| JMA 101 |
Scientific Presentation & Writing |
This course will allow science majors to hone their presentational and writing skills. We will focus on critical thinking, style, audience analysis and relaying scientific information to both peers and the general public.
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| JMA 110 |
Practicum: Debate Team |
Uses meeting times for critiques of practice performances, sharing of evidence, construction and analysis of arguments and interpretations. Designed for all persons on the University Debate Team.
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| JMA 177 |
Language for Journalists |
Teaches students the basic rules of English grammar and Associated Press style. Co-requisite: JMA 271W
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| JMA 201 |
Fundamentals of Application Development |
This course provides the student with an overview of the application development process and environment. The student will study the development methodology of a data enabled application. Concepts include consistent interface design, development and implementation of algorithms, and validation and storage of information.
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| JMA 220 |
Introduction to Media Advertising |
Surveys the contemporary practices and principles of the ever- changing nature of advertising across different media. Particular emphases on (1) the development of advertising as the economic “lifeblood” of media, (2) the evolving importance of advertising as integral part of marketing, and (3) evaluating the quality and effectiveness of advertising messages and campaigns.
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| JMA 226 |
Introduction to Web Design & Development. |
This course will introduce students to the technical and creative aspects of web page design. Students will study the best ways to add multimedia content including graphics, text, animation, audio, video and interactive content to web sites. Emphasis is on HTML and a life-cycle model for web development. Prerequisite JMA 260
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| JMA 240 |
Media and Society. (Satisfies the College of Liberal Arts Core Communication Requirement) |
Explores the social impact of mass communication through considerations of the (1) functions and uses of all forms of mass communication; (2) socio-political and cultural context of media institutions, delivery systems, technology and diffusion; (3) influence of media content on social constructions of reality; and (4) major theories and research through which we attempt to understand this impact.
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| JMA 241 |
Video Production: Studio |
Introduces fundamentals of “live” television studio production techniques, coupling basic technical and aesthetic considerations.
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| JMA 243 |
Introduction to PR & Media Relations |
Covers the current nature and role of public relations in the mass media and within society, as well as provides an overview of the various strategies employed by public relations professionals to achieve organizational objectives. Topics to be covered include ethics, relevant corporate issues, crisis management, branding, media planning, and integration with other corporate departments.
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| JMA 251 |
News Analysis |
Investigates current issues and the world’s trouble spots considering histories, economies, ethnic difference and enmities, religious differences, and political systems.
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| JMA 260 |
New Media Production (Core Requirement) |
This preparatory course familiarizes students with popular multimedia software, such as the Macromedia and Adobe products. It is not a design or production course. Students gain familiarity with the technical components of several software packages so they are capable of using them for the design and development projects required by other multimedia courses. In addition, the course reviews FTP file and directory structure, and file organization.
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| JMA 271W |
Newswriting 1 |
Teaches the fundamentals of news reporting and writing, including instruction on how to conduct interviews, discover and organize material, and meet deadlines. Co-requisite: JMA 177
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| JMA 272W |
Reviewing Arts & Entertainment |
Lecture and exercises in reviewing Theatre, Motion Pictures, Art Exhibitions and any other form which falls into the purview of Entertainment.
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| JMA 282 |
Photojournalism: Digital Imaging |
This course is structured to introduce you to the fundamental principles of digital photojournalism and the practical aspects of photographic imaging using the computer. This course will also expose you to the latest techniques and trends in photojournalism and new media publishing. Tell a story with your photographs, edit, scan, tone, crop and caption your photographs. This course will also enable you to prepare digital images for the internet, traditional press and video.
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| JMA 304 |
Media History |
A survey course of significant developments and trends in Western media history.
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| JMA 308 |
Interface Design |
Students explore advanced graphical interface design concepts and use imaging software to apply them to the creation of multimedia titles.
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| JMA 318 |
Advanced Web Design |
This is an advanced course in World Wide Web (WWW) page design. Increased emphasis is placed on Cascading Style Sheets, improved interface designs, and dynamic HTML. Prerequisite JMA 226.
