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    Mar 28, 2024  
American University Catalog 2016-2017 
    
American University Catalog 2016-2017 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Course Descriptions


 

Communication (Graduate Courses)

  
  • COMM-631 Film and Video Production and Direction (3)


    Core skill sets, aesthetic considerations, and narrative structures involved in visual storytelling. Covers all aspects of production and direction, from preproduction to production and post. Students work individually and in small teams. This intensely hands-on course allows each student the opportunity to explore fiction and nonfiction filmmaking. Usually offered every fall. Restriction: graduate film program.
  
  • COMM-632 Backpack Video Journalism (3)


    Instruction in shooting, editing, and producing of video stories; merging of script, video, and graphics into the final product. Working alone or in small teams, students learn to use digital cameras, microphones, lights, tripods, field shooting techniques, and nonlinear editing. Students produce a video résumé reel as a capstone project. Usually offered every spring. Restriction: graduate journalism program.
  
  • COMM-635 Studio Television Production (3)


    A hands-on laboratory course. Teaches basic studio skills, including director, technical director, audio engineer, teleprompter operator, floor manager, and camera operator as well as original production planning. Teamwork and professionalism are emphasized in the creation of an original short webisode series for NBC-4 or another client and an original live-on-tape television series. Meets with COMM-435 . Usually offered every term.
  
  • COMM-637 Multimedia Storytelling (3)


    This course teaches writing, reporting, and editing stories for both audio and video platforms and integration with content management systems. Audio styles range from commercial radio to NPR, video reports include both narrative and non-narrative assignments. Students also learn non-linear audio and video editing. Usually offered every fall. Grading: A-F only. Restriction: graduate journalism program.
  
  • COMM-638 Production Practicum (1-3)


    Topics vary by section, may be repeated for credit with different topic. Provides students with skills training in a variety of media production areas. Topics include non-linear editing, digital post production, location sound production, studio sound production and mixing, location lighting techniques, cinematography, digital authoring, and coding.
  
  • COMM-639 Political Communication (3)


    Examines the role of communication in politics and advocacy and applies public communication principles to advocacy and political campaigns. Includes the role of media relations in politics, the impact of television on political discourse, political message development, political advertising, ethics in political persuasion, and the impact of political communication on our democratic institutions, as well as how to interpret public opinion, identify and reach constituencies, and develop political communication strategies. Meets with COMM-439 .
  
  
  • COMM-641 Crisis Communication (3)


    This course examines the nature of issue and crisis management from the strategic communication perspective. Students study various issues, risk and crisis situations, as well as the current literature on strategic issue, risk, and crisis communication methods. Students develop a crisis communication plan for a chosen organization. Meets with COMM-441 . Prerequisite: COMM-640 .
  
  • COMM-642 Strategic Communication Management (3)


    Provides practical and theoretical experience in strategically planning and managing the public relations process. Conceptual and analytical skills include understanding the management of people, resources and organizational processes. Includes leadership skills, budget and proposal development, decision making, ethical and organizational considerations, and managing in culturally diverse environments. Usually offered every spring. Restriction: Strategic Communication (MA) .
  
  • COMM-643 Foreign Policy and the Press (3)


    The role of the American news media in the coverage of foreign policy issues. Philosophical issues include whether freedom of the press is adequately exercised in the foreign policy field and whether the national media sometimes serve as propagandists for the United States government. Students should be prepared to engage in adversarial debates over key issues. Meets with COMM-443 . Usually offered every spring.
  
  • COMM-644 Writing for Strategic Communication (3)


    This course explores the relationship between audience, message structure, and medium through strategic writing. Students develop skills in drafting, editing, and polishing of strategic communication writing products, including plans, news releases, speeches, social media, opinion pieces, and short video treatments/scripts. Includes an emphasis on deadline writing and editing skills. Usually offered every fall. Restriction: International Media (MA) [SOC] , Political Communication (MA) [SOC] , or Strategic Communication (MA) .
  
  • COMM-645 Global Journalism: Issues and Trends in the Twenty-First Century (3)


    The critical issues facing journalists and the news media on a global scale. Examines diversity of international news media and focuses on trends such as the power and influence of global media moguls, the threats of violence and detention that confront journalists around the world, and the role of the news media in the process of political change. Meets with COMM-445 .
  
