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Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts · Courses

COMM

46 courses with the subject COMM, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.

COMM 100Introduction to Communications: Media and Culture

Explores the historical evolution of communication, focusing on media and culture from print and radio to mobile platforms and AI. Students critically assess technological, economic, institutional, and socio-cultural perspectives by analyzing literature, photography, film, and new media, highlighting how digital and social media practices have transformed our media systems and their implications for society.

Subject
COMM
Type
course
Repeatable
Repeatable: Unlimited Credits MUSI 100 Introduction to Music...Core Self & Society (CSS) COMM 204 Media Self...
Edition
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Catalog
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
COMM 200Communication Research and Methods3

Develops knowledge about the role of communication research in academic and professional disciplines, preparing students to better analyze data and critically engage with research findings. It introduces quantitative, qualitative, and combined communication research methods so students can begin primary research of their own.

Subject
COMM
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
cr
Type
course
Edition
2023-2024
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
COMM 201Media Writing and Production3

Introduces students to multiple ways of storytelling through various types of writing and working with audio, video, and interactive media. Students become familiar with audio and video recording and editing, as well as producing stories for the Web. Introduces script writing and storyboarding as part of an overall emphasis on clear and engaging writing within creative writing and journalistic frameworks.

Subject
COMM
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
cr
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Catalog
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
COMM 204Media Self-Identity & Society

Introduces the concept of self-identity, examining it within the contexts of gender, sexuality, health, and ethnicity across media and society. Using interdisciplinary approaches, this cultural studies course focuses upon themes and theories that explore identity through analyzing meanings in media and social/cultural texts. It questions how these develop across history and questions identity in everyday common sense discourse and its relationships to media and society at local and global levels.

Subject
COMM
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Catalog
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
COMM 205Introduction to Photography

Introduces students to photography, digital cameras and photo editing programs. Topics include various forms of composition for communication including documentary photography. Combines lectures and discussion with hands-on experience. Instruction includes camera functions, exposure control, technical and creative control, basic computer manipulation of images and digital output options. Students must provide a digital SLR or point and shoot camera.

Subject
COMM
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Catalog
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
COMM 211Introduction to Mass Media3

Focuses on the historical evolution of all media while critically examining from technological, economic, and socio-cultural perspectives how contemporary digital and social media practices have transformed our media ecosystems and the implications these changes have for society.

Subject
COMM
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
cr
Type
course
Edition
2023-2024
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
COMM 212Audio Production

Introduces students to the recording and editing practices involved in producing audio stories. Explores the range of programming, both live and recorded, for an FCC-licensed non-commercial radio station. Includes news, music shows, interviews and sports. Students produce live and recorded shows for WJJW, MCLA's radio station. Adobe Audition is used for digital recording and editing.

Subject
COMM
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Catalog
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
COMM 214Storytelling Across Digital Media I

Surveys various storytelling forms in digital video, film, and radio, initially emphasizing journalism. Explores both fictional and non-fictional genres, applying theoretical and practical knowledge in studio and external settings while considering audience reception. Students engage in individual and group projects, gaining introductory skills in audio and video editing, studio technologies, and protocols.

Subject
COMM
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Catalog
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
COMM 220Media Theories

Examines the key themes among media theories and how they help explain important aspects of modern and postmodern society, including political, social, and cultural life, means of communication, and the changes between audiences and media institutions in the digital world. Students will learn about media effects, medium theory, symbolic interactionism and structuration, political economy, critical theory, feminism and gender studies, and postmodernity and the information society.

Subject
COMM
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Catalog
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
COMM 231The Power of Words3

Explores the way words, symbols, and communication shape thought, behavior, society, and culture. Examines the origins of spoken and written language and the multiple ways that meanings are derived, ranging from the basic sounds we make to the sociolinguistic categories we create to define ourselves and others. Students learn how to frame arguments and persuade others, and how to use communication to better understand, analyze, and empathize with each other and with our world. Attributes: Core Self & Society (CSS)

Subject
COMM
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
cr
Type
course
Edition
2023-2024
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
COMM 239Writing and Reporting the News I

Teaches basic principles and skills involved in news reporting and writing. These include interviewing, identification of news values, formal and informal research, story organization, lead writing, transitions, attributions, and grammar and style, including application of the AP Stylebook and Libel Manual. Students develop their skills by writing several practice stories. They are invited to contribute stories to The Beacon, the weekly newspaper of MCLA.

