Here is a rough list
of media studies and
communications-related day school
courses at UML, followed by a list
of media-related online certificates
and courses offered by UML and the
other UMASS campuses.
Since the UML day
school course list was complied
mainly from the 2002-2004 catalog,
which is currently being revised,
some courses may be missing, and
others may be deleted from the new
catalog. The old catalog is
available at
http://www.uml.edu/Admissions/catalog/.
|
American Studies
40.335 Themes in
American Civilization
A study of essays,
fiction, and documentary
films reflecting the
aspirations
of Americans, including
their religious,
economic, political, and
social
perspectives with
emphasis on the shaping
influences of nature and
science
and technology. 3 cr.
Cultural Studies –
Languages Department
50.376 French Cinema and
Society
Covers the dramatic
presentation French
society gives of itself
during the period of
profound social and
economic change, from
the New Wave and the May
68 events to today’s
younger generation
facing an uncertain
tomorrow. Each screening
(in French with
subtitles) is preceded
by an introduction
placing the film in its
historical context. In
English. 3 cr
50.378 Women in
French Cinema
Focuses on the way
French film makers
(male, and more recently
female) have been
portraying women in
their films. Carefully
selected French films
with English subtitles
are used to show the
evolution that has taken
place from Carne and
Renoir’s poetic realism
to the present. Selected
readings are also used
to underscore various
themes, such as how
women have been
represented in these
films. In English. 3 cr
52.335 Cinema and the
Italian Americans
A course looking at
the ways in which film
addresses issues of
ethnicity and its
representation in the
multi-ethnic and
multi-cultural memory of
American life. This will
be an interdisciplinary
course focusing on the
relentless portrayal in
the news and
entertainment industries
of Italian Americans. It
will shed light on the
contributions of this
ethnic group by
analyzing the negative
and positive stereotypes
through films. 3 cr
52.374 Classics of
Italian Cinema
This course, through
a series of classic
Italian films,
internationally
recognized, will present
how the style is not
only something which
comes from within the
director reflecting that
most intriguing of all
subjects: the
personality of the
director, but also the
film’s influence upon
American productions. 3
cr
52.380 Italian
Cinema: Directors and
Themes
A study of Italian
film history and its
accomplishment by
exploring the
relationship of cinema
to socio-political,
economic, cultural and
literary events. The
course will discuss in
depth either a) one or
two major and well known
directors; b) a major
thematic and stylistic
division in a century of
cinematic creativity. 3
cr
English Department
42.227 Essay Writing for
English Majors
Class time is
divided between
analyzing and discussing
the techniques and
styles of selected
professional essayists
as well as the
preparation of student
essays. Emphasis is
placed on the writing
process from prewriting
through drafting and
revising. English majors
and minors only.
42.300 Intro to
Journalism
An introduction to
techniques of writing
for the news media.
42.301 Newswriting
Introduction to
techniques of radio and
television newswriting,
to fundamentals of
public affairs
reporting, and to
principles of newspaper
editing. 3cr.
42.323 Writing About
People
A creative
non-fiction course run
in a workshop format.
Writing assignments are
equally divided between
reflective, personal
pieces about people you
know and more
journalistic,
biographical writing
about people you don’t
know. Readings cover
both categories.
.
42.324 Writing About
Nature and the
Environment
A study of
literature that depicts
the natural world.
Reading and writing
about such authors as
Dillard, Abbey, Erlich,
Leopold, and Silko.
Consideration of
environmental concerns
expressed by these
writers.
42.390 Technical and
Scientific Writing
A study of and
practice with techniques
and formats used for
communicating technical
and scientific
information. Primarily
for students considering
career in or associated
with technical writing.
Intended for English
majors and minors. Other
majors must have
instructor’s permission.
42.403 Special
Topics: Feature Writing
Discussion and
practice of skills
necessary for newspaper
feature writing. Special
attention to lead
writing, the “nut”
paragraph, attribution,
transitions, dialogue,
and the inverted
pyramid. Field
experience. Guest
writers and editors.
Preparation of
submissions for public
encouraged.
42.404 Special
Topics: Freelance
Journalism
Discussion and
practice of the
strategies and skills
necessary to writing and
publishing as a
freelance journalist
from query letters to
“stringing” and
developing a niche.
Philosophy Department
45.316 Politics,
Philosophy, and Film
This course examines
the political and
philosophical values and
ideas which constitute
cinema. It analyzes film
as an historical,
cultural, commercial,
and artistic endeavor.
Students will develop
the skills to watch film
actively and critically.
3 cr
Political Science
Department
46.225 Gender, Culture,
and Politics
Explores some of the
many intersections among
gender, politics, and
culture in American
society. Topics include
the role of gender in
the formation of
political ideology;
various takes on
masculinity and
femininity in
television, movies, and
the popular press; the
impact of the women’s
movement on mainstream
political culture,
popular perspectives on
sexual orientation, and
the way ideas about
gender shape the
shifting boundaries
between public and
private life 3cr
46.315 Politics of
Arts and Culture
An analysis of
political and
theoretical perspectives
in arts and culture
46.316 Politics and
Film
Analysis of the role
of film in creating,
expressing, revealing
and responding to social
and political ideas and
values. Examines a
variety of film and film
styles and introduces
students to elements of
film theory, the theory
of popular culture and
the role of film in
forming our ideas about
the world
46.210
Introduction to Media
and Politics
Explores the role of the
media in American
politics and the role of
politics in the American
media. Surveys
theoretical approaches
to media analysis and
mass communications and
examines how media
consolidation and the
rise of prestige
journalism have affected
the news industry.
Special attention is
given to the role of
media manipulation in
determining the outcome
of political campaigns.
46.000-
Advanced Topics in Media
Analysis (will be
offered in Fall 2004)
Sociology Department
48.260 Mass Media &
Communications
Course investigates
the structure of mass
communications and the
impact of the media on
our lives. A full range
of media are considered
including television,
radio, cinema, and the
press. The potential
impact of new media
sources are also
considered. 3 cr
Art Department
70.375 The Language
of Video
An introductory
course in video camera
principles and editing
functions. Utilizing
writing and still
photography, students
will explore the
language of video in
both images and sound as
they produce factual
documents and/or
personal fiction.
Spring, alternate years.
70.378 Interactive
Game Design
This course will
introduce the students
to the processes of game
conceptualization and
game prototyping.
Immersive and
interactive media will
be explored.
Interactive, engaging
game design will be
emphasized. Conceptual
drawings, storyboarding,
3D modeling, immersive
photography and
multi-media authoring
will employed. Fall. 3
cr.
70.379 Web Design
This course will
focus on the creation of
visual content for the
web. The course will
explore what constitutes
a visually exciting and
engaging site. Students
will learn HTML,
GIF/JPEG file formats,
Web color strategies and
platform standards.
70.381 Advanced Game
Design
This advanced level
course is designed for
students who have
completed Interactive
Game
Design and who are
interested in exploring
interactive game
strategies, multi-level
game design and
conceptualization.
Spring.
70.384 Advanced Web
Design
This advanced level
course is designed for
students who have
completed Web Design
(70.379) and who are
interested in exploring
more advanced levels of
website development.
This course will
introduce cascading
style sheets, animated
GIFS, embedding and
advanced color
strategies.
