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The courses listed herein have been approved by the faculty as authorized by the Board of Trustees. Prerequisites (if any) and the General Education Requirement(s) which each course fulfills (if any) are noted following each course description.
4.00 credit hours Basic principles of structure-property relationships in the context of chemical, mechanical and physical properties of materials. Lecture/Laboratory.
4.00 credit hours An introduction to the legal, economic, logistical and technological considerations shaping the day-to-day operations of broadcast media. Special attention is given to the management and programming of TV and radio stations and networks. Among the topics covered include: news and public affairs, sports broadcasting, audience analysis, advertising, programming research and other areas related to both commercial and non-commercial programming practices. Recommended for students interested in careers in radio and/or television.
iCon(s): Engaging Civic Life, Innovating the World.
0.00-2.00 credit hours Hands-on video field production workshop designed to allow students to develop their video production and storytelling skills. Emphasis is placed on news and public affairs content. Instructor consent required for 2 credit hours. This is a graded course, regardless of credit.
0.00-2.00 credit hours Offered to all students who wish to work at the campus radio station, WONC-FM. The following positions are available: music show host, newscaster, news reporter, news magazine host, sportscaster, sports reporter, sports play-by-play announcer, traffic reporter, news writer, copywriter, music research specialist, promotions assistant, production assistant, board operator. Instructor consent needed for 2 credit hours. This is a graded course, regardless of credit.
0.00-2.00 credit hours Hands-on experience on the staff of the college news organization, The Chronicle/ncclinked.com. Students work as writers or editors, web and social media content creators, photographers, artists or designers. Registration for credit requires a minimum of four hours of work on the publication per week. Instructor consent needed for 2 credit hours. This is a graded course, regardless of credit.
4.00 credit hours Digital media writing introduces students to writing on different types of platforms including the web, applications and social media. Students learn to write in a variety of different genres including blog writing, online news and public relations. The course also hones writing and research skills for digital writing.
Prerequisite(s): CARD 102 or COMM 100. Cardinal Directions Designation(s): Humanities, U.S. Power Structures. iCon(s): Innovating the World.
4.00 credit hours An introduction to the elements of video production and the principles of editing with an emphasis on story as well as technique. Basic camera and microphone operation is introduced and use of video editing software to create video projects is explored. This course is a combination of lectures, demonstrations and projects.
4.00 credit hours Introduction to journalistic writing and reporting techniques. Topics covered include conducting interviews, story selection and research. New technologies and the evolving state of journalism are also discussed.
4.00 credit hours A practical introduction to the legal restraints placed upon media communicators and the ethical concerns raised by various forms of media communication. Includes discussions and material related to the First Amendment, libel, invasion of privacy, freedom of information, copyright, obscenity and political broadcasting. The course is also intended to engage students in a conversation about the ethical issues facing the media today.
Cardinal Directions Designation(s): Social Science, Ethical Dimensions, U.S. Power Structures. iCon(s): Engaging Civic Life.
4.00 credit hours Basic techniques and responsibilities of a publications editor. Topics include editing for both style and content, working with photos, writing photo captions and writing headlines. Course includes a review of libel law and attention to the ethical dilemmas facing journalists.
4.00 credit hours Examines social media as an evolving, complex system of channels used to communicate, exchange messages and persuade. This class focuses on the crafting of messages for distinct social media channels and audiences. Among the things that we will consider are the uses of social media in advertising, social movements, and political campaigns.
Cardinal Directions Designation(s): Social Science.
4.00 credit hours The preparation, production and direction of various digital audio program materials (such as commercial spots, news packages, music specials, station promos, podcasts, and dramas). Students learn how to use professional digital audio editing software. Sometimes uses WONC-FM production studios as a laboratory.
4.00 credit hours An introductory course in photo journalism with an emphasis on multimedia. The course is taught as a hands-on workshop. Instruction progresses from basic camera operation to more comprehensive visual storytelling that may incorporate audio, video or other multimedia components.
4.00 credit hours A continuation of the skills learned in MEDI 222 Video Storytelling I with more emphasis on longer-form video projects. Topics include: advanced camera operation, lighting, composition, editing transitions, mixing and synchronizing audio, graphics, logging video and working with B-roll. Professional editing packages are used to produce long-form projects in formats suitable for delivery over DVD, Web, broadcast television and cable.
4.00 credit hours Explores advanced writing and reporting techniques and the production of multi-source, in-depth articles. Also introduces students to literary and investigative journalism.
4.00 credit hours Analysis of the technological convergence that has occurred in the modern news environment, and the creation of content that is effective across a range of media platforms. Emphasis on analyzing and selecting the proper medium to suit the message.
