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Department of Media Studies
Thompson Storey (chair), Richard Bengtson, Sybril Bennett, Pam Parry, Rich Tiner, Linda Quigley.

Vision:
The Department of Media Studies strives to offer comprehensive professional training, practical career experiences and theoretical understanding of the roles and responsibilities of mass media in the 21st century. Graduates will enter the workplace or continue in graduate studies with the ability to think critically, communicate effectively and develop talents and skills constructively.

Purpose:
The purpose of the Department of Media Studies is to equip students with the skills necessary to begin careers in a variety of media-related professions, including: Audio and Video Production, Broadcasting, Journalism, Media Management, Online Publishing and Public Relations. The faculty will work to prepare professionals who are competent, ethical and progressive in their chosen fields of study.

Audio and Video Production Purpose Statement:

The primary objective of the audio-video production program is to provide students with both theoretical and the technical training necessary to produce program material for both broadcast and non-broadcast. Students will receive a combination of theoretical and practical courses, combined with pre-professional training applicable to careers in television, video production, and multimedia.

Journalism Purpose Statement:

The New Century Journalism program trains young journalists to work with image, sound and text, yet remain rooted in the traditional values of fairness, accuracy, objectivity and respect for audience. It incorporates state-of-the-art technology with an ethics-across-the-curriculum mission. Cutting-edge professionals will provide hands-on training in print, broadcast and Web-based news production. The course of study culminates with a senior thesis project allowing students to research and gain firsthand professional experience in their area of specialization.

Admission Requirements to Journalism Program:

Applicants to the Journalism program are required to submit a portfolio as part of the admissions process. The portfolio should include a minimum of 3 samples that showcase writing skills in broadcast, online or print media. The portfolio may be submitted on VHS, cd-rom, or as
hard copy and mailed directly to the Department of Media Arts, Attn: Journalism. DO NOT SEND YOUR ORIGINAL WORK. Please send copies and be sure to include the applicant's name and social security number. Submissions will not be returned.

Mass Communication Purpose Statement:

The Mass Communication program is designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of the electronic media from both theoretical and practical perspectives. The curriculum prepares students for careers in Mass Communication and/or graduate studies in electronic media and communication.

The Mass Communication major (formerly Broadcasting) has three different concentrations. Students may choose one concentration that reflects their personal, career and academic goals. The three concentrations in Mass Communication include: Production / Performance Concentration, Broadcast Journalism Concentration, Broadcast Operations Concentration.

The Broadcasting Minor has been replaced by two Mass Communication minors:

Public Relations Purpose Statement:

The public relations program prepares students to become practitioners in this competitive field by engaging them in real-world experiences. Reflecting the diversity of the profession, public relations is an interdisciplinary degree requiring course work in communication studies, journalism and marketing, as well as four core public relations classes in theory, writing, research and client strategies. The program’s final course involves working with real clients in the Nashville community.

Media Studies Course Descriptions

MDS 1950-4950. Study Abroad in Media Studies (1-16).

MDS 1990-4990. Special Studies (1-3).

MDS 1000. Mass Communication Seminar (0). Required for all broadcasting and audio-video production majors. This zero-credit seminar is offered each fall semester. Students are encouraged to enroll in the seminar during the freshman year, or upon transfer to the university. The seminar is designed to prepare the broadcasting and audio-video majors for the university experience, and expose students to educational and career opportunities after graduation. Special emphasis will be placed on the communication process and its role within respective majors.

MDS 1130. Basic Newswriting (3). Prerequisite: MDS 150. An introduction to the journalistic field focusing on the structure, purpose and function of news, from story inception to completion. Students will also be exposed to ethics and legal limitations and rights of the journalist. Typing skills required.

MDS 1180. Introduction to Public Relations (3). A study of the profession of public relations, including the historical and theoretical underpinnings of the field and an examination of the range of career opportunities available to PR practitioners. This course will introduce students to what public relations is and how they can have a career in the field.

MDS 1450. Introduction to Audio and Video Production (3). An introductory course in the basics of audio and video production employing both lecture and practical experience. Emphasis will include gaining an overview of the major pieces of audio and video production equipment and their operation, the specific functions of the production personnel, and becoming familiar with the language of television production. ($50 course fee).

MDS 1500. Mass Media and Society (3). This course serves as an introduction to mass media, including radio, television, film, and newspapers. It is designed to lead the student to basic media literacy by exploring the evolution of mass medium and their effects on society – politically, economically, and socially.

MDS 1600. Introduction to Media Technology (3). Prerequisite: MDS 1130. This course provides fundamental hands-on instruction in the news media of the convergence age. The first segment deals the with Internet and Web design principles. Second is Desktop Publishing. Third is studio instruction in basic Video Production.

MDS 1900. Journalism Practicum I (6). Prerequisite: MDS 1130. This is a laboratory course with instruction from Professionals-in-Residence and Belmont faculty in topics that include: Editing and Design for Print, Responsible News Selection, Online Research and Reporting, Photography and Economics of Print Media.

