Chair, Department of Mass Communication: John
S. Blakemore, M.A.
Mass Communication Faculty:
Mark Smith, M.A.
Olga Missiri, M.A.
The Department of Mass Communication offers a bachelor of science major in Mass
Communication with emphasis areas and minors in broadcast media, journalism and
public relations. The department faculty believes that a strong base in the liberal
arts is imperative for the most effective use of the special skills and concepts
learned in mass communication. In expectation of the steady convergence of communication
technology such as the phone, television, personal computer and the internet,
the program prepares students for rapidly growing employment opportunities in
mass communication through a strong focus on experiential learning as well as
an introduction to the theoretical and critical principles of the discipline.
All majors are required to complete
an industry internship.
The faculty encourages and advises majors to complement in-depth study of mass
communication with courses that provide breadth to their total education. Many
students decide to complete minors in disciplines such as digital graphic design,
business, political science or psychology. Students are also encouraged to participate
in one of our study abroad programs.
There are two additional communication degree options offered in conjunction
with other departments:
The Mass Communication and Natural Sciences departments offer an
interdisciplinary
B. S. in Environmental Communication.
The Mass Communication and Business Administration departments
offer an interdisciplinary
B.S. in Marketing: Public Relations and Advertising.
Requirements for the B.S. Major in Mass
Communication
The bachelor of science major in mass communication
requires completion
of liberal arts requirements, 13.5–14.5 courses in the major and 1.0
liberal arts course as specified below. Students may select additional MCO
courses, for
a total of 20.0 courses within a 40.5 course degree program. The required internship
experience includes the successful completion of the pre-internship course
INT 210: Internship Development, the performance of an industry internship,
and the
post-internship debriefing course MCO 483: Advanced Internship Case Study and
Report. An overall GPA of at least a 2.0 in all mass communication courses
listed in the major is required. Refer to the course descriptions for prerequisites
and specific
grade requirements.
NOTE: In the following course listings, (1c) = 1.0 course or 3
semester hours.
NOTE: Descriptions for CIS, PSC, and INT courses will be found
under those programs' headings.
Required Courses
MCO 101: Media and Culture (1c)
MCO 103: Writing for the Mass Media (1c)
MCO 104: Introduction to Broadcast Production (1c)
CIS 160: Introduction to Computers (1c)
MCO 205: Public Relations: Principles and Practices (1c)
INT 210: Internship Development (.5c)
MCO 362: Communication Law (1c)
MCO 464: Women and Communication (1c)
MCO 483: Advanced Internship: Case Study and Report (.5c)
MCO 493: Senior Project or Thesis (1c)
One of the following three areas of emphasis:
Broadcast Media Emphasis:
MCO 201: Presentation/Performance (1c)
MCO 211: Television Production (1c)
MCO 221: Broadcast News Writing and Reporting (1c)
MCO 310: Advanced Radio Production (1c)
MCO 311: Advanced Television Production (1c)
MCO 360: Television Programming (1c)
Journalism Emphasis:
PSC 201S: American Government (1c)
MCO 207: News Gathering and Reporting (1c)
MCO 221: Broadcast News Writing and Reporting (1c)
MCO/PSC 375D: Politics and the Press (1c)
One of the following pairs of courses:
MCO 211: Television Production (1c)
MCO 311: Advanced Television Production (1c)
or
MCO 231: Newspaper Production (1)
MCO 307: Advanced News Gathering and Reporting (1c)
Public Relations Emphasis:
MCO 106: Basic Speech (1c)
MCO 207: News Gathering and Reporting (1c)
MCO 231: Newspaper Production (1c)
MCO 307: Advanced News Gathering and Reporting (1c)
MCO/BUS 335: Case Studies in Marketing and Public Relations (1c)
MCO 403: Public Relations Writing (1c)
Required Liberal Arts Course
MCO 333E: Media Ethics (1c)Mass Communication Electives:
The following courses may be added to the major up to a total of 20.0 credits in a 40.5 courses degree program.
