Biology - Major in Biology Program

Students who opt for a concentration in Communications must complete four courses from the following, with at least three taken at the 300-level:

DIGI 286 Digital Communities

This course offers an exploration of virtual social structures and interactions. Students will examine the formation, dynamics, and cultural significance of online communities across various platforms. The curriculum delves into how digital spaces shape identity, language, and social norms. The course also covers how user interface choices, moderation systems, and algorithms that influence user behavior and group dynamics are filters through which users seek and shape their cultural and social identities. Through case studies and ethnographic methods, students will investigate topics such as digital subcultures, identity, online activism, and the impact of social media on real-world relationships. Fulfills requirement: Human Diversity. Prerequisite: FYE 112. 3 credits.

DIGI 298 Special Topics in Communications

Topic announced at the time of registration. This course may be repeated for credit as topic changes. 3 credits.

DIGI 340 Videography

Videography will focus on developing facility with scripting/storyboarding and techniques of using a video camera to capture moving images. Students will learn scripting/storyboarding, videography (lighting, composition, shot selection) and basic non-linear editing. Satisfies the video and communications concentrations. 3 credits.

DIGI 341 Editing/Post-Production

Editing/Post-Production will teach students how to use the video editing and post-production process to tell stories using still and moving images and sounds. Students will learn non-linear editing for video and gain facility with the software and workflows of the video post-production process. Satisfies the video, design and communications concentrations. 3 credits.

DIGI 343 Sound Design

Sound Design will teach students how sound contributes to storytelling and atmosphere. Students will study best practices in how to create and record audio, Foley effects, sound effects, and score for use in video and other digital media (such as video games). Additionally, students will study audio editing and basic non-linear video editing workflows and software. Class will be composed of small hands-on projects and a large collaborative project. Satisfies the design, video, and communications concentrations. 3 credits.

DIGI 380 Advertising

Students will learn how advertising is used to create awareness in audiences, to persuade them, and move them to action, drawing from theories and practices established by academics and advertising professionals in design, psychology and rhetoric. Students will learn about the advertising industry, how advertisements are commonly structured- particularly on digital platforms-- read case studies of both successful and disastrous brand audience interactions, and learn how to gauge the effectiveness of content and measure audience engagement through the use of success metrics and analytics. They will also examine the various moderation tools and philosophies used by news organizations, commercial comment spaces, and social media sites, and develop guidelines for best moderation practices. Fulfills requirement: Critical Thinking through Writing. Prerequisite: FYE 112, and junior or senior standing. 3 credits.

DIGI 383 Public Relations

This course equips students with the skills to leverage various digital platforms effectively in support of nonprofit, community-based initiatives. Participants will explore social media management, content creation, search engine optimization, email marketing, and data analytics tailored to the non-profit sector. Through hands-on projects and case studies, students will learn to craft compelling narratives, engage diverse audiences, and measure campaign impact. The course will also cover ethical considerations in digital advocacy and strategies for maximizing limited resources. By the end, students will be prepared to create and implement comprehensive digital media plans that amplify their organization's mission, foster community engagement, and drive meaningful social change. This practical knowledge will be invaluable for those seeking careers in non-profit management, digital marketing, or social activism. Fulfills requirement: Critical Thinking through Writing,Civic Engagement. Prerequisite: FYE 112. 3 credits.

DIGI 385 Storytelling with Data

Numerical and statistical literacy has become more important as our identities, contributions to society, leadership choices, medical options, legal obligations, social interactions, product preferences, and every other aspect of our personal, intellectual, civic, and commercial lives have been quantified and qualified by staggering amounts of data. Individuals who can knowledgeably "read" data sets, understand experimental design, and responsibly interpret numeric results are those who can offer insight into how organizations and systems run and what they value or prioritize; they can also identify significant but unrecognized trends and notify stakeholders and citizens of relevant information that may affect their communities, health, livelihoods, and well-being in a democracy. Students will strive to test their skills at understanding the stories that data sets, provided in various ways, tell them. People who can then create narratives and visualizations to accompany them are valuable to the organizations and other individuals who have an interest in and/or must make choices based on these narratives. Fulfills requirement: Critical Thinking through Writing,Quantitative Reasoning. Prerequisite: FYE 112. 3 credits.

DIGI 387 Social Media: History, Theory, and Practice

Social media connects organizations, companies, and individuals throughout the world, fostering interaction, collaboration, discussion, and community. And it is not surprising that social media networking is the number one online activity of people in the United States. Students in this course will study the history and theory of social media. They will also put into practice specific marketing, community building, and institutional support activities that take place through social media channels. This course is for students who wish to obtain analytic and practice-based skills for careers in media, Web-based companies, and publicity in any form. Fulfills requirement: Critical Thinking through Writing. Prerequisite: ENG 112 or FYE 112. 3 credits.

DIGI 398 Special Topics in Communications

Topic announced at the time of registration. This course may be repeated for credit as topic changes. 3 credits.

DIGI 465 Online Marketing

The course examines the principles and processes of Online Marketing. Students will examine current topics including search engine advertising; social media, online advertising strategies and models; metrics, and ethics. The course will also integrate a comparison and contrast of online promotion to traditional channels and extensively employ case studies. Satisfies the business technology and communications concentrations. Prerequisite: Course restricted to junior-level standing or above. 3 credits.