MDJ 10009     ELEMENTS OF FILM, TV AND ANIMATION      3 Credit Hours

An introduction to the theory and conceptual choices in story, picture and sound. This course prepares students for the creative and technical aspects of film, TV and animation work.

Prerequisite: None.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 13001     PRODUCTION SAFETY AND SET PROTOCOL      2 Credit Hours

This course will enhance the collaborative experience of multimedia creation by exposing students to the various skill sets and positions in the film and TV industries and familiarize them with industry standards and best practices, especially concerning safety processes.

Prerequisite: None.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 2 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 19000     PRINCIPLES OF ADVERTISING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS      3 Credit Hours

This course explores how advertising and public relations shape perceptions, build relationships and inspire action in a diverse, global society. Students learn foundational theories and practices and how to use research, strategies and multimedia tactics for campaign planning. Some topics include brand awareness, copywriting and art direction, crisis communication, corporate social responsibility, media relations and publicity, as well as emerging trends in digital media and influencer strategies. Through lectures and insights from industry professionals, students gain practical skills and explore career paths in these dynamic fields.

Prerequisite: None.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 20001     MEDIA, POWER AND CULTURE (KSS)      3 Credit Hours

Fosters critical understanding of mass media in their historical, ideological, economic and cultural contexts. Examines what forces influence media and how media influence consumers.

Prerequisite: None.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Attributes: Kent Core Social Sciences, TAG Communication, Transfer Module Social Sciences

MDJ 20008     RESEARCH AND MEASUREMENT IN ADVERTISING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS      3 Credit Hours

Understand the ways research is employed and applied in integrated communication, including both primary and secondary research. Students will understand how to use research and insights to develop strategy, or to craft research on business strategy. They also will become thoughtful researchers and consumers of research who are cognizant of the ethical and moral responsibilities associated with human subjects research. Students will be expected to understand and appreciate the diversity of audiences. Finally, students will develop critical thinking and writing skills in order to create and share a well-crafted presentation to clients that reflect a strong understanding of the connections among data, insight and strategy.

Prerequisite: MDJ 19000.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 20011     PRODUCTION FUNDAMENTALS      3 Credit Hours

Introductory course offering a conceptual and hands-on approach to understanding digital video and sound recording and editing.

Prerequisite: None.

Schedule Type: Laboratory, Lecture, Combined Lecture and Lab

Contact Hours: 1 lecture, 4 lab

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 21008     SOCIAL MEDIA STRATEGIES      3 Credit Hours

Designed to help students understand and use social media in critical and strategic ways. Helps students harness the power and potential of the social web, including strategies used to position and market organizations as well as individuals. Exposes students to the latest social-media applications and tools and to critical views of social media's impact on business, society and culture. Students emerge from the class with a strategic plan designed to enhance their lives and their careers.

Prerequisite: None.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 22006     VISUAL STORYTELLING      3 Credit Hours

Visual Storytelling introduces students to the concepts and practice of capturing and telling stories through visual media. Grounded in documentary approaches, the course will expand into various visual media—including photography, video, interactive platforms, animation, and AI-assisted tools—to show students how to create compelling visual narratives for a variety of purposes. Students will create visual projects that highlight their ability to craft a narrative while applying ethical standards of professional practice.

Prerequisite: None.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 23004     STORY FOR PICTURE      3 Credit Hours

An introductory course on plot, character development and dramatic structure for narrative scriptwriting.

Prerequisite: Advertising or Digital Media Production or Emerging Media and Technology or Journalism or Public Relations or Visual Journalism or Visual Communication Design major or minor or Animation and Game Design or Fashion Media or Media Literacy minor.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 23130     DIRECTING FOR PICTURE      3 Credit Hours

A course designed to give students the creative and technical knowledge and skills needed to direct narrative and documentary productions.

Prerequisite: Minimum C- grade in MDJ 20011 and MDJ 23004.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 26001     WRITING FOR MEDIA      3 Credit Hours

In this course, students will discover the power of media messages by learning the significant elements of writing for journalistic and public relations media. They will work toward developing a clear, concise writing style that is free from grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors. Students will learn how the purpose of writing informs its execution as well as how to hone their interviewing and research skills to support their key messages and themes. Students will be introduced to the use of social media for the support, dissemination and promotion of their work.

Prerequisite: None.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 26005     MULTIMEDIA JOURNALISM      3 Credit Hours

In this course students will learn to use multimedia for storytelling. Through use of different delivery platforms and adherence to deadlines, students will develop a multimedia mindset. Students will develop skills in formatting stories for web and mobile delivery, and will learn to use multimedia tools in breaking news situations. Students will create multimedia features and packages, and will experiment with standalone and complementary stories. Students will develop their skills in capturing and using video, audio and still photos, and will discuss ethical and legal issues surrounding online news reporting and presentation.

Prerequisite: Minimum C- grade in MDJ 26001; and a minimum C- grade in either EMAT 10310 or MDJ 20011.

