Electronic Media Communication
EMC 1010 - Orientation to Media Arts
1 credit hour
Introduces Media Arts majors to its degree programs, degree requirements, descriptions of curriculum, student resources and opportunities, career options, and critical goals for graduating seniors. Meetings may include lectures, guest lecturers, and site visits. Freshmen should enroll in this course no later than their second semester. Transfer students should enroll in this course during their first semester at MTSU. This course or a pre-approved substitute is required for candidacy in all majors in the Department of Media Arts.
EMC 1020 - American Media and Social Institutions
3 credit hours
(Same as JOUR 1020/RIM 1020.)
The power of the mass media and its effect on social institutions and practices. Develops skills of qualitative and quantitative social science research in the area of mass communication processes; examines media as social, cultural, and economic institutions that shape the values of American society, its political dialogues, its social practices, and institutions.
EMC 2030 - Visual Journalism Production
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: EMC/JOUR 1020 and permission of department.
Students shown how to gather information with words and pictures for the field of visual journalism by completing photojournalism assignments, producing images with still and video cameras, writing cutlines and voiceovers for images, producing images, using computer software to edit images and sound, and creating presentations for print and online media.
Three-hour lecture plus up to three-hour lab per week.
EMC 2120 - Sight, Sound, and Motion
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Media Arts majors only; others, permission of instructor.
Production elements and technology of the electronic media industry. Creative conceptualizations; elements of composition, the production process included. Basic visual and aural technology demonstrated.
EMC 3001 - Success in Media Arts
1 credit hour
Prerequisite: EMC 1010; junior status
Introduces students who have just achieved candidacy in Media Arts to best practices for success in Media Arts. Project management key topic. Emphasizes the value and importance of portfolio-quality work samples, experience points for resumes, and extracurricular experiences.
EMC 3010 - Media Production Seminar
1 to 3 credit hours
Prerequisites: VFP major; VFP 3140 or VFP 3150; admission to candidacy; or permission of instructor.
Practical experience in the conceptualization, pre-production preparation, and production of a specific program format. Integration of theory and skills from other Media Arts courses. Topics offered include filmed production, live television production, technical production experience, visual effects, animation techniques, augmented reality, virtual reality, and games. Topics will vary by semester offering. Can be repeated for 6 credit hours with different topics.
Can include up to a 3-hour lab per week.
EMC 3030 - Electronic Media Advertising
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: VFP 2410.
Principles, techniques, and methods of electronic media advertising including commercial story boards and copywriting.
Usually offered Fall only
EMC 3090 - Media Technology Seminar
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Introduces various aspects of the technology of media-its production, distribution, and consumption. Topics may vary by semester offering. Can be repeated for up to 9 credit hours.
Three hour lecture/lab plus a varying number of production projects outside of regularly scheduled class time.
EMC 3110 - Radio Station Operations
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: VFP 2410; instructor approval.
Theory and techniques of sound production, recording, microphones, taping, and board equipment. Analysis of creative efforts and responsibilities in writing, production, and direction.
Three-hour lecture plus up to three-hour lab per week.
EMC 3510 - Mass Media and American Culture
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Development of American journalism and the mass media from Colonial times to the present, including the role and influence of mass media on American culture, technical advances, and contributions of individual personalities.
EMC 3580 - Media Practicum
1 to 3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Admission to candidacy; junior standing; permission of instructor.
Practical experience in an on-campus mass communication setting within the College of Media and Entertainment. A minimum of 75 hours of work will be required for each hour of credit. Note: Total university credit for practicum and internship courses cannot exceed 6 credits.
EMC 3600 - Digital and Media Literacy
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: EMC 1020/JOUR 1020/RIM 1020.
Enables students to develop an informed and critical understanding of media messages and media culture as well as their social, cultural, and political contexts and implications. Students develop the critical thinking skills and methods of analysis necessary to interpret media content in a digital age. Offers ways to think critically about media as they relate to citizenship and democracy.
