Principles, history, philosophies, theories of the mass media and allied professions and their societal role and impact.

Methods used by business, government, consumer groups, minorities, environmentalists, and others to influence public attitudes toward their activities.

An introduction to the advertising and strategic communications industries. Discussion of the structure and history of the business, social impacts and regulation, research, planning, creative, media planning, sales promotion, event promotion and the integrated nature of all promotional communication.

Theory and history of visual communication in the mass media emphasizing informational and persuasive messages created by graphic, photographic, and multimedia processes.

Principles and foundations of journalism to reflect both how journalism serves communities and how its techniques are developed to effectively communicate to audiences.

Development of the mass media in the United States from colonial times to the present. The effects of American social, cultural, political, and economic theory on the media.

Readings, critical review, discussion and analysis addressing significant issues in mass communications. Topics may change from term to term. May be repeated for credit with different course topics.

Background, knowledge and strategies for the successful use of celebrities, athletes and influencers in brand promotion.

Topics include data mining from secondary sources, and use of primary research tools such as surveys, focus groups, ethnography and projective techniques.

Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Research

Exploring different jobs in sports media with a focus on careers within the fields covered by the degree programs within the School of Journalism and Mass Communications.

Analysis of prominent sports activism cases and exploration of issues of access, economics, race, religion, gender, culture and nationality, through the lens of media coverage.

Topics addressing issues in the world of the sports media. Topics may change from term to term. May be repeated for credit with different topics.

This course is designed to introduce students to all aspects of live television production of various venue sporting events. Through readings, lectures and hands-on experience, students will learn how major broadcast networks produce live sports events.

An exploration of theoretical and practical foundations of user-centered design from both the design and research perspectives.

Study and analysis of current and emerging issues in journalism philosophy and practice and how audiences perceive it. Emphases may change as practices evolve and issues emerge.

Analysis of major social media sites and the role they play in informative and persuasive communications. Review of key platforms, what makes them successful as well as concerns about their impact and misuse.

Skills, strategies, and knowledge necessary to build a successful career as a social media influencer.

Basic writing skills for all areas of the mass media. Lecture-laboratory.

Examination of First Amendment free speech and press guarantees and limitations, including commercial speech regulation, libel, privacy, copyright, trademark and open records and meetings, and related ethical principles for mass communications professionals.

Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Professional and Civic Engagement Leadership Experiences

Examination of the origins and history of First Amendment and related law and ethics, with an emphasis on how they apply to the Internet and social media.

Survey of predominant theories in mass communications including mass media uses, functions, and effects.

Exploration of the intersection of American media, sports and race.

A developmental approach to media uses and effects research, considering cognitive, emotional, and social development as a framework for thinking about media effects on youth.

Hip-hop culture as a contemporary youth subculture, a historically African American aesthetic, a vehicle for mainstream media products and its impact on the innovation economy.

The study of the relationship among persons of color, women, and the mass media in the United States.

Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Diversity and Social Advocacy, GLD: Professional and Civic Engagement Leadership Experiences

A comparative study of world mass communications media, with particular attention to press systems, the sources and flow of international news, and the problems and implications of world communications.

Students will learn the theories and methods of applying consumer and brand insights to creative briefs and concepts.

Use of art direction and copywriting to create advertising and brand communication across a variety of media types using industry relevant software.

Introduction to revenue generation by advertiser-supported mass communication companies, with a focus on advertising technology used in sales and sales management.

Topics in advertising and strategic communications. Individual topics and prerequisites to be announced with title.

Advertising and brand communications industry experts share insights about industry trends, innovative campaigns and careers.

Instruction on how to align social media with business objectives and overall communication strategies; and exploration of how organizations have incorporated social media into various departmental functions.

Fundamentals of mass communications research methods and applications. Survey, observational and experimental research; primary research data-gathering techniques; secondary research sources; data analysis; message, market, competitive and audience research measures.

Theory and practice of developing public relations strategies and messaging for nonprofit organizations with a focus on audience research, donor relations, membership recruitment and fund raising.

Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Community Service

Special topics course addressing current issues, problems, and/or trends in public relations. Topics may change from term to term. May be repeated for credit with different course topics.

Effective social media use in the world of the sports media. Topics relating to advertising, journalism, public relations, visual communications, and mass communications will be discussed. Provides contextual background on various social media and uses exercises to develop best practices.

