Communication Studies and Theatre Department: Westminster College  

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   Broadcasting at Westminster 
Our Two Broadcasting Stations:
Radio: WWNW-89FM is Westminster's own Radio station that is staffed by Westminster students on a full time basis.  Students serve as station management, as well as DJ's, board-operators, morning show hosts, and more.  Check out the 89.9fm website for more info on the station.
Television:  Cable-9TV: Westminster College Television broadcasts on campus and on the Adephia Cable system in surrounding Lawrence County .  The station is operated by the students and offers unparalleled opportunities for hands-on experience.  Check out the Cable-9TV website for our weekly schedule.
    The Broadcast Communications Major:
The objective of the Broadcast Communications program is to prepare students for entry-level and subsequent management positions in community media: radio, television, cable, and a range of other organizations including government, education, industry, public relations, and health fields. Classroom lectures, in-class laboratory experience, and hands-on experience at WWNW-FM and Cable 9-TV will be coordinated to provide students with a theoretical background as well as practical performance skills. WWNW-FM and Cable 9-TV productions, air shifts, and activities are viewed as a logical extension of the classroom and in-class laboratory experiences and are treated as co-curricular activities in which reinforcement of theory and understanding and competency are of prime importance. Students are assigned to various positions in the stations based on ability and performance. Auditions are required for all on-air talent.

Majors in Broadcast Communications are required to complete BC 101, 102, 251, 252, 601, 602 (course descriptions below), and at least four Broadcast Communications electives. In addition the Broadcast Communications Major is required to complete the following courses outside the majors: SPE/THE 151, PS 101 or 102, ART 203, and BC 307 or WRI 201.

All majors are also required to pass a comprehensive practical and written examination administered by the department, following the completion of the four major core courses—BC 101, 102, 251, and 252. In addition to the core courses, the student is required to satisfactorily complete 250 hours of service at the campus radio and TV stations prior to taking the comprehensive exam.

All majors are required to participate at least five hours per week at the campus radio and TV stations each semester they are on campus.

The Minor in Broadcast Communications: The minor in Broadcast Communications requires BC
101, 102, 251, and 252 and two electives.

 
 
    Broadcast Communications Courses

    All courses are 4 semester hours unless otherwise noted

    101 Introduction to Radio/Television. A survey of the history and development of the electronic media in the United States, exploring the operational characteristics of radio, television, cable TV, and satellite communication. D. Barner.

    102 Audio: Production. Provides the student with the theoretical background and practical experience in the preparation of
audio materials for radio and television. Lab and participation in the radio or cable TV stations is required. Prerequisite: BC 101 or consent of instructor.

    202, 203, 204 and 205 Broadcasting Workshop. (1 SH)  A one-semester-hour workshop conducted by a broadcasting
professional. A variety of topics will be presented over a four year period. The student will be required to attend two six-hour Saturday sessions or four three-hour evening sessions and produce an assigned project for critique between sessions.
Will be graded on a S/U basis. A lab fee will be charged for the workshop. Students are limited to 4 semester hours of workshop experiences.
 
    251 Video Production. Provides an introduction to the fundamentals of television production. Students obtain experiences in camera operation, audio, lighting, and editing procedures in correlated laboratory sessions. Participation in cable television
productions is required. Lab required. Prerequisites: BC 101, 102 and ART 203.

    252 Broadcast Writing. Introduction to the fundamental techniques of broadcast news writing and continuity writing
(commercials, promotional announcements, public service announcements). The course includes writing copy for WWNW-FM and Cable 9 TV. Prerequisite: BC 101 or consent of instructor.

    301 Broadcast Sales and Advertising. Explores the broadcast product as an advertising medium and compares broadcast
commercials to other advertising methods. Students are taught techniques to sell broadcast advertising and make actual sales
calls and presentations. Prerequisite: BC 101 and junior status or consent of instructor. D. Barner.

    302 Radio/Television Announcing and Performance. Theory and practice of effective communication skills as they apply to the electronic media. Prerequisites: BC 101, 102, 251, and SPE/TH 151. On-air shifts at the campus radio and TV stations are required.

