MCOM 103 Media and Society (3 credit hours) > (3 Theory, 0 Lab). This course introduces students to the basics of communication, and provides an overview of the history and development of the various mass media. It deals with issues pertained to the role of communication media in society, and highlights issues of press freedom and social responsibilities of the media; role of media in fostering diversity; and the impact of mass media on society. The course provides a critical evaluation of media content in relation to social and cultural variables of society.
MCOM 212 Visual Communication (3 credit hours) > (2 Theory, 2 Lab). The course provides an introduction to the primary principals and concepts that professional communicators use to design and produce visually pleasing and effective messages in a variety of media. Includes assignments that apply concepts and introduce visual communication software applications. It focuses on main design principles used in planning communications materials, such as proximity, alignment, repetition, proportion, contrast, balance, unity and rhythm.
MCOM 215 Multimedia Reporting and Writing I (3 credit hours) > (2 Theory, 2 Lab). The course is an introduction to creating, repurposing and assembling content for distribution across integrated media platforms. Audio slideshows, video with sound, computer-based management of photos/video, Web-related skills. It provides students with a hands-on experience in writing Web content using basic HTML, creating and maintaining blogs with journalistic content, creating a Web news story and creating an audio/ video news story.
MCOM 222 Communication Theories (3 credit hours) > (3 Theory, 0 Lab). This course deals with studying the most important communication theories and models, which emerged since the 1928s and their relationship to the practical media practices and applications. The course pays special attention to the powerful effects theories, the selective effects theories, the indirect effects theories, as well as the critical approach.
MCOM 223 Media Writing (3 credit hours) > (3 Theory, 0 Lab). In this course students are taught the basic news forms with emphasis on the structure of news stories for the print and electronic media, as well as public relations news writing. The course includes a theoretical element that focuses on historical evolution of news writing, news values, news worthiness and the styles of news presentation, including headlines, body and conclusion.
MCOM 226 Special Topics in Mass Communication (3 credit hours) > (2 Theory, 2 Lab). This course considers important current issues in mass communication fields. Topics may vary from semester to semester depending on the current issues in the field. The content will be geared towards the three concentrations of strategic communication, journalism or broadcasting. The course will provide students with the expertise of academicians/practitioners in the field.
MCOM 318 Global Communication (3 credit hours) > (3 Theory, 0 Lab). The course discusses the economic, political and cultural dimensions of global communication. It analyses the political and cultural implications of globalization including the effects of corporate multinational control of global communication and American hegemony of the global scene. Issues covered include global mass communication systems, new communication technologies and their impact, imbalances in media development between the north and the south, imbalances in news and information flow and, finally, the positive and negative impact of globalization on current human communities.
MCOM 303 Women and Media (3 credit hours) > (3 Theory, 0 Lab). This course encourages a foundational understanding of women and mass media. It helps students gain an understanding of the relationship between women and the mass media from global and regional perspectives. The course focuses on the mass media representation of women and gender roles, including whether and/or how women representation in the mass media has changed over time, what forces have affected women representation, and the current state of women representation.
MCOM 317 Media Law and Ethics (3 credit hours) > (3 Theory, 0 Lab). The course focuses on the legal and ethical dimensions involved in the practice of journalism, and highlights such issues and concepts like the rights and duties of journalists, freedom of the press, social responsibility, fairness, accuracy, privacy, libel, contempt, obscenity and other ethical problems. The course also evaluates Qatar Press Law within the context of international media laws and ethics.
MCOM 315
Communication Research Methods (3 credit hours) > (2 Theory, 2 Lab). The course is designed to train the students in conducting social science research through a hands-on approach that introduces the basic steps and stages of scientific research. The course teaches quantitative and qualitative research methods including descriptive and historical methods; survey and content analysis, sampling procedures, questionnaire construction and analysis of data.
MCOM 341
News Reporting, Writing and Editing Arabic (3 credit hours) > (2 Theory, 2 Lab). This course aims to provide students with a background of news writing and editing with special emphasis on how to conduct face-to-face interviews, telephone interviews, new conferences, as well as preparation and writing of feature stories based on journalistic investigations. The course helps the students publish their work in department’s media as well as the local media.
MCOM 342 News Reporting, Writing and Editing English (3 credit hours) > (2 Theory, 2 Lab). The course is designed to give students a foundation of research, reporting, writing and editing skills that will help them throughout their time in the department and into their professional careers. The course also provides training in advanced journalism skills, including writing reports, columns, editorials, opinion articles and features. The students will have the opportunity of having their reports, news stories, and /or articles published in the local or departmental publications.
MCOM 343 Online Journalism (3 credit hours) > (2 Theory, 2 Lab). The best way for students to learn the craft of journalism is by doing journalism. Students in this class are expected to start thinking of themselves as real working journalists. Most assignments will take students outside of the classroom, off the campus and into the real world. Also, students will be required to use the latest technology in the field.
MCOM 345 Newspaper Design and Production (3 credit hours) > (2 Theory, 2 Lab). This course focuses on enabling students to produce content-oriented design, typography and layout. Students will be trained to use the latest desktop publishing software as well as other digital technology. Students will be required to use multi-media and graphic designs for lay out of newspapers, magazines, newsletters and online publications.
