School of Communication Undergraduate Programs

College of Communication and Information

Director: Patrick Merle; Professors: Adams, Houck, McDowell, Nudd, Opel, Proffitt; Associate Professors: Bailey, Bruker, Bunz, Chapa, Clayton, Cortese, Dale, Ferchaud, Graves, Jordan, Lee, Merle, Wendorf Muhamad; Assistant Professors: Ray, Waters; Specialized Teaching Faculty: Haywood, Henry, Kelly, Laurents; Professors Emeriti: Heald, Korzenny, Mayo, Wotring, Young

The School of Communication offers a degree in communication and digital media with two majors (digital media production and media/communications studies), and a degree in professional communication with two majors (advertising and public relations). These majors are organized according to various applications of communication skills and expertise in our society. This unique array of studies allows students to select a sequence of courses that directly reflects their own professional, artistic, and/or academic interests.

Each major requires a series of courses designed to meet predetermined educational and career goals. The specific goals and requirements of some areas of study are detailed in the following section entitled, “Descriptions of Emphasis Areas,” and on the School website at https://comm.cci.fsu.edu/. While some areas of emphasis are professionally oriented and others stress theory and a liberal arts education, each introduces the student to the broad range of communication theory and practice and provides the student with an understanding of the fundamental human and mediated communication processes. With few exceptions, the major requires two years to complete.

In terms of both academic criteria and extracurricular accomplishments, the students in the School of Communication are of the very highest caliber. The high quality of undergraduate students is reflected in the numerous University, state, and national scholarship and fellowship recipients. The exceptional caliber and character of communication students are also proven by their extracurricular activities. The Speech and Debate Program is considered one of the most experienced, talented squads in the nation. The program philosophy assures each student the best competitive experience possible. It emphasizes quality competition and provides the resources to help each student excel to the best of his or her abilities. Communication students are also involved in broadcasting activities, including radio station WVFS, a variety of sports-related programs as part of Seminole Productions, and broadcasts on WFSU-TV, Florida State University's PBS station. Other student activities include the Advertising Club, the student chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association, and Lambda Pi Eta, the national honor society for undergraduate communication students.

Both in and out of the classroom, the students of the School of Communication have an established track record of national recognition and achievement. The University's communication graduates can be found working in virtually every country in the world and every state in the nation. Our graduates occupy productive and prominent positions in government, law, commercial communication, media-related activities, private business interests, and education.

The School of Communication offers programs of study leading to the Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS), Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MS), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees. Consult the Graduate Bulletin or School website for information regarding graduate programs.

Note: Students not formally admitted to the School of Communication or not fully declared as a Media/Communication Studies major are prohibited from enrolling in more than eighteen semester hours of coursework in the School of Communication (SPC 1017 and SPC 2608 do not count toward this eighteen semester hour limit). Courses available to non-majors include, but are not limited to, those listed in the following section entitled, ‘Requirements for a Minor in Communication.'

Digital Literacy Requirement

Students must complete at least one course designated as meeting the Digital Literacy Requirement with a grade of “C–” or higher. Courses fulfilling the Digital Literacy Requirement must accomplish at least three of the following outcomes:

Evaluate and interpret the accuracy, credibility, and relevance of digital information
Evaluate and interpret digital data and their implications
Discuss the ways in which society and/or culture interact with digital technology
Discuss digital technology trends and their professional implications
Demonstrate the ability to use digital technology effectively
Demonstrate the knowledge to use digital technology safely and ethically

Each academic major has determined the courses that fulfill the Digital Literacy requirement for that major. Students should contact their major department(s) to determine which courses will fulfill their Digital Literacy requirement.

Undergraduate majors in communication satisfy this requirement by earning a grade of “C–” or higher in CGS 2060, CGS 2100, or COM 4470.

State of Florida Common Program Prerequisites in Communication

The Florida Virtual Campus (FLVC) houses the statewide, internet-based catalog of distance learning courses, degree programs, and resources offered by Florida's public colleges and universities, and they have developed operational procedures and technical guidelines for the catalog that all institutions must follow. The statute governing this policy can be reviewed by visiting https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2021/1006.73.

FLVC has identified common program prerequisites for the degree program in Communication. To obtain the most up-to-date, state-approved prerequisites for this degree, visit: https://cpm.flvc.org/programs/267/250.

Specific prerequisites are required for admission into the upper-division program and must be completed by the student at either a community college or a state university prior to being admitted to this program. Students may be admitted into the University without completing the prerequisites but may not be admitted into the program.

Requirements

Admissions and Declaration of Major Information

Three of the four majors in the School of Communication are specialized admission majors (Advertising, Digital Media Production, and Public Relations). Acceptance into the School of Communication and into the three areas of emphasis is highly competitive.