  • COMM-646 Strategic Communication Practicum (3)


    Applies the principles and skills from other strategic public communication courses to practical case study experiences. As the culminating skills component of the graduate program, students produce a professional portfolio for a client that may include media promotional items, broadcast applications, direct mail and web-based products, as well as newspaper, newsletter, magazine materials and other communication products. Usually offered every spring. Restriction: Strategic Communication (MA) .
  
  • COMM-647 Multicultural Strategic Communication Campaigns (3)


    This course addresses the conceptual and practical tools of strategic communication to effectively communicate with diverse domestic target audiences. Through the analysis of multicultural communication campaigns, the course examines how rapidly changing U.S. demographics and media landscapes are affecting strategic communication. Meets with COMM-447 . Usually offered every spring. Grading: A-F only.
  
  • COMM-648 Topics in International Media (3)


    Topics vary by section, may be repeated for credit with different topic. In-depth analysis of regions or countries and their media systems with emphasis on regional issues regarding the evolution of the media and its interaction with culture and politics.
  
  • COMM-650 Digital Imaging (3)


    An introduction to the technical aspects of digital imaging and basic techniques such as selection and retouching tools that challenges students to create effective visual communication designs. The course includes how to effectively use layers, channels, and masks to edit and composite images, with discussions focusing on creating and recognizing effective visual communication concepts and carrying out these concepts through design. Usually offered every term. Note: previous computer experience required. Students should expect to spend additional time in the lab outside of the scheduled class time.
  
  • COMM-651 Colloquium: The Story of Film (3)


    This course surveys the global history of cinematic arts from 1895 to the future. The focus is on lessons and inspirations for film and media arts makers, highlighting pioneers, groundbreaking innovations, and movements. Students watch and discuss exemplary films in class, keep weekly journals on the readings and screenings, participate in class and online discussions, and write critical reviews and report on film events. Texts include How to Read a Film and the BBC series The Story of Film. Usually offered every fall. Grading: A-F only. Restriction: graduate film program.
  
  • COMM-652 Web Studio (3)


    In this course students learn how to construct a web site from the ground up, including site planning, basic HTML code, graphics creation, optimization, and publishing. Graphic development tools are used to turn ideas into fully functional web sites. Students also study the web site development process and how to build and assess site usability. Note: previous computer experience required.
  
  • COMM-653 Web and Mobile Development (3)


    This course gives students an overview of the theoretical structures behind informational design for the Internet and of web development using code and development tools. Students learn basic HTML programming and static site development and how the skills can be applied as a communication medium, as well as how to create their own online content and web site. Meets with COMM-453 . Usually offered every term.
  
  • COMM-654 Motion Graphics and Effects I (3)


    This course focuses on the creation of motion graphics using animation and compositing programs. Through discussions of concepts and design, students learn techniques to creatively use software tools to achieve dramatic and artistic effects. Current software and concepts used for cutting edge motion graphics and compositing in motion pictures, television, commercials, and music videos are introduced and examples of outside work are presented and analyzed in class. Students are encouraged to learn from each other’s examples, problems, and solutions. Students should expect to spend additional time in the lab outside of the scheduled class time. Meets with COMM-454 . Usually offered every term. Prerequisite: COMM-602  or COMM-650 .
  
  • COMM-655 Motion Graphics and Effects II (3)


    This course is a continuation of COMM-654 Motion Graphics and Effects I (3)  and a working knowledge of basic still and motion compositing programs is assumed. Through the discussion of theory, concepts, techniques, protocols, and hands-on projects, students improve their design, compositing, and animation craft. Hands-on work enables students to become proficient in intermediate compositing and animating skills and in current software and concepts used for cutting-edge motion graphics and compositing in motion pictures, television, commercials, and music video. Examples of outside work are presented and analyzed in class. Additionally, students rely on the individual and collective imagination and creativity of the class to complete their work. Meets with COMM-455 . Usually offered every spring. Prerequisite: COMM-654 .
  
  • COMM-656 Dramatic Production (3)


    Techniques of 16mm sound-film production: lighting, sound recording, cinematography, and post production. Meets with COMM-456 . Usually offered every term. Prerequisite: COMM-682 . Restriction: graduate film program.
  
