Courses

The Convergent Journalism major is designed to provide students with broad interdisciplinary knowledge and practical skills for professional positions in media and their place in a free society. Each student completes a sequence of courses intended to develop practical skills, focused on writing and technology, related to a potential career area.

The program provides all students with opportunities to gain practical experience appropriate to their interest through The Sojourn, WIWU-TV51, WIWU-FM, Caesura, and Legacy.

Preview Your Classes

Division Core Courses

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COM-115 Introduction to Human Communication3 Hours
- Provides students with an understanding of communication encountered in various social settings, with an emphasis on both theoretical and practical aspects. Students will gain an understanding of communication as it affects the individual in message construction, interpersonal interaction, group and organizational settings, public settings, cultural settings, and mass communication settings. Also examines the ethics of communication, and participate in group projects, leading to presentations.
COM-340 Communication Theory3 Hours
- Examines definitions and models of communication. Exploration of specific theories will be emphasized through individual research. Prerequisite: COM-115 or permission of the Division.
COM-445 Communication Internship3 Hours
- A supervised and intensified hands-on work experience in a professional work environment. Student's interests and competencies must coordinate with the professional activities of the cooperating organization, and the student must have successfully completed work related to the internship. May be repeated up to a total of 6 credit hours. Graded on a CR/NC basis. Prerequisites: COM-235, the gateway course for the appropriate major, and permission of the instructor.
COM-480 Communication Senior Seminar II3 Hours
- Continues the senior capstone experience for Communication and Theatre majors. Students develop a philosophy of communication based on their study, a senior career and academic portfolio and a creative project in their area of specialty. Prerequisites: COM-479.

16-17 credit hours

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COM-112 Introduction to Multimedia Storytelling2 Hours
- Fundamental skills in multimedia technology are integrated through various approaches to non-fiction storytelling. Course includes education in basic page design, image manipulation, audio and video production.
COM-200 Convergent Journalism Practicum0-1 Hours
- Classroom discussion and laboratory work for the university newspaper (print and online), university magazine, and yearbook. Graded on a CR/NC basis. May be taken for 0 or 1 credit.
COM-211 Introduction to Mass Communication3 Hours
- A survey of the media communication industries, focusing on their historical development in the United States and professional and ethical standards required in media professions.
COM-224 Introduction to Newswriting3 Hours
- A survey of the field of journalism, including the news media, the role of reporters, ethics, methods, and operations. Practical application in gathering information and writing news stories through covering campus and University-related activities. Requires field assignments and attendance at newspaper meetings. Prerequisite: ENG-120 or Advanced Standing in English.
COM-363 Media Law and Ethics3 Hours
- Detailed survey of U.S. media law including First Amendment principles, libel/slander, prior restraint and broadcast regulation. Ethical frameworks for decision making in journalism and other media production work will be considered in a case study approach.
COM-373 Convergent Journalism3 Hours
- Teaching and practice in producing content for multimedia outlets with emphasis on preparing stories. Instruction in journalism techniques particularly applicable to digital platforms. Prerequisites: COM-112 and COM-224.
COM-483 Advanced Newswriting and Reporting3 Hours
- A continuation of Introduction to Newswriting, with greater emphasis on practical experience and in-depth development of stories, interviewing, research methods, Internet resources, and other investigative tools for professional journalists. Gain professional experience and published clips through reporting and writing stories for a local news outlet. Prerequisite: COM-224 or WRI-224, or permission of Division.