All students must apply separately to the University and the School of Communication for these three majors. Admission to the University is not a guarantee of admission into the major and admission to the major is not a guarantee of admission to the University. Students transferring from another institution are strongly encouraged to earn an AA before matriculating at Florida State University, and they should apply for admission to the School of Communication before transferring to Florida State University.

Beginning Fall 2024, the Media/Communication Studies major in the School of Communication is no longer a specialized admission major. Students who have been admitted to the university and meet the “Minimum Requirements for Application or Declaration of Major” listed below as verified by an advisor may declare the M/CS major. Beginning Fall 2024, the Media/Communication Studies major leads only to the Bachelor of Arts (BA). It is no longer possible to earn a Bachelor of Science (BS) in M/CS.

Application & Declaration of Major Process

Minimum Requirements for Application or Declaration of Major:

Students applying for admission to a Communication specialized admission major or who wish to declare as M/CS major must:

Have an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher on all college coursework to be considered for admission to advertising, public relations, or digital media production
Have completed MMC 2000 (three hours) to declare the Media/Communication Studies major or be fully admitted to the Digital Media Production major
Have completed CLEP and accelerated credit scores posted by time of application or declaration of major
Have all CoreFSU Curriculum course substitutions approved by the appropriate dean and posted by time of application or declaration of major

In addition, students must complete the following requirements by the end of the Spring semester in which they are applying for admission to a specialized admission major, or by the end of the semester by which they wish to declare for the M/CS major:

A minimum of 52 credit hours of college coursework accepted by Florida State University
Two mathematics courses, as required to the specific major
Successfully complete ENC 1101 (three hours) and ENC 2135 (three hours)

Note: All coursework for eligibility must be reflected on submitted transcripts or on Spring course schedules by the application deadline.

Specialized Admission Application

Application information is available on the School of Communication website at https://comm.cci.fsu.edu.

To be considered for Summer/Fall admission, completed applications must be received by the School of Communication by the first business day in February at 5:00 p.m. Included in the application process must be copies of transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Late applications will not be accepted.

Specialized Admission Application Review Process

A faculty committee will review applications and supporting documents of candidates who meet the minimum requirements for application. There are three major criteria by which undergraduate applications to the Advertising, Public Relations, and Digital Media Production majors in the School of Communication will be assessed: GPA in context, strength of experience relevant to the field, and evidence of potential success in a relevant field. More specifically, the faculty members reviewing the applications in all areas will consider the following:

GPA in all college coursework
Record of academic success in communication and communication-related courses
Quality of writing in application materials
Well-defined goals and expectations related to the chosen field
Previous high school, college, or professional experiences related to the chosen field

(See School of Communication application for additional information regarding the review process.)

Specialized Admission Retention Standards

The School of Communication reserves the right to discontinue enrollment of any student in one of the specialized admission majors at any time if, in the judgment of the faculty, the student does not meet the standards of the School or the major. Specifically, students in specialized admission majors in the School of Communication must maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 on all college coursework or they may be placed on probation and may be dropped subsequently from the major.

Requirements for a Major in Communication

Different programs of study specify different graduation requirements that lead to the baccalaureate degrees in Communication. Descriptions of each program's required and elective course sequences are available on the School's website at https://comm.cci.fsu.edu.

The School of Communication has the following requirements for graduation. These requirements are beyond the minimum University requirements and those specified by each emphasis area: (1) meet the School's language proficiency requirement; (2) only coursework with grades of “C–” or above will count toward a student's degree in communication in all four majors; and (3) completion of a minor in an academic area outside the School of Communication. Students must undergo University and School graduation checks. Students who wish to intern must make arrangements with the Assistant Director and submit School contracts the semester prior to enrollment. Internship requirements vary by program of study. Only formally admitted or fully declared communication majors can register for a communication internship.

Language Proficiency Requirement

Beginning Fall 2024, the Media/Communication Studies major leads only to the Bachelor of Arts (BA). It is no longer possible to earn a Bachelor of Science (BS) in M/CS. Students in the Media/Communication Studies major must meet all university requirements for the Bachelor of Arts (BA) as stipulated in the university's General Bulletin in addition to any language proficiency requirements set by the School of Communication.

Students formally admitted into a specialized admission major or fully declared as an M/CS major in the School of Communication must achieve proficiency in one language other than English prior to graduation. As a School, we define “language” in broad terms, understanding that a variety of skills are equally important to the field of communication. To that end, students may fulfill this requirement by taking courses in modern or business language. In order to fulfill the School's Business Language-Proficiency requirement, students must earn at least a “C–” in each language course. Courses may not be taken on an S/U basis.

Students may take courses in the Modern Language Proficiency requirement on an S/U basis if admitted during or after 2012.

The School's language proficiency requirement is more extensive than the University's foreign language admissions requirement. It is important to understand that although completion of two years of high school language courses or two semesters of post-secondary language will satisfy the University's Admissions requirement, these courses do not satisfy the School of Communication's language proficiency graduation requirements. Please consult the “Admissions” chapter of this General Bulletin for more information.

