MDC

Transfer Credits

Subject

MDC

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

10

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027-undergraduate

Source

catalog.wcupa.edu

This course introduces students to the history of media professions in the Philadelphia area, exposes them to media opportunities, and helps them to improve the skill set needed to obtain jobs in emerging media organizations. The lens for examining all of these elements is the ethical framework of analysis that underpins our field and are articulated in our Code of Professional Ethics. Gen Ed Attribute: Ethics Requirement

Subject

MDC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027-undergraduate

Source

catalog.wcupa.edu

This course offers instruction, analysis, and training in sports media production with a particular focus on producing video for broadcast and web. Specific topics will include information gathering and research, interviewing, sports commentary, live sporting events, and preparing video packages. Distance education offering may be available.

Subject

MDC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027-undergraduate

Source

catalog.wcupa.edu

This course explores the basic television production process. Topics covered include theories of production process, camera operation, lighting, audio recording, editing, visual effects, design, and production staff, as well as the application of these processes to actual production situations.

Subject

MDC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027-undergraduate

Source

catalog.wcupa.edu

A study of factors that contribute to communication breakdowns between diverse cultures and between fragmented segments within the same society. Broadly, the course fosters an informed and reasoned openness to, and understanding of, difference and hopes to assist students in understanding and responding thoughtfully to diversity. Students will analyze the role that social structures have historically played or continue to play in maintaining disparities within and/or across diverse groups. The course will provide some examples of the varied ways peoples from marginalized groups resist oppression and wield agency despite structural exclusion and discrimination. Moreover, the course will identify relevant strategies such as communication styles and media to challenge oppression and help create a more just and equitable world. Gen Ed Attribute: Diverse Communities Distance education offering may be available.

Subject

MDC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027-undergraduate

Source

catalog.wcupa.edu

This course introduces the students to key technologies used in producing digital messages, as well as professional standards applied in using these technologies. As part of the course, students will also develop basic, practical skills in using current media technology applications. Gen Ed Attribute: Digital Literacy Pathway Distance education offering may be available.

Subject

MDC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027-undergraduate

Source

catalog.wcupa.edu

This course provides a survey of mass media formats and writing techniques, including print, social media, and public relations. This course is designed to enhance the appreciation for media professionals as well as provide an understanding of the basic techniques media writers use to inform and/or persuade their audiences. Students will create a professional quality media kit, a portfolio of media artifacts promoting an event or awareness campaign. Gen Ed Attribute: Writing Emphasis Distance education offering may be available. 197

Subject

MDC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027-undergraduate

Source

catalog.wcupa.edu

Media literacy is a way of critically thinking about modern media: a way of analyzing media messages to gain control over them, understanding their commercial, theoretical and ideological influences, mastering control over the psychological tricks embedded throughout modern technologies and creating new messages as a member of our social information society. In this course, we will explore the effects and influences of mass media and communication on us and in society. We will examine the historical and contemporary influences of mass communication and media - music, film, television, advertising the internet, video games, and social media. Distance education offering may be available.

Subject

MDC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027-undergraduate

Source

catalog.wcupa.edu

This is an introductory course designed to explore the connection between media technologies and culture by examining basic theoretical arguments in media studies today. Students will examine key theoretical approaches to understanding the influence of media in contemporary culture, including audience studies, behavior change theories, computer-mediated communication, critical cultural studies, media convergence, and media literacy. By semester's end, students will be able to understand, apply, and contribute to research in the field of media studies. This knowledge will aid in the process of becoming responsible media producers and critical media consumers in today's digital world.

Subject

MDC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 Catalog

Source

catalog.wcupa.edu

An examination of the nature of inquiry and research in communication. Emphasis on understanding and appreciating the strengths and weaknesses of various methods of research in communication. Students will gain knowledge of the fundamentals of research, research methodologies, and basic descriptive statistics. Distance education offering may be available. Equivalent courses: COM 211

Subject

MDC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027-undergraduate

Source

catalog.wcupa.edu

Transfer credits. Repeatable for credit.

