School of Arts, Communication, and Literature

A lecture course in the history of painting, sculpture, architecture and other art forms from prehistoric times to the 14th century.

A lecture course in the history of painting, sculpture, architecture and other art forms from the 14th century to the present.

An art studio course in the theory and practice of design. Focus is on the development and application of critical thinking skills to visual problems through the fundamental principles and elements of design. Includes possible applications in secondary education and/or art related professions.

Fee: $30.00

An art studio course in the formal elements of design in three dimensions. Critical thinking skills are furthered through explorations of volume and form. Includes possible applications in secondary education and/or art related professions.

Fee: $30.00

A basic course organized to promote confidence in working with the techniques, media and aesthetics of drawing.

Fee: $30.00

The creation of art through use of the digital camera and computer technology, with emphasis on color design elements.

Fee: $30.00

Studio emphasis on theory and practices of advertising (commercial) art, planning layout, developing messages, selecting media, and executing advertising art.

Fee: $30.00

Studio instruction in the theory of color and the use of paint to suggest form and space, convey ideas and emotions and explore the dynamics of visual expression.

Fee: $30.00

An art studio course which explores three-dimensional concepts of form in a variety of sculptural media.

Fee: $30.00

An art studio course which explores various printmaking techniques, including planographic, intaglio, stencil and relief with emphasis on their expressive power.

Fee: $30.00

An art studio course in the use of clay for handbuilding and wheel throwing. Design and decoration are studied from historical and aesthetic perspectives.

Fee: $30.00

Introduction to digital painting, focusing on image manipulation and painting tools such as Photoshop. Translation of traditional painting techniques to the computer. Exercises emphasize understanding of the software interface, ability to visualize and sketch out compositions, control of light and value, and creation of representational images.

Fee: $30.00

Issues surrounding the participation of women in the arts. Selected women who have contributed to the visual and performing arts throughout history are studied in relation to the culture of their time and the principles related to the arts. No previous experience in theatre, art or music required. Prerequisite: completion of visual/performing arts component requirement. (Credit may be obtained in only one of ARTS 3302, MUSI 3302, THEA 3302 or WMST 3302.)

The study to visually document wildlife and their ecology in the field and the laboratory. Emphasis on DSLR cameras, lenses, choosing and using perspective, lighting and related aspects of photographic skills, camera controls to enhance creativity, and learning how to incorporate compositional elements. Prerequisite: None. Course does not count toward RWSC major or minor. Certification in wildlife photography can be obtained by successful completion of 4 of the 5 wildlife photography courses. (Credit may only be earned for either ARTS 3350 or RWSC 3350.)

Emphasis on the development of improved technical, creative, and compositional wildlife photographic skills. Topics include use of lenses for creativity and the effects of light, color, and design in detail. Principles of creativity, craftsmanship, and applied photographic theory will be used to support technical applications. Prerequisite: ARTS 3350/RWSC 3350. Course does not count toward RWSC major or minor. Certification in wildlife photography can be obtained by successful completion of 4 of the 5 wildlife photography courses. (Credit may only be earned for either ARTS 3351 or RWSC 3351.)

Topics covered include technology, equipment, techniques, and the art of close-up and macro photography. It will illustrate the procedures and equipment to make images at-or near life size or larger of various subjects from small plants, animals, and habitats. Prerequisite: ARTS 3350/RWSC 3350. Course does not count toward RWSC major and minor. Certification in wildlife photography can be obtained by successful completion of 4 of the 5 wildlife photography courses. (Credit may only be earned for either ARTS 3352 or RWSC 3352.)

Examines the technology, equipment, techniques, and the art of flash and alternative light sources for digital photography. Prerequisite: ARTS 3350/RWSC 3350 . Course does not count toward RWSC major and minor. Certification in wildlife photography can be obtained by successful completion of 4 of the 5 wildlife photography courses. (Credit may only be earned for either ARTS 3353 requested or RWSC 3353.)

