Kerri Yost, M.A., Chair
Mass Media
Faculty:
Chad Freidrichs, B.A.
Emily Mead
Polina Malikin, M.F.A.
Chase Thompson
Jonna Wiseman
Kerri Yost, M.A.
The Department of Mass Media offers a Bachelor of Science major and
minors in Mass Media, Digital Film Making and an interdisciplinary major
in Fashion Communication. In recognition of the steady convergence of
media technology such as print, television, personal computer and the
Internet, the program prepares students for rapidly growing employment
opportunities in mass media 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 media with courses that provide breadth to their total education.
Many students decide to complete minors in disciplines such as graphic
design, business, or psychology. Students are also encouraged to participate
in one of our study abroad programs.
Requirements for the B.S. Major in Mass Media
The bachelor of science major in mass media requires completion of liberal arts requirements, core and emphasis area hours in the major and an industry internship specified below.
Required Courses
GDE 110: Principles of Design (3 hrs.)
INT 210: Internship Development (1 hr.)MME 101: Media and Culture (3 hrs.)
MME 103: Writing for the Mass Media (3 hrs.)
MME 104: Studio Production (3 hrs.)
MME 205: Public Relations: Principles and Practices (3 hrs.)MME 290: Creating Online Media (3 hrs.)
MME 362: Media Law (3 hrs.)
MME 464: Women and Media (3 hrs.)
MME 483: Advanced Internship: Case Study and Report (2 hrs.)
MME 493: Senior Project (3 hrs.)
One of the following three areas of emphasis:
Broadcast Emphasis:
MME 201: Presentation/Performance (3 hrs.)
MME 211: Documentary Video and News Production (3 hrs.)
MME 310: Advanced Radio Production (3 hrs.)
MME 311: Advanced Documentary Video and News Production (3 hrs.)
MME 360: Television Programming (3 hrs.)
Journalism Emphasis:
MME 207: Print Writing and Reporting (3 hrs.)
MME 208: Digital Photography (3 hrs.)
MME 231: Print Production (3 hrs.)
MME 307: Advanced Print Writing and Reporting (3 hrs.)MME 331: Advanced Print Production (3 hrs.)
BUS 331: Integrated Marketing Communications (3 hrs.)
Public Relations Emphasis:
MME 207: Print Writing and Reporting (3 hrs.)
MME 231: Print Production (3 hrs.)
MME 240: Nuts & Bolts of Meeting and Convention Planning (3 hrs.)MME 307: Advanced Print Writing and Reporting (3 hrs.)
MME/BUS 335: Case Studies in Marketing and Public Relations (3 hrs.)
MME 403: Public Relations Writing: Form & Style (3 hrs.)
Mass
Media Electives:
The
following courses may be added to the major.
MME 208: Digital Photography (3 hrs.)
MME 212: Mass Media Practicum (1 hr.)MME 280: Topics in Mass Media (3 hrs.)
MME 310: Advanced Radio Production (3 hrs.)
MME 321: Broadcast Writing: Drama and Documentary (3 hrs.)
MME 380: Topics in Mass Media (3 hrs.)MME 412: Advanced Mass Media Practicum (1 hr.)
MME 431: Advertising Copywriting (3 hrs.)
Requirements for a Minor in Mass Media
The minor in Mass Media with emphases in broadcast media, print media
or public relations requires completion of a minimum of 18 MME hours,
including at least 6 hours at or above the 300 level. An overall GPA
of at least 2.0 in all mass media courses listed in the minor is required.
Refer to the course descriptions for prerequisites and grade requirements.
Broadcast Emphasis:
MME 101: Media and Culture (3 hrs.)
MME 103: Writing for the Mass Media (3 hrs.)
MME 104: Studio Production (3 hrs.)