70.385 Streaming
Media for the Web
This is an advanced
course for those with
intermediate or advanced
ability in World Wide
Web technology who want
to explore the use of
continuous feed,
streaming audio, video
and 3D virtual worlds.
The course will examine
current technologies
with special attention
to emerging protocols
and standards for audio
and video publishing.
Spring.
70.398 The
Documentary Image
In a world of
increasing manipulation,
documentary photographs
still astound us with
their visual truths. In
this course, students
will utilize words and
images— the primary
tools of the
photojournalist —to
explore the significant
issues of our time.
Works by Fenton,
O’Sullivan, Gardner,
Riis, Hine,
Bourke-White, Lange,
Smith, Davidson,
Salgado, Mark and others
are studied for content,
style, and inspiration.
Fall, alternate years.
Music
78.350 Video Production
An introductory
course in the
fundamentals of video
technology and
production; encompassing
signal transmission,
tape formats,
transduction, optical
characteristics of
lenses and cameras,
production equipment and
procedures, and
post-production
equipment and
techniques; hands-on
experience via video and
audio for video
projects. \
Engineering
16.233 History and
Principles of Radio
Online
courses currently under
construction:
Media/Communications 1,
Media/Communications 2,
and Advanced Topics in
Media Studies
Online courses:
Certificate in
Contemporary
Communications
(UMass Lowell) Both on
campus & online
The Contemporary
Communications
Certificate is intended
as an introductory
certificate to prepare
students for work in a
rapidly changing,
information-driven
workplace. Students
will develop skills in
research, analysis,
writing, graphic
presentation of
material, and the use of
technology as a tool for
communication.
This certificate program
is interdisciplinary and
draws upon the expertise
and knowledge of several
departments within the
University. Many of the
courses in this
certificate can also be
applied towards several
other certificates and
degrees offered by UMass
Lowell.
Course Descriptions
46.210
Media and Politics
(I added this to the
list)
This course addresses
the role of the media in
American politics and
the role of politics in
the American media. We
will begin with a survey
of general readings on
the historical
development of mass
communications and the
transformation of the
media in the Information
Age. Then we will focus
on ways in which the
telegraph, telephone,
radio, television, and
the Internet changed the
political landscape.
Next, we examine how the
right to privacy evolved
in response to the rise
of investigative
journalism. Finally, by
studying a few major
stories in depth, we
will try to gain a
better understanding of
the factors involved in
the conversion of events
and developments into
seemingly significant
news.
Credits: 3
42.221
Writing for Interactive
Media
Adds new dimensions to
traditional, text-based
writing. Hypertext links
allow for multiple story
lines, while integrating
audio, animation, and
video presents new
challenges for the
writer. Participants
will examine successful
multimedia scripts and
work on their own
creations.
Prerequisite:
Credits: 3
42.224 Business
Writing
Studies the theory
and practice of writing
letters, memoranda and
reports on specific
business and technical
problems. Registration
preference for students
enrolled in Business
programs.
Prerequisite: 42.102
Credits: 3
Special Notes: Note:
Students may not receive
credit for both 42.224
and 42.226
42.226 Technical and
Scientific Communication
Studies the theory and
practice of letters,
memoranda, reports and
oral presentations on
specific scientific and
technical problems.
Prerequisite: 42.102.
Credits: 3
Special Notes: Students
may not receive credit
for both 42.224 and
42.226
90.202 Introduction to
Personal Computers and
Microsoft Office
This is an intensive
hands-on course intended
to teach the student
basic personal computer
skills in a lecture/lab
format using MS Office.
The student will learn
the fundamental concepts
of word processing,
spreadsheets, and
presentation
development.
Prerequisite:
Credits: 3
91.113
Exploring the Internet
This course focuses on
the primary tools used
to navigate the Internet
from a Windows desktop:
e-mail and the web
browsers. In addition,
this course covers many
of the other
applications of the
Internet: ftp, listserve,
newsgroups, chat, search
engines, and portals.
Students will complete
hands-on exercises,
including construction
of their personal web
page.
Prerequisite:
Credits: 3
Special Notes: Non-CS
Majors only
45.205 Argumentation
and Rhetoric
This course will cover a
range of popular means
of persuasion, and
provide tools for
detecting and resisting
them. Drawing on
concrete examples from
advertising, television,
politics, and the like,
the course will
demonstrate how to
distinguish legitimate
from illegitimate
persuasion. Central
topics will include: the
nature of language and
meaning, the role of
ambiguity and vagueness,
and the use of logical
argumentation both as a
tool for uncovering
illegitimate persuasion
and as an effective
means of persuasion in
its own right.
Prerequisite:
Credits: 3
45.207 Corporate
Communications
In this course students
will learn how to
communicate ideas
clearly and effectively
to a business audience.
The course will cover:
the basics of
communication, business
writing, how to make
effective presentations,
the optimal use of
visual aides, the uses
of web pages, global
communication and
cultural sensitivity,
the ethics of
communication, and the
impact of the Internet
on the communication
environment. Special
attention will be paid
to the communicational
demands posed by the
rapid globalization of
business and the rapid
transformation of
communication
technologies.
Prerequisite:
Credits: 3
62.201 Marketing
Principles
The role of marketing in
the economy. The
elements of the
marketing mix--product,
price, distribution, and
promotion--are discussed
in the context of social
and political
constraints on marketing
activity.
Prerequisite: 49.201,
48.101, 47.101
Credits: 3
70.291 Introduction to
Graphic Design
Exercises, lectures and
projects will introduce
students to graphic
design principles and
techniques. Course will
begin with a fundamental
study of image, form,
and space relations,
then cover such topics
as working with grids,
typography basics, page
layout, the introduction
of color, rendering
techniques, history, and
more. Students will be
assigned a series of
projects to enhance
their visual
communication skills.
Prerequisite: Basic
Macintosh or Windows
proficiency.
Credits: 3
Special Notes: This
course will not transfer
directly into the Art
Department's BFA day
school degree program,
but certain two-course
clusters may be accepted
for transfer upon
department approval.
90.230 Introduction to
Multimedia
Provides participants
with an overview of
multimedia and its
professional
applications in
training, education,
marketing, and
entertainment. Scanning
images, digitizing video
and audio, and exploring
the design and
production of
interactive multimedia
are the focus of this
class. Includes
technical/hardware
considerations and
production procedures
pertinent to interactive
multimedia.
Prerequisite: P: Basic
Macintosh or Windows
proficiency
Credits: 3
42.300 Journalism
An introduction to
techniques of writing
for the news media.
Prerequisite: 42.102.
Credits: 3
45.356 The History,
Theory, and Practice of
Rhetoric
The course will use
interactive television
between UMass Lowell
(origin) and UMass
Boston (destination).
Students will learn not
only what the great
rhetors from
Demosthenes, Cicero, and
Quintilian to Lincoln,
Churchill and M.L. King
can teach us about
effective oral
presentation, but also
how to apply what they
learn by practicing with
the leading edge
broadcast communications
technologies available
in our classroom. Both
written examination
papers and short
presentations will be
required.
Prerequisite:
Credits: 3
90.291 Introduction to
DHTML
Starts with the basics
of Dynamic Hypertext
Markup Language using
the tool that most
professional Web
developers use -
Homesite. The course
covers the W3C standards
for HTML 3.2 and 4.0,
Web protocols, Web
server basics, Web
design theory, and
provides a survey of
Javascript, Cascading
Style Sheets, XML, Perl,
and Dynamic HTML.