Modern Language Proficiency for BA degree. Students may satisfy the language proficiency requirement by completing coursework through the 2000 level (2200 or equivalent course) of a classical or modern language. Students admitted prior to 2012 must earn at least a “C–” in each course; courses may not be taken on an S/U basis. For students admitted during or after 2012, language proficiency courses may be taken on an S/U basis. Native speakers of another language and other students who wish to demonstrate proficiency by means other than coursework should consult the Department of Modern Languages and Linguistics. Upon graduation, those students who pursue this option through a spoken language (e.g., French, German, Spanish, Latin, etc.) will receive a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree.

Business Language Proficiency for BS degree. Students may satisfy the business language proficiency requirement by completing the following coursework for a total of nine semester hours: ECO 2013, Principles of Macroeconomics, ECO 2023, Principles of Microeconomics, and one of the following: STA 2023, Fundamental Business Statistics, or STA 2122, Introduction to Applied Statistics. A student taking coursework to fulfill the department's business language requirement must earn at least a “C–” in each course; courses may not be taken on an S/U basis. Upon graduation, students who pursue the business language proficiency option will receive a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree.

Required Minor

A minor of at least twelve semester hours is required for all four majors. All work counted toward the minor must carry a grade of “C–” or better. The minor must be in a department other than the School of Communication, with the exception of the Minor in Hispanic Marketing Communication. Requirements for the minor are established by the minor department, which can be found under the appropriate entry of this General Bulletin. Minors are checked by the major department upon graduation. See individual descriptions of majors below for suggestions. Communication majors who complete a second major outside of the School of Communication do not need a minor. The required minor is still applicable, however, to those pursuing a dual degree.

Interdepartmental Minor

A fifteen-semester hour interdepartmental minor is possible, provided that the coursework is outside the School of Communication and is approved in advance by the faculty advisor and the School director.

Honors in the Major

The School of Communication offers a program in honors in communication to encourage talented juniors and seniors to undertake independent and original research as part of the undergraduate experience. For requirements and other information, see the “University Honors Office and Honor Societies” chapter of this General Bulletin.

Requirements for a Minor in Communication

The School of Communication offers a minor in communication on a space available basis only. The minor consists of twelve semester hours in communication selected from the following courses:

ADV 3008 Principles of Advertising (3)

ADV 3352 Mass Media Law (3)

ADV 3410 Hispanic Marketing Communication (3)*

COM 3332 New Communication Technology and Contemporary Society (3)*

COM 3930 Special Topics in Communication (3)

IDS 3164 Media, Culture and the Environment (3)*

MMC 2000 Introduction to the Mass Media (3)*

PUR 3000 Introduction to Public Relations (3)*

RTV 3001 Media Techniques (3)*

SPC 3210 Contemporary Human Communication (3)*

*Available online

In addition, any 3000 or 4000 level Communication courses completed at one of FSU's International Programs can count toward the minor.

Please note that only the courses listed above can be applied to the minor; the School will not make substitutions. Additionally, courses taken to meet the minor are not applicable to any other degree requirement.

Only coursework with a grade of “C–” or above in four of these courses will count toward the minor. Credit earned in meeting the Oral Communication Competency Requirement (OCCR) may not be used to satisfy the minor. At least six semester hours of the communication minor must be taken in the Florida State University School of Communication on campus, online, or at one of our International Programs.

The School of Communication also offers a minor in Hispanic Marketing Communication. Please contact the School for more information.

Description of Emphasis Areas

Advertising and Public Relations

Career and Educational Goals. Students in this emphasis area will master skills necessary for a career in advertising or public relations.

Skills to be Developed. Advertising students will focus on account management, creative strategy, media planning, and research skills. Public relations students will concentrate on public relations writing, tactics, research, and campaign management skills.

Focus Areas. Students applying to this program are required to indicate on the application form their preferred focus area: advertising or public relations.

Major Hours Required. Thirty-nine semester hours. All work counted toward the major must carry a grade of “C–” or better.

Required Minor. A minor (or second major), with advisor approval, is required. All minor work must be in a department other than the School of Communication. All work counted toward the minor must carry a grade of “C–” or better. Requirements for the minor are established by the minor department and can be found in this General Bulletin. Suggested minors include: business, psychology, English, journalism (at FAMU), political science, social science, an interdepartmental minor, and others, depending upon one's career objectives.

Internship. Advertising and public relations students are required to earn internship hours. Please see our website at https://comm.cci.fsu.edu/ for more information regarding this requirement.

Course Requirements for the Advertising and Public Relations Emphasis Areas

A listing of specific courses and requirements is available at https://www.academic-guide.fsu.edu/.

