Communications and Journalism

Course Descriptions

Advertising/Marketing Communications Course Listings

ADVT 1940 Introduction to Marketing Communications (3)

Students learn the major communications tools available to promote a product or service to target customers. In the course, students learn marketing communications definitions, concepts, and theories of promotional communications and the tools utilized - both traditional approaches and emerging technologies.

ADVT 2550 Creative Strategies for Advertising (3)

In this course, students learn the creative process by which advertising is conceived and structured, based on communications goals and objectives. Students learn techniques for creating the "Big Idea." Students develop step-by-step strategies and refine creative thinking skills. Assignments and discussions aid in the development of advertising creative concepts for use in a portfolio and for class presentation. Prerequisites: MNGT 3510 OR ADVT 1940, AND MEDC 1050.

ADVT 2910 Writing for Advertising (3)

Students learn the application of writing skills to the field of advertising. The course emphasizes adapting writing style and format to specific target audiences and a variety of advertising situations. Students produce their own advertising copy for inclusion in their portfolios. Students receive the instructor's critique of all their writing and have a chance to critique fellow students' work. Prerequisites: MNGT 3510 AND ADVT 2550.

ADVT 3150 Topics (1-3)

Topics courses are offered periodically to feature topics in advertising not covered by regularly offered courses. May be repeated for credit if content differs. Prerequisites vary with topic.

ADVT 3500 Visual Communication for Advertising and Public Relations (3)

Students learn the concepts and techniques of modern design for a variety of media commonly used by advertising and public relations professionals, including posters, brochures, public relations kits, print and television advertising, sales promotions, and Web site/Internet. Students learn the basic elements of design and their best uses. Emphasis is placed on problem/solution exercises and assignments that challenge students to utilize those elements of promotional design to solve communication problems in workplace settings. Project critiques are conducted regularly, and aesthetic and psychological aspects of work are analyzed.

ADVT 3910 International Advertising (3)

Students learn about the issues involved in developing multinational advertising plans/campaigns. Students learn to apply all the major components and steps in the process of advertising planning - client/agency structure, audience identification and segmentation, objective setting, media strategy, creative strategy, research, budgeting - from an international perspective. The course challenges students to address each of these steps within the political, economic, religious, social, and cultural environment of another country and/or region. This is also an international studies certificate course. Prerequisite: MNGT 3510.

ADVT 4040 Advertising Production (3)

Students learn the process, strategies, and techniques involved in advertising production. Four different courses are offered under this course title. Each course focuses on the design and production of advertisements intended for one specific medium: print, television, radio, or Internet. Prerequisites vary with the topic. May be repeated for credit if content differs.

ADVT 4190 Advertising Research (3)

Students learn the fundamentals of advertising research and basic ad research theory, putting   it into practice by undertaking an actual research project. They learn the roles and subject matter of ad research including secondary sources and syndicated services. They also learn to conduct both qualitative and quantitative primary research, including planning, designing, sampling, data processing, analyzing, and reporting for an actual ad case study. Prerequisite: MNGT 3510.

ADVT 4200 Media Planning, Buying, and Selling (3)

Students learn the role of media planning and buying to help fulfill marketing objectives. Students learn the components of a professional media plan for target reach; how media buying techniques differ by target audience; and how the media sales process works. The course emphasizes the media's role in the advertising process and the media's influence on current techniques used by advertising agency media departments representing consumer and business clients with national, regional, and local needs. Students prepare a professional media plan utilizing the principles and practices mastered throughout the coursework. Prerequisite: MNGT 3510.

ADVT 4610 Readings in Advertising (3)

Prerequisites: media major, junior standing, permission of the instructor, and filing of official form. May be repeated for credit with instructor's permission if content differs.

ADVT 4620 Senior Overview (3-6)

Seniors demonstrate their proficiency in advertising/marketing communications in this course. Students assume responsibility for the production of a project under the direction of a faculty member. Projects may include a plan, campaign, or a thesis. Prerequisites: senior standing, acceptance into the major through portfolio review, AND permission of instructor.

ADVT 4700 Professional Development in Advertising/Marketing Communications (3)

Students prepare for careers in the field of advertising/marketing communications by developing their personal portfolios, attending professional organizations' meetings, fine-tuning interviewing skills, and preparing their resumes. Prerequisites: advertising/marketing communications major and senior standing.

