Multimedia Communications School Home About Multimedia Communications Meet Faculty Degree Breakdown

Undergraduate Courses

Email This Page to a Friend About WASC Accreditation

AAU Home > Multimedia Communications School > Undergraduate Courses for Multimedia-Communications

SCHOOL OF MULTIMEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

UNDERGRADUATE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

COM 103    You Media: Short Form Production 1

Learn to write, produce, direct, shoot, and edit short form pieces for any type of media. Television, YouTube, webisodes, mobisodes, online, radio: all forms of media are merging, and short form is the future of media. This class will show you how to create multimedia content for news, fashion, entertainment or sports. Additional Course Fee: $250.00. As part of the course fee, students in this course will be issued a digital video camera to perform class projects.

Prerequisites: None

COM 104    Broadcast Communications

In this course, students will become familiar with the roles of broadcasters and on-camera talent while practicing being on camera. This course is designed for students who wish to pursue careers either on camera or behind the scenes. This class will feature guest speakers as well as on site or virtual tours of stations. Additional Course Fee: $250.00.

Prerequisites: None

COM 105    Writing for Multimedia

Students learn writing and reporting techniques for all forms of media, including the web, radio and television. Emphasis is placed on writing compelling content for features, articles, blogs, scripts, proposals, and news releases. Students will develop content and scripts for future production projects.

Prerequisites: Take LA 108 (may be taken concurrently)

COM 106    Introduction to Sports Reporting

This course provides an in-depth study of the nature of sports reporting. Students gain experience in writing sports articles for both features and news, and some assignments will be based on live game coverage. Students learn reporting techniques for sports announcing, sports broadcasting, web reporting, and print. Additional Course Fee: $250.00.

Prerequisites: Take LA 108 (may be taken concurrently)

COM 110    Media Now: Intro to Digital and Broadcast Production

This course will provide a complete overview of producing for all forms of digital and broadcast media. Students learn about the major roles in production, and gain a firm understanding of production environments. Students will take part in production projects and will develop solutions related to financing, deadlines, equipment, and other constraints. Additional Course Fee: $250.00.

Prerequisites: None

COM 115    Multimedia Broadcast Distribution

Students learn key techniques in mass distribution, promotion, media placement, as well as buying and selling processes. Distribution strategies will be learned for satellite, cable, the web, and broadcast syndication. Emphasis will be placed on technical knowledge to format content for all forms of media. Additional Course Fee: $250.00.

Prerequisites: Take COM 103

COM 200    In Production: The “Project” 1

In this course, students will bring their foundational skills to the next level by working on an actual production. Students will conceive and create a real-world project, including the concept, pitch, development, auditioning of talent, and production. Additional Course Fee: $250.00.

Prerequisites: Take COM 104, COM 105 & COM 115 or By Department Director Approval

COM 202    Multimedia Formats & Trends 1

In this course, students will examine technology and media trends of the past and where we are today. Students learn practices and techniques for keeping up with technology throughout their careers, which will include a review of all major industry conferences. Additional Course Fee: $250.00.

Prerequisites: Take COM 110

COM 210    The Wrap: The “Project” 2

In this course, students will complete the post-production and distribution processes for the real-life project that was produced in COM 200. Students learn first-hand how a project is completed on schedule and on budget, how to wrap a project, and how to promote and mass distribute it. Additional Course Fee: $250.00.

Prerequisites: Take COM 200 or By Department Director Approval

COM 230    Media Graphics

This course teaches students how to create and incorporate graphics in video content, how to use graphics to tell stories, how to direct graphics work, and how graphics can enhance visual content. Students learn the principles of design and layout, along with the tools of communication design. Additional Course Fee: $250.00.

Prerequisites: Take COM 110 & COM 115

COM 301    Video Journalism

In this course, students learn and practice video journalism as a VJ, one of the most cutting-edge reporting jobs in the industry today. Video journalism is a do-it-yourself, independent reporting style that requires skills in compelling storytelling, hosting, production, and post-production. This is an essential course that will provide content for the student’s professional reel. Additional Course Fee: $250.00.

Prerequisites: Take COM 210

COM 302    Multimedia Formats & Trends 2

Students will analyze where media and technology are going, and use their creative skills to research new technology that can be put to innovative use. This course will feature guest speakers from the industry, who will talk about their media predictions for the future. Additional Course Fee: $250.00.

Prerequisites: Take COM 202

COM 303    You Media: Short Form Production 2

Building upon skills learned, students will master the art of short form production by developing and building their own series. Students will practice creating compelling and cutting-edge content and adapt it for multiple mediums.   Additional Course Fee: $250.00.

Prerequisites: Take COM 210

COM 340    Web Design for Communications

In this course, students learn all the basics of web design and web production, and will build their own websites to showcase their own work. Students study design concepts and gain production skills, learning to create sophisticated, professional-level web content. Additional Course Fee: $250.00.

Prerequisites: Take COM 230

COM 400    In-Depth Project: The Investigative Report

This course allows the student to create a professional, investigative project in a media specialty of their choice. Students star in or create their very own multimedia production, using their skills in writing, reporting, communication design, streaming media, web design, production and post-production. Additional Course Fee: $250.00.

Prerequisites: Take COM 301

COM 490    Independent Study

Independent study is advanced level instruction between a teacher and one to three students. It covers processes, projects, techniques, concepts and styles specific to the students involved. Outcomes will be unique to the individual. Department Director approval is required.

Prerequisites: By Department Director Approval

COM 495    Resume Reel and Beyond

This course is dedicated to professionalization and completing a finished resume reel. Students will create a killer reel and learn professional practices that will give them an edge in the job market. The course will encourage creative and independent work, allowing students to develop their very own vision and style. Additional Course Fee: $250.00.

Prerequisites: Take COM 400

COM 498    Collaborative Project

Students meeting set criteria are selected by their department to work on an interdisciplinary collaborative project.

Prerequisites: By Department Director Approval

COM 499    Special Topics

Special Topics class offerings change each semester and are taught by experts in a specific area. You may contact your academic department director or advisor for more information. Please note that some Special Topics have an additional course fee.

Prerequisites: By Department Director Approval

COM 500    Internship in Multimedia Communications

Internship is only open to qualified upper-division students, offering an opportunity to work in a field related to Multimedia Communications.

Prerequisites: By Department Director Approval