  • COMM-657 Strategic Communication in Advertising (3)


    This course explores advertising and its critical role in the field of strategic communication. The course examines the principles behind effective advertising, the planning involved in advertising campaigns, the strategies used to reach target audiences, the creative process involved in producing an ad, and the art of creative briefs. Meets with COMM-457 . Usually offered every fall. Grading: A-F only. Restriction: Strategic Communication (MA) .
  
  • COMM-658 Strategic Communication Campaigns: Advertising Lab (3)


    It is important for public relations practitioners to understand the role that advertising plays within the context of a strategic communication campaign. This course teaches students how advertising plays a role in the creative process by reviewing creative development, creative strategy, and creative execution. Meets with COMM-458 . Usually offered every spring. Grading: A-F only. Restriction: Strategic Communication (MA) .
  
  • COMM-659 International Film and TV Markets (3)


    This course introduces students to the complexities of the international film and TV markets, which are essential for the financial success of almost any film or television project. Issues explored include ownership of local media and the development of the local media infrastructure; co-productions between producers from different countries; marketing challenges resulting from religious, social, and cultural differences; the realities of censorship and media piracy, and more. Usually offered every fall. Restriction: Communication: Producing Film, Television, and Video (MA) .
  
  • COMM-660 Developing Fiction Productions (3)


    This course provides an understanding of the process behind the creation of independent fiction feature film projects. This includes obtaining the underlying idea or property, financing, distribution, and marketing of films for the major studios, mini-majors, and independent production companies. Students pitch original ideas and convert them into marketable projects. Usually offered every fall. Restriction: Communication: Producing Film, Television, and Video (MA) .
  
  • COMM-661 Developing Nonfiction Productions (3)


    The non-theatrical film, television, and video industries are multifaceted, dynamic, and enormously complex. This course teaches film and video producers how to finance and market their productions. The course examines different financing and cost recoupment mechanisms that programmers use in building their programming lineup. The focus is on contract production, co-production, and production acquisition as typical deal structures used by major programmers. Usually offered every spring. Restriction: Communication: Producing Film, Television, and Video (MA) .
  
  • COMM-662 Production Planning and Management (3)


    How to administer and manage both large and small productions through script breakdown, stripboarding, scheduling, budgeting, location shooting, and dealing with unions and talent agents. Discussion of the field as a career, and how to apply business-like approaches to motion pictures, television programs, and videotape documentaries. Usually offered every fall. Restriction: Communication: Producing Film, Television, and Video (MA) .
  
  • COMM-663 Techniques and Aesthetics of Editing (3)


    This course surveys the techniques and aesthetics used in fiction, documentary, and experimental film and video, including Soviet montage, classical Hollywood style, discontinuity, associational, spatial montage, and contemporary narrative. Through a series of exercises, students develop editing strategies for both narrative and non-narrative work. Students receive in-class and written critiques examining the development of each editing exercise. Students edit the final project using their choice of editing strategies covered in the course. Projects develop with increasing complexity and enable students to apply their ideas about editing to the material in order to develop their own style and aesthetic. Meets with COMM-463 . Usually offered every fall. Restriction: Film and Media Arts (MA)  or Film and Electronic Media (MFA) .
  
  • COMM-664 Directing Actors for Camera (3)


    This intensive course focuses primarily on the director’s work with actors. The goal is to demystify the process, sharpen students’ communication skills, and give them the tools to design, assess, and shape performance. Covers the basic principles of acting, script analysis, rehearsal techniques, as well as strategies for successful auditions and trouble-shooting on set. Designed as a director’s laboratory where students are exposed to a variety of skills and approaches. Meets with COMM-464 . Prerequisite: COMM-631 .
  
  • COMM-666 Advanced Writing for Film (3)


    May be repeated for credit but not in the same term. Emphasizes fiction film scriptwriting. Students are expected to write a feature-length screenplay during the course of the semester, with attention to structure, character development, visual storytelling, dialogue, and theme. Students also read and review professionally-written screenplays. The workshop format includes lectures, discussions, guest speakers, and critiques of student work. Meets with COMM-466 . Usually offered every fall. Prerequisite: COMM-682 .
  
