CMMN A100 Introduction to Mass Communication 3 crs.
This course is a survey of the various fields of Mass Communication taught at Loyola and specific preparation for courses taught in the school. Consideration is given to philosophical foundations, historical development, current trends and status, organizational structure and career opportunities.
Required for Mass Communication majors.
This course discusses the basic kinds of writing used most frequently in the media, informative and persuasive writing.
$75 fee for non-majors and part-time students. Required for Mass Communication majors.
Prerequisite: ENGL T122 or A205.
CMMN A201 Digital Communication 3 crs.
This is a hands-on course designed to introduce mass communication majors to the field of digital communications. Students learn critical thinking skills about the technology used to produce mass media messages in modern American society. They are introduced to visual theories as well as elements and principles of design for several key media: video, print and the web. The digital communication student leaves this course versed in current media technologies with a critical understanding of its use in creating memorable and meaningful communication materials.
$75 fee for non-majors and part-time students. No prerequisite. Required for Mass Communication majors.
CMMN A225 Elements of AP Style 3 cr.
This course will teach the stylistic requirements of the Associated Press Stylebook. Using online instruction (web video, interactive online testing and Powerpoint presentations), along with written exams, this class will guide students chapter-by-chapter to understand the rules of usage that govern the mass communication industry.
No prerequisite.
This course introduces students to news values and to the basics of news writing, reporting, visual storytelling and editing. Considerable time is devoted to directed practice in news writing and visual storytelling.
$75 fee for non-majors and part-time students.
Prerequisites: CMMN A101 and CMMN A266.
This course focuses on the creation of newspaper and magazine formats, including copy and headline preparation and the social, legal and ethical ramifications of editing.
$75 fee for non-majors and part-time students.
Prerequisite: CMMN A250.
CMMN A260 Introduction to Layout and Design 3 crs.
This course involves the creative use of two-dimensional space, using visual perceptions, principles of graphic design and their application, use of type in design, graphic interpretation, basic formats of advertising and public relations layout.
$75 fee for non-majors and part-time students.
Prerequisite: CMMN A201
The course covers the technical skills and the aesthetic understanding needed to produce quality photographs with a digital still camera. Emphasis is given to the composition and content of photographs during regular lab and critique sessions. The course also explores the significance of photography in both historical and contemporary contexts.
$75 fee for non-majors and part-time students. No prerequisite.
Videography builds skills in visual storytelling. Students work with digital video cameras to shoot, write and edit video news stories including several video news packages, one of which must focus on a social justice topic.
$75 fee for non-majors and part-time students.
Prerequisites: CMMN A201.
An internship is supervised practical experience. May be repeated for credit when workplace varies.
Sophomore standing. Required for all Mass Communication majors.
This is an introduction to the field of advertising with attention given to market planning, message strategies, media planning, and advertising’s impact on society.
Prerequisite: CMMN A101.
CMMN A313 Media Planning 3 crs.
This course focuses on the study of media planning and research as it relates to the overall advertising and marketing process. Specific areas covered include media terminology, advertising and media research, selection and evaluation of media, and media resources.
Prerequisite: CMMN A310.
CMMN A316 Public Relations 3 crs.
This course concerns the development of contemporary public relations practices with emphasis on solving communications problems within organizations and institutions by applying appropriate theories and techniques.
Prerequisite: CMMN A101.
CMMN A326 Research for Advertising and Public Relations 3 crs.
Introduction to applied quantitative and qualitative research methods in advertising/public relations campaign development, management, and evaluation.
Prerequisite: CMMN A310 or CMMN A316.
CMMN A334 Strategic Problem Solving for Ad and Public Relations 3 crs.
This course focuses on strategic planning and management of advertising and public relations cases in business, government, education, or community.
Prerequisite: CMMN A310 or CMMN A316.
CMMN A335 Strategic Event Planning and Promotions 3 crs.
This course looks at events in terms of relationship building within the context of public relations events and functions. It develops events as a means of strategic communication. Students will analyze case histories, plan and execute events.
Prerequisite: CMMN A310 or CMMN A316.
CMMN A336 Strategic Content Creation I 3 crs.
Introduction to strategic writing using informative and persuasive methods to create messages for print, digital, interactive, mobile and web-based media.
$75 fee for non-majors and part-time students.
Prerequisite: CMMN A310 or CMMN A316.