Use of computer software processing to improve digital wildlife images and to better prepare images for printing, publication, and distribution. Students will learn how to use Lightroom and Photoshop. Prerequisite: ARTS 3350/RWSC 3350. Course does not count towards RWSC major and minor. Certification in wildlife photography can be obtained by successful completion of 4 of the 5 wildlife photography courses. (Credit may only be earned for either ARTS 3354 or RWSC 3354.)

A lecture course in the history of painting, sculpture, architecture and other art forms from the 20th century to present.

Studio drawing with emphasis on greater mastery of technical skills towards development of a personal vision. May be repeated as needed. Prerequisite: ARTS 1316

Fee: $30.00

Studio painting with emphasis on greater mastery of technical skills toward development of a personal vision. May be repeated as needed. Prerequisite: ARTS 2316.

Fee: $30.00

Studio sculpture with emphasis on greater mastery of technical skills toward development of a personal vision. May be repeated as needed. Prerequisite: ARTS 2326.

Fee: $30.00

Studio printmaking with emphasis on greater mastery of technical skills toward development of a personal vision. May be repeated as needed. Prerequisite: ARTS 2333.

Fee: $30.00

Studio ceramics with emphasis on greater mastery of technical skills toward development of a personal vision. May be repeated as needed. Prerequisite: ARTS 2346.

Fee: $30.00

Studio emphasis on greater mastery of technical skills chosen from the many directions associated with graphic design, such as typography, layout, visualization, conceptual problem solving, the ad campaign, illustration or computer aided design. Students prepare portfolios for entry into undergraduate, graduate or work-related programs. May be repeated as needed. Prerequisites: ARTS 2313 or ARTS 3301.

Fee: $30.00

Introduction to typography--the art of designing with type. Study of the history and aesthetics of type and letterforms. Introduction to digital typesetting. Prerequisites: ARTS 2313 or ARTS 3301.

Fee: $30.00

Studio emphasis in the construction of web and interface design, which communicates the function of hypermedia. May be repeated as needed. Prerequisite: ARTS 2313 or ARTS 3301.

Fee: $30.00

Studio emphasis on design concepts and practical applications of package design and construction. Analysis and creation of 3-dimensional and graphic solutions for packaging problems, with consideration of marketing concerns. Prerequisite: ARTS 2313 or ARTS 3301.

Fee: $30.00

Study of problems in the creative arts. May be repeated for credit when the topic changes. Prerequisite: Approval of instructor.

Fee: $30.00

The execution of a successful professional gallery exhibition by a B.F.A. candidate. Prerequisite: registration for graduation in the semester taken.

Mass communication in modern society. Communication processes, legal consideration and social implications.

Interpersonal communication including one-to-one and small-group settings. Issues such as self-concept, perception, relationship development, conflict, and communication barriers.

Practical experience in publications. The course may be repeated for a maximum of 3 semester hours of credit.

Theory and practice of media design, editing, and layout for print and electronic media. Journalistic ethics and other problems confronting editors and publication designers.

Fee: $30.00

Theory and practice of newswriting and relationships with sources. Lectures and assignments covering news for print, electronic media, and digital media. Discussions of journalistic ethics and other problems confronting journalists. Prerequisites: ENGL 1301 and ENGL 1302.

Fee: $20.00

Introduction to operation, production and theory of film and media, whether for artistic or journalistic objectives. A special emphasis will be placed on community affairs programming and social media as well as the production of programs for broadcast and for the internet.

Communication techniques for leading and participating in small groups. Special emphasis on the nature of small groups, factors influencing communication in groups, and small group decision-making. Prerequisite: COMM 1311 or permission of instructor.

Theory and practice in news gathering and writing; types and techniques of public affairs reporting. Lab assignments include coverage of university departments and activities, municipal and county government, schools and courts focusing on print, electronic, and digital media reporting. Prerequisite: COMM 2311 or consent of instructor.

Fee: $30.00

Identifying and developing feature story ideas for print, electronic, and digital media. Prerequisite: COMM 2311.

