MCA Course Descriptions

10100: Introduction to Media Studies
The first of two MCA introductory courses. This survey course aims to acquaint students with the various mass media and support industries. In the first half of the semester, students look at newspapers, magazines, radio, TV, film, advertising, and public relations from an historic, technological, economic, and social perspective. In the second half of the semester, they focus on more general issues, such as who owns the media, the mediaÕs effect on audience, and laws governing the media. Required of all MCA majors; open to other students as an elective. Prereq.: Eng 11000. 3 hr./wk.; 3 cr.

20200: Research and Writing for Media Studies
This course aims to teach students research, analytical and communication skills. Through discussion and practice, students learn their way around libraries, become familiar with various databases, learn interviewing techniques and sharpen their writing. The skills are then used to compose a research paper on a media topic chosen in consultation with the instructor. Prereq.: Eng 11000 and MCA 10100; coreq.: MCA 10300. 3 hr./wk.; 3 cr.

20300: Research and Writing for Media Lab
A companion course to MCA 10200. This course teaches students how to use computers for research and interpersonal communication. Working in a computer lab, students access on-line databases, send and receive electronic mail, sample desktop publishing tools and navigate the World Wide Web, learn basic HTML, and create a web site. Prereq.: MCA 10100; coreq.: MCA 10200. 3 hr./wk.; 3 cr.

10500: Introduction to Media Production
This course introduces the fundamental aspects of video production in its diverse forms. Using digital cameras, students learn basic organizational, writing, camera, and editing skills through short group and individual exercises and projects. Visual storytelling and narrative structure in fictional and documentary forms, as well as commercials, video news releases and feature news stories are covered. This course is required of all MCA majors but it is also open to non-matriculated students. Coreq.: MCA 10100. 3 hr./wk.; 3 cr.

12100: Introduction to Film Studies
This course examines the artistic and social power of film as a medium of audiovisual communication. The course emphasizes the analysis of narrative feature films, but also examines non-fiction and experimental forms. The course offers a systematic view of how cinema tells stories, organizes information, patterns, light and sound, and creates unique aesthetic and social experiences. Aspects treated by the course include sound, editing, cinematography, film style, narrative and non-narrative forms, the organization of film production, and the relations of film to broader artistic, social, and historical contexts. Attention is given to the ways film is now related to television, video, and new computer technologies. This course required of all students in the Film & Video program but it is also open to non-matriculated students. Prereq.: Eng 11000. 4 hr./wk.; 3 cr.

20000: Introduction to Film Production
This course introduces the student to the fundamentals of film production and builds on previously learned production skills in MCA 105. Students learn how to use a 16mm film camera and the light meter and gain practical experience with B&W film stock and exposure control through group and individual exercises and projects. Prereq.: MCA 10500; coreq.: MCA 20500. 3 hr./wk.; 3 cr.

20500: Editing
This course covers the theoretical aspects and the practical techniques of editing picture and sound together. Narrative structure, storytelling strategies, and problem solving are explored through various editing exercises. Prereq.: MCA 10500; coreq.: MCA 20000. 3 hr./wk.; 3 cr.

20900: Introduction to Public Relations
This course, open to MCA majors and non-majors, introduces students to the fundamental concepts and theories behind persuasive communications and the application to public relations. Public opinion, audience research, media relations and tools for effective communications using the Internet and traditional methods are also explored. Students develop and present a public relations proposal, incorporating research, objectives, strategy and tactics and evaluation techniques as a culmination to the course. Prereq.: Eng 11000. 3 hr./wk.; 3 cr.

21000: Introduction to Advertising
The fundamentals of the advertising industry. Students analyze advertising campaigns from a marketing viewpoint and evaluate media placement, audience, message and overall effectiveness of the visual and written components. Advertising strategies are explored and utilized as students develop an advertising campaign on an assigned topic. Prereq.: Eng 11000. 3 hr./wk.; 3 cr.

21100: Advertising and Public Relations Production
In this course, students learn the art and science of preparing typography, graphic design, illustration and photography for printed documents used in the advertising and public relations professions. This is an essential skill for entry-level positions in this communications specialization. Students work on personal computers to learn the basic applications of electronic layout and design as a means of creating a cohesive visual message for an organization or business through documents and advertisements. Prereq.: MCA 10200, 10300, 21000. 3 hr./wk.; 3 cr.

22100: History and Theory of Film I
A chronological survey of the history and theory of cinema from its origins to World War II. Topics include the work of major directors, aesthetic theories, movements, technical innovations, methods of production and distribution, the influences on cinema from the other arts and contemporary ideologies. This course does not have to be taken in sequence with MCA 22200. Prereq.: MCA 10100, 12100; coreq.: MCA 20200, 20300. 4 hr./wk.; 3 cr.

