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01704/Broadcasting, Telecommunications, and Mass Media

 

Lower Division Courses

0011. Mass Communication Theory (3 s.h.) F S SS. $.

An introductory survey of the major ideas and perspectives explaining the roles and processes of mass communication. The course includes theories of "mass society," technological determinism, cultivation, media imperialism, functionalism, and dependency.

Note: For BTMM majors, must be taken during first 32 s.h. in department.

0019. Introductory Topics in Theory and Methodology (2-8 s.h.) F S SS.

Arranged each semester, please consult with the instructor.

0020. Mass Media and Society (4 s.h.) F S SS.

Duplicate Course: Credit not available for both BTMM 0020 and JPRA C055.

The history, organization, economics, and control of mass communications in the United States. Newspapers, books, magazines, comics, radio, television, film, and developing technologies are considered. Comparisons with foreign media systems are included.

Note: For BTMM majors, must be taken during first 32 s.h. in department.

0039. Introductory Topics in Institution Study (2 - 8 s.h.)

Arranged each semester, please consult with the instructor.

0040. Media in Everyday Life (4 s.h.) F S SS.

Explores popular and scholarly ideas of how the media are used and how they may or may not be influential in the course of normal life. Such matters as the media's effects on gender conditioning, violence, and aggression as they pertain to children and adults are considered.

Note: For BTMM majors, must be taken during first 32 s.h. in department.

0049. Introductory Topics in Social Processes (2 - 8 s.h.)

0055. Introduction to Media Management and Organization (3 s.h.) F SS.

Overview of current organizing practices of media businesses and beginning study of managing media profit and non-profit outlets including administrative, financial, and legal matters.

0069. Introductory Topics in Organization and Management (2 - 8 s.h.)

Arranged each semester, please consult with the instructor.

0070. Introduction to Media Technology (3 s.h.) F S.

This course is designed to introduce the beginning student to visual aesthetics and other concepts relevant to the world of digital media. You will learn about the various types of multimedia applications (e.g., Adobe Photoshop and Premiere) and how to construct effective interactive multimedia messages.

0089. Introductory Topics in Media and Telecommunication Production (2-8 s.h.)

Arranged each semester, please consult with the instructor.

Upper Division Courses

0114. Mass Communication Research (3 s.h.) F S.

An introductory survey of the methods and techniques of conducting research tailored to mass media issues. Topics include: market research, polling, surveys, depth interviews, content analysis, focus groups, and experiments.

0119. Beginning Topics in Theory and Methodology (2-8 s.h.)

Arranged each semester, please consult with the instructor.

0123. The Broadcasting System (3 s.h.) F S.

Prerequisite: BTMM 0020.

Comparative analysis of the American broadcasting system exploring how it affects and is affected by the political and economic environment.

0133. The Telecommunications System (3 s.h.) F S.

Prerequisite: BTMM 0020.

Study of the economic and public policy issues related to the emerging information society. An overview of the technologies (computers, telecommunications, and mass media) and their convergence to form new multimedia environments in the home, school, and workplace.

0139. Beginning Topics in Institution Study (2 - 8 s.h.)

Arranged each semester, please consult with the instructor.

0142. Popular Culture (3 s.h.) F.

Prerequisite: BTMM 0040.

Cultural analysis of special media forms that are highly accessible to and enjoyed by a mass audience. Includes the form, content, politics, and consumption of popular movies, TV, and music.

0149. Beginning Topics in Social Processes (2 - 8 s.h.)

Arranged each semester, please consult with the instructor.

0150. Introduction to Cybermedia (3 s.h.) F S SS.

Prerequisite: CIS C055 or permission of instructor.

Survey of the personal and business uses of the individualized media including interactive TV, video games, multimedia, and online services. Covers technological, social, and economic implications for users, producers, and distributors of traditional and new media.

0169. Beginning Topics in Organization and Management (2 - 8 s.h.)

Arranged each semester, please consult with the instructor.

0170. Introduction to Television Production (4 s.h.) F S SS.

Prerequisite: Prerequisite: BTMM 070.

Beginning TV and computer technologies to produce fiction and non-fiction broadcasting, PSAs, and other commercial, corporate, or educational media fare. Weekly labs provide practicums in many phases of production.

0171. Introduction to Radio (4 s.h.) F S SS.

In this course the student will receive a basic understanding of all aspects of how a radio station works. Participants will study responsibilities of each radio station position, major formats, the all-important ratings, promotions, station logs, sales, radio news. Class members will also get hands-on experience in the production studio completing various production tasks and working with digital production technology.

0172. Introduction to Performance Techniques (4 s.h.) F S.

Prerequisite: Prerequisite: BTMM 070.

Introduction to on-air broadcast performance techniques with a focus on radio and the internet.

