SCHOOL OF MASS COMMUNICATIONS
901 West Main Street
T. Edward Temple Building, Room 2216
P.O. Box 842034
Richmond, VA 23284-2034
(804) 828-2660
www.has.vcu.edu/mac
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT HANDBOOK
2006-2007
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction............................................................................................................................................ 3
Program Overview................................................................................................................................. 3
Advising................................................................................................................................................. 4
MASC Peer Advisers ........................................................................................................................... 4
Requirements Overview ........................................................................................................................ 4
The Pre-major ........................................................................................................................................ 5
Applying to the Major ........................................................................................................................... 5
Overrides................................................................................................................................................ 6
Information about Transfer Credits ....................................................................................................... 7
Math, Statistics and Computer Science Requirements ......................................................................... 8
KnowledgeNet Online Computer Tutorials .......................................................................................... 8
Technical Standard………………………………………………………………………………….9
Natural Science Requirement……………………………………………………………………...12
Foreign Language Requirement .......................................................................................................... 13
Helpful Advising Hints........................................................................................................................ 13
Degree Requirements
General Education ................................................................................................................... 15
Approved List Classes ............................................................................................................ 17
1
Advertising Sequence ............................................................................................................. 20
Suggested Schedule of Courses - Strategic Advertising ............................................ 21
- Creating Advertising ............................................. 22
Journalism Sequence .................................................................................................. 23
Suggested Schedule of Courses - Broadcast Journalism ........................................... 24
- Print Journalism .................................................... 25
Public Relations Sequence ...................................................................................................... 26
Suggested Schedule of Courses - Public Relations.................................................... 27
What Should I Do With My Electives?............................................................................................... 28
Electives To Consider.......................................................................................................................... 29
Study Abroad ....................................................................................................................................... 30
Mass Communications Course Descriptions ..................................................................................... 31
Faculty Directory ................................................................................................................................. 35
Appendix
Graduation Requirements Guide ............................................................................................ A
Petition to the Major ................................................................................................................ B
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INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the School of Mass Communications at Virginia Commonwealth University. This
handbook is designed to explain and clarify the procedures and practices of the VCU School of
Mass Communications program, including advising, registration and graduation requirements.
The VCU Bulletin is the official source for the University’s academic regulations and degree
requirements. You should get a copy of the VCU Bulletin for the year in which you entered VCU.
Using the Bulletin and this handbook, you should be able to understand and master these
requirements to efficiently complete your degree. As a pre-major, you will be assigned an adviser
from the College of Humanities & Sciences Advising Office, located at 701 West Main Street, with
whom you should meet at least once a semester. Once you are admitted as a major into the School
of Mass Communications, you will be assigned a faculty adviser. You should meet with this
adviser at least once every semester too. The Mass Communications main office is located in the
Temple Building, Room 2216. The phone number is 804-828-2660. Your adviser is there for
assistance only; ultimately, you are responsible for keeping track of and meeting all the
requirements of the School and the University, as well as staying informed about procedural
changes.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The MASC program consists of a pre-major and a major. The pre-major is essentially the first two
years of your program, during which you will complete the pre-major requirements. These
requirements must be completed within the first 60 hours of your coursework or within the
first two semesters at VCU if you are a transfer student or a newly declared MASC premajor. During this time, you will complete many of the general education requirements and two
MASC requirements: MASC 101 Intro to Mass Communications and MASC 203 Writing for Mass
Media. You may also take MASC 290 Ethical Problems in Mass Media.
Once you have completed the pre-major requirements you must petition to be admitted to the
major. Petitions are accepted once during the fall, spring and summer semesters for the next
academic semester. Usually you will be in the major the final two years of your program. During
this time you will take most of your MASC courses, the remainder of your general education
requirements and your approved electives.
The School of Mass Communications major is divided into three sequences of specialized study:
1) Advertising - including the creative and business concentrations
2) Journalism - including the broadcast and print concentrations
3) Public Relations
When you petition to be admitted to the major, you will select one of the three sequences. Each
sequence is designed to provide specific classes in its area of study.
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ADVISING
The University College provides advising to all Mass Communications pre-majors in Hibbs Hall.
You are assigned a faculty adviser in Mass Communications when you officially move into the
major. Beyond serving as a resource in course selections, MASC advisers are there to discuss
various career opportunities and job placement possibilities. You can come into the Mass
Communications main office to find out who is your assigned adviser, or visit the School’s Web
site, www.has.vcu.edu/mac/.
MASC PEER ADVISERS
In addition to faculty advisers, student peer advisers are on hand during the fall, spring and summer
semesters. Peer advisers are MASC students who can answer general advising questions. The peer
advisers are usually seniors and all peer advisers have at least a 2.75 cum. GPA and at least a 3.0
Mass Communications GPA. Their office is the Mass Comm Reading Room, Temple 22119.
Office hours are posted on the door.
You may also email the peer advisers at
MASCPADVISER@VCU.EDU.
If you are a mass communications major with a MASC GPA of 3.0 and a cumulative GPA of
2.75, then you can apply to be a peer adviser. You must work at least 3 hours a week and you
will receive 1 credit each semester you are a peer adviser (maximum of 3 credits). Please see the
Student Services Coordinator (TEMPL 2208 G) for more information.
REQUIREMENTS OVERVIEW
To graduate from VCU, you must complete a minimum of 120 credits in three areas: general
education requirements, MASC requirements and electives.

The general education requirements total approximately half of your 120 credits,
covering work in English, mathematics, natural science, history, foreign language and
other liberal arts.

The MASC requirements total at least 34 but no more than 40 credits, providing training
in your chosen sequence. The remainder of your credits will be electives.

Electives are courses which you choose from a variety of subject areas to help meet your
career goals, pursue a specialized interest or complete a minor. Mass Communications
majors are encouraged to choose a minor that will complement their chosen sequence
(see page 28, “What Should I Do With My Electives?”).

