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Undergraduate Course Descriptions 2009-2010
Last updated 10/20/2009


01704/Broadcasting, Telecommunications, & Mass Media (BTMM)

 

General Education

0821. The Future of Your TV (3 s.h.) RCI: GA.

What is the future of your TV; what kind of programming will you see in the next two years? What role will blogs, vlogs, podcasts, YouTube and other social networks have in transforming television into a medium where consumers drive content? Television is not going away but how, where and when we interact with it is changing. In large lecture you will learn about these changes; in small labs, you will take the driver’s seat as creator of content. Your assignment: based on careful analysis of readings, lectures and interactions with professionals, determine how you will tell a story that will reach an audience you define.

Note: This course fulfills the Arts (GA) requirement for students under GenEd and Arts (AR) for students under Core.

0823. Latin American Media (3 s.h.) F. RCI: GG.

From the music of J-Lo and Shakira to the style of the TV show Ugly Betty to Bart Simpson’s bad Spanish (no problemo!), Latin American influences are increasingly evident in U.S. media and culture. The influence goes both ways: U.S. media and culture have had great impact in Latin America. This class focuses on Latin American media as key institutions within the region and also as they interact with the United States. Media systems are so intertwined with society that understanding them requires understanding where they come from, so we will look at Latin America itself first - Where is it? What are its characteristics? The class will then examine Latin American media and the ways that Latin American people have reacted to U.S. influence. We will also explore the growing presence of Latino media in the U.S. and in Philadelphia.

Note: This course fulfills the World Society (GG) requirement for students under GenEd and International Studies (IS) for students under Core.

Foundational Courses

1011. Mass Communication Theory (4 s.h.) F S SS.

(Formerly: BTMM 0011.)

An introduction to the use of theory in the study of communication; examines theories and frameworks used to analyze various aspects of human communication, focusing on mass media.

Note: For BTMM majors; must be taken during first 45 s.h. in department.

1021. Mass Media and Society (4 s.h.) F S SS.

(Formerly: BTMM 0020.)

Explores social roles of mass media, especially in light of prevailing technological and cultural conditions in the U.S. and around the world. Students will be introduced to specific approaches for being more enlightened consumers and producers of mass media messages by strengthening skills of reasoning, research, critical thinking, creativity and communications.

Note: For BTMM majors; must be taken during first 45 s.h. in department.

1041. Media in Everyday Life (4 s.h.) F S SS.

(Formerly: BTMM 0040.)

This course explores the meanings and functions of media technology, and situates the media we use daily within the larger intellectual, cultural framework. Popular media including film and video will help frame the interrogation of the role of media in everyday life.

Note: For BTMM majors; must be taken during first 45 s.h. in department.

Lower Division Courses

1390. Introductory Topics in Institution Study (2 to 8 s.h.)

(Formerly: BTMM 0039.)

Specific topic; varies each semester. Please view course subtitle or consult with instructor for details.

1655. Introduction to Media Management and Organization (3 s.h.) F S SS.

(Formerly: BTMM 0055.)

Overview of management structure and responsibilities of the businesses comprising the communications and broadcasting industries including radio, television, cable, internet and print will be reviewed. Understanding of financial implications leading to profitability of media industries and challenges facing nonprofit entities will be considered.

Mode: Online or face-to-face.

1701. Introduction to Media Technology (3 s.h.) F S. $.

(Formerly: BTMM 0070.)

An introduction to visual aesthetics and other concepts relevant to the world of digital media. Students are introduced to various types of multimedia applications (Adobe Photoshop, Audition, GoLive and Avid Express) and learn how to construct effective web sites and interactive multimedia messages.

Mode: Lecture and computer lab.

1890. Introductory Topics in Media and Telecommunication Production (1 to 4 s.h.) $.

(Formerly: BTMM 0089.)

Specific topic; varies each semester. Please view course subtitle or consult with instructor for details.

Note: Repeatable for credit with different topics

Upper Division Courses

2141. Mass Communication Research (3 s.h.)

(Formerly: BTMM 0114.)

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.

Note: Offered once per year.

2190. Beginning Topics in Theory and Methodology (3 s.h.)

(Formerly: BTMM 0119.)

Specific topic; varies each semester. Please view course subtitle or consult with instructor for details.

2221. The Broadcasting System (3 s.h.) F S.

(Formerly: BTMM 0123.)

Prerequisite: BTMM 1021 (0020).

