Mass Communication    COM

Liberal Arts Division
(815) 921-3338

COM 130 - Introduction to Mass Communication
IAI: MC 911    1.1
Introduction to Mass Communication is a primer in terminology, technology, theory, and craft of audio and video production.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours        
Lecture: 3     Lab: 0

COM 156 - Audio Production I
IAI: MC 915    1.1
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 required to enroll concurrently in COM 157.
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: COM 157
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 2    Lab: 2

COM 157 - Video Production I
IAI: MC 916    1.1
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 required to enroll concurrently with COM 156.
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: COM 156
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.
Prerequisites: MUS 111 and MUS 131
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 1     Lab: 4


COM 251 - Film History and Appreciation
IAI: F2 908    1.1
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    1.1
International History of Film is a survey of major worldwide film movements, genres, directors and principal films with the purpose of understanding the social, economic, and political situations that have led to the medium’s evolution.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours            
Lecture: 3    Lab: 3


COM 256 – Advanced Audio Production
IAI:  None    1.1
Advanced Audio Production is designed to give students specialized training in the audio recording industry.  Students will work on group 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
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 1    Lab: 4

COM 257 - Advanced Video Production
IAI: None    1.1
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 or consent of instructor.
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 1    Lab: 4

COM 296 (Approval Pending) Documentary Production
IAI:  None    1.1
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 exhibition venues.  The course will culminate in the production of a personal documentary.
Prerequisite:  COM 157
Credit:  3 semester hours
Lecture: 1 Lab: 0

COM 297 - Motion Picture Production
IAI: None    1.1
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, 257 and consent of instructor.
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 1    Lab: 4

COM 298 - Mass Communication Internship
IAI: None     1.1
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