Media Communication
Bachelor of Arts

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Learn to move with confidence and agility in the studio, on location, and in the digital world.

Program Overview

Lights, Camera, Action and More

Whether you imagine yourself on-camera, at-the-scene, or behind-the-scenes, you’ll learn it all with LTU’s Media Communications degree program. Our dynamic “media ecosystem” is a global phenomenon that demands talented, versatile professionals who can blend technological sophistication, creative storytelling, and marketing savvy to meet the exciting challenges of an industry that is expanding and evolving in unpredictable ways.

LTU cross trains you to move with confidence and agility across a variety of careers in the studio, on location, and in the digital world through critical film and media studies, media content creation, and hands-on, market-ready media production experience.

Contact

Department of Humanities, Social Sciences, Communication

humchair@ltu.edu

» Why LTU?

  • Learn to work in film and television production and post-production, journalism, broadcasting, sports media, and digital marketing.
  • Hands-on classes to create media content using industry-standard production equipment and software.
  • Small class size taught by experienced professionals in media production, including film, television, radio, advertising, digital marketing, corporate communication, and sports broadcasting.

» Media Communication in the Age of AI

Media and communication professionals are integrating AI tools into the cultural industry of storytelling. AI has been used to facilitate content production, coordinate audience engagement, and critique trends and phenomena in popular culture. At LTU, students in the Media Communication program learn how to foreground the human elements in storytelling and effectively use technological means to enhance the impact of their work. In an era of digital convergence and quick consumption, our students are equipped with the critical mindset of adapting to changes while promoting personal and civic wellbeing in the process.

Starting with our gateway course, Media, Communication, and Society, students examine the history of media technologies, such as the printing press and radio, and use that knowledge to understand the present wave of AI development. The course also prompts students to think critically about the social impacts of AI in areas like information literacy, labor rights, and consumer ethics. This lays the foundation for their subsequent studio courses, allowing them to become adept media producers for any technological era.

Curriculum

» Curriculum Documents

Fall Semester

Course Name

Course #

Credits

College Composition

College Composition develops students’ acquisition of the fundamental principles of academic writing. This course focuses on the development of writing thesis statements and main arguments, topic sentences, transitional words and phrases, supporting paragraphs, use of evidence, essay organization, and research skills. Extensive writing and research practice is required.

COM1103

3

Intro to Video Production

Students will receive hands-on training with cameras and learn basic principles of lighting and audio techniques used in video production.

MCO2003

3

Intro to Psychology

Prerequisite: None. Introduction to the study of motives at work in human behavior; understanding of perception, reasoning, memory, consciousness, intelligence, psychopathology, and individual differences. Lecture 3 hours. 3 hours credit

PSY1213

3

Media, Comm. and Society

Electronic mass media and their functions: legal, economic, psychological aspects the media broadcasting and production are discussed. A survey of race, gender, and multicultural issues with regard to the media are also addressed. Special focus on the ethics of media communications professionals in problem solving. Required for all Media Communications majors.

MCO1003

3

General Elective

Electronic mass media and their functions: legal, economic, psychological aspects the media broadcasting and production are discussed. A survey of race, gender, and multicultural issues with regard to the media are also addressed. Special focus on the ethics of media communications professionals in problem solving. Required for all Media Communications majors.

GENxxx3

3

Total Credits:

15

Spring Semester

Course Name

Course #

Credits

Geometry in Art

A rigorous look into symmetry, tiling, perspective and surfaces using tools from Euclidean Geometry and other mathematical principles to further the understanding of limits, areas under curves, slopes and tangent lines. Topics covered include Fibonacci numbers, the Golden Ratio, Platonic and Archimedean solids, rigid motions, rosette, frieze and wallpapers groups and their commonalities in Art, Engineering and Computer Science.

MCS1254

4

Audio for TV and Video Production

This course is an exploration of digital tools (digital recorders, microphones, mixers, and related processing equipment/software) to produce an array of audio tracks for live and pre-produced video production projects. This course utilizes state of the art audio software tools.

MCO1013

3

Intro to Film Studies

An exploration of film history, technology, and theory. Class will cover such topics as narrative, mise-en-scene, editing, cinematography, sound and music, basic film theory approaches, and genre.

MCO2213

3

Speech

Principles of individual and group speaking, with emphasis on structure, content, and delivery of ideas and arguments. This course may be taken concurrently with COM1103 English Composition.

