Miles College

About

The purpose of the Communications Division is to graduate students with a B.A. degree in Communications based on their demonstrable knowledge of mass media; verbal, written, and visual skills; and digital technology.

Division Chair: Bala Baptiste, Ph.D.
205-929-1609

Majors

Communication

Journalism and Public Relations (Concentration) Journalism and Public Relations (J&PR): is a concentration mostly involving work in print journalism, which is the collection, verification, and dissemination of newsworthy information presented in a neutral manner or without the journalist expressing his or her opinion. On the other hand, public relations involve work in persuasive media, which attempts to influence the public to do something or to think in a certain way. J&PR also includes instruction in advertising. The specialization prepares the student for jobs, including newspaper reporter, magazine writer, public relations professional, and advertising copywriter such as scriptwriter of radio and television commercials.

Electronic and Visual Communications (Concentration): concerns broadcast media, which mostly includes television and radio but also involves still photography. E&VC concerns a system of collecting and disseminating messages that inform or entertain the public. The specialization prepares the student to in work entry-level positions including photographer, camera operator, production assistant, and on-air talent such as field reporter or disk jockey.

Management and Communications Law (Concentration) Management and Communications Law (M&CL): is designed for students interested in the general principles of communications theory, research, and case studies. With a concentration in M&CL, the professional opportunities are boundless. Unlike traditional communications degrees, which lead to specific jobs in particular industries, M&CL students acquire a broad knowledge base and a comprehensive set of skills. This concentration is ideal for students planning to attend graduate school. Students will learn how to conduct research, use theory to solve issues, and understand human communications. Students will gain practical skills in relating ideas and information to communications problems. The specialization M&CL prepares graduates for entry-level leadership roles in broadcasting, cable, sales, customer service, human resources, training & development, labor relations, and employment in regulatory agencies, such as the Federal Communications Commission. Specific jobs include research assistant, contract specialist, telecommunications policy analyst, attorney advisor and program analyst.

CO 305: Introduction to Public Speaking [Credit Hours: 3] This course is designed to introduce students to public speaking. Emphasis is placed on analysis, construction, and delivery of speeches. Students will have the opportunity to practice, develop, and deliver speeches in a classroom setting.

CO 310: Introduction to Mass Communication [Credit Hours: 3] This course provides students an opportunity to explore mass media‘s pervasive influence on society. Students will trace the development of mass communication from the earliest symbols to the newest technologies as they examine the humanistic, artistic, and scientific impact of the various media.

CO 320: Introduction to Media Writing [Credit Hours: 3] Students are introduced to the different styles of writing demanded by the various media. Emphasis is placed on preparing students to gather information and communicate effectively to any mass audience.

CO 340: Advertising [Credit Hours: 3] The course examines basic advertising including how to develop campaign strategies, target markets, address the competition, and write successful creative platforms for advertising.

CO 345: Photographic Imaging [Credit Hours: 3] This course introduces students to the fundamental principles of digital photographic techniques. Through hands on participation and use of the computer lab, students also learn the basics of image manipulation and special effects within the digital medium. Additionally, students learn lighting, composition, and the difference between the storage and transfer of traditional film and digital mediums. This course also instructs students on the fundamental principles of conventional 35mm photography and photo processing.

CO 350: Public Relations and Message Design [Credit Hours: 3] This course is designed to give communications students the fundamentals that make public relations a viable profession and career path. This class focuses heavily on writing for public relations. Students are exposed to the theoretical principles and frameworks that govern the work of public relations practitioners. Students demonstrate ability to target audiences/constituencies, create concepts and media content specifically for these audiences, and determine the best means of achieving results. Prerequisites: CO 305, 310, 320

CO 355: News Reporting [Credit Hours: 3] Students apply the basic techniques of reporting, interviewing, and writing in order to produce news stories for class assignments and for publication. Prerequisite: CO 320

CO 356: Milean Lab [Credit Hours: 3] In this course, the students work with the College‘s student publication, The Milean, in a range of news production positions. They gain valuable experience in print news. Prerequisite: CO 355 or Permission of Instructor

CO 360: Digital Video I [Credit Hours: 3] This course introduces students to the language of broadcast video and audio production. Additionally, through lab work and individual projects, students gain hands-on experience in using digital video production equipment. Skills taught will include basic camera operation, audio, and basic video editing.

CO 370: Digital Video II [Credit Hours: 3] Students begin to apply technical applications learned in CO 360 to a variety of production projects. Additionally, students begin to learn the skill of multimedia editing. Prerequisite: CO 360

CO 375: Advanced Media Writing [Credit Hours: 3] This course involves researching and writing major, multiple-source articles, series, and projects for newspapers and magazines. It includes study and execution of computer assisted reporting. Prerequisite: CO 355

CO 380: Broadcast History [Credit Hours: 3] The course examines the history of broadcasting with a focus on the economic, political, and technological implications that have influenced society and the broadcast industry.

CO 390: Print Layout and Design [Credit Hours: 3] This course affords the student the opportunity to combine technological skill and expertise with a good theoretical foundation of the print medium. Laser printer, photographic editing, and scanning devices are incorporated to enhance students' technological knowledge and skill in new age publishing. Prerequisites: CO 305, 310, 320

CO 410: Broadcast and Cable Programming [Credit Hours: 3] The course introduces radio as well as broadcast and cable television programming. Students learn how ratings are used to determine programming decisions, common programming strategies, and the various sources for programs in each field.

