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Course Descriptions

The following is a complete listing of courses offered at MCC. You can also visit our Programs of Study page for a list of course requirements necessary to complete your degree.

Please note: Special Studies is a general heading for experimental courses or those for which the demand is untested, unknown, immediate, or temporary. You can visit our Special Studies page for a list of Special Studies courses.

Click on the arrow to view a list of course descriptions for each program.

Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">AAD - Applied Art and Design</div>]
AAD - Applied Art and Design
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">ACC - Accounting</div>]
ACC - Accounting
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">ACD - Alcohol/Chemical Dependency</div>]
ACD - Alcohol/Chemical Dependency
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">AGS - Agricultural Studies</div>]
AGS - Agricultural Studies
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">ANT - Anthropology</div>]
ANT - Anthropology
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">ARA - Arabic/Foreign Language</div>]
ARA - Arabic/Foreign Language
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">ART - Art</div>]
ART - Art
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">ASL - American Sign Language/Foreign Language</div>]
ASL - American Sign Language/Foreign Language
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">ATP - Automotive Technology</div>]
ATP - Automotive Technology
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">BIO - Biology</div>]
BIO - Biology
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">BUS - Business</div>]
BUS - Business
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">CDL - Interdisciplinary</div>]
CDL - Interdisciplinary
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">CE  - Disney College Program Internship</div>]
CE - Disney College Program Internship
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">CEL - Leadership</div>]
CEL - Leadership
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">CHE - Chemistry</div>]
CHE - Chemistry
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">CHI - Chinese/Foreign Language</div>]
CHI - Chinese/Foreign Language
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">CIN - Cinema Studies</div>]
CIN - Cinema Studies
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">Cinema Studies</div>]
Cinema Studies
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">CIS - Computer Information Systems</div>]
CIS - Computer Information Systems
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">CIT - Civil and Construction Technology</div>]
CIT - Civil and Construction Technology
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">CLT - Clinical Laboratory Technician</div>]
CLT - Clinical Laboratory Technician
Hide details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">COM - Communication</div>]
COM - Communication
COM 101 - Introduction to Mass Media
An introduction to communication theory and practice, the history of mass media, and an examination of the business of the American mass media. Additional topics will include media support industries, such as advertising and public relations. 3 Credits.
COM 114 - Communication Theory
A broad overview of principles and theories of human communication and rhetoric, this course explores communication processes in a variety of contexts, including intrapersonal, interpersonal, group, and mass communication. 3 Credits.
COM 115 - Computer Generated Images
This course presents introductory hands-on experiences in exploring the potential of multimedia computer software, special graphic effects and computer imaging techniques as a creative medium. The focus of the course is on exploring how computers and traditional photographic and video technologies are coming together as tools for creating unique graphic images. 3 Credits.
COM 120 - Media Literacy
An introduction to the critical consumption of media. This course will focus on the ability to access, analyze, evaluate and communicate the process of creating and interpreting media in a variety of forms. 3 Credits.
COM 142 - Broadcast Performance
Practice in devising and participating in various kinds of radio and television performances, including news, sports, commercials, promotional announcements, and interviews. 3 Credits.
COM 150 - Video Production I
A combination lecture/lab course designed to introduce students to creating video productions on location. Emphasis is placed on the use of portable video cameras, as well as various lighting and audio equipment. Videographic skills will be developed through lab based productions. 3 Credits.
COM 202 - Techniques of Television I
Introduction to the basic aspects of technical and production techniques of television and related audio systems used in the medium. Emphasis will be placed on theory and use of television equipment, direction, lighting, television graphics, scripting, basic engineering, distribution systems, and studio personnel. In addition to the student-produced and directed assignments, members of the class will participate in production crews. 3 Credits.
COM 203 - Compositing and Visual Effects
This intermediate course focuses on the study of live action video manipulation. Working with contemporary hardware and software, students will begin learning about and creating common audio and visual effects. The student will examine and explore historical uses of video effects to guide them in the creation of their own classroom projects. 3 Credits.
COM 204 - Audio Production
An introductory exploration of audio productions techniques using digital audio editing tools as well as microphones and other audio sources. This course will cover production of audio projects as well as exercises using recording devices and digital editing software and new media technology. 3 Credits.
COM 211 - Practicum in Media I
A course designed to allow students to complete significant experiences within their discipline of study, including communication, art, music, and interior design. Students will be expected to spend a minimum of eight (8) hours per week in supervised contract learning situations. Students will work with the appropriate Visual and Performing Arts Department faculty member to identify, design, and complete contract learning opportunities. 3 Credits.

Prerequisite: Permission of a VaPA Department faculty member.
COM 212 - Techniques of Television II
Advanced techniques in the technical and production aspects of television programming. Emphasis will be placed on studio and control room operation, engineering experience, program planning and organization production and direction of individual assignments. Experience and theory of video recording will be given. Principles of TV signal distribution will be discussed. 3 Credits.