MME 362: Media Law (3 hrs.)
and
One of the following courses:MME 211: Documentary Video and News Production (3 hrs.)
or
MME 201: Presentation/Performance (3 hrs.)
and
One of the following courses:
MME 310: Advanced Radio Production (3 hrs.)
or
MME 360: Television Programming (3 hrs.)
or
MME 380: Topics in Mass Media (3 hrs.)
Journalism Emphasis:
MME 101: Media and Culture (3 hrs.)
MME 103: Writing for the Mass Media (3 hrs.)
MME 207: Print Writing and Reporting (3 hrs.)
MME 231: Print Production (3 hrs.)
MME 307: Advanced Print Writing and Reporting (3 hrs.)Plus three (3) additional hours in Print Media area at or above 300 level.
Public Relations Emphasis:
MME 101: Media and Culture (3 hrs.)
MME 103: Writing for the Mass Media (3 hrs.)
MME 205: Public Relations: Principles and Practices (3 hrs.)
MME 207: Print Writing and Reporting (3 hrs.)
MME/BUS 335: Case Studies in Marketing and Public Relations (3 hrs.)
MME 403: Public Relations Writing: Form & Style (3 hrs.)
The requirements for Marketing, Public Relations and Advertising and for a Minor in Special Events Planning and Management see the Business and Marketing Department. Business and Marketing
Mass Media and the Liberal Studies Major
In the residential program, the three mass media minors—broadcast media, print media, and public relations—are available as options to include in the Liberal Studies major. A concentration in commercial media writing is also available. Only one concentration or minor from the Mass Media Department can be included in the Liberal Studies major. See the Liberal Studies section of the catalog for complete information about the major.
MME 101: Media and Culture(3 hrs.)
(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.
MME 103: Writing for the Mass Media
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: grade of C- or better in MME 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.
MME 104: Studio Production
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: MME 101 or MME 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.
MME 201: Presentation/Performance
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: MME 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.
MME 205: Public Relations: Principles and Practices
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisites: MME 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.
MME 207: Print Writing and Reporting
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisites: ENG 102, ENG 206 or LBA 108 and grade of C- or better in MME 103; lab fee charged)
An introduction to news and feature 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.
MME 208: Digital Photography
(3 hrs.)
(Open to all students; lab fee charged)
This class introduces students to artistic and practical aspects of photography. The class nature is flexible and is designed to accommodate students with various majors, interests and prior photographic experiences. Weekly assignments will introduce students to the typical challenges photographers face from day to day. You will shoot photo assignments for Stephens Life and work on building your personal portfolios. The class mostly involves electronic equipment that doesn’t require studio processing.
MME 211: Documentary/News
Production
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: grade of C- or better in MME 104; lab fee charged)
Introduces the student to the planning, execution and editing of video/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.
MME 212: Mass Media Practicum
(1 hr.)
(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 SCMMEm Production,
PR Prose or Stephens Life. Work to be evaluated by appropriate faculty
adviser. Offered every semester.
MME 231: Print Production
(5 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: grade of C- or better in MME 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.
MME 240: The Nuts & Bolts of Event Planning
(3 hrs.)
(Open to all students.)
An introduction to the special events, meeting and convention industry.
Students will be exposed to functions such as planning, budgeting, negotiating,
registering and the scheduling of an event.
MME 280:
Topics in Mass Media
(3 hrs.)
Topics courses are devoted to special subjects that may not be covered
in depth in other courses.
MME 283: Internship: Case Study & Report
(1 hr., 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. The course brings
together students who have completed summer industry internships in
order to formally evaluate their internship experience and discuss relevant
workplace issues. Students share information about their internships,
including their interaction with supervisors, co-workers and clients;
their position and responsibilities; and the relationship between their
expectations and the realities of their internship. Students use
the information they compiled during their internship to create a multimedia
presentation of their internship case study. Offered fall semester
only.
MME 290:
Creating Online Media
(3 hrs.)