Subject
COMM
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Catalog
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
COMM 240Sports Journalism

Builds sports storytelling skills through writing, reporting, and commentating on sports like basketball, soccer, and baseball. Explores media formats such as radio, video, podcasts, and social media, teaching students to pitch, write, and edit with a focus on professional workflow and deadlines. Students create sports media texts, applying storytelling elements across written, radio, and visual formats like game day images, postgame posts, live stats, and photography.

Subject
COMM
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Catalog
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
COMM 250Radio News: Reading and Reporting

Undertakes reading and reporting the news with a strong emphasis on the structure of radio news programs as a key feature in which a sustained, longer form of storytelling is advanced with interviews a central component. In a developmental approach, increasing across the semester, 5-minute news is increased to 15 before a final 30-minute form is achieved for WJJW in initially, morning and evening shows, evolving to twice a week.

Subject
COMM
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Catalog
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
COMM 260Podcasting

Explores podcasting in two forms: prerecorded and live shows, using both internal and external interviews. Covers technical skills, research, and advanced preproduction necessary for professional-quality audio and video content. Topics include podcast trends, titles, descriptions, cover art, microphone types, best practices for field and studio recording, interviewing, listening skills, scripting, intros/outros, audio presentation, audience engagement, and essentials in ethics and law.

Subject
COMM
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Catalog
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
COMM 281Special Topics in Communications

Studies introductory topics in media production and/or mass communications. Designed to provide foundational frameworks in communication subjects, including but not limited to media analysis, interpretation, research, media production, and media-specific writing. Content identified by subtitle.

Subject
COMM
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Catalog
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
COMM 300Communication Research and Methods

Develops knowledge about the role of communication research in academic and professional disciplines, preparing students to better analyze data and critically engage with research findings. It introduces quantitative, qualitative, and combined communication research methods so students can begin primary research of their own.

Subject
COMM
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Catalog
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
COMM 302Communicating Across Cultures

Develop the skills to navigate and engage in effective intercultural communication in professional and personal contexts. Explores how cultural values, language, identity, and power shape interactions across diverse communities. Through case studies, discussions, and experiential activities, students will refine their ability to adapt, interpret, and respond to cultural differences, fostering global competence in an interconnected world.

Subject
COMM
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Catalog
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
COMM 305Magazine Writing and Editing

or COMM 328 Issues in Journalism

Subject
COMM
Type
course
Edition
2023-2024
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
COMM 306Business Writing and Presentation

Provides practice in writing strong, clear, and creative business communication.

Subject
COMM
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Catalog
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
COMM 309Technical Writing

Emphasizes principles of technical communication, particularly document design and readability, and gives students the opportunity to apply these principles in writing reports, instructions, descriptions, and abstracts for science, business and communications.

Subject
COMM
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Catalog
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
COMM 310Avid Editing3

Learning basic video and audio editing, this course teaches students the fundamental skills of Avid Media Composer and knowledge about networked server-systems. The course also grounds students in understanding the editing software; learning about inputting media, trimming, the smart tool, customization; and organization as well as examining the crucial area of sound in significant detail. Special effects along with titles and color correction are also examined.

Subject
COMM
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
cr
Type
course
Edition
2023-2024-undergraduate
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
Prerequisite
COMM 214
COMM 312Radio Practicum1-6

Teaches the daily operation of an FCC-licensed non-commercial educational radio station, WJJW, 91.1 FM. Topics include compliance with FCC regulations, digital streaming copyright, use of Adobe Audition for advanced audio recording and editing, producing live and recorded shows for broadcast, and producing news and interview shows and podcasts. A weekly live on-air shift is part of the class requirements. Students may assume management positions at WJJW. Repeatable for a max of 15 credits. Repeatable: Maximum of 15 credits

Subject
COMM
Credits (min)
1
Credits (max)
6
Credit unit
cr
Type
course
Repeatable
Repeatable: Maximum of 15 credits
Edition
2023-2024
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
COMM 314Storytelling Across Digital Media II

Builds on COMM 214 to deepen storytelling skills across various digital media forms, producing longer features and in-depth journalistic narratives like documentaries and films. Emphasizes sophisticated narratives informed by multiple truths and explores unconventional narrative structures, focusing on trans-narrative media forms where various media components enrich the storytelling experience.