0175. Introductory Digital Audio (4 s.h.) F S SS.

Prerequisite: BTMM 070.

This course is an introduction to sound design principles and recording techniques for multi track production in all media production settings. As students examine design theory and technical practices, they learn the functioning and operation of basic digital audio workstations, digital and analog tape recorders, microphones, mixing consoles, and loudspeakers as well as rudimentary acoustical physics. Considerable time is also spent on critical listening skills and design aesthetics.

0189. Beginning Topics in Media and Telecommunication Production (2 - 8 s.h.)

Arranged each semester, please consult with the instructor.

0219. Intermediate Topics in Theory and Methodology (2 - 8 s.h.)

Arranged each semester, please consult with the instructor.

0224. The Cable Industry (3 s.h.) F S.

Prerequisite: BTMM 0020.

Economic and political study of the history, technology, advertising, regulation, programming, capitalization, and franchising of the U.S. cable industry.

0233. Telecommunications Industry and Applications (3 s.h.) F S.

Prerequisite: BTMM 0133.

Examination of the industries and application of the technologies pertinent to the Information Society including matters of economics, policy, and management. Student projects involve in-depth inquiry into individual topics.

0239. Intermediate Topics in Institution Study (2 - 8 s.h.)

Arranged each semester, please consult with the instructor.

0246. Social History of Mass Communication (3 s.h.) F.

Prerequisite: BTMM 0020 and 0040.

Examination of the broad social impact and cultural consequences of technological developments in communication from ancient through present times. Topics include the consequences of literacy, mechanical reproduction, and moving pictures. Special attention will be given to public response to various media systems through history.

0247. Political Communication (3 s.h.) S.

Prerequisite: BTMM 0020 and 0040.

Examination of the roles of traditional and emerging media in the American political system. Topics include political socialization, influences on voting decisions, campaign advertising and debates, political reporting, the media-government relationship, agenda-setting and other public opinion processes, as well as the media's role in generating cynicism regarding politics.

0249. Intermediate Topics in Social Processes (1 - 4 s.h.)

Arranged each semester, please consult with the instructor.

0250. Media and Cultural Differences (4 s.h.) S.

Prerequisite: BTMM 0040.

Examines how media present different cultures and subcultures and how members of various groups may differentially relate to media. This course increases student sensitivity to different cultures.

0253. Television Criticism (3 s.h.) S.

Arranged each semester, please consult with the instructor.

0256. Broadcast Advertising (3 s.h.) F S.

Principles and practices of broadcast advertising. Psychological and creative factors involved in broadcast advertising; media research, rate structure, and campaign strategy.

0257. Broadcast and Cable Sales (3 s.h.) S.

Prerequisite: BTMM 0055.

Survey and problem-solving in the areas of rate cards and pricing, audience research, station organization, sales, traffic, and availabilities, and network and syndicated sales, with emphasis on marketing psychology and situations.

0269. Intermediate Topics in Organization and Management (2 - 8 s.h.)

Arranged each semester, please consult with the instructor.

0270. Intermediate Television Production (4 s.h.) F S.

Prerequisite: BTMM 0170.

Radio, TV, and computer technologies employed in production of general entertainment, corporate, and public-oriented programming for broadcast networks, cable outlets, schools, and other profit and non-profit organizations. Students produce finished programs for outside institutions through studio and field production.

0271. Broadcast Performance (4 s.h.) F S.

Prerequisite: BTMM 0172.

Interpretive analysis of broadcast material; examines techniques of voice, articulation and acting with specific reference to broadcasting styles.

0272. Linear and Non-Linear Editing for the Media (4 s.h.) F S.

Prerequisite: BTMM 0170.

Theory and techniques of editing video and film for commercial, corporate, and educational production.

W273. Writing Workshop (3 s.h.) F S. Core: WI.

An intensive, hands-on course that stresses writing fundamentals while encouraging students to express themselves in many forms of writing from journals, to essays, to scripts and more. Students read their work in class, work in groups, and meet with the instructor for personal critiques.

0275. Intermediate Digital Audio (4 s.h.) F S.

Prerequisite: BTMM 0175.

In this in-depth examination of recording and editing techniques in the digital domain, students gain hands-on experience on a larger format Digital Audio Workstation during the recording and overdubbing phases of production. Emphasis is placed on running actual sessions in a variety of settings including music and radio spot production. Additionally, much of the theory and technology involved in the digitization of audio are examined to provide a foundation on which students can build for the future.

0289. Intermediate Topics in Media and Telecommunication Production (2 - 8 s.h.)

Arranged each semester, please consult with the instructor.

0307. London Seminar (2 - 6 s.h.)

Arranged each semester, please consult with the instructor.

W312. Communication in Organizations (4 s.h.) S SS. Core: WI.

Prerequisite: BTMM 055.

