Master of Arts (M.A.) Major in Mass Communication (Professional Project Option)

MC 5199B. Thesis.

This course represents a student’s continuing thesis enrollment. The student continues to enroll in this course until the thesis is submitted for binding. Prerequisite: MC 5399A and completed course work.

MC 5299B. Thesis.

This course represents a student’s continuing thesis enrollment. The student continues to enroll in this course until the thesis is submitted for binding. Prerequisite: MC 5399A and completed course work.

MC 5300. Teaching Techniques in Mass Communication.

This course is an introduction to curriculum, instruction, and assessment methods in the teaching of Mass Communication. It provides an orientation as well as regular in-service training and planned periodic evaluations of instructional responsibilities. This course does not earn graduate degree credit. This course is only open to graduate teaching and instructional assistants.

MC 5301. Mass Media and Society.

A seminar devoted to analysis and discussion of significant contemporary issues in mass communication, including a study of the history of the development of mass communication media. Corequisite: MC 5302 or MC 5303.

MC 5302. Research Methods in Mass Communication.

Investigation of the tools and techniques of both qualitative and quantitative research methods used in the study of mass communication, including surveys, content analysis, experimental designs and case studies.

MC 5303. Theories of Mass Communication.

Examination of the literature of mass communication theory and discussion of theoretical approaches and models.

MC 5304T. Health Communication Campaigns.

Provides an overview of the theory and practice of designing, producing and evaluating health-communication campaigns. Examines persuasive approaches to behavioral change as well as audience, message and channel factors in health-campaign development. Emphasizes communication approaches, including mass media, social networking and new media.

MC 5306B. The Psychology of Social Media.

This course reviews social cognitive theories and research about the way social media users both produce and consume social media messages. It will examine clinical psychological and psychiatric effects that take place among social media users who do not have a clinical diagnosis. Corequisite: MC 5302 or MC 5303.

MC 5306F. Content Analysis.

Content analysis is a systematic way to analyze the content of documented communications, whether they are written, audio/visual or digital. This course will examine the methodological steps involved in conducting a quantitative content analysis, design and execute a content analysis study. Corequisite: MC 5303 or MC5302.

MC 5306H. Foundations For Mass Communication Graduate Studies.

This course will familiarize students with the structure of the mass communication discipline, prominent theorists and historical developments, as well as expose them to the process of research and writing in the discipline of mass communication. Corequisites: MC 5302 or MC 5303.

MC 5306I. Collecting, Analyzing and Presenting Data.

This course will introduce students to skills for working with data as well as perspectives from which to think critically about the use of data in contemporary society. It will focus on three stages of working with data: collection, analysis and presentation.

MC 5306J. Mass Media Design.

Study and application of advanced principles of media design including: basic design principles, typography, color, photography, video, and digital media. Students will learn production skills for existing and new media.

MC 5306L. Refugees, Nonprofit Organizations and Strategic Communication.

This course analyzes strategic communication of nonprofit organizations serving refugees and asylum seekers. Students are introduced to organizations that serve these marginalized populations in Texas and to the problems, challenges and opportunities these organizations face. Students will conduct research and produce a project on an issue related to this topic.

MC 5306M. Social Media Strategies, Campaigns and Analytics.

This course will expose students to the principles and strategies behind social media campaigns. It will discuss the interactions, channels, SEO, and social media metrics used to gauge the success of a social media campaign. Students will also examine successful social media case studies. Corequisite: MC 5302 or MC 5303.

MC 5306N. Mass Communication History.

History of Mass Media is a course that examines the development of the American mass media, including advertising and public relations, from 1690 to the present.

MC 5307. Project.

A major communication effort to demonstrate command of the skills necessary to work at advanced levels in mass communication. For example, it may be broadcast documentary, advertising or public relations campaign, or a newspaper series. This course is the master's capstone for those on the professional project track. Prerequisite: Departmental approval.

MC 5308. Seminar in Strategic Communication.

This course broadens students' understanding of issues related to advertising and public relations through an integrated communication perspective. Students learn the decision-making process, learn what problems real organizations experience and evaluate how they resolve issues in such areas as client-agency relationships, strategic planning/management and globalization. Corequisite: MC 5302 or MC 5303.

MC 5309. Gender, Race, and Class in the Media.

This course takes a theoretical approach to the study of representations of gender, race, and class in the mass media. A historical overview will be followed by an in-depth look at current conditions. (MULT). Corequisite: MC 5303 or MC 5302.

MC 5310. Global Media Issues.

This course examines the media systems worldwide in different socioeconomic contexts and studies the patterns of international information flow. The course includes theories governing international communication. Students learn how and why communication takes place between different nations and the impact of this communication on individual nations. (MULT). Corequisite: MC 5303 or MC 5302.

MC 5311. Independent Study.

Study of a special interest that offers academic or professional improvement and growth in the field of Mass Communication. May be repeated once with different emphasis for additional credit. Prerequisite: Departmental approval.

