Academics

Spring 2013 Classes

All classes are worth three credits unless otherwise noted and are generally offered each semester. For more information click here to go to Ithaca's online catalog.

Television-Radio (TVR)

  • 31200-61 Government & Media T 2:45pm-5:45pm 
  • 31200-62 Government & Media T 7pm-10pm
  • 33300-61 Writing for Series Television Th 7pm-10pm
  • 33500-61 Electronic Media Criticism* T 10am - 1:30pm
  • 23362-61 Advanced Writing for Television T 2:30pm-5:30pm
  • 46000-61 Senior Seminar R 7:00pm-10pm

Cinema & Photography (CNPH)

  • 30000-61 Fiction Film Theory Th 10am-1:30pm
  • 30500-61 Contemporary Film Criticism* W 7pm-10pm
  • 33300-61 Advanced Screenwriting Th 2:30pm-5:30pm
  • 43300-61 Screenwriting Workshop W 7pm-10pm

Strategic Communications (STCM)

  • 31000-61 Organizational Speech Writing and Interviewing* R 7pm-10pm
  • 33200-61 Writing for Public Relations T 10am-1pm

Journalism (JOUR)

  • 48800-61 Issues and the News W 2:30pm-5:30pm

*Denotes an elective course open to all majors.

FALL/SPRING ELECTIVE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
(open to all majors)

CONTEMPORARY FILM CRITICISM: Film Comedy
CNPH-30500-61, 3 credits
Thursdays 7:00pm - 10:00pm, Dr. Stephen Tropiano

This course will focus on the history of American film comedy from the silent era through the present day.  We will investigate the genre's evolution and its various subgenres (slapstick, farce, black comedy, teen comedy, etc.), the relationship between comedy and performance, and the artistic contributions of writers, directors and producers.

ELECTRONIC MEDIA CRITICISM
TVR-33500-61, 3 credits
Tuesdays 10:00am – 1:30pm, Dr. Stephen Tropiano

This course takes a critical look at television program from a variety of perspectives.  Students will develop and sharpen their critical viewing skills as they tackle such issues as television genres (sitcoms, reality, animation, etc.), gender representation, postmodernism, and race/sexuality. Among the list of programs to be screened include Seinfeld, The Daily Show, The Colbert Report, Chappelle’s Show, Pee Wee’s Playhouse, The Simpsons, The Office, Ugly Betty, Torchwood, Sex and the City, Extras, and The Sopranos.

ORGANIZATIONAL SPEECH WRITING AND INTERVIEWING
STCM-31000-61, 3 credits
Thursdays 7:00pm – 10:00pm, Professor Donna Gotch

The role of the organizational communication specialist includes many functions, two of which are addressed in this course. The organizational interviewing function focuses on dyadic and group situations where information is gathered, evaluated, and sometimes shared, such as selection, appraisal, and focus group interviews. The organizational speech-writing function focuses also on the production and dissemination of information and includes audience analysis and manuscript writing. Students prepare and conduct interviews, write speeches, and critique both the execution and underlying dynamics of each.

MINI-COURSES:
One-credit mini-courses are also offered each semester. The one-credit classes are presented in the evenings, so they do not conflict with internship commitments. One-credit classes are scheduled and announced after the start of each semester.

Sample mini-courses include:

  • The Marketing of a Major Motion Picture

This course examines the process of marketing a motion picture. Topics to be covered are film distribution patterns, publicity, promotion, product placement, and post-opening marketing. The course examines the role of the exhibitor, market researcher, and media planner.

  • Film Development

This course will cover the stages of the development of a film project. Among the topics to be addressed include script notes, pitching, casting and marketing with guest speakers highlighting each of the stages.

  • The Music Industry

This course is an introduction to the music industry, emphasizing those areas that affect broadcasting and other forms of mass communication. Topics include the record business, radio music formats, trade magazines, music research, songwriting, music publishing, digital issues, and music licensing. 

  • Religion and Media: God and Faith on Television and Film

This course explores the role of religion in media and provides students with a greater understanding of the intersection between organized religion, spirituality, and the media, and how this intersection impacts contemporary American society.