Intermediate theory and basic training in producing video and digital short-format content across media: film, digital, television, radio, and the web. Storytelling and the basics of producing, writing, directing and editing shorts, such as those in newscasts and on websites, as well as developing work habits and ethics of an industry professional. Prerequisite: COMM 2316 or permission of instructor.

Development of journalism in the United States with attention to the social, economic, and political forces which brought about changes in journalistic techniques and in basic ideas as to media functions. Study the careers of noted journalists.

Advertising writing, layout, typography and art work. Advertising campaigns, selling, practice exercises and advertising work.

Theories and techniques of persuasive communication including the psychological, logical and ethical principles involved. Types of speaking and persuasion in the media will be studied. Required for speech concentration. Prerequisite: COMM 1311 or permission of instructor.

Small group theories and techniques as they relate to group processes and interaction as well as the basic principles and practice of argumentation and debate.

Analysis and practice of techniques in the oral interpretation of drama, poetry, prose, programmed readings, lecture recital and group interpretations.

Study of nonverbal communicataion, including body language, use of space, and sound as nonverbal forms of communication. Nonverbal communication as it pertains to both gender and culture. Prerequisite: 6 semester hours of COMM or consent of instructor.

Developing concepts of the use of the voice and body in the creation of character for the camera, for film and television.

Communication in multicultural contexts, in intrapersonal, interpersonal, and small-group contexts. Emphasis on conflict resolution and constructive collaboration in intercultural situations. Prerequisite: 6 semester credit hours of COMM or consent of instructor.

Comprehensive perspectives on conflict, including its causes, manifestations, and outcomes. Communication techniques applied in interpersonal, intergroup, organizational, and community conflicts. Prerequisite: 3 semester hours of COMM courses, or by consent of instructor.

Purpose and style of editorial comment and opinion as well as page editing in the media. Prerequisite: COMM 2311 or permission of instructor.

Advanced work in areas of Communication, Journalism or Media. May be repeated once for credit when topic varies. Prerequisites: A combination of COMM 1307, COMM 1311, COMM 1315, COMM 1318, COMM 1321, COMM 2310, COM 2311, COMM 2316, COMM 2333, COMM 3301, COMM 3311, COMM 3316, COMM 3317, COMM 3321, COMM 3331, or COMM 3335 totaling six semester hours.

Provides historically accurate information about the impact of Spanish-language media in the United States and develops appreciation for diversity and knowledge of Latino subcultures of the United States.

The nature and function of rhetorical criticism, explored through the systematic study of important speeches. Prerequisite: 6 hours of COMM courses or junior standing.

Systematic study of mass communication/journalism. Quantitative and qualitative methods of research. Prerequisite: 6 semester hours of communication, journalism and/or speech.

The role of gender in human communication. Attention to oral histories, alternative narratives and gender theory, including systematic, cultural, cognitive and behavioral approaches to studying gender and communication. Special attention to gender in the workplace. Prerequisites: 6 hours of COMM and junior standing.

Legal and ethical limitation and responsibilities of the mass media, relationship and interaction between broadcaster, governmental regulatory agencies and the public. Prerequisite: 6 semester hours of journalism and/or radio-tv.

Experience with professional-style presentations to national and international clients. Prepares students for the American Advertising Federation's National Student Advertising Competition. Prerequisite: COMM 3321 or permission of instructor.

Public relations and crisis management and problem solving through journalism, mass media, and digital media. Theoretical basis for public relations; law and ethics concerning the profession.

Research in contemporary thought in communication and theatre. Prerequisites: 6 hours of COMM and junior standing. (Credit may not be obtained in both COMM 4331 and THEA 4331.)

Theoretical investigation and practical application of organizational communication principles. Focus on information processing and problem solving within organizations. Prerequisites: 6 semester hours of COMM and junior standing.

