COM 2400-3 Basic Video Editing (2 + 2)

This is an introductory course that covers the fundamental principles, aesthetics, and procedures necessary to perform linear videotape editing. Students will learn how to perform correct video edits, the importance of aesthetics in editing, and how to translate editing theory to practical applications.

COM 2420-3 Basic Corporate Videotape Production (2 + 2)

This course serves as an introduction to the fundamentals of basic corporate videotape production terms and techniques. Students will produce single-camera, remote productions.

COM 2430-3 Introduction to Technical Media (3 + 0)

This course serves as an introduction to media used for industrial applications. Basic techniques, terminology, equipment characteristics, media selection, advantages, and disadvantages are studied.

COM 2450-3 Basic Multimedia Production (2 + 2)

Prerequisite: CMS 1010 or CSI 1010 or permission of instructor.

This course serves as an introduction to the fundamentals of basic multimedia production. The student will produce a multimedia program.

COM 2460-3 Presentation Graphics (2 + 2)

The student will design and produce computer graphic images for use in informational presentations, multi-image programs, computer screen show presentations, and print publications.

COM 2480-3 Corporate Animation (2 + 2)

This course introduces students to the production of 2-D and 3-D animation for the corporate applications. The course focuses on techniques used to create objects and move them in order to communicate a specific message. Students will use hardware and software solutions for the creation of animations.

COM 2600-3 Basics of Technical Style (3 + 0)

This course provides students with the requirements of technical style as they differ from standard English usage. Emphasis is placed on signs, symbols, abbreviations, acronyms, numerals, and handling of mathematical computations. The course is required for all majors in the writing and editing emphasis and the industrial communication emphasis who do not pass the initial screening test.

COM 2610-3 Introduction to Technical Writing (3 + 0)

Prerequisite: ENG 1010 or permission of instructor

This course offers practice in the specific techniques required for writing in the areas of technology and science; particular emphasis is placed on report formats for government, science and industry, and the various audiences requiring technical information. Course incorporates the handling of statistical and other computational elements, as well as graphic components.

COM 2720-3 Introduction to Communication Concepts and Systems (3 + 0)

This course introduces the students to the major communication concepts and systems used by industry, government, science, engineering, and the media in transmitting and receiving information. It prepares the student to identify strengths and weaknesses in the communication process.

COM 3310-3 International Technical Communications (3 + 0)

Prerequisite: junior standing or permission of instructor

This course introduces students to the requirements of international technical communications. It defines the characteristics of an international requirements of technical communicator and provides students with opportunities to practice necessary skills.

COM 3330-3 Technical Writing for Translation (3 + 0)

Prerequisite: COM 2610 or permission of instructor.

This course prepares technical writers, editors, and scriptwriters to develop text and scripts in a manner that facilitates translation for international use.

COM 3350-3 International Technical Media (3 + 0)

Prerequisite: COM 2430 or permission of instructor

This course covers the technology required to produce and distribute international technical media. The course content deals with fiber optics, satellite sending and receiving systems, global standards and evolving technologies.

COM 3420-3 Intermediate Corporate Videotape Production (1 + 4)

Prerequisite: COM 2420 or permission of instructor

This course teaches intermediate videotape production terms and techniques. Students will write, produce, and direct a videotape program that has a specific corporate purpose and audience. Students will schedule a remote production and edit a videotape program.

COM 3440-3 Corporate Scriptwriting for Film and Television (3 + 0)

Prerequisite: ENG 1010 or permission of instructor

This course stresses the principles of corporate film and television scriptwriting, organization, and writing of story outlines, treatments, formats, and scripts. It provides training in the fundamentals of visual and audio applications and production viewing and analysis of film and television productions.

COM 3450-3 Intermediate Multimedia Production (2 + 2)

Prerequisite: COM 2450 or permission of instructor

This course teaches intermediate multimedia production terms and techniques. The students will write a script, create graphic and audio elements, and produce and direct a multimedia program that has a specific corporate/educational purpose and audience.

