California State University, Fullerton

Communications

DEPARTMENT CHAIR
Anthony R. Fellow

DEPARTMENT OFFICE
College Park 400

DAILY TITAN NEWSROOM
College Park 670

DAILY TITAN BUSINESS MANAGER
College Park 660

DEPARTMENT WEBSITE
http://communications.fullerton.edu

PROGRAMS OFFERED
Bachelor of Arts in Communications
Concentrations: Advertising
Entertainment Studies
Journalism
Photocommunications
Public Relations
Minors
Advertising Journalism
Public Relations
Master of Arts in Communications
Concentrations:
Professional Communications
Mass Communications Research and Theory

FACULTY
Carol Ames, Assaf Avni, Genelle Belmas, Jeff Brody, Pamela Caldwell, Thomas Clanin, Carolyn Coal, David DeVries, Beth Evans, Olan Farnall, Tony Fellow, Brent Foster, Dennis Gaschen, xtine Burrough, Carolyn Johnson, Dean Kazoleas, Kuen-Hee Ju-Pak, Cynthia King, Mark Latonero, Paul Lester, Gail Love, Coral Ohl, Henry Puente, Rick Pullen, Tony Rimmer, Shay Sayre, Nancy Snow, Andi Stein, Laura Triplett, Edgar Trotter, Robert Wheeler, Diane Witmer, Gerald Wright, Mark Wu, Fred Zandpour

INTRODUCTION
Effective ethical communications are essential for the well being of a democratic society. Thus, there is a need for persons trained in the theory and practice of informing, instructing and persuading through communications media. The educational goals of the programs leading to the Bachelor of Arts in Communications are to:
Ensure that all majors are exposed to a broad liberal education
Provide majors with a clear understanding and a global perspective of the role of communications media in society
Prepare majors desiring communications-related careers in the mass media, business, government and education by educating them in depth in one of the specialized concentrations within the department

ADVISERS
Undergraduate: All full-time faculty serve as undergraduate advisers. Students may find their assigned concentration adviser in the Communications Department Office, College Park 400.
Graduate: Diane Witmer, College Park 400 or College Park 650-29. Additional advising services are available in the College of Communications Advising Center, CP-425.

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BACHELOR OF ARTS IN COMMUNICATIONS
The Communications major totals 48 units: 12 units of core requirements; 24 units in a chosen concentration (advertising, entertainment studies, journalism, photocommunications and public relations), and 12 units of collateral upper-division coursework in other departments. All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of “C” (2.0) or better.

Collateral requirements: All Communications majors must complete 12 units (4 courses) of upper-division coursework outside of Communications. These courses are listed on advising materials available in College Park 400. These units may be taken as part of a minor or another major. Students electing to pursue a minor or a second major as part of the collateral requirement should consult the catalog on minors and multiple majors to ensure that they have the required numbers of distinct units.

Every major must take a minimum of 80 units outside Communications, out of the 120 units required for graduation. Of this 80 units, 65 must be in the traditional liberal arts, humanities and sciences. Any courses from the following departments meet the liberal arts requirement: Afro Ethnic, American Studies, Anthropology, Asian American, Biology, Chemistry, Chicana/o, Comparative Literature, Economics, English, Comparative Religion, Geography, Geological Science, Human Communication, History, Liberal Studies, Linguistics, Math, Philosophy, Physics, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Women’s Studies and all foreign languages. See advisers for additional qualifying courses. Students should consult the College of Communications Advisement Center and their concentration adviser early in their coursework to be sure they meet these requirements.

Grade-Point Average Requirements: Three grade-point averages, each 2.0 or higher, are required for graduation:

  1. An average based on all units attempted, including those attempted at other institutions
  2. An average based on all units attempted at CSUF
  3. An average based on all units attempted in the major

Communications Core
The communications core provides background and perspective appropriate to all the departmental concentrations and an understanding of the role of communicators and their contributions to the development of high standards of professionalism.

Nine units of required coursework:
Communications 233 Mass Communications in Modern Society (3)
Communications 407 Communications Law (3)
Communications 425 History and Philosophy of American Mass Communication (3)

Plus three units from:
Communications 300 Visual Communication (3)
Communications 310 Mass Media Ethics (3)
Communications 333 Mass Media Effects (3)
Communications 410 Principles of Communication Research (3)
Communications 422 Communications Technologies (3)
Communications 426 Global Media Systems (3)
Communications 480 Persuasive Communications (3)

Communications Concentrations
Every communications major must select and complete 24 units of coursework in a major concentration.

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ADVERTISING CONCENTRATION
The objective of the advertising concentration is to prepare students for entry-level positions in one or more of the four basic advertising activities: creative (copy, layout design), media planning and buying, research, and management. Students are provided with knowledge and skills needed for work with an advertiser, advertising agency, the print and broadcast media, or support service industry.

Communications 350 Principles of Advertising (3)
Communications 351 Writing for the Advertising Industry (3)
Communications 352 Advertising Media (3)
Communications 353 Advertising Creative Strategy and Execution I (3)
Communications 451A, B or C Advertising Campaigns (3)
Communications 495 Mass Media Internship (3)
Plus six units from: Communications 317, 358, 361, 380, 410, 415T,
446, 450, 452, 453, 454, 455 or 456. At least three of the six
units must be 450 or higher.

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ENTERTAINMENT STUDIES CONCENTRATION
Courses in this concentration introduce students to theory, industry trends and practices, and the social implications of entertainment and tourism. The concentration is designed to prepare students for career opportunities in entertainment communication and management in a growing range of sectors in the entertainment industry and communication field.