Prerequisite:
Credits: 3
|
The Certificate Program in
Multimedia
Applications
Available on
campus or online
Recent advances
in digital
technology and
fiber optics
have
revolutionized
the way we live
and learn.
Multimedia is
used today in
movies,
education,
entertainment,
marketing,
advertising,
information
services,
teleconferencing,
publishing,
interactive
television, and
product
demonstration.
With the rapid
transfer of
information and
the growing need
to present this
information in a
powerful way,
individuals with
the skills and
knowledge to
communicate
effectively will
flourish in the
multimedia
industry.
The Multimedia
Certificate
Program at UMass
Lowell is
interdisciplinary
and draws upon
the expertise
and knowledge of
several
departments,
colleges, and
centers within
the University,
as well as
outside
expertise from
industry
professionals.
You can now earn
the Certificate
in Multimedia
Applications on
campus or
online! Fueled
by popular
demand and
funded in part
by a grant from
the prestigious
Alfred P. Sloan
Foundation, the
University of
Massachusetts is
pleased to
announce the
migration of its
premier
multimedia
certificate
program to an
online format.
Course
Descriptions
90.230
Introduction to
Multimedia
Provides
participants
with an overview
of multimedia
and its
professional
applications in
training,
education,
marketing, and
entertainment.
Scanning images,
digitizing video
and audio, and
exploring the
design and
production of
interactive
multimedia are
the focus of
this class.
Includes
technical/hardware
considerations
and production
procedures
pertinent to
interactive
multimedia.
Prerequisite:
P: Basic
Macintosh or
Windows
proficiency
Credits: 3
90.231 Graphics
for Multimedia
and the World
Wide Web
The focus of
this class is on
the basic
components of
shape, color,
texture,
typography, and
images as they
are applied to
multimedia and
web interface
design. Other
topics covered
include
scanning, image
editing,
resolution and
color palettes.
Students will
work on projects
that integrate
elements such as
buttons,
navigation bars,
and background
images to
communicate
creative visual
information.
Photoshop will
be used.
Prerequisite:
90.230
Credits: 3
Special Notes:
Formerly
Graphics for
Multimedia.
90.232 Desktop
Video Production
This course
covers basic
camera and
editing
techniques for
desktop video
production.
Using
camcorders,
VCR's, computers
and appropriate
software
applications,
participants
will create
desktop video
projects. Adobe
Premier will be
used.
Prerequisite:
90.230.
Credits: 3
90.233
Multimedia
Authoring
Software: Using
Macromedia
Director®
This course will
focus on
developing
interactive
projects using
Macromedia
Director.
Participants
will create
interactive
events, explore
computer
animation, and
integrate these
with video,
text, and audio
for use in
presentations,
education, and
marketing.
Prerequisite:
90.230
Credits: 3
42.221 Writing
for Interactive
Media
Adds new
dimensions to
traditional,
text-based
writing.
Hypertext links
allow for
multiple story
lines, while
integrating
audio,
animation, and
video presents
new challenges
for the writer.
Participants
will examine
successful
multimedia
scripts and work
on their own
creations.
Prerequisite:
Credits: 3
70.262 Digital
Imaging and
Photography:
Photoshop®
This course will
offer the
student a
transition
between
traditional
photographic
imaging and
digital
photographic
imaging. The
course will
cover the
fundamentals of
digital
scanning,
digital capture
and image
manipulation.
Image
preparation for
other media will
also be
explored. Basic
familiarity with
the Mac OS
and/or Windows
platforms
required.
Prerequisite:
Basic Macintosh
or Basic Windows
proficiency.
Credits: 3
Special Notes:
This course
will not
transfer
directly into
the Art
Department's
BA/BFA day
school degree
program, but
certain
two-course
clusters may be
accepted for
transfer upon
department
approval.
70.264 Computer
Graphics &
Illustration
Students will
produce a number
of
illustrations,
starting with
the traditional
approach to
illustration and
then rendering
their concepts
using computer
illustration and
imaging
software. Topics
include methods
for rendering
artwork,
capturing an
expressive
illustrative
style, and
portraying
different moods
or messages
within the
illustration.
Students will
learn to
illustrate
effectively
using the many
tools available
to them within
several software
applications.
Prerequisite:
Basic
Macintosh/Windows
familiarity
Credits: 3
Special Notes:
This course
will not
transfer
directly into
the Art
Department's
BA/BFA day
school degree
program, but
certain
two-course
clusters may be
accepted for
transfer upon
department
approval.
70.291
Introduction to
Graphic Design
Exercises,
lectures and
projects will
introduce
students to
graphic design
principles and
techniques.
Course will
begin with a
fundamental
study of image,
form, and space
relations, then
cover such
topics as
working with
grids,
typography
basics, page
layout, the
introduction of
color, rendering
techniques,
history, and
more. Students
will be assigned
a series of
projects to
enhance their
visual
communication
skills.
Prerequisite:
Basic Macintosh
or Windows
proficiency.
Credits: 3
Special Notes:
This course
will not
transfer
directly into
the Art
Department's BFA
day school
degree program,
but certain
two-course
clusters may be
accepted for
transfer upon
department
approval.
70.376 3D
Computer
Animation
This course
teaches the
fundamentals of
computer
animation using
3D modeling,
authoring and
digital video
imaging
software.
Students will
learn how to
create complex
3D objects and
environments.
Animation
sequencing,
editing, and
compositing will
be covered.
Projects will
take form as
animated clips.
Basic
familiarity with
Mac OS and/or
Windows
platforms
required.
Prerequisite:
70.264 or
90.231 or
instructor
permission.
Credits: 3
Special Notes:
This course
will not
transfer
directly into
the Art
Department's
BA/BFA day
school degree
program, but
certain
two-course
clusters may be
accepted for
transfer upon
department
approval.
70.377 Advanced
Animation: After
Effects®
This
advanced-level
course is
designed for
students who
have completed
3D Computer
Animation and
who are
interested in
exploring the
narrative
possibilities in
animation.
Conceptual
drawings and
storyboarding
will be
required. The
course will
cover advanced
sequencing,
motion paths,
editing, audio,
and virtual
environments.
Special effects
compositing will
be introduced.
Other course
topics will
include media
preparation for
output to film,
video, and
CD-ROM. Basic
familiarity with
Mac OS and/or
Windows
platforms
required.
Prerequisite:
70.376.
Credits: 3
Special Notes:
This course
will not
transfer
directly into
the Art
Department's
BA/BFA day
school degree
program, but
certain
two-course
clusters may be
accepted for
transfer upon
department
approval.
70.379 Website
Design
This course will
focus on the
creation of
visual content
for the web and
will explore
what constitutes
a visually
exciting and
engaging site.
Other topics
that will be
covered are:
file formats,
compression, web
color
strategies, and
platform
standards. Basic
familiarity with
Mac OS and/or
Windows
platforms
required.
Prerequisite:
90.238, and
90.231 or
70.262.
Credits: 3
70.384 Advanced
Website Design
and Development
This
advanced-level
course is
designed for
students who
have completed
Website
Development
(90.238) and
Website Design
(70.379). The
course will
cover advanced
topics such as
user-centered
design,
information
architecture,
testing, and
usage analysis.
Students will
have the
opportunity to
further develop
their design,
development, and
conceptualization
skills.