At least 45 of all credits must be 300- or 400- level courses.
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You may “test out” of part or all of your foreign language, English composition and math
requirements if you do well enough on VCU placement tests. You do not get credits toward your
degree, but you do not have to take these courses and can use the credits for another purpose, like
electives or to get a minor.
THE PRE-MAJOR
When you enter the Mass Communications program, you will automatically be a pre-major, even if
you are changing from another major at VCU or transferring from another 4-year school. Transfer
students should see the section in this handbook titled “Information about Transfer Credits.” You
are required to complete the pre-major requirements within 60 course hours or two semesters after
transferring to VCU. While in the pre-major division, you will complete many of your general
education requirements and two MASC courses with grades of at least C:
1) MASC 101 Mass Communications a three-credit, freshman-level course that provides a
broad survey of mass media, with emphasis on new media, global media and the business of
media. The history and evolution of mass media are also examined.
2) MASC 203 Writing for Mass Media a three-credit, sophomore-level course that begins
instruction into the gathering, writing and reporting of the news. To register for MASC 203,
you must complete the request for MASC 203 form available from the University College
(119 Hibbs Hall). Once approved for registration, you will be given an override card for
the class. Prerequisites for MASC 203 include MASC 101, ENGL 101 with a grade of at
least a C, cumulative GPA of at least 2.35, and the completion of the KnowledgeNet
assessments for students graduating from the College of Humanities and Sciences.
You may also choose to take MASC 290 Ethical Problems in Mass Media a three-credit,
sophomore-level course which examines contemporary issues and problems in conventional and
new media. The philosophical foundations and principles of ethical decision-making are
explored. Mass Communications MASC 101 (or permission from the department) is a
prerequisite for this course. MASC 290 is one option for fulfilling the collateral requirement for
admission to the major.
APPLYING TO THE MAJOR
You must apply for admission to the major during the semester you will complete your pre-major
requirements and the semester in which you will have earned no more than 60 credit hours.
Transfer students and newly declared MASC pre-majors with more than 60 credit hours must apply
for admission to the major within two semesters. To be admitted to the MASC major, you must:
(refer to Appendix A)
1) Achieve a GPA of at least 2.5 for all course work at VCU plus a minimum MASC
GPA of 2.0
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2) Complete MASC 101 and MASC 203 with grades of at least C
3) Successfully complete the following general education requirements:
ENGL 101 + ENGL 200 (with grades of C or better)
ECON 203
Natural Science/Physical Science
including a lab (7-9 credits)
MATH 131
Global Studies (LIST I)
KnowledgeNet Tests
POLI 103
4) Complete one of the following collateral requirements (note: all must be completed
in order to finish degree):
Foreign Language through 102 level
HIST 103 HIST 104
MASC 290 (with a grade of C or better)
STAT 208 or 210
5) Apply (petition) to the major by the posted deadlines using the form available in the
School’s main office, TEMPLE 2216 (please see attachment at end of handbook).
Applications received after these deadlines will not be processed until the semester has
ended. You will therefore miss the opportunity to participate in advance registration
for the next semester as a MASC major. Your application must be signed by your preMASC adviser, located in 119 Hibbs Hall. Phone: 827-UNIV. Applications are
processed during the fall, spring and summer semesters.
After you are accepted into the major, you will complete the remainder of your general education
requirements, MASC required courses in your sequence and your electives. MASC majors must
maintain a cumulative and major GPA of 2.5 each semester to remain in the major. In addition,
MASC majors must have earned a 2.5 cumulative GPA in all VCU course work and a 2.5 GPA in
Mass Communications course work to graduate. MASC majors must make grades of at least C in
all courses that are prerequisites for other MASC courses.
OVERRIDES
The following is the official policy for course overrides
in VCU’s School of Mass Communications:
A “course override” (permission for a student to enroll in a class that would otherwise be denied)
is granted only under extraordinary circumstances. Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.
Examples of extraordinary conditions include medical emergencies, family tragedies and other
events that are clearly beyond the control of the student. Documentation will be required.
NOTE: Work schedule conflicts, failure to register in a timely manner and “need it to graduate” are
examples of reasons that will NOT be accepted. Overrides are granted by the instructor of the
course you wish to take, except for MASC 203. Please see the Pre-MASC adviser in 119 Hibbs
Hall and complete a MASC 203 Enrollment Request Form. Once this request is made you may
pick up the override card from the Student Academic Adviser in TEMPLE 2208 I.
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INFORMATION ABOUT TRANSFER CREDITS
Upon transferring into the School from another university or from another program at VCU, you
will be automatically be classified as a pre-major, primarily because we require that you take
MASC 203 here at VCU. Therefore, you will probably spend at least one semester at VCU in the
pre-major while you take MASC 203 regardless of the number of credits you transfer.
There are a number of other points about transfer courses that you should remember:
1) The transfer of course credits from another university is not automatic. You must request that the
other school send your transcript to VCU, after all of your grades have been posted. Evaluation of
your general education transfer credits is done in the College of Humanities and Sciences
Dean’s Office, not in the School of Mass Communications. Any questions about your transfer
credits should be directed there. The College of Humanities and Sciences Undergraduate
Student Services is currently located in 211 Hibbs Hall, phone 828-1673.
2) The School of Mass Communications does not accept upper-level mass communications courses
for transfer from other colleges or universities.
3) No MASC course taken at a community or two-year college will transfer to VCU as upperlevel (300- or 400-level) credits, even if it has the same title or covers the same material as a
VCU major course. Students transferring 60 or more credits from a two-year institution should
be aware that 45 upper-level credits must be completed at VCU. You are encouraged to take
300- and 400- level courses when you have the option.
4) Generally, only courses in which you make a grade of C or better will transfer, unless you are
transferring an associate’s degree.
5) Before you take courses at another college for transfer to VCU, check with the College of
Humanities and Sciences, currently at 701 West Grace Street, 828-1673, to see if that course is the
equivalent of a VCU course. You must fill out a form, available in the Dean’s Office, to obtain
permission to take courses elsewhere.
6) Even if a course does not fulfill a specific VCU requirement, it might transfer to VCU as an
elective, as long as you received a grade of C or better.
7) Transferring 60 or more credits from a community college does not guarantee that you will finish
your VCU degree in only 60 more credits. You may not have taken the correct courses to fulfill
specific VCU requirements.
8) Advanced Placement and College-Level Examination Program tests may be used to fulfill
general education or elective requirements. However, they may not fulfill specific Mass
Communications major course requirements.
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9) A.A., A.S. and A.A.S. degree holders should see the pre-MASC adviser in University College,
119 Hibbs Hall.
MATH, STATISTICS AND COMPUTER SCIENCE REQUIREMENTS
You must take the MATH placement test to determine your skill level unless you receive transfer
credit for equivalent work from another school. The test is given by the Department of
Mathematical Sciences, located at 1015 W. Main St., Oliver Hall, Room 2054. Once your skill
level is determined you will be able to register for certain classes: MATH 001, MATH 131 (or
higher) and STAT 208. You must complete MATH 131 and STAT 208 or 210 for your Mass
Communications degree:
MATH 001 – If you test below a certain level, you must take this remedial course before you can
take MATH 131 Introduction to Contemporary Mathematics. You receive “semester credit” for the
course on your schedule for financial aid purposes, etc., but no credit toward the degree. You should
register for a section of MATH 001 designated as 001 or Elementary Algebra. This can be in the
self-paced laboratory for math or in the traditional lecture or lecture-recitation. See the Schedule of
Classes for days and times. The self-paced laboratory for MATH 001 allows you to work at your
own pace, but does not provide the structure some students desire from the traditional lecture.
MATH 131 – You should register for a section designated Introduction to Contemporary
Mathematics. If you “placed out” of Mach 131, you are eligible to enroll in STAT 208 or 210.
STAT 208 or 210 – If you place into STAT 208 or 210 (or MATH 200), then you have “placed
out” of MATH 131. This means that you will not have to take MATH 131. You will not receive
credit for this course.
KNOWLEDGENET ONLINE COMPUTER TUTORIALS
Every student in the College of Humanities and Sciences is required to complete a series of online
tutorials and a computer proficiency examination that can be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a
week via http://iserver.adm.vcu.edu/know/. You must complete this series of tutorials with a passing
score of 70% or better on each section before you will be permitted to enroll in MASC 203. Be sure
to print out the summary page of your scores; you will need this documentation in order to enroll in
MASC 203.
What Is KnowledgeNet?

KnowledgeNet is a computer/web-based training system available to all VCU
students, faculty and staff. Approximately 280 different tutorials are available
online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In addition to the tutorials, KnowledgeNet
also provides assessments. There is an assessment for each of the tutorials, or you
may be assigned a customized assessment as an academic requirement. To access
the KnowledgeNet Web site you will need a login ID and password. Once you
8
obtain your login ID and password, you can access any one of the available
tutorials or assessments.

You can go directly to the KnowledgeNet Web site from any of the Users Guide
pages by clicking on the KnowledgeNet logo at the top of every page.

If you are new to KnowledgeNet, we recommend taking a Guided Tour of their
Web site (if you have speakers, make sure they are turned on).
Logging In To KnowledgeNet

In order to log in to KnowledgeNet, you will need a VCU email account and a
VCUcard. Please note: For new students, before you can use your VCUcard
number for any of the electronic services at VCU, you must be registered for
classes.

For assistance acquiring your VCU email account contact the VCU academic
Technology Help Desk at www.at.vcu.edu/helpdesk. For assistance acquiring
your VCUcard contact the VCUcard office or go to www.vcucard.com.