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| JMA 324 |
Principles of Audio and Video |
This course will not only teach the principles of capturing audio and video, but will aid in the application development process, digitalization, editing, and production of digital video for media. Prerequisite JMA 260
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| JMA 326 |
Multimedia Programming |
Students combine text, graphics, sound, animation and video as they build interactive multimedia titles (CDs, web pages and games) using packages such as Macromedia Director. Prerequisite 260
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| JMA 331 |
Elements of Flash |
Designer uses Flash to create vector-based animations for graphics, text, audio and video and to create rich interactive interfaces and applications. Students will explore the interface, work with images of varying formats, create and format text, create basic animations using tweens, draw and edit shapes, create button symbols and publish and export movies.
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| JMA 335 |
Writing for Advertising |
Teaches advertising copywriting for a wide spectrum of campaigns and mediums.
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| JMA 340W |
Media Writing |
Media writing covers the field of writing for all interactive media, including kiosks, computer and CD-ROM products, interactive movies, print and online services. Page layout will be discussed and implemented using software such as Quark. The course will serve as an introduction to writing for the interactive, multimedia and journalism markets.
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| JMA 341 |
Video Production: EFP/ENG |
Introduces electronic news gathering and electronic field production as remote location video production techniques. Covers pre-production planning and design, on-location production, and post-production editing.
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| JMA 345 |
Web Development Tools |
Students will use professional development tools, such as Dreamweaver, that relieve web developers from having to know in-depth programming languages in order to develop sophisticated database-driven websites. Layers, behaviors, animation, style sheets and templates are demonstrated and used.
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| JMA 351 |
Anchoring, Reporting & Announcing |
On Air performance both in Studio and on location. Intended for students with an extensive background in News who wish to pursue careers in Radio and Television. News Analysis is strongly advised.
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| JMA 357 |
Streaming Media |
Today’s media is being delivered on demand and asynchronously. In JMA 357, students discuss compression methods, media server configurations and media capture equipment. Actual streaming web sites will be created and managed by the student.
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| JMA 361 |
Digital Imaging Techniques |
This course concentrates on developing digital imaging skills for the WWW. It focuses on the design and production of information for web sites, which communicate through the integrated use of text, images and graphic elements. The cultural significance and theoretical implications of this medium will be explored. Using Adobe Photoshop students will learn techniques for preparing and optimizing photographs and other images for the Web.
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| JMA 367 |
Radio Writing & Production |
Studies and applies principles and practices for writing radio news, and gathering and editing "sound" for broadcast news stories, in a lecture-laboratory course that includes a "field recording" component.
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| JMA 368 |
Media Management |
Introduces students to the basic management operations of a contemporary electronic media facility and the economic parameters of the U.S. media industries.
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| JMA 369 |
Media Programming |
Introduces students to various programming strategies in the electronic media.
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| JMA 370 |
Media Promotion |
Develops the ability to write and produce effective on-air and external communication for an electronic media outlet using marketing theory, media principles and promotion techniques.
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| JMA 371W |
Newswriting 2 |
Teaches advanced writing of news stories, such as business, government, and court stories, and introduces students to in-depth coverage of public issues. Prerequisite: JMA 271W.
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| JMA 372W |
Writing News Editorials & Columns |
Students learn to write persuasive editorials on news subjects as well as a wide range of approaches to writing news commentary. Prerequisite: JMA 271W
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| JMA 375W |
Editing for Print |
Teaches editing and presentation of the written word for the print news media (including electronic editions) in a lecture-lab course. Prerequisite: JMA 371W.
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| JMA 385W |
TV Criticism |
This is a genre criticism course from both journalistic and academic perspectives. Genre, socio-cultural and close-textual approaches will be used. Genre will include: soap operas, situation comedies, crime-dramas, sports, children’s programming, game shows, religious television, etc.
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| JMA 402 |
Visual Design and Layout |
This studio course teaches students how to display complex information clearly and beautifully. Students will learn how to organize type, images, and raw data, into communications.
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| JMA 404 |
Professional Science Writing |
This course will focus on advanced writing skills necessary for scientists, policy writing and journalists.
