The professional communications major is designed to meet the needs of students who hope to pursue careers in which writing, speaking and a knowledge of the emerging communications technologies are essential. It is appropriate for students who want to work in journalism, public relations, advertising, multimedia, marketing, law, teaching, advocacy, technical communication and other careers. The major concentrates on three tracks: print (public relations and journalism), audio/video (broadcast, corporate video) and new media (web authoring and multimedia).
Upon completion of the Professional Communications major, students will demonstrate the ability to:
1. Identify and apply effective communications
strategies across a range of topics;
2. Make an effective oral presentation;
3. Demonstrate reasoned and defensible techniques for
reaching personal decisions regarding practical
media ethical issues.
Requirements for Professional Communications
Major Bachelor of Arts Degree
In addition to completing the core curriculum requirements, all professional communications majors must complete the following courses:
| Communications component |
| PWR 135 |
Communicating in the 21st Century (3crs) |
| PWR 226 |
Introduction to Visual Design & Desktop Publishing (3crs) |
| PWR 240 |
Writing for Media (3crs) |
| One of the following pairs of courses: |
| PWR 251/252 |
Reporting/Copyediting & Layout or |
| PWR 253/254 |
Web Auth/Interface Design or |
| PWR 255/256 |
Intro. to Video Production/Intermediate Video Production (6crs) |
| PWR 342 |
Media Ethics and Intellectual Property (3crs) |
| PWR 473 |
Fall Professional Communications Internship (1cr) |
| PWR 474 |
Spring Professional Communications Internship (1cr) |
| PWR 477 |
Fall Professional Communications Senior Seminar: writer's project & portfolio. (2crs) |
| PWR 478 |
Spring Professional Communications Senior Seminar: writer's project & portfolio. (2crs) Total: 24crs |
|
| English/Literature component |
| ENG 220 |
Advanced Writing Techniques (3crs) |
| ENG 224 |
Professional Speaking (3crs) |
| ENG 3xx |
or One Lit course beyond 4xx the core (LIT elective) (3crs)
Subtotal: (9crs) |
| PWR Electives |
Choose a mimimum of 4 courses but not more than 6
Subtotal (12crs)
Total: 45crs |
|
|
| PWR 135 |
Communicating in the 21st Century (3crs) |
| PWR 220 |
Advanced Writing Techniques (3crs) |
| PWR 226 |
Introduction to Visual Design and Desktop Publishing (3crs) |
| PWR 240 |
Writing for Media (3crs) |
| PWR 251/252 |
Reporting/Copyediting & Layout or |
| PWR 253/254 |
Web Auth/Interface Design or |
| PWR 255/256 |
Intro. to Video Production/Intermediate Video Production (6crs) |
| PWR 342 |
Media Ethics and Intellectual Property (3crs) |
| PWR 473/474 |
Internship (optional) (1cr) and at least one elective for a minimum of 24 credits |
Special Note for Professional Communications students: Because vocational hopes and vocational aptitudes do not always coincide, students are formally admitted to full standing as majors or minors only after specific skill-based conditions have been met. Students should consult the department contact person for departmental policies regarding formal admittance to professional communications programs.
Course Descriptions
PWR Core
PWR 135 Communicating in the 21st Century (3 crs)
Survey of essential concepts and skills for effective communication in media, business and personal life with emphasis on writing with the new computer technologies. Focus on using new communications technologies in ways that foster fuller development of the human person. This course assumes knowledge of computers and word processing. Students will produce a resume, simple Web site and a simple multimedia presentation for their portfolios. Required for English and Professional Communications majors and recommended for all who want to improve their computer literacy, word processing, interpersonal communication and Internet skills. No prerequisite.
PWR 226 Introduction to Visual Design and Desktop Publishing
(3 crs)
Fundamentals and techniques of visual design, typography and page layout using software such as QuarkXPress. Srudents will complete several portfolio projects useful for job applications in communcations, graphics, marketing, management and training. Famailiarity with computer, e-mail, wordprocessing and the Internet is required.
PWR 240 Writing for Media (3 crs)
Survey of fundamentals necessary for writing in various media including print and broadcast journalism, public relations, advertising and multimedia authoring. This course is designed to help students interested in communication and wanting to explore the wide range of oppurtunities available to professional writers. Writing intensive. Prerequisite: 2.0 or higher in ENG 105/110 or permission of instructor.
