CMAT Course Descriptions

A study of the image of Baltimore through the lens of the media. Students analyze narrative and non-narrative films, television programs, books, short stories, Web sites, newspapers, magazines and blogs to gain a greater understanding of where they live and the city's evolution from the eyes of those who record and promote its happenings. Laboratory fee may be required. [ART]

Introduction to oral communication: interpersonal, small group and public speaking. Emphasis on accurately transmitting information, using effective strategies for informing and persuading, using effective communication techniques to work with others, and feeling at ease in front of an audience. Laboratory fee required. [CMAT]

Applied learning experience tailored to each student's academic and career interests. Students gain applied work experience in a communication-related field. Grading: pass/fail. prerequisite: permission of the program director

Introduction to page layout/design, illustration and presentation software. Students learn layout and design graphics for print publication and screen presentation. Laboratory fee required. prerequisite: working knowledge of MacOS

Introduction to Web design and digital imaging software. Students create simple Web sites and process photographs for print and Internet/television distribution. Laboratory fee required. prerequisite: working knowledge of MacOS

Introduces the basic principles of design—contrast, repetition, alignment and proximity—and applies them through a series of assignments. Students examine the work of famous designers, along with important design styles of the 19th and 20th centuries. Other topics include color theory, grids and the design process. [ART]

Introduction to the history of graphic design. Addresses the difference between art and design and the role both play in design's evolution. Areas of emphasis include historical periods, key movements, typography, significant events and pre-eminent designers. [ART]

Helps students develop a vocabulary and techniques for analyzing images and sounds: movies, ads, photographs, Web sites and more. Examines composition, color, sequencing, animation and sound and specifically how those elements alter meaning. [ART]

Examines various elements that define popular culture, among them the mass media, sports, fashion, restaurants and food, architecture, amusement parks and religion. Students look at ways that pop culture institutions and products both shape and reflect the larger culture. [ART]

Intensive exploration of topics in speech communication. The topic for study appears in the class schedule. Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes. Laboratory fee required. [CMAT]

A performance-oriented examination of the principles of public communication, emphasizing theory and rhetorical structure as well as presentation. Includes critiqued in-class practice of a variety of speech forms and strategies. Laboratory fee required.

Extensive practice in presentational speaking, briefing techniques, the mechanics and dynamics of group meetings and the development of interviewing, critical listening and interpersonal communication skills. Laboratory fee required. [CMAT]

Issue analysis, evidence evaluation, critical reasoning and counter advocacy. The principles of argumentation and debate are applied through student presentations and critical observation of contemporary debate in legal and legislative bodies. Laboratory fee required.

Analysis of the patterns and conventions of a specific type of media program (e.g., Western, science fiction, situation comedy), media artist (e.g., Hitchcock, Allen, Capra) or style (e.g., film noir). Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes. Laboratory fee required.

Creative reading: the transformation of the writer's word through the reader's voice in expository, poetic, narrative and dramatic forms. A progression from reading to analysis to interpretation to presentation. Laboratory fee required.

Students study dramatic values, theatrical production values and dramatic styles and then apply that knowledge through the critical analysis of area theatrical productions. Offered as needed.

Organizations, consumers and private individuals are flocking to digital communication, leaving traditional media behind. Through case studies, investigation and projects, this course examines the strengths and weaknesses of,differences between and societal consequences of old and new media.

Overview of principles, strategies and techniques for intentional communication that occur within particular contexts and that influence communication choices, including audience analysis, information transfer, persuasion and associated ethical considerations. Special attention is paid to changes from traditional to electronic to digital media.

Introduction to a variety of desktop publishing, graphics manipulation and presentation software and digitizing and printing hardware. Students learn to create and manipulate images and integrate graphics with text. Laboratory fee required. Students who have completed CMAT 211 and CMAT 212 may not take this course for credit.

An introductory workshop for students interested in digital communication. The course does not teach production skills but rather examines the process of developing a media package, of following a production project from start to finish: audience analysis, behavioral objectives, budgeting, needs assessment, evaluation, etc. Media to be considered include print, video, Web and multimedia.