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| JMA 406 |
3D Modeling Principles |
This course introduces students to the artistic and technical elements associated with creating three-dimensional computer generated imagery. Concepts include shape, composition, lighting, shading, and the development of the industry and processes involved in producing 3D computer animation.
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| JMA 407 |
3D Animation Principles |
Building on concepts covered in 3D Modeling Principles (JMA 406), students develop an advanced understanding of two-dimensional animation software (compositing layers, camera movements, visual effects, etc.) They are introduced to three-dimensional animation software (modeling, lighting and basic visual effects, etc.). Issues relating to the design and aesthetics of computer animation are discussed.
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| JMA 408 |
Introduction to Book Publishing |
Provides an introduction to the book publishing process from manuscript acquisition and development to design, printing and binding.
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| JMA 409 |
Character Animation |
Character animation is about an artist bringing a character to life. The student practices with 2D and 3D animation software to draw or pose characters, but also will learn to develop a sense of timing, of observation, mannerisms, and movement. Students also learn to be an actor, having a sense of what makes something alive and natural and how to bring an inanimate character to life. This course ranges from conventional character animation techniques such as walk cycles and lip sync to computer animation, along with tips for giving characters the illusion of life. Prerequisite JMA 407
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| JMA 411 |
International Media |
An overview and analysis of international communication systems and processes, both human and mediated. Particular emphasis on communication within and between nation states. Class may require an international travel experience at an additional cost.
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| JMA 412 |
Literary Journalism |
Focuses on American literary journalism and the many writers who traverse fiction and lyrical journalism.
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| JMA 413 |
Non Profit Public Relations |
Explores the role of public relations within organizations devoted to community service and interaction. In addition to gaining an understanding of the different types of non-profit organizations, students will also learn to adapt traditional public relations practices and techniques to the not for profit context. Additional topics to be covered include grant proposals, identifying funding sources and promoting fundraisers.
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| JMA 415 |
Cultural Photography |
The course will begin with the history of photo documentary and photojournalism, identifying the practices and themes that gave rise to visual sociology in the 1970s. Students will complete photo assignments on such themes as social interaction, identity and material culture. How to construct visual arguments, including strategies for constructing articles, books, photo displays, websites, and other forms of presentation will be discussed.
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| JMA 416 |
Learning with New Media |
This course provides students with an introduction to multimedia authoring. Using an authoring tool, students create interactive multimedia presentations and applications for CD-ROM and the Web. The course reviews topics related to multimedia and project management, interface design, and e-Learning. Prerequisite JMA 260
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| JMA 417 |
Critical Studies in Mass Media |
In this course we will consider the forces behind the evolution of the media into its current commercial system. The ethical, social, economic, and political implications of today’s massive media corporations—as well as their effect upon what we see, read, and know—will also be discussed.
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| JMA 418 |
Advanced PR and Media Relations |
Public Relations is one of a constellation of media institutions. In this course, students learn advanced internal and external Public Relations principles, methods, and practices within the context of the larger media of which Public Relations is a part, including journalism, advertising, broadcasting and multimedia production. The course emphasizes Public Relations strategy, writing and production. Prerequisite: JMA 243
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| JMA 419 |
Advanced Media Advertising |
Advertising is one of a constellation of media institutions. In this course, students learn advanced consumer Advertising methods and practices within the context of the larger media of which Advertising is a part, including journalism, advertising, broadcasting and multimedia production. The course emphasizes Advertising strategy, writing and production. Prerequisite: JMA 220
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| JMA 421 |
Sex, Myth and Media |
Examines the role of mass media in reinforcing or challenging common cultural definitions of masculinity and femininity and power relationships between the sexes. In analyzing various mass media---including print, television, internet publishing, electronic games, and film---we will apply gender theory and connect these artifacts to their historical moment.
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| JMA 423 |
Media Sales |
Explains the multi-faceted dimension of sales within contemporary business environments with special emphasis on the tools for media sales.