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

2421. Popular Culture (3 s.h.) F.

(Formerly: BTMM 0142.)

Prerequisite: BTMM 1041 (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.

2701. Introduction to Television Production (4 s.h.) F S SS. $.

(Formerly: BTMM 0170.)

Prerequisite: BTMM 1701 (0070).

An introduction to the technologies used to produce television content for commercial and business purposes. Students have the opportunity to produce fiction, documentary, corporate, educational or public service messages. Weekly labs provide practice in many phases of production.

2721. Introduction to Performance Techniques (4 s.h.) F S. $.

(Formerly: BTMM 0172.)

Prerequisite: BTMM 1701 (0070).

Introduction to on-air broadcast performance styles and specialties with a focus on radio. Vocal instruction/analysis includes in-class exercises and individual and group projects.

2741. Introduction to Cybermedia (3 s.h.) F S SS.

(Formerly: BTMM 0150.)

Prerequisite: BTMM 1701 (0070).

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.

Mode: Online course.

2751. Introductory Digital Audio (4 s.h.) F S SS. $.

(Formerly: BTMM 0175.)

Prerequisite: BTMM 1701 (0070).

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, signal processors and loudspeakers as well as rudimentary acoustical physics. Considerable time is also spent on critical listening skills and design aesthetics.

Mode: Lecture/audio lab.

2771. Introduction to Radio (4 s.h.) F S SS. $.

(Formerly: BTMM 0171.)

Prerequisite: BTMM 1701 (0070).

Overview of how a radio station works. Participants will study responsibilities of each radio station position, major formats, ratings, promotions, station logs, sales, news, syndication and engineering. Class members will also get hands-on experience in the production studio completing various production tasks and working with digital production technology.

Mode: Lecture and lab.

2889. Field Experience in Media Literacy (1 to 4 s.h.) S.

Students learn about media literacy through a field-based learning experience where they get an opportunity to work directly with children and young people in an education, communication, or public health setting on a media literacy initiative or media production and media analysis projects.

2890. Beginning Topics in Media and Telecommunication Production (3 s.h.) $.

(Formerly: BTMM 0189.)

Specific topic; varies each semester. Please view course subtitle or consult with instructor for details.

Note: Repeatable for up to 6 credits.

3153. Television Criticism (3 s.h.)

(Formerly: BTMM 0253.)

An examination of business, cultural, aesthetic and theoretical aspects of television and their roles in television criticism. Students analyze the work of television critics, and practice criticism itself.

Note: Offered once per year.

3196. Writing Workshop (3 s.h.) F S. RCI: WI. $.

(Formerly: BTMM W273.)

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.

3224. The Cable Industry (3 s.h.) F S.

(Formerly: BTMM 0224.)

Prerequisite: BTMM 1021 (0020).

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

3296. Travel Writing (3 s.h.) RCI: WI.

Cross Listed with Journalism 3296.

This course explores international communication, intercultural competence, and the nature of travel (why and how we travel, and what we can learn from it) through a travel writing curriculum.

3471. Media and Cultural Differences (4 s.h.) S.

(Formerly: BTMM 0250.)

Prerequisite: BTMM 1041 (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.

3490. Intermediate Topics in Social Processes (1 to 4 s.h.)

(Formerly: BTMM 0249.)

Specific topic; varies each semester. Please view course subtitle or consult with instructor for details.

3611. Broadcast Advertising (3 s.h.) F S.

(Formerly: BTMM 0256.)

Students examine principles and practices of advertising in broadcast media, including psychological and creative factors, media research, rate structure, and campaign strategy.

3631. Broadcast and Cable Sales (3 s.h.) S.

(Formerly: BTMM 0257.)

Prerequisite: BTMM 1655 (0055).

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

3690. Intermediate Topics in Organization and Management (2 to 8 s.h.)

(Formerly: BTMM 0269.)

Specific topic; varies each semester. Please view course subtitle or consult with instructor for details.

Note: Repeatable for up to 8 credits with varying topics.

3701. Intermediate Television Production (4 s.h.) F S. $.

(Formerly: BTMM 0270.)

Prerequisite: BTMM 2701 (0170).

Students produce content designed for broadcast, cable, and emerging audio/visual media. Specific projects vary each semester and in each section and include music video, documentary, sports, and comedy. See section subtitle.

3709. Linear and Non-Linear Editing for the Media (4 s.h.) F S. $.

(Formerly: BTMM 0272.)