Schedule Type: Laboratory, Lecture, Combined Lecture and Lab

Contact Hours: 1 lecture, 4 lab

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 26007     REPORTING      3 Credit Hours

This course builds on the skills learned in MDJ 26001 and MDJ 26005 to introduce students to reporting with a text-based focus. Students will engage in the researching, interviewing and reporting skills necessary to cover a variety of news stories, while continuing to hone their journalistic writing skills. As part of the course, students will cover stories on campus and in the community with the opportunity for their work to be disseminated through our student media news outlets.

Prerequisite: A minimum C- grade in MDJ 26005 or MDJ 38002.

Schedule Type: Laboratory, Lecture, Combined Lecture and Lab

Contact Hours: 1 lecture, 4 lab

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 26008     BROADCAST REPORTING      3 Credit Hours

The course introduces the fundamentals of writing and reporting the news with a focus on video. Building on skills learned in MDJ 26001 and MDJ 26005, students will engage in the researching, interviewing and reporting skills necessary to cover a variety of news stories using video for TV or other visual platforms. They will also continue to hone their journalistic writing skills with a focus on broadcast style. As part of the course, students will shoot and edit video stories on campus and in the community with the opportunity for their work to be disseminated through our student media news outlets.

Prerequisite: MDJ 26005 or MDJ 38002 with a minimum C- grade.

Schedule Type: Laboratory, Lecture, Combined Lecture and Lab

Contact Hours: 1 lecture, 4 lab

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 30036     DIGITAL VIDEO EDITING      3 Credit Hours

Intermediate class in editing for single camera and multi-camera productions using Adobe Premiere software.

Prerequisite: Minimum C- grade in MDJ 20011.

Schedule Type: Laboratory, Lecture, Combined Lecture and Lab

Contact Hours: 2 lecture, 2 lab

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 31007     DIGITAL ANALYTICS IN ADVERTISING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS      2 Credit Hours

Explores digital analytics and online measurement. Students will start with planning and setting measurable objectives, finding online audiences, and then design and implement measurement plans. Students will use social media analytics tools and Google analytics to capture data and then determine next steps.

Prerequisite: Minimum C- grade in MDJ 20008.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 2 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 32006     PHOTOJOURNALISM      3 Credit Hours

This course explores the power and significance of photojournalism in shaping public perception and raising awareness about global issues. Through in-depth study of iconic and impactful images, this course examines their historical, cultural, and social contexts, while encouraging students to critically analyze the ethical considerations, storytelling techniques, and the role of diversity in visual storytelling. Students will gain experience photographing a variety of assignments and learn to collect vital information for photo captions and stories. Students will develop a deeper understanding of the complex narratives and emotions conveyed to a news audience through visual imagery.

Prerequisite: None.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 32106     SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEOGRAPHY      3 Credit Hours

Explores all aspects of covering athletics from shooting game action to player profiles, portraits, post-game interviews and hype reels. Students will learn to capture peak action moments on the field while developing a narrative perspective to highlight the stories driving each athlete and team. Through hands-on shooting assignments, students will practice techniques for freezing motion, working with challenging lighting conditions, and composing storytelling images. In addition, portrait-based sessions will cover posing, creative lighting setups, and building rapport with subjects to capture the energy and personality of athletes off the field. By the end of the course, students will have a diverse portfolio that demonstrates both the intensity of live events and the intimate, human side of sports—equipping them with the technical and conceptual skills to excel in a range of real-world sports photography and videography opportunities.

Prerequisite: None.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 33007     PRODUCING FOR PICTURE      3 Credit Hours

A deep and technical look at filmmaking from business, legal and logistical perspectives.

Prerequisite: Minimum C- grade in MDJ 20011.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 33024     ON-CAMERA TECHNIQUES FOR MEDIA PROFESSIONALS      3 Credit Hours

Students will learn the fundamentals of appearing on camera for various live and recorded settings including television, digital-native presentations and social media. From professionalism to critical thinking on your feet, students will explore how to successfully navigate on-camera performance for different settings such as interviews, broadcast journalism, news conferences and web and social media videos. In a world where media content is becoming increasingly visual, this course is for any student whose career path might put them in front of a camera to convey information, ask questions, or answer them.

Prerequisite: None.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 33033     SOUND FOR PICTURE      3 Credit Hours

An intermediate class for audio and music in film and multimedia. Students learn the entire process of sound for picture workflow, department by department, from pre-production and budgeting through final mixdown.

Prerequisite: Minimum C- grade in MDJ 20011.

Schedule Type: Laboratory, Lecture, Combined Lecture and Lab

Contact Hours: 1 lecture, 4 lab

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Attributes: TAG Communication

MDJ 33042     STUDIO TELEVISION      3 Credit Hours

Study of all positions of a live television program including technical directing, floor directing, graphics, digital playback and audio engineering.

Prerequisite: None.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 33043     DIGITAL CINEMATOGRAPHY      3 Credit Hours

Course focuses on digital cinematography techniques for shooting documentary and narrative fiction.

Prerequisite: Minimum C- grade in MDJ 20011.

Schedule Type: Laboratory, Lecture, Combined Lecture and Lab

Contact Hours: 1 lecture, 4 lab

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 34036     MULTIMEDIA ENGINEERING      3 Credit Hours

Introduction to basic digital media technology and systems, providing students with multimedia engineering knowledge and vocabulary. Overview of broadcast operations and legal viewpoint. Prep for Society of Broadcast Engineer (SBE) operators' certification exam.