The media’s role in how the public views the SEC football games, schools, and athletes is a key component to the mystique of the league. This course examines the media’s role in the past, present, and future of the SEC.

How the sports media culture helps create and maintain, as well as challenge, inequalities based on gender and sexual identity. Students will learn how gender and sexuality are constructed through sports media and how they intersect with race, class, able-bodiedness and nationality.

The personal computer and software related to the design and production of graphic and photographic images for print and onscreen media.

Introductory photography that includes digital SLR camera use, multiple lenses, lighting, editing and distribution for web and display. Emphasis is on storytelling images for publication in editorial and persuasive media.

This course introduces the fundamental principles of creative behavior. Theoretical and practical methods of problem-solving as well as discovery, evaluation, and implementation of new ideas.

Basics of news reporting: Story generation, critical thinking, story development, writing, shooting and editing broadcast stories, writing Web stories, using visual components of still pictures, graphics and video.

Basics of news reporting: Story generation, critical thinking, story development, writing, shooting and editing broadcast stories, writing Web stories, using visual components of still pictures, graphics and video.

Skills and techniques required in preparing stories for publication. Laboratory work includes editing various kinds of copy and writing headlines.

Develops fundamental skills of video storytelling for news and information applications, emphasizing professional field-gathering and digital editing techniques, alone and in teams.

This course provides an introduction on how to use online social platforms and mobile tools following journalistic editorial guidelines. Students will get an overview of the digital-first mindset that informs and enriches their professional preparation.

Students will gain a fundamental understanding of business and how write about it. Students will learn how various aspects of business, finance and the economy relate to individuals, communities, companies, governments and world events and how to communicate that impact.

These classes focus on specific areas of business communications to either deepen students’ understanding of the subject or improve their ability with a particular skill (reporting, writing, editing, videography, social media, etc.). These topics may change from term to term.

An introduction to social media planning and digital media analytic skills, includes survey and analysis of content and strategies based on social media insights.

History of sports media and an analysis of current relationships between the sports industry, athletes, media, social media and the audience.

This course is designed to teach you the fundamentals of audio storytelling, from conception and field gathering skills to writing for the ear and basic non-linear audio production. You will learn to distinguish the ways audio stories differ from those in print, and produce different types of media projects.

This class is introduces you to what is rapidly becoming the "fifth screen" digital signage, its place in modern communications, some of the issues surrounding it and how to create and evaluate content for it. Students will evaluate the SJMC digital sign system and may create content for it.

Examination of the ethical dilemmas and moral situations that sports media members face from outside and internal sources and the ethical obligation to provide citizens with fair and balanced reporting of issues.

Supervised professional experience in mass communications-related fields. Contract approval by instructor, advisor, and department head is required.

Experiential Learning: Experiential Learning Opportunity

Supervised mass communications research experience to develop student’s advanced research and analytical skills. Individual research contract developed in consultation with the instructor.

Topics addressing the intersection of race, gender, sexual orientation, or other forms of diversity or marginality and mass media. Topics may change from term to term. May be repeated for credit with different topics.

Topics in journalism and mass communications. Individual topics and prerequisites to be announced. Some topics may have prerequisites; check with student services or the syllabus for the section you are interested in.

Understanding digital media concepts including AI, blockchain, net neutrality, big data, privacy, and network analysis.

Development of Mass Communications E-portfolio showcasing and reflecting on coursework and experiential learning, with a focus on leadership, as preparation for matriculation in higher education or careers in mass media.

Principles and practices of developing creative and effective brand communications and to acquire proficiency in execution of brand communications.

Topics addressing contemporary issues in advertising and brand communications. Topics may change from term to term. May be repeated for credit with different topics.

Research and development of a media plan using integrated communications approach and simulation models.

Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Research

An exploration of how Super Bowl commercials reflect and influence our society. Topics include the way different groups are portrayed, the strategy behind the commercials, and how creative tactics have evolved.

Special areas of writing for public relations.

Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Professional and Civic Engagement Leadership Experiences

An applied writing skills laboratory that will review and create advanced types of public relations writing and study applicable theory, models and research methods.

Planning and writing skills to effectively execute media relations, including how to research reporters and outlets, build a media relations plan, create messaging platforms, identify and prepare spokespeople, manage crisis communications and employ social media.

Leadership and communication inside an organization as a component of public relations management; strategy, change management, ethics, employees from executive to labor, and organizational theory applied to engage internal stakeholders.

Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Professional and Civic Engagement Leadership Experiences

Advanced use of software, skills, and techniques for the creation of persuasive, editorial and creative media visuals.

This course is designed to introduce students to various aspects of live sports broadcasting. Students will learn skills and techniques that will prepare them to perform live on-air duties including game play-by-play and color analyst.

Crafting longform sports media stories through course-long projects and in-class exercises that sharpen storytelling skills and techniques.

The emerging field of sports team media. Content will expose students to many topic areas that comprise team media including sports advertising, journalism, public relations, visual communications, and content creation.

Visual presentation of quantitative and spatial information. Examines the planning, design, and preparation of statistical graphs, charts, timelines, diagrams, and maps.

Theory, skills, and techniques to create high-quality videos and multimedia for use in a variety of media applications, including editorial assignments, informational messages and persuasive communications. Emphasis on one-person producer with minimal equipment telling stories for non-traditional media.

Team-based multimedia storytelling with an emphasis on studio and location lighting to produce professional-level photography projects and short videos for use in a variety of applications, including editorial assignments and persuasive communications.

Introduction to the skills and processes involved in the design and display of online content such as interactive graphics, animation, and video. Considerations for designing and delivering content on a variety of platforms from personal computers to mobile devices.

Still photography lighting techniques for mass media applications. Emphasis on studio and on-location lighting of portraits, fashion, illustrations, food and product photography.

The theory and practice of entrepreneurship as they apply to creative professionals interested in starting their own freelance business.

Immersive course in long-form photojournalism storytelling. Students will spend the semester documenting a topic, with emphasis on gathering images with high technical level and compelling content. Class will edit content and create a presentation for the public compelling content.

Introduction to issues surrounding the history, theory, skills and techniques of developing and niche visual communications technologies, topics, skills and concepts. Topics may change from term to term. May be repeated for credit with different topics.

This course introduces students to the core principles, values, and best practices that guide the work of professional sports journalists. Students will develop skills that are necessary to function as sports journalists in today’s media environment.

Continuing development of students’ ability to identify, gather, write, edit and present news, responsibly and ethically, across a range of formats, alone and in teams.

Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Research

Examines the art and skill of television news producing, providing students the opportunity to learn about the production process in a real-world, hands-on environment.

Examines the art and skill of television news producing, providing students the opportunity to learn about the production process in a real-world, hands-on environment.

Students produce in-depth journalism projects using a range of storytelling tools and technologies, such as: websites, interactive graphics/maps, HD- and 360-video, drones, AR/VR technology, and podcasting. May be repeated for credit with different topics.

Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Research

This course provides an introduction to and overview of issues and practices in media management. You will steep yourself in and become conversant about economic, industrial and societal forces that influence modern media content curation, production and distribution.

This course is designed to build on your basic knowledge of various aspects of business and give you the tools and skills you need to synthesize sometimes complex information and communicate it clearly and accurately to an audience.

This course is designed to build on your basic knowledge of various aspects of the economy and give you the tools and skills you need to synthesize sometimes complex information and communicate it clearly and accurately to an audience.

An overview of the communication models, major concepts, trends, and other related issues of information transfer with a focus on information seeking and use in digital age.

Topics in journalism and mass communications. Individual topics will vary by title. Prerequisites to be announced in class schedule.

Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Research

Historical development of freedom, responsibility, and ethics in the mass media, including communication theories, pressures, ownership.

Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Diversity and Social Advocacy, GLD: Professional and Civic Engagement Leadership Experiences

Development of critical thinking skills for analyzing mass media.

Explores the role of journalism in shaping perceptions of scientific issues and task. Emphasis on methods of effectively communicating about science, health, and the environment.

Faith and values influence the media. An examination of the influence, why it happens, and of religious diversity and the increased public presence of religions, including Hinduism and Islam.

Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Diversity and Social Advocacy

The role of journalism in shaping perceptions of environmental and scientific issues and tasks. Emphasis on methods of effectively communicating about science and the environment.

Development of writing styles for print and broadcast advertising.

The development of a complete, well coordinated integrated communications plan that incorporates research and analysis techniques, critical thinking, team work, creative and tactical skills.

Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Research

Application of advertising techniques and skills in preparation of full scale campaign.

The development of a complete, well-coordinated integrated communications plan that incorporates research and analysis techniques, critical thinking, team work, creative and tactical skills.

The dynamics of leadership and management in the creative industries.

