COMS 160: Introductory Topics in Media and Communication
Prerequisite: None
Credit hours (3)
The course covers current topics in communication and media. Topics will vary depending
on the faculty teaching the course and their area of expertise. Note(s): May not be
repeated for credit.
Detailed Description of Course
The content of the course will vary term to term buy may include:
1. New communication technologies
2. Targeting and measuring media audiences
3. Management of new media systems
4. Communication synergies in society
5. Writing for various forms of media
6. Communication’s role in various disciplines (health communication, non-profit
communication, science communication, government communication,
etc.
7. Visual communication.
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
The conduct of the course will vary dependingon the instructor and course content
but may include:
1. Lectures
2. Small group discussion
3. Writing
4. Group work
5. Visual design
6. Computer design and coding
Goals and Objectives of the Course
By the end of the semester, students should be able to:
1. Write for the various forms of mass media
2. Design for print and digital forms of visual media
3. Describe new forms of digital media and how they affect interactive communication
4. Design visual communication messages for digital media
5. Analyze audiences and how communication can affect them
Assessment Measures
Assessment measures will vary depending on the instructor and course content but may
include:
1. quizzes
2. exams
3. writing assignments
4. computer lab work
5. visual media design
6. group work
7. class attendance
Other Course Information
None
Review and Approval
April 4, 2017