An upper-level theory course that introduces students to a variety of ways of understanding the interactions between media and culture. The course examines media content and effects, media industries, cultural perceptions and notions about how meaning is constructed in these environments.

Introduction to strategies, techniques and tools useful in communication research. Students gain experience finding and evaluating sources, identifying theoretical frameworks, and understanding the strengths, weaknesses and applications of various research methodologies.

Investigation and survey of contemporary communication theories and their application to learning through current research and literature in the field. Application to designing media programs and packages to meet specific instructional needs.

An introduction to the principles of design. The course will focus on the organization of visual space, typography, paper and color choices, visual strategies and appropriate visual design choices for a variety of audiences. Laboratory fee required. prerequisite: successful completion of Computer Graphics Competency Requirement

An introduction to interactive design principles, fundamental Web development concepts and standards-based design practices that underlie digtal design production for websites. Emphasis is on how to create, manipulate and prepare HTML- and CSS-based Web pages; design effective site interfaces; make appropriate typography and image use choices for the Web; understand structural and content planning and the website development process and workflow; and increase usability and functionality for enhanced user experience on the Web. Laboratory fee required. prerequisite: successful completion of Computer Graphics Competency Requirement

Processes and strategies for moving work from the designer's screen to the printer and finally to the audience. The course examines the business relationship between designers and print vendors, the various stages of the printing process as it relates to digital design, and budget considerations that affect design. Students learn to write print specifications and weigh the strengths and weaknesses of different printers and printing processes. Laboratory fee required.

Intensive writing experience for students interested in writing drama for television and film. Emphasizes characterization, dialogue and plot development as well as conventions of and script formats for television and film.

Explores creation and manipulation of both still and video images in the digital environment. Through lectures, critiques, demonstrations, picture taking and digital manipulation exercises, students learn to shoot, edit and use a variety of digital techniques to produce material for print and Web distribution. Emphasis is placed on the development of portfolio-quality pieces. Laboratory fee required.

Introduction to the art and craft of audio production. Students listen to and produce a series of short audio programs, learning the tools, techniques and aesthetics of the craft along the way.

Problems of producing and selecting photos for print and for other visual media. The relationship between text, photographs and design. Experience in preparing photo essays that incorporate both photographs and copy. Laboratory fee required.

The use of portable video equipment for producing location and small-studio nonbroadcast presentations and the planning and management of industrial video facilities. The production context is emphasized with special attention given to public-access cable, corporate and institutional uses of video. Laboratory fee required.

Mass media as a vital force in contemporary society. The impact of television, film, music, advertising and other media on our economic, political and social systems. Evaluation of means to effect creative solutions to social problems via media use. A study of current controversies and research. Laboratory fee may be required.

A study of design strategies, techniques and decisions for company, trade, mass-market (consumer), print and digital magazines. The course examines the contributions of various magazine departments and relationships among major staff positions. Students conceive of and design a new print or digital magazine. Laboratory fee required. prerequisite: CMAT 357

Examination of the process, problems and techniques of gathering and presenting information. Moving from a historical context, the course looks at the lines between news, documentary and propaganda; the forces that shape and influence the presentation of information; difficulties in determining objectivity; and contemporary issues relating to reality programming. Balancing theory and analysis are hands-on news gathering and production activities. Laboratory fee may be required.

Students learn the strategies and tactics (traditional and digital) that public relations specialists use to build relationships, manage brand reputations and tell brand stories. These include situation and audience analysis in addition to media mix and dealing with clients. Special attention is paid to maximizing visibility via social media.

Students apply skills and knowledge from coursework to jobs in the field of digital communication. Grading: pass/fail. Course is eligible for a continuing studies grade. prerequisite: senior status and permission of the program director

Explores the development of communication technologies from mechanical, electrical and wired to digital, wireless and interactive. The course keeps students abreast of current practices, evolution and changes in interpersonal, mass and social media, focusing on technical development, economic and political factors, potential applications and societal impact.