MDS 2000. Media Performance (3). The course is designed to be an introduction to the communication concepts and skills involved in on-microphone and on-camera tasks, such as interviews, voice-overs, and announcing. Attention will be given to both aural and visual components of talent development.

MDS 2100. Voice and Diction (3). A study of the production of speech as it applies to American English as a spoken language. Designed to improve speech patterns through application of vocal mechanics and appropriate diction techniques.

MDS 2130. Advanced Reporting (3). Prerequisite: MDS 1130. This course deals with principles and techniques for in-depth reporting on such topics as crime, education, public utilities, politics and science. Students will focus on information gathering and advanced newswriting. Fieldwork is required.

MDS 2170. Desktop Publishing (3). Prerequisite: ENG 1010 or approval of instructor. Students will receive training on computer-based typesetting and desktop publishing equipment widely used in the professional print media. A combination of class work and independent practice. Typing skill required. ($50 course fee).

MDS 2180. Public Relations Writing and Production (3). The skills-based course teaches students how to write and produce public relations materials, including news releases, backgrounders and talking points, media kits, advertising copy, fund-raising letters, grant proposals, speeches, and other promotional copy.

MDS 2200. Visual Journalism (3). Prerequisite: MDS 1900. This course offers an introduction to nonfiction storytelling in multiple visual media, including photojournalism, news videography, and media graphics. Students will receive training in conceptualizing stories, information gathering, camera work, editing, and presentation strategies for print/electronic media.

MDS 2210. Feature Writing (3). Prerequisite: MDS 1130 or approval of instructor. This course provides a study of the practical techniques of researching and developing feature stories for newspapers and periodicals. Students will also be instructed in methods and procedures for freelancing feature articles for publication.

MDS 2400. Editing Techniques for Print (3). Prerequisite: MDS 1130 or approval of instructor. A study in practical application of editing news, features and investigative stories. Students will assume the role of copy editor in rewriting, headline and caption writing, photo editing, and principles of layout and design.

MDS 2440. Electronic Newsgathering (3). Prerequisite: MDS 1450. This course is designed to teach students the common practices of electronic newsgathering (ENG) and news story production. Emphases will include location videography, editing, and scriptwriting.

MDS 2450. Remote Video Production (3). Prerequisite: MDS 1450. This course is designed to teach students the common practices of electronic field production (EFP). Emphasis will include pre-production, production, post-production, videography, linear and non-linear editing, lighting, audio, and electronic graphics. ($50 course fee).

MDS 2460. Television Production (3). Prerequisite: MDS 1450. This is a practical course designed to familiarize students with both television studio production and electronic newsgathering techniques. Emphases will include performing, directing, scriptwriting, electronic graphics, studio and location camera operation, audio, and basic editing. ($50 course fee).

MDS 247. Broadcast Workshop (1-3). A practicum designed for students who wish to participate in a variety of broadcast activities at the co-curricular level. Students may receive from 1 to 3 credit hours on a Pass/Fail basis. Students may enroll each semester but no more than three credit hours will apply to the major or minor program.

MDS 2500. Mass Communication Theory (3). Prerequisite: MDS 1500. This course provides an examination of and research in mediated communication processes, and potential barriers to effectiveness. It involves a review of literature on effects of mass communication on individuals and groups, contrasting channels and message structures, and considers media as social, economic and cultural institutions.

MDS 2600. Broadcast News (3). A course designed to teach students the common practices in radio and television news. Emphasis will be on broadcast writing, production, and performance.

MDS 2700. Media History (3). Prerequisite: MDS 1500. A survey of the history of the American media, emphasizing appreciation and understanding of the technological, social, political and cultural factors affecting print, broadcast and online media. Students complete a historiographic study as part of the course requirements.

MDS 2900. Journalism Practicum II (6). Prerequisite: MDS 1900. This is a laboratory course with instruction from Professionals-in-Residence and Belmont faculty in topics that include: Digital Imaging, Website Production, Information Theory, Interactive Media, Online Journalism, The Internet and Global Society, Economics of New Media.

MDS 3010. Television Programming (3). A course designed to provide students with the principles for understanding and interpreting programming strategies and to familiarize them with the concepts, vocabulary, and practices of programmers in the electronic media. Emphasis will be on television, cable, and satellite delivery systems.

MDS 3020. Radio Programming (3). A course designed to provide students with the principles for understanding and interpreting programming strategies and to familiarize them with the concepts, vocabulary, and practices of programmers in the electronic media. Emphasis will be on commercial radio and public broadcasting.

MDS 3130. Specialized Reporting (3). Prerequisite: MDS 1130. This course focuses on the industry's trend toward specialized reporting, taking students beyond the general-interest stories to some of the most popular beats. The various beats covered will reflect industry trends, which might include religion, sports, business and the environment.