Prerequisite: None.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 34140     PRODUCTION I      3 Credit Hours

A hands-on introduction to narrative and documentary storytelling. Students write, edit and direct projects emphasizing visual storytelling.

Prerequisite: Minimum C- grade in MDJ 23130.

Schedule Type: Laboratory, Lecture, Combined Lecture and Lab

Contact Hours: 1 lecture, 4 lab

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 36005     EDITING      3 Credit Hours

Students will learn the craft of editing – chiefly improving the writing of other journalists on all platforms. Students will also learn story planning, content creation, writing headlines and organizing stories in digital formats. This course also includes an intensive review of style and grammar.

Prerequisite: MDJ 26007 or MDJ 26008 with a minimum C- grade.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 36008     FREELANCE JOURNALISM      3 Credit Hours

In an ever-changing media landscape, students need to be able to market themselves and their work. This course provides students the tools, resources and strategies needed to pitch creative work to various media companies. Students will learn how to research markets, craft effective queries and manage the business considerations of being a freelance journalist.

Prerequisite: Junior standing.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 36010     INTERVIEWING AND DATA FOR JOURNALISTS      3 Credit Hours

This course offers students more practice in interviewing and finding news in numbers. Students will engage in news coverage that allows them to practice interviewing techniques including how to find sources, ask the right questions and use that information to create news content. We will also discuss diversity and its importance in the selection of story topics and sources. This course will also introduce students to finding stories through data and research. Students will learn how to find stories in numbers, how to judge and report on scientific research and how to use visuals to enhance reporting of data.

Prerequisite: MDJ 26007 or MDJ 26008 with a minimum C- grade.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 36018     FEATURE WRITING      3 Credit Hours

This is a class about writing stories people want to read, not stories they have to read to keep up with the news. You will learn the journalistic and literary tools to write drop-everything, time-melting, hit-share reads. Each feature you produce, even the one written in the first person, must be thoroughly reported, stylishly written and students will be encouraged to submit their work for publication. A special emphasis will be placed on reporting the experiences of communities that have traditionally been ignored or misrepresented in media.

Prerequisite: Minimum C- grade in MDJ 26007 or MDJ 26008.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 36020     AUDIO STORYTELLING AND PODCASTING I      3 Credit Hours

The audio storytelling used in public radio-style stories and podcasts gives audiences an immersive and intimate experience that’s available anytime, anywhere. This course will give students the expertise needed to develop and produce broadcast-quality audio content. Students will learn how to write for the ear, interview for audio, as well as edit and mix audio stories that meet professional standards for broadcast.

Prerequisite: None.

Schedule Type: Laboratory, Lecture, Combined Lecture and Lab

Contact Hours: 1 lecture, 4 lab

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 38002     PUBLIC RELATIONS CASE STUDIES      3 Credit Hours

Explores the process and practice of public relations by requiring students to analyze real-world case studies and develop an actual public relations plan on behalf of a client organization. Students should expect to spend time outside the classroom working within teams in support of client objectives. A significant amount of writing in multiple formats is required.

Prerequisite: MDJ 19000 with a minimum C- grade.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 40006     LAW OF MEDIA AND JOURNALISM      3 Credit Hours

(Slashed with MDJ 50006) Students will explore how the law affects media content and the work of its practitioners. Students will learn to identify potential legal issues and apply that knowledge to specific situations likely confronted by working media professionals across a variety of media industries. Students will also gain an appreciation of the history of the First Amendment and examine the role protections for free expression play in a diverse American society.

Prerequisite: Junior standing.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 40010     ETHICS AND ISSUES IN MEDIA AND JOURNALISM (WIC)      3 Credit Hours

This course is about what the media ought to do and the underlying values that frame ethical decision-making. We will use ethics theories and critical thinking to discuss ethical decisions in media and in journalism, as well as explore how benefits and harms affect diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the decisions we make as media practitioners. We’ll use theory and moral reasoning to examine media decision-making beyond news judgment and common sense. The course does not attempt to give students rules for ethical behavior; it is an intellectual journey.

Prerequisite: Senior standing.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Attributes: Writing Intensive Course

MDJ 40011     ETHICAL ISSUES IN INTEGRATED COMMUNICATION      1 Credit Hour

Focuses specifically on the ethical and moral issues affecting Advertising and Public Relations professionals. Focuses solely on Integrated Communications. Students will understand and appreciate the complex moral and ethical decisions that professionals make each day, often under intense deadline pressure. They also acquire their basic problem-solving skills to manage these issues in real time. A GPA of 2.700 is required in the major.

Prerequisite: Minimum C- grade in MDJ 31002 (and MDJ 31003) or MDJ 38002; and minimum 2.000 overall GPA; and advertising or public relations major.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 1 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 40027     RACE, GENDER, CLASS AND DIS/ABILITY IN MEDIA INDUSTRIES      3 Credit Hours

(Slashed with MDJ 50027) To introduce students to the many facets of diversity in media through the eyes and perspectives of practitioners and audiences. This class takes a critical survey of messages directed at specific members of the mass audience and how these messages help shape the culture through historical, legal, economic, political, social and artistic influences. Media institutions are examined in terms of how and why diverse content is produced and distributed. Special attention is paid to increasing students’ level of media literacy by examining these messages.