Prerequisite:
90.238 and
70.379.
Credits: 3
70.385
Streaming Media
for the Web
This is an
advanced course
for those with
intermediate or
advanced ability
in World Wide
Web technology
who want to
explore the use
of streaming
media delivery.
This course will
examine current
technologies
used to deliver
audio, video,
and multimedia
via on-demand
and live
broadcasts
utilizing both
internet and
intranet
environments.
Special
attention will
be made to
emerging
protocols and
standards for
streaming
delivery.
Bandwidth
requirements,
server
configuration
and setup, and
content
development will
be covered in a
hands-on
environment.
Familiarity with
the Windows
platform is
required.
Prerequisite:
70.379 or
permission of
instructor
Credits: 3
78.201
Introduction to
Audio for
Multimedia and
the World Wide
Web
This course
provides
participants
with the
technical
background in
audio they will
need for
effective
Multimedia and
Web-based use of
sound. Topics
begin with the
fundamental
concepts of
audio signals,
recording and
reproduction
systems, and
proceed to a
more in-depth
understanding of
digital audio
recording,
signal
processing, and
data
compression.
Parameters such
as sample rate,
bit rate and
dither will be
linked to sound
quality issues
of frequency
response, noise
floor and
dynamic range so
that informed
decisions can be
made about sound
performance
versus data
requirements.
The course will
explore the
audio concepts
and capabilities
unique to Audio
Compact Disc,
DVD-Video,
DVD-Audio,
CD-Rom, MP3 and
streaming.
Students'
projects will
integrate audio
into Multimedia
and/or Web-based
products
satisfying
priorities for
sound quality,
media
effectiveness,
user experience
and bandwidth
constraints.
Prerequisite:
Introduction to
Multimedia or
HTML recommended
Credits: 3
90.227
Developing
Interactive Help
Systems:
Macromedia®
RoboHelp®
This course is
designed for
technical
writers, project
managers, web
developers and
designers or
anyone
interested in
creating,
developing, and
managing Help
systems.
Students will
learn to use
Macromedia’s
RoboHelp to
create
professional
Help systems and
documentation
for desktop and
web-based
applications,
including
CD-ROMs, .NET
and Rich
Internet
Applications.
Students will
learn to create
Table of
Contents, Index,
Glossary,
context-sensitive
Help, and how to
generate Help
systems in any
popular online
Help format,
plus press-ready
printed
documentation.
Students will
also explore the
use of RoboDemo
as a potential
add-in to make
help systems
more interactive
by incorporating
Flash movies and
video.
Prerequisite:
Familiarity with
technical
writing and/or
web/multimedia
development. 3
credits.
Prerequisite:
Familiarity
with technical
writing and/or
web/multimedia
development
Credits: 3
90.234
Designing and
Developing
Interactive
Media
The focus of
this course is
to develop
appropriate
interactive
media products
and services.
Students will
develop one
product or
service concept
by meeting with
potential end
users and
discovering what
their
product/service
needs are.
Information is
analyzed and
leads to the
designing and
prototyping of a
new
service/product
concept. Course
includes project
design,
storyboarding,
scripting,
shooting video,
and desktop
video editing.
The process will
allow students
to explore in a
practical way
what makes for
good multimedia
design,
interactivity,
navigation,
digital video
and audio,
screen and
interface
design. Serves
as an ideal
portfolio
builder for
participants
seeking
employment in
the field.
Prerequisite:
90.230, 90.231,
90.232, 90.233
or permission of
instructor.
Credits: 3
90.236
Instructional
Design for
Interactive
Media
This course is
designed to
deliver the
basics of
instructional
design
techniques with
an emphasis on
educational
media. The
foundations of
instructional
design include
thoughtful
problem
analysis,
identification
of training
needs,
establishing
instructional
goals, selecting
and optimizing
an instructional
strategy,
scripting,
flowcharting,
storyboarding a
project,
creating
formative
evaluation and
revision cycles,
and creating
summative
evaluations to
measure
effectiveness.
Prerequisite:
90.230 or
permission of
instructor.
Credits: 3
90.238 Website
Development:
FrontPage®
This course
focuses on the
design,
development, and
implementation
of websites
using available
visual
development
tools. Each
participant will
design, build,
and maintain
their own
websites. Topics
covered include:
basic
navigational
structure; page
layout
incorporating
tables and
frames;
graphical design
and placement;
image maps;
streaming audio
and video; and
basic website
administration.
Prerequisite:
90.291; 90.231
recommended
Credits: 3
Special Notes:
Formerly
Designing
Multimedia for
the World Wide
Web
90.239
Multimedia
Scripting Using
Macromedia
Director's Lingo
This advanced
course is for
students who
have already
mastered
Director basics
and wish to
explore
Macromedia
Director's
scripting
language Lingo,
along with basic
programming
techniques.
Lingo's
interactive
design allows
for evaluation
and response to
user actions.
Course includes
programming
concepts,
playback of
QuickTime
movies, control
of CD-ROM
drives, text
manipulation,
working with
external files,
X Objects,
Sprite control,
etc.
Prerequisite:
90.233.
Credits: 3
90.247 Web
Authoring: Flash
™ MX
This course will
demonstrate how
to use web
authoring
applications to
create
cutting-edge
interface,
navigation, and
streaming
animation. Using
open standard
vector
formatting, you
can create
interactive
capabilities on
the web similar
to CD-ROM
screens. You'll
learn how to use
drawing tools to
create websites
that include
sound, clickable
buttons,
interactivity,
and exciting
animations.
Applications
such as
Macromedia
Shockwave and
Flash will be
used.
Prerequisite:
90.291; 90.302
or programming
familiarity
Credits: 3
90.249
Developing IT
Training for the
Web
This course
focuses on the
design,
development, and
implementation
of web-based IT
training
systems. This
course is
especially
designed for
those interested
in developing
new delivery
methods for
corporate
training. Site
design and
navigation are
stressed with an
emphasis on
training and
knowledge
transfer
applications.
Available tools
for automation
and
administration
are also
examined.
Prerequisite:
90.230.
Credits: 3
90.250
E-Commerce on
the Web
This course
examines the
impact of
emerging
technologies on
how we conduct
business in a
wired world.
Topics include:
ingredients for
a
Commerce-Enabled
Web site from
hardware and
software to
necessary
operational
processes;
copyright,
authentication,
encryption,
certification,
and security;
on-line payment
strategies (SET,
E-cash, check,
and charge) and
companies
offering
solutions:
E-Commerce
Business Models.
Prerequisite:
90.238.
Credits: 3
90.291
Introduction to
DHTML
Starts with the
basics of
Dynamic
Hypertext Markup
Language using
the tool that
most
professional Web
developers use -
Homesite. The
course covers
the W3C
standards for
HTML 3.2 and
4.0, Web
protocols, Web
server basics,
Web design
theory, and
provides a
survey of
Javascript,
Cascading Style
Sheets, XML,
Perl, and
Dynamic HTML.
Prerequisite:
Credits: 3
90.306
Introduction to
XML
XML (eXtensible
Markup Language)
picks up where
HTML leaves off.
If you've
studied HTML,
you've learned
the Web's
formatting
language. To
structure
content on the
Web, you will
need to learn
XML. In this
introductory
course, you will
learn basics of
XML and the DTD
(Document Type
Definition), XSL
(the style sheet
for XML), and
CDF (Channel
Definition
Format) commonly
used in push
technology.
