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MCA - Media and Cinematic Arts

MCA 101 At the Movies: History and Analysis of Cinema

History and critical analysis of outstanding fiction films and filmmakers. Innovations from early silents to the present. (University Program Group I-A: Human Events and Ideas)

Credits
3(2-2)

Prerequisites

None.

Corequisites

None.

MCA 210 Revolutions in Mass Media: From Gutenberg to Zuckerberg and Beyond

Examination of historical, political, economic, social and legal evolution of mass media. Emphasis on mass media and their content in a social and cultural context.

Credits
3(2-2)

Prerequisites

None.

Corequisites

None.

MCA 211WI Writing for Multimedia

Introduction to creative writing and critical thinking skills to learn the various styles and formats of storytelling across media platforms. Writing Intensive.

Credits
3(3-0)

Prerequisites

None.

Corequisites

None.

MCA 222 Audio Production

The art and science of sound acoustics and basic audio and radio production.

Credits
3(1-4)

Prerequisites

None.

Corequisites

None.

MCA 223 Video Production

Intermediate course in the fundamentals of video production, technology, theory, and practical application. Course covers crew positions, pre- production process, technology and operation of production equipment.

Credits
3(1-4)

Prerequisites

None.

Corequisites

None.

MCA 265QR Understanding Media Measurement

Quantitative reasoning skills in electronic media management and media audience measurement. Quantitative Reasoning. (University Program Group III-B: Studies in Social Structures)

Credits
3(3-0)

Prerequisites

None.

Corequisites

None.

MCA 270 Live Event Sound

Provides students with the basic skills to design sound systems and mix sound for live performances and events including Theatrical, Music (Concert) and Speech. Identical to TAI 270. Credit may not be earned in more than one of these courses.

Credits
3(1-4)

Prerequisites

None.

Corequisites

None.

Cross Listed Courses

TAI 270

MCA 280 Drone Regulations

Introduces students to unmanned aerial systems (drone) technology, safe mission management, and FAA regulations for Part 107 certification. Identical to GEO 280. Credit may not be earned in more than one of these courses. Recommended: MTH 105 or higher.

Credits
2(2-1)

Prerequisites

None.

Corequisites

None.

Cross Listed Courses

GEO 280

MCA 281 Drone Operations

Study of safe drone mission management through hands-on drone operation and applications. Prerequisite: GEO 280.

Credits
1(1-1)

Prerequisites

GEO 280

Corequisites

None.

MCA 282 Storytelling with Drones

Using drones to help tell a story through video. Prerequisites: MCA 281; MCA 221 or MCA 223.

Credits
1(1-1)

Prerequisites

MCA 281; MCA 221 or MCA 223

Corequisites

None.

MCA 300 Black and African American Films & Filmmakers

Examination of Black and African American representation in film from the silent era to modern depictions, and of films by Black and African American filmmakers. Prerequisite: 26 credit hours completed.

Credits
3(3-0)

MCA 309 Mediated Communication and Global Identity

Analysis of American and International media to identify assumptions about global citizenship and how global citizenship relates to issues such as race/ethnicity and identity. Identical to COM 309. Credit may not be earned in more than one of these courses. Because the course involves international travel, all students must apply through the Office of Study Abroad. Prerequisites: A minimum of 12 completed credit hours. Recommended: A minimum of 56 completed credit hours. (University Program Group IV-B: Studies in Cultures Outside of the Anglo-American Tradition)

Credits
3(3-0)

Cross Listed Courses

COM 309

MCA 310 Exploring New Communication Technologies

A study of new and emerging communication technologies applied in mass media industries with emphasis on industrial, social, public policy, and technological changes.

Credits
3(3-0)

Prerequisites

None.

Corequisites

None.

MCA 311WI Electronic Media Copywriting

Practice in pervasive short forms of audio and video writing: commercials, continuity, public service announcements, and campaign evolution. Writing Intensive. Prerequisites: MCA 211 with a grade of C or better; or a minimum grade of B in ENG 101, ENG 103/ENG 193, ELI 198 or ENG 201.

Credits
3(3-0)

Prerequisites

MCA 211 with a grade of C or better; or signed Integrative Public Relations major with a minimum grade of C in ENG 101, ENG 103/ENG 193, ELI 198, or ENG 201

Corequisites

None.

MCA 317 Becoming a Media Personality

Study and practice in audio and video nonfiction performance techniques such as storytelling, commercials, podcasting, news, and live streaming for various media formats. Prerequisite: 26 completed credit hours.

Credits
3(2-2)

MCA 318WI Newswriting for Production and Performance

Techniques and principles of writing news copy for production and performance . Writing Intensive. Prerequisites: MCA 211 with a grade of C or better; or a minimum grade of B in ENG 101, ENG 103/ENG 193, ELI 198 or ENG 201.