Media/Communication Studies

Career and Educational Goals. Students graduating in this emphasis area should have a solid liberal arts education. Degrees in media/communication studies are applicable to a number of fields including law, media industries, media research, communications, management, lobbying, management careers in media, cable, advertising, arts and entertainment, emerging information technologies, and related fields. Prospective students should note that the School of Communication does not offer a program in print or broadcast journalism.

Major Hours Required. Thirty semester hours. All work counted toward the major must carry a grade of “C–” or better.

Required Minor. A minor (or second major), with advisor approval, is required. All minor work must be in a department other than the School of Communication. All work counted toward the minor must carry a grade of “C–” or better. Requirements for the minor are established by the minor department and can be found in this General Bulletin. Recommended minors include: English, political science, psychology, journalism (at FAMU), sociology, women's studies, African-American studies, or British studies (the Florida State University London Program). A fifteen-semester hour interdepartmental minor is also possible, provided the coursework is outside of the School of Communication and is approved in advance by the faculty advisor and the School director.

Internship. A student may enroll for up to twelve semester hours of internship, but a maximum of three semester hours may be credited toward the major.

Recommended Extracurricular Activities. Forensics and Debate, V89, student government, theatre productions, Seminole Productions, WFSU and 4FSU, Lambda Pi Eta.

Course Requirements for the Media/Communication Studies Emphasis

A listing of specific courses and requirements is available at https://www.academic-guide.fsu.edu/.

Digital Media Production

Career and Educational Goals. Students with an emphasis in media production typically pursue production careers in broadcasting, documentary filmmaking, television production, advertising, video production, broadcast, arts and entertainment, emerging information technologies, and related fields. Prospective students should note that the School of Communication does not offer a program in print or broadcast journalism.

Areas of Special Knowledge and Skills to be Developed. The media production emphasis will expose students to techniques employed in the production of digital media. Students may acquire such skills as video production, video editing, cinematography, motion graphics, and writing for the media.

Major Hours Required. Thirty-six semester hours are required in the digital media production area. All work counted toward the major must carry a grade of “C–” or better.

Required Minor. A minor (or second major), with advisor approval, is required. All work must be in a department other than the School of Communication. All work counted toward the minor must carry a grade of a “C–” or better. Requirements for the minor are established by the minor department and can be found in this General Bulletin. Recommended minors include: art, film studies, business, English, political science, psychology, journalism (at FAMU), sociology, criminology, social sciences, American studies, or British studies (the Florida State University London Program). A fifteen-semester hour interdepartmental minor is also possible, provided the coursework is outside the School of Communication and is approved in advance by the faculty advisor and the School director.

Internship. An internship (COM 4945r) is strongly recommended. A student may enroll for up to twelve semester hours of internship, but a maximum of three semester hours may be credited toward the major.

Course Requirements for the Media Production Emphasis

A specific listing of courses and requirements is available at https://www.academic-guide.fsu.edu/.

Definition of Prefixes

ADV—Advertising

COM—Communication

IDS—Interdisciplinary Studies

MMC—Mass Media Communication

ORI—Oral Interpretation

PUR—Public Relations

RTV— Radio, Television

SED—Speech Education

SPC—Speech Communication

VIC—Visual Communication

Undergraduate Courses

ADV 3001. Advertising Strategy (3). Prerequisite: Admission to the Advertising major. This foundation course in advertising explores creativity in a workshop environment.

ADV 3008. Principles of Advertising (3). This course explores advertising and promotion as related to level of economic growth, cultural influences, and sociolegal environments.

ADV 3352. Mass Media Law (3). This course offers a comprehensive review of laws, rules, and regulations affecting both the advertising and broadcast industries as well as other forms of mass media. Topics include libel, slander, invasion of privacy, gathering of information, and copyright laws.

ADV 3410. Hispanic Marketing Communication (3). This course prepares undergraduate students to become educated decision makers and consumers of information regarding U.S. Hispanic marketing communication issues.

ADV 3801r. Advertising Team I (3). (S/U grade only.) Prerequisite: Instructor permission. This course is application-based and provides students with the opportunity to develop a complete Integrated Marketing Communication campaign plan as part of the National Student Advertising Competition sponsored by the American Advertising Federation. The course is set up as hierarchy-based advertising agency with some students in leadership positions and others working in departments that are managed by student directors. May be repeated to a maximum of six semester hours.

ADV 3823r. Advertising Team II (3). Prerequisite: Instructor permission. This course is the second of a two-course sequence. The course focuses on campaign execution. The advertising team course is an application-based class, which provides students with the opportunity to develop a complete Integrated Marketing Communication campaign plan as part of the National Student Advertising Competition sponsored by the American Advertising Federation. The class is set up as hierarchy-based advertising agency with some students in leadership positions and others working in departments that are managed by student directors. May be repeated to a maximum of six semester hours.