If you already have a VCU email account and VCUcard you may proceed to the
login page to the KnowledgeNet website at
https://iserver.adm.vcu.edu/know/index.htm
TECHNICAL STANDARDS FOR
MASS COMMUNICATIONS PROGRAMS
This description of technical standards to inform prospective and enrolled students of the skills
needed for the various professions within communications, including but not limited to print
journalism, broadcast journalism, on-line journalism, advertising, public relations and
photography. These technical standards reflect the performance abilities and characteristics that
are necessary to successfully complete the requirements of the programs in the School of Mass
Communications.
These standards are not requirements of admission into the program. People interested in
applying for admission to the program should review these standards to develop a better
understanding of the personal and professional attributes, skills, experiences, education,
physical, medical, safety and other requirements that are necessary to successfully
complete the program. The School of Mass Communications complies with the requirements
and spirit of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
Therefore, the School will endeavor to make reasonable accommodations for otherwise qualified
students with disabilities.
The School recognizes that the B.S. degree in Mass Communications carries with it the
full authority of the institution and communicates to those who might seek the services of
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the bearer of the degree that he or she is competent in the practice of communications.
Therefore, the student must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that the
faculty has determined are essential for the practice of communications and their
specialties.
Mass communications pre-majors and majors with disabilities documented by the VCU
Office of Disability Support Services can request a meeting with the director of the VCU
School of Mass Communications to discuss academic adjustment(s) to accommodate their
disability. Reasonable accommodations will be determined by the VCU Office of Disability
Support Services with input from the student, mass communications faculty who teach
courses in the student’s curriculum and the VCU School of Mass Communications
administration.
The following technical standards describe the essential functions that students must
demonstrate in order to fulfill the requirements within each area of concentration in the School of
Mass Communications.
These technical skills are unique to each area of concentration; therefore a student who
does not meet the technical standards in one area of concentration may meet them in
another.
Technical Standards
1. Physical/Motor Skills
General: Students should have sufficient motor function to operate the equipment needed
to meet curriculum requirements in all communications fields.
Specific:
All concentrations: A student must possess the motor skills to operate personal computers; use
word processing software; manipulate graphic software; access the Internet and other online
information; use spreadsheets, databases and other analytic software. In addition, students must
have the speed and dexterity to use this equipment
and software in such a manner as to be able to meet strict deadlines, similar to those
imposed in their chosen professional field.
Broadcast Journalism Student:
1. Student must have sufficient fine motor skills to manipulate a computer keyboard with
fingertips or using an adaptive and/or accessibility device.
2. Ability to independently transport professional video field gear (approximately 60 lbs.
total) and operate a professional video camera (approximately 30 lbs.) and lift it to
shoulder height.
3. Ability to maneuver in small, unique and/or unusual spaces.
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4. Sufficient fine motor skills to manipulate, process and edit video/audio materials and
produce a finished product within strict deadlines.
5. Students must be able to complete projects/activities within short periods of time and/or
adhere to strict deadlines.
2. Sensory/Observation
General: Students should be able to acquire a predetermined level of required
information through observation and personal experiences in basic and advanced courses.
Students should be able to acquire visual and auditory information.
Specific:
Advertising – Creative: A student must possess the visual acuity to see fine detail; discern
differentiations in color, shape and texture with or without corrected vision.
Journalism – Print: A student must possess the visual acuity to read charts, records and small
print and handwritten notations with or without corrected vision.
Journalism – Broadcast: A student must possess the visual acuity to see fine detail; discern
differentiations in color, shape and texture; read and manipulate a digital sound wave on a
computer screen; and see and manipulate a video image frame-by-frame. A student must also
possess the visual acuity to read charts, records and small print and handwritten notations, and be
able to focus on details for such activities as framing and capturing video and computer images
with or without corrected vision. A Student must be able to accurately hear and distinguish
sounds, voices, and other auditory stimulus in order to gather and complete audio/video projects.
3. Communication
General: A student must be able to communicate effectively and accurately both orally and
through writing. Students must be able to use these skills to gather and
convey information.
Specific:
All concentrations: A student must have sufficient facility with English to retrieve information
from texts, lectures and personal interviews and to communicate concepts and ideas on written
exams and written and oral assignments.
Journalism – Broadcast: Students must have an effective broadcast voice, which includes
industry standards such as clear articulation, enunciation and authoritativeness.
4. Cognitive
General: A student must be able to measure, calculate, reason, analyze, integrate, and
synthesize.
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Specific:
All concentrations: A student must be able to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and
to understand basic spatial and mathematical relationships. Problem solving requires all of the
intellectual abilities listed above. A student must be able to perform these problem solving skills
in a timely manner and under strict deadlines, similar to those found in the communications
profession.
5. Behavioral
General: A Student must adhere to the universities student code of conduct.
Specific:
All concentrations:
1. Ability to endure physically taxing workloads and to function effectively under stress.
2. Ability to adapt to changing environments, display flexibility, and function in the face
of uncertainties inherent in the communications field. Integrity, interpersonal skills
and motivation are all personal qualities that will be assessed during the admissions
and education processes.
3. Ability to accept criticism and respond by appropriate modification of behavior.
4. Ability to interrelate among fellow students, team members, internship
providers, human news sources, community members and faculty with honesty,
integrity, respect and nondiscrimination.
5. Ability to tolerate and function effectively under stress, time constraints and
distracting conditions.
6. Ability to adapt to changing environments and display flexibility in the classroom and
in hands-on/practical assignments.
NATURAL SCIENCE REQUIREMENT
You are required to complete at least seven credits of natural science courses. Students must
complete one biological science, one physical science and one lab with either one of these
courses. Choose from the following courses (PHYS 107, CHEM 110 and CHEM 112 are not
math dependent and are designed for non-science majors):
Biological Science
BIOL 101/L101 Life Sciences
BIOL 102/L102 Science of Heredity
BIOL 103/L103 Environmental Science
(4 credit lecture, 1 credit lab)
Physical Science
PHYS 101/L101 Foundations of Physics
PHYS 103/L103 Elementary Astronomy
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PHYS 107/L107 The Wonders of Technology
PHYS 191 Topics: Experiencing Science
CHEM 110/L110 Chemistry and Society
CHEM 112 Chemistry in the News
FOREIGN LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT
You are required to complete a foreign language through the 102 level, usually eight credits. You
must take two semesters of the same language (you cannot complete this requirement with ITAL
101 and GRMN 101, for example).
If you have had some foreign language in high school, you must take a placement test. If you score
below the 102 level, you can take the 101 course in that language for audit (no credit), then take the
102 course. If you score above the 102 level, you have tested out of the requirement and do not
need to take a language class. If you score at the 102 level, then you are only required to take the
102 course of that language.
The test is to be taken only once, before you register for a language course. Check with the
Department of Foreign Languages, located at 820 W. Franklin St., Lafayette Bldg., Room 101,
about these tests.
HELPFUL ADVISING HINTS
1) Keep this handbook and the VCU Undergraduate and Professional Programs Bulletin for the
year you entered VCU program. These publications will be helpful throughout your academic
career. University curriculum, rules and procedures change, but you are governed by the version of
the bulletin and handbook in effect when you entered the School of Mass Communications.
2) Many of the questions you may have are answered in the VCU Bulletin or this handbook, so
please read thoroughly before calling your adviser.
3) Don’t catch your adviser in a hallway and ask, “Do I need course XXX to graduate?” That
question is much more complex than you might realize, since one course might not be necessary for
your MASC degree, but it might be necessary for your 45 upper-level credits.
4) Typing is a critical skill, not only in college, but also in most professional job settings. We
recommend that you be able to type at least 35 wpm.
5) You must be able to write and speak well to be successful in any of the mass communications
professions. If you have problems with English grammar, spelling, punctuation or sentence
construction, you should make extra efforts to overcome them. The University offers writing
courses of many kinds and the Department of English runs a Writing Center where you can obtain
help with your writing problems. ENGL 114 English Grammar and Usage may be helpful. Take
advantage of these opportunities.
13
6) Your first two years will be spent completing many of the general education requirements. These
courses are required for many VCU majors. This protects you in case you decide to change majors
before you are admitted the Mass Communications major. It also allows you to focus on your
professional Mass Communications courses without the distractions of having to take STAT 208 in
your last semester senior year.
7) You may not take 300 or 400 level MASC courses unless you have been admitted to the MASC
major. If you try to register for them, you will be blocked by the university registration system. This
does not apply to upper-level courses given by other departments. For example, you do not have to
be a MASC major to take POLI 322 or MRBL 308; each department has its own restrictions.
8) You will be dropped from the major if your cumulative and/ or major GPA falls below 2.5. In
addition, you will be dropped from major courses if you do not have the stated prerequisites, found