Credits
3(3-0)

Prerequisites

MCA 211 with C or better; or signed Integrative Public Relations major with a grade of C or better in ENG 101, ENG 103/ENG 193, ELI 198, or ENG 201

Corequisites

None.

MCA 320 Special Topics in Media Arts

Consideration of subjects not listed in the regular department offerings. Repeatable when content does not duplicate previous special topics studies. Maximum credit, nine hours.

Credits
1-9(Spec)

MCA 329 Media Arts Practicum

Directed experience in media arts. A maximum of 4 hours can count toward a Media Arts major. A maximum of 2 hours can count toward a Media Arts minor. CR/NC only. Prerequisites: Minimum 2.25 GPA; permission of instructor.

Credits
1-8(Spec)

MCA 332 Content Creator Essentials

Examination of the concepts and tools for creating content across platforms. Topics include writing for the web, data infographics, social media, influencers, and streaming practices. Prerequisite: 26 completed credit hours.

Credits
3(2-2)

Prerequisites

26 completed credit hours.

Corequisites

None.

MCA 333 Storytelling Though Video Editing

Introduction to non-linear video editing using various styles, theories, and practices to understand how visual stories are constructed and refined in the editing room. Prerequisites: MCA 223.

Credits
3(2-2)

MCA 342 Field & Documentary Audio Production

Study and practice of field audio recording and documentary production techniques for audio media application and distribution. Prerequisites: MCA 222 with a C or better.

Credits
3(2-2)

MCA 350 Women in Film

Critical analysis of films written, directed and produced by women, evaluated from a variety of theoretical viewpoints; emphasis on the underrepresentation of women. Identical to WGS 350. Credit may not be earned in more than one of these courses. May be offered as Writing Intensive. (University Program Group IV-A: Studies in Discrimination)

Credits
3(2-2)

Cross Listed Courses

WGS 350

MCA 351 Queer Cinema

Introduction to the history, aesthetics and political/cultural importance of queer cinema. Focus on the New Queer Cinema movement. Identical to WGS 351. Credit may not be earned in more than one of these courses. May be offered as Writing Intensive. (University Program Group IV-A: Studies in Discrimination)

Credits
3(2-2)

Prerequisites

None.

Corequisites

None.

Cross Listed Courses

WGS 351

MCA 399 Media Career Building

Career-building strategies for obtaining entry-level positions, and techniques for successful career progressions in media-related fields. Typically taken in the junior year. Prerequisite: MCA 210 with a C or better and a minimum of 56 credit hours completed .

Credits
1(1-0)

MCA 412 Real Stories for Audio and Video: Narrative Nonfiction Scriptwriting

Development and honing of skills needed to write, edit, and revise creative and engaging narrative nonfiction scripts for audio and video formats. Prerequisite: 56 credit hours completed .

Credits
3(3-0)

Prerequisites

56 credit hours completed

Corequisites

None

MCA 421 Advanced Audio Production

Study and practice in advanced audio recording, mixing and editing for electronic media industries. Prerequisite: MCA 222 with a grade of C or better.

Credits
3(2-2)

Prerequisites

MCA 222 with a grade of C or better

Corequisites

None.

MCA 440 Introduction to Cinematography

Introduction to single-camera/cinema-style video production and post production, including producing, directing, lighting, camera operation and non-linear editing. Prerequisite: MCA 223 with a grade of C or better.

Credits
3(2-2)

Prerequisites

MCA 223 with a grade of C or better

Corequisites

None.

MCA 441 Producing and Directing in the Studio

Introduction to multi-camera video producing and directing, including studio and field-remote production environments. Prerequisite: MCA 223 with a grade of C or better.

Credits
3(2-2)

Prerequisites

MCA 223 with a grade of C or better

Corequisites

None.

MCA 451 Practicum in Media Sales

Directed sales experience at approved departmental student broadcast, cable and electronic facilities. Class serves as a capstone for the Electronic Media Sales minor. Prerequisites: MKT 340, 420; open only to signed Electronic Media Sales minors. Pre/Co-Requisites: MCA 516.

Credits
3(1-4)

Prerequisites

MKT 340, MKT 420; open only to signed Electronic Media Sales minors

Corequisites

None.

MCA 490 Independent Study in Media Arts

Student-initiated study guided by faculty or faculty committee. Maximum of 4 hours may be applied to degree. Does not fulfill requirements for a minimum of six (6) 400-500 level hours of electives in major. Prerequisites: Signed Media Arts major or minor; minimum Media Arts GPA of 3.0; Independent Study Project Prospectus approved by the study supervisor.

Credits
1-4(Spec)

Prerequisites

Signed Media Arts major or minor; minimum Media Arts GPA of 3.0; Independent Study Project Prospectus approved by the study supervisor

Corequisites

None.