Subject
COMM
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Catalog
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
COMM 315Social Media Strategies

Gives students a broad-based understanding of the fundamental trends and dynamics taking place in the digital media landscape today. Students learn about new measurement metrics, how to conduct social media campaigns, and are able to practice skills that they can use when working in a range of organizations that utilize digital and social media. Guest speakers from the industry are invited, and we work with real-world clients that want to have strategic media campaigns.

Subject
COMM
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Catalog
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
COMM 316Broadcast Delivery
Subject
COMM
Type
course
Edition
2023-2024
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
COMM 319Global Issues in Communication

Studies in depth a specific aspect of global communication and provides the students a general knowledge of the geopolitical issues of international communication, including technological, economic and political/ideological patterns.

Subject
COMM
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Catalog
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
COMM 321News Media Practicum
Subject
COMM
Type
course
Edition
2023-2024
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
COMM 323Publication Design and Typography

Studies contemporary layouts and design principles, with special emphasis on creating and integrating logos, content, typography and design for visually appealing communications packages. Includes basic typography and an overview of printing processes. Students create layouts for flyers, brochures, newsletters, newspapers, and magazines, and learn Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.

Subject
COMM
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Catalog
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
COMM 324Broadcast Journalism

Emphasizes investigative reporting as it relates to gathering, writing and presenting news and documentary for television. Also examines the practical and theoretical concepts of electronic news gathering (ENG) and electronic field production (EFP) including analysis of broadcast journalism standards.

Subject
COMM
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Catalog
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
COMM 328Issues in Journalism

Discusses issues and problems central to the practice of journalism and the role of the media in a democratic society. Issues may include environmental journalism; media, law and ethics; investigative reporting; government, politics and the press; covering popular culture and others. Students may be required to produce journalism articles and/or commentaries based on those or related issues.

Subject
COMM
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Catalog
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
COMM 337Advanced Photography

Builds upon skills learned in Introduction to Photography to include sophisticated camera techniques and advanced darkroom developing and procedures. Students are encouraged to develop various forms of composition such as photography for science, art or publication. Some consideration will be given to digital photography and related procedures.

Subject
COMM
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Catalog
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
COMM 338Photojournalism

Concentrates on photojournalism as a form of composition. Designed to help students to understand and master a number of techniques such as story-telling and photo editing. The subject of ethics will also be covered, as will digital camera applications. Students will be encouraged to submit work to The Beacon for consideration.

Subject
COMM
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Catalog
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
COMM 339Writing and Reporting the News II

Provides writing and reporting experience by crafting advanced news stories and features that involve research and interview analysis. Students cover town and campus meetings, police and safety news, local courts, and engage in investigative reporting. They deepen their understanding of ethics, libel, privacy, and freedom of information laws while exploring explanatory forms and investigative journalism, submitting their work to The Beacon and WJJW.

Subject
COMM
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Catalog
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
COMM 350Multi-Media Practicum

Allows student selection of two or more media, as a focus for multimedia skills development with one medium chosen for in-depth specialization. Focusing critically upon this medium, students apply practical and theoretical knowledge to learn how websites and/or radio and video, converge to inform storytelling and how developed skillsets are required for successful production outcomes.

Subject
COMM
Type
course
Repeatable
Repeatable: Maximum of 18 credits
Edition
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Catalog
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
COMM 396Public Relations

Introduces students to the broad career area of public relations. Principles, cases and problems of public relations will be studied through contact with local organizations. Topic areas include internal communications systems, applications of mass communications, researching public opinions and social responsibilities.