in this handbook in the degree requirement section. Prerequisites are also listed in the VCU
Undergraduate Bulletin. Also note that overrides into closed classes are generally not allowed.
9) Make sure you attend the first meeting of all of your courses. Do not assume that an instructor
will drop you from a class for non-attendance, although they reserve the right to do so. If you want
to drop a class, make sure to drop the class using e-Services.
10) After you make your choice of a sequence in Mass Communications, it quickly becomes
difficult to change to another sequence because you are limited to a set amount of MASC credits.
Use your pre-major time to gather information about the various mass communications careers, talk
to your adviser and other professors and participate in the student clubs and student media.
11) Student clubs and student media are excellent activities. They connect you with other students
with similar interests, provide the opportunity for professional contacts and offer additional
experience that will be useful in your profession. These activities also can strengthen your resume
and help you in the job-hunting process after graduation. The School has student chapters of the
Society of Professional Journalists, the National Association of Black Journalists, the Association of
Black Communicators, Public Relations Student Society of America, Radio Television News
Directors Association and the Ad Club. Student media include the student-run newspapers, The
Commonwealth Times and The Vine; and the campus radio station, WVCW.
12) You also should take advantage of the numerous opportunities for practical experience in your
chosen area. Practical experience outside the classroom is an invaluable asset when you start
looking for a job. Internships are available in each sequence for credit and some are paid positions
(note that internships for credit are not available to pre-major students). The university also has a
cooperative education program that can place you into paying jobs in your area of interest. Contact
the University Career Center at (804) 828-1645 for more information on cooperative education
opportunities. The student media on campus are another source of practical experience. Although
they are not directly connected with the MASC program, the experience is useful.
13) Remember that you are allowed a total of three credits of fieldwork (MASC 493) in your
program. It may be wise, therefore, to sign up for only one or two internship credits per semester,
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thereby allowing yourself as much varied internship experience as possible. For more information
about internships, contact the School’s Student Services Coordinator at 828-2660.
14) You need at least 34 but no more than 40 credits in Mass Communications course work for
graduation. This helps ensure that you receive a solid foundation in liberal arts to support your
chosen MASC concentration. Therefore, where there is space in your particular sequence for a
MASC elective, choose it carefully.
15) The rules and procedures of the MASC program have been carefully created to make sure the
School operates efficiently, to make your education as beneficial as possible and to assure fair and
equal treatment of all students. All requests for exceptions must be processed through your adviser
and approved by the School’s director. Note that exceptions are rare and are granted only in special
circumstances.
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
The following pages list the specific course requirements for graduation. The first section lists the
general education courses required of all Mass Communications majors, regardless of sequence,
including pre-major requirements (MASC 101 and MASC 203 are prerequisites for all upper-level
mass communications courses). Second is the College of Humanities and Sciences approved lists.
Next is the list of course requirements along with a suggested four-year schedule for each of the
sequences: advertising, journalism and public relations. Prerequisites are listed in parentheses after
each course title. At the end of this section is a list of suggested electives you might find useful. Use
these pages as a worksheet to track your progress toward graduation.
GENERAL EDUCATION
These courses are required of all MASC students. Prerequisite courses are shown in parentheses and
italicized.
ENGL 101 Composition & Rhetoric
ENGL 200 Composition & Rhetoric
3 credits
3 credits
__________________
__________________
3 credits
3 credits
__________________
__________________
3 credits
__________________
(ENGL 101 and sophomore standing, grade of C required)
MASC 101 Mass Communications *
MASC 203 Writing for Mass Media (MASC 101) *
(Grade of C is required in the above MASC courses)
Natural Sciences, 7-9 credits total
BIOL 101 Life Sciences
– OR –
BIOL 102 Science of Heredity
– OR –
15
BIOL 103 Environmental Science
– AND –
PHY 101 Foundations of Physics
– OR –
PHY 103 Elementary Astronomy
– OR –
PHY 107 Wonders of Technology
– OR –
PHY 191: Topics Experiencing Science
– OR –
CHE 110 Chemistry and Society
– OR –
CHEM 112 Chemistry and the News
– AND –
LAB selected from biology of physical science
3 credits
__________________
1 credit
__________________
MATH 131 Introduction to Contemporary Mathematics
3 credits
__________________
KnowledgeNet Online Tutorials/Tests required by the
College of H&S (http://iserver.adm.vcu.edu/know/)
0 credits
__________________
Global Studies (See Approved List I)
3 credits
__________________
ECON 203
3 credits
__________________
POLI 103 U.S. Government
3 credits
__________________
One of the following courses is required for admittance to
the major:
(all must be completed for degree)
MASC 290 Ethical Problems in Mass Media (MASC 101) 3 credits
__________________
Foreign Language through the 102 level
0-8 credits __________________
HIST 103 Survey of American History
HIST 104 Survey of American History
3 credits
3 credits
__________________
__________________
STAT 208 Statistical Thinking (MATH 131)
3 credits
__________________
16
– OR –
STAT 210 Basic Practice of Statistics (MATH 131)
Courses below this line are not required before admission into the major.
300/400 level Political Science or Urban Studies (choose from 3 credits
__________________
POLI 303, 310, 311, 314, 315, *321, 322, 331, 341, 365, 409, 420,
425 or URSP *304, 310, *315, *316, *340, *350
*Meet both POLI and URSP collateral and List K requirement
Literature (see Approved List F)
3 credits
__________________
Literature Elective, except for ENGL 351 or ENGL 433
3 credits
__________________
Visual and Performing Arts (see Approved List E)
2-4 credits __________________
Human Behavior Requirement (see Approved List J)
3 credits
__________________
3 credits
__________________
Advertising students must choose ANTH 103, PSYC 101 or
SOCY 101
Historical and Cultural Origins (See Approved List G)
College of Humanities and Sciences Approved Lists
(additional classes can be found online at the VCU Schedule of Classes)
Approved list E – Visual and Performing Arts
ARTE 121-122
The Individual in the Creative Process
ARTE 301-302
Art for Elementary Teachers
ARTE 408
Two-Dimensional Art Experiences
ARTE 409
Three-Dimensional Art Experiences
ARTF 121-122
Introduction to Drawing Communication
arts and design
DANC 171, 172
T’ai Chi
DANC 183-184
Introduction to Modern Dance Technique
DANC 313
Dance in World Cultures
IDES 103-104
Introductory Studio Course Music
APPM 191-192
Class Lessons in Piano
APPM 193-194
Class Lessons in Voice
APPM 195-196
Class Lessons in Guitar
MUSC 111
MIDI Programming and Synthesis
17
MHIS 105-106
Introduction to Writing Music
MHIS 243
Music Appreciation
PAPR 155, 156
Drawing and Painting, Basic
PHTO 243
Photography
THEA 107, 108
Introduction to Stage Performance
Survey of Latin American History I
HIST 110
Survey of Latin American History II
PHIL 103
Ancient Greek and Medieval Western
PHIL 104
Modern Western Philosophy
RELS 311
Religions of the World I
RELS 312
Religions of the World II
Approved list F – Literature
ENGL 201
Western World Literature I
ENGL 202
Western World Literature II
ENGL 203
British Literature I
Approved list I – Global Studies
GEOG 307, 308
World Regions
INTL 101
Human Societies and Globalization
INTL 330/SOCY 330
Global Societies: Trends and Issues
ENGL 204
British Literature II
ENGL 205
American Literature
ENGL 206
American Literature II
MASC/INTL 151
Communications Technology and Global
Society
POLI 105/INTL 105
International Relations
POLI 365/INTL 365
International Political Economy
SOCY 430
Politics, Power, and Ideology
ENGL 211
Contemporary World Literature
ENGL 215
Readings in Literature
ENGL 216
Readings in Narrative
ENGL 236/WMNS 236
Women in Literature
ENGL 241
Shakespeare’s Plays
ENGL 291
Topics in Literature
Approved list J – Human Behavior
ANTH/INTL 103
Cultural Anthropology
ECON 101
Introduction to Political Economy
ECON 203
Introduction to Economics
GEOG 102
Introduction to Cultural Geography
PSYC 101
Introduction to Psychology
SOCY 101
General Sociology
SOCY 340
Self and Society
SOCS 340
Human Sexuality
WMNS 201
Introduction to Women’s Studies
Approved list G – Historical and Cultural Origins
ANTH 105
Introductory Archaeology
FRLG/INTL 203
Language and Identity
GEOG 312/ANTH 312
History of Human Settlement
HIST 101
Survey of European History I
HIST 102
Survey of European History II
HIST 105/AFAM 105
Survey of African History I
HIST 106/AFAM 106
Survey of African History II
HIST 107
Survey of Asian History I
HIST 108
Survey of Asian History II
HIST 109
Approved list K – Urban Environment
(See course descriptions in the bulletin for any
prerequisites.)
ANTH 391
Topics in Anthropology: Urban
Anthropology
CRJS 181
Justice System Survey
CRJS 305
Policing Theories and Practice
18
CRJS 352
Crime and Delinquency Prevention
CRJS 468
Economic Offenses and Organized Crime
ECON 321/URSP 321
Urban Economics
ENGL 454
Cross-Cultural Communication
ENVS 491
Topics in Environmental Studies: Ecology
of Urban Environments
FREN 301
Advanced Grammar and Writing
FRLG 490
Foreign Language Internship
GEOG 311, 312/ANTH 311, 312
History of Human Settlement
HIST 490
Seminar in History: Theater as History:
Richmond During the Great Depression
HUMS 291
Special Topics in the Humanities and
Sciences: Discover Richmond
HUMS 391
Science Education in the Urban
Environment
MASC 303
General Assignment Reporting
MASC 403
Advanced Reporting
MASC 404
Specialized/Project Reporting
MASC 439
Public Relations Campaigns
MASC 464
Electronic Media Writing III
POLI 321
Urban Government and Politics
PSYC 493
Fieldwork: Youth in Corrections
PSYC 493
Fieldwork: Mentoring Urban Youth
SLWK 422
Social Welfare Legislation and Services
SOCY 302
Contemporary Social Problems
SOCY 321
Class, Status and Power
SOCY 327
Urban Sociology
SOCY 493
Field Research: Youth in Corrections
SPAN 402
Language Issues in the Spanish-Speaking
World
URSP 116
Introduction to the City
URSP 245
Housing and Community Revitalization
URSP 261
Design of the City
URSP 302/GEOG 302
Land Use Capability
URSP 304
Urban Social Systems
URSP 306/GEOG 306
Urban Economic Geography
URSP 315
The Evolution of American Cities
URSP 316
Urban Life in Modern America
URSP 340/GEOG 340/INTL 340
World Cities Outside of North America
URSP 350/INTL 345/EUCU 345
Culture and Urbanism in Great Cities of the World
19
ADVERTISING SEQUENCE
PRE-MAJOR
All courses are worth 3 credits except where indicated. MASC prerequisites are noted in parentheses.
MASC 101 Mass Communications
MASC 203 Writing for Mass Media (MASC 101, ENGL 101, cum. GPA of 2.35 or higher
KnowledgeNet assessments for students in the College of Humanities and Sciences)