Prerequisite:
90.291 and
90.474, or
instructor
permission
Credits: 3
90.347 Rich Web
Development with
Flash™ MX
(Advanced)
This course
picks up where
other Flash
courses end. Go
beyond
developing
animations;
learn how to use
Flash to develop
complete
interactive
websites, to
develop
presentations
for Web/CD/DVD
delivery, and to
develop
applications for
internet,
intranet and
alternate
devices. Learn
to understand
and write
ActionScript
(Flash's
programming
language) and
design in OOP
(Object-oriented
programming).
You'll learn how
to use sound,
buttons,
interactivity,
and animations
to enhance the
user's
experience.
Learn the
fundamentals of
Flash
Communication
Server, Flash
Remoting and
Flash-Database
Integration.
Prerequisite:
90.247
Credits: 3
90.348
Developing
Dynamic Websites
with ColdFusion®
MX
Developing
Dynamic Websites
with ColdFusion
MX is a course
that provides
web designers
and developers
with the
knowledge and
hands on
training they
need to begin
developing
interactive
websites using
Macromedia's
powerful web
application
platform
ColdFusion MX
using the
Dreamweaver MX
website
authoring tool.
Students will
learn how to
build secure,
interactive,
database-driven
web applications
that maintain
session state
across pages.
Prerequisite:
70.379 and
70.384, or prior
familiarity with
Dreamweaver
Credits: 3
|
|
|
Course listings for online
Communications/Media Studies
degrees & certificates at UMASS |
I included hyperlinks whenever course
descriptions were available on the web.
|
Certificate in Contemporary
Communications (UMass
Lowell) Both on campus & online courses |
|
The Contemporary Communications
Certificate is intended as an
introductory certificate to
prepare students for work in a
rapidly changing,
information-driven workplace.
Students will develop skills in
research, analysis, writing,
graphic presentation of
material, and the use of
technology as a tool for
communication.
This certificate program is
interdisciplinary and draws upon
the expertise and knowledge of
several departments within the
University. Many of the courses
in this certificate can also be
applied towards several other
certificates and degrees offered
by UMass Lowell.
Course Descriptions
|
46.210
Media and Politics
(I added this to the
list)
This course
addresses the role
of the media in
American politics
and the role of
politics in the
American media. We
will begin with a
survey of general
readings on the
historical
development of mass
communications and
the transformation
of the media in the
Information Age.
Then we will focus
on ways in which the
telegraph,
telephone, radio,
television, and the
Internet changed the
political landscape.
Next, we examine how
the right to privacy
evolved in response
to the rise of
investigative
journalism. Finally,
by studying a few
major stories in
depth, we will try
to gain a better
understanding of the
factors involved in
the conversion of
events and
developments into
seemingly
significant news.
Credits: 3 |
42.221 Writing for
Interactive Media
Adds new dimensions to
traditional, text-based writing.
Hypertext links allow for
multiple story lines, while
integrating audio, animation,
and video presents new
challenges for the writer.
Participants will examine
successful multimedia scripts
and work on their own creations.
Prerequisite:
Credits: 3
42.224 Business Writing
Studies the theory and
practice of writing letters,
memoranda and reports on
specific business and technical
problems. Registration
preference for students enrolled
in Business programs.
Prerequisite: 42.102
Credits: 3
Special Notes: Note: Students
may not receive credit for both
42.224 and 42.226
42.226 Technical and Scientific
Communication
Studies the theory and
practice of letters, memoranda,
reports and oral presentations
on specific scientific and
technical problems.
Prerequisite: 42.102.
Credits: 3
Special Notes: Students may not
receive credit for both 42.224
and 42.226
90.202 Introduction to
Personal Computers and Microsoft
Office
This is an intensive
hands-on course intended to
teach the student basic personal
computer skills in a lecture/lab
format using MS Office. The
student will learn the
fundamental concepts of word
processing, spreadsheets, and
presentation development.
Prerequisite:
Credits: 3
91.113 Exploring the Internet
This course focuses on the
primary tools used to navigate
the Internet from a Windows
desktop: e-mail and the web
browsers. In addition, this
course covers many of the other
applications of the Internet:
ftp, listserve, newsgroups,
chat, search engines, and
portals. Students will complete
hands-on exercises, including
construction of their personal
web page.
Prerequisite:
Credits: 3
Special Notes: Non-CS Majors
only
45.205 Argumentation and
Rhetoric
This course will cover a
range of popular means of
persuasion, and provide tools
for detecting and resisting
them. Drawing on concrete
examples from advertising,
television, politics, and the
like, the course will
demonstrate how to distinguish
legitimate from illegitimate
persuasion. Central topics will
include: the nature of language
and meaning, the role of
ambiguity and vagueness, and the
use of logical argumentation
both as a tool for uncovering
illegitimate persuasion and as
an effective means of persuasion
in its own right.
Prerequisite:
Credits: 3
45.207 Corporate
Communications
In this course students will
learn how to communicate ideas
clearly and effectively to a
business audience. The course
will cover: the basics of
communication, business writing,
how to make effective
presentations, the optimal use
of visual aides, the uses of web
pages, global communication and
cultural sensitivity, the ethics
of communication, and the impact
of the Internet on the
communication environment.
Special attention will be paid
to the communicational demands
posed by the rapid globalization
of business and the rapid
transformation of communication
technologies.
Prerequisite:
Credits: 3
62.201 Marketing
Principles
The role of marketing in the
economy. The elements of the
marketing mix--product, price,
distribution, and promotion--are
discussed in the context of
social and political constraints
on marketing activity.
Prerequisite: 49.201, 48.101,
47.101
Credits: 3
70.291 Introduction to
Graphic Design
Exercises, lectures and
projects will introduce students
to graphic design principles and
techniques. Course will begin
with a fundamental study of
image, form, and space
relations, then cover such
topics as working with grids,
typography basics, page layout,
the introduction of color,
rendering techniques, history,
and more. Students will be
assigned a series of projects to
enhance their visual
communication skills.
Prerequisite: Basic Macintosh
or Windows proficiency.
Credits: 3
Special Notes: This course will
not transfer directly into the
Art Department's BFA day school
degree program, but certain
two-course clusters may be
accepted for transfer upon
department approval.
90.230 Introduction to
Multimedia
Provides participants with
an overview of multimedia and
its professional applications in
training, education, marketing,
and entertainment. Scanning
images, digitizing video and
audio, and exploring the design
and production of interactive
multimedia are the focus of this
class. Includes
technical/hardware
considerations and production
procedures pertinent to
interactive multimedia.
Prerequisite: P: Basic
Macintosh or Windows proficiency
Credits: 3
42.300 Journalism
An introduction to
techniques of writing for the
news media.
Prerequisite: 42.102.
Credits: 3
45.356 The History,
Theory, and Practice of Rhetoric
The course will use
interactive television between
UMass Lowell (origin) and UMass
Boston (destination). Students
will learn not only what the
great rhetors from Demosthenes,
Cicero, and Quintilian to
Lincoln, Churchill and M.L. King
can teach us about effective
oral presentation, but also how
to apply what they learn by
practicing with the leading edge
broadcast communications
technologies available in our
classroom. Both written
examination papers and short
presentations will be required.