ADVT 4910 Advertising Campaign Production (3-6)

This course serves as the culmination of the advertising curriculum. Advertising theories, principles, and techniques presented in the classroom are tested and refined in a "real-world" environment. Students serve as members of an advertising team, assuming the following roles: advertising agency account executive, media planner, copywriter, art director, producer, or videographer. The team undertakes an actual product/service case history assignment: analyzing the communications problem, developing a strategy, and creating and producing an integrated marketing communications campaign. Students must apply for admission to the class and the role of their choice. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. Students should see their instructor before registering to determine the number of credit hours and what procedure to follow in registering for this course. May be repeated once for credit (up to a total of 6 hours)

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Broadcast Journalism Course Listings

BJRN 1830 Broadcast Delivery and Interpretation (3)

Students learn and practice on-air presentation techniques for effective broadcast delivery and interpretation. The course focuses on voice control, voice, and the phrasing and interpretation of copy. May be repeated for credit.

BJRN 1930 Sports Broadcasting (3)

Students learn techniques, strategies, style, and structure of sports play-by-play and color commentary. The distinguishing characteristics of the media of television and radio and their impact on style and content of sports broadcasting are considered. The course focuses on the characteristics of radio and television, sports as drama, journalism, and entertainment, and critiques of professional and student broadcasts. Assignments include radio and television coverage of Webster Gorlok athletic events. May be repeated for credit.

BJRN 2070 History of Broadcasting (3)

Students learn the principles, events, and trends that characterize the broadcasting industry in America, including organization, structure, economics, technological developments, news and entertainment programming, audience research and public policy, regulation, and future directions.

BJRN 2110 Production Techniques (3)

Students learn how to use audio and video techniques as related to broadcast journalism. Students learn to successfully maximize available technology in production of pieces for radio and television news. Prerequisites: EPMD 1000 AND BJRN 2410.

BJRN 2410 Introduction to Radio-TV Journalism (3)

Students learn the basics of broadcast news, broadcast style writing, and the problems and challenges of electronic reporting. Lab time is required at a radio station. Prerequisite: JOUR 1030.

BJRN 2850 Radio-TV News Reporting (3)

Students learn how broadcast news is gathered, prepared, and reported. The course assignments emphasize procedures and strategies involved in covering events, interview skills and techniques, working with sources, and the operation of the newsroom. Prerequisites: BJRN 2410, VIDE 1810, AND AUDI 1000 OR BJRN 2110. May be repeated once for credit.

BJRN 3150 Topics (1-3)

These courses are offered periodically to feature topics in radio/TV journalism not covered by regularly offered courses. May be repeated for credit if content differs. Prerequisites will vary with topic.

BJRN 3220 Presentation of TV News (3)

Students learn the presentation of television news, including stand-up reporting, anchoring, and on-camera interviewing. Extensive use of video allows participants to be critiqued and individual progress to be monitored in all physical aspects of TV news delivery. Prerequisites: BJRN 1830, VIDE 1810, AND BJRN 2850.

BJRN 3580 Radio News Reporting and Production (3)

Students apply principles and techniques of radio broadcast journalism in a production setting. Students write, report, edit, and present newscasts and public affairs programs on the Webster University radio station. Students learn to apply broadcast journalism theories within this laboratory setting. Lab time is required at a radio station. Prerequisite: BJRN 2850. May be repeated for credit.

BJRN 3590 Television News: Reporting and Producing (3)

Students demonstrate proficiency in applying principles and techniques of television broadcast journalism in a production setting. Students write, report, and edit newscasts, which are broadcast to the St. Louis community. Students learn to apply broadcast journalism theories within a laboratory setting. Prerequisites: VIDE 1810 AND BJRN 2850. May be repeated for credit.

BJRN 4610 Readings in Broadcast Journalism (3)

Prerequisites: media major, junior/senior standing and permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit if content differs.

BJRN 4620 Senior Overview (3-6)

Seniors students demonstrate their proficiency in broadcast journalism. The student assumes responsibility for the production of a project under the direction of a faculty member. Prerequisites: senior standing, acceptance into the major through portfolio review, and permission of the instructor.

BJRN 4700 Professional Development in Broadcast Journalism (3)

Prepares students for careers in broadcast journalism. Topics include portfolio development and presentation; professional organizations; interviewing skills; and resume preparation. Prerequisites: broadcast journalism major and senior standing.

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Journalism Course Listings

JOUR 1030 Fundamentals of Reporting (3)

Students learn the basic forms and techniques of modern journalistic writing. Students write both simple and complex news stories and are introduced to feature writing and other specialized story forms. Basic word processing skills and competence in diction and grammar are required.

JOUR 2140 Advanced Reporting (3)

Students learn a variety of specialized news story forms, as well as the formats for interpretative stories, editorials, op-ed pieces, and personal columns. Actual reporting assignments, both on- and off-campus, are an integral part of the coursework. Students are expected to compose subjective commentaries based on their objectively reported story assignments. Prerequisite: JOUR 1030 OR permission of the instructor.

JOUR 2170 Copyreading/News Editing (3)

This course is an intensive workshop where students learn the essentials of copyreading and editing. Prerequisite: JOUR 1030 OR permission of the instructor. May be repeated once for credit.