ADV 4105. Advertising Copywriting (3). This course is designed for advertising majors. The course explores different types of ad writing and allows students to work on exercises that reinforce styles, grammar, and conciseness.

ADV 4300. Media Planning (3). Prerequisite: ADV 3008 and COM 3310. Corequisite: ADV 3001. This course explores the coordination of advertising and marketing research, planning, creative strategy, and selection of media and production activities leading to the development of advertising campaigns.

ADV 4411. Multicultural Marketing Communication (3). This course is geared to train students to become effective communicators and marketers when reaching out to multicultural society. Marketers, communicators, and service providers interested in being effective in reaching out to culturally diverse groups need to become adept at designing messages and strategies geared to a culturally diverse society.

ADV 4603. Account Planning (3). This course teaches students how to become resourceful, creative, and strategic to represent the consumer's voice in planning a marketing communication campaign. Thus, this course emphasizes applied research in consumer insights building, brief creative writing, debriefing, and strategic planning.

COM 2080. Online Communication and Presence (3). This course provides students with theoretical background and practical experience in constructing messages for online communication, as well as managing self-presentation and professional relationships in the online environment. The course includes critical analysis of information sources and audiences and the development and delivery of online oral presentations.

COM 2740. Contemporary Issues in Communication (3). (S/U grade only.) This course introduces contemporary issues in communication, including communication as an academic discipline, a major business and governmental policy sector, and a professional career. The course reviews some historical and predominantly current issues, policies and practices that are central to the field of communication.

COM 3070. Careers in Communication (3). (S/U grade only.) Prerequisite: Admission to Media/Communication Studies. This course is designed to help Media/Communication Studies students be able to identify career goals, analyze career fields in communication, create a resumé and cover letter, and demonstrate interviewing skills.

COM 3110. Communication for Business and the Professions (3). This workplace-oriented course provides practical education and experience in the performance of informative, persuasive, and special occasion speeches through individual and group presentations.

COM 3310. Communication Research Methods (3). This course is an introduction to communication research methods. It examines survey, experimental, observational, and content analysis methods. Philosophy of science, research design, measurement, sampling, data collection, analysis, interpretation, and reporting.

COM 3332. New Communication Technology and Contemporary Society (3). This course relates the development and the use of new communication technologies to a variety of issues, such as social, economic, health, and policy implications.

COM 3420. Media, Culture, and the Environment (3). This course examines the role of language and representation in our understanding of the natural world. The course examines news media coverage of environmental issues, environmental images in popular culture, as well as the communication strategies of environmental organizations.

COM 3432. Media Representation (3). This course explores, observes, discusses, and understands the functions and effects of the ways in which global media represents marginalized peoples/communities. Students use this knowledge to theorize/construct possible futures wherein people have a more direct hand in media creation for the benefit of all.

COM 3421. Queer Studies (3). This course reviews and explores the foundational concepts of queer theory and queer history.

COM 3510. Political Communication and Campaigning (3). This course explores campaigns, elections, and American politics in a communication framework; planning campaign strategies.

COM 3521. Digital Media Campaigns (3). This course introduces important ethical issues in developing digital media campaigns as well as providing practical experience in writing, designing, and executing a digital media campaign strategy.

COM 3930r. Special Topics in Communication (3). This course is an analysis of specialized topics of current concern in communication. May be repeated to a maximum of six (6) semester hours.

COM 3933r. Application of Communication Skills (1–6). (S/U grade only.) This course combines some classroom lecture with other types of instruction that allows students to apply a variety of communication skills in diverse settings. The course is meant for groups of students rather than individuals. The other types of instruction can be a combination of any or all of the following: internship, directed individual study, project implementation, laboratory, and other instructional modes tailored to the specific topic of the course and the educational goal of the students. May be repeated to a maximum of six (6) credit hours; repeatable within the same term.

COM 3950r. Communication Activities (1). (S/U grade only.) May be repeated to a maximum of four (4) credit hours; duplicate registration allowed.

COM 3951. Global Exchange Formative Experience (0). (S/U grade only.) Prerequisites: Students must complete the application and coursework approval process for an FSU Global Exchange; and Permission of the Program Director, Intercultural Programs and Exchanges. This course provides students with tools for positive interaction with people from other cultures and introduces them to concepts and strategies for intercultural communication, dealing with culture shock, and safety and security abroad. The course provides tools, concepts, and strategies that help students have a positive experience abroad during their Global Exchange and help them prepare to enter the global workforce when they graduate.

COM 4470. Desktop Multimedia (3). This course provides overview of operations and applications of software packages; principles of design and presentation for print-based as well as audio-visual productions.

COM 4560. Social Marketing (3). Prerequisite: MMC 2000 or PUR 3000. This course is an overview and application of social marketing principles and campaigns. The course is designed to familiarize students with current theory and knowledge in the field of social marketing and to provide students experience with planning a social marketing campaign.