22200: History and Theory of Film II
A chronological survey of the history and theory of cinema from World War II to present. This course does not have to be taken in sequence with MCA 22100. Prereq.: MCA 10100, 12100; coreq.: MCA 20200, 20300. 4 hr./wk.; 3 cr.

22300: Critical Approaches to Independent Cinema
The history, theory, and practice of American independent film, particularly as it has evolved since 1975. This course investigates how the film and filmmaker contribute to a redefinition of American society that incorporates a broader spectrum of voices and experiences. Attention is paid to earlier artists such as Maya Deren and John Cassavettes as well as to such contemporary trends as digital technologies, mixing genres, and the globalization of production and distribution. Prereq.: MCA 10100, 12100; coreq.: MCA 20200, 20300. 4 hr./wk.; 3 cr.

23200: Documentary Workshop I
A production workshop course where students develop, shoot and edit short documentary projects on video. Emphasis is placed exploring the documentary form and non-fiction storytelling through single camera field production. Basic interview techniques, image gathering, location lighting and sound, and editing are covered. Prereq.: MCA 10500. 4 hr./wk.; 4 cr.

23300: Introduction to Journalism
This course introduces students to the basics of reporting and writing for the print and broadcast media. A hands-on course, students learn the rigors of journalism through covering stories. Guest speakers from newsrooms across the city regularly address the class. Prereq.: Eng 11000; coreq.: MCA 10100 or permission from the instructor. 3 hr./wk.; 3 cr.

30200: Critical Approaches to Film Directors
Studies of major filmmakers from American & world cinema such as Griffith, Eisenstein, Ford, Kurosawa, Bunuel, Fellini, Altman, Sembene, and Varda. Emphasis is given to detailed analysis of films within their cultural, historical, and industrial contexts. Prereq.: MCA 12100 and 22100 or 22200. 4 hr./wk.; 3 cr.

30300: The Documentary in Film and Television
An investigation of the theory and practice of documentary in its diverse forms as film, television, video, and digital media. Screenings of historically important works are analyzed in light of different theories about documentary practice. Prereq.: MCA 12100 and 22100 or 22200. 4 hr./wk.; 3 cr.

30400: Studies in Film History and Aesthetics
Studies of specialized topics in film history and aesthetics. Topics change from year to year. Previous topics have included Film Noir, Women & Film, New Asian Cinemas, and Cinemas of the African Diaspora. Prereq.: MCA 12100 and 22100 or 22200. 4 hr./wk.; 3 cr.

31900: Video Journalism
This course in electronic news gathering covers the basics of reporting, writing, camera work and editing for television news. Students learn to tell a story through images and to write to visuals. Students are given field assignments which are included in a final newscast produced in the DepartmentÕs state-of-the-art television studio. Prereq.: MCA 10500. 4 hrs./wk., 4 cr.

32100: Motion Picture Production Workshop I
Building on the student's basic knowledge of film, exposure, cameras, and cinematic language, this production course emphasizes visual storytelling and control of the motion picture frame. Practical, technical, and aesthetic application of lighting in support of the narrative is covered. In addition, basic organizational pre-production elements needed for students to produce, direct, and shoot their films are developed. Prereq.: MCA 20000, 20500, 23200; coreq.: MCA 32300. 4 hr./wk.; 4 cr.

32200: Motion Picture Production Workshop II
This is an elective course for students who wish to further their mastery of 16mm film production and sound. Students will learn the fundamentals of sync-sound production through class exercises and group projects. Individual final projects, however, emphasize using non-synchronous sound design in supporting and advancing the narrative. Projects produced in this course are edited in MCA 32600. Prereq.: MCA 23200, 32100, 32300; coreq.: MCA 32600. 4 hr./wk.; 4 cr.

32300: Screenwriting Workshop I
This course is an introductory writing course that examines the fundamental structure of narrative storytelling. The course emphasizes the elements that create drama and conflict in both fictional and non-fictional forms. Particular attention will be given to the visual and non-synchronous sound aspects of the moving image. The course will also examine the similarities and differences between the short and long narrative forms and compare various storytelling models and strategies. Extensive outside writing assignments and rewrites are required for this course. Prereq.: MCA 12100, 20000, 20500, and 23200; coreq.: MCA 32100. 3 hr./wk.; 3cr.

32400: Screenwriting II
Students continue to build on the skills learned in Screenwriting I. Longer screenplays and narrative forms are developed. Extensive outside writing assignments and rewrites are required for this course. Prereq.: MCA 32300. 3 hr./wk; 3cr.

32500: Directing for Film and Video
An elective course open only to qualified students. Through various exercises and analysis, students learn how to work with actors and the use of different techniques and strategies to elicit performances. Pre-production responsibilities, scene analysis, blocking, and shot breakdowns are also covered. Prereq.: MCA 23200 or 32100, 32300. 3 hr./wk.; 3 cr.