An introduction to the ways that communications media shape people's perceptions of communities, ways that citizens can use various media to change those perceptions and ways to strengthen communities through increased and broader-based communication. Students examine case studies, learn basic techniques of producing messages in a variety of media and propose solutions to problems in their own communities by utilizing those media.

An introductory survey of the many types of hypermedia, multimedia and other means of nonlinear writing now available in fiction, education and business. Combines theory and hands-on experience in the reading and composition of hypermedia and Web sites. Students explore the position of this new technology/language in contemporary culture.

The conceptualization and production of multimedia design. After studying the fundamentals of interactivity, students learn to digitize sound and video, integrate these elements with graphic design and written text, develop prototypes and examine various interactive software applications. Application of problem-solving techniques to the corporate environment and media applications. Laboratory fee required. prerequisite: CMAT 358

Advanced design course emphasizing the integration of typography and images in a series of projects of moderate and increasing complexity. Building on the foundation developed in CMAT 357, this course focuess on critical thinking and execution of ideas for a variety of audiences. Laboratory fee required. prerequisite: CMAT 357

An upper-level introduction to the skills and concepts necessary for the administration of a communications department or for the creation of a freelance business. Topics include developing a business identity, production planning and control, market and cost analysis, project proposals, estimating and billing forms and procedures, managing a real-world project, client presentations, organizational theory, legal and tax issues, and writing a business plan. prerequisite: CMAT 340

Builds upon the skills and fundamental Web design concepts introduced in CMAT 358. Students learn advanced standards, techniques, and design skills and strategies for building complex websites and mobile applications. Laboratory fee required. prerequisite: CMAT 358

Advanced techniques and experience in planning, producing and editing audio and video presentations. Lab oratory fee required. prerequisite: CMAT 369 or the equivalent or permission of the instructor

Examination and application of the criteria for critically analyzing film, video and audio. Evaluation of the role of the critic and critical publications. Students compose and present critical reviews.

After articulating their professional goals—for example, as writers, designers, videographers or public relations specialists—students determine which of the materials they have created in the past will contribute positively to their portfolios and revise and improve those pieces. They determine what additional items their portfolios need and create them from scratch. Finally, they develop strategies for applying and interviewing for professional positions. Laboratory fee required. Note: Students entering this class must have a pre-existing body of work from which to draw. prerequisite: permission of the program director

Capstone experience for digital communication majors. Students complete a theoretical or applied project in their declared area of specialization to include the product itself, appropriate documentation and a reflective essay. They then present the work to faculty and to other students in the major. They also develop portfolios of their work and professional resumes. Laboratory fee may be required. prerequisites: completion of the Digital Communication program core (or simultaneous enrollment in final core classes), senior status and permission of the program director

Consideration and completion in depth of a special topic or project in communication. Each student works closely with a faculty member who helps set goals, develop a course plan and guide progress. The project must be carefully planned and have approval of the instructor involved and the program director. prerequisite: permission of both the instructor and the program director

An advanced interdisciplinary seminar that focuses on important books and issues and encourages independent thinking, clear presentation and an understanding of the concerns and methods of various disciplines. The course may be team taught; topic and instructor(s) may change from semester to semester. Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes. prerequisite: 3.3 GPA and permission of the Denit Honors Program director

Directed individual instruction in an advanced project of the student's choice; the project must be academically related to this discipline. Each student works closely with a faculty director who guides his/her progress. The project must be of honors quality and must be finally approved by both the faculty director and a second faculty member. Course is eligible for a continuing studies grade. prerequisite: 3.3 GPA and permission of both the Denit Honors Program director and the faculty director

Intensive exploration of communication-related topics that are of mutual interest to faculty and students. Content varies according to the concurrent interests of faculty and students. The topic for study appears in the class schedule. Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes. Laboratory fee required. prerequisite: determined by topic