JOUR 2300 Journalism: Layout and Design (3)

Students learn the fundamentals of newspaper and magazine layout and design, principles of good typography, front and interior page makeup, and photo placement.

JOUR 2360 History and Principles of American Journalism (3)

Students learn the historic and contemporary influences on both print and electronic journalism in the American political scene. The course content focuses on key individuals in American media development and their political impact. Prerequisite: junior/senior standing or permission of the instructor.

JOUR 2380 Free Expression and the First Amendment (3)

Students learn the history and application of free expression and the First Amendment, the various areas of free speech, and the pressures to limit such expression. Included are the areas of political dissent, hate speech, funding of the arts, prior restraint, and wartime restrictions.

JOUR 3060 Community Reporting (3)

Students learn and apply the concepts of local reporting of city government, police, fire, schools, and special business districts. Students are assigned community "beats" and are expected to report regularly with stories in their assigned areas. Prerequisite: JOUR 2140.

JOUR 3080 Global Journalism (3)

Students learn strategies and techniques used by the United States and foreign countries in the management of domestic and international news. Students listen to and evaluate shortwave broadcasts from world capitals, including Moscow, London, and Beijing. Students learn the different philosophies of freedom of the press operating in international and American news media. May be repeated for credit, if taken at an international campus.

JOUR 3120 Global Affairs Reporting (3)

Students learn the role of the foreign correspondent and the structure and importance of global news organizations. Students also examine current international issues and global trouble spots, analyzing how events are covered both in the U.S. media and non-U.S. media. Prerequisite: MEDC 1010.

JOUR 3130 Feature Writing (3)

Students learn the longer feature and the interpretative or specialized newspaper or magazine article writing style. Student-written articles from class assignments are submitted for publication on a free-lance basis. Prerequisite: JOUR 2140 OR permission of the instructor.

JOUR 3150 Topics in Modern Media (1-3)

This course provides the latitude to feature topics in media and journalism not covered by regularly offered courses. Prerequisite may vary with the topic. May be repeated for credit if content differs.

JOUR 3190 Topics in International Journalism (3)

This course focuses on a particular facet of international media. Content may vary from semester to semester. For example, it may focus on the British Media System and History one semester, while focusing on Press Freedom from Lenin to Yeltsin in another. Prerequisite: JOUR 3080 OR permission of the instructor.

JOUR 3300 Newspaper Production Workshop (2-4)

The course forms the center of the journalism curriculum. In it students learn to apply the journalistic theories, principles, and techniques they have learned in the classroom to newspaper production. Theories of journalism are tested and refined by the everyday practice of getting out the campus newspaper. Students meet several times during the week to gain firsthand experience in developing the skills necessary to produce a readable and attractive publication. Students are required to work a minimum of five hours per week on production of the campus newspaper. Prerequisite: JOUR 2140, JOUR 2170, JOUR 2300, OR permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit.

JOUR 3750 Environmental Journalism and Communications (3)

In this course students learn how journalists, advocacy group spokespersons, and public relations officials communicate on environmental issues. The course provides future environmental reporters with a sensitivity to the language of hazard and risk, as well as technical and quantitative knowledge about environmental issues. For future public information professionals involved with environmental issues, the course will provide insight on how the media reports on the environment. This is a writing course, and students can be expected to research and write on an array of local and national environmental concerns. Prerequisites: JOUR 1030, sophomore standing, SCIN 1520, OR permission of instructor.

JOUR 4050 Sports Reporting (3)

Students learn the principles, strategies, and techniques involved in sports reporting by analyzing a variety of sports styles and approaches and producing sports articles throughout the course. Prerequisite: JOUR 1030.

JOUR 4170 Investigative Journalism (3)

In this course, the advanced journalism student learns the specialized techniques of seeking out hidden, untapped news sources, and interpreting specialized data and information. Students learn the skills of investigative reporting in the beat areas of the environment, medicine, business, consumer issues, politics, elections, crime, and more. Students study major practitioners of investigative journalism, from Ida Tarbell and Upton Sinclair to Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein. Prerequisite: JOUR 2140 OR permission of the instructor.

JOUR 4200 Teaching Scholastic Publications (3)

This course provides an overview of teaching beginning journalism and advising high school publications. Topics discussed include: press rights and responsibilities; gathering, reporting, and editing the news; photo and electronic journalism; mass media and society; design techniques; management and business skills necessary for advising publications; and evaluation techniques necessary for grading students involved in school publications. Students learn how to write lesson plans for daily use in their journalism classes, and each student is required to submit a lesson plan including activities, and tests and projects on teaching the First Amendment. Each student submits a sample staff manual, which he/she adapts to the school publication that he/she will be advising. This course applies to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education certification of teachers of journalism in secondary education.