32600: Digital Post Production
This course covers in-depth desktop non-linear digital editing. Using Final Cut Pro editing software, students build on previous editing experiences and edit material produced in their MCA 32200 or 33200 courses. Prereq.: MCA 20000, 20500, 23200, 32100; coreq.: MCA 32200 or 33200. 3hr./wk.; 3 cr.

33200: Documentary Workshop II
This is an elective course for students who wish to further their mastery of documentary video production. Students develop, shoot, and edit documentaries that are more complex and explore alternative aesthetic approaches to non-fiction storytelling. Emphasis in on single camera video production. Projects produced in this course are edited in MCA 32600. Prereq.: MCA 23200, 20500; coreq.: MCA 32600. 4 hr./wk.; 4 cr.

33300: Reporting and Writing
Instruction and practice in the basic techniques of reporting, including, interviewing and public affairs research, and writing news for mass audiences. It includes discussions on libel, freedom of information, fairness, and balance. Assignments involve real people and events. Prereq.: MCA 23300 or permission of the instructor. 3 hr./wk.; 3 cr.

33500: Feature Writing Emphasis divided evenly between reporting and writing. Students are encouraged to use a variety of writing techniques, including the setting of scenes and development of character, to strive to clarify public affairs for the public, to develop a sense of mass Òaudience,Ó to aim for the ethical goals of fairness and balance in their work, and to develop a portfolio of quality work in journalism. Intended primarily for those specializing in journalism but open to other writers. Prereq.: MCA 33300 or permission of the instructor. 3 hr./wk.; 3 cr.

34100: Radio Journalism
This is a basic course in radio reporting and production. Students learn to write for the ear and incorporate the creative uses of sound in telling a news story. Production techniques are an integral part of the course. Students receive actual on-air experience in the news department of WHCR, the collegeÕs community radio station. Prereq.: MCA 33300 or permission of the instructor. 3 hr./wk.; 3 cr.

34200: Topics in Reporting
Instruction in specialized areas of reporting and study of news media serving specific audiences. Additional topics may be offered from time to time. Students should consult the DepartmentÕs course offerings each semester to determine topics scheduled. Prereq.: MCA 33300. 3 hr./wk.; 3 cr.

34201: Reporting Politics and Government
Instruction in researching and reporting news of government and politics. Various approaches to this important function of democratic journalism are employed. Prereq.: Eng 11000. 3 hr./wk.; 3 cr.

34203: International Reporting
New York is used as a microcosm of the world as students report on the various nationalities, neighborhoods and ethnic groups that make this the most international of cities. Students learn about the role of the foreign correspondent, the United Nations and the U.S. government in the coverage of international news. The need for cultural sensitivity and historical perspective is addressed, along with the concept of the global village. Some knowledge of journalism, political science, or international affairs is preferred. Prereq.: Eng 11000. 3 hrs./wk.; 3 cr.

34300: Television Journalism I
Instruction in reporting, writing, and production for television news. Students learn to adapt their reporting and writing skills to the medium of television and the use of visuals in conveying a news story to the viewer. Students learn electronic news gathering through field work in crews and are introduced to the basics of newscast through exercises in the television studio. Prereq.: MCA 34100 and MCA 10500. 4 hr./wk.; 4 cr.

35000: Corporate Communications
This class familiarizes students with planning and implementing communications strategies for corporations and institutions. Through case studies, students examine communications issues for internal and external audiences. Learn how to conduct research, set objectives and effectively communicate through a variety of tactics. Topics include creating brand value through public relations, integrated marketing communications, media relations, and crisis communications. Prereq.: Eng 11000. 3 hrs./wk.; 3 cr.

35101: The African-American Press
This course is a survey of the African-American press from the 1827 publication of FreedomÕs Journal, the first Black newspaper in the U.S., to the current Black news media operations. The course makes a critical examination of the African-American press and its historical mission as an agent for social and political change. Guest speakers from Black media regularly address the class. 3 hr./wk.; 3 cr.

36000: Marketing Research
This course examines how to identify the necessary information to satisfy customersÕ needs and interests and make the marketing plan work. Students examine the role of marketing research in the advertising or public relations firm, different research designs, data collection procedures, sampling issues, data analysis techniques and how to write a research report. Prereq.: MCA 10200, 20900, 21000. 3 hr./wk.; 3 cr.

36200: Public Relations Writing
Students learn how to create persuasive messages and effectively communicate them to audiences through a variety of written and spoken tactics. Communicating with the media through press releases, media kits, press conferences, features, backgrounders, photocaptions, video news releases and PSAÕs are explored. In addition, students learn the fundamentals of good business writing for memos, letters, direct mail, brochures, proposals and oral presentations. Internet and web public relations are covered. Prereq.: MCA 20900, 21000 or permission of the instructor. 4 hr./wk.; 4 cr.