MASC 290 Ethical Problems in Mass Media (MASC 101)
MAJOR
MASC 101 and 203 are prerequisites for all upper-level MASC courses. Additional MASC prerequisites are listed in
parentheses. Check pages 31-34 in this handbook for course descriptions.
All Advertising students:
MASC 300 Media Graphics
MASC 380 Introduction to Advertising
MASC 392 Advertising Copywriting (380)
MASC 408 Communications Law
MASC 481 Advertising Campaigns (392, 394*)
(*Strategic Concentration not required to take MASC 394.)
and requirements under Strategic or Creative concentrations
3 credits
3 credits
3 credits
3 credits
3 credits
Creative Concentration
MASC 394 Advertising Art Direction (300, 380)
MASC 450 Advertising Portfolio Development (300, 380, 392, 394)
MASC 451 Advertising Portfolio Development Cont. (300, 380, 392, 394, 450)
MASC Elective
3 credits
3 credits
3 credits
3 credits
Strategic Concentration
MASC 398 Advertising Account Planning and Media Strategy (380 or 323)
MASC 399 Advertising Account Management (380)
MASC 408 Communications Law
MASC 459 Advertising Business Portfolio (380, 398, 399, MRBL 308)
MASC 493 Fieldwork/Internship
MASC Elective
3 credits
3 credits
3 credits
3 credits
1-3 credits
3 credits
Additional Collateral Requirements for ALL Advertising students
List K Requirement (POLI 321 or URSP 304, 315, 316, 340, 350 recommended) 3 credits
MRBL 308 Introduction to Marketing (Junior standing)
3 credits
SOCY 101, PSYC 101 or ANTH 101
3-4 credits
NOTES
Students are required to complete a total of 120 credits to graduate. Students may not take more than 40 credits in mass communications
courses. In addition, students must take 45 credits in 300- and 400-level courses (including MASC courses).
20
STRATEGIC ADVERTISING – SUGGESTED SCHEDULE OF COURSES
First Year
Credits
Spring Semester
3
Literature-List F
3
HIST 104
3
MASC 290
3
STAT 208
4
Foreign Language
16
Total Credits
Fall Semester
ENGL 101
HIST 103
MASC 101
MATH 131
Foreign Language
Total Credits
Credits
3
3
3
3
4
16
Second Year
Fall Semester
Credits
Spring Semester
Credits
ENGL 200
3
MASC 203
3
KnowledgeNet
0
ANTH 103, PSYCH 101, or
3
SOCY 101-List J
ECON 203
3
Global Studies-List I
3
Science w/lab
4
Science-lecture only
3
POLI 103
3
Literature Elective
3
Hist/Cultural Origin -List G
3
Total Credits
16
Total Credits
15
Third Year
Credits
Spring Semester
3
MASC 392
3
MASC 398
3
MRBL 308
3
Elective
3
Upper Level Elective
15
Total Credits
Fall Semester
MASC 300
MASC 380
MASC Elective
Upper Level Elective
Upper Level Elective
Total Credits
Fourth Year
Fall Semester
Credits
Spring Semester
MASC 399
3
MASC 493
MASC 408
3
MASC Elective
POLI 322 or alternative*
3
Arts - List E
Urban Environment -List K
3
MASC 481
Elective
3
MASC 459
Total Credits
15
Total Credits
* Some of the alternative classes
will also fulfill the List K
requirement. See your adviser.
Total credits needed to graduate = 120
21
Credits
3
3
3
3
3
15
Credits
3
3
3
3
3
15
CREATIVE ADVERTISING – SUGGESTED SCHEDULE OF COURSES
Fall Semester
ENGL 101
HIST 103
MASC 101
MATH 131
Foreign Language
Total Credits
First Year
Credits
Spring Semester
3
Literature-List F
3
HIST 104
3
MASC 290
3
STAT 208
4
Foreign Language
16
Total Credits
Credits
3
3
3
3
4
16
Second Year
Fall Semester
Credits
Spring Semester
Credits
ENGL 200
3
MASC 203
3
KnowledgeNet
0
ANTH 103, PSYCH 101, or
3
SOCY 101-List J
ECON 203
3
Global Studies-List I
3
Science w/lab
4
Science -lecture only
3
POLI 103
3
Literature Elective
3
Hist/Cultural Origin -List G
3
Total Credits
15
Total Credits
Fall Semester
MASC 300
MASC 380
MASC Elective
Upper Level Elective
Upper Level Elective
Total Credits
16
Third Year
Credits
Spring Semester
3
MASC 392
3
MASC 394
3
MRBL 308
3
Elective
3
Upper Level Elective
15
Total Credits
Fourth Year
Fall Semester
Credits
Spring Semester
MASC 450
3
MASC 481
MASC 408
3
MASC 451
Arts - List E
3
MASC Elective
POLI 322 or alternative*
3
Elective
Urban Environment -List K
3
Elective
Total Credits
15
Total Credits
Credits
3
3
3
3
3
15
Credits
3
3
3
3
3
15
Total credits needed to graduate = 120
* Some of the alternative classes will also fulfill the List K requirement. See your adviser.
22
JOURNALISM SEQUENCE
PRE-MAJOR
All courses are worth 3 credits except where indicated. MASC prerequisites are noted in parentheses.
MASC 101 Mass Communications
MASC 203 Writing for Mass Media (MASC 101, ENGL 101, cum. GPA of 2.35 or higher)
MASC 290 Ethical Problems in Mass Media (MASC 101)
MAJOR
MASC 101, 203 and 290 are prerequisites for all upper-level MASC courses. Additional MASC prerequisites are listed in
parentheses. Check pages 28-31 in this handbook for course descriptions.
All Journalism students:
MASC 303 General Assignment Reporting
MASC 363 Electronic Media Writing I (with 365 & 366)
MASC 365 Radio Production (with 363 & 366)
MASC 366 Television Production (with 363 & 365)
MASC 408 Communications Law
MASC 493 Fieldwork/Internship
MASC 495 Journalism Seminar (with 403, 404, 461, 465 or 475)
and requirements under Broadcast or Print concentrations
Broadcast Concentration
MASC 361 History and Development of Broadcasting
MASC Elective
choose four credits from the following:
MASC 415 Advanced Television Production (366, with 464)
MASC 463 Electronic Media Writing II (363, 365)
MASC 464 Electronic Media Writing III (363, 365, 366, with 415)
choose three to seven credits from the following:
MASC 362 Photojournalism
MASC 461 The Documentary (363, 365, 366 with 462)
MASC 465 Newscasting (363 with 466)
MASC 466 VCU InSight Production
MASC 475 Capital News Service
Print Concentration
MASC 300 Media Graphics
MASC 305 Copy Editing (300)
MASC Electives
choose six credits from the following:
MASC 403 Advanced Reporting (303, 305)
MASC 404 Specialized Project Reporting (403)
MASC 475 Capital News Service (300, 303)
3 credits
3 credits
1 credit
1 credit
3 credits
1-3 credits
1 credit
3 credits
3 credits
1 credit
3 credits
3 credits
3 credits
3 credits
3 credits
1 credit
3 credits
3 credits
4 credits
3-6 credits
3 credits
3 credits
3 credits
Additional Collateral Requirement for ALL Journalism Students
History Elective taught by the History Department
3 credits
___________________________________________________________________________________________
NOTES
Students are required to complete a total of 120 credits to graduate. Students may not take more than 40 credits in mass
communications courses. In addition, students must have taken 45 credits in 300- and 400-level courses (including MASC courses).
23
BROADCAST JOURNALISM – SUGGESTED SCHEDULE OF COURSES
First Year
Credits
Spring Semester
3
Global Studies List I
3
HIST 104
3
MASC 290
3
STAT 208
4
Foreign Language
16
Total Credits
Fall Semester
ENGL 101
HIST 103
MASC 101
MATH 131
Foreign Language
Total Credits
Second Year
Fall Semester
Credits
Spring Semester
ENGL 200
3
MASC 203
ECON 203
3
History Elective
KnowledgeNet
0
Science-lecture only
Science w/lab
4
Literature List F
POLI 103
3
Arts List E
Hist. Cultural Origins List G
3
Total Credits
Total Credits
16
Fall Semester
MASC 303
MASC 363
MASC 365
MASC 366
Upper Level Elective
POLI 322 or alternative
Total Credits
Fall Semester
4 to 9 credits from MASC
461, 462, 465, or 466
MASC Elective
Human Behavior List J
Elective
Elective
Total Credits
Third Year
Credits
Spring Semester
3
MASC 408
3
4 credits from MASC 415,
463 or 464
1
MASC 361
1
Literature List F
3
Upper Level Elective
3
14
Total Credits
Fourth Year
Credits
Spring Semester
4
MASC 493
3
3
3
3
16
3 to 7 credits from MASC
362, 461, 465, 466 or 475
MASC 495
Elective
Elective
Total Credits
Total credits needed to graduate = 120
24
Credits
3
3
3
3
4
16
Credits
3
3
3
3
3
15
Credits
3
3
3
3
3
15
Credits
3
3
1
3
3
13
PRINT JOURNALISM – SUGGESTED SCHEDULE OF COURSES
First Year
Credits
Spring Semester
3
Global Studies List I
3
HIST 104
3
MASC 290
3
STAT 208
4
Foreign Language
16
Total Credits
Fall Semester
ENGL 101
HIST 103
MASC 101
MATH 131
Foreign Language
Total Credits
Second Year
Fall Semester
Credits
Spring Semester
ENGL 200
3
MASC 203
ECON 203
3
History Elective
SmartForce Tutorials/Tests
0
Science-lecture only
Science w/lab
4
Literature List F
POLI 103
3
POLI 322 or alternative
Hist. Cultural Origins List G
3
Total Credits
Total Credits
16
Third Year
Credits
Spring Semester
3
MASC 408
3
MASC 305
1
Arts List E
1
Literature Elective
3
MASC Elective
3
14
Total Credits
Fall Semester
MASC 303
MASC 363
MASC 365
MASC 366
Upper Level Elective
MASC 300
Total Credits
Fall Semester
Choose from MASC 403,
404, or 475
MASC Elective
Human Behavior List J
Elective
Elective
Total Credits
Fourth Year
Credits
Spring Semester
3
MASC 493
3
3
MASC Elective
Choose from MASC 403,
404, or 475
MASC 495
Elective
Total Credits
3
3
15
Total credits needed to graduate = 120
25
Credits
3
3
3
3
4
16
Credits
3
3
3
3
3
15
Credits
3
3
3
3
3
15
Credits
3
3
3
1
3
13
PUBLIC RELATIONS SEQUENCE
PRE-MAJOR
All courses are worth 3 credits except where indicated. MASC prerequisites are noted in parentheses.
MASC 101 Mass Communications
MASC 203 Writing for Mass Media (MASC 101, ENGL 101, cum. GPA of 2.35 or higher)
MASC 290 Ethical Problems in Mass Media (MASC 101)
MAJOR
MASC 101, 203 and 290 are prerequisites for all upper-level major courses. Additional MASC prerequisites are listed in
parentheses. Check pages 28-31 in this handbook for course descriptions.
MASC 300 Media Graphics
MASC 323 Public Relations
MASC 333 Public Relations Writing (MASC 323)
MASC 335 Public Relations Production (MASC 333, SPCH 321)
MASC 408 Communications Law
MASC 425 Public Relations Research
MASC 439 Public Relations Campaigns (MASC 323, 333, 335 and 425)
MASC 493 Fieldwork/Internship (permission required)
MASC elective
Collateral Requirements
MRBL 308 Introduction to Marketing
MGMT 319 Organizational Behavior
ACCT 202 Accounting for Non-Business Majors
SPCH 321 Speech for Business and Professions
History Elective taught by the History Department
3 credits
3 credits
3 credits
3 credits
3 credits
3 credits
3 credits
1-3 credits
3 credits
3 credits
3 credits
3 credits
3 credits
3 credits
NOTES
Students need to complete a total of 120 credits to graduate. Students may not take more than 40 credits in mass communications courses.
In addition, students must take at least 45 credits in 300- and 400- level courses (MASC courses are included in this count).
26
PUBLIC RELATIONS - SUGGESTED SCHEDULE OF COURSES
Fall Semester
ENGL 101
HIST 103
POLI 103
MATH 131
Foreign Language
Total Credits
Credits
3
3
3
3
4
16
First Year
Spring Semester
ENGL Literature List F
HIST 104
MASC 101
STAT 208
Foreign Language
Total Credits
Second Year
Fall Semester
Credits
Spring Semester
ENGL 200
3
MASC 203
ECON 203
3
History Elective
MASC 290
3
Global Studies List I
KnowledgeNet
0
Science - Lecture Only
Science w/lab
4
Literature Elective
Hist. Cultural Origins List G 3
Total Credits
Total Credits
16
Third Year
Spring Semester
MASC 333
MASC 408
Arts List E
SPCH 321
ACCT 202
Total Credits
Fall Semester
MASC 300
MASC 323
MRBL 308
MGMT 319
Upper Level Elective
Total Credits
Credits
3
3
3
3
3
15
Fall Semester
MASC 335
MASC 425
MASC Elective
POLI 322 or alternative
Human Behavior List J
Total Credits
Fourth Year
Credits
Spring Semester
2
MASC 439
3
MASC 493
3
Upper Level Elective
3
Elective
3
Elective
14
Total Credits
Credits
3
3
3
3
4
16
Credits
3
3
3
3
3
15
Credits
3
3
3
3
3
15
Credits
3
1-3
3
3
3
13
Total credits needed to graduate = 120
NOTE: Students may use MASC 439 to fulfill the Urban Environment List K Requirement .
27
WHAT SHOULD I DO WITH MY ELECTIVES?
Your Mass Communications credits plus the required general education credits do not add to 120 credits. So
what should you do with the remaining credits? That’s entirely up to you. But consider the following options:

