Moufatih Muhammad in the WFDU studio

The 15-credit Broadcasting minor is designed for students interested in studying the theoretical, practical and creative elements within the Radio and Television industries. The philosophy behind the minor builds on the recognition that the professional domain of broadcasting draws from many, varied disciplines. First, students must develop a foundational understanding of the concepts and theories included in the areas of Radio and Television. Then students can choose to further develop their skills in one or more of the areas through their selection of elective courses. Students are encouraged to take at least one approved broadcasting Internship in the field of their choice, as prospective employers look for practical field experience from students.

Note: In order to fulfill the Broadcasting minor, students must select no more than 9 credits in their major discipline. This policy is meant to ensure that students are taking full advantage of the interdisciplinary nature of the minor.

Required Courses (9 credits):

  • COMM 2012 Intro to Television and Digital Journalism (formerly COMM 3349)
  • COMM 2214 Intro to Radio Broadcasting and Digital Journalism
  • FILM 1005    Filmmaking I: Basic Production

Elective Courses (6 credits):

  • COMM 3060 Television News and Digital Journalism
  • COMM 3248 Writing for Broadcast and Podcast
  • COMM 3341 Radio Management and Digital Journalism
  • FILM 1501    Cinematic Storytelling
  • FILM 2208    Filmmaking II
  • FILM 2210    Post Production I
  • FILM 4461    Documentary Filmmaking
  • CREW 1002  Introduction to Fiction Writing
  • CREW 2250  Screenwriting I
  • THEA 2005   Directing I
  • THEA 2203   TV Writing & Screenwriting I
  • THEA 3336    Acting for Film and TV

Course Descriptions

  • COMM2012 A preliminary course dealing with such topics as: The language of T.V., the production process, T.V. news, and digital journalism.

  • COMM2214 This course provides an introduction to the principles and practices of the broadcasting industry. While the focus will be on radio broadcasting, many of the discussions will have application to the television industry as well, particulary when it comes to legal issues. The course wull include training & practice in radio productions. Students will also receive an introduction to radio programming (both commercial & noncommercial), production, broadcast station policies, legal issues and industry trends.

  • COMM3060 This course will address all of the key areas that go into the creation, production and distribution of television news. Time will be spent exploring how television news is researched, written, and produced and how all of the elements come together to form the final polished (and sometimes not so polished) broadcasts that we see each and everyday. The course will consider the differences between network and cable news broadcasts, between local and 24-hour news, and between morning and evening network news broadcasts. Time will also be spent examining the ethical, racial and gender issues that come up when making decisions regarding television news. Through this course students will gain valuable experience writing copy for television news and laying out the elements of a 30-minute news broadcast while also exploring the inner workings and politics of a career in television news.

  • COMM3248 This course will prepare students to write for the electronic news media. In addition to developing the skills necessary for writing good radio and television news copy and promotional/ commercial copy, students will also discuss current issues (ethics, legal issues and history) as well as current events in broadcast journalism. Writing projects will be completed both individualy and in teams and sample asignments may include radio and television commercials, broadcast news copy, broadcast interviews, public service announcements, and dramatic pieces.

  • COMM3341 This course will deal with radio management functions and operations. In addition to exercises that will enable students to more closely examine trends in the world of radio, radio programming, and station development, students will enhance their hands-on skills as well. Students will devlop a working knowledge of the operation of radio stations including the audience rating methods that impact their programming design.

  • COMM3349 A prelimary course dealing with such topics as: The language of T.V., the Production Process, Art Design, T.V. News and the Development of Israli T.V.

  • CREW1002 Study and practice of writing fiction. The workshop places the focus on student writing. Additional reading provides the context for discussion of craft and form. This course is not for Creative Writing major credit.

  • CREW2250 Students learn the basics of screenplay structure, character development, rising and falling action, conflict and resolution by writing scripts and reading and analyzing successful screenplays. Students complete short scripts that may be used in other classes as shooting assignments.

  • FILM1005 THE LANGUAGE OF CINEMA. Techniques in camera, story, and editing are stressed. Narrative and Documentary productions are assigned, as the class pursues both an understanding of basic production and storytelling concepts.

  • FILM1501 A basic introduction to the art of telling the visual story, examining the work of the screenwriter, art director, producer, director, actor, music composer, editor and studio executive. Such subjects as a films theme and focus, genre and market are closely discussed. The class consists of viewing film clips, readings and discussions on what are all the elements that contribute to the visual story - the how and why.

  • FILM2208 TECHNIQUES OF THE PROFESSIONAL CREW. This course focuses on pre-production, production, working as a team and at reaching an understanding of all the crafts and crew positions that go into production. Script breakdowns, scheduling, and advanced production techniques such as sound mixing, booming, lighting and camera work, as well as beginning editing skills are the focus of this class.

  • FILM2210 Course presents advanced nonlinear edting approaches to film and video, through the use of practical asignments and introducing a knowledge of the history of film editing and its practice.

  • FILM4461 This course is for the filmmaker whose interest is primarily in creating documentary footage that explores a wide range of issues whether social, economic and/or political.

  • THEA2005 A study of the basic theory and techniques of directing. Organization, basic staging and composition will be studied as well as script analysis, casting and working with actors.

  • THEA2203 Seminar conducted as workshop. Work submitted biweekly toward the completion of a 30-minute teleplay or film.

  • THEA3336 This course is designed to instruct the student in the basic techniques of characterization and movement within the confines of the camera lens. Students will recreate scenes from established films, which will be taped using professional techniques, e.g., master shot, two shot and close-up. This course is offered Spring only.