COM 3470-3 Writing for Multimedia (3 + 0)

Prerequisite: ENG 1010 or permission of instructor

This course stresses the techniques of scriptwriting for multimedia. The student will create content outlines, storyboards, flowcharts and a variety of scriptwriting formats. The student will write narration and dialogue and create an aural scene using sound effects and music.

COM 3510-3 Corporate Communications (3 + 0)

Prerequisite: COM 2720, equivalent work experience, or permission of instructor

This course focuses on the study of corporate communications, stressing information flow within corporations.

Emphasis is placed on the structure and function of corporate messages of a technical nature in business and government. Practice in solving typical communication problems is included.

COM 3520-3 Communication of Power and Authority (3 + 0)

Prerequisite: sophomore standing or three years full-time employment, or permission of instructor

This course emphasizes the ways decisions are presented and how the image of power and authority are transmitted by a variety of verbal and nonverbal techniques. The student learns to use, recognize, and interpret oral and written power language, signs, symbols, and gestures.

COM 3530-3 Corporate Cultures (3 + 0)

Prerequisite: COM 2720, equivalent work experience or permission of instructor

This course covers the communication patterns and networks that occur in corporations and determines the cultures and climates of those organizations. Students learn to read and interpret the hidden messages within a corporation's communication and to evaluate a corporation's culture in relation to their own personalities.

COM 3550-3 Administration of Corporate Publications (3 + 0)

Prerequisites: COM 2610 and COM 3530 or permission of instructor

This course covers the contents, tone, purpose, intended audiences, and economic considerations of a variety of corporate publications produced by technical writers. The purpose of the course is to enable the student to administer a technical writing unit that must produce a variety of publications in addition to specialized, product related documentation.

COM 3560-3 Variable Topics in Corporate Communications (3 + 0)

Prerequisite: COM 2720 or permission of instructor

This course focuses on topics of current interest to technical communicators and other persons concerned with communication activities in corporations and government agencies. The content of the course changes from semester to semester to reflect current concerns in the discipline. This course may be repeated for credit under different titles.

COM 3610-3 Advanced Technical Writing (3 + 0)

Prerequisite: COM 2610 or equivalent work experience

This course covers the advanced study of the techniques and principles of technical writing as applied to reports, manuals, and proposals, using formats common to government, science, and industry. It includes the study of report design, audience analysis, report use, and writer intent. 

COM 3620-3 Technical Editing (3 + 0)

Prerequisite: COM 2600 or permission of instructor

This course presents techniques for editing technical publications including all levels of edit, document management and collaboration with writers.

COM 3630-3 Designing Technical Publications (3 + 0)

Prerequisite: COM 2610 or permission of instructor

This course emphasizes the need for design excellence to enhance the usability of publications that present technical information. It focuses on the use of typography, formats, graphics, papers and inks, binding, as well as collaborative efforts in technical publication production.

COM 3640-3 Writing Computer-User Software Documentation (3 + 0)

Prerequisite: COM 2610 or CMS 2010 or CSS 1010

This course prepares the student to write instruction manuals for computer software for users who are not computer experts. The course emphasizes audience analysis, vocabulary, format and style, use of graphics, writing techniques, and production.

COM 3650-3 Writing Hardware Documentation (3 + 0)

Prerequisite: COM 2610 or permission of instructor

This course prepares the student to write instructional manuals including maintenance, operations, and service manuals. The course emphasizes audience analysis, vocabulary, format and style, use of graphics, writing techniques, and productions.

COM 3660-3 Variable Topics in Industrial and Technical Communications (3 + 0)

Prerequisite: COM 2610 or permission of instructor

This is a current topics course that studies communication models and techniques for reporting industrial and governmental information to specialized and general audiences to advance corporate or agency goals and interests. The content of the course will change from semester to semester. It may be repeated for credit.

COM 3670-3 Writing for the Environmental Industry (3 + 0)

Prerequisites: COM 2610 or permission of instructor

This course presents communication models and techniques for reporting industrial and governmental information related to the environment for specialized and general audiences.