JOUR 4220 Advanced Global Journalism (3)

Students learn six aspects of mass media in countries representing a spectrum of economic and political systems: the nature and treatment of the news; socialization and social control; persuasion and opinion functions; the entertainment function; the organizational and economic structure; and the concept and future of press freedom. The course incorporates the use of shortwave and satellite technology to examine international broadcasts. Prerequisite: JOUR 3080. May be repeated for credit if taken at international campuses.

JOUR 4250 Methods of Teaching Secondary Publications/Journalism (3)

This course provides the instruction necessary for the teacher to aid in the publication of the high school newspaper, yearbook, or broadcasting medium. Students learn the process of writing bids for selecting the printing company, and techniques needed to publish the school paper or yearbook. Students learn classroom organization, photography (both digital and darkroom procedures), assigning beats, the public relations of scholastic journalism distribution and mailing of publications, press freedom and mass media in society, advertising and business skills for teaching journalism, and newspaper and yearbook production. This course applies to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education certification of teachers of journalism in secondary education.

JOUR 4500 Media Criticism for Publication (3)

Students learn to research and write media analysis within a journalism format. Students learn about the techniques of writing media literacy analysis designed for popular consumption in newspapers, magazines, and online publications. Students analyze the content of news and entertainment media and prepare articles based on this research for publication. Prerequisite: JOUR 3130, MEDC 3190, OR permission of instructor.

JOUR 4380 Magazine Journalism (3)

Students learn the elements of magazine journalism, including research, interviewing, structure, formats, feature writing, and style. The class is conducted as a workshop, with students producing articles and critiquing the work of their peers. Prerequisite: JOUR 3300 OR permission of the instructor.

JOUR 4400 Business Journalism (3)

Students learn the function, role, and practice of the business press, with emphasis on the strategies, style, and techniques involved in this specialized application of journalism. Students analyze business articles as well as produce a variety of written materials in this subject area. Prerequisite: JOUR 3300.

JOUR 4610 Readings in Journalism (1-6)

Prerequisites: usually junior/senior standing and permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit if content differs.

JOUR 4620 Senior Overview (3-6)

Provides an opportunity for seniors to demonstrate their proficiency in a selected area of journalism. The student assumes responsibility for the production of a writing/research project under the direction of a faculty member. Projects may include an investigative article, a story series, or a thesis. Prerequisites: senior standing, acceptance into the major through portfolio review, AND permission of the instructor.

JOUR 4700 Professional Development in Journalism (3)

Students learn the various careers available in the field of journalism and apply this knowledge to their personal portfolio development and presentation; attend appropriate journalistic professional organizations; improve their interviewing skills; and prepare their resumes. Prerequisites: journalism major AND senior standing.

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Media Communications Course Listings

MEDC 1010 Introduction to Mass Communications (3)

Students learn the history, development, and impact of the mass media, including print, photography, film, radio, and television and digital media. The course focuses on communication theories and research, media systems, structure and ethics, the relationship between the media and society, and future directions in media communications.

MEDC 1050 Introduction to Media Writing (3)

Students learn the basics of media writing formats, the style, structure, and techniques involved in print journalism, scriptwriting, advertising, public relations writing, critical writing, and writing for interactive media.

MEDC 1500 Applied Media Aesthetics (3)

Students learn the basic aesthetic principles involved in the production of visual media by analyzing the various audio and visual stimuli that become elements of photography, video, or film forms; their nature; how these elements function individually and together; how they may be used creatively; and how a viewer may perceive them. Students learn the aesthetics of light, color, space, time, motion, and sound. Prerequisite: EPMD 1000.   (No longer offered at Webster Groves campus.)

MEDC 1630 Media Literacy (3)

Students learn to systematically decode, evaluate, and analyze information conveyed through the channels of mass communication. They learn the process, language, and effects of the media and develop a critical awareness of messages conveyed through channels of mass communications, as reflected in children's programming, advertising, journalism, and political communications.

MEDC 2200 Ethics in the Media (3)

Students learn the ethical considerations applied to journalism, broadcast journalism, photography, audio, film, video, interactive digital media, the internet, public relations, and advertising. Students learn to analyze the ethical dilemmas facing media professionals. Prerequisite: MEDC 1010.

MEDC 2490 Media Externship (1)

Students participate in a series of informational interviews as a means of learning the characteristics, structure, and operations of media-related professional organizations. Attendance is required at an orientation and two seminars. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.

MEDC 2630 Media Literacy II (3)

This course extends and deepens the theoretical foundations and practical applications of the field of media literacy. Students become familiar with the significant developments by scholars in the field of media literacy and its historical and cultural context. They also explore the application of media literacy in various sectors, including education and media production. Prerequisite: MEDC 1630.