MCA 499 Media Arts Capstone

Capstone assessment of the student's professional strengths and weaknesses plus refinement of strategies for establishing a successful post-graduate career. Prerequisites: Signed Media Arts major; a minimum of 105 completed credit hours.

Credits
1(1-0)

Prerequisites

Signed Media Arts major; a minimum of 105 completed credit hours

Corequisites

None.

MCA 503WI Critiquing Mass Media

Critical evaluation of mass media messages and content with special attention on media's aesthetic properties and economic, political and societal effects. Writing Intensive. Prerequisites: MCA 210 with a C or better or signed Cinema Studies minor or graduate standing.

Credits
3(3-0)

Prerequisites

MCA 210 with a C or better or signed Cinema Studies minor or graduate standing

Corequisites

None.

MCA 506WI Writing for the Small Screen

Creating episodic and serial television scripts from concept to pilot. Emphasis on story structure, characterization, and creative team dynamics. Writing Intensive. Prerequisites: 56 completed credit hours; or graduate standing.

Credits
3(3-0)

Prerequisites

56 completed credit hours; or graduate standing.

Corequisites

None.

MCA 508WI Writing the Feature-Length Screenplay

Techniques, formatting styles and aesthetic strategies for writing and analyzing feature-length cinematic narrative screenplays, emphasizing characterization, plot and structure. Writing Intensive. Prerequisites: 56 completed credit hours; or graduate standing.

Credits
3(3-0)

Prerequisites

56 completed credit hours; or graduate standing.

Corequisites

None.

MCA 510 Electronic Media Law

Regulation of the electronic media. Examination of legal and administrative materials and cases. Prerequisites: MCA 210 with a C or better and junior standing or above; or signed Cinema Arts major; or graduate standing.

Credits
3(3-0)

Prerequisites

MCA 210 with a C or better and junior standing or above; or signed Cinema Arts major; or graduate standing

Corequisites

None.

MCA 512 Electronic Media Promotion

Tools and techniques of promotion for electronic media. Emphasis on media needs, community relations and problems unique to the electronic media promoter. Prerequisite: Pre/Co-requisite MCA 311; limited to juniors or above; or graduate standing.

Credits
3(3-0)

Prerequisites

None.

Corequisites

None.

MCA 513 Media Entrepreneurship

This class is designed to help students understand the work of a media entrepreneur and the basics of starting and running a business. Prerequisite: 56 credit hours completed; or graduate standing.

Credits
3(3-0)

MCA 515 Sports Broadcasting

Overview of the sports broadcasting industry. Emphasis on tools and techniques of live sporting event production and reporting. Prerequisites: MCA 210, MCA 317 each with C or better; or graduate standing in Media Arts.

Credits
3(2-2)

MCA 516 Media Leadership

Discusses the role of media leadership. Topics include skills needed to lead companies through the production, distribution, marketing, and monetization of media content. Prerequisites: Limited to juniors or above; or graduate standing. standing.

Credits
3(3-0)

Prerequisites

Limited to juniors or above; or graduate standing.

Corequisites

None.

MCA 517 Professional Media Performance

Study and intensive practice in complex media performance situations. Special emphasis on realistic laboratory experience designed to explore the professional requirements of media-industry talent. Prerequisite: MCA 317 with a C or better; or graduate standing.

Credits
3(2-2)

Prerequisites

MCA 317 with a C or better; or graduate standing

Corequisites

None.

MCA 518 Multimedia News Reporting

Techniques of news gathering, reporting, and interviewing for news media programming. Prerequisites: MCA 318 with a C or better; or graduate standing.

Credits
3(2-2)

MCA 520 Special Topics in Media Arts

Current topics for each semester listed in Course Search and Registration. Repeatable up to 9 hours when content does not duplicate previous special topic studies. Prerequisites: Limited to juniors or above; or graduate standing.

Credits
1-9(Spec)

Prerequisites

Limited to juniors or above; or graduate standing

Corequisites

None.

MCA 521 Advanced Cinematography

Advanced theory and practice in the production of short form narrative video, with emphasis on the aesthetic aspects of lighting, direction and editing. Prerequisites: MCA 223, MCA 440 each with a grade of C or better; limited to juniors or above; or graduate standing.

Credits
3(2-2)

Prerequisites

MCA 223, MCA 440 each with a grade of C or better; limited to juniors or above; or graduate standing

Corequisites

None.

MCA 522 Audio Post-Production

Advanced recording, editing, sweetening, synchronizing and mixing of audio for video/film applications. Prerequisites: MCA 223, MCA 421 both with a grade of C or better; or graduate standing.

Credits
3(2-2)

MCA 524 Producing Live Television

A collaborative experiential approach to writing and constructing original television programming for a variety of platforms. Utilizes an industry-standard studio to create dynamic live productions. Prerequisite: MCA 318WI, or JRN 417WI, or graduate standing. Recommended: MCA 223.