EMC 3650 - Free Expression, Mass Media, and the American Public
3 credit hours
(Same as JOUR 3650/RIM 3650.)
A general introduction to the issues surrounding free expression and its relationship to mass media in contemporary America. A comprehensive analysis of the history, philosophies, cases, and controls associated with freedom of expression.
EMC 3670 - Digital Media Law and Policy
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: IAM 2500 or permission of instructor. Introduces the laws, regulations, judicial decisions, and government policy in the United States and internationally which affect the digital space including the Internet, the World Wide Web, online video and audio, and mobile technology, etc. Students will be taking a critical thinking approach to issues such as privacy, copyright, violence, gender issues, and issues around access to Internet services and other related topics.
EMC 3750 - Film and TV Producing
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Candidacy in Media Arts majors.
Without a producer, there is no film, no television program, no product. Producers make it happen, and in this course students learn what it takes to create, pitch, finance, and manage a physical production. Hands-on featuring the latest techniques and processes of today's industry.
EMC 4000 - Media Internship
1 to 3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Admission to candidacy; senior standing; permission of sequence internship coordinator or instructor.
Practical experience for advanced students in a professional setting. A minimum of 75 hours of work per credit hour plus other assignments is required. Note: Total university credit for internship and practicum courses cannot exceed 6 credits. Pass/Fail. Can be repeated with different employer for one to three credits with permission of instructor.
EMC 4001 - Professional Practices in Media Arts
1 credit hour
Prerequisites: Senior status; candidacy in VFP, Photography, Media Management.
Offers preparation to graduating seniors for pursuing industry careers. Topics include career research, preparation of self-marketing materials, how to freelance, and how to start and run a small service business. Recommended to be taken in the final semester before graduation.
EMC 4010 - Media Sales
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: VFP 2410.
Theories of marketing and selling the intangible products of the electronic media industries. The fundamentals of positioning, theory and use of ratings, and local, regional, and national buying and selling strategies presented.
Offered Spring only.
EMC 4140 - Media Programming
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: VFP 2410.
Development of techniques, program organization, audience analysis, recording, and directing through projects. Provides practical conceptual knowledge of the problems and procedures followed in planning and producing programming.
EMC 4210 - Mass Communication and Society
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
Theories of the process of mass communication, how media affect society, the evolution within a social and cultural context, ethical and social dimensions. Extensive reading in theory, history, and research.
EMC 4250 - Mass Media Law
3 credit hours
(Same as JOUR 4250.) Prerequisites: EMC 1020; junior standing. Examines legal guarantees and restrictions on the flow of information using the case study method. Focuses on libel, privacy, obscenity, and the special restrictions placed on advertising, broadcasting, cable television, and the Internet.
EMC 4430 - Media Management
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: VFP 2410; admission to candidacy in Media Management or upper division status with permission of department.
An analysis of the problems involved in operating an electronic media facility including personnel, internal control systems, business ethics, community relations, sales, and promotion. Involves case study method.
EMC 4660 - Scientific Approaches to Media
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
Provides a critical overview off the historical, intellectual, and theoretical foundations of scientific inquiry with specific emphasis on quantitative research methods. Introduces major theories and methods of scientific inquiry in the field of communication including psychological and sociological perspectives, survey research, content analysis, experiments, observational research, and statistical analysis. Explores audience analysis, media effects, message testing, campaign evaluation, political communication, public opinion, and new media technologies.
EMC 4790 - Global News and World Media Cultures
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
Systems and philosophies associated with gathering international news and news coverage in different regions. Looks at global communication systems and ownership; examines how cultures shape news and the role of the individual in reporting news internationally. Includes discussion of development issues and role of global advertising and public relations.
EMC 4800 - Seminar in Media Issues
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
Examination and critical evaluation of issues relevant to the operation and functions of mass media including their relationships to each other and to government, advertisers, consumers, and other "publics." Can repeat for 6 hours with different topic.