Critical examination of theories and research in communication. Focus on rhetorical, interpersonal, group, mass, and organizational communication theories. Prerequisites: Junior or Senior standing, 9 semester hours of COMM, at least 6 of which must be sophomore level or higher, or consent of instructor.

Intensive work in a special area of the student's major or minor. A maximum of 6 semester hours of credit in independent study may be applied toward graduation. Prerequisites: A combination of COMM 1307, COMM 1311, COMM 1315, COMM 1318, COMM 1321, COMM 2310, COM 2311, COMM 2316, COMM 2333, COMM 3301, COMM 3311, COMM 3316, COMM 3317, COMM 3321, COMM 3331, or COMM 3335 totaling six semester hours.

This course allows a student to gain practical experience in professional communications media or organizations through a comprehensive internship supervised both by faculty and professionals. Prerequisites: A combination of COMM 1307, COMM 1311, COMM 1315, COMM 1318, COMM 1321, COMM 2310, COM 2311, COMM 2316, COMM 2333, COMM 3301, COMM 3311, COMM 3316, COMM 3317, COMM 3321, COMM 3331, or COMM 3335 totaling nine semester hours. or approval by the instructor and department chair. Course can be repeated once with permission of instructor and department chair.

The successful execution of a project in Communication, Journalism or Media by a COMM major or minor with senior standing.

Introduces students to humanities-based inquiry (critical thinking, research, digital literacy, and communication skills) of topics in science by guiding them through an exploration of social and cultural issues. Topic or theme may change each semester. May be repeated for credit as topic changes.

Integration of critical reading and academic writing skills. Course fulfills TSI requirements for reading and/or writing. Required of students deemed not college-ready in reading and writing skills. Credit/Non-Credit.

Integration of critical reading and academic writing skills. Placement is based on TSI Assessment and holistic evaluation. Credit/Non-Credit.

An introduction to theatre including narrative, directing, acting, design and theatre as a profession.

Concepts and practices associated with information literacy and research skills; the search for, use of, and documentation of information, especially electronic.

Intensive study of and practice in writing processes, from invention to drafting, revising, and editing, both individually and collaboratively. Emphasis on effective rhetorical choices; sensitivity to writing's purpose, arrangement, style, and audience. Focus on academic writing as a vehicle for learning, communication, and critical analysis. Required of all freshmen.

Continuation of ENGL 1301. Intensive study of and practice in the strategies and techniques for developing. Exphasis on effective and ethical rhetorical inquiry, including research methods; critical reading of verbal, visual, and multimedia texts; systematic evaluation, synthesis, and documentation of information sources; and critical thinking about evidence and conclusions through academic writing. Prerequisite: ENGL 1301.

Practical experience in the techniques of imaginative writing. Student writers may expect to practice their writing in the genres of fiction, (creative) nonfiction, poetry, screenwriting, and/or drama. Prerequisite: ENGL 1301.

Instruction in scientific and technical writing style, visual texts, oral communication and presentation media, and various types of workplace documents, such as correspondence, proposals, instructions, technical reports, and employment materials. Prerequisites: ENGL 1301, ENGL 1302.

Study of British literature, emphasizing the characteristics of different genres and historical periods and further refining writing skills. Prerequisite: ENGL 1301.

Study of American literature, emphasizing the characteristics of different genres and historical periods and further refining writing skills. Prerequisite: ENGL 1301.

Study of world literature in multiple genres, exploring global perspectives on major issues in the Humanities. Prerequisite: ENGL 1301

Study of literature by world authors to reveal commonalities and diversity among cultures and global perspectives on ethics. Assignments focus on multiple cultures and allow further practice in writing and information literacy. Prerequisite: ENGL 1302.

Study of multiple literary genres by American, British and world authors emphasizing the characteristics of each genre and further refining writing skills. Prerequisite: ENGL 1301.

Practice and refinement of the writing process with emphasis on audience, purpose and form, paying attention to rhetorical invention, arrangement and style appropriate to the particular topic. May be repeated when a different topic is scheduled. Prerequisite: 3 semester hours of sophomore English or permission of instructor.

