Digital Communications and Media (DCM)

DCM-1150  Research and Writing for Digital Media  (3 Credits)  

An introduction to writing for print, broadcast and online formats. Emphasis is on information gathering and dissemination, including the importance of accuracy and working to meet deadlines. An application of industry editing and formatting, Canadian Press style, news value judgments, commercial writing, as well as coverage of local, provincial and national issues. Not available for supplemental.

Instruction (1.5), Lab (4.5)

Requisite courses: Take DCM-1150L (Required, Concurrent).

DCM-1159  Media Law and Ethics  (3 Credits)  

An exploration of laws and ethics related to the media in Canada and discussions of ethical standards in the media. Provincial, federal and international laws, understanding the regulations surrounding work in the media industry, freedom of expression, court systems, defamation, confidentiality, publication bans and copyright will be examined. Not available for supplemental.

Instruction (3)

Equivalent to CAP-1170, CAP-170.

DCM-1160  Media History and Regulations  (1.5 Credits)  

An exploration of the evolution of storytelling from the printing press to the latest technological advancements. Cultural impacts of the news and entertainment industries, ethical implications, regulations, history, functions, role and the effect of mass communication on society will be examined. Not available for supplemental.

Instruction (2)

DCM-1161  Communication in Media  (1.5 Credits)  

A study of dynamic personality types when interviewing subjects in the media. An explanation of how communication styles vary when people's cultural backgrounds and interpersonal styles differ. Effective media-based scenarios communication theory and strategies will be demonstrated in real life scenarios, role-playing, public speaking and announcing. Not available for supplemental.

Instruction (1.0), Lab (2.0)

Requisite courses: Take DCM-1161L (Required, Concurrent).

DCM-1162  Introduction to Video Production  (3 Credits)  

Care and use of DSLR cameras, peripheral equipment and related software will be explored. Emphasis is placed on developing introductory skills to produce video and audio and includes the importance of content and composition while dealing with variable lighting and sound conditions. Includes editing techniques and editing concepts for producing videos. Not available for supplemental.

Instruction (2.0), Lab (2.0)

Requisite courses: Take DCM-1162L (Required, Concurrent).

DCM-1164  Introduction to Design Software and Photography  (3 Credits)  

An introduction to design software and DSLR camera functions to develop skills that allow for production of still visuals used in the media. Use of design software covers effective file management, desktop publishing and basic layout techniques in creating various documents. An emphasis on photographic depth of field, subjects in motion, proper lighting techniques and editing images. Not available for supplemental.

Instruction (4.5)

DCM-1166  Introduction to Audio Production  (3 Credits)  

An introduction to recording and editing of digital audio for all media. An exploration of handheld mobile recorders, studio microphones, digital audio mixing and editing software and a digital newswire service. Application includes introducing oral presentation skills. Not available for supplemental.

Instruction (2.0), Lab (2.0)

Requisite courses: Take DCM-1166L (Required, Concurrent).

DCM-1167  Marketing Fundamentals for Media  (3 Credits)  

An introduction to the principles, tools and techniques used in marketing, with a specific focus on public relations and advertising. Emphasis is on identifying communication opportunities, choosing target audiences and using social media, news media and advertising platforms to implement campaigns. Not available for supplemental.

Instruction (3)

DCM-1169  Audio Writing and Production I  (3 Credits)  

A study of skills required in the creation of audio-based journalism and creative content. An introduction to commercial production, live and recorded radio and online hosting and presentation using industry technology, regulations and formats. Topics include project management, teamwork, story generation, creative script writing, oral presentation, recording and editing audio content and interviewing techniques for broadcast and online platforms. Not available for supplemental.

Instruction (1.5), Lab (3.0)

Requisite courses: Take DCM-1166 (Required, Previous). Take DCM-1150 (Required, Previous). Take DCM-1169L (Required, Concurrent).

DCM-1172  Video Writing and Production I  (3 Credits)  

A skills based approach to creating introductory level news, commercial and production segments for television. Emphasis on multi-camera production, project management, working in teams, originating story ideas and commercial scripts, recording and editing audio and visual content. Topics include hosting and interviewing for television, organizing news and commercial content for broadcast and online delivery. Not available for supplemental.

