Rock Valley College
Rockford, Illinois

Mass Com - Course Descriptions

Our courses include:


COM-130
Intro to Mass Communication

IAI: MC 911
Introduction to Mass Communication will examine the nature and impact of the mass media on our society and provide an overview of the nature, functions, responsibilities, and history of the mass communication industries in a global environment. Students will examine ethical, legal, moral and historical issues created by the use of mass media.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3 Lab: 0

COM-156
Audio Production I

IAI: MC 915
Audio Production I is a basic introduction to the equipment, facilities, and terminology of the audio media industry. Students will work on individual and group recording projects including: public service announcements, radio, news and sound effects production. Students will be introduced to sound recording for video and non-linear multi-track audio editing and streaming audio on the web. Students are encouraged to enroll concurrently in COM 157.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 2 Lab: 2

COM-157
Video Production I

IAI: MC 916
Video Production I is a basic introduction to the equipment, facilities, and terminology of the video media industry. Students will work in a multiple camera studio producing: newscasts, public service announcements, commercials and talk shows. Students will also be introduced to the fundamentals of script writing, non-linear video editing, field and studio lighting and field production. Students are encouraged to enroll concurrently with COM 156.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 2 Lab: 2

COM-246
Music Technology

IAI: None
Music Technology is a course designed to teach acoustics, sound recording and sound recording technology to students who are majoring in music.
Prerequisite: MUS 111 and MUS 131
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 1 Lab: 4

COM-251
Film History and Appreciation

IAI: F2 905
Film History and Appreciation is a survey of film as an art form and an industry. Particular emphasis is placed on lighting, sound, genre characteristics, image composition, editing, criticism, and social implications.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3 Lab: 0

COM-252
International History of Film

IAI: F2 909
International History of Film is a survey of major worldwide film movements, genres, directors and principle films with the purpose of understanding the social, economic, and political situations that have led to the mediums of evolution.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3 Lab: 0

COM-256
Advanced Audio Production

IAI: None
Advanced Audio Production is designed to give students specialized training in the audio recording industry. Students will work on group and individual projects that include: album production, Foley audio production, ADR, and advanced non-linear digital multi-track recording. These projects will be completed in the studio and in the field.
Prerequisite: COM 156, Instructor consent.
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 1 Lab: 4

COM-257
Advanced Video Production

IAI: None
Advanced Video Production is designed to give students specialized training in the video production industry. Students will produce multiple group and independent projects. These projects include: a weekly television production, music videos, video art projects, short films and documentary. This course will provide students with advanced knowledge of non-linear video editing systems and field camera work.
Prerequisite: COM 156 and COM 157, Instructor consent.
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 1 Lab: 4

COM-296
Documentary Production

IAI: None
Documentary Production provides students with an overview of the history of the documentary film genre and with the skills necessary to produce a documentary film. Students will explore interview techniques, lighting, editing, and exhitibion venues. The course will culminate in the production of a personal documentary.
Prerequisite: COM 157 or instructor consent.
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3 Lab: 0

COM-297
Motion Picture Production

IAI: None
Motion Picture Production is an advanced video production course that will allow students to produce a professional quality documentary or fiction film as a group project. The specific subject of the course will vary each year. Categories include sitcom production, fiction film, and documentary.
Prerequisite: COM 256 and COM 257, Instructor consent.
Credit: 3 semester hours.
Lecture: 1 Lab: 4

COM-298
Mass Communication Internship

IAI: None 202
Mass Communication Internship provides elective credit for serving as a student intern for a media production facility including Rock Valley College. Students will learn about production equipment, operation, media selection, media planning, scripting, advertising, promotions and internal methodology.
Prerequisite: Varies with cooperating agency.
Credit: 1-2 semester hours
Lecture: 0 Lab: 2

Come to Rock Valley College and tour our media production facilities and you will see why so many students are making RVC their first choice for a career in media. To arrange a visit contact Brian L. Shelton 815-921-3360 or b.shelton@rockvalleycollege.edu