Communications 101 Writing for Mass Media (3)
Communications 346 Introduction to Entertainment and Tourism Studies (3)
Communications 446 Entertainment and Society (3)
Communications 449 Capstone in Entertainment and Tourism Studies (3)
Communications 495 Mass Media Internship (3)
Plus one of the following: Communications 301, 334, 351, 362 or 471
Plus six units from: Communications 317, 333, 350, 361, 380, 410*,
422*, 426*, 436, 447, 448T, 465, 497T

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JOURNALISM CONCENTRATION
The principal objective of the journalism concentration is to provide the skills and practice necessary for careers in the print, broadcast and online media. Specifically, the concentration objectives are to: (1) provide experience in writing various types of news stories, and to develop skills in reporting and news gathering techniques; (2) develop critical acumen necessary to check news stories for accuracy and correctness; (3) develop skills in graphics or photography that complement the journalistic writing skills; (4) provide actual on-the-job experience by working on the campus newspaper and through an internship; and (5) add breadth and depth to the professional’s specialized skills through collateral courses.

The concentration includes three emphases: print, broadcast journalism and visual journalism.

Journalism Concentration Core:
Communications 101 Writing for the Mass Media (3)
Communications 495 Mass Media Internship (3)

Print Journalism Emphasis
Communications 201 Reporting for Mass Media I (3)
Communications 202 Reporting for Mass Media II (3)
Communications 332 Editing and Design (3)
Communications 471 News Media Production (3)
Plus six units from: Communications 334, 335, 380, 434, 435, 436, 437, 438T

Broadcast Journalism Emphasis
Communications 201 Reporting for Mass Media I (3)
Communications 202 Reporting for Mass Media II (3)
Communications 372 TV News Production (3)
Communications 472 Advanced Electronic News Production (3)
Plus six units from: Communications 335, 371, 380, 435, 436, 438T.

Visual Journalism Emphasis
Communications 319 Visual Reporting (3)
Communications 380 Interactive Media Design (3)
Communications 409 Advanced Visual Reporting (3)
Communications 471 News Media Production (3)
Plus six units from: Communications 332, 380, 436, 438T

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PHOTOCOMMUNICATIONS CONCENTRATION
The photocommunications concentration provides a comprehensive study of the aesthetics, theories and practices of contemporary photography for professional careers in magazine and newspaper photojournalism, and advertising/commercial photography.

Communications 101 Writing for the Mass Media (3)
Communications 217 Introduction to Photography (3)
Communications 319 Visual Reporting (3)
Communications 321 Studio Photography (3)
Communications 495 Mass Media Internship (3)
Plus six units from:
Communications 326, 340, 358, 380, 409, 471
Plus one of the following:
Communications 301, 334 or 362

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PUBLIC RELATIONS CONCENTRATION
The concentration provides preparation in both theory and practice of two-way communication and management counsel for prospective professional public relations careers in business, industry, agency, government and nonprofit sectors of society.

Communications 101 Writing for Mass Media (3)
Communications 361 Principles of Public Relations (3)
Communications 362 Public Relations Writing (3)
Communications 464 Public Relations Management (3)
Communications 495 Mass Media Internship (3)

Plus one writing course from:
Communications 301, 334, 471
Plus three (3) units from:
Communications 410*, 465, 467, 468, 469 or 497T
Plus three (3) units from:
Communications 317, 346, 350, 358, 363, 380, 410*, 434, 437, 446,
465, 467, 468, 469 or 497T.

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WRITING REQUIREMENTS
All communications majors must satisfy both departmental and university writing requirements. For the department Writing Requirement, each concentration requires one or more writing courses. Consult an adviser or concentration checklist.

University Writing Requirement: The coursework portion of the university’s upper-division baccalaureate writing requirement for communications majors may be met by satisfactory completion of any one of Communications 301, 334, 335, 351, 362, 371, 435, 436, 438T or 471. Students must earn a “C” (2.0) or better in the course that is used to fulfill the university’s upper-division writing requirement.

INTERNSHIP REQUIREMENTS
The Department of Communications has always recognized the beneficial attributes of an internship. Students intern at sites in Orange and Los Angeles counties, as well as at national and international sites. Examples of internship sites include newspapers, magazines, television and radio stations, public relations and advertising agencies, health-related institutions, nonprofit organizations, film production companies, publishers, education offices, high-tech industries, and cities and businesses with communications needs.

Students can view course syllabus on the website at https://commsec.fullerton.edu/internship for a full understanding of the internship program. Applications are approved by the Communications Faculty Internship Coordinator (located at College Park 460-24) through the online site before a student registers with Titan. Deadlines for applications are March 15 (summer); May 15 (fall); October 15 (spring). Internship coursework must be completed within the term it is taken. Incompletes are discouraged. Students are encouraged to seek advice from the Communications Faculty Internship Coordinator (located at College Park 460-24) early in their academic career to gain the highest level of professional growth from their internship experience.

Students must meet the following prerequisites:

Advertising
Required: Communications 350, 351, 352, 353
Recommended: Communications 358
Entertainment Studies
Required: Communications 346, 446

Journalism
Required: Communications 471 or 372
Recommended: Communications 334, 335

Photocommunications
Required: Communications 217, 319, 321.
Recommended: Communications 326 or 409.

Public Relations
Required: Communications 361, 362.
Recommended: Communications 358, 363, 464.

Students with the equivalent of one year of full-time employment in the area of their concentration may petition out of the Internship by taking a different 400-level class approved by their faculty adviser. International students must obtain approval of the International Education and Exchange Office.

Students who do not meet the 2.25 GPA may be asked to petition out of the Communications 495 class and take a different 400 level class approved by their faculty adviser.

Applications and information can be obtained at the Department of Communications Internship Office in College Park 460-24.

