SCHOOL OF MASS COMMUNICATIONS 901 West Main Street T. Edward Temple Building, Room 2216 P.O. Box 842034 Richmond, VA 23284-2034 (804) 828-2660 www.has.vcu.edu/mac UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT HANDBOOK 2006-2007 TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction... 3 Program Overview... 3 Advising... 4 MASC Peer Advisers... 4 Requirements Overview... 4 The Pre-major... 5 Applying to the Major... 5 Overrides... 6 Information about Transfer Credits... 7 Math, Statistics and Computer Science Requirements... 8 KnowledgeNet Online Computer Tutorials... 8 Technical Standard.9 Natural Science Requirement...12 Foreign Language Requirement... 13 Helpful Advising Hints... 13 Degree Requirements General Education... 15 Approved List Classes... 17 1
Advertising Sequence... 20 Suggested Schedule of Courses - Strategic Advertising... 21 - Creating Advertising... 22 Journalism Sequence... 23 Suggested Schedule of Courses - Broadcast Journalism... 24 - Print Journalism... 25 Public Relations Sequence... 26 Suggested Schedule of Courses - Public Relations... 27 What Should I Do With My Electives?... 28 Electives To Consider... 29 Study Abroad... 30 Mass Communications Course Descriptions... 31 Faculty Directory... 35 Appendix Graduation Requirements Guide... A Petition to the Major... B 2
INTRODUCTION Welcome to the School of Mass Communications at Virginia Commonwealth University. This handbook is designed to explain and clarify the procedures and practices of the VCU School of Mass Communications program, including advising, registration and graduation requirements. The VCU Bulletin is the official source for the University s academic regulations and degree requirements. You should get a copy of the VCU Bulletin for the year in which you entered VCU. Using the Bulletin and this handbook, you should be able to understand and master these requirements to efficiently complete your degree. As a pre-major, you will be assigned an adviser from the College of Humanities & Sciences Advising Office, located at 701 West Main Street, with whom you should meet at least once a semester. Once you are admitted as a major into the School of Mass Communications, you will be assigned a faculty adviser. You should meet with this adviser at least once every semester too. The Mass Communications main office is located in the Temple Building, Room 2216. The phone number is 804-828-2660. Your adviser is there for assistance only; ultimately, you are responsible for keeping track of and meeting all the requirements of the School and the University, as well as staying informed about procedural changes. PROGRAM OVERVIEW The MASC program consists of a pre-major and a major. The pre-major is essentially the first two years of your program, during which you will complete the pre-major requirements. These requirements must be completed within the first 60 hours of your coursework or within the first two semesters at VCU if you are a transfer student or a newly declared MASC premajor. During this time, you will complete many of the general education requirements and two MASC requirements: MASC 101 Intro to Mass Communications and MASC 203 Writing for Mass Media. You may also take MASC 290 Ethical Problems in Mass Media. Once you have completed the pre-major requirements you must petition to be admitted to the major. Petitions are accepted once during the fall, spring and summer semesters for the next academic semester. Usually you will be in the major the final two years of your program. During this time you will take most of your MASC courses, the remainder of your general education requirements and your approved electives. The School of Mass Communications major is divided into three sequences of specialized study: 1) Advertising - including the creative and business concentrations 2) Journalism - including the broadcast and print concentrations 3) Public Relations When you petition to be admitted to the major, you will select one of the three sequences. Each sequence is designed to provide specific classes in its area of study. 3
ADVISING The University College provides advising to all Mass Communications pre-majors in Hibbs Hall. You are assigned a faculty adviser in Mass Communications when you officially move into the major. Beyond serving as a resource in course selections, MASC advisers are there to discuss various career opportunities and job placement possibilities. You can come into the Mass Communications main office to find out who is your assigned adviser, or visit the School s Web site, www.has.vcu.edu/mac/. MASC PEER ADVISERS In addition to faculty advisers, student peer advisers are on hand during the fall, spring and summer semesters. Peer advisers are MASC students who can answer general advising questions. The peer advisers are usually seniors and all peer advisers have at least a 2.75 cum. GPA and at least a 3.0 Mass Communications GPA. Their office is the Mass Comm Reading Room, Temple 22119. Office hours are posted on the door. You may also email the peer advisers at MASCPADVISER@VCU.EDU. If you are a mass communications major with a MASC GPA of 3.0 and a cumulative GPA of 2.75, then you can apply to be a peer adviser. You must work at least 3 hours a week and you will receive 1 credit each semester you are a peer adviser (maximum of ). Please see the Student Services Coordinator (TEMPL 2208 G) for more information. REQUIREMENTS OVERVIEW To graduate from VCU, you must complete a minimum of 120 credits in three areas: general education requirements, MASC requirements and electives. The general education requirements total approximately half of your 120 credits, covering work in English, mathematics, natural science, history, foreign language and other liberal arts. The MASC requirements total at least 34 but no more than 40 credits, providing training in your chosen sequence. The remainder of your credits will be electives. Electives are courses which you choose from a variety of subject areas to help meet your career goals, pursue a specialized interest or complete a minor. Mass Communications majors are encouraged to choose a minor that will complement their chosen sequence (see page 28, What Should I Do With My Electives? ). At least 45 of all credits must be 300- or 400- level courses. 4