CO 415: Telecommunications Management [Credit Hours: 3] The course examines local TV stations, cable TV and network organization, decision-making, and research techniques. It emphasizes broadcast management, research on leadership and communication management, and how management functions.

CO 420: Digital Video III – Control Room [Credit Hours: 3] Students enhance their television production skills by producing and directing individual projects, both in the studio and in the field. Production projects include traditional talk show formats, commercials/PSAs, and full television and cable news programming. Prerequisite: CO 370

CO 421: MC-TV: Studio Lab [Credit Hours: 3] Students work on the college cable television news magazine, MC-TV: Studio, and gain valuable production experience. Prerequisite: CO 370

CO 425: Media Law/Ethics [Credit Hours: 3] The course examines law and ethics as they apply to media practitioners. Emphasis is placed on legal obligations and restraints and on standards of behavior governing the profession. Students examine precedent-setting laws and review ethics case studies and current issues. Prerequisites: CO 305, CO 310, and CO 320

CO 430: Scriptwriting [Credit Hours: 3] Scriptwriting is designed to introduce the communications student to the basic principles of story development and structure. The course deals with how to create three-dimensional characters, find a compelling story, build an airtight plot structure, and fine-tune dialogue, among other skills. Students also learn the difference between writing for film and television, as well as how to market ideas to film studios and television networks.

CO 435: Announcing [Credit Hours: 3] The course provides training all aspects of broadcast announcing. Aspects of voice and diction relevant to on-air microphone usage are included. Students also learn reading programming and editing styles relevant to varied radio and television formats. Prerequisites: CO 305, CO 31, and CO 320

CO 436: Radio Production The course enables students to perform the functions of a broadcaster of a "Live-On-Air" radio shift. Students will be able to use an audio board, cue CD‘s, and fill out and follow a ―Log and Show Rundown‖. Prerequisite: CO 435

CO 451: Public Relations Strategies and Tactics [Credit Hours: 3] The course enables students to demonstrate relevant skills and knowledge of case studies relating to the practice of public relations, strategies used to deliver messages to local, national, and global publics, approaches to communicate within a multicultural society, and the use of new media, such as Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter. The course format includes lectures as well as presentations by PR professionals and students. Prerequisite: CO 350

CO 455: Media Research Methods [Credit Hours: 3] The course introduces the major methods of research used in mass media studies. Basic principles used in conducting surveys, designing experiments, and employing content analysis are examined. Major findings in fields such as media violence, the effects of media on children, and the persuasive effects of the media provide examples of current research. Prerequisites: CO 305, CO 310, CO 320

CO 460: Broadcast Regulation [Credit Hours: 3] This course provides students with information regarding old and new issues facing the mass communication industry. Classroom lectures and extensive reading and research of varied case studies are primary focuses of this course. Prerequisite: CO 305, CO 310, CO 320

CO 480: Senior Project [Credit Hours: 3] This course is designed to give communications students an opportunity to examine topics of consequence to their areas of interest. The project may take the form of research or be developed as a practical application, such as a public relations campaign, radio/TV documentary, or news analysis. The project must be creative, scholarly, and supervised by a communications instructor. Prerequisites: All Core Courses Except CO 490

CO 490: Internship [Credit Hours: 3] Students in their junior and senior year gain real work experience and prepare for the job market. Internships are arranged by the instructor with off-campus media institutions and agencies. Every effort is made to place students in areas of primary interest: e.g. advertising, public relations, newspaper reporting, television production, and media management/sales. Prerequisites: Junior or Senior status plus two (2) major electives

Faculty

Faculty List - Faculty

Interact

Organizations

The Communications Club The Communications Club consists of majors and non-majors who are interested in going beyond the classroom and getting involved in activities that are communications centered. The Club meets twice per month and is engaged in a number of projects. These include forums, workshops and training sessions involving professionals in the field, fundraisers, attending communications conferences and outings, and performing outreach and community programs.

The Milean The Milean is the campus student newspaper. Both majors and non-majors staff the paper. The publication is produced three times per semester to develop their skills in all aspects of print journalism, including layout, design, photography, reporting, editing, and management. The Milean

MC-TV: Studio MC-TV: Studio is a television program produced by the Division of Communications. As a cable access program, the show runs on the local Brighthouse Cable system. MC-TV: Studio is a new magazine that utilizes the talents and skills of both professional staff and student-on-air talent in both pre- and post-production. Programs highlight current events and happenings of the college and are both entertaining and informative.

Miles College Association of Black Journalists (MCABJ) Miles College Association of Black Journalists (MCABJ) is an affiliate student chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ). MCABJ works under the auspices of NABJ. MCABJ represents the interests of African Americans in the field of Mass Communications. You will benefit from the important services that NABJ provides such as: scholarships, internships, mentorship programs, multimedia short courses, student projects and networking with professional journalists. By being a part of MCABJ, you will promote the Communications Division, put on educational programs, visit neighboring high schools, and work on community service projects.

More Information

Communications Paradigm

Communication Brochure

Intellectual Property Policy