BSU Catalog Home | Mass Communication Program | All-University Courses and Descriptions

Mass Communication (MASC)

Check with department for semester when these courses are offered. Read each course description for prerequisites.

1820 INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRONIC MEDIA (3 credits) Theoretical aspects of the history, development and role of the electronic media. An examination of the overall operation of radio, commercial and public television, cable, and other electronic media. Students should gain a broad overview of how the electronic media operate as businesses and as societal forces.

1840 INTRODUCTION TO MEDIA WRITING (3 credits) Applied aspects of techniques and styles of writing for mass media. Students should gain an understanding of elements common to all writing for the mass media and the differences among them. This course requires basic keyboarding skills.

2100 MINORITIES IN THE MEDIA (3 credits) Theoretical and applied aspects of the coverage of disenfranchised groups by the mass media. Students should gain an understanding of the complexity of the cultural, political, and economic forces that shape media coverage of disenfranchised groups. Through case studies, research, class discussion, and reporting and producing one or more stories, students learn how groups outside the power structure in society are portrayed in the mainstream media. Liberal Education Categories 7 & 9

2180 COMMUNICATION HISTORY (3 credits) History of print and broadcast media in the U.S., and their interactions with technical, cultural, political, and economic forces. Theoretical framework for putting mass media organizations in historical perspective and understanding how these organizations affect our society. (Might not be offered every year)

2190 INTERNATIONAL COMMUNICATION (3 credits) Theoretical aspects of global communication processes: a comparative study of Communist, Third World, and Western media, and how systems affect global order in respect to economic, social, and political interaction. Students should gain a greater understanding of the diversity of communication systems throughout the world, the complexity of interactions between those systems, and the importance of such an understanding to maintaining successful global communication. The course incorporates lecture and discussion, and uses case studies of countries to study the theoretical issues. Liberal Education Categories 7 & 8

2221 changed to 2223.

2223 AUDIO PRODUCTION (3 credits) Theoretical aspects of waveforms, transmission, and communication. Relationships of analog and digital media technology. Radio communication and broadcasting are discussed, including the FCC’s role in broadcast operations. Students gain practical skills in the operation of audio equipment and are introduced to digital audio editing. Incorporates lecture, demonstration, and practical skill building. Lab hours required.

2230 AUDIO/VIDEO STUDIO PRODUCTION (3 credits) An advanced media production course that provides an in-depth understanding of audience analysis, news and sports programming, advanced multi-camera live production, and field news reporting. Implementation of new digital technologies and production techniques for Web casting are included. Lab hours required. Prerequisites: MASC 2223 and MASC 2233.

2231 changed to 2233.

2233 VIDEO PRODUCTION (3 credits) Theoretical and applied aspects of video communication, including international television systems. Exploration of all areas of television and delivery are discussed in detail. Creative development, including basic scriptwriting, are offered with practical opportunities for skill building in a studio setting. Students are also introduced to studio production and basic digital video editing concepts. The course incorporates lecture, demonstrations, and studio assignments. Lab hours required.

2280 changed to 2230.

2440 changed to 2700.

2450 PHOTOGRAPHY (3 credits) Theoretical and applied aspects of black-and-white photography, including camera handling and darkroom techniques. An introduction to the medium through examination of historical photos, followed by exploration of light, film, and camera. Students should become familiar with all aspects of operating a 35 mm camera and producing quality black-and-white photographs for self-expression and for media-related work. The course requires darkroom work and assignments that may require photography off-campus. Students must have a 35 mm adjustable camera, pay a lab fee of $20, and purchase about $35 worth of photographic materials.

2460 DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY (3 credits) Theoretical and applied aspects of digital photography, including camera handling and Photoshop. Students become familiar with all aspects of operating a 35 mm camera and producing quality photographs for media-related work. A survey of the history and principles involved in producing digital photographs, transferring them to computers, enhancing them with software, and incorporating them in publications. Readings, discussions, and individual productions are utilized to familiarize students with the production of digital photos. Lab time required. Digital cameras provided. Lab fees.

2500 MEDIA DESIGN (3 credits) Study and application of the elements of design used in producing magazines, newspapers, and corporate communication pieces such as brochures and newsletters, as well as basic design for online content. Students work with current desktop publishing software and learn production principles and considerations in creating communication pieces.