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COMMUNICATIONS MINORS
The department offers three options for a communications minor for students NOT majoring in communications. Students majoring in communications cannot minor in communications.

MINOR IN ADVERTISING
The minor in Advertising requires 21 units as follows:

Lower Division (3 units)
Communications 233 Mass Communications in Modern Society (3)

Advertising courses (12 units)
Communications 350 Principles of Advertising (3)
Communications 352 Advertising Media (3)
Communications 353 Creative Strategy and Execution I (3)
Communications 451A, B or C Advertising Campaigns (3)

Electives (6 units)
Two adviser-approved courses from Communications 380, 407,
415T, 425, 450, 452, 453, 454, 455, 456 or 480.

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MINOR IN JOURNALISM
The Minor in Journalism requires 21 units. Required Journalism courses for a Minor in Journalism, unlike the Minor in Advertising, must be taken in sequence. Each course builds upon the other. The three required journalism courses provide a core of information for beginning journalism students. Students can then specialize in print or broadcast journalism. A stint on the Daily Titan, Communications 471 News Media Production, takes the place of an internship. However, students who plan to pursue a career in professional print journalism are encouraged - but not required - to obtain an internship before applying for a job.

Communications Core Requirements (6 units)
Communications 233 Mass Communications in Modern Society (3)
Plus three units from: Communications 310, 407 or 425 (3)
Journalism Concentration Requirements (9 units)
Communications 101 Writing for the Mass Media (3)
Communications 201 Reporting for Mass Media I (3)
Communications 202 Reporting for Mass Media II (3)

Electives (6 units)
Choose six units from one of the following specializations:

Print Journalism Track
Required: Communications 471 News Media Production (3)
Plus three units from: Communications 332, 334, 335, 380, 434, 435,
436, 437 or 438T.

Broadcast Journalism Track
Required: Communications 372 Television News Production (3)
Plus three units from: Communications 335, 371, 380, 435, 436,
438T or 472.

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MINOR IN PUBLIC RELATIONS
The minor in Public Relations offers students the opportunity to engage in a systematic program of study in the field of public relations, to complement their major field of study. The program requires 21 units.

Required Courses (15 units)
Communications 101 Writing for Mass Media (3)
Communications 233 Mass Communications in Modern Society (3)
Communications 361 Principles of Public Relations (3)
Communications 362 Public Relations Writing (3)
Communications 464 Public Relations Management (3)

Electives (6 units)
Two courses from Communications 407, 410, 425, 465, 467, 468,
469, 480, 497T.

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MASTER OF ARTS IN COMMUNICATIONS
The Master of Arts in Communications is designed to provide advanced study in communications theory and research, and offers an opportunity to integrate all aspects of the field into a single degree. Students select courses from advertising, entertainment and tourism, journalism, public relations and television-film, as well as related courses outside the department. The program prepares the student to apply advanced communication concepts, research development skills and theories relevant to the use of communications media for a wide variety of purposes.

The program prepares the graduate to apply advanced communications concepts, research and development skills, and relevant theories of communications media for a wide variety of purposes. These studies serve those whose careers involve the use of mediated messages to inform, instruct and persuade, as well as those seeking doctoral degrees. Coursework is highly applicable to a wide range of careers in business, industry, government, education, mass media and entertainment. Graduates who complete the Master of Arts in Communications are eligible for journalism and communications teaching positions in community colleges.

Students enter one of two concentrations: the M.A. in Communications with a Concentration in Professional Communications or the M.A. in Communications with a Concentration in Mass Communications Research and Theory. The purpose of the Concentration in Professional Communications is to enable student mastery of appropriate knowledge of communications theory and application to support future career objectives. This program is designed for students who want a professional orientation and provides curricular specialization through additional coursework. Students complete the degree through an applied project or comprehensive examinations at the end of their coursework. The purpose of the Concentration in Mass Communications Research and Theory is to develop scholarly research abilities and knowledge of communications theory and application to support future teaching and scholarship objectives. It includes two research methods courses, as well as a proposal, development and oral defense of master’s thesis.

Prerequisite Courses
All graduate students need the following prerequisite courses or their equivalents taken at CSUF or another accredited university. Sufficient and appropriate professional experience may be substituted for one or more of these prerequisite courses. Such determinations are made by the graduate coordinator.

These prerequisite courses are to be completed before taking graduate coursework to provide the necessary background.
MASTER OF ARTS IN COMMUNICATIONS CONCENTRATION IN MASS COMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH & THEORY
Admission Requirements:

  1. Baccalaureate from a four-year accredited institution
  2. Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 for last 60 units of study
  3. Minimum GRE score to meet university requirements with minimum of 500 on verbal portion
  4. If preparatory work was in a language other than English, a minimum TOEFL score of 550 (paper) or 213 (computer) or 79-80 (Internet-based)

The following courses or their equivalents must be completed before undertaking graduate courses:

Note: Undergraduate prerequisite courses must be completed and do not count toward the graduate degree.
University writing requirements must be met as described on the Graduate Studies Web site: http://www.fullerton.edu/graduate/general.htm

A study plan must be filed before the first 9 units of coursework are completed.

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MASTER OF ARTS IN COMMUNICATIONS CONCENTRATION IN PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATIONS

Admission Requirements:

  1. Baccalaureate from a four-year accredited institution
  2. Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 for last 60 units of study with 3.0 in major
  3. Minimum GRE score to meet university requirements with minimum of 500 on verbal portion
  4. If preparatory work was in a language other than English, a minimum TOEFL score of 550 (paper) or 213 (computer) or 79-80 (Internet-based)
  5. At least one year of professional experience related to the field of communications

The following courses or their equivalents must be completed before undertaking graduate courses:

Note: Undergraduate prerequisite courses must be completed and do not count toward the graduate degree.
University writing requirements must be met as described on the Graduate Studies Web site: http://www.fullerton.edu/graduate/general.htm

A study plan must be filed before the first 9 units of coursework are completed.