MEDC 2800 Cultural Diversity in the Media (3)

Students learn how media portray images, messages, and impact regarding race, gender, class, and sexual orientation, and how groups that are marginalized in the media affect the economics and history of the industry. Students investigate the multiple ways that they have learned about cultural diversity through personal reflection, formal education, and the media.

MEDC 3150 Topics (1-3)

These courses are offered periodically to feature topics in media and journalism not covered by regularly offered courses. Prerequisites may vary with the topic. May be repeated for credit if content differs.

MEDC 3190 Introduction to Media Research (3)

Students learn qualitative and quantitative media research methodologies, including content analysis, focus groups, and field research. The course provides strategies and methodologies for examining the process and impact of the media. Prerequisite: MEDC 1010.

MEDC 3260 International Communications (3)

Students learn the philosophy, process, problems, and potentials of communication across cultural boundaries by studying the interrelationships between communications and social, political, economic, and cultural factors that affect international communications. Cross-listed with INTL 3260. May be repeated for credit, if taken at international campuses.

MEDC 3350 Media Design (3)

Students learn the strategies and techniques employed in the design of multimedia presentations used in business, government, and education. Students learn the design of resource centers, libraries, and classrooms. Workshops on operation of digital cameras, audio-recording field equipment, and production equipment enable students to design their own instructional sight and sound presentations. Prerequisites: AUDI 1000 AND PHOT 1000.

MEDC 3500 Political Communications (3)

Students learn the role of the media on the American political process. Topics include the history and evolution of political media, the role of the press and its influence on the political process, and how media strategies are created, developed, and produced. Political advertising campaigns are analyzed. Prerequisite: MEDC 1010.

MEDC 3700 Topics in International Communications (3)

Students learn the cultural aspects of international media communications; international advertising; international public relations; international communications as a political tool; international communications and cultural stereotypes; and media systems as a reflection of a country's cultural, political, and economic structures. Prerequisites may vary with topic. May be repeated once for credit, if content differs.

MEDC 3800 Studies in Cultural Diversity (3)

Students learn the relationship between the media and the issue of cultural diversity in the United States. Students consider media coverage of groups, including people of color, gays and lesbians, women, and ethnic groups. Students learn to apply a framework for examining the impact of media coverage of these groups on society, and explores issues related to the role and responsibilities of the media in this area. Prerequisite: MEDC 2800. May be repeated for credit, if content differs. Cross-listed with SPCM 3800.

MEDC 3850 Television: A Critical Study (3)

Students learn how the medium of television affects human thinking and behavior within the context of American culture. Students investigate and study questions elicited through reading, discussion, and research. Prerequisite: MEDC 1010.

MEDC 3900 Studies in Media Literacy (3)

Students learn the social issues embedded in media literacy analysis by studying case studies, the operation of specific media, and significant developments in the field. Prerequisite: MEDC 1630. May be repeated for credit, if content differs.

MEDC 4100 The Law and the Media (3)

Students learn the specifics of First Amendment freedoms and the laws that restrict or regulate the flow of information in American society, libel and privacy torts, information access problems, shield laws, broadcast regulation, copyright laws, and constraints on political communication and advertising. Junior or senior standing is advised.

MEDC 4110 Media and Digital Culture (3)

This course applies the principles of media literacy to digital media, which includes interactive media, voice and image transmission devices, simulations and video games. The course examines the technological characteristics of digital media as well as the impact of digital technology on content. The course also considers the impact of digital media on the individual and society and identifies strategies for the analysis of media messages. Prerequisite: MEDC 3190.

MEDC 4190 Media Research Methodologies (3)

Students learn specific methodologies in media research and design and implement a research plan. Topics vary and may include applied research in advertising and public relations or theoretical research including media literacy, content analysis, etc. Prerequisite: MEDC 3190 OR permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit if content differs.

MEDC 4220 Genre Studies (3)

This course offers an in-depth study of genres that appear in the media, such as reality shows, film noir, and the evening news. Students learn a range of approaches to the study of genre, including: formulaic, ideological, historical, cultural, and audience response analysis. Students conduct primary research on a particular genre using selected approaches. Prerequisite: MEDC 3190.

MEDC 4440 Patterns of Ownership in Media (3)

Students learn the impact of media economics on content by studying media ownership patterns, such as state-run, state-owned, privately owned, and individually owned systems, and topics such as cross promotion, conflicts of interest, bottom-line programming decisions, and internal organizational/staffing decisions. Students study the recent concentration of media ownership. Other topics include: historical context, international trends, regulations, and issues of gender and diversity in ownership and management. Students will conduct primary research focusing on one of these topics.