2600 PRINCIPLES OF ADVERTISING (3 credits) Theoretical aspects of advertising processes: an overview of the field, concentrating on the sociological aspects. Students should gain an increased awareness of how advertising works, where it fits into the fabric of our society, and how it is used--sometimes ethically and sometimes not. The course incorporates lecture and discussion, and students gain appreciation for advertising techniques through weekly analysis of both print and broadcast advertising.

2640 ADVERTISING COPYWRITING (3 credits) Theoretical and applied aspects of writing advertising copy. Students should gain an understanding of the essentials of copywriting and how various appeals can be applied in specific situations. Rules of electronic and print copywriting are discussed in detail, supported by specific examples of copy. The course requires writing copy outside class and possible involvement with advertising efforts of local businesses. This is not a production class, however, so assignments and projects are not produced. Prerequisite: MASC 1840.

2690 PRINCIPLES OF PUBLIC RELATIONS (3 credits) Principles related to public relations: The history/development of public relations, the basic concepts of effective public relations, and ethical practices of public relations. Students learn analysis/critique of public relations in contemporary society. Students focus on understanding how to conduct publicity campaigns, on public relations as a strategic communication, and on problem solving processes involving the application of key principles. Prerequisites: MASC 1840.

2700 REPORTING AND WRITING (3 credits) Applied aspects of reporting, researching and writing stories for the mass media. Students shall gain competency in gathering and synthesizing data and producing written news stories in a timely manner. Lectures, discussion and projects cover the techniques of gathering information from a variety of sources and writing it in various news formats. The course may require working with campus media. Prerequisite: MASC 1840.

2760 DOCUMENTARY FILM (3 credits) Historical overview of the genre. Students view and analyze a variety of documentary films to gain an understanding of their purpose, their impact, their audiences, and their cultural and artistic value. (Might not be offered every year)

2770 DOCUMENTARY FILM WORKSHOP (3 credits) A hands-on course in which students write, produce, and direct a “short subject” documentary. In the process of working together, the student crew learns documentary storytelling methods and cinematic technique. Together, the student production team selects a worthy topic regarding persons or activities locally and tells a compelling human-interest story that culminates in a public film debut. Prerequisites: MASC 2233. (Might not be offered every year)

2810 ELECTIVE PRACTICUM (0 credits) A zero-credit, applied course for majors, this practicum requires students to spend a semester working on campus with a medium of their choice- either repeating an audio, video, or print experience or working with another area, such as the Publications Office or Sports Information. Gives students the opportunity to apply what they have learned in classes as well as become aware of areas in which they need further work. Students determine in conjunction with the department chair before the beginning of the practicum who their supervisors will be, and those supervisors are responsible for offering guidance and advice throughout the course. Grades of "S" or "U" will be assigned by the department chair in consultation with practicum supervisors. Prerequisite: MASC 2221 or MASC 2231 or MASC 2440, as appropriate.

2820 AUDIO PRACTICUM (0 credits) A zero-credit, applied course for majors, this practicum requires students to spend a semester working on campus with an audio medium, such as the campus radio stations. Gives students the opportunity to apply what they have learned in classes as well as become aware of areas in which they need further work. Students determine in conjunction with the department chair before the beginning of the practicum who their supervisors will be, and those supervisors are responsible for offering guidance and advice throughout the course. Grades of "S" or "U" will be assigned by the department chair in consultation with practicum supervisors.

2830 VIDEO PRACTICUM (0 credits) A zero-credit, applied course for majors, this practicum requires students to spend a semester working on campus with a video medium, such as the ITV office, the campus television station, or the public television station. Gives students the opportunity to apply what they have learned in classes as well as become aware of areas in which they need further work. Students determine in conjunction with the department chair before the beginning of the practicum who their supervisors will be, and those supervisors are responsible for offering guidance and advice throughout the course. Grades of "S" or "U" will be assigned by the department chair in consultation with practicum supervisors.

2840 PRINT PRACTICUM (0 credits) A zero-credit, applied course for majors, this practicum requires students to spend a semester working on campus with a print medium, such as the campus newspaper or the alumni newsletter. Gives students the opportunity to apply what they have learned in classes as well as become aware of areas in which they need further work. Students determine in conjunction with the department chair before the beginning of the practicum who their supervisors will be, and those supervisors are responsible for offering guidance and advice throughout the course. Grades of "S" or "U" will be assigned by the department chair in consultation with practicum supervisors. Prerequisite: MASC 2440.

