Course Descriptions
Computer Science and Digital Arts Courses
Department Code: CPTR
CPTR110 Introduction to Computer Science with Python
Assumes basic high school mathematics and no prior programming experience. Course introduces data representation, operating systems, and programming using Python. Topics include problem-solving, flowchart design, algorithm writing, data types, decision making statements for non-sequential programming, loops for repetitive work, functions, arrays, vectors, strings, and GUIs(graphical user interfaces). Lab section would help students design flowcharts and write simple programs. Lecture and Laboratory. Credit 4 hours.
CPTR112 Programming 1
Introduces students to the use of computers as a problem-solving tool. Programming techniques and methodologies are covered. This includes the design, coding, and execution of structured and object-oriented programming. Programming will be taught in a modern programming language. The topics covered: data structures, algorithms, procedural abstraction, functions, I/O streams, objects and classes. Lecture and laboratory Prerequisite: CPTR110 or MATH 110 or higher level math course. Credit 4 hours.
CPTR200 Computer Game Concepts
A forum in which the topics are free-ranging. Periodically students will sift through the topics discussed to see if anything presents fertile ground for a game premise. Participation needs to be based upon simple opinion/observation in some cases and upon research and structured brainstorming in others. Credit 1 hour. May be repeated for credit.
CPTR205 Computer Game Planning and Production
Students in this course study games and the game development process. They also evaluate the premises presented to them by the Game Concepts class and select one or more to prototype and playtest. Credit 2 hours. May be repeated for credit.
CPTR211 Basic Information and Website Design
An introduction to Website creation. Students will learn the planning process, to include information design, and the creation of sites using WYSIWYG editors such as Dreamweaver, and HTML. Prerequisite: COMM or ART 103. Credit 3 hours.
CPTR212 Object Oriented Programming
Covers modern way of scalable software development using Object-oriented programming (OOP) paradigm. Topics covered include classes, objects, inheritance, encapsulation, polymorphism, and data abstraction. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisites: CPTR 110 and 112. Credit 4 hours.
CPTR220 Digital Sound
This course will explore the use of computer software to create digital music and sound effects. Software such as Cakewalk Project 5 will enable students to create and use audio synthesizing workstations. Credit 3 hours.
CPTR240 3D Modeling and Animation 1
Probable topics for this course include the 3DMax interface layout, creation tools with primitives and 2D shapes, lofting, and basic modifiers along with scene set up. Simple lighting, camera and materials will enhance student renders and animations. Credit 3 hours.
CPTR250 3D Modeling and Animation 2
Probable areas of study include in-depth renders and animations using complex modifiers, lofting, space wars, and particle systems; creating low-polygon characters and objects for gaming; advanced lighting, camera and material creation methods along with detailed rendering options for enhanced realism. Prerequisite: CPTR 240. Credit 3 hours.
CPTR318 Data Structures
Covers both linear data structures: arrays, vectors, linked list, stack, and queue and non-linear data structures: trees and graphs. Introduces complexity analysis of data structures for valid selection based on problem and requirements. Implementation of the concepts and project would be using C++ or another object-oriented language. Prerequisites: CPTR 212. Credit 3 hours.
CPTR319 Cloud Computing
Provides an overview of the field of cloud computing and the associated technologies. Students would be working on the projects hosting their product / software on the cloud infrastructures such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure. Topics covered include cloud infrastructures, virtualization (CPU, memory, and Input / Output resources), software defined networks, cloud storage, and programming models. Prerequisites CPTR 212 or CPTR345. Credit 3 hours.
CPTR320 Database Management Systems
This will cover the concepts of successful commercial-level database design. It will include these topics: data models, three schema architecture, entity-relationship model, enhanced ER diagram, relational model concepts, relational algebra and calculus, SQL, functional dependencies, normalization, and database security. Prerequisite: CPTR 112. Credit 3 hours.
CPTR324 Computer Networks & Security
Covers computer network concepts and security using TCP/IP protocol model. Topics covered are application layer, transport layer, network layer, data link layer, and physical layer. Students would be introduced to current vulnerabilities, cryptographic algorithms to protect the data and network. Implementation of security algorithms would be in C++ and Python. Prerequisites: CPTR 212 and MATH 223. Credit 3 hours.