Prerequisite: MDJ 20001.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 40037     SCRIPTWRITING FOR VIDEO AND FILM      3 Credit Hours

The emphasis of the course is on writing dramatic scripts for broadcast or motion pictures. The course also includes current perspectives on market needs.

Prerequisite: Minimum C- grade in MDJ 23004.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 40092     INTERNSHIP (ELR)      1-3 Credit Hours

(Repeatable for credit) Experience in a professional setting under professional supervision in student's field of specialization.

Prerequisite: Minimum 23 credit hours of MDJ coursework; and special approval.

Schedule Type: Practical Experience

Contact Hours: 3-9 other

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory-IP

Attributes: Experiential Learning Requirement

MDJ 40095     SPECIAL TOPICS IN MEDIA AND JOURNALISM      1-3 Credit Hours

(Repeatable for credit) Explores selected topics of special interest in media and journalism not covered in existing courses. Not offered every semester; the topic is announced when the course is scheduled.

Prerequisite: None.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 1-3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 40096     INDIVIDUAL PROJECTS IN MEDIA AND JOURNALISM      1-3 Credit Hours

(Repeatable for credit) Individual research projects in media and journalism.

Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing; and special approval.

Schedule Type: Individual Investigation

Contact Hours: 1-3 other

Grade Mode: Standard Letter-IP

MDJ 40099     SENIOR HONORS PROJECT IN MEDIA AND JOURNALISM (ELR)      2-4 Credit Hours

Thesis or other independent study project in media and journalism.

Prerequisite: School of media and journalism majors only; and admitted to the honors college.

Schedule Type: Project or Capstone

Contact Hours: 2-4 other

Grade Mode: Standard Letter-IP

Attributes: Experiential Learning Requirement

MDJ 40117     MEDIA LEADERSHIP AND AUDIENCE      3 Credit Hours

Students in this class will explore various media industries from the perspective of business practice and management. Students will learn the fundamentals of how media companies operate today and how media managers do their jobs. They will also analyze the trends and challenges facing all media organizations including targeted messaging, technological changes, monetizing creative work and building and keeping audience in a highly competitive marketplace. This course will provide valuable context for anyone considering a career in any form of media.

Prerequisite: Junior standing.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 40201     PUBLIC RELATIONS PRACTICE: PUBLIC AFFAIRS      1 Credit Hour

Provides a basic understanding of the public affairs role in public relations. Course specifically examines how external factors surrounding an organization can trigger disruption, opportunity, change, adaptation and evolution. Students explore techniques for anticipating, managing and adapting to or changing those forces. Primary attention is paid to environmental scanning, issue and stakeholder identification and management, lobbying, advocacy and ethical implications of public policy.

Prerequisite: None.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 1 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 40202     PUBLIC RELATIONS PRACTICE: CRISIS COMMUNICATION      1 Credit Hour

Provides a basic understanding of the best practices of crisis planning, preparation, communication and management. Course focuses on the critical capabilities, team work and decision-making skills required of public relations practitioners during periods of intense organizational turbulence, crisis and reputational threat across numerous stakeholder groups. Those groups include internal, external, public, private and legislative audiences.

Prerequisite: None.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 1 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 40295     SELECTED TOPICS IN MEDIA AND JOURNALISM      1-3 Credit Hours

(Repeatable for credit) (Slashed with MDJ 50295) Selected topics of special interest not covered in depth in existing courses. Not offered every semester; the topic is announced when the course is scheduled.

Prerequisite: School of Media and Journalism major or minor.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 1-3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 41002     ADVANCED ADVERTISING COPYWRITING      3 Credit Hours

Advanced copywriting projects in print advertising and corporate communications and execution of the entire print advertising campaigns. A GPA of 2.700 is required in the major.

Prerequisite: MDJ 31002 and 31003 with a minimum C- grade; and minimum 2.000 overall GPA; and special approval.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 41111     FASHION PUBLISHING      3 Credit Hours

Introduction to 21st Century Fashion publishing. An overview of the evolution of fashion magazines in print and digital formats, magazine entrepreneurs, the editors role, branding, advertising, circulation, writing and production.

Prerequisite: Minimum C- grade in MDJ 20004 or MDJ 23004 or MDJ 26001.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 41192     PRACTICUM IN ADVERTISING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS (ELR)      3 Credit Hours

Designed to provide opportunities for students to engage in applied public relations and advertising projects in collaboration with faculty. This can include such things as competitions and practical experiential learning exercises with on-campus organizations.

Prerequisite: Special approval.

Schedule Type: Practical Experience

Contact Hours: 9 other

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Attributes: Experiential Learning Requirement

MDJ 41199     CAPSTONE: CAMPAIGNS IN ADVERTISING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS (ELR)      3 Credit Hours

Capstone course requires student teams to combine research, planning and execution into a single advertising and public relations campaign developed for a real world organization.