MEDC 4600 Senior Seminar in Media Literacy (3)

Students demonstrate proficiency in media literacy analysis by applying media literacy theories and research methods to conduct an in-depth media literacy analysis.

MEDC 4610 Readings in Media Studies (3)

Prerequisites: media major, junior/senior standing AND permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit, if content differs.

MEDC 4620 Senior Overview (3-6)

Provides an opportunity for seniors to demonstrate their proficiency in a selected area or media. The student assumes responsibility for the production of a project under the direction of a faculty member. Projects may include an exhibit or a thesis. Prerequisites: senior standing, acceptance into the major through portfolio review, and permission of the instructor.

MEDC 4850 Seminar in Media Studies (3)

Advanced media literacy students consider issues related to media theory and criticism and learn how media literacy theories were developed and what these theories reveal about individual media. May include topics such as photographic theory and criticism or film theory and criticism. Prerequisite may vary with the topic. May be repeated for credit, if content differs.

MEDC 4950 Professional Media Practicum (3-8)

Provides an internship placement that offers supervised professional experience in audio production, broadcast and print journalism, photography, public relations and advertising/marketing communications, interactive media, animation, video and film. In addition to field placement, students attend regular seminars and write observations and analysis of their internship experience. Prerequisites: Students generally do internships during the senior year after initial portfolio review and must have permission of advisor and instructor. (Students may earn no more than a total of 8 credit hours for internships during their program at the University.)

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Public Relations Course Listings

PBRL 2100 Fundamentals of Strategic Communications and Public Relations (3)

Students learn strategic and tactical communications skills necessary for the practice of corporate communications and public relations in business, organizational, and non-profit settings. Topics covered include the history and theory of public relations, strategic communications processes, stakeholder analysis and issues management, and communications tactics such as media relations, publications, community relations, consumer relations, employee communications, and online Internet communications.

PBRL 2920 Writing for Public Relations (3)

Students learn the writing skills of public relations by adapting writing style and format to specific stakeholders and to a variety of public relations situations. Students examine professional copy and produce their own writing for inclusion in their portfolios. Each student receives instructor's critique of his or her writing and has a chance to critique fellow students' work. Prerequisites: MEDC 1050, JOUR 1030, AND PBRL 2100.

PBRL 3150 Topics (1-3)

These courses are offered periodically to feature topics in public relations not covered by regularly offered courses. May be repeated for credit if content differs. Prerequisite may vary with topic.

PBRL 3200 Specialized Publications (3)

Students learn the strategic planning and production techniques involved in writing and producing public relations publications, including print and electronic newsletters and internal information pieces. The course emphasis is on needs analysis and the development of a publications plan, including communications objectives and strategies, production skills, and evaluation mechanisms. Prerequisites: PBRL 2920 and COAP 2020 OR INTM 2350.

PBRL 3920 Public Information Production (3)

Advanced public relations students learn to use the tools of mass communication (audio, video, film, animation, print, interactive, and photographic media) to provide informational and promotional messages to target audiences. Focuses on writing and producing public and professional information materials. Prerequisite: PBRL 2100.

PBRL 4050 Special Events (3)

Students learn the theory and organizational strategies of special events as a function of public relations. Topics include client consulting, objective setting, budgeting, sponsorships, vendor negotiations, and follow-up procedures. Students apply these concepts by developing an actual event. Prerequisite: PBRL 2100.

PBRL 4190 Public Relations Research (3)

Students learn the basic concepts of public relations research using the Internet for instruction and assignment. Students learn how to gather and apply data to public relations program design and evaluation. The course presents primary and secondary data collection methods used in PR research, as well as basic statistical concepts for data analysis. Students also learn to interpret, to report, and to apply findings to specific public relations cases and situations. Prerequisite: PBRL 2100.

PBRL 4200 Organizational Communication (3)

Students learn to use the tools of mass media to communicate to employees, volunteers, and special organizational internal publics, and how those internal messages are used to achieve the goals and objectives of businesses and not-for-profit organizations. Students learn the theories of organizational communication and the techniques used to conduct an internal audit of the communication climate in an organization. Prerequisite: MEDC 1010.

PBRL 4300 Crisis Communications Management (3)

In this course students learn techniques for dealing with sudden and unexpected situations that have a negative impact on organizations and their images to key constituencies. Through case studies and mock crises, students develop strategic solutions for crisis situations and create a generic crisis communications plan that can be included in their personal portfolios. Prerequisite: PBRL 2100.

PBRL 4610 Readings in Public Relations (3)

Prerequisites: media major, junior standing, permission of the instructor, and filing of official form. May be repeated for credit, if content differs.

PBRL 4620 Senior Overview (3-6)

Provides an opportunity for seniors to demonstrate their proficiency in public relations and/or communications campaigns. The student assumes responsibility for the production of a project under the direction of a faculty member. Prerequisites: senior standing, acceptance into the major through portfolio review, AND permission of the instructor.