You may test out of part or all of your foreign language, English composition and math requirements if you do well enough on VCU placement tests. You do not get credits toward your degree, but you do not have to take these courses and can use the credits for another purpose, like electives or to get a minor. THE PRE-MAJOR When you enter the Mass Communications program, you will automatically be a pre-major, even if you are changing from another major at VCU or transferring from another 4-year school. Transfer students should see the section in this handbook titled Information about Transfer Credits. You are required to complete the pre-major requirements within 60 course hours or two semesters after transferring to VCU. While in the pre-major division, you will complete many of your general education requirements and two MASC courses with grades of at least C: 1) MASC 101 Mass Communications a three-credit, freshman-level course that provides a broad survey of mass media, with emphasis on new media, global media and the business of media. The history and evolution of mass media are also examined. 2) MASC 203 Writing for Mass Media a three-credit, sophomore-level course that begins instruction into the gathering, writing and reporting of the news. To register for MASC 203, you must complete the request for MASC 203 form available from the University College (119 Hibbs Hall). Once approved for registration, you will be given an override card for the class. Prerequisites for MASC 203 include MASC 101, ENGL 101 with a grade of at least a C, cumulative GPA of at least 2.35, and the completion of the KnowledgeNet assessments for students graduating from the College of Humanities and Sciences. You may also choose to take MASC 290 Ethical Problems in Mass Media a three-credit, sophomore-level course which examines contemporary issues and problems in conventional and new media. The philosophical foundations and principles of ethical decision-making are explored. Mass Communications MASC 101 (or permission from the department) is a prerequisite for this course. MASC 290 is one option for fulfilling the collateral requirement for admission to the major. APPLYING TO THE MAJOR You must apply for admission to the major during the semester you will complete your pre-major requirements and the semester in which you will have earned no more than 60 credit hours. Transfer students and newly declared MASC pre-majors with more than 60 credit hours must apply for admission to the major within two semesters. To be admitted to the MASC major, you must: (refer to Appendix A) 1) Achieve a GPA of at least 2.5 for all course work at VCU plus a minimum MASC GPA of 2.0 5
2) Complete MASC 101 and MASC 203 with grades of at least C 3) Successfully complete the following general education requirements: ENGL 101 + ENGL 200 (with grades of C or better) MATH 131 ECON 203 Global Studies (LIST I) Natural Science/Physical Science including a lab (7-9 credits) KnowledgeNet Tests POLI 103 4) Complete one of the following collateral requirements (note: all must be completed in order to finish degree): Foreign Language through 102 level HIST 103 HIST 104 MASC 290 (with a grade of C or better) STAT 208 or 210 5) Apply (petition) to the major by the posted deadlines using the form available in the School s main office, TEMPLE 2216 (please see attachment at end of handbook). Applications received after these deadlines will not be processed until the semester has ended. You will therefore miss the opportunity to participate in advance registration for the next semester as a MASC major. Your application must be signed by your pre- MASC adviser, located in 119 Hibbs Hall. Phone: 827-UNIV. Applications are processed during the fall, spring and summer semesters. After you are accepted into the major, you will complete the remainder of your general education requirements, MASC required courses in your sequence and your electives. MASC majors must maintain a cumulative and major GPA of 2.5 each semester to remain in the major. In addition, MASC majors must have earned a 2.5 cumulative GPA in all VCU course work and a 2.5 GPA in Mass Communications course work to graduate. MASC majors must make grades of at least C in all courses that are prerequisites for other MASC courses. OVERRIDES The following is the official policy for course overrides in VCU s School of Mass Communications: A course override (permission for a student to enroll in a class that would otherwise be denied) is granted only under extraordinary circumstances. Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. Examples of extraordinary conditions include medical emergencies, family tragedies and other events that are clearly beyond the control of the student. Documentation will be required. NOTE: Work schedule conflicts, failure to register in a timely manner and need it to graduate are examples of reasons that will NOT be accepted. Overrides are granted by the instructor of the course you wish to take, except for MASC 203. Please see the Pre-MASC adviser in 119 Hibbs Hall and complete a MASC 203 Enrollment Request Form. Once this request is made you may pick up the override card from the Student Academic Adviser in TEMPLE 2208 I. 6
INFORMATION ABOUT TRANSFER CREDITS Upon transferring into the School from another university or from another program at VCU, you will be automatically be classified as a pre-major, primarily because we require that you take MASC 203 here at VCU. Therefore, you will probably spend at least one semester at VCU in the pre-major while you take MASC 203 regardless of the number of credits you transfer. There are a number of other points about transfer courses that you should remember: 1) The transfer of course credits from another university is not automatic. You must request that the other school send your transcript to VCU, after all of your grades have been posted. Evaluation of your general education transfer credits is done in the College of Humanities and Sciences Dean s Office, not in the School of Mass Communications. Any questions about your transfer credits should be directed there. The College of Humanities and Sciences Undergraduate Student Services is currently located in 211 Hibbs Hall, phone 828-1673. 