4.00 credit hours An intensive study of the writing, editing and production of news for radio and television. Students learn to write for broadcast, how to conduct interviews for radio and television and how to integrate audio and video elements into news stories.
4.00 credit hours The research, writing and pre-production of television and motion picture screenplays with an emphasis on script structure and format, plot analysis and character development. The behind-the-scenes relationships with producers, directors, screenwriters and agents are studied. Also discussed: Writers Guild of America formatting guidelines, screenwriting software choices, securing a literary agent, soliciting producers and deciphering options and contracts.
4.00 credit hours (Same as: MUSI 385.) Concepts and techniques of computer music research, composition, and performance. Topics include digital audio signal processing, MIDI, computer programming for music, sound analysis and synthesis, algorithmic processes and various stylistic approaches to making electronic music. Students with advanced programming skills are allowed to focus on software development and those with a stronger interest in musical creation may focus on various software and performance techniques.
Cardinal Directions Designation(s): Arts. iCon(s): Innovating the World.
MEDI 390 - Special Topics in Journalism and Media Communication
4.00 credit hours Exploration of a topic of current interest. Topics vary depending on student and faculty interest. May be taken more than once with different content. Potential topics include sports media, data visualization, public affairs journalism, etc.
Prerequisite(s): 8 credit hours in communication or media studies.
4.00 credit hours The preparation and direction of digital audio programs (such as podcasts, commercial spots, station promos, sales presentations, documentaries, etc.) on an advanced level. Students learn the techniques of sophisticated radio and audio production, including field recording, multi-track recording, mixing, editing, mastering, and sound design for other media. Uses WONC-FM production studios as the laboratory.
4.00 credit hours An introduction to television studio production. Students learn about different genres of studio production and have an opportunity to create a variety of programs (a talk show, a newscast and a small individual project). Course meets at the studios of Naperville Community Television (NCTV-17).
4.00 credit hours Students create an in-depth capstone project that brings together a variety of media production skills, knowledge and research methods. The topic is determined by the student in consultation with the instructor. Additionally, students create a web portfolio.
MEDI 490 - Seminar in Journalism and Media Communication
4.00 credit hours Exploration of a topic of current interest. Topics vary depending on student and faculty interest. May be taken more than once with different content. Potential topics include sports media, data visualization, public affairs journalism, etc.
MENA 130 - Introduction to the Middle East and North Africa
4.00 credit hours An interdisciplinary introduction to the diverse philosophical, religious and historical concepts and values of the peoples and cultures of the Middle East and North Africa.
Cardinal Directions Designation(s): Social Science, Global Understanding. iCon(s): Experiencing Place, Thinking Globally.
MENA 310 - Literary Landscapes of the Middle East and North Africa
4.00 credit hours This interdisciplinary course focuses on works of fiction by authors from the Middle East and North Africa and contextualizes them in Modern Middle Eastern history, aiming to acquire a more intimate understanding of the cultural and intellectual history of the region.
Cardinal Directions Designation(s): Humanities, Global Understanding. iCon(s): Thinking Globally.
LANG 380 - Theoretical and Methodological Foundations for Teaching ELLs
4.00 credit hours An overview of the theoretical foundations of ESL and bilingual education. Students are introduced to the historical, philosophical, political, social and educational issues that have contributed to models serving language minority students. A focus on second language acquisition and its impact on learning is provided. Historical trends and legal issues related to second language learning and bilingual education in the United States are discussed. Taught in English.
LANG 382 - Cross-Cultural Studies for Teaching English Language Learners
2.00 credit hours Develops awareness and understanding of various cultural and linguistic factors that are important in addressing the needs of English language learners. Based on theories of cultural studies and intercultural communication, students examine and analyze behavioral expectations and learning styles of learners from different cultural backgrounds and their impact on cross-cultural teaching and learning. Includes 25 hours of clinical experience. Taught in English.
4.00 credit hours A review of language teaching methods and classroom materials for English language learners in settings outside U.S. public schools. Methods of teaching listening, speaking, reading and writing skills are presented and practiced, as well as methods of incorporating Anglophone culture in classroom activities. Includes the development, implementation and evaluation of lesson plans and materials. Taught in English.
2.00 credit hours Extended field experience in settings outside U.S. public schools, involving the observation, facilitation and teaching of lessons under the supervision of a cooperating teacher. Assignments include the creation and evaluation of lesson plans. Required: 15 field experience hours. Taught in English.