COM 4561. Social Media Campaigns (3). This course prepares students to design and implement a social media campaign, and introduces them to the social, political, and ethical contexts of using new technologies. The class takes either a social advocacy or a marketing perspective.

COM 4712. Writing to Persuade (3). This course teaches students how to identify and apply the persuasive techniques and strategies for writing in a way that influences audiences to think and act in certain ways.

COM 4905r. Directed Individual Study (1–3). (S/U grade only.) Prerequisite: Admission to a Communication major. In this course, students select a topic of interest to pursue under supervision of a faculty member. Could be research/creative, pedagogy, service, or applied. Results in final project, scope and type to be defined by student and faculty supervisor. May be repeated to a maximum of nine semester hours.

COM 4909r. Honors in the Major Research (1–6). Prerequisite: Admission to the major. In this course, students accepted into the Honors in the Major program complete an original research or creative project in their major area of study. This course must be repeated at least twice to complete a minimum of six (6) credit hours total but may be repeated up to a maximum of twelve credit hours in total.

COM 4910r. Application of Research Methods (1–3). (S/U grade only.) Prerequisite: Instructor permission. This course offers experience in methods and strategies of research in communication concepts. Individually designed to accommodate student's background and objectives. May be repeated to a maximum of four (4) credit hours; repeatable within the same term.

COM 4930r. Undergraduate Seminar in Communication (3). This course explores advanced communication issues with an emphasis on research. May be repeated to a maximum of six semester hours; duplicate registration allowed.

COM 4935. Senior Seminar in Communication Studies (3). This course is an advanced seminar in communication studies with an emphasis in legal communication studies, communication and culture, or rhetorical studies.

COM 4941r. Application of Instructional Methods (0–3). (S/U grade only.) Prerequisite: Admission to a Communication major. This course provides experience in methods and strategies of teaching communication concepts within the University context. Individually designed to accommodate student's background and objectives. May be repeated to a maximum of three (3) credit hours.

COM 4945r. Communication Internship (1–12). (S/U grade only.) Prerequisite: Admission to a major in Communication. This course is a supervised internship. The credit is proportional to the scope and significance of work and may not be applied to graduate degrees. The course is individually designed to accommodate student's background and objectives. This course may be repeated to a maximum of twelve (12) semester hours.

IDS 2460. Global and Intercultural Communication (3). This course introduces students to theories, processes, and practices of effective communication across cultures, underscoring ideas of global communication as inter-cultural communication.

IDS 2490. Social Responsibility (Rhetorically Speaking) (3). This course is for students living in the social justice living learning community. It acquaints students with the principles of communication and the role it plays in social justice movements.

IDS 2491. Communication Matters – Personal Responsibility in Public Speaking (3). This course covers both the principles of and the practical experience of public speaking with an emphasis on personal responsibility.

IDS 3164. Media, Culture, and the Environment (3). This course examines the role of language and representation in our understanding of the natural world. The course examines news media coverage of environmental issues, environmental images in popular culture as well as the communication strategies of environmental organizations.

MMC 2000. Introduction to the Mass Media (3). This course covers a historical and social overview of the mass media and their relationship to the mass communication process in a modern society.

MMC 3464. Positive Media Psychology (3). This course focuses on the positive effects of media use and examines the ways that media can inspire audiences, affect positive emotions, influence prosocial attitudes and behaviors, and improve well-being.

MMC 3505. Documentary Film: History, Theory, and Practice (3). Prerequisite: Admission to a major in the School of Communication. This course surveys major trends in the documentary film tradition from the early 20th century until today. The course explores expository, experimental, aesthetic, and rhetorical documentary practices, as well as other topics.

MMC 3703. Media, Sports, and Society (3). Prerequisite: MMC 2000. This course introduces students to various aspects of the sports-media relationship, including the history of, the industries that constitute, the audiences drawn to, and the social issues that arise from the relationship.

MMC 4200. Media Law and Digital Innovation (3). Prerequisite: MMC 2000 and admission to a major in the School of Communication. This course reviews legal principles related to digital communication media, and law and policy questions encountered in innovation in media content production, distribution and use in online and new media platforms.

MMC 4203. Media Ethics (3). Prerequisite: MMC 2000 or RTV 3001. This course surveys the ethical principles, standards, and problems in the practice of journalism, advertising, and/or public relations.

MMC 4300. Diffusion of Innovations (3). This course is an analysis of the process of change, particularly from the standpoint of how communication is used in the introduction, spread, and adoption of new ideas, behaviors, and products within a society.

MMC 4302. Comparative and International Media Studies (3). This course is an examination of various international and national media systems and the elements which determine the type of media currently operating throughout the world.