Prerequisite: COM 202.
COM 230 - Scriptwriting
Review and practice of the requirements for writing professionally formatted scripts used in short and feature films. Emphasis will be placed on writing short-form scripts and analyzing and discussing long-form dramatic scripts. 3 Credits.

Prerequisite: ENG 101 or ENG 200.
COM 240 (formerly COM 131) - Principles of Journalism
This course provides an overview of journalism principles and practices. Information covered includes discussion and interpretation of what is news, news reporting today, beat reporting, feature writing, and writing for the web. Students will learn to work alone and in teams to conduct interviews, find sources, and prepare news leads, news stories, and profiles. They will demonstrate their ability to write and edit balanced, accurate journalistic stories on deadline. 3 Credits.

Prerequisite(s): ENG 101 or ENG 200
COM 242 (formerly COM 130) - Media Writing
Media writing explores the different styles of writing for print media, broadcast media, the Web, advertising copy, and public relations materials. Students will learn how to gather information, write for specific audiences, and check for accuracy. This course will also discuss the legal implications of writing for the media. 3 Credits.

Prerequisite(s): ENG 101 or ENG 200
COM 244 - Social Media Strategies
This course will introduce students to the forms and applications of social media. Students will become familiar with a range of social media tools; analyze and discuss their uses and implications; and explore the ethics, psychology, and practice of social media. The course will examine each from user and creator standpoints, with a focus on how journalists, public relations professionals, and businesses use social media. 3 Credits.
COM 245 (formerly COM 109) - An Introduction to Public Relations
A survey of the roles and responsibilities of the public relations professional in private and public organizations. Examination of the importance of the audience and audience research in public relations program planning, how public relations differs from advertising and the use of traditional publicity tools like press releases and press kits to reach targeted audiences. Exploration of the use of the Internet to reach key stakeholders and its use as a distribution channel for publicity. Recognition of the importance of ethics, integrity and relationship building as a cornerstone of public relations. 3 Credits.
COM 247 - Organizational Communication
Communication within organizations flows through both formal and informal processes. This course introduces both the theories and practices applied to organizational communications. Students will examine the role of internal and external communication as it applies to the structure, goals, culture, leadership, conflicts and successes that exist within a variety of organizations. 3 Credits.

Prerequisite(s): ENG 101
COM 264 - Video Production II
An intermediate course that provides a continuation of the principles learned and practiced in Video Production I (COM 150) as they relate to camera operation. The student will add to their skills through advanced techniques in image acquisition with increased emphasis on editing of live-action video footage. Working with contemporary non-linear editing systems, the emphasis will be placed on the structure and pacing of a finished video project. 3 Credits.

Prerequisite: COM 150.
COM 267 - Video Editing
Students will be concentrating on advanced tools and techniques used to make high quality video clips and sound tracks. This will involve working with contemporary non-linear editing software. Real-time video editing, waveform sound editing and other methods of audio/video production will be stressed. 3 Credits.

Prerequisite(s): COM 150 or permission of instructor.
COM 270 - Media and Society
An examination and analysis of American mass media and the forces that influence them. Emphasis will be placed upon basic legal principles, the role of government in attempting to regulate the media, and the media's influence on our society. 3 Credits.