Prerequisite: Minimum C- grade in MDJ 31002 (and MDJ 31003) or MDJ 48001 (and MDJ 48002).

Pre/corequisite: Minimum C- in MDJ 48003.

Schedule Type: Project or Capstone

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Attributes: Experiential Learning Requirement

MDJ 41395     SELECTED TOPICS IN ADVERTISING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS      1-3 Credit Hours

(Repeatable for credit) Selected topics of interest in advertising and public relations not covered in depth in existing courses. Not offered every semester; the topic is announced when the course is scheduled.

Prerequisite: Advertising major (or minor) or public relations major (or minor).

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 1-3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 43034     ADVANCED CINEMATOGRAPHY      3 Credit Hours

This course is designed to build upon the basic methodologies learned in Digital Cinematography. The class will provide a unique opportunity to deepen and advance a student’s experience and knowledge in the realm of cinematography, both technically and artistically, and to hone their craft and skills through producing content under the supervision of a professional cinematographer, as it relates to producing content for film, documentaries, online and television broadcast.

Prerequisite: MDJ 33043.

Schedule Type: Laboratory, Lecture, Combined Lecture and Lab

Contact Hours: 1 lecture, 4 lab

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 43035     ADVANCED MULTIMEDIA NEWS      3 Credit Hours

In this course, students will participate in telling stories from the surrounding communities in Northeast Ohio. Students will have the opportunity to produce a variety of multimedia content including, video, photo, data visualizations, text, social media stories, live and studio shows. This multimedia content will be distributed online, for television and on social media platforms. Students will increase their skills in one or more areas and will be challenged to expand their skills as well. Though not required, students are encouraged to take MDJ 46003, before taking this course.

Prerequisite: MDJ 26007 or MDJ 26008 with a minimum C- grade; and junior standing.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 43395     SELECTED TOPICS IN DIGITAL MEDIA PRODUCTION      1-3 Credit Hours

(Repeatable for credit) Selected topics of interest in digital media production not covered in depth in existing courses. Not offered every semester; the topic is announced when the course is scheduled.

Prerequisite: Digital Media Production major or minor.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 1-3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 44036     ADVANCED VIDEO EDITING      3 Credit Hours

In this class, students analyze and assemble dramatic scenes under a variety of conditions and narrative strategies. Editing theories, techniques and procedures, issues of continuity, effects, movement and sound are examined as they relate to the fundamentals of cinematic montage and visual storytelling. This class presents a variety of topics and experiences that are designed to broaden the student's understanding of the art of cinematic storytelling and montage. By the end of the course, students will know how to use Adobe Premiere Pro (CC) to edit their own videos. They will know the software well enough to apply similar techniques and concepts to other Non-Linear Editing systems. The course will also teach students the important role editing plays in telling a story visually as well as broaden their ability to edit their own projects inside and outside of school.

Prerequisite: MDJ 30036.

Schedule Type: Laboratory, Lecture, Combined Lecture and Lab

Contact Hours: 1 lecture, 4 lab

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 44050     POST-PRODUCTION SOUND      3 Credit Hours

Creating post-production sound for visual productions, including digital cinema, television and video games.

Prerequisite: Minimum C- grade in MDJ 33033; and minimum C- grade in MDJ 30036 or MDJ 33043.

Schedule Type: Laboratory, Lecture, Combined Lecture and Lab

Contact Hours: 1 lecture, 4 lab

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 44055     SUAS AERIAL CINEMATOGRAPHY      3 Credit Hours

(Slashed with MDJ 54055) Prepares interdisciplinary non-aeronautics majors to operate Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) safely and ethically in news gathering, research, cinematography and other digital production.

Prerequisite: Minimum C- grade in MDJ 30036.

Schedule Type: Laboratory, Lecture, Combined Lecture and Lab

Contact Hours: 2 lecture, 2 lab

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 46003     PRODUCING TELEVISION NEWS      3 Credit Hours

This course will introduce students to the theory and practice of producing television news and information programs. Students will learn the news philosophies behind pacing, flow, news values and story selection, as well as the finer points of writing for a visual medium like television.

Prerequisite: MDJ 26001 or MDJ 20011 with a minimum C- grade.

Schedule Type: Laboratory, Lecture, Combined Lecture and Lab

Contact Hours: 1 lecture, 4 lab

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 46009     REPORTING PUBLIC POLICY      3 Credit Hours

(Slashed with MDJ 56009) Students in this course will learn how to report on all areas of public affairs and societal issues such as, education, government, crime, social justice, and equality. Students will gain an understanding of how government works, and how policy decisions disproportionately affect the population. This course builds on preceding coursework by introducing students to more advanced reporting techniques including explorations of data and visualization tools.

Prerequisite: MDJ 26007 or MDJ 26008 with a minimum C-grade.

Schedule Type: Laboratory, Lecture, Combined Lecture and Lab

Contact Hours: 1 lecture, 4 lab

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 46020     MAGAZINE DESIGN      3 Credit Hours

(Slashed with MDJ 56020) Marriage of words and visuals for designing magazine layouts and covers in desktop publishing.

Prerequisite: Minimum C- grade in MDJ 20004 or MDJ 23004 or MDJ 26001.