PWR 251 Fundamentals of Reporting (3 crs)
Examination of and practice in the skills of gathering information and writing news and feature stories with precision, balance and insight. Emphasis on planning and writing strategies, conducting effective interviews and developing the power of observation and research necessary for accurate and vivid description and reporting. Students will produce several stories for their portfolios. Writing intensive. Prerequisite: 2.0 or higher in ENG 105/110.
PWR 252 Codyediting and Layout (3 crs)
Fundamentals and techniques of computer-assisted editing and designing newspaper and magazine pages for clarity, accuracy and impact. Emphasis on a reader-centered approach to editing and page design that ensures that readers see and care. Students will produce several page design projects for their portfolios. Prerequisite: PWR 226 or permission of instructor.
PWR/CSC 253 Web and Multimedia Authoring (3 crs)
Introduction to the process of designing, writing and coding multimedia focusing on web page authoring and design. The course will begin with simple concept mapping and coding (HTML and Javascript). Emphasis on an audience-centered approach to planning, non-linear writing and web design that reflects the effective integration of writing and graphics. Course will include the documented development and design of several web sites. Writing intensive. Prerequisites: 2.0 or higher in ENG 105/110, PWR 135 and PWR 226, or permission of the instructor.
PWR/CSC 254 Interface Design (3 crs)
Emphasis on designing, authoring and managing more sophisticated websites focusing on site architecture, navigation schemes and interactivity. Students will make extensive use of the web authoring tools, graphic design tools and scripting (using Dreamweaver, Flash and Javascript). Course will include the documented development and design of several multimedia web products. Writing and graphic design intensive. Prerequisite: 2.0 or higher in PWR 253 or permission of the instructor.
PWR 342 Media Ethics (3 crs)
Examination of the moral, social and legal issues facing writers, editors and graphic artists in a communications world characterized by complex and rapidly changing technologies and social conditions. Emphasis on identifying enduring personal virtues necessary to communicate in ways that respect human dignity, human endds and social justice. Prerequisite: second level of philosophy core or permission of instructor.
PWR 473, 474 Professional Communications Internships
(1 credit each semester)
Guided experience in an actual work environment related to the student's career goals. Minimum of 50 hours per internship. Student keeps log and submits for evaluation. Internships must be completed in different organizations and involove different types of writing. Majors required to take both internship courses; minors may select one internship. Prerequisite: 2.0 or higher in coursework which prepars the student for the type of writing that the internship will involve.
PWR 477, 478 Senior Seminar and Portfolio (2 crs)
In-depth examination of a current issue/trend in media, professional, or creative writing resulting in a documented media product and a related research paper focusing on the some writing issue connected with that product. The combined project requires a written proposal, public presentation of the project's results and an acceptable document at the end of the course. The student will use the final product as the centerpiece for a professional portfolio. Writing intensive. Prerequisite: senior standing in Professional Communications major.
Regular Day Class Electives:
PWR 242 Feature Writing (3crs)
Examination of and practice in methods of feature writing for newspapers magazines and multimedia. Emphasis on effective descriptive writing techniques that engage all the senses to make the reader see and care. Discussion of freelancing, developing ideas, working with editors and how to get published. Students will complete several portfolio projects. Writing intensive. Prerequisite: 2.0 or higher in PWR 251 or permission of the instructor.
PWR 244 Public Relations Writing (3crs)
Study and practice in the kinds of writing required for effective public relations, including news releases, brochures, public service announcements, presentations and speeches and media kits. Writing intensive. Prerequisites: 2.0 or higher in ENG 105/110. PWR 240 and PWR 251 or permission of the instructor. In addition, MKT 211 and/or MKT 316 are encouraged.
PWR 245: Writing for Advertising (3crs)
Study and practice in advertising as a critical element of an organization's total marketing plan. Emphasis on developing consumer profiles, positioning strategies and creative work plans for advertisers as well as conducting proper research and creating effective visual designs and ad copy. Students ducument and produce ads for print, broadcast, outdoor and other media and also complete an advertising campaign for their portfolio. Writing intensive. Prerequisites: 2.0 or higher in ENG 105/110 and PWR 240 or permission of the instructor. Students are stongly encouraged to either have taken or be currently enrolled in PWR 226. In addition, MKT 211 and/or MKT 316 and encouraged.
PWR 246 Technical and Scientific Writing (3crs)
Introduces rhetorical and visual design principles as well as invention and collaborative practices for transforming technical and scientific information into a variety of documents for non-specialist audiences. Emphasis on short- and long-term, as well as individual and collaborative project management, Students will complete several portfolio projects. Writitng intensive.