CMMN A337 Strategic Content Creation II 3 crs.
This strategic writing practicum is a continuation of CMMN A336, Strategic Content Creation I and applies the theories, skills and practices therein. This course provides instruction to hone and polish your informative and persuasive writing skills to create messages for a service-learning community partner. Students will create advertising and public relations materials for print, digital, interactive, mobile and web-based media that will achieve the community partner’s organization objectives.
$75 fee for non-majors and part-time students.
Prerequisite: CMMN A336.
CMMN A350 Advanced Journalism 3 crs.
This course centers on advanced reporting techniques including computer assisted reporting, advanced writing and visual storytelling for multimedia platforms including print, radio and television.
$75 fee for non-majors and part-time students.
Prerequisite: CMMN A266.
CMMN A351 Advanced Editing 3 crs.
This is an advanced course in editing with emphasis on developing technical proficiency through a full understanding of theoretical concepts.
$75 fee for non-majors and part-time students.
Prerequisite: CMMN A251; Junior standing.
CMMN A352 Interpretive Writing 3 crs.
Types of interpretive journalism will be discussed, including editorials, columns, art, reviews, etc.
$75 fee for non-majors and part-time students.
Prerequisite: CMMN A101.
CMMN A354 Feature Writing 3 crs.
This is a course in writing features for print and electronic media, with stress on the development of descriptive writing and individual style.
$75 fee for non-majors and part-time students.
Prerequisite: CMMN A101.
CMMN A355 Covering the Courts 3 crs.
The goal of the course is to develop an understanding of the role of the journalist in covering the courts and to enhance the ability to cover the judicial process in a responsible and professional manner.
Prerequisite: CMMN A101.
This course details how to report various sports news from high school to college to professional sports. This is a practical, writing intensive course where students will be assigned to cover sporting events.
CMMN A357 Sports Promotions 3 crs.
This course examines the promotions and marketing of sports as related to advertising, public relations and the media. Students study the marketing of sports products, increasing media audiences and live attendance as well as the selling of sports related products.
CMMN A359 Advanced Journalism Lab 3 crs.
This course gives the student practical experience in reporting and writing with academic evaluation. Campus news coverage and beats are assigned for use on The Maroon, the university student newspaper.
$75 fee for non-majors and part-time students.
Prerequisites: CMMN A250, plus one other journalism course.
CMMN A360 Advanced Layout and Design 3 crs.
This course concerns creative design applications, designing with grid, contemporary advertising layouts, brochure and folder production, logo and symbol design, posters and billboards, and direct advertising, including the use of desktop publishing and various graphics communications computer applications in production.
$75 fee for non-majors and part-time students.
Prerequisite: CMMN A260.
CMMN A368 Photojournalism 3 crs.
This course is an introduction to the field of photojournalism with regular photographic assignments. A historical survey of the field and ethical and legal considerations will be examined.
$75 fee for non-majors and part-time students.
Prerequisite: CMMN A201 and CMMN A265.
CMMN A369 Documentary Photography 3 crs.
This is an advanced photography course in which each student will complete an in-depth documentary photography project. The history of documentary photography will be studied.
$75 fee for non-majors and part-time students.
Prerequisites: CMMN A201 and CMMN A265.
CMMN A371 Covering the Environmental Beat 3 crs.
This course presents an application of the elements of news coverage of environmental issues. Includes discussion of a variety of complex environmental challenges and provides the opportunity to explore disparate points of view. Students will use and sharpen their reporting and writing skills and analyze complex and many-sided issues.
Prerequisite: CMMN A250.
CMMN A380 Current Trends 3 crs.
Each offering of the course is different, since the content of the course is based on current issues and developments within the media. May be repeated for credit when topic varies. The 300-level focuses on media skills.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing
CMMN A380 Donnelley Center 3 crs.
Students work in the Shawn M. Donnelley Center for Nonprofit Communications, a student-run agency that gives students real-world experience in public relations, design, photography and videography, social media, advertising, event and strategic planning by working with nonprofits to create communication solutions.
Permission of instructor required
CMMN A380 Travel journalism 3 crs.
This course provide an introduction to travel journalism: what it is; what it can be and what it may evolve into in an era of mobile media. Students learn to convey the essence of place through nonfiction writing.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing
CMMN A380 Tropical Communications 3 crs.
