COM 326 - Writing for the Web

An examination of the Internet and social media as journalistic and media tools. This course explored the impact of technology on how media professionals do their job, the way stories are told, and the manner in which relationships with audiences are nurtured and transformed. Students will study current issues in the industry, focusing on advances in technology and their impact on both the practice and the business of journalism and media. 

CAS 232 - Workshop in Journalism

An introduction to journalistic concepts of reporting and writing across a variety of platforms. Provides students with the technical and stylistic foundation for effective and ethical news gathering. Students generate and write stories from a departmental beat and are then given one-on-one feedback designed with an emphasis on improving general writing skills, and understanding news values and the functions of journalism in our society.

CAS 251 - Participation in the Exponent

This course offers students the opportunity to work for the student newspaper for academic credit and serves as a continuation of journalistic training through one-on-one coaching on reporting and writing, as well as other aspects of the paper’s production: layout, editing, social media, etc.

CAS 263 - MEdia Literacy

​Students will develop an informed and critical understanding of mass media’s impact in shaping our views of politics, culture, and society through a theoretical and practical exploration of various effects. The course will also emphasize the role of the press in a democracy and the formation of a critical foundation to consider current cultural and systemic changes and challenges to media industries in order to be more informed consumers and producers of mediated content.

COM 105 - Understanding Media

​A history of the various mass media industries-television, film, magazines, newspapers, radio, internet and social media-with emphasis placed on the life cycle of media: from early development to established dominance and eventually decline and challenge from emerging media. Special attention will be paid to the impact of technological and audience behavioral shifts, as well as currents events and trends facing mass media.

COM 211 - News Writing and Reporting

An introduction to the principles and practices of journalism, with a special emphasis on newsgathering for today's converged news media. Includes basic techniques of newswriting, interviewing, and editing copy for publication. Students received one-on-one feedback on articles written from assigned beats covering the campus community.  

COM 307 - Profile and Feature Writing

A study of the fundamentals of profile and feature writing, this course focused on the narrative story structures and their use in print and online news outlets. Long-form story development and structure were examined in light of online resurgence of interest in long-form storytelling. 

COM 212 - Broadcast Journalism

A further study of the principles and practices of journalism, with special emphasis on newsgathering and newswriting for radio and television. Includes techniques of writing and interviewing in the preparation of news for radio and television broadcast, as well as online story distribution and audience engagement.

ENG 329 - Business and Professional Writing

An examination of the importance of clear and effective communication in a professional setting. Emphasis was placed on adapting messages across platforms and audiences with a focus on pre-planning and messsage purpose.

COM 438 - Communication Theory and Research

​The primary goals for this course are to provide the skills needed to understand and interpret research applications, methods, and results and to offer practice in basic research writing skills.  This course will also prepare students to evaluate communication theories effectively and to apply these theories within a number of varying contexts.

COM 406 - Newsroom Production

​A capstone course designed to enhance higher-level journalistic skills of writing and reporting. Students will explore the role of the editor and the editing process and the role of the freelance writer. The course included a requirement to submit copy to local or regional media outlets, as well as explore digital storytelling formats and distribution.

CAS 415 - Topics in Public RElations: Profile Writing

A study of the fundamentals of profile writing with a focus on public relations efforts. Long-form story development and structure were examined in light of using narratives as part of a public relations campaign.

"In class, he taught concepts; he shared knowledge of media, ethics, video, writing and more. But more so Dr. Szuminsky taught with compassion; he allowed students to be vulnerable and learn from their mistakes. He gave students, myself included, the opportunity to grow outside the classroom. He led by example." 

- Sarah B.