Media and Communication (MCOM)

MCOM 1130. Media Literacy. 1 Hour. [TCCN: COMM 2300]

Students examine a wide variety of news, media, and digital information. Through class discussions and diverse media experiences, students engage in modern media environments and create healthy media consumption habits. Discussion topics may include mainstream and partisan news media, social media, image and video manipulation, fact checking, search engine manipulation, generative artificial intelligence, and so-called "fake news."
Prerequisite: None.

MCOM 1307. Introduction to Digital Social Media. 3 Hours. [TCCN: COMM 1307]

Students explore digital communication campaigns, trends, and practices, and how they are currently used on social and emerging media platforms. Students evaluate message strategies and interpret data analytics to determine levels of audience engagement, as well as short- and long-term effects.

MCOM 1330. Media, Culture and Society. 3 Hours. [TCCN: COMM 1335]

This course will survey the history and theory of mass media in American society with an emphasis on issues in broadcast television, cable television, and print journalism. Topics addressed include the impact of the printing press; evolution of print media, telegraph, film camera, and wireless technologies; structure of contemporary media industries; influence of advertisers, regulatory agencies, and ratings services; production, distribution, and syndication systems; social influence and personal use of mass media content.

MCOM 1332. Writing For Mass Media. 3 Hours. [TCCN: COMM 2311]

Designed to introduce writing for media across a wide spectrum of disciplines, this course will provide hands-on practice in basic writing skills for news, broadcast, the web, and public relations. Emphasis is placed on the enhancement of writing and grammar skills.

MCOM 1371. Audio Production & Performance. 3 Hours. [TCCN: COMM 2303]

Students develop communication skills while creating original audio for today’s radio and media platforms. Students develop vocal performance and technical skills in recording, mixing, and editing. Students learn to set up and operate microphones and portable recording gear, capture clean voice and music, shape sound with effects, and edit in digital audio software using professional workflows. Students produce broadcast-ready content for KSHU-FM 95.

MCOM 2366. Film Appreciation. 3 Hours. [TCCN: COMM 2366]

This course uses the film medium to integrate cinematic history and criticism. Production elements such as lighting, sound and character development, as well as genres, themes and narrative pattern will be analyzed. Emphasis is placed on writing critically about the film. Course Equivalents: MCOM 2351 .

MCOM 2371. TV & Film Production. 3 Hours. [TCCN: COMM 1336]

Students develop core video production skills of camera operation, composition, audio and lighting techniques used in field and studio production. Students plan, shoot, and edit projects while practicing basic preproduction workflows, crew roles, and on-camera performance. Original content produced for the course may broadcast on Cable Channel 7.

MCOM 3026. Media Practicum. 1-4 Hours.

Advanced instruction in practice and projects. Students perform assigned work with co-curricular activities (KSHU-FM, Cable Channel 7, The Houstonian, student news, and Priority One PR) in a laboratory environment. Variable Credit (1 to 3). Course Equivalents: MCOM 3226
Prerequisite: Either 15 hours of MCEM or 15 hours of MCFL or 15 hours of MCJR or 15 hours of MCPA or 15 hours of MCPD and faculty approval.

MCOM 3390. Television Genres. 3 Hours.

Students analyze major television programming, including drama, comedy, reality, and emerging hybrid forms, to explore how genres establish viewer expectations, how they evolve in response to historical events, and how streaming platforms have transformed traditional genre boundaries. Through critical viewing and analysis, students will identify what defines television genres.
Prerequisite: MCOM 2366.

MCOM 4022. Special Topic. 1-3 Hours.

This course will examine special topics/issues in the field of media. Different subject matter will be addressed each semester. This course may be repeated as topics change. Variable Credit (1 to 3). Course Equivalents: MCOM 4382
Prerequisite: Either 15 hours of MCFL or 15 hours of MCJR or 15 hours of MCPA or 15 hours of MCPD or 15 hours of MCEM.

MCOM 4099. Independent Study. 1-3 Hours.

This course provides an opportunity to conduct supervised investigation in an area of special interest. This course is designed specifically for advanced students who are capable of independent research and/or creative activity. Variable Credit (1 to 3). Course Equivalents: MCOM 4399
Prerequisite: Either 18 hours of MCFL or 18 hours of MCJR or 18 hours of MCPA or 18 hours of MCPD and Permission of Dept.

MCOM 4371. Mass Media Law And Ethics. 3 Hours.

This course will examine legal and ethical concepts as they apply to broadcast and cable television, radio, print media, and Internet-based publishing. It will focus on the evolution of the American legal system with specific attention to state statutes, regulatory agencies, ethical issues, and precedent-setting cases as they relate to free speech, open records, privacy, libel, copyright, and obscenity laws.
Prerequisite: Either 18 hours of MCFL, or 18 hours of MCPA, or 18 hours of MCPD, or 18 hours of MCJR, or 18 hours of MCEM.

MCOM 4393. Global Media. 3 Hours.

This course studies world media systems in a variety of countries. Emphasis is placed on how history, politics, government, culture, and other social relations influence international media systems, international development projects, and the global flow of information.
Prerequisite: Either 18 hours of MCFL, or 18 hours of MCPD, or 18 hours of MCPA, or 18 hours of MCJR, or 18 hours of MCEM.

MCOM 4395. Careers in Film & Media. 3 Hours.

Students explore paths to employment in the film and media industries including building a professional portfolio, creating a social media presence, preparing for and conducting themselves during professional interviews, handling rejection and exploring nontraditional routes to successful careers in film and media industries.
Prerequisite: Junior standing.

MCOM 4398. Professional Internship. 3 Hours.

Students gain hands-on experience working alongside industry professionals in a professional environment. Emphasis is placed on professional behavior, effective communication, and the application of technical skills and knowledge.