The World of Mass Media
The Department of Mass Communications is committed to delivering a high-quality academic program that supports Tougaloo College's mission of developing self-directed, resilient learners. Our curriculum prepares students for dynamic careers in media by blending theory with real-world practice and emphasizing the vital role of mass communication in society.
Program Emphasis Areas
The Degrees in The Department of Mass Communication are the following:
Advertising
Radio-Television Broadcasting
Public Relations
Journalism
B.A. in Mass Communication
Emphasis in Journalism
Visual Art & Social Practice
B.A. in Mass Communication
Emphasis in Visual Art and Social Practice
(Offered only with the Public Relations track)
Performance
B.A. in Mass Communication
Emphasis in Performance
(Offered only with the Radio-TV track)
Students in Action
Our students are constantly creating, learning, and making their mark in the world of mass communications. See them in action as they develop their skills and pursue their passions.
Program Requirements
Students declaring a major in Mass Communication must have and maintain an overall GPA of at least 2.75. Students must make a "C" or better in all Mass Communication courses. The liberal arts curriculum at Tougaloo College requires that students earn 124 hours to complete graduation requirements. The department offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication. Students must choose from six (6) areas of emphasis directly related to the study of mass communication: Journalism, Public Relations, Advertising, Radio and Television Broadcasting, Visual Art and Social Practice, or Performance. Mass Communication students are required to purchase their own computer, video/photo camera.
Course Requirements
Mass Communications includes journalism, speech, communication, public relations/advertising, radio and television broadcasting, music industry/technology, and visual/graphic arts programs. The curriculum combines professional liberal arts theory courses and is responsive to technology advances in the professions.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS: MASS COMMUNICATIONS
This course is a survey of the development and the operation of print and electronic media including an overview of mass communication theory and effects research. The course is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of the media industry and professions in the mass media.
CREDIT: THREE SEMESTER HOURS
This course is designed to familiarize the student with various theories of mass communication. Students will understand the evolution of theories in mass communication and discover how theories of mass communication apply to everyday life.
CREDIT: THREE SEMESTER HOURS
This course will introduce students to the basic concepts of news writing for print and electronic media. The course will equip the students with skills needed in understanding the principles, differences, and similarities in writing for print and electronic media.
CREDIT: THREE SEMESTER HOURS
The purpose of this course is to prepare students to work in the media industry by improving specific communication skills. Vocal weaknesses will be evaluated and students will be provided the necessary tools help improve their speech patterns and voices. Students will be introduced to the International Phonetic Alphabet and will practice skills by engaging in mock communication exercises related to Mass Communication.
CREDIT: THREE SEMESTER HOURS
This course is designed to give students training and experience in recognizing and gathering information worthy of news and feature stories as well as the art of reporting, content, including video and still photography, for the students media website will be incorporated in the class. Course work will also be used to produce the student newspaper and other student media projects.
CREDIT: THREE SEMESTER HOURS
This course is designed to give students training and experience in recognizing and defining news, news gathering and news writing. Course work will be used for the student newspaper and other student media projects.
CREDIT: THREE SEMESTER HOURS
The purpose of this course is to assist the student in understanding research and writing as it relates to the field of mass communication. Students will investigate work by scholars in the field and will also be introduced to the tools needed in order to conduct their own research and write the results. This course prepares the student for further study within the department, for the senior project, and for study beyond the Bachelor’s degree in mass communication.
Prerequisites: ENG 101, ENG 102, COM 101, 111, 112, 113, 114 & 115
CREDIT: THREE SEMESTER HOURS
This course is a survey of the ethical aspects of the mass media. The course prompts students to consider their roles as media practitioners and the ethical issues that arise.
Prerequisites: ENG 101, ENG 102, COM 101, 111, 112, 114, 115 & 211
CREDIT: THREE SEMESTER HOURS
This course is a general study of legal history and the application of specific laws as they apply to the mass media in the Unites States. Issues such as libel, invasion of privacy, indecency, obscenity, etc., will be investigated through the course. Offered once per year in alternate odd years.
Prerequisites: ENG 101, ENG 102, COM 101, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 211 & 212
CREDIT: THREE SEMESTER HOURS
This course will assist the student in developing skills in evaluating the use of graphics for promotional media in mass communication. The student will learn to critically assess campaign needs and analyze visual components for effective message communication using graphic editing software.
CREDIT: THREE SEMESTER HOURS
This course will teach students about the basics of still photography for use in mass communications, with emphasis on advertising, public relations, journalism and broadcasting. The latest digital photographic techniques will be employed, including digital still cameras and digital darkroom software. This course also focuses on how mass communication professionals make their own photographs suitable for publication in newspapers, magazines and other publications.