EMC 4810 - Global Comparative Media Systems
3 credit hours
A close comparative study of chosen media systems in regions of the world. Examines print, broadcast, entertainment, and new media in Western and Eastern Europe, Asia and the Pacific Rim Region, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas. Media interactions with an influence on the geographic, demographic, linguistic, cultural, economic, and political structures of countries.
EMC 4820 - Race, Gender, and Class in Media
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing or permission of instructor.
Critical examination of diversity in mass communication with particular emphasis on media representations of race, gender, and class. Also examines audience interpretations of media texts.
EMC 4850 - Ethics and Mass Communication
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
Examines ethical concerns of media practitioners, illuminated by study of selected current ethical issues and an overview of the cultural and philosophical bases of a socially responsive mass media.
EMC 4900 - Independent Study in Media Arts
1 to 3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Admission to candidacy and permission of department.
Provides opportunities for individually designed problems, work experiences, or research projects related to the development of professional competencies in a major field of study. Requires approval of instructor.
EMC 4930 - Advanced Seminar-Media Management
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Admission to candidacy; permission of department only.
Practical experience in the conceptualization, preparation, and management of a specific program format. Integration of theory and skills from other EMC/RIM courses. Programming, station operations, and sales are probable topics. Topics will vary by semester offering. Can be repeated with different topics.
Three-hour lecture plus up to three-hour lab per week.
EMC 4960 - Capstone Course for Media Management
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Candidacy; successful completion of most other courses required for Media Management concentration; overall GPA of B- or better.
A required senior course for all Media Management concentration students; a culminating experience for students to apply what they have learned throughout their major to produce primary projects for portfolios and resumes. Each student is required to find a third party media management position/project for this class.
NOTE: Students must attend a 60-minute orientation the semester before the class is scheduled.
Video and Film Production
VFP 1060 - Basic Video Production
3 credit hours
Focuses on the basics of creating videos by shooting good video, recording good audio, editing raw footage into a coherent story or presentation, and sharing finished videos. Exposes students to camera, lighting, composition, sound, graphics, perspective, movement, and other tools of the motion picture language. Students must provide their own video cameras (smartphones acceptable), computers for editing videos, video editing software (iMovie, Windows Movie maker, or better), and microphones that work with their chosen cameras.
VFP 1080 - Post-Production I
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: VFP major
Explores non-linear editing techniques and practices, as well as the history and theory of film/video editing. Topics include post-production workflow, video formats and compression, narrative and documentary storytelling, exporting, sound design, color correction, multicam editing, and motion graphics. Three hours per week combined lecture/lab.
VFP 2020 - Scripts for Media
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Media Arts majors only; ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020. Examines the conventions and practices of effective writing for screen-based media, developing understanding and awareness of and writing ability with various script formats for media production. Alongside the study of other's produced work, students will practice writing and rewriting their own material, gaining a fundamental capability with conceiving, developing, and completing different kinds of scripts to entertain, educate, inform, influence, and/or inspire viewers.
VFP 2040 - Motion Graphics I
3 to 4 credit hours
(Same as ANIM 2040.) Prerequisite: PHOT 1050 with minimum grade of C or permission of instructor.
Aesthetics, principles, and processes of designing motion graphics for video production, broadcast television, film, and the Internet. Emphasizes freedom of expression while respecting diversity of media audiences.
Six-hour studio course
VFP 2121 - Media Aesthetics in Film and TV
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Video and Film Production or Media Management major; B- (2.67) or better in EMC 1020/JOUR 1020/RIM 1020.
Explains and illustrates the principles and practices of effective and recognized high quality use of pictorial composition, shot sequencing, lighting, and sound design as used in a variety of visual/aural creative work.
VFP 2130 - Single Cam I
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: VFP major and VFP 1080 (may be taken concurrently) or permission of department
Technical, operational, and creative basics of single camera production. Focuses on skills used in producing, directing, and production management. Incorporates equipment applications including cinematography, lighting, and field audio.