2870 PERSUASION IN THE MEDIA (3 credits) Theoretical aspects of the use of persuasion in the media and everyday life. An examination of the theory, principles, and tactics by which persuasive messages are developed and conveyed, including defenses against unethical persuasive tactics. Students should gain the ability to recognize and critically analyze persuasive attempts. This is a lecture and discussion course in which students are expected to be involved in class discussions and to conduct mini-field experiments on the persuasive theories and principles learned and present their findings to the class.

2900 TOPICS IN MASS COMMUNICATION (1-3 credits) Study of a specific mass communication topic or development, person, or time period, with the specific title being announced in each semester’s class schedule. (Might not be offered every year)

2925 PEOPLE AND THE ENVIRONMENT: MASS MEDIA PERSPECTIVE (3 credits) For both majors and non-majors. Theoretical aspects of the effect of the mass media on environmental processes. Students should gain an understanding of the complexity of the cultural, political, and economic forces that shape media coverage of the environment, and the importance of such an understanding to maintaining a sustainable global environment. The course is a discussion section of the interdisciplinary lecture on environmental issues for liberal education. Liberal Education Category 10

3100 MEDIA ETHICS (3 credits) Theoretical aspects of social and professional ethical issues in the mass media, strengths and weaknesses of the media, and consequences of making critical judgments under pressure. Students are expected to be involved in class discussions, and to research and present relevant material. Assumes a good, basic understanding of the media.

3107 POLITICS AND THE MEDIA WORKSHOP (1-3 credits) Theoretical aspects of the interaction between politics and the media in the United States. Students gain an understanding of how the political process and the mass media work to shape each other nationally. Offered for both majors and non-majors in cooperation with the Washington Center in Washington, DC.

3110 ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION (3 credits) Theoretical and applied aspects of communication within organizations. A study of human interaction in the activities of organizations, including cooperation, conflict, decision making, compliance gaining, resistance, morale building, cohesion, the use of power and authority, and the creation and maintenance of professional relationships. Students should gain an understanding of how organizations use communication, and improve the communication skills they need to function effectively in organizations.

3130 changed to 3310.

3150 PHOTOJOURNALISM (3 credits) Applied aspects of press photography and picture editing. Students should gain competence in creating photographs and designing and laying out photo essays. Demonstration and hands-on experience covers darkroom processing, picture story planning and execution, and computer manipulation of images. The course concentrates on the application of basic principles of both photography and journalism, and requires laboratory work, as well as in-class participation. Prerequisites: MASC 1840. (Might not be offered every year)

3222 ADVANCED AUDIO PRODUCTION (4 credits) Applied techniques of audio production: hands-on experience in the techniques of audio script writing, multiple-source audio recording, and multi-track audio editing and production. Students should be able to use the techniques learned in class to produce advanced audio documentaries, information programs, audio dramas, or complex audio sound tracks for film or video productions. In addition to some lecture and demonstration, this course involves much hands-on experience. A considerable amount of laboratory time is devoted to a group term project. Prerequisite: MASC 2221.

3232 changed to 3450.

3270 MEDIA THEORY AND CRITICISM (3 credits) Provides an overview of thinking about the mass media and an introduction to the major social science approaches to the study of journalism within the context of mass communication. Explores critical and theoretical approaches to understanding contemporary mass media. Focuses on television, newspapers, and new media in an examination of the meanings, benefits, and practices of one of the most widespread sign systems of our time. Students learn how to decode the media messages that proliferate around us. Prerequisites: MASC 1840 and junior or senior status.

3310 DIRECTING VISUAL MEDIA (3 credits) Course focuses on the techniques required to successfully direct a video production. Two distinct styles of directing include directing live multi-camera and on-location single camera production. Students gain experience by directing studio news and entertainment, live sports, and single camera commercial and documentary programs. This course also explores in detail the creative decisions that a director must make, how to manage a production crew, and how to direct on-camera talent. Prerequisite: MASC 2233.