Review of theories of organizational structure, their relationship to communication processes and current practices, and underlying communication systems which support them.

0314. Advanced Communication Research (4 s.h.) F S.

Prerequisite: BTMM 0114.

Study and application of research design and quantitative methods for analysis of media issues in social science and industry. Rating services, focus groups, readership studies, experiments, interviewing, and content analysis are considered. Class projects involve complete research reports.

0319. Advanced Topics in Theory and Methodology (2 - 8 s.h.)

Arranged each semester, please consult with the instructor.

W321. History of Broadcasting (4 s.h.) F S. Core: WI.

Prerequisite: BTMM 0020.

Origin and development of broadcasting; evolution of technical, economic, organizational, content, and regulatory issues in their political context.

0322. Regulation and Public Policy (4 s.h.) F S.

Prerequisite: BTMM 0020 and 0123.

Legal, technical, political, and social aspects of media regulation. Consideration of the FCC and other agencies as well as problems such as allocation, renewal, fairness, access, monopoly, censorship, copyright, and pressure groups.

0326. Public Broadcasting (3 s.h.) F S.

Prerequisite: BTMM 0020.

Study of the philosophy, financing, control, and programming of instructional and public broadcasting.

0331. Third World Mass Media (4 s.h.) F S.

Prerequisite: BTMM 0020.

Study of the ownership, control, and law of third world media systems. Includes issues of imperialism, global culture, and development.

0332. Comparative Broadcasting (4 s.h.) F S.

Prerequisite: BTMM 0123.

Cross-national study of world broadcasting systems.

W333. Global Telecommunications (4 s.h.) F. Core: WI.

Prerequisite: BTMM 0233.

Study of the economics, policy, and technology of the emerging global communication system. Specific issues include: transborder data flow, international organizations, and cultural and national sovereignty.

0335. Economics of Information (4 s.h.) F S.

Prerequisite: BTMM 0233.

Macroeconomic examination of information including information as a commodity, demand, valuation, supply availability, costs, scale, regulation, and "public good." Microeconomic exploration of information in organizations: cost-benefit of communication systems.

0339. Advanced Topics in Institution Study (1 - 4 s.h.)

Arranged each semester, please consult with the instructor.

W343. Mass Media and Children (4 s.h.) F S. Core: WI.

Prerequisite: BTMM 0040.

The study of the special roles media may play in childhood. The effects of television, video games, computers, and comics on youth are considered, including issues of violence, self-actualization, and sexual development. Also, the economics of childhood in terms of media advertising and programming are studied.

0344. Public Information Campaigns (4 s.h.) F S.

Prerequisite: BTMM 0040 and junior or senior standing.

Exploration of techniques used in information campaigns regarding health, energy conservation, environmental protection and other topics, and campaigns' effects on public knowledge and behavior. Students conduct an actual campaign on campus.

0346. Psychological Processing of Media (4 s.h.) F S.

Prerequisite: BTMM 0040 and junior or senior standing.

Research and theory concerning the contemporary psychological significance of media. Topics include attention, memory, comprehension, emotional response, arousal, picture perception, unconscious processing, and person perception as they relate to traditional (radio, TV, print, film) and emerging (virtual reality, teleconferencing) media.

0348. Media and Social Memory (4 s.h.) F S.

Prerequisite: BTMM 0040 and junior or senior standing.

Examination of how media act as agents of collective memory and how such memories may be tied to issues of identity, community, and power. In addition to general theory and research in social memory, the course considers a few key events to illustrate how social memory has influenced and been influenced by different media.

W349. Advanced Topics in Social Processes (2 - 8 s.h.) Core: WI.

Arranged each semester, please consult with the instructor.

0350. Media Images and Analysis (4 s.h.) F S.

Prerequisite: BTMM 0040 and junior or senior standing.

Sociological analysis of mass media artifacts. Students engage in content analysis projects for subsequent publication.

0351. Media, Science, and Medicine (4 s.h.) F S.

Prerequisite: BTMM 0040.

Analysis of the role of mass media in developing, shaping, and controlling important scientific and medical information. Consumer problems are addressed.

0353. Media Criticism (4 s.h.) F S.

A survey of critical approaches to television. Student papers are the vehicle for discussions of aesthetic, genre, political, and structuralist criticism.

0357. Broadcast and Cable Management (4 s.h.) S.

Prerequisite: BTMM 0257.

Marketing strategies for networks, stations, and cable systems. Relationships with government, networks, employee groups, and ownership. Personnel policies and supervision, budgets and reports.

0358. Broadcast and Cable Programming (3 s.h.) S.

Prerequisite: BTMM 0257.

Television program acquisition, schedule placement, and audience building. Constraints and influences on programming decisions such as audience characteristics, competition, industry codes, and regulation.

0363. CD Project Management (3 s.h.) F S.

Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor.