Prerequisites: ENG 101, ENG 102, COM 101, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 211, 212 & 312
CREDIT: THREE SEMESTER HOURS
Upon completion of all other core requirements and requirement for the emphasis area, students will work for a professional mass media organization under the direction of the instructor and the guidance of media personnel. This course may be taken twice.
Prerequisites: All 100, 200 and 300 level courses
CREDIT: THREE SEMESTER HOURS
This course examines the theoretical aspects of persuasion in the media. Students will be introduced to theory, principles and tactics by which persuasive messages are developed and conveyed. Additionally, students will gain the ability to recognize and critically analyze persuasive attempts in the media.
Prerequisites: All 100, 200, & 300 level courses
CREDIT: THREE SEMESTER HOURS
This course will encourage the students to think critically about the role and the impact of the media in contemporary society by examining the media industry, media content, media consumption and emerging technologies. Additionally, students will consider controversial issues surrounding the mass media.
Prerequisites: All 100, 200, & 300 level courses
CREDIT: THREE SEMESTER HOURS
This is a special topics course which will explore current issues in mass communication. Topics will alternate each time the course is offered.
Prerequisites: All 100, 200 and 300 level courses
CREDIT: THREE SEMESTER HOURS
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS: ADVERTISING
This course is a survey of the field of advertising and its role in society. Topics include history, law, ethics, social dynamics, economic implications, and the basic elements of advertising campaigns. Students will become familiar with the full advertising process.
Prerequisites: ENG 101, ENG 102, COM 101, COM 111, COM 112
CREDIT: THREE SEMESTER HOURS
This course covers the creation and production of advertising messages for a range of media formats including print, broadcast, outdoor, and direct mail. Students will learn how to design and develop compelling ad content.
Prerequisites: COM 101, COM 111, COM 112, COA 111
CREDIT: THREE SEMESTER HOURS
This course explores the planning, implementation, and evaluation of media objectives and strategies in advertising. It includes media characteristics, budgeting, and measuring the effectiveness of advertising efforts.
Prerequisites: COM 101, COM 111, COM 112, COA 111, COA 211
CREDIT: THREE SEMESTER HOURS
This course gives students a comprehensive understanding of the advertising campaign process, including marketing strategy, planning, media research, creative development, and budgeting. It serves as a capstone for advertising students.
Prerequisites: COM 101, COM 111, COM 112, COA 111, COA 211, COA 311
CREDIT: THREE SEMESTER HOURS
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS: RADIO AND TELEVISION BROADCASTING
This course prepares students to present for broadcast media and emphasizes oral presentation, field reporting, audio and video recording techniques, and news programming formats.
Prerequisites: ENG 101, ENG 102, COM 101, COM 111, COM 112
CREDIT: THREE SEMESTER HOURS
Focused on preparing news stories for broadcast, this course includes field reporting, writing, editing visual and audio content, and performing for on-air presentation.
Prerequisites: COM 101, COM 111, COM 112, COB 111
CREDIT: THREE SEMESTER HOURS
Introduction to key components of production for electronic media. Students develop basic audio and television production skills and learn relevant software and terminology through hands-on practice.
Prerequisites: COM 101, COM 111, COM 112
CREDIT: THREE SEMESTER HOURS
This course explores the producer's role and program structure as they relate to daily broadcast production operations.
Prerequisites: COM 101, COM 111, COM 112, COB 111, COB 211
CREDIT: THREE SEMESTER HOURS
This course provides an understanding of programming departments in broadcast stations. Students examine programming issues across media entities and evaluate the audience appeal of television programs.
Prerequisites: COM 101, COM 111, COM 112, COB 111, COB 112, COB 211, COB 212
CREDIT: THREE SEMESTER HOURS
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS: PUBLIC RELATIONS
This course introduces students to the theory and practice of public relations, its functions within organizations, its impact on the public, and its societal role. Students explore the evolution of public relations, the responsibilities of practitioners, and key trends that shape the field.
Prerequisites: ENG 101, ENG 102, COM 101, COM 111, COM 112
CREDIT: THREE SEMESTER HOURS
This course emphasizes writing, message dissemination, and media networks in public relations. Students develop writing and editing skills to create effective, strategy-based PR materials for real-world clients. It also addresses the role of media in crisis communication and how to produce impactful messages.
Prerequisites: COM 101, COM 111, COM 112, COP 111
CREDIT: THREE SEMESTER HOURS
Using real-world cases, students explore program planning, managerial analysis, and public relations strategy. The course integrates decision-making models and management theory in the context of PR campaigns.
