Courses

Search for courses listed in this bulletin. To find a semester course schedule (including instructors, meeting times and locations), go to mynmu.nmu.edu.

BC 165 Introduction to Mass Media 4 cr.
  • Offered: Fall Winter Summer

Examination of contemporary mass media in the United States, including the press, movies, radio, television and new mass communication technologies. These will be studied from historical, economic, social and political perspectives.

BC 200 Introduction to Multimedia Journalism 4 cr.
  • Offered: Fall
  • Prerequisites: A grade of "C" or better in EN 217.
This course will introduce students to basic news reporting techniques for multiple media platforms. Students will learn how to research stories and weigh evidence while exploring the technical and aesthetic expertise necessary for professionally reporting news for the web, TV and print.
BC 245 Radio-TV Performance 4 cr.
  • Offered: Infrequently
Introduction to basic verbal and visual elements for performance on radio or television. Verbal elements include diction, enunciation, pronunciation and microphone technique. Visual elements include posture, movement and expression. Students perform announcements, news, commercials, interviews and drama.
BC 265 Writing and Announcing for Broadcast 4 cr.
  • Offered: Fall Winter
Introduction to planning, writing and performance elements in electronic media production. Students write scripts for a variety of formats, including commercials, public service announcements, news, interviews and documentaries. Performance elements include diction, enunciation, pronunciation, script interpretation, microphone technique, posture, movement and expression.
BC 271 Audio Production 4 cr.  (2-0-4)
  • Offered: Fall Winter

Introduction to skills used in audio recording and program production. Covers the theoretical background of the field and extensive applied laboratory experiences.

BC 272 Television Production 4 cr.  (2-0-4)
  • Offered: Fall Winter

Introduction to the theory and practice of producing contemporary studio television programs. Includes program aesthetics, production planning, visual design, scripting, rehearsing and directing.

BC 273 Electronic Field Production 4 cr.
  • Offered: Infrequently
Basic theories and techniques of single camera electronic field production. Includes program aesthetics, production planning, scripting, shooting, sound recording, video tape editing and post-production processes. Students produce several projects.
BC 291 Broadcast Practicum 1-4 cr.
  • Offered: On demand
  • Prerequisites: Instructor's permission.
Practice in operational positions in broadcasting under the supervision of media professionals and a faculty member. Notes:

May be repeated for up to 4 credits in combination with BC 491.

BC 300 Advanced Multimedia Journalism 4 cr.
  • Offered: Winter
  • Prerequisites: BC 200 and EN 217.
This course will involve advanced research techniques to help journalists uncover information beyond that provided by official sources. Advanced Multimedia Journalism will also offer opportunities to improve writing and aesthetic production skills obtained in Introduction to Multimedia Journalism.
BC 310 Sports and Special Events Programming 4 cr.
  • Offered: Contact department.
  • Prerequisites: BC 265 and BC 272 are recommended, but not required.

Students produce and promote televised sports and entertainment programming including local high school and college events. Students learn live announcing, pre-event research, recording sports statistics and creating promotional broadcast announcements. Students participate as crew members for productions. Course includes field experience.

BC 320 Electronic Media Management 4 cr.
  • Offered: Periodically, contact department.

Contemporary problems faced by managers of radio, television and cable TV stations are studied. Solutions to those problems and the decision-making process are analyzed.

BC 365 Broadcast News Writing and Reporting 4 cr.
  • Offered: Periodically, contact department.
  • Prerequisites: BC 265.

Instruction on writing, story structure, source development, news judgment, ethics and law in field reporting for television news. Students shoot, edit and write news reports that air on Public Eye News. Students also serve as associate producers for Public Eye News one day each week.

BC 410 The Documentary 4 cr.
  • Offered: Periodically, contact department.
  • Prerequisites: Junior standing.

Examination of the documentary genre with emphasis on its application and form in radio and television. Topics considered are the historical development of the documentary form, definitions of “documentary,” the current role and future potential of the documentary.

BC 415 Intercultural Communication 4 cr.
  • Offered: Fall
  • Prerequisites: Junior standing or instructor’s permission.

This course examines cultural differences in communication styles and systems across a variety of national and American sub-cultural groups. Study includes both interpersonal and mass-mediated message systems.

Notes:

Does not satisfy the upper division liberal studies requirement.

BC 420 Global Communication 4 cr.
  • Offered: Winter
  • Prerequisites: Junior standing.

“Globalization” refers to the convergence of diversely organized media systems into profit-making enterprises, owned or controlled by multinational firms. Course introduces this phenomenon through a review of its economic and policy foundations and its effects on information flow and the framing of world issues.

BC 470 Mass Communication Law 4 cr.
  • Offered: Fall Winter
  • Prerequisites: Junior standing.

Analysis of the legal parameters within which the print and electronic media must operate, including First Amendment freedoms, libel, copyright and Federal Communications Commission rules and regulations.

BC 471 Mass Communication and Society 4 cr.
  • Offered: Winter Summer
  • Prerequisites: Junior standing.

Study of the social, legal and economic basis of radio, television, newspapers and film in the United States, with emphasis on the roles played by the media, the government and the public in the process of mass communication.

BC 473A Advanced Media Production-Audio 4 cr.
  • Offered: Winter
  • Prerequisites: Corresponding 200-level production course and junior standing.
Study of advanced production theory, method and technique. Students put theory into practice through extensive laboratory work.
BC 473M Advanced Media Production-Multi-Media 4 cr.
  • Offered: Contact department for information
  • Prerequisites: Corresponding 200-level production course and junior standing.
Study of advanced production theory, method and technique. Students put theory into practice through extensive laboratory work.
BC 473S Advanced Media Production-Studio Television 4 cr.
  • Offered: Contact department for information
  • Prerequisites: Corresponding 200-level production course and junior standing.
Study of advanced production theory, method and technique. Students put theory into practice through extensive laboratory work.
BC 480 Media and Politics 4 cr.
  • Offered: Periodically, contact department.
  • Prerequisites: Junior standing.

Course examines the election process and discusses the strengths and weaknesses of the coverage in the media. The course will also review the types and quality of information available about candidates, parties, and issues.

BC 485 Radio and Television Utilization 2 cr.  (1-0-2)
  • Offered: Contact department for information
Introduction to the process of producing radio and television programs. Includes production planning and operation of equipment. Designed for those who desire a knowledge of the use of media for application in other fields. Laboratory experience under faculty supervision. Notes:

May be repeated for credit.