2) The School of Mass Communications does not accept upper-level mass communications courses for transfer from other colleges or universities. 3) No MASC course taken at a community or two-year college will transfer to VCU as upperlevel (300- or 400-level) credits, even if it has the same title or covers the same material as a VCU major course. Students transferring 60 or more credits from a two-year institution should be aware that 45 upper-level credits must be completed at VCU. You are encouraged to take 300- and 400- level courses when you have the option. 4) Generally, only courses in which you make a grade of C or better will transfer, unless you are transferring an associate s degree. 5) Before you take courses at another college for transfer to VCU, check with the College of Humanities and Sciences, currently at 701 West Grace Street, 828-1673, to see if that course is the equivalent of a VCU course. You must fill out a form, available in the Dean s Office, to obtain permission to take courses elsewhere. 6) Even if a course does not fulfill a specific VCU requirement, it might transfer to VCU as an elective, as long as you received a grade of C or better. 7) Transferring 60 or more credits from a community college does not guarantee that you will finish your VCU degree in only 60 more credits. You may not have taken the correct courses to fulfill specific VCU requirements. 8) Advanced Placement and College-Level Examination Program tests may be used to fulfill general education or elective requirements. However, they may not fulfill specific Mass Communications major course requirements. 7
9) A.A., A.S. and A.A.S. degree holders should see the pre-masc adviser in University College, 119 Hibbs Hall. MATH, STATISTICS AND COMPUTER SCIENCE REQUIREMENTS You must take the MATH placement test to determine your skill level unless you receive transfer credit for equivalent work from another school. The test is given by the Department of Mathematical Sciences, located at 1015 W. Main St., Oliver Hall, Room 2054. Once your skill level is determined you will be able to register for certain classes: MATH 001, MATH 131 (or higher) and STAT 208. You must complete MATH 131 and STAT 208 or 210 for your Mass Communications degree: MATH 001 If you test below a certain level, you must take this remedial course before you can take MATH 131 Introduction to Contemporary Mathematics. You receive semester credit for the course on your schedule for financial aid purposes, etc., but no credit toward the degree. You should register for a section of MATH 001 designated as 001 or Elementary Algebra. This can be in the self-paced laboratory for math or in the traditional lecture or lecture-recitation. See the Schedule of Classes for days and times. The self-paced laboratory for MATH 001 allows you to work at your own pace, but does not provide the structure some students desire from the traditional lecture. MATH 131 You should register for a section designated Introduction to Contemporary Mathematics. If you placed out of Mach 131, you are eligible to enroll in STAT 208 or 210. STAT 208 or 210 If you place into STAT 208 or 210 (or MATH 200), then you have placed out of MATH 131. This means that you will not have to take MATH 131. You will not receive credit for this course. KNOWLEDGENET ONLINE COMPUTER TUTORIALS Every student in the College of Humanities and Sciences is required to complete a series of online tutorials and a computer proficiency examination that can be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via http://iserver.adm.vcu.edu/know/. You must complete this series of tutorials with a passing score of 70% or better on each section before you will be permitted to enroll in MASC 203. Be sure to print out the summary page of your scores; you will need this documentation in order to enroll in MASC 203. What Is KnowledgeNet? KnowledgeNet is a computer/web-based training system available to all VCU students, faculty and staff. Approximately 280 different tutorials are available online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In addition to the tutorials, KnowledgeNet also provides assessments. There is an assessment for each of the tutorials, or you may be assigned a customized assessment as an academic requirement. To access the KnowledgeNet Web site you will need a login ID and password. Once you 8
obtain your login ID and password, you can access any one of the available tutorials or assessments. You can go directly to the KnowledgeNet Web site from any of the Users Guide pages by clicking on the KnowledgeNet logo at the top of every page. If you are new to KnowledgeNet, we recommend taking a Guided Tour of their Web site (if you have speakers, make sure they are turned on). Logging In To KnowledgeNet In order to log in to KnowledgeNet, you will need a VCU email account and a VCUcard. Please note: For new students, before you can use your VCUcard number for any of the electronic services at VCU, you must be registered for classes. For assistance acquiring your VCU email account contact the VCU academic Technology Help Desk at www.at.vcu.edu/helpdesk. For assistance acquiring your VCUcard contact the VCUcard office or go to www.vcucard.com. If you already have a VCU email account and VCUcard you may proceed to the login page to the KnowledgeNet website at https://iserver.adm.vcu.edu/know/index.htm TECHNICAL STANDARDS FOR MASS COMMUNICATIONS PROGRAMS This description of technical standards to inform prospective and enrolled students of the skills needed for the various professions within communications, including but not limited to print journalism, broadcast journalism, on-line journalism, advertising, public relations and photography. These technical standards reflect the performance abilities and characteristics that are necessary to successfully complete the requirements of the programs in the School of Mass Communications. These standards are not requirements of admission into the program. People interested in applying for admission to the program should review these standards to develop a better understanding of the personal and professional attributes, skills, experiences, education, physical, medical, safety and other requirements that are necessary to successfully complete the program. The School of Mass Communications complies with the requirements and spirit of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Therefore, the School will endeavor to make reasonable accommodations for otherwise qualified students with disabilities. The School recognizes that the B.S. degree in Mass Communications carries with it the full authority of the institution and communicates to those who might seek the services of 9