Principles of professional writing style with extensive practice in writing, analyzing, and editing technical prose. Examination of the syntactical and semantic choices necessary to produce technical prose suitable for any purpose, audience, and type of document in professional/industrial settings. Prerequisite: ENGL 1302.

Students will develop both analytical and practical skills needed to create visually effective documents in both print and digital media and will learn to design of visual language and to apply theoretically based document design in technical/professional writing. Prerequisite: ENGL 2314

Study of world literature in multiple genres, exploring global perspectives on major issues in the Humanities. Prerequisite: ENGL 2342.

Study of British literature, emphasizing the characteristics of different genres and historical periods and further refining writing skills. Prerequisite: ENGL 2342.

Study of American literature, emphasizing the characteristics of different genres and historical periods and further refining writing skills. Prerequisite: ENGL 2342.

Study of literary critical theory and its application to literature and culture, with an emphasis on twentieth and twenty-first century theories. Prerequisite: ENGL 2342.

Workshop environment for composing and reading creative works in progress. Basic instruction in graphics software and definition of terminology associated with fiction and poetry composition, page layout and printing. Active participation in the creation of TAMUK's literary magazine. Prerequisite: 3 semester hours of sophomore English or permission of instructor.

Readings in special topics such as science fiction, detective novels, Chicano literature, African-American literature, women's studies or the dialects of American English. Credit may not be obtained in both ENGL 3399, when taught from a women and gender studies perspective, and WGST 3399. Can be repeated once when topics change. Prerequisite: 3 semester hours of sophomore English or permission of instructor.

Guided creation and presentation of the final senior portfolio. Students should register for ENGL 4114 before the final semester of the BA. Prerequisite: Senior standing in English. Credit/Non-credit.

The structure of the present-day English language, with attention to its varieties and history. Prerequisite: 3 semester hours of sophomore English.

On- or off-campus internship. Professional experience in writing, editing, and/or designing documents in government, institutional, business, or industry settings. Prerequisites: 6 hours of Sophomore English and permission of instructor.

A close analysis of representative comedies and histories and the major tragedies. Prerequisite: ENGL 2342.

Selected topics in British Literature. A topic for intensive investigation will be selected for each offering of the course. May be repeated once when topic changes. Prerequisite: ENGL 2341

Study of significant British novels, with emphasis upon such authors as Fielding, Richardson, Eliot, Hardy, Burgess and Joyce. Prerequisite: ENGL 2341

Major writers of the Romantic and Victorian periods. Cultural background and representative works, including poetry and nonfiction prose. Prerequisite: ENGL 2341

Selected topics in literature from the United States. A topic for intensive investigation will be selected for each offering of the course. May be repeated with different topics, but no more than 6 SCH may count toward major or minor requirements. Prerequisite: ENGL 2341

Study of significant American novels. Emphasis may be on historical development, certain periods, special topics treated by American novelists or varieties of American fiction. Prerequisite: ENGL 2341

Survey of the chief nineteenth-century poets and prose writers, with some attention to their colonial predecessors. Prerequisite: ENGL 2341

Survey of the chief twentieth-century American poets and prose writers. Prerequisite: 3 hours of junior English; or 6 hours of sophomore English.

Selected topics in British or American literature and/or world literature and language. A topic for intensive investigation will be selected for each offering of the course. May be repeated once for credit. Prerequisite: 6 semester hours of sophomore English. (Credit may not be obtained in both ENGL 4370, when topic is taught from a women's studies perspective and WMST 4370.)

Selected topics in world literature written in English or in English translation. A topic for intensive investigation will be selected for each offering of the course. May be repeated with different topics, but no more than 6 SCH may count toward major or minor requirements. Prerequisite: 3 semester hours of junior English; or 6 hours of sophomore English. (Credit may not be obtained in both ENGL 4380, when topic is taught from a women's studies perspective, and WGST 4380.)