Take all the writing courses you can find. Clear, grammatical, concise and graceful writing will always
help your career, no matter what your sequence or interest. Courses such as ENGL 114 English
Grammar and Usage; ENGL 304 Advanced Composition; and ENGL/MGMT 327 Business and
Technical Report Writing are among many that can help you polish these skills.

Obtain a minor. A minor is a concentration of courses – usually 18 credits – allowing you to develop a
specialty to complement your major or develop another interest. Mass Communications majors can
benefit by obtaining minors in areas such as English, writing, history, political science, international
studies, art history, economics, psychology, women’s studies, African-American studies, American
studies or a foreign language. Many of the courses required for your Mass Communications degree can
be counted as part of a minor. For example, the history classes required for your MASC degree can also
count toward a minor in history.

Study a foreign language. A working knowledge of a foreign language will not only make any trips
abroad easier and more interesting, it literally will open up a new world of career opportunities. VCU
offers courses in Chinese, Italian, Latin, Portuguese and Russian; minors are offered in French, German
and Spanish. Study-abroad opportunities are also available.

It is possible to obtain a double major. See your adviser and read the VCU Undergraduate Bulletin.

When selecting your electives, it is useful to consider they that will complement your degree. A set
of electives drawn from other departments in the university is on page 26 of this handbook. These
classes relate directly to some of the careers in mass communications; however, there are dozens of
classes that may pique your interest. The key is to try to select your electives carefully and
thoughtfully.
28
ELECTIVES TO CONSIDER
ARTH 103-104
MGMT 323
MGMT 325
MGMT/ENGL 327
MGMT 331
MGMT 373
MGMT 420
MGMT 421
MGMT 474
ECON 305
ECON 306
ECON 307
ECON 321
ECON 421
ENGL 304
ENGL 305
POLI 301
POLI 314
POLI 321
POLI 323
POLI 328
POLI 329
POLI 331
PSYC 308
PSYC 310
PSYC 321
PSYC 324
PSYC/SOCY 341
SOCY 327
SOCY 370
Survey of Western Art
Legal Environment of Business
Organizational Communication
Business and Technical Report Writing
Personnel Management
Consumer Behavior
Seminar in Industrial Relations
Small Business Management
Personal Selling and Sales Management
Public Finance – State and Local
Public Finance – Federal
Money and Banking
Urban Economics
Government and Business
Advanced Composition
Creative Writing
U.S. Parties and Elections
U.S. Constitutional Law
Urban Government and Politics
Virginia Government and Politics
Seminar in Urban Problems
Intergovernmental Relations
Public Administration
Stress and Its Management
Industrial Psychology
Social Psychology
Psychology of Advertising
Group Dynamics
Urban Sociology
Mass Media and Society
29
STUDY ABROAD
Would you like to spend a summer or semester studying overseas? There are hundreds of reasons why you should
do it. In today’s environment, an international educational experience makes you more marketable in the
broadcasting and media indusrty. With globalization of the news and the media, having an international mindset is
an absolute necessity. In addition, the cultural experience will enhance your understanding of yourself and give
you a better idea of who you want to be. Living overseas expands your horizons on everything from food to
footwear. And think about it: a summer study would be a great way to fullfil your foreign language requirement!
Because Mass Communications does not allow for major credits to transfer in, planning ahead is essential. You
should plan to participate in study abroad before you enter the School of Mass Communications. This means you
should begin arranging your study abroad during your first semester at VCU. See how VCU’s many summer
programs could fit into your schedule: fulfill either your general education requirements or your minor
requirements while studying in such locations as the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Malta, Thailand or Sweden.
Studying abroad can be expensive, but students do it all the time and so can you. If you are eligible, you may apply
for financial aid (with the exception of work-study) to an approved Study Abroad Program. In addition, there are
scholarships available through a wide variety of programs for study and research. Talk to the staff in the Education
Abroad Resource Room to find out more about available funding. Students in the Honors Program may also wish
to consult with an Honors Program adviser to see what type of funding may be available there. The sooner you
start to plan your study abroad, the sooner you will find that you have many more program options, and it may save
you money!
For more information, contact the Office of International Education at abroad@vcu.edu, by phone at 828-8471 or
visit the Study Abroad Resource Room, at 916 West Franklin Street, Milhiser House Room 210.
30
Mass Communications Course Descriptions
interviewing, to provide practice in writing general news and features
and to prepare for entry-level reporting assignments.
SCHOOL OF MASS COMMUNICATIONS
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
MASC 305 Copy Editing
Semester course; 2 lecture and 4 laboratory hours. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: MASC 101, 203 and 300. For mass communications majors
only. Instruction and practice in basic newspaper editing with a focus
on practical experience in editing local and news service copy for
publication. Includes emphasis on headline writing, development of
news judgment, accuracy and fairness while exposing students to legal
problems confronting a copy editor. Some attention will be paid to
layout and design of newspapers.
MASC 101
Mass Communications
Semester course; 2 lecture and 2 laboratory hours. 3 credits. A broad
survey of mass media, with emphasis on new media, global media and
the business of media as traditional lines blur among journalism,
advertising and public relations. The history and evolution of mass
media are examined. Emphasis is given to mass media law and ethics,
including the origins and evolution of a free press and the legal
framework of contemporary mass media practice.
MASC 323
Public Relations
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: MASC 101 and
203. For mass communications majors only.Study of public relations
principles and practices, including analysis of tools, media, ethical
responsibilities and emerging technologies. Special attention to the
theory and research literature on rational and ethical persuasion.
MASC 151/INTL 151
Communications Technology and Global Society
Semester course; 1.5 lecture and 1.5 computer-assisted online
discussion hours. 3 credits. A comprehensive overview of how
communications technologies have shaped and are shaped by society.
Considers how digital and earlier technologies have led to increasing
integration of world cultures and economies.
MASC 333
Public Relations Writing
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: MASC 101, 203
and 323. For mass communications majors only. An intensive writing
course focusing on researching and writing materials in support of the
public relations function. Practice in preparing materials for controlled
and uncontrolled media, both print and broadcast, including news
releases, interview protocols, special events background materials,
media kits, employee newsletters, community relations materials and
formal public speaking scripts. Explores routine, special event and
crisis situations, and the link between written and audiovisual
documents.
MASC 203
Writing for Mass Media
Semester course; 1 lecture and 4 laboratory hours. 3 credits.
Prerequisites: MASC 101, ENGL 101, completion of Knowledgenet
assessments for "Microsoft Office 2000 Intermediate Word" and
"PowerPoint," cumulative GPA of 2.35, and sophomore standing. Students
must obtain permission to register from the School of Mass Communications.
Study and practice in fact gathering and development of the basic
skills needed for writing for the media. Focus on newswriting stressing
grammar skills and knowledge of current affairs. Writing on deadline
using word-processing software and hardware.
MASC 335
Public Relations Production
Semester course; 2 lecture and 2 laboratory hours. 3 credits.
Prerequisites: MASC 101, 203, 323, 333 and SPCH 321. For mass
communications majors only. Instruction and practice in public relations
writing styles including speeches, public service announcements and
Web writing. Practice in production of broadcast and computer-based
materials for public relations, oral presentations, and special events
planning and implementation.
MASC 290
Ethical Problems in Mass Media
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: MASC 101 or
permission of school. Examination and analysis of contemporary issues
and problems in conventional and new media. The philosophical
foundation and principles of ethical decision making are explored.
Critical and unresolved issues are discussed within the legal and
ethical framework of modern mass media practice. Students are
required to design and justify resolutions to the issues and present
defenses for the resolution proposals.
MASC 341
Feature and Article Writing
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: MASC 101, 203
and MASC 303 or 363, or permission of instructor. For mass
communications majors only.Practice in preparing articles and features
for newspapers and magazines. Emphasis is on creative journalistic
writing and development of writing skills.
MASC 101 and MASC 203 are prerequisites for the following
courses.
MASC 300 Media Graphics
Semester course; 2 lecture and 2 laboratory hours. 3 credits.
Prerequisites: MASC 101 and 203. For mass communications majors only. A
course on the functions of visual and graphic communication in the
print and electronic media. Focuses on creative typographic and layout
design principles and integrates practice in editing, graphic creation,
digital-image manipulation and professional publishing. Students gain
hands-on experience with state-of-the-art computer graphics and
layout programs.