the bearer of the degree that he or she is competent in the practice of communications. Therefore, the student must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that the faculty has determined are essential for the practice of communications and their specialties. Mass communications pre-majors and majors with disabilities documented by the VCU Office of Disability Support Services can request a meeting with the director of the VCU School of Mass Communications to discuss academic adjustment(s) to accommodate their disability. Reasonable accommodations will be determined by the VCU Office of Disability Support Services with input from the student, mass communications faculty who teach courses in the student s curriculum and the VCU School of Mass Communications administration. The following technical standards describe the essential functions that students must demonstrate in order to fulfill the requirements within each area of concentration in the School of Mass Communications. These technical skills are unique to each area of concentration; therefore a student who does not meet the technical standards in one area of concentration may meet them in another. Technical Standards 1. Physical/Motor Skills General: Students should have sufficient motor function to operate the equipment needed to meet curriculum requirements in all communications fields. Specific: All concentrations: A student must possess the motor skills to operate personal computers; use word processing software; manipulate graphic software; access the Internet and other online information; use spreadsheets, databases and other analytic software. In addition, students must have the speed and dexterity to use this equipment and software in such a manner as to be able to meet strict deadlines, similar to those imposed in their chosen professional field. Broadcast Journalism Student: 1. Student must have sufficient fine motor skills to manipulate a computer keyboard with fingertips or using an adaptive and/or accessibility device. 2. Ability to independently transport professional video field gear (approximately 60 lbs. total) and operate a professional video camera (approximately 30 lbs.) and lift it to shoulder height. 3. Ability to maneuver in small, unique and/or unusual spaces. 10
4. Sufficient fine motor skills to manipulate, process and edit video/audio materials and produce a finished product within strict deadlines. 5. Students must be able to complete projects/activities within short periods of time and/or adhere to strict deadlines. 2. Sensory/Observation General: Students should be able to acquire a predetermined level of required information through observation and personal experiences in basic and advanced courses. Students should be able to acquire visual and auditory information. Specific: Advertising Creative: A student must possess the visual acuity to see fine detail; discern differentiations in color, shape and texture with or without corrected vision. Journalism Print: A student must possess the visual acuity to read charts, records and small print and handwritten notations with or without corrected vision. Journalism Broadcast: A student must possess the visual acuity to see fine detail; discern differentiations in color, shape and texture; read and manipulate a digital sound wave on a computer screen; and see and manipulate a video image frame-by-frame. A student must also possess the visual acuity to read charts, records and small print and handwritten notations, and be able to focus on details for such activities as framing and capturing video and computer images with or without corrected vision. A Student must be able to accurately hear and distinguish sounds, voices, and other auditory stimulus in order to gather and complete audio/video projects. 3. Communication General: A student must be able to communicate effectively and accurately both orally and through writing. Students must be able to use these skills to gather and convey information. Specific: All concentrations: A student must have sufficient facility with English to retrieve information from texts, lectures and personal interviews and to communicate concepts and ideas on written exams and written and oral assignments. Journalism Broadcast: Students must have an effective broadcast voice, which includes industry standards such as clear articulation, enunciation and authoritativeness. 4. Cognitive General: A student must be able to measure, calculate, reason, analyze, integrate, and synthesize. 11
Specific: All concentrations: A student must be able to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and to understand basic spatial and mathematical relationships. Problem solving requires all of the intellectual abilities listed above. A student must be able to perform these problem solving skills in a timely manner and under strict deadlines, similar to those found in the communications profession. 5. Behavioral General: A Student must adhere to the universities student code of conduct. Specific: All concentrations: 1. Ability to endure physically taxing workloads and to function effectively under stress. 2. Ability to adapt to changing environments, display flexibility, and function in the face of uncertainties inherent in the communications field. Integrity, interpersonal skills and motivation are all personal qualities that will be assessed during the admissions and education processes. 3. Ability to accept criticism and respond by appropriate modification of behavior. 4. Ability to interrelate among fellow students, team members, internship providers, human news sources, community members and faculty with honesty, integrity, respect and nondiscrimination. 5. Ability to tolerate and function effectively under stress, time constraints and distracting conditions. 6. Ability to adapt to changing environments and display flexibility in the classroom and in hands-on/practical assignments. NATURAL SCIENCE REQUIREMENT You are required to complete at least seven credits of natural science courses. Students must complete one biological science, one physical science and one lab with either one of these courses. Choose from the following courses (PHYS 107, CHEM 110 and CHEM 112 are not math dependent and are designed for non-science majors): Biological Science BIOL 101/L101 Life Sciences BIOL 102/L102 Science of Heredity BIOL 103/L103 Environmental Science (4 credit lecture, 1 credit lab) Physical Science PHYS 101/L101 Foundations of Physics PHYS 103/L103 Elementary Astronomy 12