Subject

MDC

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

15

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027-undergraduate

Source

catalog.wcupa.edu

This course is designed to introduce the student to both the theory and practice of professiona performance across multiple platforms, including social media, mediated public presentation sites, and interviewing. MDC 308 Prerequisite: Successful completion of MDC 250 and MDC 251; or permission of instructor. Gen Ed Attribute: Speaking Emphasis Distance education offering may be available.

Subject

MDC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027-undergraduate

Source

catalog.wcupa.edu

Course focuses on the communications businesses related to sports in America, including marketing, public relations, journalism, emerging media, etc. Includes sections on media history, communication ethics, race relations, and gender issues in sports media. Guest speakers from major media and local professional teams provide insight into communications- related professions in sports. Distance education offering may be available.

Subject

MDC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027-undergraduate

Source

catalog.wcupa.edu

More people are playing video games than ever before, but what does it mean to be a gamer? What does it mean to be part of gaming culture? How does theory help us understand the impact of video games on us? In this class, we will explore video games, both classic and contemporary. You will not only play them, but you will also deconstruct your own relationship with video games themselves as well as humanity's. You will explore the ways people are influenced by games, and the way that games influence culture and society, for better and for worse.

Subject

MDC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027-undergraduate

Source

catalog.wcupa.edu

We communicate using technology every day. In fact, our digital communication technologies are so pervasive that they seem almost invisible as most of us increasingly rely on some form of media in order to communicate with one another. Technologies such as Facebook, Twitter, SMS, e-mail, and any number of other programs have blurred the lines between interpersonal and mass communication, causing us to rethink how we understand human interaction in this new mediated world. Mediation has challenged some of the most basic assumptions of how we form relationships, both with each other and with ourselves, and how technology can be used to enhance or inhibit these relationships. This course examines the effects that digital mediated communication technologies have on our everyday lives, personal identities as well as our interpersonal, intrapersonal, and organizational relationships. MDC 316 Prerequisite: Successful completion of MDC 250 and MDC 251.

Subject

MDC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027-undergraduate

Source

catalog.wcupa.edu

This course explores advanced television production processes. Topics covered include proposal and budget writing, visualization and storyboarding, composing and staging shots and the advanced use of editing tools in pre-production, production, and post-production. MDC 317 Prerequisite: Successful completion of MDC 217, MDC 250 and MDC 251.

Subject

MDC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027-undergraduate

Source

catalog.wcupa.edu

A course on the professional practice of communicating through radio, television and digital broadcast media. Topics include communicating through radio and audio media, television and video media, commercial voiceovers, news reporting, and performing in a studio environment. MDC 320 Prerequisite: Successful completion of MDC 250 and MDC 251.

Subject

MDC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027-undergraduate

Source

catalog.wcupa.edu

Organizational dynamics can be understood to operate using deeper assumptions and values, much like national cultures. Different scholarly approaches to culture are used to craft strategic responses to practical organizational challenges using the media. The particular cultures of media organizations are also analyzed using case study examples. MDC 322 Prerequisite: Successful completion of MDC 250 and MDC 251. Distance education offering may be available.

Subject

MDC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027-undergraduate

Source

catalog.wcupa.edu

Media scholars and practitioners have long been interested in understanding and measuring l 'the audience'. Increasing levels of media convergence, fragmentation, and polarization present many new challenges for making sense of media users. The purpose of this course is to explore various assumptions of media audiences and the different methodological attempts to measure them. First, students will explore a 'push' media perspective by examining mass communication media effects research. Students will examine pop culture texts of today and learn more about ratings analysis. Next, students will reflect on critical responses to emergent audiences through 'pull' media research. Here, students will learn more about audience reception research and the many ways in which audiences experience and make sense of media technologies. Finally, students will examine how these different approaches inform the concerns, questions, methods, findings, and implications of audience research today. MDC 323 Prerequisite: Successful completion of MDC 250 and MDC 251. Distance education offering may be available.

