Communications and Media - Senior

Course # MDIA 4082

Credits 6

Course Description

This course examines the relationship between media/public communication, law and ethics in Central Asia and those in other parts of the world. It analyzes ethical and legal principles, processes of reasoning and decision-making techniques that can be used to resolve possible tensions between formal and informal regulation, freedom of expression and the demands of every-day life.  

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon the completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Explain law and regulations as they affect communication practices, locally and globally.
• Use a range of theoretical frameworks to critically reflect on the relationship between media, law, ethics and communication practices.
• Examine the social and political context in which legal frameworks have been developed.
• Discuss ethical issues emerging from contemporary communication practices, locally and globally.
• Apply culturally appropriate decision-making processes in response to ethical and legal issues arising in local and global contexts.

Course Assessments and Grading

Course # MDIA 4080

Credits 6

Recommended Prerequisites and/or Corequisites: Audiences for Communications and Media;

Narrative Studies; Print/Radio/TV Production 

Course Description

The course examines a range of social science research methods and approaches with emphasis on their application to the context of media and communications, and discusses research as means of social inquiry.   It focuses on research design; data collection, quantitative and qualitative data analysis, the critical appraisal and evaluation of primary and secondary research and understanding of ethics from communication and media research perspective.

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon the completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Analyse ethnographic research methods and key approaches to interviewing human participants
• Apply appropriate research methods to design research projects
• Explain the role of research within various forms of communication practice
• Explain the ethical implications of research practices and the external environment within which social research is conducted
• Define the key research and research-interpretation skills for work in public communications, advocacy, development and creative industries
• Explain how research informs professional communications practice

Course Assessments and Grading

Course # MDIA 4191

Credits 6

Prerequisites and/or Corequisites: Documentary and Scriptwriting, Media Production TV

Course Description

This course explores advanced journalism and media storytelling practices. It provides students with an opportunity to develop a production project aligned with contemporary industry methods. The project demonstrates a professional identity built on innovation in conceptualization and media articulation. Students practice the skills required to plan and pitch production proposals. By identifying and connecting with audiences, students draw on audience metrics to create relevant and engaging content and style. Students take advantage of ongoing technological changes in media. Efforts should be made by students to place these developments and reflections within the context of Central Asia. This course builds on the skills and capabilities students have gained throughout their studies in theory and production courses.

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon the completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Deliver an effective story pitch to employ strong verbal, written, and analytical skills to the degree expected of a senior-level college student.
• Produce a technically well-packages short documentary, short film and podcast that shows students’ ability to combine research, narration, and audio-visual technical skills.
• Conduct in-depth interviews and fieldwork to connect with and relate to various stakeholders.
• Present facts and opinion through research and interviews to correctly interpret the opinions and values on the topic presented.
• Work with a team and locals on delivering stories and voices of the local community.

Course Assessments and Grading

Course # MDIA 4083E

Credits 6

Pre-requisites and co-requisites: N/A (Recommended Science Communication)

Course Description

This course improves students’ communication skills by engaging in environmental discourses that connects the local with the global.  Students study a range of visual and written texts to learn how environmental communication is used by different actors in society. The role of communication is studied at the intersections of other key issues such as biodiversity, sustainable development, and climate change.  By evaluating and creating different media texts students gain an understanding of how media in various contexts shape environmental communication discourses in the public sphere. Using holistic and systems thinking students conduct research, identify target audience and design effective messages that place community concerns at the centre.

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon the completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Examine the ways in which different political, cultural, economic and geographical contexts shape environmental communication discourses in the public sphere.
• Evaluate a range of texts and assess their effectiveness on the intended audience.
• Examine how visual texts act as cultural prism that shape our understanding of nature.
• Discuss the role of media in reporting key environmental issues in different societies while connecting the local with the global.
• Design communication responses to engage a variety of audiences about environmental issues.

Course Assessments and Grading 

Course # MDIA 4087E

Credits 6

Course Description

Filmmaking Essentials, Reflexive Cinema introduces students to critical thinking in filmmaking practices from both local Central Asian and global perspectives. The course aims to cultivate essential analytical and creative skills for aspiring filmmakers in the contemporary cinema landscape. Through a combination of theoretical study, film screenings, critical discussions, and hands-on exercises, students will explore various aspects of cinematic storytelling, from visual composition and sound design to narrative structures and interview techniques, as well as develop and present their own project ideas.

Drawing on a diverse range of films, genres, and styles and their associated texts and theories, the course will help students develop an awareness and knowledge of cinema as an art form and a tool for social commentary.

This course serves as a foundation for the students’ further studies in filmmaking, preparing them for moving onto the next stage of development and production of their own projects.

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon the completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Analyse and interpret visual storytelling techniques in diverse film landscapes.
• Apply both classic and innovative approaches to filmmaking in practical exercises, showcasing creativity and technical skills.
• Develop a personal artistic voice and critical perspective on cinema, reflected in both written analyses and practical filmmaking exercises.
• Develop and articulate film project ideas effectively, demonstrating proficiency in pitching and project presentation techniques.
• Create a comprehensive film project proposal, synthesising the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the course.

Course Assessments and Grading

Course # COMP 2012E

Credits 2

Course Description

The course focuses on creating computer animation using Blender. The first 7 weeks of lectures and tutorials will cover geometric modelling, motion animation, shading, texturing, and lighting with the Blender computer animation package.

Students will work on their final animation projects in the last 7 weeks, but there may be one or two tutorials on reflection of the environment in shiny or glossy surfaces, and multiple bounce illumination.

There will be a final animation team project, to demonstrate skills with Blender in a creative setting, due for presentation in class during the last class week of the semester.

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon the successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Use surface-based geometric modelling tools for computer aided design.
• Build a character with a skin and skeleton, using Blender.
• Create an animation of a scene that changes in time, with lighting and camera motion.

Course Assessments and Grading