Prerequisite:
Credits: 3
90.291 Introduction to DHTML
Starts with the basics of
Dynamic Hypertext Markup
Language using the tool that
most professional Web developers
use - Homesite. The course
covers the W3C standards for
HTML 3.2 and 4.0, Web protocols,
Web server basics, Web design
theory, and provides a survey of
Javascript, Cascading Style
Sheets, XML, Perl, and Dynamic
HTML.
Prerequisite:
Credits: 3 |
|
|
The Certificate Program in
Multimedia Applications
Available on campus or online
Recent
advances in digital technology and fiber
optics have revolutionized the way we live
and learn. Multimedia is used today in
movies, education, entertainment, marketing,
advertising, information services,
teleconferencing, publishing, interactive
television, and product demonstration. With
the rapid transfer of information and the
growing need to present this information in
a powerful way, individuals with the skills
and knowledge to communicate effectively
will flourish in the multimedia industry.
The Multimedia
Certificate Program at UMass Lowell is
interdisciplinary and draws upon the
expertise and knowledge of several
departments, colleges, and centers within
the University, as well as outside expertise
from industry professionals.
You can now
earn the Certificate in Multimedia
Applications on campus or online! Fueled by
popular demand and funded in part by a grant
from the prestigious Alfred P. Sloan
Foundation, the University of Massachusetts
is pleased to announce the migration of its
premier multimedia certificate program to an
online format.
Course Descriptions
90.230 Introduction to Multimedia
Provides participants with an overview
of multimedia and its professional
applications in training, education,
marketing, and entertainment. Scanning
images, digitizing video and audio, and
exploring the design and production of
interactive multimedia are the focus of this
class. Includes technical/hardware
considerations and production procedures
pertinent to interactive multimedia.
Prerequisite: P: Basic Macintosh or Windows
proficiency
Credits: 3
90.231 Graphics for Multimedia and the
World Wide Web
The focus of this class is on the basic
components of shape, color, texture,
typography, and images as they are applied
to multimedia and web interface design.
Other topics covered include scanning, image
editing, resolution and color palettes.
Students will work on projects that
integrate elements such as buttons,
navigation bars, and background images to
communicate creative visual information.
Photoshop will be used.
Prerequisite: 90.230
Credits: 3
Special Notes: Formerly Graphics for
Multimedia.
90.232 Desktop Video Production
This course covers basic camera and
editing techniques for desktop video
production. Using camcorders, VCR's,
computers and appropriate software
applications, participants will create
desktop video projects. Adobe Premier will
be used.
Prerequisite: 90.230.
Credits: 3
90.233 Multimedia Authoring Software:
Using Macromedia Director®
This course will focus on developing
interactive projects using Macromedia
Director. Participants will create
interactive events, explore computer
animation, and integrate these with video,
text, and audio for use in presentations,
education, and marketing.
Prerequisite: 90.230
Credits: 3
42.221 Writing for Interactive Media
Adds new dimensions to traditional,
text-based writing. Hypertext links allow
for multiple story lines, while integrating
audio, animation, and video presents new
challenges for the writer. Participants will
examine successful multimedia scripts and
work on their own creations.
Prerequisite:
Credits: 3
70.262 Digital Imaging and
Photography: Photoshop®
This course will offer the student a
transition between traditional photographic
imaging and digital photographic imaging.
The course will cover the fundamentals of
digital scanning, digital capture and image
manipulation. Image preparation for other
media will also be explored. Basic
familiarity with the Mac OS and/or Windows
platforms required.
Prerequisite: Basic Macintosh or Basic
Windows proficiency.
Credits: 3
Special Notes: This course will not
transfer directly into the Art Department's
BA/BFA day school degree program, but
certain two-course clusters may be accepted
for transfer upon department approval.
70.264 Computer Graphics &
Illustration
Students will produce a number of
illustrations, starting with the traditional
approach to illustration and then rendering
their concepts using computer illustration
and imaging software. Topics include methods
for rendering artwork, capturing an
expressive illustrative style, and
portraying different moods or messages
within the illustration. Students will learn
to illustrate effectively using the many
tools available to them within several
software applications.
Prerequisite: Basic Macintosh/Windows
familiarity
Credits: 3
Special Notes: This course will not
transfer directly into the Art Department's
BA/BFA day school degree program, but
certain two-course clusters may be accepted
for transfer upon department approval.
70.291 Introduction to Graphic Design
Exercises, lectures and projects will
introduce students to graphic design
principles and techniques. Course will begin
with a fundamental study of image, form, and
space relations, then cover such topics as
working with grids, typography basics, page
layout, the introduction of color, rendering
techniques, history, and more. Students will
be assigned a series of projects to enhance
their visual communication skills.
Prerequisite: Basic Macintosh or Windows
proficiency.
Credits: 3
Special Notes: This course will not
transfer directly into the Art Department's
BFA day school degree program, but certain
two-course clusters may be accepted for
transfer upon department approval.
70.376 3D Computer Animation
This course teaches the fundamentals of
computer animation using 3D modeling,
authoring and digital video imaging
software. Students will learn how to create
complex 3D objects and environments.
Animation sequencing, editing, and
compositing will be covered. Projects will
take form as animated clips. Basic
familiarity with Mac OS and/or Windows
platforms required.
Prerequisite: 70.264 or 90.231 or
instructor permission.
Credits: 3
Special Notes: This course will not
transfer directly into the Art Department's
BA/BFA day school degree program, but
certain two-course clusters may be accepted
for transfer upon department approval.
70.377 Advanced Animation: After
Effects®
This advanced-level course is designed
for students who have completed 3D Computer
Animation and who are interested in
exploring the narrative possibilities in
animation. Conceptual drawings and
storyboarding will be required. The course
will cover advanced sequencing, motion
paths, editing, audio, and virtual
environments. Special effects compositing
will be introduced. Other course topics will
include media preparation for output to
film, video, and CD-ROM. Basic familiarity
with Mac OS and/or Windows platforms
required.
Prerequisite: 70.376.
Credits: 3
Special Notes: This course will not
transfer directly into the Art Department's
BA/BFA day school degree program, but
certain two-course clusters may be accepted
for transfer upon department approval.
70.379 Website Design
This course will focus on the creation
of visual content for the web and will
explore what constitutes a visually exciting
and engaging site. Other topics that will be
covered are: file formats, compression, web
color strategies, and platform standards.
Basic familiarity with Mac OS and/or Windows
platforms required.
Prerequisite: 90.238, and 90.231 or 70.262.
Credits: 3
70.384 Advanced Website Design and
Development
This advanced-level course is designed
for students who have completed Website
Development (90.238) and Website Design
(70.379). The course will cover advanced
topics such as user-centered design,
information architecture, testing, and usage
analysis. Students will have the opportunity
to further develop their design,
development, and conceptualization skills.
Prerequisite: 90.238 and 70.379.
Credits: 3
70.385 Streaming Media for the Web
This is an advanced course for those
with intermediate or advanced ability in
World Wide Web technology who want to
explore the use of streaming media delivery.
This course will examine current
technologies used to deliver audio, video,
and multimedia via on-demand and live
broadcasts utilizing both internet and
intranet environments. Special attention
will be made to emerging protocols and
standards for streaming delivery. Bandwidth
requirements, server configuration and
setup, and content development will be
covered in a hands-on environment.
Familiarity with the Windows platform is
required.