Subject

MDC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027-undergraduate

Source

catalog.wcupa.edu

This course is designed to explore the influence of digital historical landscape, best marketing practices and mobilization through social media in the twenty first century. We will address key concepts in the field of new media, including issues such as media literacy, personal identity, community, globalization and the convergence culture. It is necessary to question whether there is anything "new" about these new technologies by comparing them with historic media transformations of our past. Once an adequate understanding is gained of the historical and present landscape of new media, we will learn to utilize technologies for personal online reputation management. Finally, we will critically explore how to best market new media by examining various business models and theories in the field, as well as how organizations and businesses utilize new media most effectively. Students will have an opportunity to apply course concepts to a final social media marketing project. MDC 325 Prerequisite: Successful completion of MDC 250 and MDC 251. Distance education offering may be available. 2026-2027 CATALOG - UNDERGRADUATE

Subject

MDC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027-undergraduate

Source

catalog.wcupa.edu

Intercultural communication examines communication across various areas of difference: age, race, gender, class, orientation, region. Graduate Intercultural Communication examines the relationship between communication and culture. Analysis of communication variables as they relate to the communication of difference and the ways in which difference matters in everyday intercultural communication are examined. Emphasis is placed on the influence of culture on the communication process, including differences in values, assumptions, and communication practices/rules. MDC 350 Prerequisite: Successful completion of MDC 250 and MDC 251.

Subject

MDC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027-undergraduate

Source

catalog.wcupa.edu

This course builds on the foundational skills learned in MDC 252, equipping students for professional writing across evolving media platforms. This course prepares students to create engaging content for digital, social, multimedia, print, and broadcast outlets while incorporating industry best practices in journalism, public relations, advertising, and corporate communication. Students will enhance their reporting, editing, and storytelling skills through practical assignments, interactive projects, and collaborative media experiences. By the end of the course, students will have a portfolio of professional-quality work suitable for publication across various platforms. MDC 352 Prerequisite: Successful completion of MDC 252. Gen Ed Attribute: Writing Emphasis

Subject

MDC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027-undergraduate

Source

catalog.wcupa.edu

An introduction to the role of the public relations practitioner in the formation of public opinion. Communications theory will be combined with specific techniques for working with the press, producing printed material, and conducting special events. MDC 355 Prerequisite: Successful completion of MDC 250 and MDC 251.

Subject

MDC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027-undergraduate

Source

catalog.wcupa.edu

African American communication explores the ways messages, verbal and non-verbal, produce, maintain, transform and repair reality for Black community members over the media and in interpersonal contexts. As such, the course explores the significance of discursive identity construction in over the media and in human interaction. We aim to develop intercultural communication competency in this subject area. We accomplish this as we examine the ways in which Black/African American identities have been discursively and socially constructed, sustained, problematized, celebrated, and enacted in media, institutional, and societal settings. The dynamic process of acquiring, managing and executing the rhetorical qualities, patterns of thinking, values, assumptions, and concepts which constitute subjective culture are explored. MDC 360 Prerequisite: Successful completion of MDC 250 and MDC 251.

Subject

MDC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027-undergraduate

Source

catalog.wcupa.edu

This course is intended to prepare students to make multimedia products about fundamental scientific phenomena which can be used to educate and teach others. Through both theoretical and practical approaches, students learn skills and concepts that will enable them to complete a series of science-based creative projects and apply these skills toward future use.