  • COMM-671 Media Enterprise I: Establishing the Enterprise (3)


    Provides the fundamental knowledge needed for film and video producers in the non-theatrical market operating as small business entrepreneurs. Establishing a media production company: creating a business plan, basic economics of the media business, finding investors and/or partners, ways of structuring the enterprise, finding and using legal and accounting services, decisions that affect basic overhead costs, taxes, accounting practices, and personnel considerations. Usually offered every spring.
  
  • COMM-674 The Business of Television (3)


    (FM) This course gives students a macro look at the prime-time network and cable television business and investigates the various players in the business, including studios, networks, producers, agents, and advertisers. It examines the different roles and relationships in the development and production of television programming, including what makes a good idea for a television series; the role of the studios; the various economic models; the “show runner” or executive producer; how an agent works; why advertisers are so important; what the ratings mean; and the future of television. Meets with COMM-474 . Usually offered every fall.
  
  • COMM-676 Photojournalism and Social Documentary (3)


    The course teaches basics of visual language and how it is used and manifested in the craft of photojournalism. Students learn the importance and power of visual image in communicating ideas and information. They develop understanding of photojournalism as a craft unto itself or as part of a progression toward video and film. Meets with COMM-476 . Prerequisite: COMM-630 .
  
  • COMM-677 History of Photography (3)


    A survey of the development of photographic imagery from its advent in the early nineteenth century through contemporary twentieth century work. Includes history of photography globally. Emphasis is on viewing work in Washington galleries and museums. Includes field trips and guest speakers. Meets with COMM-477 . Usually offered every spring.
  
  • COMM-678 Large Format and Commercial Photography (3)


    May be repeated for credit but not within the same term. A professional skills course which introduces the 4x5 view camera and studio electronic flash. Both sections are integrated and explore the unique characteristics of the equipment through extensive technical and shooting assignments. Meets with COMM-478 . Usually offered every spring. Prerequisite: COMM-630 .
  
  • COMM-679 Fine Art Photography (3)


    A refinement of photographic skills emphasizing a synthesis of craft and expression. Students study the history and theory of fine art photography as well as learning how to use alternative processes as a mode of expression. Course includes both film and digital practices. Meets with COMM-479 . Usually offered every fall. Prerequisite: COMM-630 .
  
  • COMM-681 Entertainment Communication (3)


    This course examines the implications and practice of strategic communication in the U.S. entertainment industry, including TV, digital, music, film, and live arts. It also explores the theoretical foundations that explain the impact of entertainment on U.S. culture and audiences. Meets with COMM-481 . Usually offered every spring. Prerequisite: COMM-640 .
  
  • COMM-682 Writing for Visual Media (3)


    Techniques of writing scripts for film and television productions. Students write and criticize assignments. No production is involved in this course. Usually offered every term. Restriction: graduate film program.
  
  • COMM-683 Advanced Writing for Documentary Film (3)


    This course emphasizes writing for documentary film, through all phases and for a wide range of documentary genres and styles. Students examine case studies, screen and discuss films, and explore the writing process from idea to treatment, from shooting script to final script. A series of shorter assignments culminates in each student writing a half-hour original documentary script. Guest speakers share their experience with the class. Meets with COMM-483 . Usually offered every spring. Prerequisite: COMM-682 .
  
  • COMM-684 Advanced Writing for Television (3)


    (FM) May be repeated for credit but not in the same term. A workshop that simulates the collaboration experience of a studio writing staff. Students learn to pitch and develop stories for ongoing prime-time shows while polishing skills in story development and characterization. A portfolio-quality “spec” script is the end product. Meets with COMM-484 . Usually offered every fall. Prerequisite: COMM-682 .
  
  • COMM-686 Documentary Production (3)


    (FM) Designed to fine tune students’ exposure to and practice in a variety of contemporary documentary techniques. Each student produces a final project, but during the semester works in teams on a variety of documentary genres, including observational, web docs, nonprofits, historical, narrated, and mockumentary. Meets with COMM-486 . Usually offered every term.
  
  • COMM-688 Media Writing (3)


    An intensive writing course providing an introduction to basic communication techniques for informing a mass audience. The course includes instruction and practice in news writing and strategic communication for print, broadcast, and online media, emphasizing the practical application of how to write a fair and balanced news story, foster a cause, or persuade an audience. Also covers AP style, editing, and critiques. Restriction: International Media (MA) [SOC] .
  