Prerequisite: BTMM 2701 (0170).

Theory and techniques of editing audio and video for commercial, corporate, multimedia and educational applications.

Mode: Lecture and lab.

3721. Broadcast Performance (4 s.h.) F S. $.

(Formerly: BTMM 0271.)

Prerequisite: BTMM 2721 (0172).

Advanced on-air performance techniques focusing on in-studio television work. Intensive instruction/analysis includes individual and group performance in various television performance specialties. Focus includes vocal performance/articulation and overall presentation for television.

3751. Intermediate Digital Audio (4 s.h.) F S. $.

(Formerly: BTMM 0275.)

Prerequisite: BTMM 2751 (0175).

An in-depth examination of recording and editing techniques in the digital and analog domains. Coursework involves several music recording, overdubbing, and mixing sessions, in addition to audio for other media such as radio and the web. The theory and technology involved in the digitization of audio are also examined.

3890. Intermediate Topics in Media and Telecommunication Production (2 to 4 s.h.) $.

(Formerly: BTMM 0289.)

Specific topic; varies each semester. Please view course subtitle or consult with instructor for details.

4039. Senior Seminar (3 s.h.) F S SS.

(Formerly: BTMM 0395.)

Prerequisite: BTMM major of junior standing.

Professional development seminar designed to prepare students to enter the media workforce. Discussions of media occupations, resume writing, organizing a job search, networking, interviewing, and job preparedness. Guest lectures.

Note: Enrollment limited.

4153. Media Criticism (4 s.h.)

(Formerly: BTMM 0353.)

Prerequisite: BTMM 1011 (0011), 1021 (0020) and 1041 (0040).

An examination of professional and scholarly criticism of television, film, radio and print media.

4182. Independent Study (1 to 4 s.h.) F S SS.

(Formerly: BTMM 0397.)

Available for students who wish to take on the study of a special topic that goes beyond those available through the regular curriculum of the major.

Note: Topic must be proposed to a BTMM faculty member who will supervise the study and approved by that faculty member and the department chair. Proposal forms are obtained through the BTMM department office. May be taken once or repeatedly for up to 8 s.h.

4226. Public Broadcasting (3 s.h.) F S.

(Formerly: BTMM 0326.)

Prerequisite: BTMM 1021 (0020).

Examination of the organizational structure of public broadcasting including the relationship of stations to their community, to PBS and/or NPR and to the government. Class discussions will explore the leadership, the stations, the business model and the content of public media.

4252. Regulation and Public Policy (4 s.h.) F S.

(Formerly: BTMM 0322.)

Legal, ethical, technical, political, and social aspects of media regulation. Consideration of the First Amendment, censorship, copyright, and privacy issues.

4272. Comparative Broadcasting (4 s.h.) F S.

(Formerly: BTMM 0332.)

Cross-national study of world broadcasting systems.

4296. History of Broadcasting (4 s.h.) F S. RCI: WI.

(Formerly: BTMM W321.)

Prerequisite: BTMM 1021 (0020).

Examination of the origin and development of broadcasting including the evolution of technical, economic, organizational, content, and regulatory issues in their political context.

4390. Advanced Topics in Institution Study (1 to 4 s.h.)

(Formerly: BTMM 0339.)

Specific topic; varies each semester. Please view course subtitle or consult with instructor for details.

4445. Media Images and Analysis (4 s.h.) F S.

(Formerly: BTMM 0350.)

Prerequisite: BTMM 1041 (0040) and junior or senior standing.

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

4446. Psychological Processing of Media (4 s.h.)

(Formerly: BTMM 0346.)

Prerequisite: BTMM 1041 (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.

4453. Economics of Information (4 s.h.) F S.

(Formerly: BTMM 0335.)

Prerequisite: BTMM 1011 (0011), 1021 (0020), 1041 (0040).

This course provides an examination of information from both a Macroeconomic perspective, including supply, demand, availability, valuation, costs, scale, regulation, and commoditization; and a Microeconomic perspective, including cost-benefit analysis of communications systems.

4473. Third World Mass Media (4 s.h.) F S.

(Formerly: BTMM 0331.)

Prerequisite: BTMM 1021 (0020).

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

4496. Global Telecommunications (4 s.h.) F. RCI: WI.

(Formerly: BTMM W333.)

Prerequisite: BTMM 1011 (0011), 1021 (0020), 1041 (0040).

