Communication (Media)
Admissions and Records
- Email: admissions@svcc.edu
- Phone: (815) 835-6273
- Fax: (815) 456-4240
- Visit Admissions to view Hours
Associate in Arts Degree with a Concentration in
Communication (Media) (614)
The Communication (Media) concentration integrates courses in news writing and editing and applies current trends and technologies while preparing students to transfer to a four-year institution to earn a bachelor’s degree in Communication (Media).
Communication (Media) - Journalism/News Editorial/Photojournalism
IAI Recommended Baccalaureate Curriculum
Follow this link for career information.
Transfer Considerations
Students who have already chosen the university to which they plan to transfer should consult that institution's catalog or department advisor and an SVCC academic advisor in planning their program. Transfer guides for some universities are available at svcc.edu/transfer.
Competitive Admissions
Since admission is competitive, completing the recommended courses does not by itself guarantee admission.
Special Considerations
Students should be computer literate. Computer skills may be acquired before or early in the college experience.
Program Contacts at Sauk Valley Community College
- Academic Advising, 815-835-6354
- Thomas Irish, Assistant Professor of English, 815-835-6394
- Dr. Patricia Fulfs, Professor of Communication, 815-835-6224
Minimum Total Credit Hours - 65 Hours
Suggested Course Sequence
First Semester - 16 Hours
| Course # | Course Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 3 Hours | |
| Humanities / Fine Arts | 3 Hours | |
| Social / Behavioral Science | 3 Hours | |
| COM181 | Intro to Mass Communication | 3 Hours |
| Provides an overview of the nature functions and responsibilities of the mass communication industries in a global environment with an emphasis on the medias role in American society Prerequisite NoneIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI MC 911Semester hours 3LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| ENG101 | Composition I | 3 Hours |
| This course 1 develops awareness of the writing process 2 provides inventional organizational and editorial strategies 3 stresses the variety of uses for writing and 4 emphasizes critical skills in reading thinking and writing.Prerequisite Required placement score on approved English placement test high school unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher or a grade of C or higher in ELA 099.3 Semester hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI C1 900LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| FYE101 | First Year Experience | 1 Hour |
| The focus of this course is how to be successful in college. Study skills goal setting academic planning time and money management and information research skills are among the core topics included in this course. Within a supportive environment students will share their college experiences and develop connections with fellow students and SVCC staff. Prerequisite None1 Semester hoursLectureLab Hours 1 lecweek | ||
Second Semester - 16 Hours
| Course # | Course Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| * | Electives / Foreign Language | 4 Hours |
| Social / Behavioral Science | 3 Hours | |
| ART103 | Digital Photography | 3 Hours |
| An overview of the basic concepts of camera control lighting and composition as well as shooting techniques for digital photography will be presented. File management and image manipulation will be included.Prerequisites None 3 Semester hoursLectureLab Hours 6 labweek | ||
| - OR - | ||
| ART225 | Photography I | 3 Hours |
| This course is an introduction to analogue photography film darkroom procedures and will practice blending alternative traditional and digital materials techniques and concepts. In the class students will learn and practice photography for both creative and commercial applications. Students will learn how to operate a camera manually and become proficient in using shutter speeds apertures and light sensitivity controls. This course will include information on the types and anatomy of the cameras and explore a variety of photographic accessories including both traditional BW darkroom and digital photographic techniques. In this course students will apply their technical knowledge of photography and create a variety of visually impactful and meticulously produced photographic images. This course also will examine the historical context and contemporary use of photography as an artistic medium in our culture. Students will work to hone their technical skills coupled with their personal creative vision within several photographic genres and create professionally presented works of photographic art.Prerequisite ART 101 may be taken concurrently or ART 113 may be taken concurrently or consent of instructor.3 Semester hoursLectureLab Hours 6 labweek | ||
| COM131 | Intro to Oral Communication | 3 Hours |
| The oral communication course combines communication theory with the practice of oral communication skills. The course 1 develops awareness of the communication process 2 provides inventional organizational and expressive strategies 3 promotes understanding of and adaptation to a variety of communication contexts and 4 emphasizes critical skills in listening reading thinking and speaking.Prerequisite None3 Semester hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI C2 900LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| ENG103 | Composition II | 3 Hours |
| An advanced course in essay writing with emphasis on formal research ENG 103 serves to develop a proficiency in the collection and selection of data as applied to the completion of a formal research paper. In addition students receive instruction in logic and reasoning including the fundamentals of argumentative and persuasive writing. Prerequisite A grade of C or higher in ENG 101 or its equivalent or consent of instructor. 3 Semester hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI C1 901RLectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
Third Semester - 16-17 Hours
| Course # | Course Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| * | Electives / Foreign Language | 4 Hours |
| Fine Arts | 3 Hours | |
| ** | Life Science | 3-4 Hours |
| ENG153 | Basic News Writing | 3 Hours |
| Basic News Writing is a course designed to teach students the basic components of news reporting. In order to pass students will demonstrate the ability to write clear concise accurate complete balanced and readable news stories define what constitutes news and how news stories differ from features and opinion pieces effectively apply research skills for writing news stories write effective leads write a variety of types of news stories gather and write news in an ethical manner and apply the laws governing journalists demonstrate knowledge of AP Stylebook rules and write under deadline pressure. Students will write information for mass audiences in print and electronic formats. Prerequisite ENG 101 with a grade of C or equivalent. 3 Semester hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI MC 919LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| ENG270 | Creative Writing | 3 Hours |
| An introduction to the principles problems and processes involved in writing poetry and fiction. The course includes lectures readings and criticism of students work.Prerequisite None3 Semester hoursLectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
Fourth Semester - 16-17 Hours
| Course # | Course Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| * | Humanities / Foreign Language | 4 Hours |
| ** | Physical Science | 3-4 Hours |
| Social / Behavioral Science | 3 Hours | |
| ENG154 | Basic News Editing | 3 Hours |
| Basic News Editing is an introduction to the principles and techniques of electronic editing information management and publication design emphasizing the editing of body copy and display type for maximum clarity and impact. On successful completion of the course the student will be able to effectively edit stories rewrite stories without distorting them write effective headlines and cutlines demonstrate basic knowledge of typography demonstrate the basics of publication design and the logic of packaging and apply AP Stylebook rules. Prerequisite ENG 101 with a grade of C or equivalent or ENG 153 Basic News Writing with a grade of C or equivalent. 3 Semester hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI MC 920LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| ENG271 | Creative Writing II | 3 Hours |
| This course focuses on creating a community of writers. Students will engage in producing presenting and publishing original works of poetry and fiction. Prerequisite None3 Semester hoursLectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
Footnotes
* Three to four semesters of a college level foreign language or three to four years of a high school level foreign language maybe required for a Bachelor of Arts degree. Bachelor of Science degree may require more courses in mathematics, statistics and/or computer science. Contact an academic advisor for more information.
** One lab science required.