CPTR341 Operating Systems
This course will cover the concepts, structures, and functionalities of operating systems. It will include process management, memory management, scheduling, file management, multiprocessor scheduling, threads, deadlocks, and starvation. Prerequisites: CPTR 212 and MATH 319. Credit 3 hours.
CPTR345 Software Engineering
This course will study systems development life cycles through project implementation and evaluation, and life cycle models such as waterfall. Prerequisite: CPTR 212. Credit 3 hours.
CPTR346 Motion Graphics
A course in the creation of digital productions combining multiple elements for gaming, commercial video or web presentations. Video shooting and editing techniques taught in the course are combined with audio, sound and image manipulation, 2D and 3D graphics, interactive authoring and web creation techniques learned in prerequisite courses. Prerequisite: COMM 205, CPTR 211, COMM 216, CPTR 220, CPTR 240. Credit 3 hours.
CPTR350 3D Modeling and Animation 3
A continuation of CPTR 250. Prerequisite: CPTR 250. Credit 3 hours.
CPTR425 Machine Learning
Introduces fundamental concepts used in computational data analysis. Topics include regression, classification, clustering, and visualization. A brief overview of recent developments in deep learning and its applications would also be covered. Each student will work on their own projects based on their major area of study or interest. Students would perform data analysis using Python over Google Colab. Prerequisites: CPTR 110 or MATH110 or Instructor approval. Credit 3 hours.
CPTR430 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
Basic concepts about Artificial Intelligence. Topics include: recursive problem solving, knowledge representation using semantic networks and frames, state space search methods, planning and problem solving, game playing and adversarial search methods, rules and production system, constraint satisfaction techniques and applications, optimization algorithms including genetic algorithms, and logic programming. Prerequisites: CPTR 212 and MATH 222. Credit 3 hours.
CPTR453 Analysis of Algorithm
This course focuses on running time of algorithms, recurrences, sorting, binary search trees, hash tables, and dynamic programming. Prerequisites: CPTR 212 and MATH 320. Credit 3 hours.
CPTR454 Senior Project and Seminar
Working with a professional mentor, the student will design, execute and manage a project involving computer technology. This project may include hardware, software and assessing the impact upon people and systems. The goal of this course is to provide students with professional experience. Three main objectives of this course are technical accomplishment, execution of a commercial-level project, and effective communication. Credit 3 hours.
CPTR459 Practicum in Computer Science
An intensive applied learning experience that involves the analyzing and solving of a significant practical problem, and providing appropriate documentation of the work done. Credit 1 to 5 hours.
Communication Courses
Department Code: COMM
COMM101 Survey of Mass Communications
A course designed to develop the student’s ability to appreciate and evaluate the aesthetic, societal, and cultural functions of newspapers, magazines, advertising, film, radio and television. It will examine the nature, development, contemporary structure and influence of the mass media. Credit 3 hours.
COMM102 Elements of Oral Communication
An introduction to the theoretical and practical performance of effective oral communication skills. Students will learn rhetorical strategies and opportunities to aid them in improving their interpersonal, intercultural, public, and group communication skills. Credit 3 hours.
COMM105 Introduction to Communication Theory
Introduction to the major theories, paradigms, and histories that are the foundation of the discipline of communication. Such study provides a framework for understanding the role of theory in human communication. Students will engage with communication theory as it relates to cultural, historical, and academic perspectives. Credit 3 Hours.
COMM107 UI/UX Design
This is a course on the principles and practice of User Interface and User Experience design. It will address relevant design traditions, historical and contemporary research, and the practical skills for creating effective original designs. Credit 3 hours.
COMM110 Media Writing
Examines contemporary writing techniques across various forms of media including television, film, social media, news, and public relations. Along with studying function and forms across industry, students will be exposed to the various roles of writing and writers in media contexts. Students will write scripts, outlines, news, social media content, and professional communication. Credit 3 Hours.