  • COMM-689 Communication, Culture, and the Environment (3)


    Research and principles that inform public communication about science, technology, and the environment. Course topics and case studies include climate change, energy, stem cell research, food biotechnology, the environmental movement, science and religion, evolution, animal welfare, genetic medicine, pharmaceutical marketing, and nanotechnology. Meets with COMM-489 . Usually offered every spring.
  
  • COMM-690 Independent Study Project in Communication (1-6)


    Permission: instructor and division director.
  
  • COMM-691 Graduate Internship (1-3)


    Professional communication work in an off-campus organization appropriate to the student’s academic program. Permission: division director.
  
  • COMM-696 Selected Topics: Non-Recurring (.5-6)


    Topics vary by section, may be repeated for credit with different topic.
  
  • COMM-701 Graduate Seminar in Film Theory and Practice (3)


    The seminar focuses on the development of film theory and criticism. The work of Arnheim, Eisenstein, Kracauer, Bazin, Mitry, and Metz are studied as primary sources. The relationship between theory and production is examined and applied to analysis of specific films. Usually offered every term. Restriction: graduate film program.
  
  • COMM-702 Master’s Portfolio Capstone (1-6)


    May be repeated for credit. Independent work toward project in lieu of thesis for students in the graduate film programs. Consult graduate program director for registration and participation requirements. Usually offered every term. Restriction: graduate film or game design program.
  
  • COMM-704 Media, Technology, and Democracy (3)


    This is a foundation overview course focused on scholarship and analysis concerning the intersections of media, technology, and democracy. It also introduces other core courses and study concentrations for advanced study in these topics. Usually offered every fall. Restriction: PhD program.
  
  
  • COMM-711 Teaching Seminar in Communication (3)


    Provides MFA and PhD candidates with an overview of teaching philosophies, course management issues, curriculum issues in communication, academic culture, and related institutions significant to the teaching of communication. Reading projects, class lecture, and discussion are balanced with teaching experience. Usually offered every spring.
  
  • COMM-716 Advanced Topics in Film and Media Arts (3)


    Topics vary by section, may be repeated for credit with different topic. Rotating topics in the production analysis of specialized areas of film and electronic media storytelling, such as screenwriting, directing, or advance editing techniques. Usually offered every term. Restriction: graduate film program.
  
  • COMM-720 Capstone Seminar in Journalism (3)


    Examines ethical and economic issues affecting the media and initiates studies to add to the literature of media criticism. Students become acquainted with team journalism and in-depth writing projects focusing on media issues. Usually offered every spring. Restriction: graduate journalism program.
  
  • COMM-721 Digital Audio Production (3)


    Writing, reporting, interviewing, and digital editing of audio stories. The class emphasizes radio news production, including commercial and public radio style, and narrative and non-narrative storytelling. Students work under deadline, creating radio newscasts and/or podcasts, and build an online portfolio of audio, web stories, and audio- photo slideshows. Usually offered every fall. Restriction: graduate journalism program.
  
  • COMM-722 Advanced Television and Video Production (3)


    Producing, writing, reporting, and non-linear editing of television newscasts and other television news magazine formats. Field reporting and line producing daily newscasts under deadline. Live production for television and post-production for digital platforms. News topics include local, national, and international news as well as health, sports, entertainment and weather. Usually offered every spring. Prerequisite: COMM-721 .
  
  • COMM-724 Reporting of Public Affairs (3)


    Professional training in news gathering, writing, interviewing, producing, and editing on-deadline news stories, with a focus on and in Washington, D.C., and emphasis on coverage of domestic and international issues. Students develop research and ethical reporting skills for in-depth assignments across media platforms, learning the mission of journalism in democracy. Usually offered every fall. Restriction: graduate journalism program.
  
  • COMM-725 In-depth Broadcast Production Capstone (3)


    In this course students demonstrate advanced writing, videography, and editing skills by creating an in-depth video project. They demonstrate an understanding of reporting and producing that highlights research and multimedia storytelling skills, and adept use of long-form journalism techniques. Usually offered every summer. Grading: A-F only. Prerequisite: COMM-632  and COMM-722 .
  