Schedule Type: Laboratory, Lecture, Combined Lecture and Lab

Contact Hours: 2 lecture, 2 lab

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 46021     ADVANCED MAGAZINE WRITING      3 Credit Hours

(Slashed with MDJ 56021) Great writing comes to us in many ways, just as magazines do now. No longer confined to the printed page, magazine-style writing has found a home in digital environments where the word counts are unlimited and the shareability infinite. Magazines are created for targeted (not general) audiences who want their magazines to inform, amaze, delight, challenge, inspire, connect, surprise and entertain them. We will read instructive magazine-style journalism from the past and present and study its structures, methods and styles. You will produce writing destined for magazines and other outlets that publish original, deeply reported journalism. Though not required, it is recommended that students take MDJ 36018 prior to taking this course.

Prerequisite: MDJ 26007 or MDJ 26008 with a minimum C- grade; and junior standing.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 46030     AUDIO STORYTELLING AND PODCASTING II      3 Credit Hours

In this course, students will take the technical and practical skills mastered in Audio Storytelling and Podcasting I to develop and execute a long-form, narrative podcast. Students will learn how to produce a multi-episodic podcast through one-on-one meetings and edits with the instructor and classmates. Students will also learn the ins and outs of the podcast industry, from consumer behavior and industry trends to publishing, promoting and distributing the podcast.

Prerequisite: Minimum C- grade in MDJ 36020.

Schedule Type: Laboratory, Lecture, Combined Lecture and Lab

Contact Hours: 1 lecture, 4 lab

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 46057     MOTION GRAPHICS FOR VIDEO EDITING      3 Credit Hours

Covers the creation of motion graphics for video editing from the perspective of a professional editor. Students learn basic video effects such as digital matte creation and layered graphics for video productions. Students also gain a basic understanding of how to convert and compress video files for various deliverable formats. Adobe After Effects is the industry standard software application for creating motion graphics and is used extensively in the course.

Prerequisite: MDJ 20011 with a minimum C- grade.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 46395     SELECTED TOPICS IN JOURNALISM      1-3 Credit Hours

(Repeatable for credit) Selected topics of interest in journalism not covered in depth in existing courses. Not offered every semester; the topic is announced when the course is scheduled.

Prerequisite: Journalism major or minor.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 1-3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 47003     TEACHING HIGH SCHOOL JOURNALISM      3 Credit Hours

This course prepares future English Language Arts teachers to teach high school journalism and advise student publications. Students will learn journalistic principles, practices and pedagogy while developing lesson plans and teaching methods for covering major areas of the high journalism curriculum. Through lectures, assigned reading, research, weekly discussions and peer teaching, students will gain both the content knowledge and instructional strategies to foster student voice, ethical journalistic practice and civic engagement in through high school journalism and student publications.

Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 48001     MEDIA RELATIONS AND PUBLICITY (WIC)      3 Credit Hours

(Slashed with MDJ 58001) Strategic planning and tactical preparation of materials for use by the news media and for use by an organization's publics via owned media. The course explores the media relations function, including media monitoring, factual organizational storytelling and informal spokesperson training, along with analyzing the uses and limitations of traditional, digital and social media in public relations practice.

Prerequisite: Minimum C- grade in MDJ 26007 or MDJ 26008; and minimum C- in MDJ 38002.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Attributes: Writing Intensive Course

MDJ 48002     PUBLIC RELATIONS TACTICS      3 Credit Hours

(Slashed with MDJ 58002) Planning and preparation of face-to-face public relations tactics, including special event planning, speeches and presentations with visual support and other applications of "writing for the ear." Students learn about enhancing their personal brands through face-to-face, written and digital techniques.

Prerequisite: Minimum C- grade in MDJ 26001.

Pre/corequisite: Minimum C- grade MDJ 38002.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 48003     DIGITAL PUBLIC RELATIONS AND SOCIAL MEDIA      3 Credit Hours

(Slashed with MDJ 58003) Explores the basic concepts behind the theory, strategic planning, design and creation of effective websites, blogs, videos, podcasts, and social media. Students study and apply hands-on skills using a full range of digital techniques including search engine optimization, web accessibility, user experience and writing for online audiences.

Prerequisite: Minimum C- grade in MDJ 20008 and MDJ 31007 and MDJ 38002.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 48006     PUBLIC RELATIONS PUBLICATIONS      3 Credit Hours

(Slashed with MDJ 58006 ) Planning, writing and design of organizational publications, including newsletters, brochures, fliers, promotional mailers and websites. Course also explores the print production process.

Prerequisite: Minimum C- grade in MDJ 26001; and Public Relations major or minor.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 48099     CAPSTONE: PUBLIC RELATIONS CAMPAIGNS (ELR)      3 Credit Hours

Capstone course requires student teams to combine research, planning and execution into a single public relations campaign developed for a real world organization.

Prerequisite: Minimum C- grade in MDJ 48001 and MDJ 48002.

Pre/corequisite: Minimum C- grade in MDJ 48003.