PHYS 107/L107 The Wonders of Technology PHYS 191 Topics: Experiencing Science CHEM 110/L110 Chemistry and Society CHEM 112 Chemistry in the News FOREIGN LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT You are required to complete a foreign language through the 102 level, usually eight credits. You must take two semesters of the same language (you cannot complete this requirement with ITAL 101 and GRMN 101, for example). If you have had some foreign language in high school, you must take a placement test. If you score below the 102 level, you can take the 101 course in that language for audit (no credit), then take the 102 course. If you score above the 102 level, you have tested out of the requirement and do not need to take a language class. If you score at the 102 level, then you are only required to take the 102 course of that language. The test is to be taken only once, before you register for a language course. Check with the Department of Foreign Languages, located at 820 W. Franklin St., Lafayette Bldg., Room 101, about these tests. HELPFUL ADVISING HINTS 1) Keep this handbook and the VCU Undergraduate and Professional Programs Bulletin for the year you entered VCU program. These publications will be helpful throughout your academic career. University curriculum, rules and procedures change, but you are governed by the version of the bulletin and handbook in effect when you entered the School of Mass Communications. 2) Many of the questions you may have are answered in the VCU Bulletin or this handbook, so please read thoroughly before calling your adviser. 3) Don t catch your adviser in a hallway and ask, Do I need course XXX to graduate? That question is much more complex than you might realize, since one course might not be necessary for your MASC degree, but it might be necessary for your 45 upper-level credits. 4) Typing is a critical skill, not only in college, but also in most professional job settings. We recommend that you be able to type at least 35 wpm. 5) You must be able to write and speak well to be successful in any of the mass communications professions. If you have problems with English grammar, spelling, punctuation or sentence construction, you should make extra efforts to overcome them. The University offers writing courses of many kinds and the Department of English runs a Writing Center where you can obtain help with your writing problems. ENGL 114 English Grammar and Usage may be helpful. Take advantage of these opportunities. 13
6) Your first two years will be spent completing many of the general education requirements. These courses are required for many VCU majors. This protects you in case you decide to change majors before you are admitted the Mass Communications major. It also allows you to focus on your professional Mass Communications courses without the distractions of having to take STAT 208 in your last semester senior year. 7) You may not take 300 or 400 level MASC courses unless you have been admitted to the MASC major. If you try to register for them, you will be blocked by the university registration system. This does not apply to upper-level courses given by other departments. For example, you do not have to be a MASC major to take POLI 322 or MRBL 308; each department has its own restrictions. 8) You will be dropped from the major if your cumulative and/ or major GPA falls below 2.5. In addition, you will be dropped from major courses if you do not have the stated prerequisites, found in this handbook in the degree requirement section. Prerequisites are also listed in the VCU Undergraduate Bulletin. Also note that overrides into closed classes are generally not allowed. 9) Make sure you attend the first meeting of all of your courses. Do not assume that an instructor will drop you from a class for non-attendance, although they reserve the right to do so. If you want to drop a class, make sure to drop the class using e-services. 10) After you make your choice of a sequence in Mass Communications, it quickly becomes difficult to change to another sequence because you are limited to a set amount of MASC credits. Use your pre-major time to gather information about the various mass communications careers, talk to your adviser and other professors and participate in the student clubs and student media. 11) Student clubs and student media are excellent activities. They connect you with other students with similar interests, provide the opportunity for professional contacts and offer additional experience that will be useful in your profession. These activities also can strengthen your resume and help you in the job-hunting process after graduation. The School has student chapters of the Society of Professional Journalists, the National Association of Black Journalists, the Association of Black Communicators, Public Relations Student Society of America, Radio Television News Directors Association and the Ad Club. Student media include the student-run newspapers, The Commonwealth Times and The Vine; and the campus radio station, WVCW. 12) You also should take advantage of the numerous opportunities for practical experience in your chosen area. Practical experience outside the classroom is an invaluable asset when you start looking for a job. Internships are available in each sequence for credit and some are paid positions (note that internships for credit are not available to pre-major students). The university also has a cooperative education program that can place you into paying jobs in your area of interest. Contact the University Career Center at (804) 828-1645 for more information on cooperative education opportunities. The student media on campus are another source of practical experience. Although they are not directly connected with the MASC program, the experience is useful. 13) Remember that you are allowed a total of three credits of fieldwork (MASC 493) in your program. It may be wise, therefore, to sign up for only one or two internship credits per semester, 14
