EDSP 817 Doctoral Seminar in Applied Educational Research (3c-01-3cr)
Develops skills needed to engage in applied educational research using standard experimental research and evaluation designs, typical measurement approaches, and parametric statistical procedures. A practical problem presentation mode enhances an integrated holistic approach to design, sampling, measurement, statistics, hypothesis testing, and interpretation of results. A microcomputer statistical package is used to assist in the analysis of data.
COMM 801 Ideas that Shape Media (3c-01-3cr)
This course provides a detailed analysis of prevailing theories of media and communication. Students read milestone research, discuss the impact that culture and media have on each other, and write an extensive analysis of how technology, technique, and culture collide to create various forms of communication. The course also focuses on trends in Communications Media and Instructional Technology.
COMM 812 Media Ethics (3c-01-3cr)
This course analyzes ethical problems using established theories, research and personal insights. Discussions focus on ethics within the communications media and instructional technology field. Students will complete research and case study activities that require them to provide possible solutions to ethical problems in the field.
COMM 822 Children & Media (3c-01-3cr)
This course analyzes the scope of media in relationship to children. The course examines the impact that media has on children in terms of behavior and culture. It also examines the influence children have in shaping the media. Discussions focus on multiple forms of children’s media including those within entertainment and education.
COMM 825 Quantitative Methods in Communications Research (3c-01-3cr)
This course presents students with a model-comparison approach to conducting quantitative research. Students become familiar with various strategies for formulating hypotheses, selecting experimental and quasi-experimental designs, and using statistical software and other resources to conduct research.
COMM 828 Qualitative Methods in Communications Research (3c-01-3cr)
Students will examine the theoretical basis and history of qualitative methods within the field of communications media and instructional technology. They will become familiar with primary qualitative methods and then apply that knowledge to important studies within the field. They will also design and implement qualitative research strategies in research exercises.
COMM 832 Media Production (Variable 1-6cr)
This production course may be taken for variable credit between 1 and six credits. It provides students with an array of media production skills related to audio, video, photographic, typographic, 3 dimensional graphic, and web related production skills. The course is presented in modular form with each module equaling one credit. A student may test out of any or all of the modules but must substitute the credits with an elective approved by the student’s advisor.
COMM 846 Instructional Media Solutions (3c-01-3cr)
This course analyzes the varied theoretical approaches to the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of media solutions to human competency problems. Students discuss models of performance analysis and policies, strategies, and tactics for developing competence including instructional design. Students are required to analyze existing instructional systems and present recommendations for improving those systems based on models and strategies discussed in class.
COMM 853 Corporate Communications (3c-01-3cr)
This course provides students with the necessary skills to design, inform, and implement communications media strategies within the corporate environment. Students will learn the importance of communication and its impact on the affected publics. Through developing written, oral, and managerial communication students will be able to execute multidirectional communication within a corporate setting. Students will explore corporate communication functions including internal communication, corporate promotions, and marketing communications.
COMM 857 Doctoral Seminar in Communications Culture & Technology (3c-01-3cr)
This course, by providing an advanced forum in which to research, discuss, and document current and emerging topics, issues, and applications in communication technology, serves to offer students the opportunity to conceptualize and develop models and strategies for the integrated application of theory and practice. Literature reviews, topic analyses, and case studies are used to enhance awareness of critical issues and potential application in real-life settings.
COMM 860 Media Preproduction (3c-01-3cr)
This production course focuses on preproduction activities such as script treatments, storyboarding, scriptwriting, editing, and production management. Students analyze case studies and real world situations to better understand the planning of media development. Students also develop a preproduction plan for a substantial media production in the areas of audio, video, film, photography, animation, games, simulation and educational media.
COMM 876 Online Media (3c-01-3cr)
This production course introduces students to the development and distribution of media via satellite, broadband, and other digital delivery systems. Students will discuss production, fiscal, ethical, and technological issues surrounding streaming, file sharing, wireless connectivity, and pod-casting. In the majority of the course students will develop a production with audio and video components for online distribution accompanied by a written justification for the selected strategies.
COMM 882 Simulations and Games (3c-01-3cr)
This production course focuses on the design, development, distribution of electronic games and simulations. Discussions will focus on ethics, controversies, and economics of the gaming industry as well as the use of computer generated animations in motion pictures. The role of instructional, promotional, and entertainment based simulations will be discussed. Students will use advanced multimedia production tools to create simulations and games for varied purposes accompanied by a written explanation of selected strategies.
COMM 900 Culture of Cyberspace (3c-01-3cr)
This course explores the culture, business and development of interactive multimedia environments including kiosks, commercial web sites, educational software, simulations, virtual reality and games. Students analyze the two-way interaction of culture and cyberspace, complete case studies including needs assessment, audience analysis, cost analysis, goal analysis, and evaluation and then develop an interactive multimedia solution to a complex communication problem while taking into account culture issues.
COMM 910 Advanced Doctoral Research in Communications (3c-01-3cr)
This course will serve as an advanced experience to assure student are prepared to do professional research in communications. Students will design a complete communications research project suitable for professional presentation and publication. Their work will encompass research design, measurement techniques, statistical procedures, and philosophies of research. Quantitative and qualitative approaches will be considered. Also covered are practical points such as data collection and generation strategies, concept definitions, database structure and report design.
Prerequisites: EDSP 817 or equivalent, COMM 825, and COMM 828.
COMM 995 Dissertation (12cr)
This course is a culminating scholarly activity requiring the mastery of an area of professional interest in the field of Communications Media and Instructional Technology. It requires a review of relevant literature and a quantitative or qualitative analysis of data. Students are required to deliver an oral presentation of the proposal and an oral defense of the finished product.