Schedule Type: Project or Capstone, Seminar

Contact Hours: 3 other

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Attributes: Experiential Learning Requirement

MDJ 49099     PRODUCTION II (ELR)      3 Credit Hours

In this course, each student will bring together the creative, technical, and project management skills they acquired in prior coursework to conceive, produce, and edit a senior capstone video or multimedia project. Students are encouraged to share their finished work with faculty, peers and external audiences such as film festivals.

Prerequisite: A minimum C- grade in MDJ 34140; and senior standing.

Schedule Type: Project or Capstone

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Attributes: Experiential Learning Requirement

MDJ 50006     LAW OF MEDIA AND JOURNALISM      3 Credit Hours

(Slashed with MDJ 40006) Students will explore how the law affects media content and the work of its practitioners. Students will learn to identify potential legal issues and apply that knowledge to specific situations likely confronted by working media professionals across a variety of media industries. Students will also gain an appreciation of the history of the First Amendment and examine the role protections for free expression play in a diverse American society.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 50027     RACE, GENDER, CLASS AND DIS/ABILITY IN MEDIA INDUSTRIES      3 Credit Hours

(Slashed with MDJ 40027) To introduce students to the many facets of diversity in media through the eyes and perspectives of practitioners and audiences. This class takes a critical survey of messages directed at specific members of the mass audience and how these messages help shape the culture through historical, legal, economic, political, social and artistic influences. Media institutions are examined in terms of how and why diverse content is produced and distributed. Special attention is paid to increasing students’ level of media literacy by examining these messages.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 50295     SELECTED TOPICS IN MEDIA AND JOURNALISM      1-3 Credit Hours

(Repeatable for credit) (Slashed with MDJ 40295) Selected topics of special interest not covered in depth in existing courses. Not offered every semester; the topic is announced when the course is scheduled.

Prerequisite: Media and journalism major; and graduate standing.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 1-3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 54055     SUAS AERIAL CINEMATOGRAPHY      3 Credit Hours

(Slashed with MDJ 44055) Prepares interdisciplinary non-aeronautics majors to operate Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) safely and ethically in news gathering, research, cinematography and other digital production.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

Schedule Type: Laboratory, Lecture, Combined Lecture and Lab

Contact Hours: 2 lecture, 2 lab

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 56009     REPORTING PUBLIC POLICY      3 Credit Hours

(Slashed with MDJ 46009) Students in this course will learn how to report on all areas of public affairs and societal issues such as, education, government, crime, social justice and equality. Students will gain an understanding of how government works and how policy decisions disproportionately affect the population. This course builds on preceding coursework by introducing students to more advanced reporting techniques including explorations of data and visualization tools.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

Schedule Type: Laboratory, Lecture, Combined Lecture and Lab

Contact Hours: 1 lecture, 4 lab

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 56020     MAGAZINE DESIGN      3 Credit Hours

(Slashed with MDJ 46020) Marriage of words and visuals for designing magazine layouts and covers in desktop publishing.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

Schedule Type: Laboratory, Lecture, Combined Lecture and Lab

Contact Hours: 2 lecture, 2 lab

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 56021     ADVANCED MAGAZINE WRITING      3 Credit Hours

(Slashed with MDJ 46021) Great writing comes to us in many ways, just as magazines do now. No longer confined to the printed page, magazine-style writing has found a home in digital environments where the word counts are unlimited and the shareability infinite. Magazines are created for targeted (not general) audiences who want their magazines to inform, amaze, delight, challenge, inspire, connect, surprise and entertain them. We will read instructive magazine-style journalism from the past and present and study its structures, methods and styles. You will produce writing destined for magazines and other outlets that publish original, deeply reported journalism.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 58001     MEDIA RELATIONS AND PUBLICITY      3 Credit Hours

(Slashed with MDJ 48001) Strategic planning and tactical preparation of materials for use by the news media and for use by an organization's publics via owned media. The course explores the media relations function, including media monitoring, factual organizational storytelling and informal spokesperson training, along with analyzing the uses and limitations of traditional, digital and social media in public relations practice.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing; and special approval.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 58002     PUBLIC RELATIONS TACTICS      3 Credit Hours

(Slashed with MDJ 48002) Planning and preparation of face-to-face public relations tactics, including special event planning, speeches and presentations with visual support and other applications of "writing for the ear." Students learn about enhancing their personal brands through face-to-face, written and digital techniques.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 58003     DIGITAL PUBLIC RELATIONS AND SOCIAL MEDIA      3 Credit Hours

(Slashed with MDJ 48003) Explores the basic concepts behind the theory, strategic planning, design and creation of effective websites, blogs, videos, podcasts, and social media. Students study and apply hands-on skills using a full range of digital techniques including search engine optimization, web accessibility, user experience and writing for online audiences.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing; and special approval.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 58006     PUBLIC RELATIONS PUBLICATIONS      3 Credit Hours

(Slashed with MDJ 48006) Planning, writing and design of organizational publications, including newsletters, brochures, fliers, promotional mailers and websites. Course also explores the print production process.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing; and special approval.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 60011     THEORY AND SOCIETAL ROLE OF MEDIA AND JOURNALISM      3 Credit Hours