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| JMA 427 |
Intro to Desktop Publishing |
Today’s world of journalism production relies on computer applications that facilitate the creation, editing and distribution of print documents. Students in JMA342 will use software such as Quark and In-Design to apply concepts of page layout, concepts of design elements, illustration, and printing standards, as well as examining how to create or select, size and place artwork.
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| JMA 428 |
Server Side Scripting |
This course introduces you to the creation of dynamic web sites. You will design and implement a relational database, and develop ASP (Active Server Pages) web pages to manage the database. You will also study how to create reports based on the database. Prerequisite: JMA 472 or JMA 226
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| JMA 431 |
Advanced Flash Programming |
An advanced look at Flash’s programming language, ActionScript, this course provides the base for sophisticated interactive applications that include audio, digital video, connections to databases. Students will be able to use ActionScript to control objects within Flash files, create and publish ActionScript movies, add actions to a movie file, and utilize common ActionScript commands, arguments, properties, and syntaxes. Prerequisite: JMA 331
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| JMA 434 |
Media & Sports |
Studies and analyzes the relationship between sports and media entities and industries.
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| JMA 436 |
Media Sports Relations |
Examines and applies public relations, publicity, media coordination, and event organization and management skills necessary for success in the sports industry. Prerequisite: JMA 434
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| JMA 438 |
Gaming Essentials |
Students study business and creative aspects of creating a commercial game. Various game models are studied; staffing, funding and marketing the game are covered as students learn the business-side of the gaming industry.
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| JMA 439 |
Game Level Design |
In this course students continue to study existing game paradigms and use an existing game engine to develop multiple levels, adding various terrains, varying lighting conditions, building, then incorporating 3D models. Prerequisite JMA 438
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| JMA 440 |
Professional Development and Project Management |
Explores key issues related to earning a living as a multimedia professional. Students learn about the management of assets, time and team relationships through practical exercises. Topics include accounting practices, marketing and self promotion, preparing resumes, costing, proposal writing and the production pipeline.
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| JMA 442 |
Sound Design |
This course is an introduction to the role audio and sound have in a variety of distribution media. This course also is an introduction to the production techniques, technology, and artistic aspects of appropriately applying sound in a variety of distribution media.
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| JMA 443 |
Mass Media & Everyday Life |
Examines theories and research in the field of mass media (notably television) and society.
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| JMA 444 |
Sound Design II |
This will build upon the concepts introduced in the Sound Design I course. Specifically Sound Design II will cover; Functional Sound Design for Film, Theatre, and Radio Drama. The course will introduce transactional Sound Design for products such as games and other similar interactive products. Sound Design II will cover advanced Digital Audio Workstation concepts including; advanced editing, recording session management, mixing, mastering, MIDI, advanced digital sound processing and project portability. Sound Design II will also introduce audio encoding formats for open and proprietary delivery. Students considering Sound Design II should have successfully completed the Sound Design I course. Prerequisite: JMA 442
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| JMA 448 |
XML Programming |
Today’s media is being delivered on demand and provide a means of sharing information between computer systems (and people, too – XML is very easy to read) while avoiding the problems that have traditionally plagued HTML. XML is a data definition language – it attempts to allow developers to create languages that define the information within a rigid hierarchy. It allows developers to write tags that describe the data, and use these tags to identify the values they carry. At the same time, it rigidly enforces the structure of the specification – it doesn’t permit shortcuts in coding. Prerequisite JMA 226
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| JMA 449 |
Advanced Anchoring, Reporting & Announcing |
Advanced class with on air performance both in studio and on location. Intended for students with an extensive background in News who wish to pursue careers in Radio and Television. Prerequisite: JMA 351.
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| JMA 451 |
Digital Media Internship |
Provides a supervised observation/experience program of study (assignment and performance) in such areas as web design, post-production development, instructional design and multimedia production.
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| JMA 452 |
Journalism/Media Internship |
Provides a supervised observation/experience program of study (assignment and performance) in areas such as media, editorial, advertising and public relations.
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| JMA 453 |
Advanced Media Writing |
Teaches writing for radio and television in a lecture-laboratory course.