thereby allowing yourself as much varied internship experience as possible. For more information about internships, contact the School s Student Services Coordinator at 828-2660. 14) You need at least 34 but no more than 40 credits in Mass Communications course work for graduation. This helps ensure that you receive a solid foundation in liberal arts to support your chosen MASC concentration. Therefore, where there is space in your particular sequence for a MASC elective, choose it carefully. 15) The rules and procedures of the MASC program have been carefully created to make sure the School operates efficiently, to make your education as beneficial as possible and to assure fair and equal treatment of all students. All requests for exceptions must be processed through your adviser and approved by the School s director. Note that exceptions are rare and are granted only in special circumstances. DEGREE REQUIREMENTS The following pages list the specific course requirements for graduation. The first section lists the general education courses required of all Mass Communications majors, regardless of sequence, including pre-major requirements (MASC 101 and MASC 203 are prerequisites for all upper-level mass communications courses). Second is the College of Humanities and Sciences approved lists. Next is the list of course requirements along with a suggested four-year schedule for each of the sequences: advertising, journalism and public relations. Prerequisites are listed in parentheses after each course title. At the end of this section is a list of suggested electives you might find useful. Use these pages as a worksheet to track your progress toward graduation. GENERAL EDUCATION These courses are required of all MASC students. Prerequisite courses are shown in parentheses and italicized. ENGL 101 Composition & Rhetoric ENGL 200 Composition & Rhetoric (ENGL 101 and sophomore standing, grade of C required) MASC 101 Mass Communications * MASC 203 Writing for Mass Media (MASC 101) * (Grade of C is required in the above MASC courses) Natural Sciences, 7-9 credits total BIOL 101 Life Sciences OR BIOL 102 Science of Heredity OR 15
BIOL 103 Environmental Science AND PHY 101 Foundations of Physics OR PHY 103 Elementary Astronomy OR PHY 107 Wonders of Technology OR PHY 191: Topics Experiencing Science OR CHE 110 Chemistry and Society OR CHEM 112 Chemistry and the News AND LAB selected from biology of physical science 1 credit MATH 131 Introduction to Contemporary Mathematics KnowledgeNet Online Tutorials/Tests required by the College of H&S (http://iserver.adm.vcu.edu/know/) 0 credits Global Studies (See Approved List I) ECON 203 POLI 103 U.S. Government One of the following courses is required for admittance to the major: (all must be completed for degree) MASC 290 Ethical Problems in Mass Media (MASC 101) Foreign Language through the 102 level 0-8 credits HIST 103 Survey of American History HIST 104 Survey of American History STAT 208 Statistical Thinking (MATH 131) 16
OR STAT 210 Basic Practice of Statistics (MATH 131) Courses below this line are not required before admission into the major. 300/400 level Political Science or Urban Studies (choose from POLI 303, 310, 311, 314, 315, *321, 322, 331, 341, 365, 409, 420, 425 or URSP *304, 310, *315, *316, *340, *350 *Meet both POLI and URSP collateral and List K requirement Literature (see Approved List F) Literature Elective, except for ENGL 351 or ENGL 433 Visual and Performing Arts (see Approved List E) Human Behavior Requirement (see Approved List J) Advertising students must choose ANTH 103, PSYC 101 or SOCY 101 2-4 credits Historical and Cultural Origins (See Approved List G) College of Humanities and Sciences Approved Lists (additional classes can be found online at the VCU Schedule of Classes) Approved list E Visual and Performing Arts ARTE 121-122 The Individual in the Creative Process ARTE 301-302 Art for Elementary Teachers ARTE 408 Two-Dimensional Art Experiences ARTE 409 Three-Dimensional Art Experiences ARTF 121-122 Introduction to Drawing Communication arts and design DANC 171, 172 T ai Chi DANC 183-184 Introduction to Modern Dance Technique DANC 313 Dance in World Cultures IDES 103-104 Introductory Studio Course Music APPM 191-192 Class Lessons in Piano APPM 193-194 Class Lessons in Voice APPM 195-196 Class Lessons in Guitar MUSC 111 MIDI Programming and Synthesis 17
MHIS 105-106 Introduction to Writing Music MHIS 243 Music Appreciation PAPR 155, 156 Drawing and Painting, Basic PHTO 243 Photography THEA 107, 108 Introduction to Stage Performance Approved list F Literature ENGL 201 Western World Literature I ENGL 202 Western World Literature II ENGL 203 British Literature I ENGL 204 British Literature II ENGL 205 American Literature ENGL 206 American Literature II ENGL 211 Contemporary World Literature ENGL 215 Readings in Literature ENGL 216 Readings in Narrative ENGL 236/WMNS 236 Women in Literature ENGL 241 Shakespeare s Plays ENGL 291 Topics in Literature Approved list G Historical and Cultural Origins ANTH 105 Introductory Archaeology FRLG/INTL 203 Language and Identity GEOG 312/ANTH 312 History of Human Settlement HIST 101 Survey of European History I HIST 102 Survey of European History II HIST 105/AFAM 105 Survey of African History I HIST 106/AFAM 106 Survey of African History II HIST 107 Survey of Asian History I HIST 108 Survey of Asian History II HIST 109 Survey of Latin American History I HIST 110 Survey of Latin American History II PHIL 103 Ancient Greek and Medieval Western PHIL 104 Modern Western Philosophy RELS 311 Religions of the World I RELS 312 Religions of the World II Approved list I Global Studies GEOG 307, 308 World Regions INTL 101 Human Societies and Globalization INTL 330/SOCY 330 Global Societies: Trends and Issues MASC/INTL 151 Communications Technology and Global Society POLI 105/INTL 105 International Relations POLI 365/INTL 365 International Political Economy SOCY 430 Politics, Power, and Ideology Approved list J Human Behavior ANTH/INTL 103 Cultural Anthropology ECON 101 Introduction to Political Economy ECON 203 Introduction to Economics GEOG 102 Introduction to Cultural Geography PSYC 101 Introduction to Psychology SOCY 101 General Sociology SOCY 340 Self and Society SOCS 340 Human Sexuality WMNS 201 Introduction to Women s Studies Approved list K Urban Environment (See course descriptions in the bulletin for any prerequisites.) ANTH 391 Topics in Anthropology: Urban Anthropology CRJS 181 Justice System Survey CRJS 305 Policing Theories and Practice 18