COM 3680-3 Internet Document Design for Technical Communicators (3 + 0)

Prerequisites: CMS 1080, equivalent work experience or permission of instructor

This course prepares students to plan, research, write, revise and distribute documents using electronic media. The course emphasizes the use of the World Wide Web and other elements of the Internet as a means of making documents available to specified audiences.

COM 3780-3 Communications' Law (3 + 0)

Prerequisite: six hours of COM, JRN, or business courses, or permission of instructor

This is a study of legal practices that impact professional communicators. It places special emphasis on such areas as the federal and state court systems, copyright, trademarks, the law of privacy, and federal trade regulations as they impact the print media.

COM 4380-3 Communications' Law - Technological Media (3 + 0)

Prerequisite: COM 3780 or permission of instructor

The course will emphasize U.S. and international law relating to the Internet, Web, and satellite transmissions relevant to Technical Communications in such areas as copyright, privacy, adult materials, fraud, security, and penalties.

COM 4400-3 Nonlinear Video Editing (3 + 0)

Prerequisite: COM 2400 or permission of instructor

This course focuses on techniques, principles and aesthetics that are necessary for proper editing of video programs. Students will learn the benefits of working with nonlinear video editing systems and will edit exercises which incorporate a variety of techniques and reinforce specific editing skills.

COM 4410-3 Budgeting and Planning for Audio-Visual Productions (3 + 0)

Prerequisites: senior standing, 12 hours COM designated courses (nine of which must be upper-division), and satisfaction of all Level I and Level II General Studies course requirements

Methods and techniques for budgeting and planning. Viewing and analysis of A-V programs, scheduling for production in terms of time, equipment and cost. Evaluation of finished programs. (Senior Experience)

COM 4420-3 Advanced Videotape Production (2 + 2)

Prerequisite: COM 2420 and COM 3420, or permission of instructor

This course covers advanced video production techniques including editing, lighting, graphics, scripting, and audio recording. Students will formulate and track budgets, plan and execute remote shoots, and carry out all aspects of corporate video production. Students will obtain outside clients for the final videotape project.

COM 4430-3 Directing and Lighting for Nonbroadcast Video (3 + 0)

Prerequisites: COM 2420 and COM 3420 or permission of instructor

This course presents various directing and lighting techniques used in the production of nonbroadcast video programs. Students will learn the theories and principles used to direct and light for single camera, remote productions.

COM 4440-3 Advanced Corporate Scriptwriting (3 + 0)

Prerequisite: COM 3440 or permission of instructor

Students will examine advanced aspects of scriptwriting. Audience analysis and program goals will be studied in order to determine content and conceptual approaches. A variety of writing techniques and forms will also be explored in written assignments. Students will write at least three scripts, one of which requires client approval.

COM 4450-3 Advanced Multimedia Production (2 + 2)

Prerequisite: COM 3450

This course identifies and develops the skills that are required to manage and produce multimedia projects. The course covers project evaluation and development, budgets, production elements, technology trends and project management.

COM 4630-3 Costing and Planning Technical Publications (3 + 0)

Prerequisites: junior standing or 12 hours of COM-designated courses of which nine hours are upper level

This course focuses on methods and techniques for planning, scheduling and budgeting technical publications. Students analyze large publication projects to determine schedule, budget, resources, estimating, productivity, and cost analysis.

COM 4760-1-12 Advanced Internship in Technical Communications (0 + 3-36)

Prerequisites: 12 semester hours of COM designated courses and the recommendations of two technical communications faculty members

This advanced, on-the-job learning experience in a technical communications emphasis enables students to work in their chosen career fields. An approved plan from a cooperating organization serves as the course outline for a specific internship, but the outline must fulfill the general requirements of the course. The student must merit the internship experience and provide an acceptable plan of work before being granted permission to register for this course.

COM 4790-3 Senior Seminar in Technical Communications (3 + 0)

Prerequisites: senior standing and 12 or more hours of COM or AES designated courses, or permission of instructor, satisfaction of all Level I and Level II General Studies course requirements

This course gives the advanced student an opportunity to write a paper of publishable quality and present a seminar based on in-depth research or an application of state-of-the-art practices in an area of technical writing and editing, organizational, or technical media emphases. (Senior Experience)