PWR 321 Creative Writing: Poetry Workshop (3crs)
A collegial, collaborative atmosphere for learning to read, write and talk about poetry. Extensive reading to develop a sense of technique, especially metaphor. Journal-keeping, drafting exercises and consistent peer-aided revision of student poetry in once-a-week workshops and individual tutorials. Prerequisites: LIT 323 recommended or permission of instructor. Formal entrance application required.
PWR 323 Creative Writing: Ficition Workshop (3crs)
A collegial, collaborative atmosphere for learning to read, write and talk about fiction. Extensive reading to develop a sense of technique, especially characterization. Journal-keeping, drafting exercises and consistent peer-aided revision of student fiction in once-a-week workshops and individual tutorials. Prerequisites: LIT 323 recommended or permission of instructor. Formal entrance application required.
PWR 325 Image Editing (3crs)
Fundamentals and techniques of scanning and computer-aided image editing using software such as Adobe Photoshop. Students will complete several portfolio projects useful for job applications in communications, graphics, marketing, management and training. Familiarity with computer, e-mail and the Internet required.
PWR 327 Illustration (3crs)
Fundamentals and techniques of computer-aided illustration using software such as Adobe Illustrator and Macromedia Freehand. Students will complete several porfolio projects useful for job applications in communications, graphics, marketing, management and training. Familiarity with computer, e-mail and the Internet required.
PWR 347 Introduction to Legal Writing (3crs)
Introduces the basic tools of legal research and writing - the case method, court structure within with precedent and stare decisis operate, some civil procedure terminology, practice at reading and dissecting cases and an introduction to analyzing a closed universe legal problem (one not requiring legal research). Introduces writing basic office memoranda. Empahasis on clear, objective and accurate use of language in the kinds of documents required of law students and those whose careers require frequent interpretation of legal language and formats. Students will produce several portfolio examples of legal documents. Writing intensive. Prerequisite: 2.0 or higher in ENG 105/110. Students are encouraged either to have taken or be concurrently enrolled in POS 330 Constitutional Law.
PWR 444 Advanced Public Relations (3crs)
Intensive study of the planning and writing skills necessary to put together systematic and effective public relations campaigns. Students will prepare an extensive campaign project for teir portfolio. Writing intensive. Prerequisites: 2.0 or higher in PWR 226, PWR 244, PWR251 AND PWR 252.
PWR 447 Advanced Legal Writing (3crs)
Further development of rhetorical and visual design principles necessary for communicating legal concepts and information to various legal audiences. Focus on open universe litigation documents such as trial and appelate briefs. Emphasis on legal research methods and the clear, concise and effective presentation of the law. Students will produce several portfolio examples of legal documents. Writing intensive. Prerequisite: 2.0 or better in PWR 347; students are encouraged either to have taken or be concurrently enrolled in POS 331 Civil Rights an Liberties Law.
PWR 451 Advanced Reporting (3crs)
Intensive study and practice of advanced newsgathering, writing and specialized reporting techniques as well as on news judgment. Writing intensive. Prerequisites: 2.0 or higher in PWR 251 and PWR 252.
PWR 453 Advanced Web Authoring (3crs)
Further development of concepts and skills needed to design, author and manage the development of advanced data-driven websites. Further exploration of advanced web authoring resources. Students will form a web authoring team and produces a major project for student portfolios. This course is particularly helpful for those interested in learning how to design e-commerce websites. Writing and graphic design intensive. Prerequisite: 2.0 or higher in PWR 253/254 or permission of the instructor.
PWR 454 Advanced Multimedia Authoring (3crs)
Further development of concepts and skills needed to design, autho and manage the the development of multimedia projects. Further exploration of advanced authoring resources. Students will form a multimedia development team which will produce a major project for student portfolios. Writing and graphic design intensive. Prerequisite: 2.0 or higher in PWR 253/254 or permission of the instructor.
PWR/RST 460 Theology of Social Communications (3crs)
Study of the theology of social communications and its application to communications concepts and skills and communications work-including a critical evaluation of current trends in the reporting of religion and other religious communications. Writing intensive. Prerequisites: 2.0 or better in the completed English and theology cores or permission of instructor.
Courses Offered Through Adult and Continuing Education:
PWR 248 Writing Successful Grant Proposals (3crs)
Learn how to identify promising grant prospects, research and prepare effecitve grant proposals and properly evaluate responses. This class will take you through the process of learning how to present your vision and needs and calibrate the story of your institution to fit the criteria of grant prospects. Students will prepare grant proposals for real prospects and obtain critique and advice from a jury of philanthropic judges. No prerequisites although excellent command of grammar and usage and strong writing skills are necessary to write successful grant proposals.