Instruction (1.5), Lab (3.0)

Requisite courses: Take DCM-1162 (Required, Previous). Take DCM-1150 (Required, Previous). Take DCM-1172L (Required, Concurrent).

DCM-1173  Publishing, Photography and Design I  (3 Credits)  

An exploration of skills for writing, producing and photographing media products. Gathering and disseminating information, including the importance of accuracy and deadlines. Evaluating and demonstrating effective photographic and design composition will be covered. Not available for supplemental.

Instruction (1.0), Lab (3.5)

Requisite courses: Take DCM-1150 (Required, Previous). Take DCM-1164 (Required, Previous). Take DCM-1173L (Required, Concurrent).

DCM-2258  Promotions and Marketing  (3 Credits)  

An application of marketing and promotion within the media industry. Tasks include identifying promotional opportunities for self-promotion or for clients, conducting research to determine strategy direction, creating and implementing campaign content using various communication methods and evaluating campaign success. Not available for supplemental.

Instruction (3)

Requisite courses: Take DCM-1167 (Required, Previous). Take DCM-1173 (Required, Previous).

DCM-2261  Professional Media Communication  (3 Credits)  

The application of skills necessary in professional presentation for all forms of digital media. Focuses on developing best practices for all forms of public speaking, oral and visual delivery. Topics include announcing and hosting regularly scheduled radio, television and online content, interview strategies for both behind and in front of the camera and microphone, preparing and presenting corporate messaging to the media. Choices include either a journalism or creative/production focus but must include at least one of each. Not available for supplemental.

Instruction (2.0), Lab (2.0)

Requisite courses: Take DCM-1172 (Required, Previous). Take DCM-1169 (Required, Previous). Take DCM-1161 (Required, Previous). Take DCM-2261L (Required, Concurrent).

DCM-2262  Video Writing and Production II  (3 Credits)  

An intermediate level exploration of the writing and production processes required to create short and long-form videos, original news and production content. Focuses on multi and single camera production workflows, working with industry standard production equipment. Opportunities include creative storytelling, reaching a target demographic, capturing details and writing timely video content while meeting a deadline. Choices include either a journalism or creative/production focus. Not available for supplemental.

Instruction (2.0), Lab (2.0)

Requisite courses: Take DCM-1172 (Required, Previous).

DCM-2266  Publishing, Photography and Design II  (3 Credits)  

An application of creating content for print and online mediums, taking impactful photographs, as well as using effective layout design principles. Storytelling on a variety of topics, adjusting photos and laying out content using industry-standard software. Choices include either a journalism or creative/production focus. Not available for supplemental.

Instruction (2.0), Lab (2.0)

Requisite courses: Take DCM-1173 (Required, Previous). Take DCM-2266L (Required, Concurrent).

DCM-2268  Media Freelancing  (1.5 Credits)  

A skills-based approach to develop a freelance media production company business model. Emphasis will be placed on creating a unique media business offering and develop media business practices that will attract, maintain and manage a client base. Application of media product or process development, product pricing and budgeting, pitching media product ideas to a stakeholder group. Successful techniques for resumes and job interviews with media outlets will also be explored. Not available for supplemental.

Instruction (3)

DCM-2269  Audio Writing and Production II  (3 Credits)  

An intermediate exploration of writing and production processes and skills required in creating original, short and long-form journalistic and creative audio-based content for radio and online applications. Focuses on developing storytelling and oral presentation, reaching a target audience, accurately capturing information, writing and producing timely stories, creating and scheduling commercial and creative content to deadline. Choices include either a journalism or creative/production focus. Not available for supplemental.

Instruction (2.0), Lab (2.0)

Requisite courses: Take DCM-1169 (Required, Previous). Take DCM-1150 (Required, Previous). Take DCM-2269L (Required, Concurrent).