PBRL 4700 Professional Development in Public Relations (3)

Students learn the various career options in the field of public relations and develop and present their personal portfolios. They learn the value of participating in professional public relations organizations; improving their interviewing skills; and preparing their résumés. Prerequisites: public relations major AND senior standing.

PBRL 4770 Specialized Publications Production (3)

Students learn the strategies and techniques of specialized publications and apply them to the production of specialized publications. Students assume positions on the staff of the MEDIA BULLETIN, the in-house print publication of the School of Communications. May be repeated once for credit. Prerequisites: PBRL 3200 AND permission of the instructor.

PBRL 4800 Media Relations (3)

Students learn effective verbal and nonverbal communication techniques and apply these concepts to a series of "real-world" simulations in which they learn to attract, work with, and be interviewed by radio, television, and newspaper reporters. Prerequisite: PBRL 2100 OR permission of the instructor.

PBRL 4920 Public Relations Campaigns (3)

The culmination of the public relations curriculum, students in this course operate as a public relations agency, serving the needs of an actual client. The course offers students the opportunity to apply learned theories to developing a complete public relations campaign. Emphasis is placed upon concept, strategy, tactics, and presentation skills. Prerequisite: PBRL 2100.

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Scriptwriting Course Listings

SCPT 2900 Scriptwriting (3)

Students learn the style, structure, and narrative devices employed in scriptwriting for film, television, radio, and multi-image. The course explores narrative techniques, style, structure and format, with an emphasis on the process of scriptwriting, from treatment to final script. Narrative Prerequisite: MEDC 1050.

SCPT 3110 Script Analysis (3)

Students learn the elements of a screenwriter's craft by studying scripts. The course focuses on how scriptwriters develop engaging and believable characters, how they build conflict, how they create and build tension and suspense, and how they write effective dialogue. Prerequisite: SCPT 2900 OR permission of the instructor.

SCPT 3150 Topics (3)

These courses are offered periodically to feature topics in scriptwriting not covered by regularly offered courses. May be repeated for credit, if content differs. Prerequisite may vary with topic.

SCPT 3400 Television Scriptwriting (3)

Analyzing successful current and classic television series, students learn the basic principles of writing for television drama and comedy. The course examines the structure of television genres, including situation comedies, dramatic programs, and made-for-TV movies. Other topics include: characterization, pacing, scene construction, dialogue, and action. The final project consists of writing a television script. Prerequisite: SCPT 2900.

SCPT 3500 Writing Screenplays for Film (3)

Students learn the essential elements of a successful script for a feature film, including how to structure an effective narrative, how to create engaging characters, how to develop and maintain suspense and tension, and how to engage an audience's emotional response. Students will write a finished script for the first act of a feature film. Prerequisite: SCPT 2900 or for film majors only, FILM 2320.

SCPT 4090 Screenplay Development (3)

Students learn the development of the screenplay, including script proposals, adaptation of scripts from other material, and the process of revising screenplays. Prerequisite: SCPT 3500.

SCPT 4400 Advanced Television Scriptwriting: Genres (3)

Each section of this course focuses on one specific television genre (i.e., situation comedy, domestic drama, science fiction, daytime drama). Students learn the structure of the genre as well as conventions, plot, pacing, dialogue, and characterization. Students will write and revise scripts suitable to the genre. May be repeated for credit if the genre differs. Prerequisite: SCPT 3400.

SCPT 4500 Advanced Scriptwriting (3)

An advanced course that focuses on narrative techniques and stylistic considerations involved in scriptwriting. Students work on projects, culminating in the completion of finished feature-length screenplays. Prerequisite: SCPT 3500. May be repeated for credit.

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Speech Communication Studies Course Listings

SPCM 1040 Public Speaking (3)

Students learn the organization, development, and delivery of a variety of formal public speeches. The course includes public speeches and a variety of other speaking exercises to help students adapt to audiences and contexts, solve delivery problems and build confidence. Activities also help the student to develop realistic evaluations of various speaking occasions.

SPCM 1280 Interpersonal Communication (3)

Students learn to apply the contexts and skills associated with interpersonal communication competence, the intrapersonal constructs necessary for effective interpersonal communication, as well as skills and behaviors associated with relating with others. A focus is placed on relational development and dynamics. Topics include: self-disclosure, listening, nonverbal communication, and conflict.

SPCM 2000 Forensics (3)

Students participate in a variety of oral communication events as members of the Webster University forensics program. Activities include several oral interpretation and public address events. Students may also participate in parliamentary team and other debate formats. Some travel may be required. May be repeated for credit.