COMM202 Oral Storytelling
A course designed for students in disciplines where they are required to regularly read material (prose, poetry or non-fiction) before individuals, groups or the mass media. It is ideal for broadcasting majors, writers and teachers. Students will learn the basics of textual analysis (understanding that almost everything written contains a story) and how they can best communicate that experience to an audience. Credit 3 hours.
COMM203 Interpersonal Communication
Introductory study of communication between people and in relationships. Stresses awareness of how one’s communication behavior influences and is influenced by others and provides methods of improving interpersonal interactions. Credit 3 hours.
COMM204 Introduction to Digital Media Studies
Explores the critical theoretical frameworks, methods, and aims of various approaches to the role of media in society. Students will investigate media and its relation to power and bias while cultivating a critical awareness of media's role in politics, public culture, and everyday life. Topics covered include but are not limited to privacy and surveillance, accessibility, race, labor and industry, gender and sexuality. Credit 3 Hours.
COMM205 Introduction to Photography
A study of camera, photo composition, and photo editing. Students will learn how to shoot and edit photos through practical assignments and instruction in post-production software. The culmination of this course is a portfolio demonstrating various photography techniques and competencies. Cross-listed with Art. Credit 3 hours.
COMM207 Social Media
Explores social media practices, impact, and design from theoretical and practical approaches. Students will cultivate a broad understanding of social media's role in contemporary society, its uses, and place within various contexts such as art, education, business, sports, personal use, and culture. Credit 3 Hours.
COMM208 Critical Thinking and Argumentation
Students enrolled in this course will learn the theoretical principles of critical thinking and argument as they apply to interpersonal, organizational, public and political concerns. Students will be guided in subject analysis, data gathering, evidence building, and evaluation of critical arguments. Credit 3 hours.
COMM209 Video Production
A study of the principles of producing, directing, and editing video. Students will complete multiple projects to develop skills in capturing and editing video to tell complete narratives. Credit 3 Hours.
COMM211 Introduction to the Cinema
A study of the five technical elements that are involved in film: cinematography and visual editing, sound acquisition and music insertion, scriptwriting, performance, and the role of the director in pulling all this together. The course examines motion picture themes as a rhetorical communication medium, artistic expression, as well as a reflection of social and cultural thought. In each area of study, students will practice and improve their skills in creative and critical viewing. Credit 3 hours.
COMM215 Intercultural Communication
An investigation of the similarities and differences of communication patterns of various cultures. Examination of the values and cultural norms that inform and influence a culture’s communication. Credit 3 hours.
COMM216 Composing With Paint & Draw Programs 1
The application of art, illustration and graphic design principles using paint and draw programs such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and Macromedia Flash. Focus on artwork for screen-based and print-based media. Cross-listed with Art. Credit 3 hours.
COMM218 Media Development
Focuses on the experience of working through pre-production processes. Students will work together to bring an idea to life through brainstorming, research, scripting, storyboarding, location scouting, pitching, media planning, and other pre-production elements. Prerequisite: COM110. Credit 3 Hours.
COMM246 History of Television
An examination of social issues as explored through various television genres. Course may also explore news coverage of events and contemporary problems with television programming. Intended for non-majors as well as Communication majors. Credit 3 hours.
COMM248 History of the Cinema
The history of visual storytelling. This course examines the development of cinematography technology (camera, film, lighting, editing, sound) with an emphasis on techniques of video-only storytelling by such masters as the Lumiere Brothers (cinematography), Georges Melies (special effects), Sergei Eisenstein (montage), D.W. Griffith, Charles Chaplin, and Buster Keaton. The course also examines early attempts at sound acquisition and editing. It will culminate in a comprehensive analysis of what is critically considered to be the greatest American film: Citizen Kane. Credit 3 hours.
COMM250 Media Law and Ethics
This course will introduce students to the major legal, ethical, and policy issues related to the mass media. This will be done by exposing students to primary documents and cases as well as to methods of analysis. Upon completion, students should be able to explain in broad context existing media law and policy and be able to critique and analyze future laws and policies. Students should also be able to articulate the ethical issues that are relevant to media conduct. Credit 3 hours.
