The Media School
Specialization in Graphic Communication (Bachelor of Arts in Media)
Students on Summer 2020, Fall 2020, or Spring 2021 requirements MDAS13
Requirements
The specialization requires at least 9 credit hours, including the requirements listed below.
- Advanced Writing. One (1) course:
- MSCH-J 303 Online Journalism
- MSCH-J 315 Feature Writing
- MSCH-J 341 News Reporting
- MSCH-J 342 Magazine Reporting
- MSCH-J 343 Broadcast News
MSCH-J 303 Online Journalism
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- A grade of C- or higher in MSCH-C 251, or consent of instructor
- Description
- Explores non-linear methods of storytelling and how Web-based tools can enhance journalism written and online work. In addition to building existing skills, students use photography and embedded audio to create story packages for an online magazine.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of JOUR-J 303 or MSCH-J 303.
MSCH-J 315 Feature Writing
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- A grade of C- or higher in MSCH-C 251 or MSCH-C 225; or consent of instructor
- Description
- Emphasis placed on developing story ideas, identifying sources, organizing materials, planning, and outlining a story. Also covers techniques for capturing the reader's interest.
MSCH-J 341 News Reporting
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- A grade of C- or higher in MSCH-C 251, or consent of instructor
- Description
- Covers techniques of gathering, analyzing, and writing news and features for print and online publication. Provides practice in interviewing, observation, and use of documentary references that include computer information retrieval and analysis skills.
MSCH-J 342 Magazine Reporting
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- A grade of C- or higher in MSCH-C 251; or consent of instructor
- Description
- Covers techniques of gathering, analyzing, and writing material for specialized and general circulation magazines. Provides practice in interviewing, observation, and use of documentary references that include computer information retrieval and analysis skills.
MSCH-J 343 Broadcast News
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- A grade of C- or higher in MSCH-C 251
- Description
- Basic television newsgathering skills, including generation of strong visual story ideas, shooting and editing with digital equipment and application of broadcast news ethics. Practice in telling stories effectively using video, natural sound, interviews and words. Emphasizes enterprise reporting, interviewing techniques and writing for broadcast.
- Advanced Skills. Two (2) courses:
- MSCH-F 375 Race, Gender, and Representation (approved topics only; see academic advisor)
- MSCH-J 360 Journalism Specialties (approved topics only; see academic advisor)
- MSCH-J 362 Journalism Multimedia Storytelling
- MSCH-J 363 Web and Mobile Design
- MSCH-J 365 Graphic Design I
- MSCH-J 404 Depth Multimedia
- MSCH-J 460 Topics Colloquium (approved topics only; see academic advisor)
- MSCH-J 464 Infographics
- MSCH-J 465 Graphic Design II
- MSCH-X 478 Field Experience in Media (approved topics only; see academic advisor)
MSCH-F 375 Race, Gender, and Representation
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Construction of race and gender identities across a range of media. Emphasis on the power of sound/image representations to shape and contest ideas about race and gender. Topic varies.
- Repeatability
- May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum of 6 credit hours in CMCL-C 412, JOUR-J 375, or MSCH-F 375.
- Summer 2025CASE SHcourseSpring 2025CASE SHcourseFall 2024CASE SHcourse
MSCH-J 360 Journalism Specialties
- Credits
- 1–4 credit hours
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Topical course dealing with changing subjects and material from term to term.
- Repeatability
- May be repeated for credit with different topics in JOUR-J 360 and MSCH-J 360.
MSCH-J 362 Journalism Multimedia Storytelling
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- A grade of C- or higher in MSCH-C 250 or MSCH-C 226; or consent of instructor
- Description
- Provides hands-on experiences in reporting, editing and presenting stories through images, sound, and spoken word. Goes beyond the basics skills to work with advanced cameras and software. Explores the use of emerging technologies for delivering truth to audiences of various types of media.
MSCH-J 363 Web and Mobile Design
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- C- in MSCH-C 250, or consent of instructor
- Description
- Introduction to the design, creation, and maintenance of websites and mobile platforms. Students learn design standards and how to apply them in the design of messages using multiple media. Course progresses from introductory work on web design to a culminating project employing responsive design.
MSCH-J 365 Graphic Design I
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- A grade of C- or higher in MSCH-C 250 or MSCH-C 226
- Description
- Instruction in page design, illustration and web design informed by design theory emphasizing critical thinking, creative problem solving, and ethical practice. Uses Adobe programs, HTML, CSS, and other coding to produce original media projects for mass and targeted audiences.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of MSCH-J 365 or MSCH-J 463.
MSCH-J 404 Depth Multimedia
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- C- or higher in MSCH-C 250, or consent from instructor
- Description
- Study and practice in using techniques of multimedia reporting in collaboration with writers and photographers. Students learn to pitch, shape and focus story ideas that forge words and pictures into multimedia presentations. Class will plan, report and edit news stories in depth.
- Repeatability
- May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum of 6 credit hours.
MSCH-J 460 Topics Colloquium
- Credits
- 1–4 credit hours
- Prerequisites
- At least junior standing; or consent of instructor
- Description
- Topical seminar in journalism dealing with changing subjects and materials from term to term.
- Repeatability
- May be repeated for credit up to 4 times.
MSCH-J 464 Infographics
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- C- or higher in MSCH-J 365, or consent of instructor
- Description
- Analysis of quantitative data and creation of visual informational graphics for media audiences. Introduction to interactive data visualization through scripting and online tools. Creation of chart packages, data maps and explanatory diagrams for publication to mass and targeted audiences.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of JOUR-J 464 or MSCH-J 464.
MSCH-J 465 Graphic Design II
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- C- or higher in MSCH-J 365, or consent of instructor
- Description
- Continues from Graphic Design I, incorporating advanced digital graphic design skills and creative problem solving for a series of media projects using illustration, logo design, creative typography and layout in a variety of media formats including print and interactive design for mobile devices.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of JOUR-J 465 or MSCH-J 465.
MSCH-X 478 Field Experience in Media
- Credits
- 4
- Prerequisites
- Application for internship credit approved by the school
- Notes
- Application is available on the Media School website
- Description
- Topical course integrating classroom and field experience. Includes 10-day field experience during or after term offered. Field experience will change based on topic.
- Repeatability
- May be repeated for credit with different topics in JOUR-J 418, MSCH-J 418, and MSCH-X 478.
- Specialization GPA, Hours, and Minimum Grade Requirements.
- Minimum Grade. Except for the GPA requirement, a grade of C- or higher is required for a course to count toward a requirement in the specialization.
- Minor GPA. A GPA of at least 2.000 for all courses taken in the specialization—including those where a grade lower than C- is earned—is required.
Specialization Area Courses
-
Unless otherwise noted below, the following courses are considered in the academic program and will count toward academic program requirements as appropriate:
- Any course contained on the course lists for the academic program requirements at the time the course is taken—as well as any other courses that are deemed functionally equivalent—except for those listed only under Addenda Requirements
- Any course directed to a non-Addenda requirement through an approved exception
Exceptions to and substitutions for specialization requirements may be made with the approval of the unit's Director of Undergraduate Studies, subject to final approval by the College of Arts and Sciences.