MCO 106: Basic Speech (1c)
MCO 212: Mass Communication Practicum (.5c)
MCO 310: Advanced Radio Production (1c)
MCO 321: Broadcast Writing: Drama and Documentary (1c)
MCO 371: Media Literacy (1c)
MCO/PSC 375D: Politics and the Press (1c)
MCO 380: Topics in Mass Communication (1c)
MCO 393: Communication Theory and Research (1c)
MCO 412: Advanced Mass Communication Practicum (.5c/1c)
MCO 431: Advertising Copywriting (1c)
Requirements for a Minor in Mass Communication
The minor in mass communication with emphases in broadcast
media, journalism or public relations requires completion of a minimum of 6.0
MCO courses, including at least 2.0 courses at or above the 300 level. An overall
GPA of at least 2.0 in all mass communication courses listed in the minor is
required. Students may select additional MCO courses for a total of 8.0 courses
within a 40.5 course degree program. Refer to the course descriptions for prerequisites
and grade requirements.
Broadcast Media Emphasis:
MCO 101: Media and Culture (1c)
MCO 103: Writing for the Mass Media (1c)
MCO 104: Introduction to Broadcast Production (1c)
MCO 362: Communication Law (1c)
One of the following courses:
MCO 211: Television Production (1c)
or
MCO 201: Presentation/Performance (1c)
One of the following courses:
MCO 310: Advanced Radio Production (1c)
or
MCO 360: Television Programming (1c)
or
MCO 380: Topics in Mass Communication (1c)
Journalism Emphasis:
MCO 101: Media and Culture (1c)
MCO 103: Writing for the Mass Media (1c)
MCO 207: News Gathering and Reporting (1c)
MCO 231: Newspaper Production (1c)
MCO 307: Advanced News Gathering and Reporting (1c)
MCO 375D: Politics and the Press (1c)
Public Relations Emphasis:
MCO 101: Media and Culture (1c)
MCO 103: Writing for the Mass Media (1c)
MCO 205: Public Relations: Principles and Practices (1c)
MCO 207: News Gathering and Reporting (1c)
MCO/BUS 335: Case Studies in Marketing and Public Relations (1c)
MCO 403: Public Relations Writing (1c)
Mass Communication and the Liberal Studies
Major
In the residential program, the three mass communication
minors—broadcast, journalism, and public relations—are available
as options to include in the Liberal Studies major. A concentration in commercial
media writing is also available. See the Liberal Studies section
of the catalog for complete information about the major.
Mass Communication Courses
MCO 101: Media and Culture
(1.0 course)
(Open to all students)
A study of the interplay of influences between mass media and culture, including
an understanding of the workings of media organizations, the changes brought
about by new technology and the media's legal and ethical responsibilities.
Offered fall semester only.
MCO 103: Writing for the Mass Media
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisite: grade of C- or better in MCO 101 or permission of instructor;
lab fee charged)
An introduction to the different styles of writing demanded by the various
media, the array of techniques and methods used to find information and present
it accurately and appropriately for the medium, and the different forms information
may take in the mass media. Areas of study include public relations writing
and advertising copywriting, with particular emphasis on print news writing
Associated Press style and broadcast writing. Offered spring semester only.
MCO 104: Introduction to Broadcast Production
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisite: MCO 101 or MCO 103 or permission of instructor and CIS 160 or
equivalent skills; lab fee charged)
An introduction to basic equipment and techniques of television and radio production
through lectures, demonstrations and crew participation. Elements and skills
covered include operation of audio consoles, microphones, audio tape editing,
television cameras, switchers, lighting and studio procedures. Students are
responsible for some materials required. Offered spring semester only.
MCO 106: Basic Speech
(1.0 course)
(Open to all students)
Skill development in writing and delivering the various kinds of speeches needed
in social and business situations. Development of self-confidence through performance
experience with audio tape, videotape and live audiences. Offered every semester.
MCO 201: Presentation/Performance
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisite: MCO 104 or permission of instructor; lab fee charged)
Practice in performance skills with particular emphasis on many styles of radio
and television announcing, including use of microphones and teleprompters.
Opportunity for extensive work on individual vocal and physical performance
through the use of specially tailored assignments and audio-video tape production
and evaluation. Offered fall semester only.
MCO 205: Public Relations: Principles and Practices
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisites: MCO 103 and sophomore standing)
A survey course of public relations principles and theories practiced today
in business, nonprofit organizations, associations, government and education.
The historical, legal, organizational and social context of public relations.