MASC 359/WRLD 359
International Media Coverage: The Middle East
Semester course; 2 lecture and 2 laboratory hours. 3 credits.
Prerequisites: MASC 101 or 151, or permission of instructor. This
interdisciplinary course, explores the media's role in covering cultural,
political, religious and other issues in the Middle East. Students will
examine the role and impact of the media in both the United States and
Middle East in shaping global and regional public opinion. Using
webcam and online technology, VCU students will discuss crosscultural perspectives with students from the other U.S. universities
and universities in the Middle East.
MASC 303
General Assignment Reporting
Semester course; 2 lecture and 3 laboratory hours. 3 credits.
Prerequisites: MASC 101 and 203. For mass communications majors only.
Detailed study in gathering and reporting facts, with emphasis on
clarity and maturity of writing. The intent is to build skills in
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MASC 361
History and Development of Broadcasting
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: MASC 101 and
203. For mass communications majors only.An examination of the
regulatory, technical, economic and creative foundations of the
broadcast media. Historical, contemporary and ethical issues in
broadcasting also are addressed.
advertising with a concentration in creative thinking and solutions.
Students create TV commercials with attention to scripts, storyboards,
talent, visual composition, editing, music, sound effects and direction.
MASC 394
Advertising Art Direction
Semester course; 2 lecture and 2 laboratory hours. 3 credits.
Prerequisites: MASC 101, 203, 300 and 380. For mass communications
majors only. Study and practice in layout and design of advertising for
all media. Ideas will be followed from concept to production.
MASC 362
Photojournalism
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: MASC 101 and
203. For mass communications majors only. Examination of theoretical,
technical and practical use of photography in communications and
reporting, along with theories and legal guidelines of photojournalism.
Training in news photography and its application in converged media.
Students must have their own manually operable 35 mm single lens
reflex (SLR) film or digital SLR cameras (minimum 3.2 megapixels)
with at least a 50 mm lens or a zoom lens capable of 50 mm shooting.
MASC 398
Advertising Account Planning and Media Strategy
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: MASC 101, 203
and MASC 380 or 323. For mass communications majors only. An
examination of the methods advertisers use to learn about consumers
and what motivates purchase decisions. The techniques account
planners and market researchers employ, including quantitative and
qualitative research, demographics, psychographics, and social and
anthropological studies. Consumer research as applied to the
development of media strategies. Practical problems in planning and
buying media as they relate to integrated marketing campaigns.
MASC 363
Introduction to Broadcast Writing
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: MASC 101 and
203. Corequisites: MASC 365 and 366. For mass communications majors
only. Students will concentrate on developing news writing and
reporting skills for television and radio. Course work will include
weekly writing assignments and the production of broadcast-quality
radio and television stories. Knowledge of current events is essential.
MASC 399
Advertising Account Management
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: MASC 101, 203
and 380. For mass communications majors only. This course is designed to
prepare students for careers in the business of advertising, particularly
for those interested in careers as account executives. The class will
focus on account management and the theories behind those
management practices. Topics covered include relationship and
services management, communication skills (writing creative briefs,
client communications, listening skills, presentation skills), negotiation
tactics, team management, leadership and organizational skills.
MASC 365
Audio Production
Semester course; 3 laboratory hours. 1 credit. Prerequisites: MASC 101
and 203. Corequisites: MASC 363 and 366. For mass communications majors
only. Students will learn the purpose, function and execution of basic
techniques of audio field and studio production operations. Emphasis
will be placed on the production of broadcast-quality audition tapes.
Fieldwork production, remote production and live production, along
with audio editing, also will be covered.
MASC 403
Advanced Reporting
Semester course; 2 lecture and 3 laboratory hours. 3 credits.
Prerequisites: MASC 101, 203 and 303. For mass communications majors
only. Intensive study of the techniques of reporting meetings and news
of public affairs. Attention will be paid to covering governmental
agencies at all levels. Instruction in newspaper editing included.
Quality of writing will be a paramount and continual consideration.
MASC 366 Video Journalism I
Semester course; 3 laboratory hours. 1 credit. Prerequisites: MASC 101
and 203. Corequisites: MASC 363 and 365. For mass communications majors
only. Students will learn the purpose, function and execution of basic
techniques of television and video field production, including
nonlinear editing. Also covers studio operations as they relate to
broadcast news. Emphasis will be placed on the production of
broadcast-quality news video.
MASC 404
Specialized Project Reporting
Semester course; 2 lecture and 3 laboratory hours. 3 credits.
Prerequisite: MASC 101, 203 and 303. For mass communications majors
only. An advanced course to provide news beat experience for students
reporting on complex issues facing the public in the urban community.
Emphasis also on editing, team reporting, in-depth research and
interviewing techniques, and use of public records.
MASC 380
Introduction to Advertising
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: MASC 101 and
203. For mass communications majors only. An overview of the
advertising industry. A practitioner-oriented approach to the creation,
preparation and evaluation of advertising. The course views the
subject from the perspective of integrated marketing communication.
MASC 408
Communications Law
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: MASC 101 and
203. For mass communications majors only. Study of legal limitations
affecting publishing, advertising, broadcasting and telecasting and
legal philosophy and ethics relating to the media of communications.
MASC 392 Advertising Copywriting
Semester course; 2 lecture and 2 laboratory hours. 3 credits.
Prerequisites: MASC 101, 203 and 380. For mass communications majors
only. Study of the different types of advertising copy used by both local
and national advertisers. Practice in writing consumer, trade and
industrial copy.
MASC 415
Video Journalism II
Semester course; 3 laboratory hours. 1 credit. Prerequisite: MASC 101,
203 and 366. Corequisite: MASC 464 or permission of instructor. For mass
communications majors only. Students learn advanced field shooting and
editing techniques as well as the inner workings of the television
MASC 393
Creativity for Television
Semester course; 2 lecture and 2 laboratory hours. 3 credits.
Prerequisite: MASC 101, 203 and 380. For mass communications majors
only. Learn the process of developing professional-level television
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studio including studio camera operation, advanced audio and video
editing, visual storytelling, and advanced camera techniques.
For mass communications majors only. Television news practicum. Using
the university and the city of Richmond as their classroom, students
will report, write and produce television news stories. Electronic
newsgathering and editing equipment will be utilized to create
professional-caliber projects.
MASC 425
Public Relations Research
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: MASC 101 and
203. For mass communications majors only. An introduction to the role of
research in public relations, with primary emphasis on content
analysis, focus group, survey and communication audit methods and
the evaluation of quantitative research data.
MASC 465
Newscasting
Semester course; 1 lecture and 4 laboratory hours. 3 credits. May be
repeated once for a total of 6 credits. Prerequisite: MASC 101, 203 and
363. Corequisite: MASC 466. For mass communications majors only.
Concentrates on developing on-air skills in radio and television studio
and field situations. Emphasizes journalistic principles in delivery of
news, public affairs, editorial and interviews. Grammar, diction and
broadcast writing are stressed.
MASC 439
Public Relations Campaigns
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: MASC 101,
203, 323, 333, 335, 425 and SPCH 321. For mass communications majors
only. Application of public relations theory and methods in the
preparation of a plan for a public relations campaign. Special attention
to the planning process including issues analysis, and application of
public relations and research methods.
MASC 466
Television Studio Production
Semester course; 2 laboratory hours. 1 credit. May be repeated for up
to 3 credits. For mass communications majors only, or by permission of
instructor. Instruction and practice in basic television or studio
production. Supports the production of the television broadcast
journalism programming created by students within the broadcast
journalism concentration.
MASC 450-451
Advertising Portfolio Development
Continuous courses; 3 lecture hours. 3-3 credits. Prerequisites: MASC
101, 203, 300, 380, 392 and 394. For mass communications majors only. An
advanced, intensive study of copywriting and art direction for
advertising, emphasizing strategic and creative development of
advertising campaigns. Students will conceptualize advertising
campaigns, execute digitally produced, comprehensive advertisements
and campaign materials, and assemble a final portfolio. Culminates in
a formal portfolio review with professionals from the advertising
industry.
MASC 474 / AFAM 474
Minorities and the Mass Media