CRJS 352 Crime and Delinquency Prevention CRJS 468 Economic Offenses and Organized Crime ECON 321/URSP 321 Urban Economics ENGL 454 Cross-Cultural Communication ENVS 491 Topics in Environmental Studies: Ecology of Urban Environments FREN 301 Advanced Grammar and Writing FRLG 490 Foreign Language Internship GEOG 311, 312/ANTH 311, 312 History of Human Settlement HIST 490 Seminar in History: Theater as History: Richmond During the Great Depression HUMS 291 Special Topics in the Humanities and Sciences: Discover Richmond HUMS 391 Science Education in the Urban Environment MASC 303 General Assignment Reporting MASC 403 Advanced Reporting MASC 404 Specialized/Project Reporting MASC 439 Public Relations Campaigns MASC 464 Electronic Media Writing III POLI 321 Urban Government and Politics PSYC 493 Fieldwork: Youth in Corrections PSYC 493 Fieldwork: Mentoring Urban Youth SLWK 422 Social Welfare Legislation and Services SOCY 302 Contemporary Social Problems SOCY 321 Class, Status and Power SOCY 327 Urban Sociology SOCY 493 Field Research: Youth in Corrections SPAN 402 Language Issues in the Spanish-Speaking World URSP 116 Introduction to the City URSP 245 Housing and Community Revitalization URSP 261 Design of the City URSP 302/GEOG 302 Land Use Capability URSP 304 Urban Social Systems URSP 306/GEOG 306 Urban Economic Geography URSP 315 The Evolution of American Cities URSP 316 Urban Life in Modern America URSP 340/GEOG 340/INTL 340 World Cities Outside of North America URSP 350/INTL 345/EUCU 345 Culture and Urbanism in Great Cities of the World 19
ADVERTISING SEQUENCE PRE-MAJOR All courses are worth except where indicated. MASC prerequisites are noted in parentheses. MAJOR MASC 101 Mass Communications MASC 203 Writing for Mass Media (MASC 101, ENGL 101, cum. GPA of 2.35 or higher KnowledgeNet assessments for students in the College of Humanities and Sciences) MASC 290 Ethical Problems in Mass Media (MASC 101) MASC 101 and 203 are prerequisites for all upper-level MASC courses. Additional MASC prerequisites are listed in parentheses. Check pages 31-34 in this handbook for course descriptions. All Advertising students: MASC 300 Media Graphics MASC 380 Introduction to Advertising MASC 392 Advertising Copywriting (380) MASC 408 Communications Law MASC 481 Advertising Campaigns (392, 394*) (*Strategic Concentration not required to take MASC 394.) and requirements under Strategic or Creative concentrations Creative Concentration MASC 394 Advertising Art Direction (300, 380) MASC 450 Advertising Portfolio Development (300, 380, 392, 394) MASC 451 Advertising Portfolio Development Cont. (300, 380, 392, 394, 450) MASC Elective Strategic Concentration MASC 398 Advertising Account Planning and Media Strategy (380 or 323) MASC 399 Advertising Account Management (380) MASC 408 Communications Law MASC 459 Advertising Business Portfolio (380, 398, 399, MRBL 308) MASC 493 Fieldwork/Internship MASC Elective 1- Additional Collateral Requirements for ALL Advertising students List K Requirement (POLI 321 or URSP 304, 315, 316, 340, 350 recommended) MRBL 308 Introduction to Marketing (Junior standing) SOCY 101, PSYC 101 or ANTH 101 3-4 credits NOTES Students are required to complete a total of 120 credits to graduate. Students may not take more than 40 credits in mass communications courses. In addition, students must take 45 credits in 300- and 400-level courses (including MASC courses). 20
STRATEGIC ADVERTISING SUGGESTED SCHEDULE OF COURSES First Year ENGL 101 3 Literature-List F 3 HIST 103 3 HIST 104 3 MASC 101 3 MASC 290 3 MATH 131 3 STAT 208 3 Foreign Language 4 Foreign Language 4 Total Credits 16 Total Credits 16 Second Year ENGL 200 3 MASC 203 3 KnowledgeNet 0 ANTH 103, PSYCH 101, or 3 SOCY 101-List J ECON 203 3 Global Studies-List I 3 Science w/lab 4 Science-lecture only 3 POLI 103 3 Literature Elective 3 Hist/Cultural Origin -List G 3 Total Credits 16 Total Credits 15 Third Year MASC 300 3 MASC 392 3 MASC 380 3 MASC 398 3 MASC Elective 3 MRBL 308 3 Upper Level Elective 3 Elective 3 Upper Level Elective 3 Upper Level Elective 3 Total Credits 15 Total Credits 15 Fourth Year MASC 399 3 MASC 493 3 MASC 408 3 MASC Elective 3 POLI 322 or alternative* 3 Arts - List E 3 Urban Environment -List K 3 MASC 481 3 Elective 3 MASC 459 3 Total Credits 15 Total Credits 15 * Some of the alternative classes will also fulfill the List K requirement. See your adviser. Total credits needed to graduate = 120 21
CREATIVE ADVERTISING SUGGESTED SCHEDULE OF COURSES First Year ENGL 101 3 Literature-List F 3 HIST 103 3 HIST 104 3 MASC 101 3 MASC 290 3 MATH 131 3 STAT 208 3 Foreign Language 4 Foreign Language 4 Total Credits 16 Total Credits 16 Second Year ENGL 200 3 MASC 203 3 KnowledgeNet 0 ANTH 103, PSYCH 101, or 3 SOCY 101-List J ECON 203 3 Global Studies-List I 3 Science w/lab 4 Science -lecture only 3 POLI 103 3 Literature Elective 3 Hist/Cultural Origin -List G 3 Total Credits 15 Total Credits 16 Third Year MASC 300 3 MASC 392 3 MASC 380 3 MASC 394 3 MASC Elective 3 MRBL 308 3 Upper Level Elective 3 Elective 3 Upper Level Elective 3 Upper Level Elective 3 Total Credits 15 Total Credits 15 Fourth Year MASC 450 3 MASC 481 3 MASC 408 3 MASC 451 3 Arts - List E 3 MASC Elective 3 POLI 322 or alternative* 3 Elective 3 Urban Environment -List K 3 Elective 3 Total Credits 15 Total Credits 15 Total credits needed to graduate = 120 * Some of the alternative classes will also fulfill the List K requirement. See your adviser. 22