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.

4497. Mass Media and Children (4 s.h.) RCI: WI.

(Formerly: BTMM W343.)

Prerequisite: BTMM 1041 (0040); junior standing.

The history, economics, and structural features of media industries catering to a young audience. The possible effects of television, video games, comics, the internet, and other media on children and youth are considered, including issues of gender, racial identity, violence, social learning, and consumerism. Contemporary issues regarding media’s changing role in the lives of children and families are explored.

4551. Media, Science, and Medicine (3 s.h.)

(Formerly: BTMM 0351.)

Prerequisite: BTMM foundation courses or permission of instructor.

Analysis of the role of mass media in developing, shaping, and controlling the dissemination of important scientific and medical information. Consumer problems are also addressed. Selected writing assignments for mass media will utilize new scientific or medical research.

4571. Foreign Studies in BTMM (2 to 6 s.h.) SS.

(Formerly: BTMM 0307.)

This course is a summer seminar in one of SCT’s study abroad locations. The course consists of lectures, presentations by guest speakers from local media and government on a variety of topics, and various site visits. For more information and an application, students should visit the SCT web site at www.temple.edu/sct.

4572. British Media and Telecommunication (3 to 6 s.h.)

(Formerly: BTMM 0390.)

Students spend a semester studying British Mass Media and Culture while living in a city founded in 43 A.D. For more information and an application, students should visit the SCT web site at www.temple.edu/sct.

Note: Offered only through the Temple London Program.

4596. Broadcast Production Practicum (3 s.h.) F S. RCI: WI. $.

(Formerly: BTMM W372.)

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor or BTMM 2701 (0170).

Cross Listed with Journalism 4596.

This is an intensive hands-on production course in which you will produce a weekly program for air on cable. You will learn to research and pitch story ideas, interview experts and everyday people, write, report and edit news/magazine stories. Story ideas can include politics, health, technology, the environment, sports, entertainment, business, the internet and any other discipline as long as the story is relevant to college audiences.

4597. Sports Production Practicum (4 s.h.) RCI: WI. $.

Prerequisite: BTMM 2701 (0170) or permission of instructor.

This Sports Update capstone class is a specialized course for students interested in a career in the writing, producing, and directing of sports programming. The class will be structured in a similar fashion to Temple Update or Comcast SportsNet’s Sportsnite. Students will create a weekly 30-minute sports program aimed at informing viewers of important sports news, with an emphasis on the local professional and college teams, including Temple. This is an intensive hands-on production course where students will experience the real-world feel of a real sports programming environment that includes researching, writing and reporting, shooting, editing, producing and directing. Students will learn, firsthand, the realities of enterprising their own stories, working a locker room, handling deadline pressure and writing in a clear and unique style specifically required to communicate effectively in the sports world.

4614. Creating a Media Business (4 s.h.) F SS.

(Formerly: BTMM 0364.)

Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing.

An exploration of the principles of starting one’s own media business. Includes a survey of both successful and unsuccessful media organizations as well as an overview of challenges facing the entrepreneur. Student projects include researching and writing a business plan for a media organization including market assessment, operations, and financial projections.

Mode: Online.

4641. Broadcast and Cable Programming (3 s.h.) S.

(Formerly: BTMM 0358.)

Principles and practices of selecting and scheduling television content, including program acquisition, schedule placement, and audience building for television, mobile and internet delivery. Constraints and influences on programming decisions such as audience characteristics, competition, industry codes, and regulation are considered.

4657. Broadcast and Cable Management (4 s.h.)

(Formerly: BTMM 0357.)

Management principles and practices in electronic media including organizational structure, financial management principles, management law, content development and personnel administration.

4663. CD Project Management (3 s.h.)

(Formerly: BTMM 0363.)

Prerequisite: Junior and Senior standing only.

An examination of the creative, business, and legal issues involved in the process of a music recording project from the perspective of the Record Producer. Students develop skills related to the understanding of music industry contracts, project budgeting and financing, copyright and publishing. Significant time is also spent considering current industry trends, marketing, leadership skills, and individual development of a unique production style within an historical perspective.

4682. Independent Projects (1 to 4 s.h.) F S SS. $.

(Formerly: BTMM 0398.)

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

Available for students who wish to create a special project that goes beyond those available through the regular curriculum of the major. Topic must be proposed to and approved by a BTMM faculty member who will supervise the study. Proposal forms are obtained through the BTMM department office.