Three-hour lecture plus up to three-hour lab per week.
VFP 2131 - Multi Cam I
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: VFP major and VFP 1080 (may be taken concurrently)
Technical and creative elements of multi camera video production. Experience gained through lecture and lab assignments in producing, directing, crew positions, and studio layout.
Three-hour lecture plus up to three-hour lab per week
VFP 2410 - History of American Television
3 credit hours
Prerequisite:VFP major or permission of department.
Organization, structure and function, historical development, and social aspects. Designed to give the major, as well as the nonmajor, a general working knowledge of television networks.
VFP 2510 - History of American Cinema
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: VFP major.
The development and role of motion pictures in America, including the history of films and filmmakers, the development of film technique and genres, and the role of films in culture and society.
VFP 2990 - Film and TV Sound
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Video and Film Production major status; B- (2.67) or better in VFP 1080.
Focuses on the creation of a production's soundtrack-dialogue/vocals, music, and sound effects-and the impact these elements have on the visual image. Through a combination of lectures, screenings, and hands-on projects, students will learn the fundamentals of acoustics and digital audio, proper audio recording techniques for field and studio recording, sound design and editing, and sound mixing.
VFP 3020 - Screenwriting I
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020; VFP 2020; Media Arts major
Techniques of creating and writing for film and video production in both the studio and field environment. Integrates writing for visual impact and audio/integration of sound and examines formatting needs of varying non-fiction and fiction story platforms for screen-based media.
VFP 3045 - Live Production Graphics
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: ANIM 2040 or VFP 2040 with C or better. Practical experience in industry standard character generator and virtual set pipelines, and the aesthetics, principles, and processes of creating and running real-time graphic elements for a variety of live venues such as broadcast TV, concerts, arenas, and stage productions.
VFP 3080 - Post Production II
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: VFP major.
Methods of editing for narrative and non-narrative forms of media along with theory. Hands-on exercises in class with exploration of color correction, motion, filters, text and audio editing for video and digital film.
Three-hour lecture plus up to three-hour lab per week.
VFP 3091 - XR, Live Event, and LED Virtual Production I
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Media Arts Candidacy; EMC 3090; permission may be granted by instructor to other majors
Designed to give students a detailed understanding of the field of video display technology for live events and media productions. Focuses on how to design, install, rig and operate large scale video displays and projection systems for an entertainment environment. Demonstrates troubleshooting skills to use in real-world environments.
VFP 3092 - XR, Live Event, and LED Virtual Production II
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: EMC 3090 and VFP 3091 with grade of C or better. Focuses on the process of using XR (extended reality) hardware and software for virtual productions. Applicational uses can include visual effects, broadcast graphics, music videos, sports graphics, and other related productions.
VFP 3140 - Multi Cam II
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: VFP major; VFP 2131; or permission of instructor.
Focuses on the duties and responsibilities of the television studio director. Emphasis on actual production and directing of video material. Laboratory required.
Three-hour lecture plus up to three-hour lab per week.
VFP 3150 - Single Cam II
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Admission to candidacy; VFP 2130 with minimum grade of C
Techniques of video field production. On-location shooting of features and mini-documentaries; editing techniques, coverage, lighting, sound, and graphics. Laboratory required.
Three-hour lecture plus up to three-hour lab per week.
VFP 3320 - Visual Effects
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: VFP 1060 with minimum grade of C.
(Same as ANIM 3320.) History, techniques, and applications of compositing in the areas of film, video, and multimedia production. Broad survey of process and techniques involved with creating composites. Techniques and aesthetics incorporated into traditional methods of compositing for contrast and comparison. Frequent review and discussion of current work from industry will occur in the form of media presentations.
Six-hour studio course
VFP 3410 - Voices in Cinema and TV
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Admission to candidacy; VFP 2130 with B- or better.
Explores issues of representation and production, both current and historical, in American cinema and television as it relates to the voices of marginalized and underrepresented communities, including women, POC, LGBTQIA+, disability, indigenous communities, and socioeconomic class. Further aspects of critical theory and political economy studied in relation to contemporary topics in American media.