Students examine the process of making a music CD from the perspective of the album producer. Students will develop skills related to the understanding music industry contracts and handling other relevant legal issues, financing a project, and establishing and following a budget. Significant time is also spent considering the production hierarchy and studio etiquette, marketing and promotion plans, distribution, and individual development of a unique style within an historical perspective. Coursework includes a series of papers in which students examine the process of setting up a production company with a business proposal then scout local talent, and research costs to establish a budget for a theoretical recording project.

0364. Creating a Media Business (4 s.h.) F.

Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing.

Principles of building one's own media business. Student projects involve a start-to-finish plan for a profit or non-profit media organization including market assessment, financing, and contracting.

0370. TV Producing and Directing (4 s.h.) F S.

Prerequisite: BTMM 0270 and junior or senior standing.

Students write, produce, and direct individual projects for air on cable, hospital, educational, or corporate channels.

0371. Radio Practicum (1 - 4 s.h.) F S SS.

Prerequisite: BTMM 0171 or permission of WRTI station manager.

Students are selected on the basis of special qualifications and assigned as junior administrators, producers, etc., on WRTI radio station staff.

Note: Course may be repeated for a total of no more than 4 s.h.

W372. Broadcast Production Practicum (3 s.h.) F S. Core: WI.

Prerequisite: BTMM 0270 or permission of the instructor.

A weekly student magazine show produced in association with broadcast journalism students providing information about campus organizations, departments, and issues.

0373. Making Corporate and Multi-media Production (4 s.h.) SS.

Prerequisite: BTMM 0070, 0175, and 0270.

The need to understand and create corporate and educational multi-media productions is rapidly expanding. From kiosks to video walls to the Internet explore the development of material for a variety of audiences. Learn how to communicate and enhance your organization's message through practical experience with advice from a professional.

0374. Advanced Digital Audio (4 s.h.) F S.

Prerequisite: BTMM 0275.

In this continuation of BTMM 275, emphasis is placed on advanced mixing and signal processing techniques including mix automation and preparation of files for export to video, multimedia authoring software and inclusion on the World Wide Wed. To that end, time will be spent on the ethical/legal concerns surrounding M-PEG encoding and streaming audio technology as well as the possible futures of the music industry.

0375. Cybermedia Workshop (4 s.h.) F S SS.

Prerequisite: BTMM 0150, 0070, and 0175.

Hands-on development of content using new media forms. Students will be involved in the design, scripting, and production of one or more programs. Projects may include interactive programs, "edutainment" games, multimedia presentations, "Kiosk" information service appropriate for CD-ROM, online service, or broadband distribution to businesses, schools, or consumers.

W377. Television Production Workshop (8 s.h.) Core: WI.

The development of weekly hour-long programs exploring Philadelphia and environs with electronic field production techniques. The focus is on the production team which will meet professional standards in content, form, and technical quality.

Note: This course is only offered in the summer.

0378. Comedy Workshop (4 s.h.) F S.

Prerequisite: BTMM 0170.

Work with actors, directors, and writers to create an original, half-hour comedy program.

0389. Advanced Topic Media Telecommunication (2-8 s.h.) SS.

Arranged each semester, please consult with the instructor.

0390. British Media and Telecommunication (3 - 6 s.h.)

Arranged each semester, please consult with the instructor.

Note: Offered only through the Temple London Program.

0391. Internship (1 - 4 s.h.) F S SS.

Prerequisite: BTMM major of senior standing and at least 2.5 BTMM average and permission of internship director.

Students assigned as unpaid interns to compatible media and telecommunications industries and organizations.

Note: Enrollment limited to availability.

0395. Senior Seminar (3 s.h.) F S SS.

Prerequisite: BTMM major of senior standing.

Discussions of media and telecommunication vocations including those in corporations, small businesses, profit and non-profit institutions, as well as scholarly and legal careers. Tailored to each student's preparation, interests, and abilities. Guest lectures.

Note: Enrollment limited to 20.

0396. Honors Colloquium (1 s.h.) F S.

Note: Open to BTMM honors students only. Can only be taken once a year and can be repeated up to 4 s.h.

0397. Independent Study (1 to 4 s.h.) F S SS.

Prerequisite: Completed proposal form signed by faculty project supervisor and department chair.

Student conducts special study under supervision of a BTMM faculty member.

Note: May be taken once or repeatedly for up to 8 s.h.

0398. Independent Projects (1 - 4 s.h.) F S SS.

Prerequisite: Completed proposal form signed by faculty project supervisor and department chair.

Student conducts special project under supervision of a BTMM faculty member.

Note: May be taken once or repeatedly for up to 8 s.h.

0399. Honors Reading/Research Project (1 - 4 s.h.) F S.

Prerequisite: Permission of Honors Director.

Open to Departmental Honors students only.


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