MC 5312. Digital Media Design.

This course instructs students in Web development and design. Students learn Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) and Cascading Stylesheets (CSS) coding and are introduced to graphics and multimedia programs and web development frameworks. The class addresses the history and social implications of creating for the web. Prerequisite: MC 5302 or MC 5303 either with a grade of "C" or better.

MC 5313. Media Law and Ethics.

Study of laws and regulations as they pertain to media operations and the internal and external codes that guide media behavior. Freedom and responsibilities of the mass media practitioners and institutions will also be explored within the framework of ethical theories. Corequisite: MC 5302 or MC 5303.

MC 5315. Creative Problem Solving in Mass Communication.

This class examines the psychology of creativity and its application in mass communication to media management, broadcasting, advertising, and public relations. Students learn a variety of ideation techniques and structured creative problem solving methods to better understand their own creative thinking process and how to facilitate creative thinking in groups. Corequisite: MC 5303 or MC 5302.

MC 5316. Digital Media Issues.

This course will examine the role of digital media, including the Internet, Web and mobile technologies. Issues discussed will include social media and cyberculture research, technology diffusion, data journalism, analytics and the effects of digital technologies on society and culture, with a focus on ethics and regulation. Corequisite: MC 5303 or MC 5302.

MC 5317. Advanced Digital Media.

This course builds on web development skills to create interactive presentations and data visualizations. Students are introduced to advanced programming and data concepts relevant to communicators. Theoretical and practical considerations of emerging technologies to the media industry will be integrated with production techniques. Prerequisite: MC 5312. Corequisite: MC 5302 or MC 5303.

MC 5318. Media Ethics.

The study of freedom and responsibilities of mass media practitioners and institutions, explored within the framework of ethical theories. Students will learn philosophical constructs as well as contemporary ethicists. Consideration of values, codes of ethics, moral development, professionalism, and institutional constraints as applied to media of information, persuasion and entertainment. Corequisite: MC 5302 or MC 5303.

MC 5319. Mass Media and Politics.

The class will review key literature in the area of mass media and politics. It examines the relationship between the press and the government, as well as how the mass media covers politics at the statewide and national level. Corequisite: MC 5303 or MC 5302.

MC 5321. Latinos and Media.

An immersion into the study of Latinos, their representations in media, and media oriented to Latinos. The course will require students to engage in in-depth research about Latinos and media issues. (MULT) Corequisite: MC 5302 or MC 5303.

MC 5322. Global Media Strategy in Advertising and Public Relations.

This course provides an in-depth examination of multinational communication organizations, including news media, public relations, and advertising companies. In addition, the course examines organizational roles, impact and strategic functions in a global marketplace. (MULT) Prerequisite: MC 5302 or MC 5303 either with a grade of "C" or better.

MC 5323. Current Issues in Mass Communication.

This course examines current theoretical and professional issues in mass communication. This course may be repeated once with a different emphasis for credit. Corequisite: MC 5302 or MC 5303.

MC 5324. Media Writing.

This course is designed to impart media writing skills. Students learn information gathering, interviewing skills, and writing techniques pertinent to different media. Students produce content (e.g., stories and digital pieces) that could be published across a wide variety of media outlets.

MC 5326. Strategic Communication Campaigns.

This course is a comprehensive study of strategic communication campaign planning with emphasis on public relations and advertising. Students combine theory and practice to develop, coordinate and evaluate advertising/public relations campaigns for key audiences. Prerequisite: MC 5308 with a grade of "B" or better.

MC 5327. Visual Communication.

This course examines the principles, theories, and language of visual communication, emphasizing the evaluation and use of images in digital mass media. Students will learn about media influences on their perceptions of reality and their behavior, the elements of visual literacy, and multicultural and global perspectives in visual media. Corequisite: MC 5302 or MC 5303.

MC 5328. Digital Story Production.

This course involves discussion, development and analysis of multimedia stories, documentary video, and digital media. Students explore digital media techniques used in writing and producing multimedia stories. They learn visual aspects of storytelling and how to produce digital stories. Corequisite: MC 5302 or MC 5303.

MC 5329. Media Systems in Latin America.

Students analyze media systems Latin America within their historical, cultural and political contexts. The course provides a comparative perspective of the role of the media within the region, their national markets and international Latino market. Students will ground these investigations with theories of international communication and information flow. (MULT) Corequisite: MC 5302 or MC 5303.

MC 5330. Internship in Mass Communication.

Students acquire on-the-job experience in an off-campus media setting where they can apply the skills and knowledge acquired through mass communication graduate course work. Requires 180 hours of work off-campus, a written report, a portfolio of work product, and a supervisor's evaluation. Prerequisite: Departmental and Instructor approval. Corequisite: MC 5302 or MC 5303.

MC 5332. SXTXState Project.