17-19 credit hours

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COM-113 Introduction to TV Production2 Hours
- Introduction to multi-camera and single camera television production. Studio equipment, operations, set, lighting and editing are covered with an emphasis on the creative process from scripting to finished product. Class includes field experience with WIWU-TV51.
COM-114 Intro to Radio Broadcasting2 Hours
- A practical course introducing the student to the operation of radio equipment, and a radio station. Projects are designed to acquaint the student with current radio station requirements. Included is a survey of the major areas of radio history, technical information, program philosophies, regulations, and social effects.
COM-214 Radio Production3 Hours
- Principles of audio production are applied to radio station operations. Learn fundamentals of microphone technique and multi-channel digital recording in common radio projects such as commercials and public service announcements. Laboratory work on college radio operation required.
COM-223 Communication Graphics3 Hours
- Course provides proficiency in theory and production skills in computer-aided graphic design for the web, print, and for a variety of communication contexts.
COM-250 Media Scriptwriting3 Hours
- Principles of developing and writing scripts for multiple electronic media including radio, television, and online forms. Emphasis on the common principles applied across media, and developing scripts in coordination with available production techniques. Applications could include commercials, promotions, educational, public service, news and short-form narratives.
COM-314 Studio Production3 Hours
- Develops production and leadership skills in studio-based, long-form production. Work as a team to develop and produce an original television program for WIWU-TV. Format may vary among studio forms and could include talk, game show, situation comedy or drama. Prerequisite: COM-113 or permission of Division.
COM-322 Broadcast Journalism3 Hours
- The process and production of news reporting for radio and television with focus on broadcast writing style. Complete on-air assignments for the university radio station which includes gathering, writing, technical production, and on-air presentation. Prerequisite: COM-224 or permission of Division.
COM-331 Public Relations Writing and Publicity3 Hours
- Partnerships with public agencies allow the acquisition of professional-level experience and skills in publicity, promotion, and fund-raising in various settings. Examines how organizations interact with print, broadcast, and online media to gain publicity. Explores general principles of media relations and develops the writing, presentation, and production skills used in media relations work. Prerequisite: COM-233 or permission of Division.
COM-332 Photojournalism3 Hours
- Examines the applications of functions performed by pictures, how photography developed, the essential techniques used by professional photographers and editors. Use photography to tell a story, set a mood, and capture the high point of an event.
COM-336 Special Topics in Communication Arts3 Hours
- Provides more intensive and advanced study of specific areas of communication (i.e., Communication Studies, Journalism, Media Communication, Public Relations, Theatre). May be repeated to earn up to 6 credit hours. Prerequisite: COM -115 or permission of Division.
COM-364 Field Production3 Hours
- Advanced television production and operations associated with field production including concepts and practices in scripting, producing, editing, and on-location directing with a single-camera format. Prerequisite: COM-113 or permission of instructor.
COM-365 Broadcast Performance3 Hours
- Vocal and visual performance techniques for radio and television are developed with a focus on repetition and in-studio application on university broadcast outlets. Principal areas of study include vocal dynamics, interviewing, ad-lib and on-camera presentation.
COM-422 Television News3 Hours
- Advanced course combining principles of journalistic writing and reporting with the field production techniques of television news and online news management. Students will learn the basic concepts of broadcast reporting, producing a television news program and managing an online website connected to the news content. The student is expected to spend many hours outside of class mastering reporting techniques, including technical expertise, and will also work as a team member in completing newsroom functions. Prerequisites: COM-113 and COM-224.
WRI-282 Writing for Results3 Hours
- The study and practices of persuasive writing. Includes analysis of pulpit rhetoric, political rhetoric, advertising techniques, and propaganda. Based on classical rhetoric, the course considers the psychological impact of language on behavior. Prerequisite: Successful completion of ENG-120 or Advanced Standing in English.
WRI-353 Magazine Writing3 Hours
- Involves study of theory, practice, and marketing of magazine articles for print and online magazine publication. Prerequisite: COM-224 or WRI-224 or permission of the Division.
WRI-457 Nonfiction3 Hours
- Encourages students to pursue and refine the nonfiction writing skills. Students may focus on the personal essay, the analytical article, religious or devotional writing, the review, or any other appropriate nonfiction mode. Prerequisite: WRI-234 or permission of the Division.

12 credit hours

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COM-322 Broadcast Journalism3 Hours
- The process and production of news reporting for radio and television with focus on broadcast writing style. Complete on-air assignments for the university radio station which includes gathering, writing, technical production, and on-air presentation. Prerequisite: COM-224 or permission of Division.
COM-422 Television News3 Hours
- Advanced course combining principles of journalistic writing and reporting with the field production techniques of television news and online news management. Students will learn the basic concepts of broadcast reporting, producing a television news program and managing an online website connected to the news content. The student is expected to spend many hours outside of class mastering reporting techniques, including technical expertise, and will also work as a team member in completing newsroom functions. Prerequisites: COM-113 and COM-224.

