COM 251-352

Broadcast Practicum

Practical experience in broadcasting. Students have practical experience in broadcasting skills under the supervision of Communications faculty. Students are required to work on the staff of the campus FM radio station, in the areas of management, staff announcer, production, and music. Start positions are assigned by the student manager. A report of the student’s progress becomes part of the student’s portfolio. Students are required to successfully complete one level before going on to the next level. Special fee for each practicum.

COM 302

Sociology of Mass Communications

A sociological approach to the study of mass communications systems. The course focuses on the political and cultural factors that have shaped the mass communications system of a country. While the major focus is on the U.S. mass communications system, application is made to other countries throughout the course.

COM 312

Writing For Children/ Youth

The focus of this course is on the writing techniques needed to produce materials for the children and youth markets. This course stresses both fiction and non-fiction work.

COM 332

Multi-Track Production

Focuses on the use of the multi-track recorder in spot, music and drama production. During the class, students have the opportunity to work on both group and individual projects. Prerequisite: COM 331 or experience.

COM 350

Broadcast Field Work

Supervised professional experience with a media organization. The student is required to work a minimum of 240 hours and complete a journal and an Applied Learning Paper outlining the experience. This course is normally taken during the summer between the Junior and Senior years. The field experience may either be in the US or abroad and must be approved by the Program Director. Prerequisite: 3 Broadcast Practicums. Students must carry a 2.0 GPA to be eligible.

COM 360

Introduction to Drama

An introduction to dramatic presentations including acting, technical theatre, play direction and production, and the history of the theatre. Dramatic reading and improvisation are also taught. Instruction includes participation in a campus dramatic production.

COM 412

Human Communication and Rhetoric

An overview of theories that address the rhetoric process of message construction and interpretation in interpersonal, group, public, and mass communication settings.

COM 450

Media Ethics and Law

An overview of the legal and ethical environment of print and electronic media.

COME 452 (E)

Intrapersonal & Interpersonal Communication

A study of how one communicates intrapersonally and interpersonally. There will be an emphasis on one’s own development looking at personal goals, values and beliefs and realistically preparing for the future. Principles of communication, relationship building, and conflict resolution will be addressed within a variety of contexts.

COM 499

Directed Studies

For a variety of reasons, students may want to pursue areas of study that are not found in the regular schedule of classes. The area of study must be approved by the Division Chair and the professor who directs the study. The student and professor will meet regularly throughout the semester. Students will do assignments appropriate to the area of study and present their findings in a scholarly fashion appropriate to the area of investigation/study.

Course descriptions for communication classes offered at Iowa Western Community College can be obtained by contacting Iowa Western Community College