Prerequisite: 70.379 or permission of
instructor
Credits: 3
78.201 Introduction to Audio for
Multimedia and the World Wide Web
This course provides participants with
the technical background in audio they will
need for effective Multimedia and Web-based
use of sound. Topics begin with the
fundamental concepts of audio signals,
recording and reproduction systems, and
proceed to a more in-depth understanding of
digital audio recording, signal processing,
and data compression. Parameters such as
sample rate, bit rate and dither will be
linked to sound quality issues of frequency
response, noise floor and dynamic range so
that informed decisions can be made about
sound performance versus data requirements.
The course will explore the audio concepts
and capabilities unique to Audio Compact
Disc, DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, CD-Rom, MP3 and
streaming. Students' projects will integrate
audio into Multimedia and/or Web-based
products satisfying priorities for sound
quality, media effectiveness, user
experience and bandwidth constraints.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Multimedia or
HTML recommended
Credits: 3
90.227 Developing Interactive Help
Systems: Macromedia® RoboHelp®
This course is designed for technical
writers, project managers, web developers
and designers or anyone interested in
creating, developing, and managing Help
systems. Students will learn to use
Macromedia’s RoboHelp to create professional
Help systems and documentation for desktop
and web-based applications, including
CD-ROMs, .NET and Rich Internet
Applications. Students will learn to create
Table of Contents, Index, Glossary,
context-sensitive Help, and how to generate
Help systems in any popular online Help
format, plus press-ready printed
documentation. Students will also explore
the use of RoboDemo as a potential add-in to
make help systems more interactive by
incorporating Flash movies and video.
Prerequisite: Familiarity with technical
writing and/or web/multimedia development. 3
credits.
Prerequisite: Familiarity with technical
writing and/or web/multimedia development
Credits: 3
90.234 Designing and Developing
Interactive Media
The focus of this course is to develop
appropriate interactive media products and
services. Students will develop one product
or service concept by meeting with potential
end users and discovering what their
product/service needs are. Information is
analyzed and leads to the designing and
prototyping of a new service/product
concept. Course includes project design,
storyboarding, scripting, shooting video,
and desktop video editing. The process will
allow students to explore in a practical way
what makes for good multimedia design,
interactivity, navigation, digital video and
audio, screen and interface design. Serves
as an ideal portfolio builder for
participants seeking employment in the
field.
Prerequisite: 90.230, 90.231, 90.232,
90.233 or permission of instructor.
Credits: 3
90.236 Instructional Design for
Interactive Media
This course is designed to deliver the
basics of instructional design techniques
with an emphasis on educational media. The
foundations of instructional design include
thoughtful problem analysis, identification
of training needs, establishing
instructional goals, selecting and
optimizing an instructional strategy,
scripting, flowcharting, storyboarding a
project, creating formative evaluation and
revision cycles, and creating summative
evaluations to measure effectiveness.
Prerequisite: 90.230 or permission of
instructor.
Credits: 3
90.238 Website Development:
FrontPage®
This course focuses on the design,
development, and implementation of websites
using available visual development tools.
Each participant will design, build, and
maintain their own websites. Topics covered
include: basic navigational structure; page
layout incorporating tables and frames;
graphical design and placement; image maps;
streaming audio and video; and basic website
administration.
Prerequisite: 90.291; 90.231 recommended
Credits: 3
Special Notes: Formerly Designing
Multimedia for the World Wide Web
90.239 Multimedia Scripting Using
Macromedia Director's Lingo
This advanced course is for students who
have already mastered Director basics and
wish to explore Macromedia Director's
scripting language Lingo, along with basic
programming techniques. Lingo's interactive
design allows for evaluation and response to
user actions. Course includes programming
concepts, playback of QuickTime movies,
control of CD-ROM drives, text manipulation,
working with external files, X Objects,
Sprite control, etc.
Prerequisite: 90.233.
Credits: 3
90.247 Web Authoring: Flash ™ MX
This course will demonstrate how to use
web authoring applications to create
cutting-edge interface, navigation, and
streaming animation. Using open standard
vector formatting, you can create
interactive capabilities on the web similar
to CD-ROM screens. You'll learn how to use
drawing tools to create websites that
include sound, clickable buttons,
interactivity, and exciting animations.
Applications such as Macromedia Shockwave
and Flash will be used.
Prerequisite: 90.291; 90.302 or programming
familiarity
Credits: 3
90.249 Developing IT Training for the
Web
This course focuses on the design,
development, and implementation of web-based
IT training systems. This course is
especially designed for those interested in
developing new delivery methods for
corporate training. Site design and
navigation are stressed with an emphasis on
training and knowledge transfer
applications. Available tools for automation
and administration are also examined.
Prerequisite: 90.230.
Credits: 3
90.250 E-Commerce on the Web
This course examines the impact of
emerging technologies on how we conduct
business in a wired world. Topics include:
ingredients for a Commerce-Enabled Web site
from hardware and software to necessary
operational processes; copyright,
authentication, encryption, certification,
and security; on-line payment strategies
(SET, E-cash, check, and charge) and
companies offering solutions: E-Commerce
Business Models.
Prerequisite: 90.238.
Credits: 3
90.291 Introduction to DHTML
Starts with the basics of Dynamic
Hypertext Markup Language using the tool
that most professional Web developers use -
Homesite. The course covers the W3C
standards for HTML 3.2 and 4.0, Web
protocols, Web server basics, Web design
theory, and provides a survey of Javascript,
Cascading Style Sheets, XML, Perl, and
Dynamic HTML.
Prerequisite:
Credits: 3
90.306 Introduction to XML
XML (eXtensible Markup Language) picks
up where HTML leaves off. If you've studied
HTML, you've learned the Web's formatting
language. To structure content on the Web,
you will need to learn XML. In this
introductory course, you will learn basics
of XML and the DTD (Document Type
Definition), XSL (the style sheet for XML),
and CDF (Channel Definition Format) commonly
used in push technology.
Prerequisite: 90.291 and 90.474, or
instructor permission
Credits: 3
90.347 Rich Web Development with
Flash™ MX (Advanced)
This course picks up where other Flash
courses end. Go beyond developing
animations; learn how to use Flash to
develop complete interactive websites, to
develop presentations for Web/CD/DVD
delivery, and to develop applications for
internet, intranet and alternate devices.
Learn to understand and write ActionScript
(Flash's programming language) and design in
OOP (Object-oriented programming). You'll
learn how to use sound, buttons,
interactivity, and animations to enhance the
user's experience. Learn the fundamentals of
Flash Communication Server, Flash Remoting
and Flash-Database Integration.
Prerequisite: 90.247
Credits: 3
90.348 Developing Dynamic Websites
with ColdFusion® MX
Developing Dynamic Websites with
ColdFusion MX is a course that provides web
designers and developers with the knowledge
and hands on training they need to begin
developing interactive websites using
Macromedia's powerful web application
platform ColdFusion MX using the Dreamweaver
MX website authoring tool. Students will
learn how to build secure, interactive,
database-driven web applications that
maintain session state across pages.
Prerequisite: 70.379 and 70.384, or prior
familiarity with Dreamweaver
Credits: 3
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Certificate of Online Journalism
(UMass Amherst)
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JOURNAL 300,
Newswriting and
Reporting (4
cr.)
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JOURNAL 392,
Future of Online
Journalism (3
cr.)
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JOURNAL 393,
Computer -
Assisted
Reporting (4
cr.)