Normally, an applicant must meet grade-point average requirements listed above, meet the university requirements, and satisfactorily complete the Graduate Record Examination General Test and TOEFL (if appropriate) prior to admission. Students must also submit three letters of recommendation and an essay (approximately 1,000 words) outlining reasons for pursuing the master’s degree at Cal State Fullerton. A resume is required of applicants to the professional concentration. Consult the department graduate program adviser or the department Web site at http://communications.fullerton.edu/graduate/comm. for details regarding additional admission requirements.

Application Deadlines
The deadline for completing online applications: For Fall admission: Feb. 1 of the same year; for Spring admission: Nov. 1 of the preceding year. Check the university graduate studies website for current information: http://www.fullerton.edu/graduate.

Graduate Standing: Classified
A student admitted in conditionally classified standing may be granted classified standing upon the development of an approved study plan and satisfactory completion of prerequisite coursework. Satisfactory coursework or its equivalent in the following may be taken concurrently with degree requirements if not completed prior to classification:

  1. Communications writing (Comm 201, 301, 351 or 362)
  2. An introductory course in communications (Comm 233, 332, 350 or 361)
  3. Comm 410 Principles of Communication Research (3)

Study Plan
The student is required to complete 30 units of approved studies with a minimum grade-point average of 3.0, including 21 units in 500-level communications courses. A maximum of nine units may comprise 400-level courses appropriate to the student’s area of interest.

The candidate must develop a program of study in consultation with Department of Communications graduate adviser. The candidate must plan the thesis (6 units) or project (3 units) with a committee. The committee includes at least two faculty members from the Department of Communications.

Study plan requirements include the following:
CONCENTRATION IN MASS COMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH AND THEORY
Core Courses (9 units)
Comm 500 Theory and Literature of Communications (3)
Comm 508 Humanistic Research in Communications (3)
Comm 509 Social Science Research in communications (3)
Elective Courses (15-21 Units)
A total of 15 units consisting of
A minimum of 1 unit and maximum of 3 units of Comm 599, Independent Study
A minimum of 6 units of 500-level courses (including Comm 599) and maximum of nine units of 400-level courses
Note: 400-level courses are optional. All courses may be 500-level. Undergraduate prerequisite courses must be completed and do not count toward the graduate degree.
Graduate students must complete at least one additional assignment beyond that required of undergraduate students in 400-level courses.
Exit Option
Comm 598 Thesis (2 semesters)
Three units of independent work leading to the successful development and oral defense of a thesis proposal, and three units of independent work leading to the successful completion and oral defense of a scholarly thesis.
CONCENTRATION IN PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATIONS
Core Courses (9 units)
Comm 500 Theory and Literature of Communications (3)
Comm 507 Communication Research Design and Analysis (3)
Comm 508 Humanistic Research in Communications (3)
OR Comm 509 Social Science Research in Communications (3)
OR Comm 525 Advanced Communications Management (3)
OR Comm 534 American Media History (3)
A total of 15-21 units (depending on exit option) consisting of a minimum of six units of 500-level courses and maximum of nine units of 400-level courses.
Note: 400-level courses are optional. All courses may be 500-level. Undergraduate prerequisite courses must be completed, and do not count toward the graduate degree. Graduate students must complete at least one additional assignment beyond that required of undergraduate students in 400-level courses.
Exit Options:
Comm 597 Project
One 3-unit course leading to the successful completion and
presentation of an applied project and one 3-unit 500-level elective course.
OR Comprehensive Examination
Six hours written essay exams and two three-unit 500- level elective courses.
For further information and advisement, please consult the graduate program adviser or the department website.

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COMMUNICATIONS COURSES
Courses are designated as COMM in the class schedule.

COMM 101    Writing for Mass Media

Description: Prerequisites: English 101 or equivalent with a grade of “C” (2.0) or better; typing ability. Principles and practices of writing for major types of mass communications media. Content, organization, conciseness and clarity (2 hours lecture, 2 hours laboratory).
Units: (3)

COMM 201    Reporting for Mass Media I

Description: Prerequisite: Comm 101 or equivalent. Develop expertise in news reporting, including computer-assisted reporting and writing techniques, with an emphasis on print and Web reporting and writing. Students will have an opportunity to write for the Daily Titan.
Units: (3)

COMM 202    Reporting for Mass Media II

Description: Prerequisite: Comm 101. Develop expertise in advanced news reporting and writing techniques, with an emphasis on the Web, radio and television. Learn basics of visual journalism storytelling, including basic elements of shooting videotape, recording audio, editing video and audio tape, and building news websites. Opportunities to contribute to the Daily Titan, Titan Online and/or OC News will be provided.
Units: (3)

COMM 217    Introduction to Photography

Description: Cameras, accessories, materials, exposure, image processing, printing, finishing, composition, filters, flash, studio techniques and special subject treatments and applications. (2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity)
Units: (3)

COMM 233    Mass Communication in Modern Society

Description: Prerequisite: completion of General Education (G.E.) Category III.C.1. Newspapers, magazines, films, radio and television; their significance as social instruments and economic entities in modern society. One or more sections offered online
Units: (3)

COMM 300    Visual Communication

Description: Prerequisite: completion of G.E. Categories III.B.1 or III.B.2. Social and cultural analysis of the meaning, production and consumption of visual information in a modern media society. Still, moving, television, graphic design, cartoon and computer images will be analyzed in terms of technical, commercial and cultural considerations.
Units: (3)