Offered fall semester only.
MCO 207: News Gathering and Reporting
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisites: ENG 102 and grade of C- or better in MCO 103; lab fee charged)
An introduction to news writing and reporting for the print media. Students
learn news gathering, interviewing, organizing, writing and editing skills
for basic types of articles and also write for and assist in producing the
campus newspaper, Stephens Life. Students also review Associated Press style.
Offered fall semester only.
MCO 211: Television Production
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisite: grade of C- or better in MCO 104; lab fee charged)
Introduces the student to the planning, execution and editing of television
programming involving field and studio production. Includes practical experience
in operating a variety of audio and video field equipment, as well as additional
experience in operating studio and post-production editing equipment. Students
are also involved in production of a weekly video magazine. Offered every other
year - fall semester only.
MCO 212: Mass Communication Practicum
(.5 course)
(May be taken two times for credit) (Prerequisite: permission of department
faculty; can be taken for either S/U or A–F credit; lab fee charged)
Open to all majors and minors working at KWWC-FM, in SCMCom Production, PR
Prose or Stephens Life. Work to be evaluated by appropriate faculty adviser.
Offered every semester.
MCO 221: Broadcast News Writing and Reporting
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisites: MCO 103 and sophomore standing; lab fee charged)
A course in news writing for broadcast media. Through lectures and practical
projects, students engage in gathering, organizing, writing, editing and reporting
the news for broadcast. Special emphasis is placed on production usage of audio
studio and field equipment and digital editing. Students produce daily newscasts
for KWWC-FM. Offered fall semester only.
MCO 231: Newspaper Production
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisite: grade of C- or better in MCO 207 or permission of instructor;
lab fee charged)
Gathering information, reporting and writing articles for publication in Stephens
Life, selling and designing advertisements and page production of the newspaper.
Offered every semester.
MCO 280: Topics in Mass Communication
(1.0 course)
Topics courses are devoted to special subjects that may not be covered in depth
in other courses.
MCO 283: Internship: Case Study & Report
(.5 course, may be repeated once for credit)
(Prerequisites: INT 210, permission of instructor and completion of industry
internship approved by instructor)
NOTE: All appropriate agreement and approval forms must be on
file with the faculty supervisor prior to beginning the internship.
This course will serve as a preliminary experience for those students who wish
to gain some familiarization with an industry internship prior to undertaking
their required internship for the major. During the internship, students will
have compiled information concerning their internship sponsoring organization
and their organizational supervisor will complete an intern evaluation. After
the internship, students will share and discuss their internship experience
in a series of meetings with a mass communication faculty member during the
first seven weeks of the fall semester, culminating in a formal presentation
of their case study. Offered fall semester only.
MCO 307: Advanced News Gathering and Reporting
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisite: grade of C- or better in MCO 207 or permission of instructor;
lab fee charged)
An advanced course in writing in-depth news stories, features, editorials and
columns with emphasis on strengthening interviewing, reporting and writing
skills. Students learn about public documents for all areas of government.
Students also write for and help produce Stephens Life. Offered spring semester
only.
MCO 310: Advanced Radio Production
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisite: permission of instructor; lab fee charged)
The planning, writing and execution of radio programming, including news and
public affairs, continuity, public service and specialty music programs. Class
activities include practical experience through participation in the operation
of KWWC-FM. Offered every other year - spring semester only.
MCO 311: Advanced Television Production
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisite: grade of C- or better in MCO 211 or permission of instructor;
lab fee charged)
Continuing practical experience in field and studio production. Focuses on
the planning, pre-production, production and post-production of television
programs with emphasis on the separate roles of the producer and director.
Students are involved in producing programming to air on cable access. Offered
spring semester only.
MCO 321: Broadcast Writing: Drama and Documentary
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisites: MCO 103 and ENG 102)
Advanced course in developing and writing documentaries, teleplays, adaptations
and/or other programs. Principles and practice in research and program presentation.
MCO 333E: Media Ethics
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisites: ENG 102 and junior standing)
This course introduces a variety of ethical theories that are applied by students
to specific cases and issues addressed daily by professionals in the news media
and in advertising, public relations and entertainment fields. Offered spring
semester only. Writing intensive.
