Communication Arts

The Communication Arts program seeks to develop student potential in the areas of written, oral, visual, and multimedia communication. The program is unique in its approach, stressing the interconnectedness of the different modes of communication and building upon the strong liberal arts emphasis of the College. Students learn through critical thinking and practical experience how to use tools and techniques in the world of professional communication. Students are encouraged to develop creativity through a variety of individual and group projects. The Communication Arts area also offers a thriving internship program in conjunction with the Wilmington College Student Resource Center. Qualified students can step beyond the classroom and apply knowledge and skills in professional settings.

The major in Communication Arts offers concentrations in two areas:

Journalism and Public Relations
Digital Media Production

ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS – This concentration is designed for Communication Arts majors pursuing careers in public relations, journalism, advertising, corporate communication, marketing and promotion, fundraising, and service in non-profit organizations. Course offerings stress an integrated approach to communication, building knowledge and skills in writing, reporting, editing, interviewing, multimedia, visual, and oral communication. Students in this concentration are encouraged to minor in complementary areas of study such as English, Business Administration, Psychology, History, Agriculture, etc.

DIGITAL MEDIA PRODUCTION – This concentration is recommended for students interested in photography and video and audio production. Students can take courses in areas such as visual communication, photography, script writing and video production, graphic design, and web site development. Communication Arts shows students how to combine images and words to convey a message. Students will explore their own creativity. Students will also learn the value of flexibility and diversity because one needs to combine diverse skills to be an effective communicator.

Degrees

Courses

CA131: MASS MEDIA IN A GLOBAL SOCIETY

Credits 4

An examination of all phases of mass communications. Print and electronic media, public relations, and advertising are examined in terms of their historical development, their effect on mass culture and gender bias issues and their relationship to a free society. Special emphasis is placed on media as a means of conveying information. Clips from classic and popular films, television programs, and radio shows are examined. Emphasis is placed on the use of Mass Media in a Global Society.

CA185: MEDIA PRACTICUM

Credits 1 4

A practical involvement with student media, including The Witness campus newspaper, The Quake radio station, and WCTV video broadcasting. Through this practicum, students can develop a variety of skills in applied communication and media production, from entry-level to advanced. One (1) hour of credit is equivalent to 40 hours of work in a semester. No more than 6 hours of Media Practicum may be taken in the 124 semester hours required for graduation.

CA230: BASIC PHOTOGRAPHY

Credits 4

An introduction to photographic theory and practice with an emphasis on digital photography. Topics include fundamental principles in photographic exposure, file management, and basic correction techniques. Students produce original images using the required digital camera and participate in critical feedback sessions. Assignments are designed to evolve and students are asked to bring new work to class on a regular basis for review. Requires a digital SLR or mirrorless camera with full manual controls.

CA233: COMMUNCATION THEORY AND CONCEPT

Credits 2

This course provides an introduction to creative thinking techniques such as idea generating, brainstorming, message mapping, and lateral thinking. Group logistics are taught in various applications including problem solving, interviewing, and project management. Students will also explore the major theoretical underpinnings of communication art and design.

CA234: PUBLIC SPEAKING

Credits 2

Engages students in the practice of oral and written communication by expanding their knowledge and understanding of different speech types and speech preparations. Students demonstrate effective communication skills by developing organizational strategies for a variety of speaking styles according to audience and purpose; clarify personal thinking skills through oral communication; demonstrate a knowledge of grammar, usage and syntax while speaking; and enrich speaking with writing, listening, viewing, and reading experiences. Develops an awareness of the importance of oral communication in today's global society. Demonstrative, informative, and persuasive forms of speaking are studied and practiced.

CA241: BASIC WEB DESIGN

Credits 2

In this course, students will learn best practices in web design and web media management. Topics include web content planning, digital asset collection and management, web site wire framing, layout, and design. Students will also practice critical thinking through class interactions, projects, and online postings. May be repeated when topics vary.

CA330: COPYWRITING AND COPY EDITING

Credits 4

Skill

This course examines the fundamental skills of copywriting and copy editing for diverse audiences in the contemporary media environment. Emphasis is placed on preparing news media, from collecting research and interviewing to developing copy and editing for print. Students will also be introduced to basic layout and design techniques.

CA332: FOUNDATIONS OF DIGITAL DESIGN

Credits 4

This is a study of digital design and desktop publishing intended for a variety of communication-centered disciplines. Includes practice in digital illustration, photo manipulation and photo editing using a variety of contemporary software applications. Students will also learn advanced techniques in typography, layout and design intended for both print and electronic media. This course combines application with the discussion of design theory, problem-solving approaches, idea generation, and project execution and logistics.

CA336: BROADCAST MEDIA

Credits 4

his course examines video and audio techniques used in broadcast media. Students learn procedures from all stages of moving image production using the required digital camera and Adobe Premiere. Specific applications in composition, time, montage, and sound will be explored through a series of exercises. Assignments are designed to evolve and students are asked to bring new work to class on a regular basis for review.

CA337: ADVANCED PHOTOGRAPHY

Credits 4

his course provides a comprehensive working knowledge of the digital photography workflow. Students apply skills gained in CA230 and learn procedures in studio lighting, color management, and post-production. Topics of study include commercial, photojournalism, social documentary, and sports photography. Assignments are designed to evolve and students are asked to bring new work to class on a regular basis for review.

CA350: TOPICS IN COMMUNICATION ARTS

Credits 2 4

The course provides an opportunity for advanced study of various areas of communication. Possible topics for specific courses include advertising, organizational communication, photography, documentary production, and sound recording and production. The particular topic for a given term will be announced in the course schedule. May be repeated when topics vary.

CA363: PUBLIC AND MEDIA RELATIONS

Credits 4

This course explores strategic communication processes intended to build relationships between organizations and their publics. Students will learn about the theoretical underpinnings of public and media relations, in addition to the principles, strategies, and best practices common within the field. Skills taught include active listening, relationship building, interviewing, negotiating, making public presentations, and event planning.

CA364: SOCIAL MEDIA MANGEMENT

Credits 4

This course examines the changing landscape of communications, as influenced by social media. Students will explore transformations within the public relations and journalism fields directly and indirectly caused by social media. A significant portion of the course will focus on message design, message dissemination, message reception, evaluation, market research and theory, all related to participatory media.

CA365: ADVANCED DIGITAL JOURNALISM

Credits 2

This course provides an in-depth exploration of modern digital journalism. Students will explore journalistic methods of writing for the web, headline writing, blogging, and developing copy for social media. The topic of media convergence is covered in order to advance students’ understanding of the role of video, audio, and graphics in contemporary journalistic applications.

CA385: MEDIA PRACTICUM

Credits 1 4

CA470: INTERNSHIP

Credits 1 4

An internship is an intensive career-oriented work experience related to the student’s academic studies, professional and educational goals. It is also an opportunity to gain practical experience in one’s major field of study, apply knowledge gained in the classroom, and make useful contacts in a professional field. The experience is ideally unique to the student and must be supervised by a qualified supervisor.

CA495: SENIOR STUDIO

Credits 2

This is an advanced study in the theory and practice of all areas of Communication Arts. Students enrolled in this course will examine contemporary technologies, concepts, and issues in the various fields of communications and will engage in the production and management of a final thesis project. Students will present their final projects to the campus community.