3340 EDITING (3 credits) Theoretical and applied aspects of editing journalistic writing on both a macro and micro level. Topics include language, structure, style, and usage within a historical and journalistic context. Students gain experience in coaching other writers to strengthen their editing skills. Prerequisite: MASC 2700.

3440 ADVANCED REPORTING (3 credits) Applied aspects of advanced, in-depth reporting. Students gain a basic understanding of the techniques of researching story leads and cultivating sources, and competency in presenting information through print, broadcast, and new, emerging technologies. Lectures, discussion, and projects cover the techniques of writing about issues that affect the public. Prerequisite: MASC 2440. (Might not be offered every year)

3450 SINGLE CAMERA FIELD PRODUCTION (3 credits) An advanced media course in which students learn hands-on, single camera production on-location. Areas of study include cinema verité, documentary, advanced news gathering, and experimental/music video. All projects are edited with non-linear computer systems and published to DVD and Web. Lab hours required. Prerequisite: MASC 2233.

3460 MULTIMEDIA PRODUCTION (3 credits) Understanding of current technology, techniques, and design theories for conceptualizing and using multiple media for story-telling. Students blend photography, audio, video, and text to produce a journalistic multimedia project. Prerequisites: MASC 1840, MASC 2223, and MASC 2460. (Might not be offered every year)

3660 PUBLICATION DESIGN (3 credits) Applied aspects of the production process for both periodical and non-periodical publications. An overview of how design techniques can be used to enhance readership of newspapers and magazines, and how specialized publications can be used to communicate with targeted audiences to reach specific objectives. Students write copy for, design, and produce newspaper and magazine pages, and pieces such as posters, flyers, and brochures. The course incorporates lectures on design and production principles, and workshops in which these principles are applied. Prerequisites: MASC 1840.

3691 changed to 2690.

3770 ETHNOGRAPHIC REPORTING (3 credits) Students learn how to do fieldwork, a method of inquiry traditionally used in cultural anthropology that uses participant-observation, in-depth interviewing, and examining rituals, among other tools. Students choose a sub-culture in Bemidji to do fieldwork in and write an in-depth article about the community after they come to know the cultural values and behaviors of their group. Readings of ethnographic works from a variety of disciplines. Prerequisite: MASC 2700. (Might not be offered every year)

3780 ENVIRONMENTAL JOURNALISM (3 credits) Students learn the gathering and presentation of stories about environmental issues. They also study the effect of mass media on the environmental movement and environmental topics. While recognizing the historical roots of environmental journalism, students focus on reporting and writing stories for newspapers, magazines, and Web sites. Part of the class is spent on how stories with complex scientific explanations can be conveyed to a general audience. Journalistic standards of ethics and other conventions are expected. Prerequisites: MASC 2700. (Might not be offered every year)

3790 SCREENWRITING (3 credits) This is an advanced writing course in which students learn the process of writing a dramatic screenplay for film and digital cinema. Students learn to develop the critical dramatic elements that are central to a successful screenplay: characterization, plot development, and cinematic description. Each student develops and writes a screenplay that is formatted to film industry standards. Prerequisites: ENGL 1101 and MASC 1840. (Might not be offered every year)

3820 LITERARY JOURNALISM (3 credits) Readings and analysis of non-fiction writers who employ the aims, techniques, and standards of fiction. This may include both historical and contemporary writers. Students also complete literary journalistic writing projects. Discussion topics include understanding the line between fact and fiction, reconstructing events, and ethics. Prerequisites: MASC 1840 and MASC 2700. (Might not be offered every year)

3880 COMMUNICATION LAW (3 credits) Theoretical aspects of the U.S. legal system as it affects the media. Students should gain a grounding in the history and application of First Amendment and media case law. Readings, class discussion, and case studies focus on statutes, case law and agency regulations that comprise the precedents for the laws that govern media professionals. Prerequisite: Junior status.

4110 MEDIA RESEARCH METHODS (3 credits) Assists students in turning research questions into substantive research designs with understanding of the concepts involved. This course focuses on 1) survey of methods for investigating mass communication processes and effects; 2) practice of survey research, including planning, sampling, interviewing, and analysis of data; and 3) introduction to quantitative and qualitative research methods. Other goals are to develop a deeper appreciation of research strategies and decisions and to make students aware of the variety of available research and analysis techniques. Prerequisite: MASC 1840 and junior or senior status.