This course involves attendance at and coverage of the South By Southwest Interactive Conference. Students will prepare for the event, attend panels, interview participants and produce digital content about the experience. Corequisite: MC 5302 or MC 5303.

MC 5333. Digital Media Entrepreneurship.

This course explores innovation and creativity associated with digital entrepreneurship. Students will be introduced to important concepts and ideas from thought leaders and innovators at the intersection of media and technology. Students will research and develop their own digital media products. Corequisite: MC 5302 or MC 5303.

MC 5334. Storytelling Across Platforms.

Students learn the tools, channels and techniques available for multimedia storytellers The course introduces new and emerging ways to tell stories, including social media, photo and video platforms, branding and audience engagement, mobile media and data visualization. Prerequisite: MC 5328. Corequisite: MC 5302 or MC 5303.

MC 5335. Code Camp I.

In this course students are immersed in programming concepts relevant to communicators. Students will practice document object model manipulation using appropriate software to create interactive Web projects. Prerequisite: MC 5312 with a grade of "B" or better.

MC 5336. Code Camp II.

In this course students are immersed in data and visualization concepts relevant to communicators. Students will create interactive data visualization projects. Prerequisite: MC 5312 with a grade of "B" or better.

MC 5337. Global Media in the Connected World.

This course critically analyzes the role and use of traditional, digital and social media in a connected world. Students examine the prospects, challenges and applications of global media in areas such as socioeconomic development, political participation, digital divide, strategic communication, global crises and global entertainment. Prerequisite: MC 5302 or MC 5303 either with a grade of "C" or better.

MC 5338. Ethics and Crisis in Strategic Communication.

In this course students examine strategic communication practices throughout the stages of a crisis and ethical considerations. Special emphasis is placed on the crisis cycle, media relationships, image restoration, ethical responses, and organizational learning. Prerequisite: MC 5308 with a grade of "B" or better.

MC 5339. Managing Digital Content.

This course introduces concepts, skills and processes for working with content management systems. Students learn to assess organizations’ content needs and to develop appropriate content management solutions. Topics covered in this course include user research, information architecture and content strategy. Prerequisite: MC 5302 or MC 5303 either with a grade of "C" or better.

MC 5340. Media Product Strategy.

This course examines current theoretical and professional issues in mass communication. Specifically, this course provides students with practical knowledge of theories of human-computer interaction, and communication design principles and standards. Prerequisite: MC 5302 or MC 5303 either with a grade of "C" or better.

MC 5341. Feature Writing.

This course provides an in-depth understanding of the technical expertise, research methods, interviewing skills and narrative techniques pertinent to feature writing. The course also explores how to target a feature story to a specific audience and how to submit feature stories for publication to newspapers and magazines, print and online. Prerequisite: MC 5324 with a grade of "B" or better.

MC 5342. Global Media Systems.

This study abroad course prepares students to think critically and analytically about media systems and functions in different countries with emphasis on the location/s of the study abroad program. The course provides students with practical knowledge and insights gained by visiting media organizations abroad. Prerequisite: MC 5302 or MC 5303 either with a grade of "C" or better.

MC 5343. Global Strategic Communication Practices.

In this course, students analyze and discuss issues and challenges of contemporary global strategic communication practices and focus on gaining first-hand experience by visiting public relations, advertising and other communication agencies abroad. This course provides professional development and networking opportunities. Prerequisite: MC 5302 or MC 5303 either with a grade of "C" or better.

MC 5344. Data Storytelling in Mass Communication.

In this course students will be introduced to data-related topics and skills that will further their careers in a variety of communications professions. Data visualization and storytelling tools and techniques are covered as related to journalism, advertising and public relations. Prerequisite: MC 5324 with a grade of "C" or better.

MC 5345. Advanced Digital Story Production.

This course examines current theoretical and professional issues in visual digital storytelling. Students explore advanced digital media techniques used in writing and producing multimedia stories. Students produce sophisticated visual digital stories for use across a variety of platforms using differing styles. Prerequisite: MC 5328 with a grade of a "B" or better. Corequisite: MC 5303 and MC 5302 both with a grade of a "B" or better.

MC 5399A. Thesis.

A scholarly study of communication behavior, the purpose of which is to broaden understanding of what mass media do, how they do it, and with what effects. It may be quantitative, historical or rely upon another appropriate methodology. No thesis credit is awarded until student has completed the thesis in MC 5399B. Prerequisite: Completed course work.

MC 5399B. Thesis.

This course represents a student’s continuing thesis enrollment. The student continues to enroll in this course until the thesis is submitted for binding. Prerequisite: MC 5399A and completed course work.

MC 5599B. Thesis.

This course represents a student’s continuing thesis enrollment. The student continues to enroll in this course until the thesis is submitted for binding. Prerequisite: MC 5399A and completed course work.

MC 5999B. Thesis.

This course represents a student’s continuing thesis enrollment. The student continues to enroll in this course until the thesis is submitted for binding. Prerequisite: MC 5399A and completed course work.