MCOM 346 Internet‐Assisted Reporting (3 credit hours) > (2 Theory, 2 Lab). This course will build on traditional methods of computer-assisted reporting and research methods to incorporate the tools of the internet, like social media to: Find new story ideas, trends and sources, connect with readers and viewers in new ways, enhance the quality of their reporting and research skills. The course will strive to prepare student-journalists to adapt to whatever comes with the Internet of the future.
MCOM 348 Investigative Journalism (3 credit hours) > (2 Theory, 2 Lab). This course is designed to help students to learn to report and write in depth. Students in this class are expected to start thinking of themselves as real working journalists. Students will develop their tools of critical thinking in conceptualizing, developing and writing stories. They will learn advanced interviewing techniques, investigative research methods and the interpretation of trends and surveys. The course will focus on the analysis and practice of complex storytelling, including the use of narrative techniques.
MCOM 350 Multimedia Reporting and Writing II (3 credit hours) > (2 Theory, 2 Lab). This is an advanced course that aims to provide students with more practical practice of Multimedia Reporting and Writing 1. It is designed for students of online journalism to work in a team of journalists to apply what they have learned about convergent journalism to several major stories from the real world.
MCOM 361 Broadcast News Reporting and Writing I (3 credit hours) > (2 Theory, 2 Lab). This course focuses on the following: Writing journalism for different media; writing journalism for different publics; writing journalism for different genres (news, features, opeds, profiles); media law and ethics; research methods; broadcast news writing for diversity in a globalized world; a practical guide to producing broadcast news; critical journalism and independence.
MCOM 363 Announcing (3 credit hours) > (2 Theory, 2 Lab). This course will introduce the basics of announcing skills. Students will be trained on pronunciation, rate, pacing and articulation. They will also be required to use vocal variety and vocal variety. By the end of the course students should be able to present different genres and they will be able to recognize the difference between good and bad announcing.
MCOM 364 Broadcast Production (3 credit hours) > (2 Theory, 2 Lab). This course introduces students to the basic concepts of audio and video production. The students are trained on the operation of digital video cameras, TV studio cameras, digital audio recorders, the different types of microphones, lights and lighting styles. The students are trained in basic treatment, synopsis and script writing for a variety of radio and TV programs. The students produce Public Service Announcements (PSAs), documentaries, and Radio and TV program in which the PSAs and the documentaries are inserted.
MCOM 365 Script Writing (3 credit hours) > (2 Theory, 2 Lab). This course helps students in developing skills of preparing and writing scripted dramatic material. Students are trained in script writing and introduced to the differences between TV and movies scripts. It emphasizes the important elements, such as theme, story, dialogue, which shape the process of developing and writing a script.
MCOM 366 Broadcast Directing (3 credit hours) > (2 Theory, 2 Lab). This course focuses on the principles of radio and television directing, such as the techniques of mixing sound with music, and using sound effects according to the type of program. The skills of broadcast directing, such as switching between the shots, the basics of good television composition, and the technical problems involved.
MCOM 367 Broadcast News Reporting and Writing II (3 credit hours) > (2 Theory, 2 Lab). This hands-on course explores more advanced aspects of writing and reporting in the area of broadcast. It specifically delineates the differences between writing for audio and writing for the image. The course also provides the different techniques and approaches to writing for different genres, namely hard news, soft news, features, opinions and profiles.
MCOM 381 Principles of Public Relations (3 credit hours) > (2 Theory, 0 Lab). The course highlights the principles and the essential foundations of public relations, and it explains the most important concepts and terminology in the field. The course also discusses the professional and ethical guidelines in designing, applying and evaluating PR activities, and it explains the stages of successful planning of public relations.
MCOM 382 Organizational Communication (3 credit hours) > (2 Theory, 2 Lab). The course introduces the concept of organizational communication and its various principles, and puts special emphasis on learning and practicing the skills of effective organizational communication for institutional management through case-study model. The course adopts a methodology that tries to bridge the gap between theory and practice by putting students in real case-studies of organizational communication to handle.
MCOM 383 Principles of Advertising (3 credit hours) > (2 Theory, 2 Lab). This course is an introduction to advertising in terms of concepts, procedures, design and campaigns. It will also compare the types of advertisements created for print and broadcast media with special emphasis on the effects of the new media on the advertising industry and audience. Students will be expected to criticize and evaluate advertisements. Furthermore, they will be expected to conduct research on consumers and the market and to create advertisements and advertising campaigns based on the results of their research.
MCOM 384 Advertising Copy Writing and Design (3 credit hours) > (2 Theory, 2 Lab). In this course the students are introduced to the basics of applying psychological and cognitive knowledge to creative advertising designs. Students learn how to use graphics and multimedia in designing ads, and are trained in the design and layout of attractive print and electronic ads. Students are expected to develop their own portfolio for the work they do during the course.