VFP 3555 - Cinematography
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: VFP 3150; admission to candidacy.
Explores cinematography and lighting aesthetics, theory, and practice. Working in the studio and on-location, students develop the skills required to capture the moving image. Screenings, exercises, and hands-on projects utilized to demonstrate various approaches to cinematography. Three-hour lecture plus up to three-hour lab per week.
VFP 3570 - Broadcast Announcing and Performance
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Admission to candidacy.
Responsibilities and skills required of the individual performer in preparing, announcing, and narrating of various types of materials for television and radio.
Three-hour lecture plus up to three-hour lab per week.
VFP 3745 - Aerial Cinematography I
3 credit hours
(Same as AERO 3745.) Team-taught course gives students the knowledge and skills to fly and maneuver multirotor, remote-piloted aircraft with a specific emphasis on aerial cinematography and filmmaking applications. Students will construct and gain experience on a small drone before transitioning to other, prosumer-level unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Dual focus on UAS operations, regulations, legal and ethical issues, alongside fundamental aspects specific to aerial filmmaking. Flight operations training and filming will be conducted both on and off-campus. Uses a web-enhanced lecture and lab instructional methodology.
VFP 3940 - Celluloid Filmmaking
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Admission to Filmmaking candidacy; permission of instructor.
Explores filmmaking as an art form using the Super 8 and 16mm celluloid film formats. Through hands-on practice, projects, and screenings, students gain a deeper appreciation of the roots of cinematic expression. Course requires additional material costs per student. Three-hour lecture plus up to three-hour lab per week.
VFP 3950 - XR Filmmaking and Production Design
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: VFP major; VFP 3140 or VFP 3150; admission to candidacy; or permission of instructor. Hands-on exploration of filmmaking within an XR production environment. Working in teams, students will research, design, and execute all production elements for a filmed XR production. Explores the various roles within the field of film/television production design through screening, discussions, and experiential learning in class productions.
VFP 4020 - Screenwriting II
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: VFP major; VFP 3020 with C or better; permission of department for non-majors.
Techniques of creating and writing for film and video production in both the studio and location environment. Scriptwriting guidelines, character development, plot design, and creation of storylines for contemporary screen-based media with emphasis on television genre programs or film scripts. Writing of original scripts conforming to the genre with emphasis on longer form teleplays and film scripts.
VFP 4040 - Motion Graphics II
3 credit hours
(Same as ANIM 4040.) Prerequisite: ANIM 2040/VFP 2040 with minimum grade of C or permission of instructor
Aesthetics, advanced principles, and processes of designing motion graphics for video production, broadcast television, film, and the Internet. Emphasizes freedom of expression while respecting diversity of media audiences.
Three-hour lecture plus up to three-hour lab per week.
VFP 4150 - Advanced Multi-camera Production - Studio
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Admission to candidacy; VFP 3140 with C or better or permission of instructor.
Preparation, development, and production of scripted and unscripted studio-based, television program types. Covers principles, aesthetics, and techniques of producing, directing, and of various creative and technical positions.
Three-hour lecture plus up to three-hour lab per week
VFP 4500 - International Cinema
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Admission to candidacy in VFP or upper division status with permission of department
Explores how culture and the contours of history influence filmmaking. Illustrates how foreign filmmakers both emulate and challenge mainstream U.S. fare.
VFP 4745 - Aerial Cinematography II
3 credit hours
(Same as AERO 4745.) Prerequisites: AERO 3730/AERO 3731, AERO 3745, or VFP 3745. Designed to give students opportunity to gain knowledge and skills using multirotor platforms designed for professional aerial photography and industrial applications. Students will gain knowledge in UAS operations, regulations, legal and ethical issues, and various aspects of aerial cinematography. Flight operations training will be conducted off-campus locations. Focuses on advanced skills in working with lighting, depth, focal field, and storytelling through three axis camera movement.