COMM262 Science Fiction Television
Examines the history of the genre to see how programming has dealt with significant political and social issues in a way unexplored in most dramatic television. It will also explore theories of Carl Jung to see how archetypes help to unify character and theme in Science Fiction TV. An additional focus will be on attempts of futuristic series to create a modern mythic construct for a society devoid of a unified native mythos. Credit 3 hours.
COMM294 Public Relations
Students will explore the major concepts and strategies of public relations for business and other organizations. Credit 3 hours.
COMM304 Advanced Topics in Media
An in-depth analysis of a particular topic related to media production or media theory. The topics are dependent on the interests of the faculty instructor and include but are not limited to specific topics in: social media, society, race, class, gender, accessibility, sexuality, labor, surveillance, privacy, video games, tv, film, and music. Prerequisite: COMM204 Introduction to Digital Media Studies. Credit 3 Hours.
COMM305 Advanced Topics in Communication Studies
An in- depth analysis of a particular topic in the field of communication. The topics are dependent on the interests of the communication faculty and include, but are not limited to specific topics in interpersonal, intrapersonal, group, presentational communication, and discourse. Prerequisite: COMM105 Intro to Communication Theory. Credit 3 Hours.
COMM313 Digital Storytelling
In this team-based course, students will work together to create a compelling digital narrative using content creation technology such as smartphones, social media platforms, and the Adobe Creative Suite. Students will work together to plan, produce, and deliver a project related to one of the following areas: advocacy campaigns, marketing campaigns, documentary, news, fundraising, or entertainment. Prerequisite: COMM209 Video Production or COMM218 Media Development. Credit 3 Hours.
COMM315 Persuasion
A study of persuasive communication and the techniques that motivate people to act or believe in a particular way. A variety of persuasive rhetorical theories will be discussed as tools for persuasion. Credit 3 hours.
COMM317 Advanced Presentational Speaking
This is an advanced course in the theory and application of public speaking in a variety of contexts and situations. Students will demonstrate an advanced level of understanding of how to engage audiences more effectively by using critical thinking, audience analysis, organization, technological and delivery skills. Prerequisite: COMM102. Credit 3 hours.
COMM320 Advanced Website Design: Graphic Techniques
This course builds upon the planning and design principles in CPTR 211, extending site effectiveness through the use of advanced graphic techniques. Prerequisite: CPTR 211. Credit 3 hours.
COMM348 International Cinema: Western Culture
An examination of the foreign film from traditional western cultures to include, among others, France, Spain, Mexico, Scandinavia, Italy, Greece, Germany, Russia, Australia, and New Zealand. Students will study the major trends and styles of cinema and how national identity and customs are reflected in those films. Course is designed to give global perspective to non-majors as well as majors. Credit 3 hours.
COMM349 International Cinema: Asian Culture
An examination of the foreign film from traditional eastern cultures to include, among others, Japan, China, Hong Kong, India, Korea, Vietnam, and Taiwan. Students will study the major trends and styles of cinema and how national identity and customs are reflected in those films. Course is designed to give global perspective to non-majors as well as majors. Credit 3 hours.
COMM401 Debate Question Analysis and Case Construction
This course is designed to acquaint students with critical analysis and case construction of debate questions including high school and intercollegiate organizations. Special emphasis is placed on case construction and analysis in a workshop setting. Prerequisite: COMM 102 and COMM208. Credit 3 hours.
COMM410 Theories of Human Communication
The focus of this course includes an overview of current and historical theories and research in the major sub- fields of human communication. Prerequisite: COMM 102. Credit 3 hours.
COMM411 Social Media Production and Theory
A seminar and production lab interested in the creation of social media content informed by theories of communication and digital culture. Students will engage in the critical analysis of social media platforms, products, and content in relation to their social, economic, and political impact. Students will develop practical skills in content strategy and social media analytics. Prerequisite: COMM207 Social Media and COMM205 Introduction to Photography or COMM209 Video Production or COMM218 Media Development. Credit 3 Hours.
COMM497 Communication Capstone
Working with a faculty advisor, the student will design, execute, and manage a creative project, internship, or research paper involving communication research, media studies, and/or working experience. This course will provide students with preparation for graduate school and/or working in a professional Communication field. Credit 3 Hours.