An introductory course teaching the fundamentals of a language other than English in order to develop listening, speaking, reading and writing abilities. Prerequisite: Departmental approval.

Continuation of LANG 1311. Prerequisite: Departmental approval.

A review of foreign language grammar and expansion of basic language skills. Prerequisite: Departmental approval.

Continuation of LANG 2311. Prerequisite: Departmental approval.

Open only to students with little or no previous contact with the Spanish language. An introductory course teaching the fundamentals of Spanish in order to develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing abilities. Language laboratory required.

Continuation of SPAN 1311. Language laboratory required. Prerequisite: SPAN 1311 or departmental approval.

A review of Spanish grammar and expansion of basic language skills. Language laboratory required. Prerequisite: SPAN 1312 or three or more years of high school Spanish with departmental approval.

Continuation of SPAN 2311. Language laboratory required. Prerequisite: SPAN 2311.

Introductory course designed for students whose greatest exposure to Spanish has been in the home or community rather than the classroom. Building on the linguistic knowledge that heritage speakers already bring to the classroom, the course stresses reading and writing skills. Language laboratory required. Prerequisite: Departmental approval.

A review of the basic principles of Spanish grammar to be followed by a detailed study of the finer points of grammar and syntax. Prerequisite: SPAN 2312.

Literary and technical writing and composition; instruction and practice in basic writing; analysis of different literary prose pieces as models for writing. Conducted in Spanish. Prerequisite: SPAN 2312.

Enables students to interact and work effectively with the international and domestic Spanish-speaking medical, legal and business worlds. Emphasizes interaction between both English-speaking and Spanish-speaking professional communities and within the Spanish-speaking professional community. Prerequisite: SPAN 2302 or SPAN 2312.

The history of Spanish literature from its beginning to the present. Conducted in Spanish. Prerequisite: SPAN 2302 or SPAN 2312.

The history of Spanish-American literature from its beginning to the present. Conducted in Spanish. Prerequisite: SPAN 2302 or SPAN 2312.

Survey of Hispanic culture. Main aspects of culture as found in Spain, Spanish America and the Hispanic communities in the U.S.A. Conducted in Spanish. Prerequisite: SPAN 2302 or SPAN 2312.

Topics in Spanish American and Spanish Peninsular literature. Conducted in Spanish. May be repeated as topics change. Prerequisites: SPAN 2302 or SPAN 2312.

Introduces basic human communication principles and theories embedded in a variety of contexts including interpersonal, small group, and public speaking.

Application of communication theory and practice to the public speaking context, with emphasis on audience analysis, speaker delivery, ethics of communication, and speech organizational techniques to develop students’ speaking abilities, as well as ability to effectively evaluate oral presentations.

Study and application of communication within the business and professional context. Special emphasis will be given to communication competencies in presentations, dyads, teams and technologically mediated formats.

Beginning concepts of the use of the voice and body in the creation of a character for the stage.

Fee: $30.00

Consideration of topics such as scenery and lighting design, advanced problems of acting, costume history and construction. May be repeated once for credit when topic changes.

Introduction to technical theatre as it pertains to academic theatre. Light hanging and focusing skills; use of light and sound boards; basic concepts of lighting and soundtrack design. Participation in stage work for department required. Prerequisite: THEA 2330 or participation in the backstage operations of two university level productions or permission of instructor.

Fee: $30.00

For students with a background in acting. Scenes from classical theatre, avant-garde theatre and other period and non-traditional genres. Prerequisite: THEA 1322.

Fee: $30.00

Problems of selecting and producing the play, practice in directing the one-act play. Prerequisites: THEA 1341

Studies of the major periods of theatre, such as Greek to Elizabethan, Elizabethan to modern and the development of theatrical criticism. May be repeated once as topic varies. Prerequisite: sophomore standing.

Intensive work in a special area of the student's major or minor. A maximum of 6 semester hours of credit in individual study may be applied toward graduation.

The execution of a successful design or performance project.