COM2113

3

Engaging Ancient Texts

A historical survey that develops students’ abilities to critically engage texts of the ancient global world, placing an emphasis on the way these texts reflect their context and human experience. Readings may draw from philosophy, history, literature, visual art, and more. Class activities include reading of primary sources, seminar discussion, and writing in various genres. May be taken concurrently with COM 1103.

HUM1213

3

Total Credits:

16

Fall Semester

Course Name

Course #

Credits

Intro to Studio and Remote Broadcast Techniques

Introduction to broadcast studio equipment (level 1). Basic understanding and application of the function and operation of studio equipment. Students work in teams to provide technical support in-studio and remote production of in-house broadcast projects.

MCO2563

3

Technical and Professional Communication

Fundamentals of writing cross-media: a review and understanding created of community institutions and news resources and how to access and present information from these community resources. Scenario-based problem solving is used. Credibility of sources and corroboration of news content also addressed. The following course can be taken concurrently with this course: MCO 1003.

COM 2103

3

Cinematography Theory & Practice

Functioning and control of remote video and studio camera units: Students will receive an initial five weeks of lecture-based instruction on use of camera; second segment involves students capturing field footage and working with instructor in workshop setting; final segment of course addresses in-studio camera operation and practice.

MCO3203

3

Engaging Modern Texts

A historical survey that develops students’ abilities to engage texts of the modern global world, placing an emphasis on the way these texts reflect their context and human experience. Readings may draw from philosophy, history, literature, visual art, photography, film, digital media, and more. Class activities include reading of primary sources, seminar discussion, and writing in various genres. May be taken concurrently with COM 1103.

HUM1223

3

Adobe for Media

This course explores industry standard graphic applications using the Adobe Creative Suite. Students will gain an understanding of graphic design fundamentals through demonstrations and hands-on assignments to expand their digital graphics skill set.

MCO2623

3

Total Credits:

15

Spring Semester

Course Name

Course #

Credits

Video Editing

Discuss the theory of editing as well as hands-on experience using state-of-the-art editing software. Introduction to the terms and common practices of video editing. Projects include editing a variety of video program formats. In addition, students will learn to edit audio, create text, use video filters and output finished projects.

MCO 3303

3

SSC Elective

Course not found.

SSCXX3

3

Writing for Elect. & Print Media

Course not found.

MCO 2543

3

General Elective

Course not found.

GENxxx3

3

Natural Science 1

Discuss the theory of editing as well as hands-on experience using state-of-the-art editing software. Introduction to the terms and common practices of video editing. Projects include editing a variety of video program formats. In addition, students will learn to edit audio, create text, use video filters and output finished projects.

BIO/CHM/GLG/
PHY/PSC xxx3

3

Natural Science Lab

Discuss the theory of editing as well as hands-on experience using state-of-the-art editing software. Introduction to the terms and common practices of video editing. Projects include editing a variety of video program formats. In addition, students will learn to edit audio, create text, use video filters and output finished projects.

BIO/CHM/PHY xxx1

1

Total Credits:

16

Fall Semester

Course Name

Course #

Credits

Natural Science 2

A reading, research and writing intensive course in which students will create and maintain a carefully crafted blog throughout the semester with a strong civic component. Students will also research and analyze wikis, viral media, podcasts, virtual communities, and other communication platforms.

XXX3

3

Social Media

A reading, research and writing intensive course in which students will create and maintain a carefully crafted blog throughout the semester with a strong civic component. Students will also research and analyze wikis, viral media, podcasts, virtual communities, and other communication platforms.

MCO3633

3

Topics in Film Studies

Course not found.

MCO3253

3

General Elective

Course not found.

GEN XXX3

3

LLT Elective

Course not found.

LLT 2XX3

3

Total Credits:

15

Spring Semester

Course Name

Course #

Credits

Advanced Broadcast Production

Students work in teams to provide technical support in-studio and remote production of in-house broadcast journalism projects. They will experience all aspects of live and remote productions as well as gain expertise and use of studio equipment.

MCO3613

3

Media Communication Internship

Students will explore their skills in media by working with local companies. Industry mentors will help students see where their contributions can fit into the local media landscape.

MCO 3911

3

Advanced Writing for Media

Television scripts will be analyzed and critiqued from the initial proposal treatment through final draft by both instructors and peers. Peer editing and review. Writing commercials, public service announcements, video and web marketing pieces, and other persuasive script content addressed. Case studies and scenario-based exercises and assignments as well as persuasive script editing will be used. Peer editing and review.