MCO 335: Case Studies in Marketing and Public Relations
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisites: grade of C- or better in MCO 205 or BUS 250 and junior standing
or permission of instructor; cross-listed as BUS 335)
A combination case study and hands-on course designed to increase research,
writing and assessment skills in marketing and public relations. Cases will
focus on research, planning, strategies, tactics and evaluation. Course culminates
in researching and writing a marketing and public relations case history. Offered
every other year.
MCO 360: Television Programming
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisite: junior standing or permission of instructor)
A study of the creation of television programming from the viewpoints of networks,
affiliates, syndicators, cable systems and public broadcasting. Includes programming
strategies and ratings along with their impact on commercial, public and cable
television, as well as new media. Offered every other year - fall semester
only.
MCO 362: Communication Law
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisite: junior standing or permission of instructor)
A study of the legal issues concerning communication and individuals, organizations
and the media of mass communication. Reviews the development of such areas
as First Amendment freedoms: free speech, free press, fair trial; privacy and
access; libel, defamation, obscenity and indecency; advertising, copyright
and trademark; and new media regulation. Offered fall semester only.
MCO 371: Media Literacy
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisite: junior standing or permission of instructor)
Examines media literacy through theoretical, critical and socio-psychological
modes of analyzing and assessing media in terms of audience participation,
their power as consumers and agents of American mass media, and in terms of
media effects and influence on the audience. Representative examples from still
images, recordings, film and video will be examined. Offered only every other
year.
MCO 375D: Politics and the Press
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisites: ENG 102, completion of at least 1.0 "S" category liberal arts
course and junior standing; cross-listed as PSC 375D)
Course focuses on relationship of electoral politics and mass media. Topics
include historical look at media in campaigns, negative and positive influence
of media on campaigns, impact of political ads and debates, political communication
theories, campaign reform and election/media laws, and improvements in political
coverage. Course also relevant to those interested in political science or
public policy. Offered every other year.
MCO 380: Topics in Mass Communication
(1.0 course)
Topics may include such areas as Children & Television, Women & Film,
The Art of Film. Topics offered in rotation and in response to interest. Course
may be repeated with different topic.
MCO 393: Communication Theory and Research
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisite: junior standing)
A study of the theories and research methods of the communication discipline.
Content ranges from those theories particular to individuals to those particular
to the media, both in terms of scholarship and application. Reviews development
of both qualitative and quantitative research methods, including methods used
in the industry of mass communication. Offered every other year.
MCO 403: Public Relations Writing: Form and Style
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisites: grade of C- or better in MCO 205 and senior standing or permission
of instructor)
An advanced-writing course concentrating on the forms and styles used by public
relations practitioners when communicating with general and specialized audiences.
Includes news releases for print and broadcast, advertising copy, speeches,
film and slide presentation scripts, annual reports, newsletters, brochures,
backgrounds and position papers. Offered every other year - fall semester only.
MCO 412: Advanced Mass Communication Practicum
(.5–1.0 course; may be taken twice at .5)
(Prerequisites: junior standing and permission of department faculty; can be
taken either for S/U or A–F credit; lab fee charged)
Open to all majors and minors working in an executive/management position at
KWWC-FM, in SCMCom Production, PRProse, Stephens Life or other organization
or working on an independent project approved by the faculty. Work to be evaluated
by appropriate faculty adviser. Offered every semester.
MCO 431: Advertising Copywriting
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisite: BUS 331 or permission of instructor)
This writing-intensive course covers the craft of writing copy and designing
ads and commercials for print, broadcast and direct mail. Students work through
the creative process, learn how to capture their creative potential, develop
strategies and executions. The course culminates in the creation of a multimedia
campaign that is presented to a group of professionals. Offered spring semester
only.
MCO 464: Women and Communication
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisites: MCO 101 or WST 210S and senior standing; cross-listed as WST
464)
This is a capstone course for majors in mass communication and communication
studies and is also appropriate for seniors in the women's studies minor. It
incorporates theoretical, critical and socio-psychological modes of analyzing
and assessing the roles of women in communication and media both in terms of
their participation, their power as consumers and agents of American mass media
and in terms of effects of the portrayals and perceptions of women in the media.
Offered every year.