COMM 301    Writing for Broadcasting and Film

Description: Prerequisites: English 101 or equivalent with a grade of “C” (2.0) or better; typing ability. Theory and principles of writing in the broadcast and film media. (2 hours discussion, 1 hour activity)
Units: (3)

COMM 310    Mass Media Ethics

Description: Prerequisite: junior standing. Moral and professional conduct within various communications contexts. Examine cases involved with advertising, broadcast journalism, film, photojournalism, print journalism, public relations, television and the World Wide Web.
Units: (3)

COMM 317    Digital Foundations

Description: Prerequisite: completion of G.E. Category III.B.1 or III.B.2. Convergence of the basic principles and practices of digital photography, digital imaging, graphic design and webpage production for creative visual problem solving.
Units: (3)

COMM 319    Visual Reporting

Description: Prerequisite: Comm 317. Image creation for publication in print and/or screen media. Convergence of the basis principles and practices of digital photography, digital imaging, graphic design and webpage production for journalism-based visual problem solving. (2 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory)
Units: (3)

COMM 321    Studio Photography

Description: Prerequisite: Comm 317. Creative and effective use of images in print and/or screen publications within advertising, public relations, entertainment studies and other commercial, persuasive communication contexts. (2 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory)
Units: (3)

COMM 326    Advanced Studio Photography

Description: Prerequisite: Comm 321. Students will prepare an advanced portfolio of images for print and/or screen publications that demonstrates their ability to produce professional quality illustrative assignments within advertising, public relations, entertainment studies and other commercial, persuasive communication contexts. (2 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory)
Units: (3)

COMM 332    Editing and Design

Description: Prerequisite: Comm 201. Principles and practice of newspaper editing: copy improvement, headline writing, news photos and cutlines, wire services, typography, copy schedules and control, page design and layout, law and ethics. (2 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory)
Units: (3)

COMM 333    Mass Media Effects

Description: Prerequisite: completion of G.E. Category III.C.1. The role mass media communications play in all human activity with heavy emphasis on the effects of mass media on the political, social and economic fabric of America.
Units: (3)

COMM 334    Feature Article Writing

Description: Prerequisite: Comm 101 with a grade of “C” (2.0) or better. Nonfiction writing for newspapers and magazines; sources, methods and markets.
Units: (3)

COMM 335    Public Affairs Reporting

Description: Prerequisite: Comm 201 with a grade of “C” (2.0) or better. Comm 407 recommended. Reporting public interest news such as courts, education, finance, government, police and urban problems.
Units: (3)

COMM 340    Photography in Advertising and Public Relations

Description: Prerequisites: junior standing and Comm 326. Advertising and public relations photography. Materials and techniques for producing photographs with visual impact suitable for photo reproduction. Students will prepare a portfolio of photographs. (2 hours lecture, 3 hours activity)
Units: (3)

COMM 346    Introduction to Entertainment and Tourism Studies

Description: Introduction to the entertainment industry. Apply entertainment and persuasion theory. Learn about career opportunities in entertainment-related fields. Explore tasks, skill sets, demands and rewards associated with different entertainment professions. (Same as Theatre 346)
Units: (3)

COMM 350    Principles of Advertising

Description: Functions, strategies, ethics, technology and media relevant to the advertising industry, as well as concepts in international, intercultural and integrated marketing communication.
Units: (3)

COMM 351    Writing for the Advertising Industry

Description: Prerequisite: English 101. Develop written communications and critical thinking skills essential for success in all advertising-related careers. Compose persuasive letters, reports, proposals and news releases. Grammar and language skills. Students must achieve a “C” (2.0) or better to continue taking advertising courses.
Units: (3)

COMM 352    Advertising Media

Description: Prerequisites: Comm 350 and junior standing. Plan, execute and control advertising media programs. Basic data and characteristics of the media. Buying and selling process, techniques and methods in media planning process. Audience measurement and media analysis.
Units: (3)

COMM 353    Advertising Creative Strategy and Execution I

Description: Prerequisites: English 101, Comm 350, and junior standing. Write copy and lay out advertisements, based on study of sales appeals, attention factors and illustrations. (2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity)
Units: (3)

COMM 358    Graphics Communications

Description: Prerequisite: junior standing. Printing processes, publication formats, copy preparation, copy-fitting techniques, layout principles, paper selection and distribution methods. (2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity)
Units: (3)

COMM 361    Principles of Public Relations

Description: Prerequisite: junior standing. Social, behavioral, psychological, ethical, economic and political foundations of public relations, and the theories of public relations as a communications discipline.
Units: (3)

COMM 362    Public Relations Writing

Description: Prerequisites: Comm 101 and 361, both with a grade of “C” (2.0) or better; junior standing; typing ability. Communications analysis, writing for business, industry and nonprofit organizations. Creating effective forms of public relations communication.
Units: (3)

COMM 363    Desktop Publishing

Description: Prerequisite: completion of any one of Comm upper-division writing courses. Editing functions and techniques involved in creative development of publications for business, industry and nonprofit organizations and institutions, including magazines, newspapers, newsletters and brochures.
Units: (3)

COMM 371    Radio News Production

Description: Prerequisite: Comm 202. Writing, producing, planning, taping, editing and evaluating radio news.
Units: (3)

COMM 372    TV News Production

Description: Prerequisite: Comm 202. Writing, production and evaluation of television news. Discussion of TV reporting techniques and problems. Cover events and produce TV news in lab. (2 hours lecture, 2 hours lab)
Units: (3)

COMM 380    Interactive Media Design

Description: Prerequisite: Comm 317. Underlying design concepts and production techniques for creating interactive multimedia presentations for educational lessons, commercial applications and online publications.
Units: (3)