(Open to all students)
Students will learn HTML "nuts and bolts" of building web
documents. As well as how to use specialized software for completing
web projects. The goal of this course is to build students understanding
of the Internet and multimedia as a learning tool and a consumable product.
During the labs students will conceptualize and implement online projects
and work on the individual assignments.
MME 307:
Advanced Print Writing and Reporting
(5 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: grade of C- or better in MME 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.
MME 310: Advanced Radio Production
(3 hrs.)
(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.
MME 311: Advanced Documentary/News Production
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: grade of C- or better in MME/DFM 211 or permission of
instructor, cross-listed as DFM 311; 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.
MME 321: Broadcast Writing: Drama and Documentary
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisites: DFM 200 and DFM 210.)
Advanced course in developing and writing documentaries, teleplays,
adaptations and/or other programs. Principles and practice in research
and program presentation.
MME 330:
Advanced Events Planning and Management
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisites: BUS 171, MME 205)
The purpose of this course is to acquire an in-depth knowledge about
the specialized field of event management and to become familiar with
management techniques and strategies required for successful planning,
promotion, implementation and evaluation for special events within any
context.
MME 331:
Advanced Print Production
(5 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: grade of C- or better in MME 231 or permission of instructor;
lab fee charged)
Continuation of MME 231. Includes gathering information, reporting and
writing articles for publication in Stephens Life, selling
and designing advertisements and page production of the newspaper. Offered
every semester.
MME 335: Case Studies in Marketing and Public Relations
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisites: grade of C- or better in MME 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.
MME 360: Television Programming
(3 hrs.)
(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.
MME 362: Media Law
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: junior standing or permission of instructor)
A study of the legal issues concerning media and individuals, organizations
and the mass media. 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.
MME 375: Politics and the Press
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisites: ENG 102, 206 and LBA 108, and junior standing; or permission
of instructor)
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.
MME 380: Topics in Mass Media
(3 hrs.)
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.
MME 401:
Marketing and Promoting Your Event
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisites:
MME 240 and MME 330.)
The primary focus of this course will be to plan and manage an event
during the semester. Additionally, students will learn how to
market and promote the event.
MME 403: Public Relations Writing: Form and Style
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisites: grade of C- or better in MME 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.
MME 412: Advanced Mass Media Practicum
(1 hr.)
(May be taken two times for credit)
(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 SCMMEm 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.
MME 431: Advertising Copywriting
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: BUS 331 or permission of instructor)
This writing-intensive course covers the craft of writing copy and creating
advertising for print, broadcast, outdoor, Internet and other media.
Students learn how to capture their creative potential, how to use creative
ideas strategically in order to solve advertising problems, how to execute
those ideas in ads that have stopping power, and how to present their
work in a professional manner. Students explore the different
style of the great ad copywriters and learn to critically analyze the
ads they see every day. The course culminates in the creation
of a multimedia campaign. Offered spring semester only.
MME 464: Women and Media
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisites: MME 101 or WST 210 and senior standing; cross-listed
as WST 464)
This course examines the complex relationship between women and the
mass media. Topics include the contributions of women to the growth;
popularity and power of the various mass media; the individual and social
issues that arise from the portrayal of women in mass media, both past
and present; and the roles and responsibilities of women as producers,
consumers and targets of mass media.
MME 483: Advanced Internship: Case Study and Report
(3 hrs.)
(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 evaluate their internship experience
and discuss relevant workplace issues. Students share information
about their internships, including their interaction with supervisors,
co-workers and clients; their position and responsibilities; and the
relationship between their expectations and the realities of their internship.
Students use the information they compiled during their internship to
create a multimedia presentation of their internship case study. Offered
fall semester only.
MME 493: Senior Project
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisites: senior standing and permission of department faculty;
lab fee charged)
This is the senior capstone experience of the major. 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. 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 Media Internship Program
The Mass Media 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 Media minors to participate. The program
provides mass media 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, MME 283: Internship Case Study and Report or MME 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.