  
  • COMM-738 Research for Strategic Communication (3)


    This course is an introduction to quantitative and qualitative research methods in communication. Students use research for program management, planning, diagnosing, and evaluating public relations programs. Includes development of theoretical rationales and research questions; measurement; sampling; survey and experimental design, content analysis, focus groups and in-depth interviews, data analysis techniques, interpretation of results, and emerging trends in research. Usually offered every fall. Restriction: International Media (MA) [SOC] , Political Communication (MA) [SOC] , or Strategic Communication (MA) .
  
  • COMM-744 Strategic Communication Capstone (3)


    The capstone project employs what students have learned about the processes and effects of public communication by developing and supporting a thesis statement, advancing an idea, researching, and writing or creating their final product. Students are advised to gear their scholarly, creative, or journalistic work for publication or professional presentation. Usually offered every spring. Prerequisite: COMM-735  and COMM-738 . Restriction: Strategic Communication (MA) .
  
  • COMM-747 AU-FAMU Exchange Program (1-12)


    Topics vary by section, may be repeated for credit with different topic. Students take courses at the Film and TV School of the Academy of Performing Arts (FAMU), Prague, Czech Republic. Permission: school.
  
  • COMM-750 Advanced Media Theory (3)


    This course examines a range of theories for explaining the complex interrelationships among media, technology, human behavior, social interaction, and democratic processes. It provides an in-depth comparative analysis of theoretical approaches from a variety of academic fields including mass communication, cultural studies, film criticism, and digital media. Usually offered every fall. Restriction: PhD program.
  
  • COMM-751 Advanced Media Research Methods (3)


    This course covers major social scientific, historical, ethnographic, qualitative, and critical approaches to media research, including discussions of epistemology, conceptualization, measurement, and ethics. Usually offered every fall. Restriction: PhD program.
  
  • COMM-754 Media Law and Policy (3)


    This course equips students with a strong grounding in U.S laws, policies, and regulatory infrastructure. It analyzes how public debates and political struggles over policy issues have shaped the culture, structure, and operations of contemporary U.S. media industries and institutions. Usually offered every spring. Restriction: PhD program.
  
  • COMM-795 Capstone Seminar in International Media (3)


    This capstone for School of Communication students in the MA in International Media is the culmination of the program and provides support for the production of the capstone project, which involves the conceptualization, development, research, and writing of a substantial original research paper on an international media-related topic. Usually offered every spring. Prerequisite: COMM-738 .
  
  • COMM-796 Selected Topics: Non-Recurring (1-6)


    Topics vary by section, may be repeated for credit with different topic.
  
  • COMM-797 Master’s Thesis Research (1-6)


    Grading: SP/UP only. Permission: school.
  
  • COMM-860 Seminar in Doctoral Research (3)


    Planning, research, and drafting of doctoral dissertation proposal. Comparative criteria for dissertation standards and evaluation. Usually offered every fall. Usually offered every fall. Grading: A-F only. Restriction: second-year PhD student.
  
  • COMM-861 Advanced Research and Project Development (3)


    Prepares students for advancing to candidacy by passing comprehensive exam and completing and defending dissertation proposal. Usually offered every spring. Grading: A-F only. Prerequisite:  . Restriction: second-year PhD student.
  
  • COMM-898 Doctoral Continuing Enrollment (1-9)


    May be taken by doctoral students completing coursework, exams or proposals in preparation for advancement to candidacy. It is a 1-9 credit course that can be repeated once and may be taken with or without regular coursework. Tuition is assessed at the 1 credit rate. The course is graded SP/UP and students must have the approval of their Program Director. Academic load will be determined by total enrolled credits for the semester. This course may not be used to establish full-time status for merit aid except for students with a half-time appointment who have an approved plan to distribute a total of 18 credits over one calendar year (6 credits during Fall, Spring and Summer semesters). Grading: SP/UP only. Restriction: PhD students. Permission: program director.
  