Prerequisites: COM 101
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">COS - College Success</div>]
COS - College Success
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">CPT - Computer Technology</div>]
CPT - Computer Technology
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">CRC - Computer Related Curricula</div>]
CRC - Computer Related Curricula
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">CRJ - Criminal Justice</div>]
CRJ - Criminal Justice
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">CSC - Computer Science</div>]
CSC - Computer Science
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">DAS - Dental Assisting</div>]
DAS - Dental Assisting
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">DEN - Dental Hygiene</div>]
DEN - Dental Hygiene
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">EBL - Experience Based Learning</div>]
EBL - Experience Based Learning
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">ECE - Education and Early Care</div>]
ECE - Education and Early Care
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">ECO - Economics</div>]
ECO - Economics
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">EDU - Education</div>]
EDU - Education
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">ELT - Electrical Engineering Technology/Electronics</div>]
ELT - Electrical Engineering Technology/Electronics
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">EMS - Emergency Medical Services</div>]
EMS - Emergency Medical Services
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">ENG - English Literature</div>]
ENG - English Literature
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">ENG - English Writing</div>]
ENG - English Writing
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">ENR - Engineering Science</div>]
ENR - Engineering Science
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">ESL - English For Speakers Of Other Languages (ESOL)</div>]
ESL - English For Speakers Of Other Languages (ESOL)
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">FPT - Fire Protection Technology</div>]
FPT - Fire Protection Technology
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">FRE - French/Foreign Language</div>]
FRE - French/Foreign Language
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">FSA - Food Service Administration</div>]
FSA - Food Service Administration
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">GEG - Geography</div>]
GEG - Geography
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">GEO - Geology</div>]
GEO - Geology
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">GER - German/Foreign Language</div>]
GER - German/Foreign Language
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">GLF - Golf Management</div>]
GLF - Golf Management
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">HBR - Hebrew/Foreign Language</div>]
HBR - Hebrew/Foreign Language
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">HED - Health Education</div>]
HED - Health Education
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">HEG - Health Education Global</div>]
HEG - Health Education Global
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">HIM - Health Information Technology</div>]
HIM - Health Information Technology
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">HIS - History</div>]
HIS - History
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">HMN - Humanities</div>]
HMN - Humanities
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">HON - Honors Studies</div>]
HON - Honors Studies
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">Honors Studies</div>]
Honors Studies
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">HSM - Homeland Security Administration</div>]
HSM - Homeland Security Administration
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">HSP - Hospitality</div>]
HSP - Hospitality
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">HUM - Human Services</div>]
HUM - Human Services
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">HVA - Heating, Ventilating & Air Conditioning</div>]
HVA - Heating, Ventilating & Air Conditioning
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">IDE - Interior Design</div>]
IDE - Interior Design
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">ITA - Italian/Foreign Language</div>]
ITA - Italian/Foreign Language
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">JPN - Japanese/Foreign Language</div>]
JPN - Japanese/Foreign Language
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">LAS - Liberal Arts</div>]
LAS - Liberal Arts
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">LAW - Law</div>]
LAW - Law
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">LDS - Leadership</div>]
LDS - Leadership
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">MAR - Marketing</div>]
MAR - Marketing
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">MET - Mechanical Technology</div>]
MET - Mechanical Technology
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">MMP - Automotive Technology</div>]
MMP - Automotive Technology
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">MTH - Mathematics</div>]
MTH - Mathematics
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">MUS - Music</div>]
MUS - Music
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">NUR - Nursing</div>]
NUR - Nursing
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">OFT - Office Technology</div>]
OFT - Office Technology
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">OPT - Optical Systems Technology</div>]
OPT - Optical Systems Technology
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">PE  - Physical Education--Coed</div>]
PE - Physical Education--Coed
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">PEC - Physical Education--Coed</div>]
PEC - Physical Education--Coed
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">PEJ - Physical Education-Criminal Justice</div>]
PEJ - Physical Education-Criminal Justice
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">PEM - Physical Education--Men</div>]
PEM - Physical Education--Men
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">PEW - Physical Education-Women</div>]
PEW - Physical Education-Women
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">PHL - Philosophy</div>]
PHL - Philosophy
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">PHO - Photography</div>]
PHO - Photography
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">PHY - Physics</div>]
PHY - Physics
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">PLE - Police: Law Enforcement</div>]
PLE - Police: Law Enforcement
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">PLS - Paralegal Studies</div>]
PLS - Paralegal Studies
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">POS - Political Science</div>]
POS - Political Science
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">PPE - Physical Studies/Physical Education</div>]
PPE - Physical Studies/Physical Education
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">PSC - Public Safety Communications</div>]
PSC - Public Safety Communications
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">PST - Public Safety Training</div>]
PST - Public Safety Training
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">PSY - Psychology</div>]
PSY - Psychology
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">Public Speaking</div>]
Public Speaking
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">REA - Reading</div>]
REA - Reading
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">SCI - Science</div>]
SCI - Science
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">SCR - Computer Security</div>]
SCR - Computer Security
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">SGT - Surgical Technology</div>]
SGT - Surgical Technology
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">SKT - Tooling and Machining</div>]
SKT - Tooling and Machining
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">SMT - Sports Management</div>]
SMT - Sports Management
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">SOC - Sociology</div>]
SOC - Sociology
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">SPA - Spanish/Foreign Language</div>]
SPA - Spanish/Foreign Language
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">SPC - Speech Communication</div>]
SPC - Speech Communication
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">STT - Solar Thermal Technology</div>]
STT - Solar Thermal Technology
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">SUS - Sustainability Studies</div>]
SUS - Sustainability Studies
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">SVL - Service Learning</div>]
SVL - Service Learning
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">TAM - Tooling and Machining</div>]
TAM - Tooling and Machining
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">TEK - Technology</div>]
TEK - Technology
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">THE - Theatre</div>]
THE - Theatre
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">TOY - Toyota</div>]
TOY - Toyota
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">TRS - Transitional Studies</div>]
TRS - Transitional Studies
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">TVL - Travel And Tourism</div>]
TVL - Travel And Tourism
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content">XRT - Radiologic Technology</div>]
XRT - Radiologic Technology