4130 changed to 4330.

4150 changed to 2460.

4210 changed to 4350.

4330 ENGINEERING FOR ELECTRONIC MEDIA (3 credits) A very practical “mini course” in electronic fundamentals. Explores the basic theory of how things function in a broadcast environment. Practical use and repair of audio/video connectors, components, and circuitry. Reading of instruments, levels, and oscilloscope patterns in a television/radio studio. Techniques of soldering connectors, and cable repair used in everyday television/radio stations. Audio theory and components, as well as video signal operation. At the end of this course, students will have sufficient electronic knowledge to pass the FCC Amateur Radio license exam. This class builds confidence and understanding of broadcast operations. Lab hours required. Prerequisites: MASC 2223 or MASC 2233.

4340 DIGITAL CINEMA (3 credits) Introduction to the theory and practice of motion picture filmmaking as it applies to digital media. Topics include familiarity with filmmaking equipment; basic cinematic techniques; converting ideas to images; the use of lighting, editing, and sound in cinema; scheduling, casting, and location scouting; and the role of acting, directing, and good storytelling in the filmmaking process. Students work in small groups to make short digital video films that manifest their ideas and beliefs in content and process. Forms of distribution are also explored, including DVD, the Internet, and Web streaming. Prerequisites: MASC 1840 and MASC 2233. (Might not be offered every year)

4350 MEDIA MANAGEMENT (3 credits) Explores information theory and how all forms of media dissemination revolve around this concept. Emphasis on broadcasting operations and the study of departments within a management organization. Functionality, creativity, and control of new media. Relationships of media resources to the general public and government regulation. The primary role of sales and marketing to any form of media dissemination is explored in relation to the structure of the broadcasting business in general. This class contains a heavy writing and presentation element as well as trips to area broadcast stations. Prerequisite: MASC 2230.

4440 COMPUTER-ASSISTED REPORTING (4 credits) Applied aspects of computer-assisted reporting, writing, and editing. Students gain competence in using Web sites and the Internet, as well as spreadsheet, statistical, and data treatment programs to create a variety of in-depth news stories. Lectures and discussion cover techniques of producing material in a variety of formats for print, broadcast, and other new, emerging electronic media. Prerequisites: MASC 2440. (Might not be offered every year)

4610 ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS (3 credits) Applied aspects of advertising campaigns. A study of print and electronic campaigns and how they may or may not achieve their objectives. Students should gain an understanding of the philosophy of advertising campaigns and their effects. Research of academic journals and trade publications provides information that is used to develop campaign strategies for specific businesses. Prerequisites: MASC 2600, MASC 2640, and MASC 3691. (Might not be offered every year)

4670 MEDIA MARKETING (3 credits) Theoretical and applied aspects of media marketing and sales. Students should gain an understanding of how media organizations market themselves to businesses and the general public, as well as how businesses use various media in their marketing efforts. Salesmanship is an important aspect of this course, and students must be prepared to address marketing issues and perform in a professional manner. Prerequisites: MASC 2600, MASC 2640, and MASC 3691. (Might not be offered every year)

4692 ADVANCED PUBLIC RELATIONS (3 credits) Applied aspects of the field of public relations: a case studies course intended to provide students with the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge to the solution of simulated public relations problems. Through group discussion and problem solving processes, as well as individual analysis and reporting, students learn to address problems as efficiently and effectively as possible. Semester-long internships with local non-profit organizations offer the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in everyday situations. Prerequisite: MASC 3691.

4800 ADVANCED COMMUNICATION SEMINAR (1 credit) Seminar for mass communication majors covering theoretical aspects in the discipline. The seminar topic changes each year, but usually centers on some sociological or philosophical aspect of the media. Students should gain an increased understanding of the complexity of interaction between the media and society, and a greater appreciation for the value of exchanging ideas with their peers. Prerequisite: Junior or senior status.

4891 changed to 4110.

4892 SENIOR THESIS/PROJECT (3 credits) Students focus on a culminating thesis or project that addresses a specific topic or area of research and interest in mass communication. Using the appropriate methodology, students pursue, in depth, literature and current research in order to support their thesis. Students may elect to do either an academic research paper or media project that supports their thesis and demonstrates an understanding of their research project. Prerequisite: MASC 4110 or consent of instructor.