Subject

MDC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Catalog

2026-2027 Catalog

Source

catalog.wcupa.edu

Producing a large event requires strategic leadership to coordinate multiple stakeholders to achieve concrete goals. The media play a variety of roles in this complex production process. This course considers application of theory and research to the practical problems of envisioning and executing events on a larger scale using a variety of mediated forms in different supporting roles. Students learn how to make a persuasive pitch about media use to different audiences. MDC 370 Prerequisite: Successful completion of MDC 250 and MDC 251. Gen Ed Attribute: Speaking Emphasis

Subject

MDC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027-undergraduate

Source

catalog.wcupa.edu

Explores the challenges of risk and crisis communication before, during and after high profile events. The course emphasizes the practical and theoretical applications of media strategies used by companies, organizations, and governmental bodies before, during, and after crisis situations. The course focuses on the issues relevant to communicating risk through both new and traditional media strategies as well as planning and executing crisis communications and recovery plans. The course also introduces students to ethical accountability and informed decision making during crisis situations. Cases discussed will examine risk and crisis situations in business, political, educational and non-profit settings. Gen Ed Attribute: Speaking Emphasis 2026-2027 CATALOG - UNDERGRADUATE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION AND MEDIA

Subject

MDC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027-undergraduate

Source

catalog.wcupa.edu

Transfer credits. Repeatable for credit.

Subject

MDC

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

15

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027-undergraduate

Source

catalog.wcupa.edu

This course offers instruction, analysis, and training in advanced sport broadcasting. Students will learn the different production roles for a live sports show, develop a critical eye for improving their own production skills, and create content for their portfolio. MDC 411 Prerequisite: Successful completion of MDC 211. Distance education offering may be available.

Subject

MDC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027-undergraduate

Source

catalog.wcupa.edu

dits MGT 313 Business and Society 3 3 MUE 220 Music for Diverse Learners 3 3 NSG 332 Ethics and Health Policy in Nursing 3 3 NSG 407 Concepts in Critical Care Nursing 3 4 PHI 180 Introduction to Ethics 3

Subject

MDC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027-undergraduate

Source

catalog.wcupa.edu

This course examines the relationship between communication and marketing on the internet, with emphasis on the strategic use of content in the marketing process. Topics include: online communication environments, audience analysis, message design, editorial plan, and the analysis of outcomes. MDC 421 Prerequisite: Successful completion of SPK 208 (or HON 211 for honor students) or MDC 250 and MDC 251. Distance education offering may be available.

Subject

MDC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027-undergraduate

Source

catalog.wcupa.edu

This course examines key theories of mass media influence and applies them to the practice of persuasive media campaigns. MDC 423 Prerequisite: Successful completion of MDC 250 and MDC 251. Gen Ed Attribute: Community Engagement Pathway Distance education offering may be available.

Subject

MDC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027-undergraduate

Source

catalog.wcupa.edu

This is an upper-level course designed for students who have completed the introduction to public relations courses and have a foundation in public relations and news analysis. The course builds on introductory principles from Introduction to Public Relations to provide students who are serious about a career in public relations with an opportunity to learn about strategic planning and implementation of public relations programs. This course explores the longer-term, management-oriented aspects of public relations, where practitioners conduct research, identify communications goals, develop overall strategy and use social science research methods to evaluate the effects of campaigns. Students use a case study approach, applying management theory to real public relations cases to identify tangible communication objectives, understand the values of key audiences, develop appropriate and effective message strategies, work with the media to distribute messages and develop appropriate research methods to determine the effectiveness of their campaigns. MDC 455 Prerequisite: Successful completion of MDC 250, MDC 251, and MDC 355.

Subject

MDC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027-undergraduate

Source

catalog.wcupa.edu

This course explores the relationship between communication and advertising. Topics covered include the interconnection among advertising, media, and a range of publics, as well as the process and history of advertising, message strategies, media planning, and campaign evaluation, ethical and regulatory issues. MDC 460 Prerequisite: Successful completion of MDC 250 and MDC 251. Distance education offering may be available.