MCO 483: Advanced Internship: Case Study and Report
(.5 course)
(Prerequisites: INT 210, senior standing and completion of industry internship
required by Department)
NOTE: All appropriate agreement and approval forms must be on
file with the faculty supervisor prior to beginning the internship.
This course brings together students who have completed summer industry advanced
internships in order to debrief. During the industry internship, students will
have compiled information concerning their intern sponsoring organization,
and their organizational supervisor will complete an intern evaluation. Students
share information on internship experiences, facilities, positions and responsibilities,
and evaluate their internships, culminating in a formal presentation of their
case study. Offered fall semester only.
MCO 493: Senior Project or Thesis
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisites: senior standing and permission of department faculty; lab fee
charged)
This is the senior capstone experience of the major. For B.S. students, this
course requires the application of various media writing and production tasks
to a specific project. All the skills from their course of study are applied
to the creation and execution of a "real-life" broadcast production, news or
public relations project. Broadcast projects are evaluated by jury and premiered
before a public audience. For B.A. students, this course requires writing a
substantive essay of thesis length demonstrating competence in the major while
advancing original scholarship in some area of the discipline utilizing a critical,
historical, or empirical mode of research. An oral defense of the thesis is
required with faculty and invited audience. A grade of C- or better is required
for graduation.
Independent Study
Independent studies (special studies, tutorials, readings,
projects) may be proposed by students who wish to investigate a subject not
otherwise available. Information about independent study may be obtained in
department offices or in the Office of the Registrar.
Stephens College Mass Communication
Internship Program
The Mass Communication department at Stephens College
requires all of its Bachelor of Science students participate in the Internship
Program and allows all Bachelor of Arts and Mass Communication minors to participate.
The program provides mass communication students the opportunity to experience
ways the theories, concepts and principles they learned in the classroom are
translated into practice in the industry. The department assists students in
identifying and acquiring intern positions with sponsoring organizations approved
by the program. These sponsors are expected to treat the student as a regular
member of their organization and to provide the intern with a significant project
for which they are responsible. Students can derive a number of personal, academic
and career benefits from their internship experience.
- Confidence Building
Project responsibility and other on-the-job experiences and duties help students develop more confidence, self-esteem and maturity.
- Interpersonal Skills
The importance of and specific techniques for workplace interpersonal skills are generally not addressed directly in the classroom, however, such skills can be crucial in determining career success or failure. Professional association with people in the industry helps students become aware of and to develop effective interpersonal skills for the professional environment.
- Personal Improvement
Feedback from sponsoring supervisors, faculty sponsors, and periodic evaluations, based actual work experiences, assist students in identifying personal performance strengths and weak points. Students can then work to further develop their strengths and to address their weaknesses.
- Academic Growth
Students can use the internship as an opportunity to apply the principles and theories presented in the classroom. This experiential learning enhances their retention of the information and, therefore, their learning, which improves their understanding and increases their academic motivation.
- Academic Credit
Students obtain course credit for an internship by successfully completing the three components of the internship experience. The student prepares for the internship by completing INT 210: Internship Development. Once the student has been offered an internship and the sponsoring organization and internship has been approved by the program, the student performs the industry internship. After the internship, the student must successfully complete the appropriate debriefing course, MCO 283: Internship Case Study and Report or MCO 483: Advanced Internship Case Study and Report.
- Career Clarification
By learning firsthand the actual responsibilities of a particular industry job, students can explore, confirm, modify or change their career choices based on practical experience. Students often have idealistic expectations when choosing a career. Actual work experience of the internship provides them the opportunity to test the reality of their career choices, their interests and their abilities in light of real world expectations.
- Career Skill Building
By having a project for which they are responsible, students apply knowledge and skills from their classroom experience, acquire new industry skills and experiences, and identify industry skill needs for the future. Internship organization sponsors understand that the internship is a learning experience and are responsible for assigning projects at appropriate levels and with sufficient supervision.
- Competitive Edge
Student interns gain an employment advantage by acquiring the experience and job skills that employers want and expect while they are still in college.
- Career Contacts
The people interns meet while on an internship can be an excellent resource for networking to identify and secure jobs after graduation either with the sponsoring organization or other industry organizations. Organization contacts have the opportunity to observe students in the professional setting and to reference their capabilities to potential employers.
