Course Descriptions


Communications (COM) Courses

COM 100 Human Communication (3-0) 3 credits

The purpose of this course is to develop fundamental skills necessary to achieve effective communication across a variety of contexts. The primary objectives of this course are to identify fundamental communication skills and identify the variety of communication contexts in which those skills will be utilized. Furthermore students are expected write and deliver speeches and also effectively evaluate the speeches of their peers. This course carries SUNY General Education Oral Communication credit.  View Course Syllabus Adobe Acrobat, PDF


COM 101 First Year Seminar in Communications and New Media (1-0) 1 credit

This seminar style course is designed to introduce, acclimate and connect students to the college campus, their degree program and the career fields of Communication and New Media. In-depth discussions, guest speakers, specialized topics, and a final presentation tied to the student’s areas of interest will assist students in formulating professional goals and achieving academic success.  View Course Syllabus Adobe Acrobat, PDF


COM 110 Public Speaking (3-0) 3 credits

A primary objective of the course is to develop skill in oral communication by helping the student to understand the principles of good public speaking: research, organization, revision, audience analysis, language, and presentation techniques. Emphasis will be placed on the development of self-confidence. This course carries SUNY General Education Oral Communication credit.  View Course Syllabus Adobe Acrobat, PDF


COM 111 Voice and Diction (3-0) 3 credits

A one semester course in the improvement of the speaking voice through vocal techniques and the interpretation of literature. This course is open to all students.  View Course Syllabus Adobe Acrobat, PDF


COM 115 Interpersonal Communication (3-0) 3 credits

The course focuses on the development of the interpersonal communication skills necessary for building and maintaining positive relationships. Topics of study include an orientation to interpersonal communication, verbal and non-verbal communication in relationships, managing conflict, as well as cultural and gender considerations. Students will study various theories and practice skill development in order to become more competent communicators. This course carries SUNY General Education Oral Communication credit.  View Course Syllabus Adobe Acrobat, PDF


COM 122 Video Advertising (3-0) 3 credits

This course is a workshop in planning, writing, producing, videotaping and editing video advertisements for television and the web. Students will receive experience in writing, production techniques (shooting and editing) and the evaluation of video ads. (Also listed as BUS 122)  View Course Syllabus Adobe Acrobat, PDF


COM 123 Video Production I (4-0) 4 credits

This course introduces students to the basic techniques of video production. Students will be given hands-on experience in camera operation, lighting, sound, computer graphics, switching, directing, and video tape editing. Experience with the local Public Access Television Channel (FLTV) is included.  View Course Syllabus Adobe Acrobat, PDF


COM 125 Healthcare Communication (3-0) 3 credits

Communication is at the center of providing patient-centered care. Health professionals need to express empathy as they communicate complex and difficult information through a variety of communication modalities. The primary objective of this course is to identify communication skills necessary to be able to communicate effectively within a variety of healthcare contexts. Students will practice research, analysis, and writing in genres used in the field as well as communication episodes that influence health and wellness outcomes. This course is restricted to Nursing Majors only. Prerequisite: ENG 101 (also listed as ENG 125) This course carries SUNY General Education Written Communication/Oral Communication credit.  View Course Syllabus Adobe Acrobat, PDF


COM 200 Audio for Film and Video (3-1) 3 credits

This course is an exploration of the principles of digital audio in today’s recording and multi-media industries. Topics discussed include: digital audio fundamentals, synchronization, recording, editing, and mixing audio for the film, video, and video gaming industries. Students will apply these principles via creating projects using Avid’s Pro Tools software. (Also listed as DIG 200)  View Course Syllabus Adobe Acrobat, PDF


COM 202 Introduction to Mass Communication (3-0) 3 credits

This course is designed to orient students to the field of Mass Communication and its impact and influence on their lives. Included is an overview of the field and discussion of the traditional mass media industries (newspapers, magazines, radio, television, movies and music) as well as new and emerging media. Regulations, responsibilities, convergence and the cultural impact of traditional and new media are discussed and evaluated.  View Course Syllabus Adobe Acrobat, PDF


COM 203 Public Relations (3-0) 3 credits

This survey course in Public Relations introduces students to the field of public relations. It will describe the responsibility and roles of the public relations professional in private and public companies. Prerequisites: ENG 101. (Also listed as BUS 203)  View Course Syllabus Adobe Acrobat, PDF


COM 210 Communications Practicum (2-0) 2 credits

Work experiences are arranged on-campus and with appropriate off-campus agencies to provide students with practical experience in advertising, public relations, radio, journalism, video production and new media. Prerequisites: Permission of the Instructor and a minimum overall grade-point average of 2.0.  View Course Syllabus Adobe Acrobat, PDF


COM 215 Script Writing (3-0) 3 credits

This course is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of developing and writing original scripts for film, television and multimedia. The course emphasizes proper script formats, theme, story, plot, dialogue, character arc, and the process of developing and writing a script. Prerequisite: ENG 101.  View Course Syllabus Adobe Acrobat, PDF


COM 220 Digital Video Editing (3-0) 3 credits

This course is designed to enhance students’ video editing skills through the hands-on use of nonlinear video editing software. Students will learn the fundamental and advanced capabilities of these sophisticated digital systems, which are widely used in professional video production. Prerequisite: COM 123  View Course Syllabus Adobe Acrobat, PDF


COM 223 Media Writing (3-0) 3 credits

This is an introductory course into the skills of the practicing media content producer with an emphasis on the study of newsgathering and news writing across platforms. Students will employ these skills in the production of material suitable for publication in print and electronic media. Prerequisite: ENG 101. (Also listed as ENG 223)  View Course Syllabus Adobe Acrobat, PDF


COM 225 Communication and Democracy (The Quest for Freedom, Equality and Inclusion in America) (3-0) 3 credits

This course investigates the relationship between oratory and the experience of diverse groups in America. To explore these relationships, students study foundational concepts about communication and important speeches that have facilitated cultural change in the United States. Special emphasis is placed on civic engagement and on issues of diversity, equity and inclusion. This course carries SUNY General Education Diversity: Equity, Inclusion and Social Justice credit. Prerequisite: COM 100 or COM 110  View Course Syllabus Adobe Acrobat, PDF


COM 230 Communication in a Diverse World (3-0) 3 credits

This course explores how communication intersects with diversity and encourages students to develop communication practices in order to help them be successful in our diverse world. This course will analyze the complexities of the sociocultural construction of identity, intersectionality and positionality. This course will further analyze the present and historical use of communication in various contexts such as but not limited to interpersonal, mass, public, social media, etc. used to oppress historically marginalized groups and communication practices that have been and can be used to demonstrate social justice. Prerequisite: ENG 101. This course carries SUNY General Education Diversity: Equity, Inclusion and Social Justice credit.  View Course Syllabus Adobe Acrobat, PDF