MMC 4504. Writing Media Criticism (3). This course investigates media criticism with an emphasis on composition. The course focuses on some of the dominant critical perspectives that contribute to our understanding of media and its role in society. The course applies various schools of media criticism through reading, watching, discussing, and writing a wide range of media texts.

MMC 4602. Mass Media and Society (3). Prerequisite: MMC 2000. This course is an analysis of the effects of mass media on public opinion and behavior. A review of social science research exploring the impact of TV on children and others.

MMC 4641. Political Economy of Media (3). Prerequisite: MMC 2000 or RTV 3001. This course covers the structure and functions of U.S. and other mass-communication systems as well as their relationship to the political and economic systems.

MMC 4744. Digital Games (3). This course analyzes existing games as interactive entertainment media. Components may include history, effects, player characteristics, moral aspects, community, and/or application to a variety of contexts (e.g., health, eSports, education).

ORI 3004. Performance Studies (3). This course allows students to collect, analyze, and perform personal narratives and everyday conversations.

PUR 3000. Introduction to Public Relations (3). This course introduces the student to the principles and practices of the public relations profession throughout all organizations using public relations.

PUR 3002. Public Relations Strategy (3). Prerequisites: PUR 3000 and PUR 3100. This course covers the tools and techniques of public relations. Students learn the application of public relations principles.

PUR 3100. Writing for Public Relations (3). Pre- or corequisite: PUR 3000. This course is designed to develop professional-level writing skills for public relations.

PUR 4400. Crisis Communication (3). This course is an advances undergraduate seminar focusing on the theoretical analysis, practical strategies, and assessments of implications for all publics of national and international crisis communication situations.

PUR 4800. Public Relations Campaigns (3). Prerequisites: PUR 3000, PUR 3002, and PUR 3100. This course is the capstone course for all undergraduate public relations students. This course focuses on the design and implementation of a public relations campaign by using original research, integrated strategies, a comprehensive campaign plan, and detailed collateral material.

PUR 4940r. Public Relations Internship (1–12). (S/U grade only.) Prerequisites: PUR 3000, PUR 3002, and PUR 3100. This course consists of practical application of classroom principles in public relations settings. May be repeated to a maximum of twelve semester hours.

RTV 3001. Media Techniques (3). This course introduces students to basic principles and terminology associated with the aesthetics of film making and television production.

RTV 3101. Writing for the Electronic Media (3). This course teaches non-fiction writing for recently evolved electronic media and fosters an understanding of the theory and practice of writing for those media. Students create content for television, radio, social media, blogs, podcasts, vlogs, webisodes, and other forms of electronic media.

RTV 3531. Single-Camera Video Production (3). Corequisite: RTV 3571. This course addresses direction and production of single-camera video projects including camera, audio, lighting, and linear editing.

RTV 3543. Multiple Camera Studio Production (3). Prerequisite: Admission to the Digital Media Production major. This course is a “professional experience” course designed to give students experience operating various roles in a multi-camera production environment.

RTV 3571. Digital Media Production Workshop (3). (S/U grade only.) Corequisite: RTV 3531. This course consists of advanced editing and postproduction techniques applied to field and studio projects. Emphasis on digital non-linear editing systems.

RTV 3602. Television Interviewing and Hosting (3). This course introduces students to on-camera interviewing and hosting of news and public affairs programs including research and writing components.

RTV 3610. Computer Graphics and Animation (3). Prerequisites: RTV 3531 and RTV 3571. This course studies the design and production of computer-generated graphics and animation for video projects.

RTV 3611. 3D Video Animation (3). This course covers the techniques used to prepare, create, and post-produce 3D graphics and animation with video.

RTV 3680r. Video Workshop (1–3). (S/U grade only.) Prerequisite: Communication major status. This course is designed for students to gain experience in the production of television programs and video projects. May be repeated to a maximum of three semester hours.

RTV 3941r. Radio Practicum (1–9). (S/U grade only.) Prerequisite: Instructor permission. This course consists of radio work and day-to-day broadcast operations with an emphasis on practical application in either of two areas: management or other advanced roles at the student radio station; or special individual projects in the application, study, or research pertaining to radio broadcasting. May be repeated to a maximum of nine credit hours.

RTV 4291. Advocacy Video Theory and Practice (3). Prerequisites: RTV 3531, RTV 3571, and admission to the Media Production major or instructor permission. This course explores the theory and practice of short-form video production. In addition, the course examines the social media distribution possibilities for these videos.

RTV 4332. Documentary Video Production (3). Corequisites: RTV 3531 and RTV 3571. This course offers instruction in the theory and practice of production of non-fiction documentary video. Students produce a final video product after studying the documentary tradition, theory, and history.

RTV 4334. Immersive Documentary Production (3). Prerequisite: Admission to the Digital Media Production major. This course explores the ways that immersive media is being used to tell reality-based stories. From journalistic 360 video content developed by news organizations to virtual reality experiences addressing social issues, immersive media has become a site of documentary media production. Students develop working prototypes of immersive documentaries.