(Slashed with MDJ 80011) "Social role" of media is not about social media. It is about the role of media in contemporary society. The two concepts are not the same. Instead of Tweeting and Facebooking, this course covers the historical and political roles of the media: responsibility to society through roles the media exhibit. Terms like gatekeeping, literacy, leadership and enabling citizen involvement are rooted in social responsibility and will be the focus in this course about how to empower the youth of today – who are the leaders of tomorrow – with media tools and ideas that best fulfill the historical and future roles society most needs.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 60012     MEDIA LAW AND ETHICS      3 Credit Hours

(Slashed with MDJ 80012) In this course, students will develop an understanding of the rule of law and the American judicial system; origins of the First Amendment; First Amendment theory; the special case of scholastic journalism; Categories of speech; Censorship; Libel; Privacy; Information gathering; Social norms and the law; Intellectual property; Regulation of advertising and broadcasting; Theories of ethical decision making; Ethical decision-making tools.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 60096     INDIVIDUAL INVESTIGATION IN MEDIA AND JOURNALISM      1-3 Credit Hours

(Repeatable for credit) Individual investigation of selected area or problem approved by graduate faculty.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing; and special approval.

Schedule Type: Individual Investigation

Contact Hours: 1-3 other

Grade Mode: Standard Letter-IP

MDJ 60098     RESEARCH      1-15 Credit Hours

(Repeatable for credit) Research or individual investigation for master's level graduate students. Credits earned may be applied toward meeting degree requirements if school approves. Maximum of 3 hours may be applied to degree if school approves.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing; and special approval.

Schedule Type: Research

Contact Hours: 1-15 other

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

MDJ 60195     SPECIAL TOPICS SEMINAR IN MEDIA AND JOURNALISM      1-3 Credit Hours

(Repeatable for credit) Study of selected topics of special interest in media and journalism not covered in depth in existing courses; offered as resources permit.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing; and special approval.

Schedule Type: Seminar

Contact Hours: 1-3 other

Grade Mode: Standard Letter-IP

MDJ 60196     READINGS IN MEDIA AND JOURNALISM      1-3 Credit Hours

(Repeatable for credit) Students pursue course of readings approved by instructor to cover a subject specialty in media and journalism they cannot obtain from formal course offerings.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing; and special approval.

Schedule Type: Individual Investigation

Contact Hours: 1-3 other

Grade Mode: Standard Letter-IP

MDJ 60701     ADVISING STUDENT MEDIA      3 Credit Hours

In this course, students learn that an adviser should advise, not edit or create content, and in learning this, students will discern the difference between the roles of adviser and student editor. Students will create sample forms, such as advertising contracts and beat sheets; develop a staff manual; and construct an editorial policy that values students’ right to make content decisions. They will also cover the challenges of dealing with other stakeholders, especially school administrators.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 61001     PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES OF DIGITAL MEDIA      3 Credit Hours

Explores the history and philosophies of online communities and what makes them work. Examines how professionals integrate digital thinking into an organization's communication. Covers best practices for producing social media content that will lead to effective engagement.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 66011     REPORTING, WRITING AND EDITING FOR MEDIA      3 Credit Hours

This course is the foundation of all content for student media and shifts the emphasis of writing from creating for a teacher to creating for an audience. Focus will be on news values and how these values guide much of what and how journalists produce; news gathering using both live and print sources; coaching, editing and revising to meet the needs and wants of the audience.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 66092     INTERNSHIP IN MEDIA AND JOURNALISM      1-3 Credit Hours

(Repeatable for credit) Experience in a department or company involving supervised professional responsibilities in media and journalism.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing; and special approval.

Schedule Type: Practical Experience

Contact Hours: 1-3 other

Grade Mode: Standard Letter-IP

MDJ 67067     TEACHING MEDIA LITERACY      3 Credit Hours

This course explores the foundations of media literacy, pedagogical applications in the journalism classroom, and its place among concomitant literacies (specifically media and information literacy). By emphasizing the importance of quality information, exploring changes and challenges to the news industry, and advocating for a critical consumer approach to news media, this course prepares journalism educators to better meet the needs of students in a digital world. Students in the course will also develop curriculum and lesson materials in media literacy topics for their own current and future classroom use.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 67075     MEDIA CONTENT CREATION      3 Credit Hours

Introduction to recognizing and producing some of the basic linear and non-linear journalistic multimedia tools used for content creation, including audio, video and still images.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 67087     ADVISING YEARBOOK      3 Credit Hours

Students gain contextual information regarding yearbook roles in history and memory along with practical skills for recruitment, staff organization, staffing and production; and incorporating the creation of the yearbook into a classroom setting.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

MDJ 80012     MEDIA LAW AND ETHICS      3 Credit Hours

(Slashed with MDJ 60012) In this course, students will develop an understanding of the rule of law and the American judicial system; origins of the First Amendment; First Amendment theory; the special case of scholastic journalism; categories of speech; censorship; libel; privacy; information gathering; social norms and the law; intellectual property; regulation of advertising and broadcasting; theories of ethical decision making; ethical decision-making tools.

Prerequisite: Doctoral standing.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Contact Hours: 3 lecture

Grade Mode: Standard Letter