4.00 credit hours Intensive study of the relationship between language and culture. Content varies from course to course. Fulfills the language requirement for transfer students with a minimum of 51 transferred credit hours at entry. Taught in English.
Prerequisite(s): Transfer student with a minimum of 51 transferred credit hours.
2.00 credit hours Creation, revision and compilation of language teaching artifacts related to the Teaching of English of Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Field. Includes preparatory work for placement in TESOL Institutions. Taught in English.
LANG 480 - Senior Language Certification Portfolio Placement Survey
1.00 credit hours Creation, revision and compilation of language teaching artifacts reflective of state course content requirements for secondary language certification. This course is required of all language majors pursuing a major or minor in secondary education or for licensure-only students completing requirements for secondary language teaching. Students must register for and complete this credit before graduation, preferably during the term before student teaching. Taught in English.
Prerequisite(s): 16 credit hours in modern language at the 300-level.
4.00 credit hours Study of basic notation rules, triads, seventh chords, voice leading rules, phrase structure, rhythmic fundamentals, harmonic progressions and rudimentary forms. Standard music literature is studied and analyzed.
4.00 credit hours Continued study of tonal harmony, modulation to closely related keys, rhythm and chromaticism. The analysis and form of standard music literature.
2.00 credit hours Introduction and development of basic concepts of musicianship including rhythm performance and recognition, sight singing, dictation and ear training.
1.00 credit hours Examination of representative artists relevant to each student’s specific instrument/voice; taken one time in conjunction with applied lessons.
4.00 credit hours Introduction to the masterpieces of Western music. A broadly-based grounding in the rudiments of music, aesthetic values, and literature of the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Modern and Postmodern periods.
4.00 credit hours Introductory course that uses a case study approach to present various global musics, exploring the relationship of music and sound to social and cultural life in different countries of the world.
Cardinal Directions Designation(s): Arts, Global Understanding. iCon(s): Thinking Globally.
4.00 credit hours A continued study of tonal forms, chromatic harmony and voice leading and rhythm. Topics include species counterpoint, popular music forms, contrapuntal forms and chromatic modulation.
4.00 credit hours Advanced study of tonal and post-tonal forms. Topics include modes, scales, set theory, recent trends, and rhythm, meter and form in the 20th and 21st centuries.
4.00 credit hours Instruction in English, Italian, German and French diction as it applies to vocal music. Coursework includes use of the International Phonetic Alphabet and the preparation and in-class performance of representative vocal solos in each language studied.
1.00 credit hours A survey of solo vocal literature and composers of the vocal art form from the Renaissance to present day. The student develops an increased understanding of the history and development of the various forms of solo vocal literature.
1.00 credit hours A semester survey of the literature for keyboard instruments from early sources to the present. Works of major and secondary piano composers are studied and analyzed.
4.00 credit hours An introduction to the study of music as seen from a variety of disciplinary perspectives–education, composition, performance and ethnographic and historical research. The exploration of music including its production and role in everyday social life.
Cardinal Directions Designation(s): Humanities. iCon(s): Being Human.
4.00 credit hours Aural skills as applied to jazz harmony: recognition of triads, chords, chord progressions and idiomatic rhythmic fundamentals using ear training, singing, dictation and transcription.
4.00 credit hours Music theory as it applies to swing and bebop jazz styles: scale/chord relationships; harmonic notation; sectional song forms; alterations, substitutions and extensions. Stylistic changes that occurred after Bebop: modal and chromatic harmony, polychords, pedal points, free playing and quartal harmony.
4.00 credit hours Principles of jazz harmony, rhythmic style and melodic development utilized in jazz improvisation. Technical, ear training and improvisation exercises using the major scales, the dorian and mixolydian modes, the blues scales and form, the ii-V-I harmonic progression, the Aeolian and locrian modes and the minor ii-V-I progression. Transcription, analysis and performance of recorded jazz solos to illustrate these principles.
4.00 credit hours Intermediate and advanced principles of jazz harmony, rhythmic style and melodic development utilized in jazz improvisation. Technical, ear training and improvisation exercises and jazz repertoire utilizing the lydian and phrygian modes, the whole tone scale, harmonic and melodic minor scales, altered lydian modes, pentatonic scales and Coltrane substitutions. Analysis, transcription and performance of recorded solos illustrating these principles.
4.00 credit hours An introduction to the theory, applications and techniques of music and audio software. Topics include digital audio workstations, computer music, music notation platforms, music composition and sound design software and methods for music information retrieval.