Prerequisites: COM 101, COM 111, COM 112, COP 111, COP 211
CREDIT: THREE SEMESTER HOURS
Students gain hands-on experience planning and executing public relations campaigns. The course covers research, strategy, implementation, and evaluation of campaign components to simulate real-world practice.
Prerequisites: COM 101, COM 111, COM 112, COP 111, COP 211, COP 311
CREDIT: THREE SEMESTER HOURS
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS: JOURNALISM
This course is designed to give students experience in newspaper writing and other print-media news-gathering projects. Students strengthen writing, reporting, and multimedia journalistic skills while learning to ethically and effectively tell stories, research data, interview sources, structure news stories, and design newspaper publications.
Prerequisites: ENG 101, ENG 102, COM 101, COM 111, COM 112
CREDIT: THREE SEMESTER HOURS
Training and experience in news gathering, evaluation, news writing, and reporting. Selected work is published in the student newspaper.
Prerequisites: COM 101, COM 111, COM 112, COJ 111
CREDIT: THREE SEMESTER HOURS
Focuses on the editing process within newspaper organizations. Students gain hands-on experience editing copy for print media and the student newspaper.
Prerequisites: COM 101, COM 111, COM 112, COJ 111, COJ 211
CREDIT: THREE SEMESTER HOURS
Develops advanced writing and reporting skills for newspapers and magazines. Students explore specialized reporting in human-interest, religion, public affairs, and other feature styles.
Prerequisites: COM 101, COM 111, COM 112, COJ 111, COJ 211, COJ 212
CREDIT: THREE SEMESTER HOURS
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS: VISUAL ART AND SOCIAL PRACTICE
This course covers the contributions of Black artists and artisans to the art and architecture of the U.S. from 1600 to the present. Includes a research component using the Tougaloo Art Collection. Cross-listed with ART 221 (Tougaloo) and with the Art Department at Brown University.
Prerequisites: ENG 101, ENG 102, COM 101, COM 111, COM 112
CREDIT: THREE SEMESTER HOURS
A philosophical investigation into how art is described, interpreted, and valued. Students examine the nature and role of art in society using a question-centered approach. Cross-listed with ART 202: Aesthetics and Art Criticism.
Prerequisites: ENG 101, ENG 102, COM 101, COM 111, COM 112, CAR 221
CREDIT: THREE SEMESTER HOURS
A studio-based course inspired by artist Joseph Beuys. Students explore interdisciplinary works that engage social, political, and material concerns through various modeling and construction methods.
Prerequisites: ENG 101, ENG 102, COM 101, COM 111, COM 112, CAR 221, CAR 202
CREDIT: THREE SEMESTER HOURS
This discourse/praxis-based course examines how video is used in activism, art, and everyday life to foster democratic change. Students collaborate to create short-form videos addressing community issues.
Prerequisites: ENG 101, ENG 102, COM 101, COM 111, COM 112, CAR 221, CAR 202, CAR 203
CREDIT: THREE SEMESTER HOURS
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS: PERFORMANCE
Builds a foundation for acting through voice-and-body awareness, scene study and improvisation. Students practice exercises that develop the total instrument of the actor and present scenes exploring the link between behaviour and social justice.
Prerequisites: ENG 101, ENG 102, COM 101, COM 111, COM 112
CREDIT: THREE SEMESTER HOURS
Introduces vocal technique and movement that heighten sensory awareness of the body. Through script-writing, improvisation and breathing/vocal work, students develop essential performance methods and present justice-focused scene work.
Prerequisites: COM 101, COM 111, COM 112, CPF 111
CREDIT: THREE SEMESTER HOURS
Hands-on exploration of on-camera performance. Students analyse type vs brand, adapt stage skills for the lens, rehearse monologues and scenes, practise audition techniques, and build a demo reel. Coursework includes playback critique and writing assignments.
Prerequisites: COM 101, COM 111, COM 112, CPF 111, CPF 211
CREDIT: THREE SEMESTER HOURS
Immerses students in full theatre production—acting or backstage (stage-management, crew, front-of-house, tech, design, publicity). Participation in auditions and two public staged readings each year is required to gain practical experience across theatre disciplines.
Prerequisites: COM 101, COM 111, COM 112, CPF 111, CPF 211, CPF 311
CREDIT: THREE SEMESTER HOURS
Faculty
Assistant Professor of Mass Communication
Assistant Professor of Mass Communication
Assistant Professor of Mass Communication
Assistant Professor of Mass Communication