Subject

MDC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027-undergraduate

Source

catalog.wcupa.edu

Intercultural training is an experiential activity that engages cognitive, behavioral and affective learning to help individuals to bridge cultural differences in their communication. This course teaches students the theory behind intercultural training for the workplace through the experience of workshops and through designing their own workshops. The use of media in training workshops is addressed explicitly using theory and experiential examples. MDC 470 Prerequisite: Successful completion of MDC 250 and MDC 251. 199

Subject

MDC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027-undergraduate

Source

catalog.wcupa.edu

The mass media is a staple of modern-day society. We have interactions daily with media messages, both intentionally and unintentionally. Media researchers have been examining the impact of the mass media on individuals' thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors since the Industrial Era and continue to investigate the influence of newer technologies. This course will take an in-depth look at the critical and empirical research into the different discussions and theories on how the media affects people, both at an individual and societal level. MDC 490 Prerequisite: Successful completion of MDC 250 and MDC 251. Distance education offering may be available. Repeatable for credit.

Subject

MDC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027-undergraduate

Source

catalog.wcupa.edu

This course serves as an intensive examination of a selected area of study in the field of media production. Specifically, the seminar will focus on the creation of short-form videos. Videos currently account for over half of all internet traffic, with the average length of videos decreasing each year. Online users are interested in short, professional-quality video content. We will examine the art of creating short video content through three sections. First, we will examine the history and production of short videos on social media. Second, we will study tips for creating short videos in an abbreviated time frame through the film race genre. Finally, we will apply knowledge to creating short videos for business settings. MDC 491 Prerequisite: Successful completion of MDC 250 and MDC 251. Distance education offering may be available. Repeatable for credit.

Subject

MDC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027-undergraduate

Source

catalog.wcupa.edu

This course serves as an intensive examination of a selected area of study in the field of strategic communication. Specifically, the seminar will provide an in-depth examination of audience behavior for public relations, social media, and content marketing specialists. Understanding audience behavior in a convergent media environment has never been more important or difficult to achieve. By focusing on research tools used to understand audience demographics and psychographic characteristics, incorporating these findings into strategic media campaigns, and utilizing communication research methods to monitor and evaluate results, students will be better prepared to enter the field of strategic communication. MDC 492 Prerequisite: Successful completion of MDC 250 and MDC 251. Distance education offering may be available. Repeatable for credit.

Subject

MDC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027-undergraduate

Source

catalog.wcupa.edu

Research, creative projects, reports, and readings in media and culture. Students must apply to advisors one semester in advance of registration. MDC 493 Prerequisite: Successful completion of MDC 250, MDC 251, MDC 252, MDC 253, MDC 254, and MDC 255. Must be Junior or Senior. A minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA. Repeatable for credit.

Subject

MDC

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

6

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027-undergraduate

Source

catalog.wcupa.edu

The internship provides students the opportunity to gain vital hands-on work experience in the communication discipline that cannot come from classroom experience alone. The program is designed to provide students with exposure to professional opportunities related to the field, as well as helping them to build their resumes and begin developing a network of industry contacts. Credits earned vary based upon the amount of time spent on the job. All internships must be approved by the Department's Internship Coordinator and must meet federal guidelines. Note: This course fulfills the requirement for an MDC major to complete an internship or practicum as part of the major. MDC 494 Prerequisite: Successful completion of MDC 250, MDC 251, and one upper level MDC course. The student must be a declared MDC major. A minimum 2.80 cumulative GPA. Repeatable for credit.

Subject

MDC

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

15

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027-undergraduate

Source

catalog.wcupa.edu

This practicum is a supervised, in-house internship, which allows students to apply the concepts and skills learned in MDC courses to professional settings. Under the supervision of the practicum director, students will work with clients including (but not limited to) local nonprofits, businesses, and campus entities such as campus media (The Quad, WCUR, and WCU Weekly). MDC 495 Prerequisite: Successful completion of MDC 250, MDC 251, and 3 credits of MDC. Repeatable for credit.

Subject

MDC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027-undergraduate

Source

catalog.wcupa.edu