    303 Television Field Production. Studies the techniques for recording television news, documentaries, and other programs outside the television studio. Planning and production using portable cameras, recorders, and audio/lighting systems are    emphasized. Lab required. Prerequisite: BC 101, 102, 251, or consent of instructor.

    304 Programming and Promotion. Analysis of fundamental programming and promotion strategies at radio and TV stations. Includes the designing of television and radio program formats and designing promotional materials. Prerequisites: BC 101,102, 251, 252 or consent of instructor.

    305 Media Management. The principles and structure of radio and television station operation including current concepts of programming, advertising, management practices, and FCC regulations. Prerequisites: BC 101 and junior status or consent of instructor. D. Barner.

    307 Broadcast Journalism. Introduction to the ethical and practical considerations facing reporters, writers, editors, and
producers of broadcast journalism including the processes of evaluating news sources, developing criteria for news selection, and understanding the legal aspects of broadcast journalism. Also includes production of TV news packages, radio actualities, and news script preparation. News Lab required. Prerequisites: BC 101, 102, 251, and 252.

The Speech Communications Minor: The objectives of the Speech Communications minor are
to develop an understanding and appreciation of the principles and techniques of oral
communication and to promote individual competence in meeting those communicative situations
normally encountered within the social structure.

All minors will complete SPE 101 and 102 and then choose any five Speech Communications electives.

 
  Speech Communications Courses

    All courses are 4 semester hours unless noted.

Liberal Studies Requirement: SPE 205 may be used to satisfy the Humanity and Culture
Intellectual Perspective. SPE 101 and 102 satisfy First-Year requirements.
 

     101 Introduction to Human Communication. (2 SH) Introduces the students to the following forms of human communication: intrapersonal, interpersonal (including listening skills), and small group. Also the student is introduced to the
public communication arena through individual, informal presentations in front of the class. This course is only available to
first-year students.

    102 Introduction to Public Communication. (2 SH) Formal techniques of public speaking are presented. The student is
expected to present a variety of informative and persuasive speeches. Students are also taught effective ways to use visual aides in presentations. This course is only open to first-year students.

    111 Introduction to Human and Public Communications. Combines the material taught in SPE 101 and 102 into a single
semester course. Students who have completed SPE 101 and 102 cannot get credit for this course.

    151 Voice Production. Theory and practice in the basic techniques of developing a clear and expressive speaking voice. Breath control, proper phonation, full resonance and projection, and articulation will be covered as well as exercises for improving use of pitch, timbre, and vocal quality. (Also listed as THE 151.)

    201 Interpersonal Communication. Designed to examine communication on a one-to-one basis. The class will focus on such things as the revelation of self, encoding and decoding verbal messages, and nonverbal cues.

    202 Small Group Communication. Analysis and practice of those forms of groups interaction commonly employed in decision making. Leadership and procedure in panel discussions, forums, and symposia, as well as basic parliamentary procedure are studied and applied in exercises.

    203 Principles of Public Speaking. Theory and practice in effective oral communication. The course covers basic problems of composition and delivery. W. Scheid.

    204 Organizational Communication. A study of organizational communication theories including decision making, internal and external communications, leadership styles, problem-solving and interpersonal communication skills within an organization. In addition, the course applies theory to practical communication competencies within business and professional environments and considers the ethics of organizational communications.

    205 Mass Communications. An introductory analysis of problems, criticisms, and structure of mass media in the United States. Emphasis will be placed on the nature, impact, consequences, and roles of print media, broadcasting, motion pictures, advertising, and auxiliary media.

    206 Listening. Consideration of listening behavior as it relates to successful communication. The course covers group dynamics, interaction, and responses to visual and oral stimuli. W. Scheid.

    251 Oral Interpretation. A study of the methods of recreating for a listening audience the intended meaning of the printed page.Attention is focused upon literary form, imagery, inflection, word stress, and other factors which influence listener response and understanding, and also which aid in the effective expression of one’s own ideas. W.Scheid.

