of news content for broadcast. Preparation of news and feature stories on deadline in a newsroom setting. Collection of information from diverse sources. News judgment. Videography and digital editing. Broadcast performance. Ethical and legal issues in news reporting. Design lab/studio. $95 COURSE FEE. Pre: 3174. (5L,3C)

4834: SPORTSCENTER Gather, formulate, and deliver sports stories to diverse audiences through print, online, and broadcast channels. Produce sports news on deadline in a newsroom setting. Ethical and legal issues in sports journalism. Design lab/studio. COURSE FEE $95. Pre: Senior standing. Pre: 3314, 4274, COMM 2024. (5L,3C)

Undergraduate Course Descriptions (PR)

2044: PRINCIPLES OF PUBLIC RELATIONS Principles of public relations practice; public relations in organizations; responsibilities of the public relations practitioner; legal and ethical considerations; role of public relations in society; history of the field and key people who influenced its development; choosing appropriate communication channels/media. (3H,3C)

3014: PUBLIC RELATIONS CASES Analysis of contemporary and historic public relations cases. Emphasis on theories, research techniques, planning methods, implementation strategies, evaluation standards, and ethical considerations in public relations programs and campaigns. Pre: COMM 2044 or PR 2044. (3H,3C)

3084: ADVANCED PUBLIC RELATIONS RESEARCH METHODS Analysis and implementation of contemporary academic and professional research tools for public relations. Emphasis on development of research designs, assessment and evaluation of public relations programs and campaigns, and implementation of ethical research practices and standards. Pre: (COMM 2044 or PR 2044), COMM 2124. (3H,3C)

3144: WRITING AND EDITING FOR PUBLIC RELATIONS Advanced writing and editing used to structure and present information in public relations practice. Includes message development, message design for delivery through various media, copyediting skills and tools, strategies for dissemination, and legal and ethical issues in public relations writing. Pre: COMM 2024. (3H,3C)

3324: CORPORATE COMMUNICATION Examines communication theories, strategies and tactics that corporations use in their public relations efforts to reach and influence publics. Prepares students for in-house public relations work and familiarizes them with expectations of corporate clients. Introduces students to the important role communication plays within and between for-profit, nonprofit, and government institutions. Emphasis on the influence of corporate culture, ethics and values on communication styles. Junior standing required. (3H,3C)

3334: PUBLIC RELATIONS AND CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY Explores role of communication in corporate social responsibility. Emphasis on the ethical implications of communicating the need to generate profits with the need to ensure that corporate actions do not harm important stakeholders such as employees, investors, customers, and communities. Pre: COMM 2044 or PR 2044. (3H,3C)

3344: PUBLIC RELATIONS AND SPORTS Examines communication theories, strategies, and tactics that sports organizations use in their public relations efforts. Introduces students to the dynamic relationship between sports organizations, media, and fans. Study of ethics and professional standards in sports public relations. Emphasizes the role of public relations in sports as a strategic communication and management function. (3H,3C)

4074: ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION Role of communication in complex organizations; communication networks, communication and management, message systems, decision-making; relationships between organizational theory and communication. (3H,3C)

4164: PUBLIC RELATIONS ADMINISTRATION Public Relations (PR) administration issues related to budgeting, strategy, legal issues, and campaigns in an organization. Emphasis on PR theory and ethics. Pre: COMM 2044 or PR 2044. (3H,3C)

4304: PUBLIC RELATIONS CAMPAIGNS Public relations campaign research, planning, implementation and evaluation. Emphasis on applying theory in campaign contexts; executing applied research; setting objectives; developing strategic plans, messages and budgets; carrying out courses of action; and evaluating results. Pre: COMM 2124, (COMM 3144 or PR 3144), (COMM 3014 or PR 3014). (3H,3C)

4364: ISSUE MANAGEMENT IN PUBLIC RELATIONS Principles of issue management: creation, development, and resolution; role of rhetoric in public policy processes; legal constraints; strategies; social responsibility. Junior standing required. (3H,3C)

4414: PUBLIC RELATIONS STANDARDS AND PRACTICES Addresses complexities of public relations research, planning, implementation, and evaluation required for professional certification. Includes special emphasis on public relations legal and ethical practices. Senior standing.Fee $150. Pre: COMM 2044 or PR 2044. (3H,3C)