COMM 407    Communications Law

Description: Prerequisites: Comm 233 and junior standing. Anglo-American concept of freedom of speech and press; statutes and administrative regulations affecting freedom of information and publishing, advertising and telecommunication. Libel and slander, rights in news and advertising, contempt, copyright and invasion of privacy. One or more sections offered online.
Units: (3)

COMM 409    Advanced Visual Reporting

Description: Prerequisite: Comm 319. Advanced visual reporting. Extensive use of cameras for photographic reporting; evaluation and preparation of pictures for publication for both print and screen media.. Field/laboratory experience in digital photography and processing. (2 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory)
Units: (3)

COMM 410    Principles of Communication Research

Description: Prerequisites: Comm 233 and junior standing. Research methods used to assess the effects of print, broadcast and film communications on audience attitudes, opinions, knowledge and behavior. Research design and data analysis in communications research.
Units: (3)

COMM 415T    Current Issues in Advertising

Description: Prerequisites: Comm 233, 350 or 361; permission of instructor. Variety of current advertising topics in all fields of communications. Professional problems, global issues, critical analysis and special skills are presented to supplement the curriculum and enhance the understanding of, and appreciation for, advertising concepts.
Units: (3)

COMM 422    Communications Technologies

Description: Prerequisite: Comm 233. Issues surrounding communications technologies. Recent developments in technology, impact of government, industry and economic factors, historical overview and implications for social change. Technological developments. Applications to all areas of mass communications.
Units: (3)

COMM 425    History and Philosophy of American Mass Communication

Description: Prerequisites: Comm 233 and junior standing. American mass communication; newspapers and periodicals through radio and television; ideological, political, social and economic aspects. Not available for graduate degree credit.
Units: (3)

COMM 426    Global Media Systems

Description: Prerequisites: Comm 233 and junior standing. Major mass communication systems, both democratic and totalitarian, and the means by which news and propaganda are conveyed internationally.
Units: (3)

COMM 433    Working in the Magazine Industry

Description: Prerequisite: Comm 233. Overview of the inner working of the magazine industry. How the magazine industry functions and what is involved in the creation and production of magazines.
Units: (3)

COMM 434    Magazine Editing and Production

Description: Prerequisite: Comm 334. Students produce Tusk, the magazine of Cal State Fullerton, and learn about the dynamics of magazine production and the magazine industry. Students work together in a professional setting to produce a high quality magazine.
Units: (3)

COMM 435    Opinion Writing

Description: Prerequisites: English 101 or equivalent with a grade of “C” (2.0) or better, upper-division writing course, and junior standing. Techniques of editorial writing and opinion writing, including personal essays, for print, broadcast and Internet. Role of punditry in television news and on TV and radio talks shows, and how this might affect public perceptions of the media.
Units: (3)

COMM 436    Reporting on the Entertainment Industry

Description: Prerequisite: Comm 101. Developing expertise in reporting and writing on the entertainment industry. Understanding the economics, business models, legal aspects and culture of the industry.
Units: (3)

COMM 437    Advanced Magazine Writing

Description: Prerequisite: Comm 334. Practical experience in reporting and writing long, in-depth feature articles for professional magazines. Challenges of researching and writing for specialized audiences and the business of freelancing. Techniques for improving clarity, brevity, cohesion and emphasis.
Units: (3)

COMM 438T    Specialized Reporting

Description: Prerequisite: Comm 201 or 202. Varied topic course designed to teach advanced reporting and writing skills in specialized areas. Combine an awareness of techniques and resources with an abundance of writing models and field experiences.
Units: (3)

COMM 446    Entertainment and Society

Description: Prerequisites: Comm 233; Comm/Business Admin/Thtr 346 . In-depth exploration of the role of entertainment in modern society. Audience uses, motivations and individual preferences for entertainment. Theories and research regarding the form and function of entertainment and entertainment media.
Units: (3)

COMM 447    Tourism and Travel

Description: Prerequisites: Comm 346, 350, 361, Management 339, Marketing 351 or Theatre 200. Concepts, tools and techniques necessary for understanding the tourism and travel industry and its promotional communications. Trends and issues of tourism and travel and the unique problems and opportunities of this field.
Units: (3)

COMM 448T    Entertainment Industry Studies

Description: Prerequisites: Comm 233; Comm/Business Admin/Thtr 346. Variable topics course focusing on specific entertainment industries, issues, organizations, trends and/or functions. May be repeated twice with a different topic.
Units: (3)

COMM 449    Capstone in Entertainment and Tourism Studies

Description: Prerequisite: Comm 346 or equivalent. Prepares for careers in the entertainment industry by combining theory with applied principles and analytical skills in examining and developing case studies. Students plan and execute their own campaigns and projects. One or more sections offered online. (Same as Theatre 449)
Units: (3)

COMM 450    Advertising and Brand Communication Management

Description: Prerequisites: Comm 352 and 353. Theory and techniques for planning, directing and evaluating advertising and brand communication programs, with emphasis on media-message strategies. Managerial approach with case studies to the solution of brand communications problems.
Units: (3)

COMM 451A    Advertising Campaigns – AAF Competition

Description: Prerequisites: Comm 352, 353 and consent of instructor. Advertising campaigns, including applied research, writing and utilization of print and electronic mass media. Design of complete campaigns from idea to prediction readiness.
Units: (3)

COMM 451B    Advertising Campaigns – Local Focus

Description: Prerequisites: Comm 350, 352, 353. Advertising campaigns, including applied research, writing and utilization of print and electronic mass media. Design complete campaigns from idea to prediction readiness.
Units: (3)

