Prerequisite: ENG* 101 Composition.
This course begins with a review of basic communication theory, followed by exploration of the history and nature of mass communication in American society. Topics include the technological development and business structure of print and electronic media, media professions, government regulation of the mass media, and the media’s impact on culture and society. Special emphasis will be placed on how digital technology and the Internet continue to affect traditional mass media processes and forms.

Visual communication is the process of organizing, designing, and creating messages in print and multimedia form that meet specific purposes and practical needs. This course introduces students to that process, reflecting the elements of structured content, form, media, and audience characteristics, while also introducing them to common electronic tools used in visual message creation. Students apply these principles in the production process while desigining and developing their own projects using instructional audiovisual media hardware and software. Formerly listed as VCOM 105, not open to students who have successfully completed VCOM 105.

Prerequisite: ENG* 101 Composition.
Students in Journalism will focus on the journalistic style of writing. These writings will emphasize the art of investigation, persuasion, and reporting within the context of news story writing. Students explore methods and techniques of news gathering, news writing, and news analysis. By covering campus and community events, students will make practical application of theory.

Basic Photography is an introduction to the fundamental skills and techniques related to the operations of light, camera, film processing, image enlarging and manipulations and the creative process involved. Topics are explored through lecture, demonstration, class assignments and critique of your own work. In available light situations, you will photograph, process, and print your own work using black-and-white materials in the school's darkroom. Emphasis is placed on acquiring creative and technical skills necessary for proper camera and black-and-white darkroom operation. Student must have 35mm SLR camera with full manual exposure controls. Contact Academic Media Technology for details by calling (860) 906-5030, or e-mailing us Formerly listed as VCOM 105, not open to students who have successfully completed VCOM 105.

Prerequisite: COM* 150 Basic Photography.
Intermediate Photography is an extension of the Basic Photography (VCOM 105) course, where students will expand into more advanced, experimental and individual work in 35mm black-and-white photography. Students will explore various speed films, infrared and high contrast films, push processing, RC and fiber-based papers, and print toning. The course will conclude with a brief introduction to digital photography. Student must have 35mm SLR camera with full manual exposure controls. Contact Academic Media Technology for details by calling (860) 906-5030, or e-mailing us. Formerly listed as VCOM 106, not open to students who have successfully completed VCOM 106.

Prerequisite: ENG* 101 Composition.
An introductory study of cinema as a cultural and artistic form. Students will view and discuss representative films from the early years of the industry to the present, and offer their own oral and written analysis of these films as applied to topics covered during the semester. Click here for a film list and movie trailers for this semester. Formerly listed as VCOM 299, not open to students who have successfully completed VCOM 299.

An introduction to digital photography that builds on the fundamental principles of light, exposure, color, and composition.  Students will learn about the transition from capturing images on film to acquiring images with digital scanners and cameras; computer-based imaging hardware and software; camera handling and creative controls; file formats and management; image editing and manipulation; and, electronic output options.  Students must own a 4 mega pixel (or greater) digital camera with manual, aperture priority and/or shutter priority exposure modes. Contact Academic Media Technology for details by calling (860) 906-5030, or e-mailing us.

Prerequisite: ENG* 101 Composition.
Basic instruction in public speaking with emphasis on improvement through practice exercises, gathering material, organization and delivery of speeches of varied lengths and types, and evaluative listening. Formerly listed as ENG 203 "Effective Speech," not open to students who have successfully completed ENG 203.

Prerequisite: ENG* 101 Composition.
This course is an introduction to the unique creative and technical characteristics of the video medium. Emphasis is on acquiring principles and skills relating to visual communication through the preparation of projects designed for education, training, and promotion. By creating our own brief programs and video segments, we'll learn that successful video productions are the result of planning, organization, technical skills, execution, teamwork, and follow-up. Formerly listed as VCOM 102, not open to students who have successfully completed VCOM 102.

Prerequisite: COM* 241 Television Production or VCOM 102 Basic Video Production.
This course is a continuation of VCOM 102/COM 241. Students will write, direct, and produce a variety of projects using broadcast-quality studio and field production equipment and techniques. The course will conclude with an introduction to digital media editing systems. Students will acquire more advanced skills in scriptwriting, lighting, audio, and camera operation. The goal of the semester is to integrate all of the student projects into a unified class video program.

Prerequisite: COM* 242 Advanced Broadcast/TV Production.
This course is a continuation of COM* 242 "Advanced Broadcast/TV Production," emphasizing ENG/EFP video production techniques and digital non-linear audio/video editing. Students will shoot and digitize footage, trim sequences, edit audio, add sound and visual effects, create titles and graphics, use stock motion backgrounds, and export finished projects to tape, the web, and CD/DVD disc formats. Students will work in small groups to create several short-form video productions such as commercials, vignettes, and self-directed semester projects of their own choosing.

Prerequisites: Permission of Instructor/Program Coordinator.
Students will engage in supervised on-the-job experience using visual communication technology in a library, education, training, or social service setting. It is expected that all students in field placement settings will meet together several times during the semester, but that most of the work will be self-directed and scheduled.
Usually taken at the end of a student's studies in Communication Media. Contact Michael Bies, Media Specialist, for details by calling (860) 906-5032, or e-mailing him. Formerly listed as VCOM 210, not open to students who have successfully completed VCOM 210.

Prerequisites: Must be a Communication Media major who has completed at least 30 college credits.  Permission of Instructor required.  Student and instructor will write a "learning contract" prior to beginning the Independent Study.
This course is an opportunity for students majoring in Communication Media to specialize in advanced projects where they may pursue a career interest or specific educational objective. Projects are designed and implemented through continual consultation between the student and a faculty advisor.