    560, 570, 580, 590 Field Experiences/Internship.

    620, 630, 640, 650 Independent Study.

    Theatre

    The Major in Theatre: The undergraduate curriculum in Theatre is designed to introduce the student to the content and structure of theatre as an important cultural institution, and to encourage the student to explore both its theoretical and its practical aspects.

Required courses for the major are THE 111, 112, 102, 101, 201, 202, 203, 351, and 402.
Recommended courses for Theatre majors are ART 210; MUS 101; PSY 101; and one unit of modern dance taught by the Department of Physical Education.

The Minor in Theatre: A minor in Theatre shall consist of six courses, including THE 111, 102, and 101. THE 561–564 may not be included in the minor.
 

    Theatre Courses

    All courses are 4 semester hours unless noted.

    101 Introduction to Theatre. An examination of the process by which dramatic literature becomes theatre. The course examines the forms of comedy, tragedy, and their offshoots as well as the elements of theatre—structure, character, language, scenography—and the styles of theatre with an emphasis on modernism and post-modernism.

    102 Introduction to Acting. Concentrates on approaches to acting and analysis of scenes from an actor’s point of view. The laboratory section concentrates on scene work, monologue exercises, and improvisation. Students are required to keep an acting journal. Lab required.

    111 Technical Production. An introduction to the fundamentals of technical theatre. Provides the student with the knowledge of modern stagecraft and the theater plant and with practical experience in handling tools and materials essential to constructing, painting, assembling, dressing, and shifting stage scenery. Students will construct the scenery for departmental productions. Lab required.

    112 Stagecraft. A continuation of Theatre 111, Technical Production, with advanced study of technical aspects of play production. Theory will be emphasized as well as discussion of scenography. Students will construct the scenery for departmental productions. Prerequisite: THE 111.

    151 Voice Production. Theory and practice in the basic techniques of developing a clear and expressive speaking voice. Breath control, proper phonation, full resonance and projection, and articulation will be covered as well as exercises for improving use of pitch, timbre, and vocal quality. (Also listed as SPE 151.)

    201 Script Analysis. A basic study in interpretation: How does a script "mean?" Fundamental skills in "discovering meaning" are developed by examining different models for analysis and synthesis, exercises in interpretation, and the directing of short scenes.

    202 Interpretation and Performance (Studio). A seminar/laboratory study. The seminar segment will concentrate on more advanced study of approaches to act. The laboratory segment is designed to increase effective use of concentration, observation, sensory awareness, and emotional truth on stage. Students will be required to keep an acting journal. Lab required. Prerequisite:  THE 102.

    203 Interpretation and Performance (Studio). A seminar/laboratory study. The seminar segment continues to concentrate on advanced study of approaches to acting. In the laboratory section, more emphasis will be placed on building a character. Activities will include exercises, improvisations, short scenes, and an increased number of monologues from period plays.  Students will be required to keep an acting journal. Lab required. Prerequisite: THE 202.

    204 Interpretation and Performance (Studio). A seminar/laboratory study. Seminar and laboratory study designed to provide intensive practical characterization and performance work in plays from classical and modern repertories. Students will be required to keep an acting journal. Lab required. Prerequisite: THE 203.

    301, 302, 303, and 304 Theatre Practicum. Major assignments in departmental productions: acting, directing, stage managing, lighting, sound. One course credit is earned for four semesters. Prerequisite: Junior standing or consent of instructor.

    351 Theatre History. A study of the Classical, Medieval, Italian Renaissance, English Renaissance, Modern, and Contemporary periods of theatre history. Major emphasis of study focuses on the correlation between the physical stage, the theatrical conventions, and the playscripts of the period.

    401 Scenic Design. Introduction to scenic design for the theatre. Graphic presentation and/or model making.

    402 Stage Lighting. Supervised practicum in elements of stage lighting: theory and practice. The course provides experience in  color theory, instrumentation, methodology, stage electricity/electronics, and control. Prerequisites: THE 111 and 201.    560, 570, 580, 590 Field