6 credit hours

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COM-113 Introduction to TV Production2 Hours
- Introduction to multi-camera and single camera television production. Studio equipment, operations, set, lighting and editing are covered with an emphasis on the creative process from scripting to finished product. Class includes field experience with WIWU-TV51.
COM-114 Intro to Radio Broadcasting2 Hours
- A practical course introducing the student to the operation of radio equipment, and a radio station. Projects are designed to acquaint the student with current radio station requirements. Included is a survey of the major areas of radio history, technical information, program philosophies, regulations, and social effects.
COM-214 Radio Production3 Hours
- Principles of audio production are applied to radio station operations. Learn fundamentals of microphone technique and multi-channel digital recording in common radio projects such as commercials and public service announcements. Laboratory work on college radio operation required.
COM-250 Media Scriptwriting3 Hours
- Principles of developing and writing scripts for multiple electronic media including radio, television, and online forms. Emphasis on the common principles applied across media, and developing scripts in coordination with available production techniques. Applications could include commercials, promotions, educational, public service, news and short-form narratives.
COM-314 Studio Production3 Hours
- Develops production and leadership skills in studio-based, long-form production. Work as a team to develop and produce an original television program for WIWU-TV. Format may vary among studio forms and could include talk, game show, situation comedy or drama. Prerequisite: COM-113 or permission of Division.
COM-364 Field Production3 Hours
- Advanced television production and operations associated with field production including concepts and practices in scripting, producing, editing, and on-location directing with a single-camera format. Prerequisite: COM-113 or permission of instructor.
COM-365 Broadcast Performance3 Hours
- Vocal and visual performance techniques for radio and television are developed with a focus on repetition and in-studio application on university broadcast outlets. Principal areas of study include vocal dynamics, interviewing, ad-lib and on-camera presentation.

6 credit hours

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COM-223 Communication Graphics3 Hours
- Course provides proficiency in theory and production skills in computer-aided graphic design for the web, print, and for a variety of communication contexts.
COM-332 Photojournalism3 Hours
- Examines the applications of functions performed by pictures, how photography developed, the essential techniques used by professional photographers and editors. Use photography to tell a story, set a mood, and capture the high point of an event.

6 credit hours

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COM-331 Public Relations Writing and Publicity3 Hours
- Partnerships with public agencies allow the acquisition of professional-level experience and skills in publicity, promotion, and fund-raising in various settings. Examines how organizations interact with print, broadcast, and online media to gain publicity. Explores general principles of media relations and develops the writing, presentation, and production skills used in media relations work. Prerequisite: COM-233 or permission of Division.
WRI-353 Magazine Writing3 Hours
- Involves study of theory, practice, and marketing of magazine articles for print and online magazine publication. Prerequisite: COM-224 or WRI-224 or permission of the Division.
WRI-457 Nonfiction3 Hours
- Encourages students to pursue and refine the nonfiction writing skills. Students may focus on the personal essay, the analytical article, religious or devotional writing, the review, or any other appropriate nonfiction mode. Prerequisite: WRI-234 or permission of the Division.
COM-336 Special Topics in Communication Arts3 Hours
- Provides more intensive and advanced study of specific areas of communication (i.e., Communication Studies, Journalism, Media Communication, Public Relations, Theatre). May be repeated to earn up to 6 credit hours. Prerequisite: COM -115 or permission of Division.
WRI-282 Writing for Results3 Hours
- The study and practices of persuasive writing. Includes analysis of pulpit rhetoric, political rhetoric, advertising techniques, and propaganda. Based on classical rhetoric, the course considers the psychological impact of language on behavior. Prerequisite: Successful completion of ENG-120 or Advanced Standing in English.

6 credit hours

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COM-115 Introduction to Human Communication3 Hours
- Provides students with an understanding of communication encountered in various social settings, with an emphasis on both theoretical and practical aspects. Students will gain an understanding of communication as it affects the individual in message construction, interpersonal interaction, group and organizational settings, public settings, cultural settings, and mass communication settings. Also examines the ethics of communication, and participate in group projects, leading to presentations.
COM-340 Communication Theory3 Hours
- Examines definitions and models of communication. Exploration of specific theories will be emphasized through individual research. Prerequisite: COM-115 or permission of the Division.