MCOM 386 Public Relations and New Media (3 credit hours) > (2 Theory, 2 Lab). This course focuses on the assessment of the tactical and strategic implications of digital technology for profit and not-for-profit organizations. Module content includes an examination of the potential of digital technologies for public relations campaigns, the particular challenges of online communication and the planning, management and evaluation of interactive communications campaigns. Students will be required to apply the digital technologies to their PR campaigns.
MCOM 388 Public Relations Writing and Presentations (3 credit hours) > (2 Theory, 2 Lab). The course focuses on public relations writing and the preparation of presentations for public relations purposes. The course focuses on writing newsletters, press releases, pamphlets and brochures; as well as the preparation and delivery of presentation for the organization’s audiences. The course teaches students techniques and writing styles which are used for the production of publications and for presentations. Students prepare samples of such publications and presentations for evaluation.
MCOM 447 Journalism Internship (3 credit hours) > (2 Theory, 2 Lab). This course provides students with an opportunity for actual training, and on-site professional experience in local newspapers, Qatar News Agency or Al Jazeera Online. This provides students with a hands-on experience in the professional field. Students are supervised by faculty member and professional trainer and are required to turn in two reports.
MCOM 450 Multimedia Journalism “Capstone” (3 credit hours) > (2 Theory, 2 Lab). This is a capstone course which is designed to stimulate students to conduct group projects, or to develop individual portfolios, in the production of at least two issues of laboratory/web newspapers or magazines under the supervision of a faculty member. Students are given hands-on experience as a reporters and editors as they produce the issues.
MCOM 452 Magazine Writing (3 credit hours) > (2 Theory, 2 Lab). The course focuses on writing and reporting for magazines. It also introduces the basic features of writing, information gathering and analysis for specialized and general circulation magazines. The course includes also practical training in interviewing, investigation, and developing portfolios. It will emphasize the difference between writing news and feature stories.
MCOM 465 Web‐Content for Radio (3 credit hours) > (2 Theory, 2 Lab). This course is designed to give the student an understanding of radio delivered via the Internet and the opportunity to produce and deliver digital audio content. Students are introduced to the radio industry and radio production standards for the Internet. Using professional recording and mixing equipment the students learn the basics of telling a good story. Each student goes through the process of writing for radio, in-depth reporting, imaginative use of sound, and high production values.
MCOM 467 Broadcast Internship (3 credit hours) > (2 Theory, 2 Lab). This course provides an opportunity to the student to acquire practical skills in an area of mass communication (Public Relations, Broadcast Production, Print / Online Journalism). Each student is required to spend 10 hours weekly for 8 weeks in his or her designated institution under the direct supervision of a training field mentor from the institution and an academic supervisor from the university.
MCOM 469 Television Documentary Production (3 credit hours) > (2 Theory, 2 Lab). This course introduces key concepts of the documentary film, its different modes, its various elements, the factors needed for its success, as well as the various stages of producing it. The student is taken through training in preparing the treatment, synopsis, script, scheduling, shot list, and storyboards. The student is also taken through the fundamental elements of production and post-production of a major project.
MCOM 470 Broadcast Capstone (3 credit hours) > (2 Theory, 2 Lab). In this course, the student uses the various technical, analytical and thematic skills in the field of radio and television in the context of a complex and multi-layered graduation project. This could include, but not limited to, producing documentaries, features, talk shows, audio and video essays, and experimental pieces. Each project must go through the stages of idea development, writing and presenting a production folder, presenting a rough-cut (rough edit) of the work, and finally presenting the finished mastered work.
MCOM 487 PR/AD Internship (3 credit hours) > (2 Theory, 2 Lab). This course provides an opportunity to the student to acquire practical skills in an area of mass communication (Public Relations, Broadcast Production, Print / Online Journalism). Each student is required to spend 10 hours weekly for 8 weeks in his or her designated institution under the direct supervision of a training field mentor from the institution and an academic supervisor from the university.
MCOM 490 Strategic Communication “Capstone” (3 credit hours) > (2 Theory, 2 Lab). This course allows the students to practically apply all PR and advertising theories and concepts through the design of public relations or advertising campaigns in the context of a graduation project. The course practically engages the students in the various stages of the campaign, and the choice of the suitable techniques, and the measurement and evaluation of campaign results.
MCOM 491 Strategic Communication (3 credit hours) > (2 Theory, 2 Lab). This course defines strategic communication and provides a foundation for creating persuasive messages used in advertising and public relations. It offers challenges of organizational strategies and introduces models and plans to help organizations in reaching target audiences within the time and budget limits.
MCOM 492 Social Marketing (3 credit hours) > (2 Theory, 2 Lab). Social marketing is one of the fields that addresses social issues that threaten the quality of life with the objective of a positive behavioral change of its target audience in regards to these issues. The course provides the student with a different perspective in marketing which is social marketing. A lot of companies in their efforts to practice corporate social responsibility are turning to social marketing as a means of responding and helping in the needs of society or a community.
MCOM 493 Public Opinion Research (3 credit hours) > (2 Theory, 2 Lab). This course aims to provide students with knowledge about public opinion history, theories, concepts and research methods. Through this course Students will learn how public opinion affects social, political, cultural, and economic phenomena. This is a practical course where students will apply the research methods learned in analysing public opinion in a variety of contexts.