COMM 451C    Advertising Campaigns – TitanCom Agency

Description: Prerequisites: Advertising majors – Comm 350, 352, 353; Public Relations majors – Comm 361, 362. Advertising campaigns, including applied research, writing and utilization of print and electronic mass media. Design complete campaigns from idea to prediction readiness.
Units: (3)

COMM 452    Advanced Media Strategy and Tactics

Description: Prerequisite: Comm 352. Further education in advertising media. Integrate theories from related disciplines, such as communications, marketing and psychology to illustrate better ways to use media as a competitive tool in business.
Units: (3)

COMM 453    Advertising Creative Strategy and Execution II

Description: Prerequisites: Comm 353 and 358. Advanced advertising projects involving application and execution of creative advertising strategies for mass media, including theory and practice of writing copy, and preparing comprehensive layouts and completed scripts. Group discussions, labs and individual conferences.
Units: (3)

COMM 454    Advertising Media Sales

Description: Prerequisites: Comm 350 and 353; or Comm 332 and either 217 or 358; or Marketing 351 and any 300-level graphics, layout or design course. Prepares for careers in advertising media sales, including radio, television, newspaper, magazine, new media and the Internet. Personal sales techniques and media sales strategies are presented for each medium.
Units: (3)

COMM 455    Internet Advertising and Promotional Communications

Description: Prerequisites: Comm 350, 352 and 353. Internet advertising and marketing issues and ideas. Evaluate, develop and execute Internet-based advertising and promotional campaigns.
Units: (3)

COMM 456    Advertising Account Planning

Description: Prerequisites: Comm 353 and 410. Apply principles of research, consumer behavior and creative concept development to advertising and brand communication campaigns. Field study and case application facilitate the process of the planner’s consumer advocacy function.
Units: (3)

COMM 464    Public Relations Management

Description: Prerequisites: Comm 361, 362 and junior standing. Analyze systems and strategies for planning public relations campaigns and solving/preventing problems. Individual, team case studies, in corporate development of proposals; actual use of tools in addition to role playing presentations to management.
Units: (3)

COMM 465    Entertainment Public Relations

Description: Prerequisites: Comm 361, Comm/Business Admin/Thtr 346. Public relations strategies and tactics as used in the entertainment industry, including media relations, talent relations, special events, high visibility techniques, presentation and dealing with adverse situations.
Units: (3)

COMM 467    Public Relations Agency Seminar

Description: Prerequisites: Comm 101, 361 and junior standing. Psychology and functions of client counseling, proposal writing, new business development, agency management, servicing clients, evaluation of methods, reporting results, and legal and ethical concerns.
Units: (3)

COMM 468    Corporate and Nonprofit Public Relations

Description: Prerequisites: Comm 101 and 361. Public relations strategies and tactics used in today’s increasingly sophisticated and maturing corporate and nonprofit marketplaces. This advanced course, which relies heavily on professional guest speakers and in-class simulations/exercises, encompasses a host of specific topics, such as fundraising, corporate and social responsibility, media relations, and technology and ethical issues.
Units: (3)

COMM 469    Crisis Communications

Description: Prerequisites: Comm 233 or Business Admin 201 and junior standing. Practical experience in preparing for and responding to crisis situations across a wide variety of contexts. Theory and practice of organizational issue management, crisis planning and crisis response. Current and future challenges of issue/crisis management.
Units: (3)

COMM 471    News Media Production

Description: Prerequisites: Comm 201, 319, 321 or 380. Class members constitute the editorial staff of the university newspaper and receive training in print, online and magazine-style journalism. Meets four hours per week for critiques in news reporting, writing, editing and makeup, followed by production. (More than 9 hours laboratory)
Units: (3)

COMM 472    Advanced Electronic News Production

Description: Prerequisite: Comm 372. Advanced news writing and production for television, radio and web. Students develop their electronic news production skills by working on “OC News,” daily television, radio and web newscasts. (2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab.) May be repeated once for credit.
Units: (3)

COMM 480    Persuasive Communications

Description: Prerequisites: Comm 233 and junior standing. Persuasive communications applied to mass communication. The communicator, audience, message content and structure, and social context in influencing attitudes, beliefs and opinions.
Units: (3)

COMM 481    Advanced Interactive Media Design

Description: Prerequisite: Comm 380. Interactive media design for various platforms and design topics such as interactive narratives, experience design, usability and accessibility and productive interaction. Students will learn to use current interactive media protocols to develop projects for interactive audiences.
Units: (3)

COMM 495    Mass Media Internship.

Description: Prerequisites: senior standing; communications major; 2.25 GPA overall and in major; and Comm 319, 321 or 380. Visit the website at: https://commrtvfinternship.fullerton.edu/commAndRtvfStudents.htm for further details. Supervised internship according to concentration. Selected from a wide variety of communications media, industries, agencies and nonprofit organizations. Applications must be made through the department coordinator one semester prior to entering the program. See the department section titled “Internship Requirements” in this catalog or the internship website. (Credit/No Credit Only)
Units: (3)

COMM 496    Student-to-Student Tutorial

Description: Prerequisites: consent of instructor and previous superior performance in a similar or equivalent course. Under faculty supervision, provides tutorial assistance in a communications course. May involve small group demonstrations and discussions, individual tutoring and evaluation of student performance as appropriate. May be repeated for a maximum of four units either separately or in combination with Comm 499.
Units: (1-3)

COMM 497T    Event Planning and Management

Description: Prerequisite: one of the following: Comm 346, 350, 361, Business Admin 301 346. Plan, produce and promote public events to meet communication objectives. Hands-on applications to COMM Week, film festivals or other events. May be repeated once for extra elective units only.
Units: (3)