DCM-2278  Social Media and Communications  (3 Credits)  

An exploration of appropriate online content creation and social media marketing for a profit or non-profit organization. Various media and strategies will be combined to plan, create and evaluate social media and share effective online content across a variety of platforms directed at target audiences. Not available for supplemental.

Instruction (3)

Requisite courses: Take DCM-2258 (Required, Previous).

DCM-2279  Audio Writing and Production III  (1.5 Credits)  

The application of audio skills and concepts in the generation and creation of live and pre-recorded on-air news and hosting for radio station operations. The exploration of oral presentation, creative writing and production for radio and online distribution. Application of live radio hosting and news delivery. Choices include either a journalism or creative/production focus. Not available for supplemental.

Instruction (2)

Requisite courses: Take DCM-2269 (Required, Previous).

DCM-2280  Practicum  (3 Credits)  

The application of acquired media skills and knowledge in an actual industry environment. Students find a practicum placement that supports course learning outcomes. Placements must include guidance of experienced supervisor operating in student's chosen field. Host must provide equipment, site and expertise to offer complete work experience. College facilities and equipment cannot be used in practicums. Work should be equal to duties of entry-level employee. Practicum requires 150 hours of work. Not available for supplemental. Not eligible for Prior Learning Assessment.

Work Integrated Learning (3)

Equivalent to DCM-2280W.

Requisite courses: Take DCM-1159 (Required, Previous). Take DCM-1167 (Required, Previous). Take DCM-2258 (Required, Previous). Take DCM-2261 (Required, Previous). Take DCM-2262 (Required, Previous). Take DCM-2266 (Required, Previous). Take DCM-2269 (Required, Previous).

DCM-2282  Video Writing and Production III  (1.5 Credits)  

A skills based approach to multi-camera content production of video material for broadcast and online delivery. Application through working in a team environment to produce live and recorded news and sports programming content, working in an industry standard multi-camera studio and in the field with multi-camera mobile broadcast technology. Choices include either a journalism or creative/production focus. Not available for supplemental.

Instruction (2)

Requisite courses: Take DCM-2262 (Required, Previous).

DCM-2284  Advanced Video Writing and Production  (3 Credits)  

The application of advanced media writing and production techniques in the creation of original news/information and entertainment/commercial video content. Builds on existing knowledge of content creation and examines different video formats, products and delivery methods. Application through-working on a team to create a short film, corporate video or commercials, scheduled news production or on-camera experiences in the studio or from the field. Choices include either a journalism or creative/production focus. Not available for supplemental.

Instruction (2.0), Lab (2.0)

Requisite courses: Take DCM-2262 (Required, Previous). Take DCM-2284L (Required, Concurrent).

DCM-2286  Publishing, Photography and Design III  (1.5 Credits)  

An advanced application of producing media products from initial contact to final distribution channels. Producing visual content in digital and print formats, creating impactful photography and design. Choices include either a journalism or creative/production focus. Not available for supplemental.

Instruction (2)

Requisite courses: Take DCM-2266 (Required, Previous).

DCM-2289  Advanced Audio Writing and Production  (3 Credits)  

The application of advanced skills and knowledge required in the preparation and production of short and long-form audio journalism and creative content for radio and online distribution. Builds on existing audio and production knowledge and skills required to produce engaging content. Application through information analysis and dissemination for creative writing and working with sound from multiple sources, editing and mixing of audio. Choices include either a journalism or creative/production focus. Not available for supplemental.

Instruction (2.0), Lab (2.0)

Requisite courses: Take DCM-2269 (Required, Previous). Take DCM-2289L (Required, Concurrent).

DCM-2296  Adv Publishing, Photography and Design  (3 Credits)  

The application of advanced skills, and knowledge required in writing, publishing, photography and design content creation for print/online mediums for specific industries and standards and interest projects. Application through building on existing knowledge, advanced publishing, photography and design principles. Choices include either a journalism or creative/production focus. Not available for supplemental.

Instruction (2.0), Lab (2.0)

Requisite courses: Take DCM-2266 (Required, Previous). Take DCM-2296L (Required, Concurrent).