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JOURNAL 393,
Wireless
Reporting, Using
the Web as a
Research Tool (3
cr.)
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JOURNAL 393M,
Wireless
Reporting, Using
the Internet to
Bring the Story
Home (3 cr.)
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JOURNAL 393,
Introduction to
Web Journalism
(3 cr.)
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JOURNAL 393,
Multi - media
Journalism (3
cr.)
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JOURNAL 395D,
Public Relations
for Government
and Non - Profit
Organizations (3
cr.)
-
JOURNAL 397A,
Writing About
the Arts (3 cr.)
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JOURNAL 397,
Information
Technology in
Social &
Historical
Perspective (3
cr.)
-
JOURNAL 397J,
Global
Perspectives in
Journalism (3
cr.)
-
JOURNAL 397M,
Digital
Journalism (3
cr.)
-
JOURNAL 492M,
Magazine Article
Writing (4 cr.)
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Contact name: Prof. Norman Sims,
Chair, Journalism Department, UMass Amherst
Phone: (413) 545-1376
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Amherst online
journalsim courses listed for 2004 &
2005 |
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JOURNAL 396C
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ONLINE
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Covering the Cutting Edge in
Science and Technology
Developments in science and
technology and medicine are
often front page news. This
news comes from a small
cadre of reporters who are
very specialized in what
they cover—and how they
cover it. You could join
them. This course will
provide the basics for
covering science, technology
and medical news. Students
should have a working
knowledge of reporting,
interviewing and other
journalistic techniques.
Students should also have
some background and strong
interest in the sciences,
technology, or medicine.
Taught by a veteran science
writer, this course will
lead students through
science reporting. Material
will be a series of
interactive lectures and
actual writing assignments
which will be posted as
bylined articles to a web
based science and technology
magazine. Students will
learn how to access the
latest news from sources
such as Eurekale or journals
such as Science, Nature, and
New England Journal of
Medicine and how to find
what is coming in the major
journal publications. Learn
how to interview researchers
on line and write for a
general audience. Students
will be directed to examples
of science writing to
critique—including numerous
articles written by the
instructor. Lessons will
also cover reporting from
major science and technology
conferences, how to get the
best out of a press room,
etc. Text material will be
provided for each lesson.
Writing assignments will
rely heavily on online
sources. Sources and
readings will include
classic material from major
publications to daily wire
copy. This is an interactive
course. Expect a lot of
feedback. Elective course
for the Certificate of
Online Journalism but open
to all.
Instructor: Alan Hall
Email:
quadnet@verizon.net
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Online Reviewing: New Perspectives
in Criticism
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JOURNAL 392G
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ONLINE
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With the spate of online
journals, web pages, and
blogs that cater to tastes
of every kind, the very
parameters of criticism
published on the Internet
have challenged the basic
tenets of the craft. Whether
reviewing books, movies,
music, or the local arts
scene, the online reviewer
must not only know his or
her subject but be capable
of adapting to an
ever-changing electronic
landscape of readers and
outlets. Author and longtime
cultural critic Carl
Vigeland will take us on a
fascinating journey through
the new world of
opinion-making in
cyberspace. Readings will
include numerous reviews,
posted online, and web
readings, to be assigned.
Frequent written
assignments. Elective course
for the Certificate of
Online Journalism but open
to all.
Instructor: Carl Vigeland
Email:
cvigelan@journ.umass.edu
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Sports Stories
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JOURNAL 491S
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ONLINE
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Examines the history of
sportswriting in its
evolution both as a form and
a profession and looks at
some of the classics and
contemporary examples of the
genre. Extensive, selected
reading from the text, plus
current magazine and
newspaper sports journalism,
with an eye in part to
consider George Plimpton's
tongue-in-cheek theory that
the quality of sportswriting
varies inversely with the
size of the ball used in the
sport. Each student will be
required to write two short
papers and one sports story.
The texts for the course are
several magazine pieces
available online and
Letters to a Young Golfer,
available from the Jeffery
Amherst Textbook Store or by
special order. Elective
course for the Certificate
of Online Journalism but
open to all.
Instructor: Carl Vigeland
Email:
cvigeland@journ.umass.edu
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Writing About the Arts
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JOURNAL 397A
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ONLINE
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Focuses on two arts, music
and movies, both of which
offer students opportunities
for practice in reviewing
and feature-writing as well
as a chance to explore a
rich body of books and
articles. Four papers: a
general one about arts
criticism, a review of a
film, an arts commentary,
and a feature about a
musician; extensive essay
and book readings will be
supplemented by periodic
newspaper and magazine
selections, and our online
discussion will be augmented
by film and audio clips. The
texts are a number of
reviews available online and
Jazz in the Bittersweet
Blues of Life, available
at the Jeffrey Amherst
Textbook Annex
www.jeffbooks.com or
413-253-3870 or by special
order. Also available at
amazon.com. Part of the
Certificate of Online
Journalism Program but open
to all.
Instructor: Carl Vigeland
Email:
c_vigeland@hotmail.com
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JOURNAL 397J
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ONLINE
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Global Perspectives in
Journalism
We will follow five threads
of thought which will
frequently ebb and wane and
intersect throughout the
semester. We will use a
systems approach to examine
the mix or matrix involving
these five threads. Current
Events: What happened last
week? How does this incident
fit into this course? What
were the parallels in
journalism and history? What
comes next? Technology
Development: A look at mass
media from Gutenberg to
transmitting images from
mobile phones. How have
governments reacted to
advancements in journalistic
tools? Journalistic
Techniques: As technology
allowed journalists to
expand their audience and
speed the flow of
information, the news
business advanced to truly
becoming the international
Fourth Estate. Audience
Reactions: As news delivery
improved in scope and speed,
the consumers of news became
more sophisticated. Or did
they? History/Propaganda: Is
journalism really the first
draft of history, or is news
reporting merely the
distribution of myth and
propaganda? We know it is a
combination, but what are
the proportions and impacts?
Each week we will explore
the five threads above and
examine the development of
international reporting and
the social impact of both
foreign and domestic
journalism. There will be a
time-line each week as we
walk through these
developments and assess the
crucial impact of global
reporting. Understanding how
past and current techniques
and technology advanced will
give us a better handle on
where journalism might be
wandering in the next five
to twenty years. An
elective course for the
Certificate of Online
Journalism but is open to
all.
Instructor: Frank Faulkner
Email:
pronsias@ireland.com
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JOURNAL 397M
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ONLINE
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Digital Journalism
A hands-on approach to
publishing online. The first
half of this course studies
how getting news from online
sources is becoming the
preferred method for many
audiences, and these groups
are demanding news faster
and with greater detail. The
second half of the course
involves gathering and
producing news and images
for an online news
publication. Such
e-publications—examples
would include Slate, Salon,
and
digitaljournalist.org—This
student written publication
will serve as a laboratory
for experimenting with the
most effective ways to
present information online.
Issues such as the 2004
election and other events
related to the so-called
"civic journalism" movement
will be used as material for
our experimental
publication. Textbooks:
Web Journalism, by James
Glen Stovall, Allyn & Bacon
and Digital Journalism,
edited by Kevin Kawamoto,
Rowman and Littlefield. A
third text which will be
available in March published
by Macromedia. An
elective course for the
Certificate of Online
Journalism.
Instructor: Art Clifford
Email:
clifford@admin.umass.edu
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