RTV 4467r. Television Practicum (3–6). Prerequisites: RTV 3531 and RTV 3571. This course consists of producing and directing television programs and video projects. May be repeated to a maximum of nine semester hours.

RTV 4571L. Advanced Post-Production (3). Prerequisite: Admission to the Digital Media Production Major. This course is a hands-on introduction to the craft of editing for digital video. This course covers a broad range of post-production topics, including compression and codecs, video editing, basic motion graphics, color correction, audio editing, and exporting. This course includes the instruction in industry-standard software and is also balanced with exploration of the aesthetics and various theories of editing.

RTV 4582. Advanced Lighting and Cinematography (3). This course focuses on advanced lighting and cinematography theory, techniques, and aesthetics. Students gain practical experience by producing original content over the course of the semester.

RTV 4595. Immersive Video Production (3). Prerequisites: RTV 3531, RTV 3571, and admission to the DMP major or special permission by instructor. This course explores a range of new camera technology and software that allows for the post-production of immersive media, and identifies best practices for producing, shooting, editing and displaying immersive video products.

RTV 4682. Advanced Feature Production (3). Prerequisites: RTV 3531 and RTV 3571; or RTV 3533. This course is a “professional experience” course designed to give students professional production experience in an educational environment. Students act as the production crew on program features. This includes videography, editing, audio, and graphic design.

RTV 4686. Advanced Feature Reporting (3). Corequisite: RTV 3602. This is a professional course designed to give students scriptwriting, producing, voiceover and on-camera experience in an educational environment, while promoting FSU through creative and informative visual storytelling. Students produce feature content that may be used on FSU Departmental and CCI Websites, Seminoles.com, FSU Athletics Team Web Sites, Social Media channels, and student-produced TV programs.

RTV 4800. Broadcast Operations & Management (3). Prerequisite: Instructor permission. This course explores the purpose, function, organization, and management of broadcast operations with an emphasis on advanced application, understanding, and skills-building.

SPC 1017. Fundamentals of Speech (3). This course provides a survey and application of communication theory, including interpersonal communication, small group communication, and public speaking.

SPC 2608. Public Speaking (3). This course covers the principles of and the practical experience of public speaking. The course is required of all majors.

SPC 2730. Global Perspectives: Communication (3). This course gives students an introduction to the basic processes of intercultural communication from a global perspective with a goal of increasing their curiosity and acceptance of other cultures.

SPC 3210. Contemporary Human Communication (3). This introductory course surveys current scholarship in five areas of communication theory: group, rhetorical, interpersonal, legal, and performance communication.

SPC 3233. Classical Rhetoric (3). Recommended prerequisite: SPC 3210. This course allows students to examine the origins of rhetorical theory during the classical period. The course emphasizes ideas on rhetoric of Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, and Quintillian.

SPC 3301. Interpersonal Communication (3). This course is a survey of recent literature on interpersonal communication including such topics as self-concept, emotional behavior, interpersonal conflict, and interpersonal attraction.

SPC 3331. Nonverbal Communication (3). This course is a review of recent literature on nonverbal communication including such topics as kinesics, proxemics, kinesthetic behavior, environment, physical characteristics, and personal appearance.

SPC 3593r. Competitive Intercollegiate Forensics (1). Prerequisite: Instructor permission. This course consists of competitive debate and individual events. Experienced students develop and perfect their speaking skills in a highly competitive, structured format of instruction and competition. May be repeated to a maximum of eight credit hours.

SPC 3644. Art and Entertainment: The Hidden Persuaders (3). This course is an analysis of drama as an instrument for advancing a political or social thesis.

SPC 4540. Persuasion (3). This course is a study of the psychology of attitude formation and change. It covers theories of persuasion and principles of persuasive communication across multiple contexts.

SPC 4605. The Principles of Speechwriting (3). Corequisite: SPC 2608. This course explores the history and principles of speechwriting, the ethical issues involved, and speechwriting skills based on sound principles of communication.

SPC 4680. Methods of Rhetorical Criticism (3). Recommended prerequisite: SPC 3231 or SPC 3233. This course examines methods for the practice of doing criticism of rhetorical discourse. Topics include Aristotelian, Metaphor, narrative, post-modern, and cultural approaches to the analysis of texts.

SPC 4710. Interracial/Intercultural Communication (3). Prerequisite: SPC 3210. This course helps students gain knowledge of the theory and process of interracial/intercultural communication.

SPC 4711. Gender and Communication (3). This course is designed to help students gain knowledge of the theory and process of gender communication (about and between genders) from an interpersonal context perspective.

For listings relating to graduate coursework, consult the Graduate Bulletin.

2024-2025 UNDERGRADUATE BULLETIN