Theories of leadership as applied to creative industries. Students will engage and interact with community-based organizations to assess needs, plan communications strategies, lead student teams in developing those ideas, and present to clients. Junior standing or permission of instructor.

Development of public relations campaigns for business and social institutions. Case studies of public relations campaigns and programs.

Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Community Service, GLD: Research

Researching, programming, staff, budgeting, and planning public-relations programs by business, government, or consulting firms.

Publication writing and design as well as internal or constituent communications, specifically focused on an internal audience. Production of InterCom, the College of Mass Communications and Information Studies’ alumni magazine.

Introduction to crisis communications and management from a strategic, theory-based approach using research from historical and current case studies.

Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Professional and Civic Engagement Leadership Experiences

Participation in a functioning communications agency working for actual clients in a student-directed environment. Opportunity to both lead and be a part of a team servicing the communication needs of various clients.

Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Community Service, GLD: Professional and Civic Engagement Leadership Experiences

Self-directed development and implementation of a public relations campaign as part of a national competition: PRSSA’s Bateman Competition.

Review of the analytical process of resolving complex ethical issues and cases in public relations; study of the philosophical approaches to communication ethics.

Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Professional and Civic Engagement Leadership Experiences

Theory and practice of persuasive communication and the role of persuasion in shaping public opinion.

A focus on career goal setting, personal branding and leadership in sports media; students will develop a comprehensive ePortfolio showcasing their knowledge, skills and ability to excel in a sports media position.

Writing techniques used in the preparation and marketing of major nonfiction articles for national, regional, and local publications.

Graphic and motion-based principles and techniques for visual communications within multimedia structures.

Advanced techniques of graphic and multimedia design and their application to problem-solving situations in the mass media. Emphasis on portfolio development.

To gain an understanding of theory and practice of public/civic journalism, seen by its advocates as socially responsible journalism that attempts to build civic participation and empower communities.

Researching, organizing, writing, and marketing articles for publication in general and specialized publications.

Content and style; writing of editorials, analyses, and commentaries.

Acquiring, analyzing and presenting data using spreadsheets and other tools to uncover stories and provide depth and context to journalism.

Production of public affairs programs.

Concentrated analyses of reporting in special fields, particularly in the South, including coverage of government, business, labor, the arts and sciences.

Theory and practice of professional broadcast announcing. Lecture-demonstration-laboratory course in principles underlying professional performance before microphones and cameras and the various broadcast performance functions.

Study and application of highly specialized reporting on topics related to current public discourse. May be repeated as content varies by title.

Professional practice in meeting daily newscast deadlines through work on the Carolina News television newscast. Focus on polished reporting, performance and production techniques and demonstration of advanced television reporting skills under deadline pressure.

Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Research

Professional practice in shaping journalistic reporting to the multimedia environment. Application of news gathering, synthesizing and reporting across platforms – print and online, textual and graphic – in timely fashion.

Advanced newscast production skills developed in the context of producing daily Carolina News broadcast. Shape and coordinate reporting and production team under deadline pressure in newsroom setting.

Editing and design employed to maximize effectiveness in the multimedia environment. Creating accurate and engaging content to reach consumers in varied ways reflecting contemporary consumer use of media.

Exposure to the evolving variety of journalism techniques, software programs and equipment to effectively tell compelling stories and convey information in multiple visual and interactive forms. Emphasis on extending professional skills while reinforcing current best practices.

Advanced instruction on how to assume leadership roles in a real life agency setting through tactical planning updates, interdepartmental management, budgeting, and client reviews.

Explore diverse PR/communication practices around the world: the political, economic, socio-cultural, and media factors that influence PR practices in different nations; current international advocacy communication; global PR campaign cases.

Domestic study away course will focus on topics in journalism and mass communications and will be taught away from the University of South Carolina Columbia campus. Individual topics will vary by title. Prerequisites to be announced in class schedule.

Study abroad course will focus on topics in journalism and mass communications and will be taught as a study abroad experience. Individual topics will vary by title.

Supervised professional experience. Maximum of three hours credit. Contract approved by instructor, advisor, and department head is required.

Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Professional and Civic Engagement Internships

Experiential Learning: Experiential Learning Opportunity

Individual mass media projects. Contract approved by instructor, advisor, and department head is required for undergraduate students.

Advanced topics in journalism and mass communications. Individual topics and prerequisites to be announced by title in class schedule.