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| JMA 463 |
Advanced 3D Modeling |
Students utilize Sub-D based 3D modeling software to create, texturize, light and render complex organic and inorganic objects. In 3D, students will create models of characters, vehicular, environmental and hard-edge surfaces. Advanced photorealistic rendering using global illumination techniques will add realism to the models. Prerequisite: JMA 406.
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| JMA 464 |
Human Computer Interaction |
This course introduces students to concepts that underlie the design of human-computer interaction. Students learn about developing computer interfaces and building interactivity into applications. Working from a user-centered design perspective, students learn how to evaluate and refine the applications they design.
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| JMA 465W |
Media Ethics (Core Requirement) |
Examines ethical issues that challenge media professionals and consumers. By interpreting and applying ethical theory—from the classicists to the contemporary—students will analyze ethical challenges inherent in the modern media. Focus will be on theories of moral maturation, the tension between universal values and cultural specificity, and the contrast between commitment and cynicism.
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| JMA 467 |
Media Research Methods |
Provides training in gathering and analyzing data relevant to communication phenomena.
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| JMA 469 |
Feature Writing |
Teaches feature article writing for the general and specialized print publication as well as query writing and marketing for the free lance writer and feature writing for the print news reporter.
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| JMA 471 |
Public Affairs Reporting |
Teaches interpretive reporting of urban affairs in a lecture-laboratory course. Prerequisite: JMA 271W.
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| JMA 472 |
JavaScript |
Students use the JavaScript language as a beginning programming course, introducing them to fundamental concepts such as variables, calculations, functions, program looping, cookies and the processing of web-based forms.
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| JMA 473 |
Media Law & Regulation (Core Requirement) |
Examines the legal rights, privileges, ethics and responsibilities of the mass media—both electronic and print.
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| JMA 475 |
Database for Web Development |
Emphasis in this course is on database theory, with applications to web sites. Students study how a web page can rely upon a database to extract data, which in turn produces dynamic content. Some form of Visual Basic for web servers is used as the programming language.
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| JMA 480 |
Independent Study |
This course provides an opportunity to study, in depth, a subject matter that is not taught in another class. You must have a project, a mentor and must fill out an independent study contract prior to registering. You will be required to meet regularly with your mentor, and provide periodic progress reports and time sheets.
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| JMA 482 |
Practicum: College Radio |
Conducts formal critiques of WDSR and related college media. Designed for all persons working for a college radio station.
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| JMA 483 |
Practicum: Journalism |
Conducts formal critiques of the Duquesne Duke and other college media. Designed for all persons working for a college newspaper.
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| JMA 489 |
Advanced Digital Video Production |
This course provides advanced instruction in the production and applications of digital video. The course covers advanced concepts and techniques in video design and production, from the initial preproduction scripts and storyboards through actual shooting to nonlinear editing, mastering and output. The emphasis is on in-depth, advanced, practical experience in producing professional-level video products for a variety of applications, including education, corporate, documentary and entertainment. Prerequisite: JMA 324
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| JMA 491 |
Media Information & Technology |
An advanced examination of the societal impact and the political economy of information and technological diffusion. Students will explore a relevant topic in-depth through classroom presentation(s) and the completion of a seminar paper. Examinations at discretion of instructor.
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| JMA 492 |
Electronic Commerce Development |
Students apply database design and development concepts and web design knowledge to create E-Commerce web sites. Various on-line payment strategies, secure site creation and shopping cart pages are discussed and implemented. Prerequisite: JMA475
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| JMA 495 |
Server Scripting with PHP and MySQL |
Using Open Source software, students will develop and implement dynamic, interactive, database-driven server applications. Prerequisite: any programming course |
| JMA 496 |
Directed Readings |
Offers the opportunity for students and faculty to conduct in-depth study of a topic not covered, or covered only briefly, in other departmental courses. In order to enroll in Directed Readings, students must first secure approval from the faculty member best qualified to guide their study.
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| JMA 497 |
Special Projects |
Offers the opportunity for students to prepare print or electronic products (e.g., brochures, slide shows, video programs, etc.) commissioned by University or community organizations.
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