36300: Advertising Copywriting
In this course, students learn how to generate ideas that help solve marketing problems and to execute those ideas through copywriting. The class will write, edit and evaluate advertising copy, including print, radio, television, direct mail and promotional materials. Students work individually and in teams on assignments that involve both word and image. Prereq.: MCA 20900 and 21000. 4 hrs./wk.; 4 cr.

36400: Advertising and Public Relations Portfolio Production
A continuation of MCA 21100. Students learn advanced skills and uses of graphic software programs to create business and promotional presentations. The focus of this course is to provide students with the skills necessary to create an entry-level portfolio according to industry standards. Students produce graphic presentations of graphs charts, brochures, ad campaigns, proposals and other forms of printed communications. Prereq.: MCA 21100. 3 hr./wk.; 3 cr.

37500: Advertising Management I
An introduction to the basic management principles of the advertising business. Readings and discussions on the economic, social and legal aspects of the industry with an emphasis on advertisingÕs role in a marketing plan, consumer behavior, market segmentation, and position strategy. Prereq.: MCA 20900, 21000 or permission of the instructor. 3 hr./wk.; 3 cr.

37600: Advertising Management II
Application of advertising management principles to specific problems and case studies. Focus is on developing advertising strategies, budgets and media plans. Attention will be given to national and international marketing environments. Prereq.: MCA 37500. 3 hr./wk.; 3 cr. 40100: Ethics and Values in Communication A senior seminar in the moral issues of communications, professional ethics. Materials are presented through films, literature, and readings in philosophy and social commentary, directed discussions. Prereq.: Junior or Senior status, MCA 210, 209 and 375. 3 hr./wk.; 3 cr.

40300: Journalism Ethics, Law and the Public Interest.
This course examines the journalistÕs role in society and the critical choices reporters face daily. The course analyzes the interpretations of freedom of the press as guaranteed by the First Amendment and the role of the press as the Fourth Estate. The course will review some landmark legal cases and explore journalistic practices from a legal and ethical point of view. The course will look at the internal discussions taking place inside the journalism industry and suggestions being offered to maintain public trust. 3 hr./wk.; 3 cr.

43800: Print Journalism Workshop
A senior project for communication majors specializing in journalism, this workshop is the culmination of training in print media. Students build on skills acquired in earlier journalism courses to produce quality work suitable for publication. Students from other disciplines with substantial journalistic writing experience may be allowed in the course with permission of the instructor. Prereq.: MCA 33504. 4 hr./wk.; 4 cr.

44800: TV Journalism Workshop
In this workshop, the culmination of training in broadcast journalism, students produce television newscasts building on the electronic newsgathering skills and performance skills acquired in earlier classes. In addition, students learn to read from a teleprompter and refine other on-air skills using the departmentÕs state-of-the-art television studio. Students in other MCA specializations with substantial broadcast writing or production skills may be allowed in the course with permission of the instructor. Prereq.: MCA 31900, 34100. 4 hr./wk; 4 cr.

46800: Advertising and Public Relations Workshop I
A senior project for Communications, Film and Video majors specializing in advertising and public relations. Under the supervision of the instructor, each student undertakes a series of projects in advertising and public relations, culminating in a substantial writing portfolio. Students must receive approval of the instructor. Prereq.: MCA 37600 and 36200 or 36300. 4 hr./wk; 4 cr.

47800: Advertising and Public Relations Workshop II
For senior Media and Communication Arts majors specializing in advertising and public relations only. This is a concept, writing, and design intensive workshop that culminates in a completed professional portfolio. Under the supervision of a faculty member, students work individually and in teams to complete a variety of assignments that will include several advertising and public relations campaigns. Students integrate concept and copy with the graphic component which is completed in the departmentÕs computer graphics lab. Prereq.: 37600 and 36200 or 36300 and approval of the instructor. 4 hr./wk.; 4 cr.

Internship Education
29900: Internship in Communications I
Introductory supervised experience. Assignment in entry-level position of employment. Prereq.: Permission of the Department and acceptance into Internship Program. 1-6 cr.

39900: Internship in Communications II
A more advanced supervised assignment. Prereq.: Permission of the Department and successful completion of 29900. 1-6 cr.

49900: Internship in Communications III
Advanced supervised assignment. Prereq.: Permission of the Department and successful completion of 29900 and 39900. 1-6 cr.

Independent Study
31001-31003: Independent Study Open to advanced students only, with permission of the Department. 1-3. cr.

39501-31003: Group Independent Study A cooperative project, assigned to more than one student. Open to advanced students only, with permission of the instructor. 1-3. cr.