Note: Topic must be proposed to a BTMM faculty member who will supervise the study and approved by that faculty member and the department chair. Proposal forms are obtained through the BTMM department office. May be taken once or repeatedly for up to 8 s.h.

4690. Advanced Topics in Organizational Management (2 to 8 s.h.)

(Formerly: BTMM 0369.)

Specific topic; varies each semester. Please view course subtitle or consult with instructor for details.

4696. Communication in Organizations (4 s.h.) S SS. RCI: WI. $.

(Formerly: BTMM W312.)

Prerequisite: BTMM 1655 (0055).

Exploration of the role of communication in organizational and management processes. Students connect historical managerial and organizational theories to contemporary communication challenges in a media business environment. The link between the audience and the managerial team and the influence of communication methods on that relationship are also explored.

Mode: Online.

4701. TV Producing and Directing (4 s.h.) F S. $.

(Formerly: BTMM 0370.)

Prerequisite: BTMM 2701 (0170).

An investigation of the many roles of the producer/director through major creative work in a multi-camera studio setting and field production. Principles of budgeting, fundraising and distribution as they relate to independent production are covered. Aesthetic and ethical considerations are also addressed in the context of contemporary approaches to TV production.

4703. Making Corporate and Multimedia Production (4 s.h.) S. $.

(Formerly: BTMM 0373.)

Prerequisite: BTMM 2701 (0170) and 2741 (0150).

Corporate and non-profit multimedia production is a rapidly expanding field. Student teams develop and produce content for profit and non-profit clients using audio, video, web-based, and mixed media.

4728. Comedy Workshop (4 s.h.) F S. $.

(Formerly: BTMM 0378.)

Prerequisite: BTMM 2701 (0170).

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

4741. Cybermedia Workshop (4 s.h.) F S SS.

(Formerly: BTMM 0375.)

Prerequisite: BTMM 2701 (0170) and 2741 (0150).

Hands-on development of content using new media forms. Students are involved in the design, scripting, and production of one or more programs.

Mode: Online.

4751. Advanced Digital Audio (4 s.h.) F S. $.

(Formerly: BTMM 0374.)

Prerequisite: BTMM 3751 (0275).

A workshop emphasizing advanced mixing and signal processing techniques including mix automation and preparation of files for export to video, multimedia authoring software and inclusion on the web.

4785. Internship (1 to 4 s.h.) F S SS.

(Formerly: BTMM 0391.)

Prerequisite: BTMM major of junior standing; BTMM 1011 (0011), 1021 (0020), and 1041 (0040) completed; at least a 2.5 BTMM average; and permission of internship director.

Students undertake paid or unpaid internships at compatible media organizations which provide experience in an industry or business setting, increase awareness of business principles and practices and provide insight into the professional arena. Supervised by BTMM Internship Directors. Goals/objectives statement, two papers and evaluation of supervisor by student plus two evaluations of intern by site supervisor are required. For details see www.temple.edu/sct/btmm/internships/index.htm.

Note: Enrollment limited.

4787. Television Production Workshop (3 to 8 s.h.) SS. $.

(Formerly: BTMM 0377.)

Students develop and produce weekly long-form programs that are shot in the field. Programming formats vary from entertainment to documentary. The focus is on the production team: students pitch story ideas and the class functions as a management team, making decisions on which programs will be produced over the seven week term.

Note: This course is only offered in the summer.

4887. Radio Practicum (1 to 4 s.h.) F S SS.

(Formerly: BTMM 0371.)

Prerequisite: BTMM 2771 (0171) and permission of WRTI station manager and faculty supervisor.

Students are selected on the basis of professional qualifications and assigned to roles at university affiliated radio station.

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

4890. Advanced Topic Media Telecommunication (2 to 8 s.h.) F S. $.

(Formerly: BTMM 0389.)

Specific topic; varies each semester. Please view course subtitle or consult with instructor for details.

Note: Offered with special topics. Not offered all semesters.

4939. Honors Colloquium (1 s.h.) F S.

(Formerly: BTMM 0396.)

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

4990. Honors Special Topics (4 s.h.) F S. RCI: HO.

(Formerly: BTMM H399.)

Prerequisite: Permission of Honors Director or instructor.

Networking and individual career guidance for honors students. Variable topics. For information on this course, contact the BTMM office.


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Last updated 10/20/2009