JOURNALISM SEQUENCE PRE-MAJOR All courses are worth except where indicated. MASC prerequisites are noted in parentheses. MASC 101 Mass Communications MASC 203 Writing for Mass Media (MASC 101, ENGL 101, cum. GPA of 2.35 or higher) MASC 290 Ethical Problems in Mass Media (MASC 101) MAJOR MASC 101, 203 and 290 are prerequisites for all upper-level MASC courses. Additional MASC prerequisites are listed in parentheses. Check pages 28-31 in this handbook for course descriptions. All Journalism students: MASC 303 General Assignment Reporting MASC 363 Electronic Media Writing I (with 365 & 366) MASC 365 Radio Production (with 363 & 366) MASC 366 Television Production (with 363 & 365) MASC 408 Communications Law MASC 493 Fieldwork/Internship MASC 495 Journalism Seminar (with 403, 404, 461, 465 or 475) and requirements under Broadcast or Print concentrations 1 credit 1 credit 1-1 credit Broadcast Concentration MASC 361 History and Development of Broadcasting MASC Elective choose four credits from the following: MASC 415 Advanced Television Production (366, with 464) MASC 463 Electronic Media Writing II (363, 365) MASC 464 Electronic Media Writing III (363, 365, 366, with 415) choose three to seven credits from the following: MASC 362 Photojournalism MASC 461 The Documentary (363, 365, 366 with 462) MASC 465 Newscasting (363 with 466) MASC 466 VCU InSight Production MASC 475 Capital News Service Print Concentration MASC 300 Media Graphics MASC 305 Copy Editing (300) MASC Electives choose six credits from the following: MASC 403 Advanced Reporting (303, 305) MASC 404 Specialized Project Reporting (403) MASC 475 Capital News Service (300, 303) 1 credit 1 credit 4 credits 3-6 credits Additional Collateral Requirement for ALL Journalism Students History Elective taught by the History Department NOTES Students are required to complete a total of 120 credits to graduate. Students may not take more than 40 credits in mass communications courses. In addition, students must have taken 45 credits in 300- and 400-level courses (including MASC courses). 23
BROADCAST JOURNALISM SUGGESTED SCHEDULE OF COURSES First Year ENGL 101 3 Global Studies List I 3 HIST 103 3 HIST 104 3 MASC 101 3 MASC 290 3 MATH 131 3 STAT 208 3 Foreign Language 4 Foreign Language 4 Total Credits 16 Total Credits 16 Second Year ENGL 200 3 MASC 203 3 ECON 203 3 History Elective 3 KnowledgeNet 0 Science-lecture only 3 Science w/lab 4 Literature List F 3 POLI 103 3 Arts List E 3 Hist. Cultural Origins List G 3 Total Credits 15 Total Credits 16 Third Year MASC 303 3 MASC 408 3 MASC 363 3 4 credits from MASC 415, 3 463 or 464 MASC 365 1 MASC 361 3 MASC 366 1 Literature List F 3 Upper Level Elective 3 Upper Level Elective 3 POLI 322 or alternative 3 Total Credits 14 Total Credits 15 Fourth Year 4 to 9 credits from MASC 4 MASC 493 3 461, 462, 465, or 466 MASC Elective 3 3 to 7 credits from MASC 3 362, 461, 465, 466 or 475 Human Behavior List J 3 MASC 495 1 Elective 3 Elective 3 Elective 3 Elective 3 Total Credits 16 Total Credits 13 Total credits needed to graduate = 120 24
PRINT JOURNALISM SUGGESTED SCHEDULE OF COURSES First Year ENGL 101 3 Global Studies List I 3 HIST 103 3 HIST 104 3 MASC 101 3 MASC 290 3 MATH 131 3 STAT 208 3 Foreign Language 4 Foreign Language 4 Total Credits 16 Total Credits 16 Second Year ENGL 200 3 MASC 203 3 ECON 203 3 History Elective 3 SmartForce Tutorials/Tests 0 Science-lecture only 3 Science w/lab 4 Literature List F 3 POLI 103 3 POLI 322 or alternative 3 Hist. Cultural Origins List G 3 Total Credits 15 Total Credits 16 Third Year MASC 303 3 MASC 408 3 MASC 363 3 MASC 305 3 MASC 365 1 Arts List E 3 MASC 366 1 Literature Elective 3 Upper Level Elective 3 MASC Elective 3 MASC 300 3 Total Credits 14 Total Credits 15 Fourth Year Choose from MASC 403, 3 MASC 493 3 404, or 475 MASC Elective 3 MASC Elective 3 Human Behavior List J 3 Choose from MASC 403, 3 404, or 475 Elective 3 MASC 495 1 Elective 3 Elective 3 Total Credits 15 Total Credits 13 Total credits needed to graduate = 120 25
PRE-MAJOR PUBLIC RELATIONS SEQUENCE All courses are worth except where indicated. MASC prerequisites are noted in parentheses. MASC 101 Mass Communications MASC 203 Writing for Mass Media (MASC 101, ENGL 101, cum. GPA of 2.35 or higher) MASC 290 Ethical Problems in Mass Media (MASC 101) MAJOR MASC 101, 203 and 290 are prerequisites for all upper-level major courses. Additional MASC prerequisites are listed in parentheses. Check pages 28-31 in this handbook for course descriptions. MASC 300 Media Graphics MASC 323 Public Relations MASC 333 Public Relations Writing (MASC 323) MASC 335 Public Relations Production (MASC 333, SPCH 321) MASC 408 Communications Law MASC 425 Public Relations Research MASC 439 Public Relations Campaigns (MASC 323, 333, 335 and 425) MASC 493 Fieldwork/Internship (permission required) MASC elective Collateral Requirements MRBL 308 Introduction to Marketing MGMT 319 Organizational Behavior ACCT 202 Accounting for Non-Business Majors SPCH 321 Speech for Business and Professions History Elective taught by the History Department 1- NOTES Students need to complete a total of 120 credits to graduate. Students may not take more than 40 credits in mass communications courses. In addition, students must take at least 45 credits in 300- and 400- level courses (MASC courses are included in this count). 26
PUBLIC RELATIONS - SUGGESTED SCHEDULE OF COURSES First Year ENGL 101 3 ENGL Literature List F 3 HIST 103 3 HIST 104 3 POLI 103 3 MASC 101 3 MATH 131 3 STAT 208 3 Foreign Language 4 Foreign Language 4 Total Credits 16 Total Credits 16 Second Year ENGL 200 3 MASC 203 3 ECON 203 3 History Elective 3 MASC 290 3 Global Studies List I 3 KnowledgeNet 0 Science - Lecture Only 3 Science w/lab 4 Literature Elective 3 Hist. Cultural Origins List G 3 Total Credits 15 Total Credits 16 Third Year MASC 300 3 MASC 333 3 MASC 323 3 MASC 408 3 MRBL 308 3 Arts List E 3 MGMT 319 3 SPCH 321 3 Upper Level Elective 3 ACCT 202 3 Total Credits 15 Total Credits 15 Fourth Year MASC 335 2 MASC 439 3 MASC 425 3 MASC 493 1-3 MASC Elective 3 Upper Level Elective 3 POLI 322 or alternative 3 Elective 3 Human Behavior List J 3 Elective 3 Total Credits 14 Total Credits 13 Total credits needed to graduate = 120 NOTE: Students may use MASC 439 to fulfill the Urban Environment List K Requirement. 27