4.00 credit hours In this course, we will hone research, critical reading, and writing skills as we explore the music of the past. Through a series of case studies, we will examine important musical historical moments as models for our own historical research. Additionally, through intensive listening sessions, we will encountermusical works long considered key to understanding historic music traditions. Throughout, we will investigate questions such as: What are the tools used to create a music history? Do we evaluate the usefulness of historical sources? And, how does knowledge of music’s histories inform our contemporary musicianship?
4.00 credit hours In this course, we sharpen our research, critical reading, and writing skills as we explore the music of various global traditions. Through case studies, we examine how world cultures engage with music as models for our own ethnomusicological research. Additionally, through intensive listening sessions, we encounter sounds from diverse global traditions. Throughout, we investigate questions such as: What tools inform us about musical sounds and practices in near and distant places? How do we responsibly engage with the human subjects who inform us about their musical traditions? How does an understanding of diverse global traditions inform our contemporary musicianship?
4.00 credit hours The stylistic evolution of jazz from its origins to the 1950s, examined within its American cultural context. Traces the historical development from early combo jazz through the swing era to the development of bebop.
4.00 credit hours The stylistic evolution of modern jazz after bebop, from the 1950s to the present day, examined within its American cultural context. Traces the historical development of the diverse styles co-existing within the contemporary jazz idiom: bop, third stream, free jazz, fusion and post-bop styles.
2.00 credit hours The study of the vocal instrument and techniques for proper use. Emphasis is on healthy production and the establishment of performance techniques to be used when teaching young or amateur singers.
2.00 credit hours An introduction to piano teaching. The study of the learning process, teaching methods and teaching materials. Requires observation of experienced teachers and supervised teaching.
1.00 credit hours Introduction to the collaborative process of performance for vocal and instrumental accompaniment. Emphasis is on personal practice methods, ensemble rehearsal techniques, score study and sight-reading.
4.00 credit hours An introductory study of fundamental conducting techniques, principles, leadership and practices for conductors of instrumental ensembles. An experiential, practical approach which includes lecture, reading, writing and student-led collaborative learning activities. Assessments require the student to demonstrate: (1) theoretical understanding and content knowledge through written, oral and conducting assignments; and (2) critical thinking and problem-solving skills through self- and peer-evaluation. The role of the conductor as leader of the ensemble experience is also covered as an introduction to the issue of developing the musical environment.
4.00 credit hours An introductory study of fundamental conducting techniques, principles and practices for conductors of choral ensembles. An experiential, practical approach which includes lecture, reading, writing and student-led collaborative learning activities. Assessments require the student to demonstrate: 1) theoretical understanding and content knowledge through written, oral and conducting assignments and 2) critical thinking and problem-solving skills through self- and peer-evaluation. The role of the conductor as leader of the ensemble experience is also covered as an introduction to the issue of developing the musical environment.
4.00 credit hours Topics in jazz composition and arranging introduced through the exploration and analysis of jazz repertoire. Topics include arranging and composition for rhythm section and for jazz combos with two to four horns. Elements of big band arranging are introduced as well. Arrangements are performed by student groups.
4.00 credit hours Advanced topics in jazz composition and arranging introduced through the exploration and analysis of jazz repertoire. Topics include arranging and composition for big band. Arrangements are performed by student groups.
MUSI 380 - Music As Social Life: The Field of Ethnomusicology
4.00 credit hours (Same as: ANTH 380.) Investigates the role of music in human sociability through engagement with ethnographic readings and recordings of global music scenes and practices. Students conduct their own field research to explore hands-on the links between music and politics, religion, sexuality and many other aspects of social life.
Prerequisite(s): One of the following: ANTH 145, ANTH 235 or MUSI 302. Cardinal Directions Designation(s): Writing Intensive. iCon(s): Experiencing Place.
4.00 credit hours (Same as: MEDI 385.) Concepts and techniques of computer music research, composition and performance. Topics include digital audio signal processing, MIDI, computer programming for music, sound analysis and synthesis, algorithmic processes and various stylistic approaches to making electronic music. Students with advanced programming skills are allowed to focus on software development and those with a stronger interest in musical creation may focus on various software and performance techniques.
Cardinal Directions Designation(s): Arts. iCon(s): Innovating the World.
1.00 credit hours Preparation for the capstone performance of the jazz studies major: a 45-minute concert with a student jazz ensemble, mentored by the primary instrumental/vocal instructor. Covers all aspects of producing a live performance: personnel selection, rehearsal schedule, musical arrangements, venue reservation, marketing and promotion.
4.00 credit hours The content-based study of a selected topic. Special emphasis on student-directed inquiry and the development of individual projects and presentations. Repeatable with different content.