An overview of the ecology of tropical ecosystems coupled with approaches to covering issues especially pertinent to the tropics, followed by two weeks in the field in a tropical country studying the plants and animals in several different ecological zones: coral reefs, pine savannah, rain forest, mangrove swamps.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing
CMMN A382 Social Media Strategies 3 crs.
Exploration of current and common social media platforms with an emphasis on practical application. This is a results- and production-orientated class focused on communication strategies, content creation and successful outcomes.
Students work in the Brand Lab, a student-run agency that gives students real-world experience in public relations, design, photography and videography, social media, advertising, event and strategic planning by working with for-profit companies to create communication solutions.
CMMN A400 Mass Communication Theory and Research 3 crs.
This is an advanced course tracing development of mass communications research from its origins to work recently published in academic journals. Students will be introduced to research methods and participate in one or more research projects.
Prerequisite: CMMN A101; Junior standing
CMMN A401 Law of Mass Communication 3 crs.
This is an examination of major legal and regulatory developments in mass media. There is an emphasis on both legal and ethical concepts.
Required for Mass Communication majors.
Prerequisite: CMMN A101; Junior standing.
CMMN A410 Nonprofit Communication 3 crs.
An analysis of the nonprofit and public sector industry and integrated communications within these organizations. Students study organizational typologies and classifications, social and ethical issues, theories of public vs. private and how these affect message, publics, and media issues. The course includes classic and contemporary readings.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing
CMMN A415 Advanced Advertising Campaigns 3 crs.
This course exposes students to the experience of working on a major national advertising account in an advertising agency environment. Each student should leave this course with portfolio material and hands-on experience in the field of advertising. Offered in the spring semester only.
$75 fee for non-majors and part-time students.
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor.
CMMN A419 Advanced Public Relations Campaigns 3 crs.
This course gives students the opportunity to create and implement a campaign for a national public relations client in a public relations agency environment. Students experiment with various research, planning, and writing processes introduced in courses required by the public relations sequence. Offered in the spring semester only.
$75 fee for non-majors and part-time students.
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.
CMMN A450 History of Journalism 3 crs.
This course examines the development of American journalism from the colonial period to the present.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.
CMMN A451 Media and American Courts 3 crs.
This course helps students develop an understanding of free press/fair trial issues (including historical perspective, significant people, current controversies and academic research) as well as an appreciation of award-winning coverage of the judicial system.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing\
CMMN A455 Media and Gender 3 crs.
This course examines the impact of media’s gender images on individuals, society, and culture. Participants will learn to be more critical consumers of media messages, specifically in terms of gender representations, to think and to write critically about their responses to and use of media products, and to develop different perspectives to interpret pop culture and media messages.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing
CMMN A465 History of Photography 3 crs.
This course is a history of photography from its invention to the present. Attention is given to the aesthetic criteria and the historical context of photographic work, as well as to the ways photographs have been used from the era of the daguerreotype to the computer-based image.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing
CMMN A471 Mass Communication Literature 3 crs.
This course is an advanced course focusing on one specific author or school of thought or genre in the existing mass communication literature. Strong emphasis is placed on reading and class discussion.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing
CMMN A473 International Media Systems 3 crs.
This course is a survey of the media of other countries. Comparisons in values, patronage bases, freedom of expression, and similar concerns are the heart of the course.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing
CMMN A474 Ethics of Mass Communication 3 crs.
This course examines the moral principles that order the work of the communications professional, the social responsibility of mass media institutions and the individual responsibilities of the practitioners.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing
CMMN A475 Environmental Communication 3 crs.
Presents an overview of how environmental information is expressed in mass communications and associated theory of the field. Important environmental theory and issues will be discussed. Students use and sharpen their writing skills, learn how to evaluate scientific information, and study issues with conflicting data.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing
CMMN A480 Current Trends 3 crs.
Each offering of the course is different, since the content of the course is based on current issues and developments within the media. May be repeated for credit when topic varies. The 400-level is a theories-related subject matter.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing
CMMN A482 Advanced Social Media Strategies 3 crs.
Exploration of current common social media platforms with an emphasis on application, analysis and the development of multi-faceted strategic communications plans. The course is designed to foster an understanding of the distinctions between common social media platforms and analysis, presentation and understanding of relevant data to inform business success.
Prerequisite: CMMN A382
CMMN A484 Seminar in Mass Communications Ethics and Diversity 1 cr.
