Mass Communication (BA)

Catalog Year

2022-2023

Degree

Bachelor of Arts

Major Credits

52

Total Credits

120

Locations

Mankato

Program Requirements

Prerequisites to the Major

Students in this course approach writing as a subject of study by investigating how writing works across a variety of contexts.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-1A

Nature, functions, responsibilities and effects of the media in contemporary society.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-09

Diverse Cultures: Purple

Major Common Core

Basic techniques of gathering information and writing readable and accurate media stories.

Prerequisites: ENG 101, MASS 110

Principles of the First Amendment, libel, fair trial, privacy, access to news, pornography and regulation of radio and television.

Prerequisites: none

Creation of photo, audio, video, and written content for multi-platform distribution. Includes critical consideration and application of content creation tools, social media management tools, and legal and ethical issues.

Prerequisites: MASS 221W

Study, analysis and criticism of the mass media, their ethics and performance.

Prerequisites: none

.

Prerequisites: MASS 221W, MASS 312, and MASS 411, plus two additional 300/400 level MASS courses, one of which must be MASS 325, MASS 330, MASS 334, MASS 431, MASS 434 or MASS 436

Major Restricted Electives

Choose 8 Credit(s).

Introduction to advocacy through communication and mass media, including principles, theories, practices, and ethics.

Prerequisites: none

Exploration of the basic principles of visual media design, stressing the significance of images in a mass media society. Special focus on contextualizing historial and technological changes affecting image production for mass media.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-06, GE-07

Diverse Cultures: Purple

This class uses a critical and cultural approach to explore the intersections of gender, race, and media across multiple media platforms, including film, television, news, social media, and other emerging media.

Prerequisites: none

This course introduces students to the concepts, approaches and tools for gathering and analyzing information in mass media research. Students will become acquainted with and effectively use the terminology and concepts used in mass media research.

Prerequisites: none

Instruction in the fundamental concepts, terminology, techniques and applications of digital imaging in mass communication. Development of the basic skills necessary to design, create, manage and distribute photographic and video digital images in mass communication.

Prerequisites: none

The course provides explanations and analysis of the historical evolution of American mass communication from the colonial period of the 1600s to the present. Students will study media history within the broader contexts of American social and cultural history. Developing a deeper understanding of how mass media evolved will lead to a deeper and more effective comprehension of the roles and effects of mass communication in today's society.

Prerequisites: none

This course provides a framework for students to learn about professional media practice off-campus. Students will travel off-site to explore, find, and report original stories across multiple media platforms.

Prerequisites: none

This course focuses on the theory and criticism of mass communication in global contexts. It trains students to analyze and evaluate global media in cultural contexts toward becoming media literate consumers and producers. Course is taught in English.

Prerequisites: none

Hands-on production of interactive documentary content for online audiences. Special focus may include web series, docu games, interactive documentary, and virtual and augmented reality.

Prerequisites: none

Discussion and hands-on experience involving mass media activities. Topic varies.

Prerequisites: MASS 221W

Major Unrestricted Electives

Choose 8 Credit(s).

Prerequisites: none

Other Graduation Requirements

Choose 8 credit(s): take one series Language

Minor

Required Minor: Yes. Any.

4-Year Plan

The 4-Year Plan is a model for completing your degree in a timely manner. Your individual 4-Year plan may change based on a number of variables including transfer courses and the semester/year you start your major. Carefully work with your academic advisors to devise your own unique plan.
* Please meet with your advisor on appropriate course selection to meet your educational and degree goals.

First Year

Fall - 15 Credits

Nature, functions, responsibilities and effects of the media in contemporary society.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-09

Diverse Cultures: Purple

General Education Course * 4 credits

General Education Course * 4 credits

General Education Course * 3 credits

Spring - 15 Credits

Students in this course approach writing as a subject of study by investigating how writing works across a variety of contexts.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-1A

General Education Course * 3 credits

General Education Course * 4 credits

General Education Course * 4 credits

Second Year

Fall - 16 Credits

Basic techniques of gathering information and writing readable and accurate media stories.

Prerequisites: ENG 101, MASS 110

World Languages Course * 4 credits

General Education Course * 4 credits

Diverse Cultures Course * 4 credits

Spring - 16 Credits

Principles of the First Amendment, libel, fair trial, privacy, access to news, pornography and regulation of radio and television.

Prerequisites: none

Elective Course in Major * 4 credits

World Languages Course * 4 credits

Writing Intensive Course * 4 credits

Third Year

Fall - 16 Credits

Study, analysis and criticism of the mass media, their ethics and performance.

Prerequisites: none

Elective Course in Major * 4 credits

Elective Course in Major * 4 credits

Elective Course in Major * 4 credits

Spring - 15 Credits

Elective Course in Major * 4 credits

Elective Course in Major * 4 credits

Elective Course in Major * 4 credits

Elective Course in Major * 3 credits

Fourth Year

Fall - 15 Credits

Elective Course in Major * 4 credits

Elective Course in Minor * 4 credits

Elective Course in Minor * 4 credits

General Education Course * 3 credits

Spring - 12 Credits

Elective Course in Major * 4 credits

General Education Course * 4 credits