9 credit hours

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COM-112 Introduction to Multimedia Storytelling2 Hours
- Fundamental skills in multimedia technology are integrated through various approaches to non-fiction storytelling. Course includes education in basic page design, image manipulation, audio and video production.
COM-200 Convergent Journalism Practicum0-1 Hours
- Classroom discussion and laboratory work for the university newspaper (print and online), university magazine, and yearbook. Graded on a CR/NC basis. May be taken for 0 or 1 credit.
COM-211 Introduction to Mass Communication3 Hours
- A survey of the media communication industries, focusing on their historical development in the United States and professional and ethical standards required in media professions.
COM-224 Introduction to Newswriting3 Hours
- A survey of the field of journalism, including the news media, the role of reporters, ethics, methods, and operations. Practical application in gathering information and writing news stories through covering campus and University-related activities. Requires field assignments and attendance at newspaper meetings. Prerequisite: ENG-120 or Advanced Standing in English.
COM-363 Media Law and Ethics3 Hours
- Detailed survey of U.S. media law including First Amendment principles, libel/slander, prior restraint and broadcast regulation. Ethical frameworks for decision making in journalism and other media production work will be considered in a case study approach.
COM-373 Convergent Journalism3 Hours
- Teaching and practice in producing content for multimedia outlets with emphasis on preparing stories. Instruction in journalism techniques particularly applicable to digital platforms. Prerequisites: COM-112 and COM-224.

14-16 credit hours

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COM-113 Introduction to TV Production2 Hours
- Introduction to multi-camera and single camera television production. Studio equipment, operations, set, lighting and editing are covered with an emphasis on the creative process from scripting to finished product. Class includes field experience with WIWU-TV51.
COM-114 Intro to Radio Broadcasting2 Hours
- A practical course introducing the student to the operation of radio equipment, and a radio station. Projects are designed to acquaint the student with current radio station requirements. Included is a survey of the major areas of radio history, technical information, program philosophies, regulations, and social effects.
COM-223 Communication Graphics3 Hours
- Course provides proficiency in theory and production skills in computer-aided graphic design for the web, print, and for a variety of communication contexts.
COM-314 Studio Production3 Hours
- Develops production and leadership skills in studio-based, long-form production. Work as a team to develop and produce an original television program for WIWU-TV. Format may vary among studio forms and could include talk, game show, situation comedy or drama. Prerequisite: COM-113 or permission of Division.
COM-322 Broadcast Journalism3 Hours
- The process and production of news reporting for radio and television with focus on broadcast writing style. Complete on-air assignments for the university radio station which includes gathering, writing, technical production, and on-air presentation. Prerequisite: COM-224 or permission of Division.
COM-332 Photojournalism3 Hours
- Examines the applications of functions performed by pictures, how photography developed, the essential techniques used by professional photographers and editors. Use photography to tell a story, set a mood, and capture the high point of an event.
COM-336 Special Topics in Communication Arts3 Hours
- Provides more intensive and advanced study of specific areas of communication (i.e., Communication Studies, Journalism, Media Communication, Public Relations, Theatre). May be repeated to earn up to 6 credit hours. Prerequisite: COM -115 or permission of Division.
COM-364 Field Production3 Hours
- Advanced television production and operations associated with field production including concepts and practices in scripting, producing, editing, and on-location directing with a single-camera format. Prerequisite: COM-113 or permission of instructor.
COM-365 Broadcast Performance3 Hours
- Vocal and visual performance techniques for radio and television are developed with a focus on repetition and in-studio application on university broadcast outlets. Principal areas of study include vocal dynamics, interviewing, ad-lib and on-camera presentation.
COM-422 Television News3 Hours
- Advanced course combining principles of journalistic writing and reporting with the field production techniques of television news and online news management. Students will learn the basic concepts of broadcast reporting, producing a television news program and managing an online website connected to the news content. The student is expected to spend many hours outside of class mastering reporting techniques, including technical expertise, and will also work as a team member in completing newsroom functions. Prerequisites: COM-113 and COM-224.
COM-483 Advanced Newswriting and Reporting3 Hours
- A continuation of Introduction to Newswriting, with greater emphasis on practical experience and in-depth development of stories, interviewing, research methods, Internet resources, and other investigative tools for professional journalists. Gain professional experience and published clips through reporting and writing stories for a local news outlet. Prerequisite: COM-224 or WRI-224, or permission of Division.
WRI-282 Writing for Results3 Hours
- The study and practices of persuasive writing. Includes analysis of pulpit rhetoric, political rhetoric, advertising techniques, and propaganda. Based on classical rhetoric, the course considers the psychological impact of language on behavior. Prerequisite: Successful completion of ENG-120 or Advanced Standing in English.