Communication: 4+1 (B.A./M.A.)

This course introduces students to the fundamental theories and practices of audio and video production. Students will learn how the preproduction, production, and postproduction stages apply to media. Emphasis is placed on storytelling, the importance of audience research and planning, scheduling, and selecting and employing proper resources. Students will experience the process using fundamental production techniques of audio and video through hands-on projects.

This course emphasizes theory-based analysis of persuasive messages across a variety of contexts and situations, ranging from interpersonal settings to mass mediated-campaigns. Students will also be taught techniques of presenting and selecting evidence with the goal of enhancing the student’s abilities to strategically analyze and create persuasive messages. Students will be asked to consider assumptions and draw conclusions about the persuasive efficacy of messages by applying concepts from theory and research.

This course focuses on the strategic function of public relations, which includes an analysis of the public relations situation, organization, and its key publics; establishment of goals and measurable objectives; formulation of appropriate action and response strategies; development of the message strategy; selection of communication tactics together with their budgets and timelines; and evaluation of the plan.