MCO3713

3

LLT Elective

Course not found.

LLT 3XX3/4XX3

3

MCO Elective

Course not found.

MCO 2XX3/3XX3

3

Total Credits:

13

Fall Semester

Course Name

Course #

Credits

MCO or COM Elective

Pathways 4001 is the capstone course for CoAS majors’ Pathways Program. The course meets for 4 half-day Saturday sessions fall term. The course’s work requirements are satisfied throughout students’ final year under the supervision of the Pathways Program Director. Requirements include: a) mentoring first-year CoAS majors in the Pathways 1001 course, b) participation in an extra- or co- curricular activity related to major research field, c) incorporation of leadership / ethics issues in senior thesis / capstone project.

MCO/COM
3XX3/4XX3

3

MCO Elective

Pathways 4001 is the capstone course for CoAS majors’ Pathways Program. The course meets for 4 half-day Saturday sessions fall term. The course’s work requirements are satisfied throughout students’ final year under the supervision of the Pathways Program Director. Requirements include: a) mentoring first-year CoAS majors in the Pathways 1001 course, b) participation in an extra- or co- curricular activity related to major research field, c) incorporation of leadership / ethics issues in senior thesis / capstone project.

MCO/COM
3XX3/4XX3

3

MCO Elective

Course not found.

MCO/COM
3XX3/4XX3

3

SSC or PSY Elective

Course not found.

SSC/PSY 3XX3/4XX3

3

General Elective

Course not found.

GEN XXX3

3

Total Credits:

15

Spring Semester

Course Name

Course #

Credits

Senior Production Practicum

Students will use this practicum to create and finalize an industry-ready digital portfolio. Students will work with an advisor to analyze and create necessary content.

MCO4933

3

MCO Elective

Students will use this practicum to create and finalize an industry-ready digital portfolio. Students will work with an advisor to analyze and create necessary content.

MCO 3XX3/4XX3

3

MCO Elective

Students will use this practicum to create and finalize an industry-ready digital portfolio. Students will work with an advisor to analyze and create necessary content.

MCO 3XX3/4XX3

3

MCO Elective

Course not found.

MCO 3XX3/4XX3

3

General Elective

Students will use this practicum to create and finalize an industry-ready digital portfolio. Students will work with an advisor to analyze and create necessary content.

GEN XXX3

3

Total Credits:

15

Alumni Spotlight

Genna Rose
BSMC ’20

Genna is a Content Host for the Chicago Black Hawks and a Ringside Reporter for NBC Sports in Chicago. Genna previously worked as a Publisher and Host for Sports Illustrated producing content for and hosting The Tigers Baseball Report and The SI All Lions show. Prior, Genna was an Associate Producer for State Champs! Network.

Dillon Morello
BSMC, 2021

Dillon is an On-Camera Sports Anchor/Reporter for the ABC affiliate WDIO-TV in Duluth. In addition to his on-camera work, Dillon shoots, writes, and edits his sports segments for the station. As a hockey player and broadcast enthusiast, Dillon honed his skills in the Media Communication program and announced sports for State Champs! Network.

Jason Ross Jr.
BSMC

Jason is a Play-by-Play Broadcaster for Big Ten Network, ESPN, NFL Network, Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Sky, and FS1. He is the first-ever Black Play-By-Play Broadcaster in the Black Hawks franchise. At 23 years old, Jason and Genna Rose are the youngest broadcasters in NHL history. Jason hosted for Sports Illustrated, and State Champs! Network.

» Document Viewer

Use Your Cell Phone as a Document Camera in Zoom

  • What you will need to have and do
  • Download the mobile Zoom app (either App Store or Google Play)
  • Have your phone plugged in
  • Set up video stand phone holder

From Computer

Log in and start your Zoom session with participants

From Phone

  • Start the Zoom session on your phone app (suggest setting your phone to “Do not disturb” since your phone screen will be seen in Zoom)
  • Type in the Meeting ID and Join
  • Do not use phone audio option to avoid feedback
  • Select “share content” and “screen” to share your cell phone’s screen in your Zoom session
  • Select “start broadcast” from Zoom app. The home screen of your cell phone is now being shared with your participants.

To use your cell phone as a makeshift document camera

  • Open (swipe to switch apps) and select the camera app on your phone
  • Start in photo mode and aim the camera at whatever materials you would like to share
  • This is where you will have to position what you want to share to get the best view – but you will see ‘how you are doing’ in the main Zoom session.