This course examines the moral principles that order the work of the communications professional with an emphasis on case discussion. Prerequisites: Senior standing.
Required for all Mass Communication majors.
CMMN A485 Strategic Communication Capstone 3 crs.
This course is the culmination of the strategic communication curriculum and brings together all of the elements learned in the prerequisite courses, including strategic planning, media relations and planning, strategic content creation, primary and secondary research, and much more. This course will specifically cover research and development of a total strategic communications campaign, client relations, time management, evaluation and professional presentation skills. As near as possible, this course will expose the student to the experience of working on a major communications account in an agency environment. Each student should leave this course with portfolio material and hands-on experience in the field of strategic communications.
Prerequisite: CMMN A326, CMMN A334 and CMMN A337.
CMMN A490 Journalism Capstone 3 crs.
This course is the culmination of coursework in the journalism sequence. Students will use all their research, writing, reporting, electronic and social media skills for professional distribution.
Prerequisite: CMMN A350.
CMMN A492 Senior Seminar in Mass Communication 1 cr.
This course prepares students to enter the global mass communication industry and offers all the tools necessary as students begin searching for their first jobs. Students create resumes and portfolios for professional purposes and fine-tune their job hunting and leadership skills.
Prerequisite: Senior standing. Required for all Mass Communication majors.
This is a second or third internship with supervised practical experience. May be repeated for credit when workplace varies.
Prerequisite: CMMN A291.
CMMN A495 Special Project (arranged)
This course focuses on the creative or productive efforts of one or more students. A special project is distinguished from a research project in its lack of the historical or experimental method and perspective characteristics of research. A formal proposal is required in which the student clearly sets forth what he/she proposes to do. A reminder: the average three-hour course is supposed to account for 145 hours over the semester.
Prerequisite: Special arrangements required.
CMMN A496 Seminar/Workshop (arranged)
A seminar is a supervised group of students sharing the results of their research on a common topic. A workshop is a supervised group of students participating in a common effort.
Prerequisite: Special arrangements required.
CMMN A497 Internship (arranged)
An internship is supervised practical experience.
Prerequisite: Special arrangements required.
CMMN A498 Research Project (arranged)
This course focuses on empirical or historical investigation, culminating in a written report. A formal proposal is required in which the student clearly sets forth what he/she proposes to do. A reminder: the average three-hour course is supposed to account for 145 hours over the semester.
Prerequisite: Special arrangements required.
CMMN A499 Independent Study (arranged)
A formal proposal is required in which the student clearly sets forth what he/she proposes to do. A reminder: the average three-hour course is supposed to account for 145 hours over the semester.
Prerequisite: Special arrangements required.
CMMN T121 First-Year Seminar 3 crs.
Loyola Core - Foundations
All first-year students take a 3-credit First-Year Seminar during their first semester as one of the core course in the Loyola Core. First-Year Seminars at Loyola are small, discussion-based seminars that introduce new college students to academic inquiry at the university level by investigating a relevant topic. Specially-trained faculty lead these seminars in a way that instills in students the academic skills necessary to become successful Loyola students. A list of upcoming First-Year Seminars can be found on the First-Year Experience homepage.
Loyola Core - Knowledge & Values: Creative Arts & Cultures
This course teaches students how to understand, examine, and critically analyze digital media and digital games as aesthetic objects. The course places digital games in a historical context of other games and sports and examines how previous forms of play are influenced by digital media.
CMMN X236 Understanding Media 3 crs.
Advanced Common Curriculum & Loyola Core Knowledge & Values: Social Science
This is an examination of the different mass media, with special attention to their historical and technological development; to the economic aspects of mass communication including media conglomerates and cross-media ownership; to the theories of communication; to the collection and dissemination of news; and to the international aspects of communication.
This course satisfies an Advanced Common Curriculum Behavior/Social Science Modern requirement for students who began their program of study before fall semester 2013.
Advanced Common Curriculum & Loyola Core Knowledge & Values: Social Science
This course examines the aesthetics of media use, with special emphasis given to interactive experiences with digital media. Students examine classic and contemporary theories of media, cognition, and social behavior to better understand play and entertainment within a mass-mediated society.
This course satisfies an Advanced Common Curriculum Behavior/Social Science modern requirement for students who began their program of study before fall semester 2013.