COMM 499    Independent Study

Description: Prerequisite: consent of department chair. Individually supervised mass media projects and research on campus and in the community. May involve newspaper and magazine publishers, radio and television stations, and public relations agencies. May be repeated up to a maximum of four units either separately or in combination with Comm 496.
Units: (1-3)

COMM 500    Theory and Literature of Communications

Description: Prerequisite: conditional classified status. Theories and research on communication processes and effects; source, media, message, audience and content variables; types, sources and uses of communication literature. Graduate seminar.
Units: (3)

COMM 507    Communications Research Design and Analysis

Description: Pre- or corequisite: Comm 500. Develops a working knowledge of data collection and analysis techniques in both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Material and presentation are developed for practical application to all professional fields of communication.
Units: (3)

COMM 508    Humanistic Research in Communications

Description: Prerequisites: Comm 410 and 500. Humanistic methods of study in communications: historical research and critical analysis applied to problems, issues and creative works in communication. Graduate seminar.
Units: (3)

COMM 509    Social Science Research in Communications

Description: Prerequisites: Comm 410 and 500. Social-scientific research design and analysis and the study of communication processes and effects. Graduate seminar.
Units: (3)

COMM 515T    Professional Problems in Specialized Fields

Description: Prerequisite: Comm 500. Selected topics and issues in the field of mass communications. Subjects vary each semester. May be repeated with a different topic.
Units: (3)

COMM 516    Media Audience Behavior

Description: Prerequisite: Comm 500. In-depth analysis of the types, attitudes and behaviors of media audiences. Theories from psychology, marketing, anthropology and communications are integrated for comprehensive understanding of why people consume media and performance. Appropriate for all Communications disciplines.
Units: (3)

COMM 517    Ethical Problems of the Mass Media

Description: Prerequisite: Comm 500. Criticisms of specific functions of the mass media and public relations. Consists of three sections: history of criticism; problem areas of the media; and practitioner response to criticism.
Units: (3)

COMM 518    Public Relations Theory

Description: Prerequisite: Comm 500. Cutting edge communication and organizational theories and vital emerging issues influencing the field of public relations. Special focus on contemporary public relations models and practitioner roles. One or more sections offered online.
Units: (3)

COMM 519    Communications and Governance in America

Description: Prerequisite: Comm 500. Relationships between systems of communications, particularly new communication technologies, and governmental institutions and processes within the American setting. How technological change relates to patterns of decision-making, management and the content and flow of information among public officials.
Units: (3)

COMM 520A    News-Editorial

Description: Prerequisites: Comm 500 and six units of study plan courses in area of specialization. Under supervision of a faculty member, plan, design, conduct and evaluate a team project in their field of specialization.
Units: (3)

COMM 520B    TV/Film

Description: Prerequisites: Comm 500 and six units of study plan courses in area of specialization. Under supervision of a faculty member, plan, design, conduct and evaluate a team project in their field of specialization.
Units: (3)

COMM 520C    Public Relations

Description: Prerequisites: Comm 500, 518 and six units of study plan courses in area of specialization. Under supervision of a faculty member, plan, design, conduct and evaluate a team project in their field of specialization.
Units: (3)

COMM 525    Advanced Communications Management

Description: Prerequisite: Comm 500. Up-to-date assessment of general management and communications management techniques, and helps equip for management positions in advertising, journalism, public relations and broadcasting.
Units: (3)

COMM 527    Politics and Mass Media

Description: Prerequisite: Comm 500. Nature of the relationship between the mass media and politics. Particular attention to the role and impact of the mass media in political election campaigns and policy making.
Units: (3)

COMM 530    Communications Technologies

Description: Prerequisite: Comm 500. Emerging communications technologies that are transforming professional practices associated with various communications industries. Recent technological developments, corporate and government policies affecting their use, and social consequences of current and projected applications. One or more sections offered online.
Units: (3)

COMM 534    American Media History

Description: Prerequisite: Comm 500. History of American mass media, from McCarthy to the present – a period that marked the birth of television and the maturation of investigative journalism in shaping American attitudes about government and society.
Units: (3)

COMM 536    International Communications

Description: Prerequisite: Comm 500. Comparative examination of communications policies and practices in different national settings. Provides future practitioners with an understanding of cross-national variations in communication policies and how they shape communication industries and practices.
Units: (3)

COMM 541    Film Criticism

Description: Prerequisite: Comm 500. Graduate foundation course in screenwriting that examines methods of evaluating and critiquing motion picture screenplays and films for a variety of Hollywood genres.
Units: (3)

COMM 550    Advertising in Modern Society

Description: Prerequisite: Comm 500. Assessing the impact of advertising on society, the culture and economy. Philosophical rather than technical examinations of critical issues and problems, such as economic and social effects of advertising, effects of value and life styles, ethics and regulation.
Units: (3)

COMM 595    Graduate Mass Media Internship

Description: Prerequisites: Comm 500, and Comm 508 or 509, and consent of graduate adviser. Supervised practical work experience with media outlets, advertising and promotion agencies, public relations firms, film companies, etc. Involves cooperative efforts of departmental faculty and employers. Exposure to current and innovative techniques in research, management and creative activities while offering practical experience.
Units: (3)

COMM 597    Project

Description: Prerequisite: consent of graduate coordinator. Completion of creative project in a sequence beyond regularly offered coursework.
Units: (3)

COMM 598    Thesis

Description: Prerequisite: consent of graduate coordinator. Completion of a thesis in a sequence beyond regularly offered coursework.
Units: (3 or 6)

COMM 599    Independent Graduate Research

Description: Prerequisite: consent of graduate coordinator. Individually supervised mass media projects or research for graduate students. May be repeated.
Units: (1-3)



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*Course may count either as a core elective or as a concentration elective, but not as both.