MDS 3180. Public Relations Research (3). Prerequisite: MDS 2180 or permission of the instructor. This course will focus on research areas necessary to be an effective public relations practitioner, including informal research techniques, such as record keeping, key contacts, focus groups, casual monitoring, and formal research techniques, such as content analysis, survey research, experimental research, and sampling methods. The course also will explore measuring public opinion and identifying publics, among other related areas.

MDS 3200. New Media and Culture (3). Prerequisite: MDS 2900. This course addresses the impact of new media – Internet communication, wireless media, and combinations of traditional and new media – on current and future cultures. Attention will be given to how new media may change ways we communicate, distribute and process information, and the social impact of these changes.

MDS 3300. Media Research Methods (3). Prerequisite: MTH 1150. This course provides an introduction to methodological approaches to the study of media. Qualitative and quantitative methodologies will be introduced. The class emphasizes learning and applying research skills to scientifically evaluate messages, media and audiences. Each student executes a research project.

MDS 3400. Broadcast Station Operations (3). This course is designed to acquaint the student with the structure and function of the various departments in a broadcast station or cable system and the relationship between those departments.

MDS 3450. Advanced Video Production (3). Prerequisite: MDS 4450 or permission of instructor. This course is designed for students to produce creative and in-depth broadcast program material. Emphasis will be on writing, performance, production, and post-production.

MDS 3500. Broadcast Advertising and Sales (3). Prerequisite: MDS 1500. This course is designed to introduce the student to the concepts and theories of Broadcast Advertising, as well as the skills necessary to successfully sell radio, television, and/or cable advertising in a competitive environment.

MDS 3550. Broadcast Scriptwriting (3). This course is designed to familiarize students with the process of scriptwriting for the electronic media. Emphases will be on the complete production process. Students will be required to complete individual and group productions.

MDS 3900. Journalism Practicum III (6). Prerequisite: MDS 2900. This is a laboratory course with instruction from Professionals-in-Residence and Belmont faculty in topics that include: Audio and Sound Control, Producing and Directing, Writing for Broadcast, Videography and Special Effects, Economics of Broadcast/Telecommunications).

MDS 3940/4940. Directed Studies (3). Student development of a project or study of special interest. Consent of the instructor is required.

MDS 3970. Publications Workshop (1-3). Students who work on the staff of the Vision may receive from 1 to 3 hours per semester credit. The criteria for credits received is established by the advisor to the publication. No more than 6 hours of credit may be used to count toward a major or minor. All students majoring in journalism are required to take the workshop at least once.

MDS 4100. Communication Law (3). Prerequisite: MDS 1130 or MDS 2600. Examines governmental regulations affecting news media, advertising, radio broadcasting and telecasting, and the direct effects of such regulations upon management and daily operations.

MDS 4110. Media Ethics (3). Prerequisite: MDS 1130 or MDS 2600. A study of the social ethic for mass communication, establishing a system of checks and balances to measure fair and truthful news and diversified entertainment. Course work involved case study analysis to help understand the roles of the communicator and the audience as individual and group.

MDS 4180. Public Relations Strategy and Implementation (3). Prerequisite: MDS 3180 or permission of instructor. This course provides students with the opportunity to learn how to work with clients through the study of public relations case problems and the implementation of public relations campaigns. A service-learning course, students will work with real clients on specific public relations projects.

MDS 4200. Media Leadership (3). Prerequisite MDS 3900 or MDS 3400. The course encourages students to strategically address personnel and organizational issues and opportunities presented in media leadership roles. It includes study of leadership strategies, seeks to foster an appreciation for the responsibilities of media organizations, and encourages ethical decision making. It also addresses challenges faced by leaders in developing better-performing media organizations and the employees who work within them.

MDS 4450. Producing and Directing for Audio and Video (3). Prerequisite: MDS 1450; MDS 2450 or permission of instructor. This course is designed to familiarize students with the responsibilities of the producer and director. Emphasis will be on the complete production process. Students will be required to complete individual and group productions.

MDS 4900. Journalism Internship (3-6). On-the-job training in a communication organization. Student assignments will be consistent with vocational objectives. Normally taken during senior year. May be taken up to six hours in student’s major. Permission of instructor is required for 6-credit-hour internship.

MDS 4910. Public Relations Internship (3). On-the-job training in a media organization / public relations setting. Student assignments will be consistent with vocational objectives. Normally taken during the junior or senior year.

MDS 4960. Journalism Thesis I (3). Prerequisite: MDS 3900. Topic development, research and initial preparation of an approved multi-media thesis.

MDS 4970. Journalism Thesis II (3). Prerequisite: MDS 4960. Preparation, presentation and defense of an approved multi-media thesis.

MDS 4980 Mass Communication Internship (3-6). On-the-job training in a communications organization. Student assignments consistent with vocational objectives. Normally taken during senior year. May be taken up to six hours in student’s major. Permission of instructor required for 6-credit-hour internship.