SPCM 2200 Group Communication (3)

Students learn the role of communication within group interactions and the skills necessary for competent group communications. The course blends discussion of theory with practical application. Topics include: conflict, group roles, problem solving, and leadership.

SPCM 2400 Persuasion (3)

Students learn the fundamentals of the persuasion process as it relates to communication contexts. Emphasis is placed on both social-scientific and rhetorical dimensions of persuasion. A focus of the course is on mediated messages, including print and film, as well as political processes and social movements.

SPCM 2600 Nonverbal Approaches to Media Analysis (3)

This course introduces students to principles of nonverbal communication in the media. Students learn to recognize and identify nonverbal communication in both the media and the world around them. Students will learn what it means to be a competent nonverbal communicator. Instruction combines lecture, discussion, and experiential activities.

SPCM 3100 Communication as Storytelling (3)

Students learn the techniques and strategies involved in storytelling. Topics include: development of narrative structure; stylistic considerations; formula; audience considerations; and performance techniques. Prerequisite: SPCM 2000 OR SPCM 1040 OR permission of instructor.

SPCM 3150 Topics in Communication (1-3)

This course offers topics in communication not covered by regularly offered courses. Prerequisites may vary with each topic. May be repeated for credit, if content differs.

SPCM 3300 Navigating Relationships (3)

This course is a comprehensive look at the nature of communications in relationships through a combination of readings, discussion, presentations, and reflective activities. Students learn the nature of relational formation, growth, and deterioration. Additionally, communications issues within specific contexts are examined, including friendships, family, romantic, and marriage/domestic partner relationships. Prerequisite: SPCM 1280 OR permission of instructor.

SPCM 3500 Presentations for Media Professionals (3)

This course focuses on building skills that contribute to presentational effectiveness within media contexts and professions. The course is an intensive speaking course with an emphasis on activities specific to media-related professions, such as requests for proposals and portfolio presentations. Prerequisite: SPCM 1040 OR permission of instructor.

SPCM 3550 Communication Strategies for Professional Settings (3)

Students learn the presentational and behavioral skills that are central to communication effectiveness in business and professional settings. The course includes discussion and skills development in interviewing, oral presentations, uses of visual aids and audiovisual technologies, as well as other areas to be determined by the instructor. Prerequisite: SPCM 1040 OR permission of the instructor.

SPCM 3600 Rhetoric (3)

Students learn the role language and argument play in message formation and communication strategies by tracing the development of rhetoric from the ancient Greeks to modern public address. Students learn theoretical criticism, recurring problems in the grounding, status, and application of constructs in rhetorical theory, and the emerging functions of rhetorical theory and criticism. Students analyze films, social movements, speeches, and other rhetorical media.

SPCM 3800 Communications and Diverse Populations (3)

This course includes an examination of issues related to communications and culture. Students explore communication between people whose cultural experiences and perceptions are distinct enough to alter the communication event itself. The course considers perception, beliefs and attitudes, worldview, social organization, and patterns of thought and their impact on communication between cultures. The course focuses on barriers to communication and effective communication strategies between cultures. Cross-listed with MEDC 3800.

SPCM 4500 Conflict Resolution (3)

Students learn the basic fundamentals of communications used in conflict resolution. The course considers the role of communication in interpersonal conflict, including identifying barriers to effective communication and communication strategies for conflict resolutions. Topics discussed include personal conflict style, constructive and destructive conflict communication, forgiveness and reconciliation, anger and violence, as well as pacifism and civil disobedience.

SPCM 4600 Communication Theory (3)

This course brings together speech communication concepts within theoretical units. Students learn the theories and perspectives of communication within which specific concepts interact. Course discussion includes intrapersonal, rhetorical, relational, cultural, and mass communication contexts. Emphasis is placed on models and other illustrations of theories. Prerequisites: SPCM 1280 PLUS 9 credit hours of SPCM coursework OR permission of instructor.

SPCM 4610 Readings (3)

Students expand their knowledge of specific speech communication studies concepts. Coursework incorporates a combination of exercises, readings, and discussion. Prerequisites: SPCM 1280 AND permission of the instructor.

SPCM 4616 Communication Research and Analysis (3)

Focuses on systematic analyses of communication contexts and events. Using communication models and research methodologies, students learn about a variety of communications, including group communications, speeches and debates, and culture. Prerequisite: SPCM 1040 OR SPCM 1280 AND 9 credit hours of SPCM coursework, OR permission of the instructor.

SPCM 4620 Senior Overview (3)

Students complete an original speech communication studies project that reflects an understanding and application of principles related to the student's area of emphasis. Projects may vary from campaigns to original research. Additionally, applications of oral communication principles are made through the analysis and discussion of case studies. Prerequisites: senior standing AND permission of the instructor.

Program Descriptions