  • COMM-899 Doctoral Dissertation (9)


    May be taken by doctoral students who are advanced to candidacy with the approval of the faculty supervising the dissertation (or designee). It is a 9 credit course, but tuition is assessed at the 1 credit rate. The course is graded SP/UP and students will be deemed full-time. The Office of the Registrar must be notified when a student has advanced to candidacy. Grading: SP/UP only. Restriction: doctoral students who have advanced to candidacy. Permission: permission of program director.

Computer Science (Undergraduate Courses)

  
  • CSC-100 Computers and Information (3)


    A first course for studying computers and information. Provides a foundation for using computers in other courses and curricula for research, communication, and writing. Hands-on experience in productivity enhancement, software, hardware, systems development, uses of the Internet and World Wide Web, and future directions and trends for computers and information. Usually offered every term. Note: This course is not intended for Computer Science majors.
  
  • CSC-280 Introduction to Computer Science I (4)


    Problem solving and algorithm development. Structured programming, basic data types, and canonical structures; arrays and subprograms; recursion. Social implications of computing. Elementary applications from business and science. Usually offered every term. Note: familiarity with using files, e-mail, and the World WideWeb required.
  
  • CSC-281 Introduction to Computer Science II (3)


    Continuation of problem solving and object-oriented programming. Emphasis on larger programs built from modules. Introduction to abstract data structures: stacks, queues, graphs, and trees and their implementations and associated algorithms. Elementary numerical methods. Usually offered every term. Prerequisite: CSC-280 .
  
  • CSC-296 Selected Topics: Non-Recurring (1-6)


    Topics vary by section, may be repeated for credit with different topic.
  
  • CSC-310 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (3)


    A geographic information system (GIS) is a system of hardware, software, data, people, organizations, and institutional arrangements for collecting, storing, analyzing, and disseminating information about areas of the earth. This course provides an introduction to GIS, GIS software, and GIS applications. Usually offered every fall. Note: Completion of the College Writing and Writing Proficiency Requirement and familiarity with spreadsheets, e-mail, and the World Wide Web required.
  
  • CSC-330 Organization of Computer Systems (4)


    Logical circuit design, integrated circuits and digital functions, data representation, register transfer operations and microprogramming, basic computer organization, the central processor, and arithmetic operations. Prerequisite: CSC-280 . Note: Completion of the College Writing and Writing Proficiency required.
  
  • CSC-350 Introduction to Discrete Structures (3)


    Introduction to mathematical subjects required in computer science, such as graphs, sets and relations, logic, and recurrence. Prerequisite: CSC-280  and MATH-150 , MATH-151 , or MATH-155 . Note: Completion of the College Writing and Writing Proficiency required.
  
  • CSC-390 Independent Reading Course (1-6)


    Permission: instructor and department chair.
  
  • CSC-396 Selected Topics: Non-Recurring (1-6)


    Topics vary by section, may be repeated for credit with different topic.
  
  • CSC-432 Introduction to Simulation and Modeling (3)


    Design, implementation, and analysis of simulation models for dynamic continuous systems. Emphasis on continuous physical systems and analysis of their dynamic behavior from deterministic physical models. Overview of numerical integration algorithms in simulation. Introduction to difference equations and chaotic system behavior and simulation systems such as SIMULINK/MATLAB. Prerequisite: CSC-280 , and MATH-211  or MATH-221 .
  
  • CSC-435 Web Programming (3)


    This course provides students with a strong foundation in the principles of web application development from the fundamentals to current technologies. The course focuses on back-end programming rather than website layouts and front-end design. Topics include creating interactive websites, web application architecture, server-side scripting, databases, client-server interactions, and web security. Students are introduced to specific sets of web programming tools including JavaScript, Node.JS, PhP, Python CGI, and SQL. Students gain an understanding of some of the most important technologies that underlie the popular websites they encounter every day, which is both practical for creating web apps and intellectually interesting for computer scientists. Prerequisite: CSC-280 . Note: Completion of the College Writing and Writing Proficiency required.
  
  • CSC-460 Tools of Scientific Computing (3)


    Designed to teach scientific rigor in the use of computers and/or computational tools. Techniques from mathematics are introduced which lead to efficient algorithm design, algorithm analysis, data classification, data manipulation, and scientific computation. Includes data types, induction, recursion, sorting, searching, summation, optimization, asymptotic analysis, basic number theory, discrete probability, and parallel computing. Meets with MATH-460 . Usually offered every fall. Prerequisite: CSC-280 , MATH-221 , and MATH-222 .
  
