Mar 28, 2024  
2016-2017 SLCC General Catalog 
    
2016-2017 SLCC General Catalog [**** ATTENTION: YOU ARE VIEWING AN ARCHIVED CATALOG ****]

Media Studies and Journalism: AS


Associate of Science | 61 credits minimum

Division of Communication and Performing Arts
South City Campus
SCM 1-159
General Information (801) 957-3099
Program Information (801) 957-3471
Program Website
Academic and Career Advising
Academic Advisor Cindy Clark, SSC 1-061ME (801) 957-3361
Academic Advisor Gordon Storrs, SCC 1-061MD (801) 957-3361

Program Faculty
Associate Professors - Julie Gay, Roger Johnson, Shirene McKay, Tamra Phillips
Assistant Professors - Jodie Jones, Matt Merkel, Sarah Billington, Ashley Givens, Alison Arndt-Wilde

Program Description
The Associate of Science (AS) degree in Media Studies and Journalism introduces students to multimedia journalism, new media and media production. The program offers students an introduction to a variety of mass media through theory, history, and hands-on production work. Students interested in careers or transfer to programs in journalism, radio, television, social media, broadcasting or public relations are well prepared with an AS degree in Media Studies and Journalism. The program also offers students the opportunity to work with the Student Media Center to get hands-on practicum training by contributing to The Globe student news, RadioSLCC.com, and a variety of student produced TV shows. In addition, the Media Studies and Journalism program is housed at the South City Campus Center for Arts and Media, offering students the most state of the art production facilities of any Utah State Higher Education institution.

The AS requires a minimum of 61 semester credit hours with a cumulative grade-point average of 2.0 or better. Elective hours may be selected from department-approved lists to emphasize the student’s interest area within communication. For more information, visit www.slcc.edu/communication.

Career Opportunities
Media Content Writer, TV Studio Crew member, News Editor, Copy Editor/Proofreader, Radio operations crew and Disc Jockey, Podcast Producer, Media Producer, Promotions Director, Production Manager, Promotion Editor, Public and Media Relations, Copywriter, Radio Promotions, Journalist/Reporter Social Media Director, Sports Announcer, TV/Video Editor, Videographer/TV Photojournalist

Transfer/Articulation Information
Admission into a major program at a transfer institution depends upon the receiving institution’s requirements for that major. Some major programs are restricted and require special application as well as a competitive GPA. See an Academic Advisor at both SLCC and the intended receiving institution for specific articulation information. The SLCC Communication department has existing articulation agreements with the following USHE institutions: University of Utah, Weber State, and Dixie State University. You are strongly encouraged to get your COMM degree at SLCC before transferring. See Attachment A for more information on transfer to U of U and Weber State.

Estimated Cost for Students
Cost for supplies and texts are comparable with other SLCC classes. Production/Lab courses may require a fee to cover the cost of the student’s use of computers and production facilities, equipment, and supplies. Course fees range from $15 - $50.

Estimated Time to Completion
If students follow suggested sample schedule, completion time is four semesters.

Program Student Learning Outcomes Related College-Wide Student Learning Outcomes
  1 - Acquire substantive knowledge
2 - Communicate effectively
3 - Develop quantitative literacies
4 - Think critically & creatively
5 - Become a community engaged learner
6 - Work in professional & constructive manner
7 - Develop computer & information literacy
Students will demonstrate a solid foundational understanding media production, journalism, media markets and management and communication technology. 1, 2, 3, 4
Students will write effectively for academic and public audiences incorporating authoritative resources. 1, 2, 4, 5, 6
Students will demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of the media production/design process and will produce professional quality projects with employment or transfer goals. 1, 2, 4, 6, 7
Students show a high level of media literacy by demonstrating: a professional level understanding of the production/design process, solving media communication problems creatively and logically, and becoming active participants rather than passive consumers of media. 1, 2, 4, 6, 7
Students will demonstrate use of  proper industry terminology, which will allow them to communicate effectively with other similarly engaged professionals. 1, 2, 6
Students will exhibit professionalism by creating and delivering presentations and productions containing strong oral and visual components; by learning to work cooperatively within teams and groups; by interacting with the public in an ethical manner; and understand how media influences society. 1, 2, 4, 6

Students will acquire the knowledge of and apply mass media and design theories, such as

  • Information Theory
  • Diffusion of Innovation Theory
  • Communication Privacy Management Theory
  • Cultivation Analysis Theory
  • Uses and Gratifications Theory
  • Technological Determinism
  • Visual Design Theory (space, line, shape, scale, proportion, balance, rhythm, perspective, harmony and variety)
  • Semiotics
  • Social Learning Theory
  • Media Equation Theory
1, 2, 4
Students will demonstrate a substantive knowledge of practices that will prepare them for employment in the media production field. 1, 2, 6
Students will showcase professional media elements/projects in a digital portfolio that can be used for job applications and interviews. 1, 2, 4, 7
Students will demonstrate the ability to understand and adapt to new communication technologies, issues, and trends. 1, 2, 5, 7
Students will develop an understanding of cultural sensitivity and respect for diversity through media consumption, analysis, and production. 1, 2, 4, 5, 6
Students will understand audience demographics and craft targeted media messages. 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7

General Education Requirements


Core Skills:


Composition (EN) 6 Credits


Quantitative Literacy (QL) Choose One Course (3 Credits) from the Following


American Institutions (AI) Choose 3 Credits from One of the Following


Institutional Requirements:


Lifelong Wellness (LW) 1 Credit


Student Choice (IN or DEPTH) 3 Credits


       or

  • Any second course from one of the Distribution Areas

Distribution Areas:


Choose one course (three credit hours) from each of the following distribution areas. One of the courses must also be a Diversity course (DV).

Life Sciences (LS)   3-4
Fine Arts (FA)   3-4
Humanities (HU)   3
Interdisciplinary (ID)   3
Social Science (SS)   3
Physical Science (PS)   3

NOTE: COMM 2050  is recommended for the Humanities (HU) Distribution requirement. COMM 2570  is recommended for the Fine Arts (FA) Distribution requirement.

Advising Notes:


Students are strongly encouraged to take ENGL 1010  and COMM 1800  during their first semester and COMM 1130  during their second semester. Students may use COMM 1500  or COMM 1560  to fulfill their ID General Education requirement. It is the student’s responsibility to examine each course description for details of prerequisite classes. Those prerequisites must be satisfied before the designated class may be taken. Students should check the current class schedule for availability of courses at all sites for day/evening availability and for modification caused by varying enrollments.