Subject
COMM
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Catalog
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
COMM 400Intercultural Communication

Studies in depth the role culture plays in the communication process in various world cultures including African, Asian and Central American. Also examines the cultural differences in language, thought patterns and non-verbal behaviors.

Subject
COMM
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Catalog
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
COMM 405Data Journalism & Infographics

Teaches how to do in-depth research with large datasets and how to find stories from numbers, crucial skills for today's journalists. Relevant statistical and computer-assisted reporting (CAR) techniques are learned and applied to stories, and software and apps are used to create powerful and meaningful data visualizations and infographics to accompany stories. Previous experience with statistics and design or production software is helpful, but not necessary.

Subject
COMM
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Catalog
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
COMM 410From Semiotics to Significations

Develops knowledge about the field of semiotics from its inception to the contemporary practice of reading significations. Focusing upon reading signs/meanings across different media and culture, students learn about symbolic activities and different interpretative models and analytical approaches. These include: de Saussure, Peirce, Burke, Marx, Freud, Lacan, Irigaray, Gramsci, Laclau and Mouffe, Levi-Strauss, Barthes, Althusser, Foucault, Williams, Hall and Lash and Urry.

Subject
COMM
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Catalog
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
COMM 415Media Meaning-Making: Theory/Practice

Explores genre theory and meaning-making across media, reviewing transformations in drama, documentary, comedy, film, news, and reality TV. Examines shifts in genre and meaning, with focus on animation, soap operas, and video on demand. Students create a hybrid story using at least two media, enabling a multiplatform storytelling approach.

Subject
COMM
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Catalog
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
COMM 420Public Relations and Crisis Management3

Provides an in-depth look into the Public Relations area of crisis management. Through case-book studies, other texts, and media portrayals, students will learn how communications experts conduct themselves in critical situations, and the ethical and other considerations involved. Students will conduct extensive research into the area in order to enhance their own knowledge of the subject.

Subject
COMM
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
cr
Type
course
Edition
2023-2024-undergraduate
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
Prerequisite
COMM 211
COMM 427Senior News Media Practicum

ENGL or COMM writing course (200 level or above) Select one of the following Media & Cultural Studies courses: 3

Subject
COMM
Type
course
Edition
2023-2024
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
COMM 481Advanced Special Topics in Communications

Studies in depth a specific aspect of mass communications. Designed to provide advanced work in media analysis, interpretation and research. Primarily for majors in the junior and senior year. Content identified by subtitle.

Subject
COMM
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Catalog
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
COMM 490Senior Seminar

Provides a departmental capstone course in which majors meet in their final undergraduate year to explore a significant theme or topic. Students integrate what they have learned about communication and media, and together the students, polling their special knowledge in these areas, respond to the specific theme, concept, or topic.

Subject
COMM
Type
course
Edition
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Catalog
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
COMM 493Teaching Assistantship in Communications

Provides the opportunity for a student to assist in preparation and implementation of a communications course. Course may be repeated for a total of 6 credits.

Subject
COMM
Type
course
Repeatable
Repeatable: Maximum of 6 credits
Edition
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Catalog
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
COMM 500Independent Study

Open to juniors and seniors who wish to read in a given area or to study a topic in depth within the fields of communications, media writing and production, or media and cultural studies. Written reports and frequent conferences with the advisor are required.

Subject
COMM
Type
course
Repeatable
Repeatable: Maximum of 12 credits
Edition
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Catalog
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Source
catalog.mcla.edu
COMM 540Internship in Communications

Provides a practical, hands-on field experience to supplement classroom courses. The student works with an on-campus faculty advisor and usually with an on-site supervisor, and the two jointly evaluate the student's work.

Subject
COMM
Type
course
Repeatable
Repeatable: Maximum of 15 credits © 2025-2026 Back to top Close this window Print Options Send Page to Printer Print this page.
Edition
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Catalog
2025-2026 Edition Undergraduate Course Catalog
Source
catalog.mcla.edu

Source: Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts's catalog, linked per course · table learning_unit · CourseShelf publish 61