  • CSC-490 Independent Study Project (1-6)


    Permission: instructor and department chair.
  
  • CSC-491 Internship (1-6)


    Permission: instructor and department chair.
  
  • CSC-493 Computer Science Capstone Project (3)


    May be repeated for credit. Students complete a semester-long design project related to one or more areas of computer science. The focus is on the design process, documentation, and project presentation. Topics related to the professional practice of computer science, including careers, ethics, technical writing, and speaking, and contemporary issues in computer science are also covered. Usually offered every term. Prerequisite: CSC-280 , CSC-281 , and one other CSC course at the 300-level or above.

Computer Science (Graduate and Advanced Undergraduate Courses)

  
  • CSC-510 Legal Issues in Computing (3)


    Copyright, patent, contract, tort, antitrust, privacy, and telecommunications issues. Prerequisite: junior standing.
  
  • CSC-520 Algorithms and Data Structures (3)


    Design and analysis of efficient algorithms. Implementation and manipulation of data structures, including linked lists, stacks, queues, trees, and graphs. Memory management. Internal and external searching and sorting. Usually offered alternate falls. Prerequisite: CSC-281 .
  
  • CSC-521 Design and Organization of Programming Languages (3)


    Study of desirable features and specifications of programming languages by investigation of data types, control structures, data flow, and run-time behavior of several languages, such as Prolog, Smalltalk, LISP, Ada, etc. At least one non-procedural language is studied in detail. Elements of compiling and interpreting. Prerequisite: CSC-281 .
  
  • CSC-535 User Interface Analysis and Design (3)


    This course provides the technical aspects of web application development, as well as the conceptual issues that affect this technology. Students develop an independent web-based project based on available authoring tools.
  
  • CSC-540 Computer System Organization and Programming (3)


    Investigation of the structure of a modern computing system. Alternative computer organizations are discussed so that students may appreciate the range of possible design choices. Assembly, linking, and loading are presented in detail. The relation between system software and computer organization is discussed.
  
  • CSC-543 Object-Oriented Analysis and Design (3)


    A study of object-oriented concepts and their use in systems development. This course analyzes abstractions called objects and develops analysis-level models of systems using objects. The properties of these object models are discussed and methods for systematic development of the models are studied. The translations of the analysis- level models into system design is performed to understand how systems can be realized in software implementations.
  
  • CSC-544 Object-Oriented Programming (3)


    Advanced use of an object-oriented programming language in the implementation of object-oriented systems. The language is studied in depth to see how advanced concepts are realized in the language, and is used to produce example systems. Emphasis is placed on the most recent advanced features. Prerequisite: CSC-281 .
  
  • CSC-546 Introduction to Computer Networks (3)


    An introduction to the basic concepts of computer networks. The architecture of data communication systems, the seven-layer model of a network, and the physical, data link, network, transport, and session layers are explored. Protocol algorithms are considered for the implementation of the various network layers. Usually offered once a year.
  
  • CSC-565 Operating Systems (3)


    Historical background. Operating system functions and concepts: processes; processor allocation; memory management; virtual memory; I/O and files; protection; and design and implementation. Several existing operating systems are discussed. A group project to design and implement a small operating system is usually required. Usually offered alternate springs. Prerequisite: CSC-281 .
  
  • CSC-568 Artificial Intelligence (3)


    Application of computers to tasks usually thought to require human intelligence, such as game playing, problem solving, learning, pattern recognition, natural language understanding, and expert systems. Prerequisite: CSC-280 .
  
  • CSC-570 Database Management Systems (3)


    Examination of database management systems, distributed systems, evaluation and selection of computer systems, privacy and security, and performance evaluation. This course provides a fundamental exposure to relational architecture through exercises in Microsoft Access and Oracle 8, including an introduction to SQL. Prerequisite: CSC-281 .
  
  • CSC-589 Topics in Computer Science (3)


    Topics vary by section, may be repeated for credit with different topic. Rotating topics include artificial intelligence programming, computer graphics, the history of computing, and neural networks.
  
  • CSC-590 Independent Reading Course (1-6)


    Permission: instructor and department chair.
 

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