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: MASC 101 or
290, or permission of instructor. Examines historical and contemporary
issues associated with the presence and portrayal of selected minorities
in/by mainstream mass media in the United States. Primary emphasis
is placed on the examination of African Americans and Hispanic
Americans. Asian Americans, Native Americans and women also are
covered.
MASC 459
Advertising Strategic Portfolio
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: MASC 101,
203, 380, 398, 399 and MRBL 308. For mass communications majors only.
An advanced intensive study in the business and strategy of
advertising. Students will prepare comprehensive materials used in
advertising campaigns including advertising strategies, market and
consumer research, and creative briefs based on those findings.
Emphasis will be on the development of planning, media and account
management skills to create a portfolio for students in the strategic
concentration.
MASC 475
Capital News Service
Semester course; 9 laboratory hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: MASC 303.
To register, students must complete an application and submit writing
samples for approval by the Capital News Service director. For mass
communications majors only. In this intensive course, advanced
journalism students cover state government and politics, including the
Virginia General Assembly, the governor, regulatory agencies and
elections. Students produce content for publication in statewide
community newspapers and other media. Strong emphasis on fastpaced deadlines.
MASC 461
The Documentary
Semester course; 2 lecture and 2 laboratory hours. 3 credits.
Prerequisites: MASC 101, 203, 363, 365 and 366, or permission of instructor.
MASC 464 may be taken concurrently with the instructor's permission.
Corequisite: MASC 462. For mass communications majors only. An
examination of documentary concepts through analysis of radio,
television and film documentaries. The course will center on the
development, writing and production of a documentary in the
medium (audio or video) of the student's choice.
MASC 481
Advertising Campaigns
Semester course; 2 lecture and 2 laboratory hours. 3 credits.
Prerequisites: MASC 101, 203, 380, 392 and 394, or permission of instructor.
For mass communications majors only. Intensive study in the planning
and preparation of advertising campaigns. Students develop complete
advertising programs including research, basic advertising plans,
media and creative strategies, sales promotion and merchandising
plans.
MASC 463
Advanced Radio Newsgathering
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: MASC 101, 203,
363 and 365. For mass communications majors only. Radio practicum.
Using the university and city of Richmond as their classroom, students
will report, write and produce radio news stories. Studio and remote
equipment will be utilized to create professional-caliber projects.
MASC 485
Web Site Design
Semester course; 2 lecture and 2 laboratory hours. 3 credits.
Prerequisite: MASC 101, 203, 300 or permission of instructor. For mass
communications majors only. Students will receive an introduction to the
processes, principles and tools of Web site design, development and
production. The course will focus on the development of strong
interactive interfaces, animation, graphic images, text, and functional
site design and organization. In this hands-on, computer-based course,
students will design and develop a comprehensive site and launch it to
MASC 464
Advanced Television Newsgathering
Semester course; 2 lecture and 2 laboratory hours. 3 credits.
Prerequisites: MASC 101, 203, 363, 365 and 366. Corequisite: MASC 415.
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MASC 493 Fieldwork/Internship
Semester course; variable hours. 1, 2 or 3 credits per semester.
Maximum total 3 credits toward graduation. Prerequisites: MASC 101,
MASC 203, and permission of faculty member and of internship coordinator.
For mass communications majors only. Selected students will receive onthe-job training under the supervision of an instructor and the
employer. Internships are available in newspapers, magazines, public
relations, advertising, radio and television.
the Internet. Increasing the students' knowledge of design principles
and technical skills with Web development tools will be emphasized.
MASC 491
Topics in Communications
Semester course; variable hours. 1, 2 or 3 credits per semester.
Maximum total 3 credits. Prerequisites: MASC 101, MASC 203 and
permission of instructor. For mass communications majors only.An
intensive study of a specialized field of mass communications.
MASC 495
Journalism Seminar
Semester course; 1 lecture hour. 1 credit. Must be taken once in
conjunction with one of the following courses: MASC 403, MASC 404,
MASC 461, MASC 465 or MASC 475. For mass communications majors
only. This intensive seminar is for senior broadcast and print
journalism students.Includes examination of issues such as multimedia story planning and storytelling, visual presentation and design,
newsroom leadership and culture, trends in media consolidation,
copyright and other legal issues that cross media platforms. Students
will produce a multiple-media news story or package that will be
published through one or more venues available in the School of Mass
Communications.
MASC 492
Independent Study
Semester course; variable hours. Variable credit. Maximum of 3 credits
per semester; maximum total of 6 credits for all independent study
courses. Prerequisites: MASC 101 and MASC 203. Open generally to
students of only junior and senior standing who have completed at least 12
credits in mass communications. To register, a student must write a proposal
and have it approved by the student's adviser, supervising instructor and
school director or assistant director. For mass communications majors only.
The course is designed for students who wish to study subject matter
not offered elsewhere in the mass communications' curriculum.
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FACULTY DIRECTORY
You may dial faculty members directly and leave voice messages for them at their office phone numbers. The general
number for the School’s administrative offices is (804) 828-2660. All faculty offices are located on the first and second
floors of the Temple Building.
Camden, Bridget, Assistant Professor (Advertising-Creative); B.F.A., M.S., Virginia Commonwealth University; M.F.A.
The School of The Art Institute of Chicago. Office phone: 827-3730. E-mail: bcamden@vcu.edu. Office: 2208E
Dailey, Rocky, Instructor (Broadcast Journalism); B.S., South Dakota State University; M.A., The University of
Memphis. Office phone: 827-0252. E-mail: radailey@vcu.edu. Office: 1110.
Davis, Bonnie, Associate Professor (Writing, Ethics); B.A., North Carolina A&T State University; M.A., University of
Michigan. Office phone: 827-3775. E-mail: bndavis@vcu.edu. Office: 2203C.
Donohue, Thomas R., Professor (Social Effect of Advertising); B.A., M.A., Bowling Green University; Ph.D.,
University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Office phone: 827-3769. E-mail: trdonohu@vcu.edu. Office: 2203E.
Hahn, Elizabeth, Collateral Professor (Advertising); B.F.A., Tulane University. Office phone: 827-3767. Office: 2203F.
Jin, Yan, Assistant Professor (Public Relations); B.A., Peking University; M.A., University of Missouri-Columbia;
M.A.(Minor), University of Missouri-Columbia; Ph.D., University of Missouri-Columbia. Office Phone: 827-3764.
E-mail: yjin@vcu.edu. Office: 2208A.
Martin, Ernest, Associate Professor (Public Relations); B.A., Morningside College; M.A., University of Missouri,
Columbia; Ph.D., University of Missouri, Columbia. Office phone: 827-3759. E-mail: efmartin@vcu.edu. Office:
2208C.
Mawyer, Carol, Student Services Coordinator and Professional Instructor (Public Relations); B.A., Virginia Tech.
Office phone: 827-3725. E-mail: cbmawyer@vcu.edu. Office: 2208G.
Nicholson, June O., Associate Professor (Print Journalism); B.A., University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill; M.A.,
American University. Office phone: 827-0251. E-mail: jonichol@vcu.edu. Office: 1102.
Otto, Paula, Associate Director and Associate Professor (Broadcast Journalism); B.S., West Virginia University; M.A.,
American University. Office phone: 827-3709. E-mail: piotto@vcu.edu. Office: 2210.
Owens, Lynn C., Assistant Professor (Broadcast Journalism); B.A., University of Pennsylvania; M.S., Northwestern
University; Ph.D., University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Office phone 828-4203. E-mail: lecorney@vcu.edu.
Office: 1108.
Rowe, Peyton, Associate Professor (Media Graphics and Design); B.A., University of Virginia: M.F.A. Virginia
commonwealth University. Office Phone: 827-3733. E-mail: prowe@vcu.edu. Office: 2208D.
Ryan, Tracy T., Associate Professor (Advertising-Strategic); B.A., East Carolina University; M.A., East Carolina
University; Ph.D., Virginia Commonwealth University. Office Phone: 827-3780. E-mail: ttryan@vcu.edu Office 2203A.
Sherman, Scott, Instructor (Advertising-Strategic); B.S., James Madison University. Office phone: 827-3777. E-mail:
sfherman@vcu.edu. Office: 2203B.
35
Sims, Will, Assistant Professor (Advertising-Creative); B.A., University of Richmond; M.S., VCU Adcenter. Office
phone: 827-0250. E-mail: wsims@vcu.edu. Office: 2208F.
South, Jeff C., Associate Professor (Print Journalism/New Media); B.A., University of Texas. Office phone: 827-0253.
E-mail: jcsouth@vcu.edu. Office: 1114.
Thomas, Clarence, Associate Professor (Broadcast Journalism/Broadcast History) and Director of Graduate Studies;
B.A., Hampton Institute; M.S., Syracuse University; Ph.D., University of Florida. Office phone: 827-3772. E-mail:
cwthomas@vcu.edu. Office: 2203D.
VanSlyke Turk, Judy, Director and Professor (Public Relations), B.S.J., Northwestern University; M.A., Northern
Illinois University, Ph.D., Syracuse University. Office phone: 828-2660. E-mail: jvturk@vcu.edu. Office: 2216
Wenger, Debora H., Associate Professor (Broadcast Journalism/Media Convergence); B.A., Moorhead State University;
M.A., University of North Carolina-Charlotte. Office phone: 827-0250. E-mail: dhwenger@vcu.edu. Office: 1112.
36