VFP 4940 - Advanced Seminar-Filmmaking
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Admission to candidacy; VFP 3150
Practical experience in the conceptualization, pre-production preparation, and production of a specific program format. Integration of theory and skills from other EMC/RIM courses. Sports, music, drama, and editing are probable topics. Topics will vary by semester offering. Can be repeated with different topics. Can be repeated for 9 credit hours with different topics.
Three-hour lecture plus up to three-hour lab per week.
VFP 4941 - Advanced Multi-camera Video Production
1 to 4 credit hours
Prerequisite: Admission to candidacy and VFP 3140 or permission of instructor.
Practical experience in the conceptualization, pre-production preparation, and production of live television productions such as sports, musical performances, special events, or news. Topics will vary by section offering. Can be repeated for up to 13 credit hours with each section offering varying composition of projects.
Three hour lecture plus three hour lab per week plus a varying number of project hours outside of scheduled class time.
VFP 4942 - Web Series Production
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Admission to candidacy in Video and Film Production; C or better in VFP 3150; and permission of instructor.
Explores the proliferation of online video content and distribution platforms for entertainment, commercial, and educational markets. Topics include writing, producing, content strategy, targeting core audiences, crowdfunding, monetization, and various distribution methods. Students work within a collaborative and production-oriented workshop setting to create and promote a multi-episode web series. Three-hour lecture plus up to three-hour lab per week.
VFP 4944 - Reel World: Client-Based Production
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Candidacy in Video and Film Production; permission of instructor.
Gives students the experience of creating media for clients, solving their communication needs, and working with their brands. This real-world experience includes meeting with actual clients, understanding their needs and then conceiving, developing, pitching, and producing works to meet their needs. Three-hour lecture plus up to three-hour lab per week.
VFP 4945 - Moviemaking
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Admission to Video and Film Production candidacy; VFP 3150 with C or better.
Focuses on film production, direction, and crew positions while producing several short film projects. Each student required to produce or direct a short film AND crew another student's project or crew three short films being produced and directed by classmates. Three-hour lecture plus up to three-hour lab per week.
VFP 4947 - Documentary Filmmaking
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Admission to Video and Film Production candidacy; VFP 3150 with C or better; permission of instructor.
Practical and theoretical exploration of the various styles of documentary filmmaking. Screenings and analysis of short- and long-form documentary films guide students in the production of an original, portfolio-quality film project. Three-hour lecture plus up to three-hour lab per week.
VFP 4949 - Producing the Narrative Film
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Admission to Video and Film Production candidacy; VFP 3140 or VFP 3150
The producer is the key organizer for any media production and project success is largely dependent upon the producer's performance and management of the crew, budget, schedule, and logistics of the production and post-production. Provides hands-on experience with the details of the producer's role while making a short film. Three-hour lecture plus up to three-hour lab per week.
VFP 4985 - Motion Design Capstone
4 credit hours
Prerequisites: Senior standing; admission to Motion Design candidacy; ANIM 4040 or VFP 4040; permission of instructor. Corequisite: ANIM 4405. Students create a motion design project of their own choice. Individual projects must be approved by instructor. Goal is to produce portfolio-quality projects demonstrating competence in the student's career path.
VFP 4990 - Filmmaking Capstone
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Candidacy in Video and Film, senior status, VFP 3150, at least one advanced production course, and permission of instructor.
Students create a filmmaking project of their own choice. Individual projects must be approved by instructor. Goal is to produce a portfolio-quality project demonstrating competence in the student's career path. Sixty-minute orientation is required the semester before the class.
VFP 4995 - Live Production Capstone
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Video and Film candidacy, senior status, VFP 4150 or VFP 4941, and permission of instructor
Students create a live television project of their own choice. Individual projects must be approved by instructor. Goal is to produce a portfolio-quality project demonstrating competence in the student's career path. Sixty-minute orientation is required the semester before the class.