Credits
3(1-4)

MCA 525 Film Genre Study

In-depth examination of selected film genres, themes and trends. Repeatable up to 9 hours when content previously studied is not duplicated. Prerequisites: Limited to juniors or above; or graduate standing.

Credits
3-9(Spec)

Prerequisites

Limited to juniors or above; or graduate standing.

Corequisites

None.

MCA 527 Film Directors

Critical examination of selected film directors, focusing on their themes and visual style. Repeatable up to 9 hours when content previously studied is not duplicated. Prerequisites: Limited to juniors or above; or graduate standing.

Credits
3-9(Spec)

Prerequisites

Limited to juniors or above; or graduate standing.

Corequisites

None.

MCA 528 History and Analysis of Documentary Film

History of the non-fiction film, with emphasis on narrative, aesthetic and rhetorical dimensions, as well as production, distribution and consumption conditions. Prerequisites: Limited to juniors or above; or graduate standing in Media and Cinematic Arts.

Credits
3(2-2)

Prerequisites

Limited to juniors or above; or graduate standing in Media and Cinematic Arts.

Corequisites

None.

MCA 529 Internship in Media & Cinema Arts

Directed work experience at participating media venues. May count 3 hours maximum toward a Media Arts major or minor. Minimum 2.5 GPA required. Prerequisites: Prior written approval of Internship Coordinator; limited to juniors or above; open only to signed Media Arts or Cinema Arts majors or minors.

Credits
1-6(Spec)

Prerequisites

Prior written approval of Internship Coordinator; limited to juniors or above; open only to signed Media Arts or Cinema Arts majors or minors.

Corequisites

None.

MCA 531 Client Based Video Production

Lecture and intensive hands-on theory, design and production of video and interactive programs specifically for and within institutional/corporate settings. Prerequisites: MCA 223, MCA 440 with a minimum grade of C in each; limited to juniors or above; or graduate standing.

Credits
3(2-2)

Prerequisites

MCA 223, MCA 440 with a minimum grade of C in each; limited to juniors or above; or graduate standing

Corequisites

None.

MCA 532 Advanced Video/Multimedia Post-Production

Lecture and intensive hands-on theory, design and production of multimedia/interactive digital video, with emphasis on advanced post- production technologies and techniques. Prerequisites: MCA 223, MCA 440 with a grade of C or better; or graduate standing.

Credits
3(2-2)

Prerequisites

MCA 223, MCA 440 with a grade of C or better; or graduate standing

Corequisites

None.

MCA 533 Advanced Theory and Practice for Content Creators

Analysis of post-broadcast and emerging media practices. Emphasis on streaming and social media production routines and their political and social outcomes. Prerequisites: MCA 332; or graduate standing.

Credits
3(2-2)

Prerequisites

MCA 332; or graduate standing

Corequisites

None.

MCA 534 Media Content Distribution and Business

Exploration of marketing and distributing media content from podcasts to films to videos. Learn about rights, residuals, copyrights, and strategies to reach an audience. Prerequisites: 56 completed credit hours; or graduate standing. Recommended: MCA 265QR.

Credits
3(3-0)

Prerequisites

56 completed credit hours; or graduate standing.

Corequisites

None.

MCA 540WI Music Industry and Business

Exploration of the music recording industry, music copyrights and music industry business and marketing strategies to reach consumers. Writing Intensive. Prerequisites: Limited to juniors or above; or graduate standing.

Credits
3(3-0)

Prerequisites

Limited to juniors or above; or graduate standing.

Corequisites

None.

MCA 542 Contemporary Recording and Mixing

Advanced recording, mixing and mastering techniques of contemporary music for multimedia distribution. Laboratory hours arranged with instructor. Prerequisites: MCA 421 with a grade of B or better; or graduate standing.

Credits
3(2-2)

Prerequisites

MCA 421 with a grade of B or better; or graduate standing

Corequisites

None.

MCA 560 Radio Operations

Preparation and performance in radio broadcast practices, emphasizing daily operations and radio management principles. Summer Session I only. Laboratory hours arranged with instructor. Prerequisites: Minimum 2.25 GPA, MCA 222 or MCA 317; or graduate standing.

Credits
3(1-4)

MCA 571 Telecommunications Media Policy

Learn how the legal and economic policies that impact the structure, functions, and prospects of American electronic media systems are created and managed. Prerequisite: MCA 510 and 56 completed credit hours; or graduate standing.

Credits
3(3-0)

Prerequisites

MCA 510 and 56 completed credit hours; or graduate standing.

Corequisites

None.

MCA 575 Film Theory and Criticism

Survey and application of major film theories. Prerequisites: MCA 101 and 56 completed credit hours; or graduate standing.

Credits
3(3-0)

Prerequisites

MCA 101 and 56 completed credit hours; or graduate standing.

Corequisites

None.