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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.

Click on the blue arrow to expand the list of courses for each area.


Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">AAD - Applied Art and Design</span></div>]
AAD - Applied Art and Design
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">ACC - Accounting</span></div>]
ACC - Accounting
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">ACD - Alcohol/Chemical Dependency</span></di
ACD - Alcohol/Chemical Dependency
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">AGS - Agricultural Studies</span></div>]
AGS - Agricultural Studies
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">ANT - Anthropology</span></div>]
ANT - Anthropology
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">ARA - Arabic/Foreign Language</span></div>]
ARA - Arabic/Foreign Language
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">ART - Art</span></div>]
ART - Art
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">ASL - American Sign Language/Foreign Languag
ASL - American Sign Language/Foreign Language
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">ATP - Automotive Technology</span></div>]
ATP - Automotive Technology
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">BIO - Biology</span></div>]
BIO - Biology
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">BUS - Business</span></div>]
BUS - Business
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">CDL - Interdisciplinary</span></div>]
CDL - Interdisciplinary
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">CE  - Disney College Program Internship</spa
CE - Disney College Program Internship
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">CEL - Leadership</span></div>]
CEL - Leadership
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">CHE - Chemistry</span></div>]
CHE - Chemistry
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">CHI - Chinese/Foreign Language</span></div>]
CHI - Chinese/Foreign Language
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">CIN - Cinema Studies</span></div>]
CIN - Cinema Studies
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">Cinema Studies</span></div>]
Cinema Studies
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">CIS - Computer Information Systems</span></d
CIS - Computer Information Systems
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">CIT - Civil and Construction Technology</spa
CIT - Civil and Construction Technology
Show details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">CLT - Clinical Laboratory Technician</span><
CLT - Clinical Laboratory Technician
Hide details for [<div class="Course_Table_Content"><span style="font-weight:bold">COM - Communication</span></div>]
COM - Communication

COM 101 - Introduction to Mass Media

3 Credits

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.

MCC General Education: MCC-AH - Arts and Humanities (MAH)

COM 114 - Communication Theory

3 Credits

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.

COM 115 - Computer Generated Images

3 Credits

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.

MCC General Education: MCC-AH - Arts and Humanities (MAH), MCC-TL - Technological Literacy (MTL)

COM 120 - Media Literacy

3 Credits

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.

New SUNY General Education: SUNY - Arts

Retiring SUNY General Education: SUNY-A - The Arts (SART)

MCC General Education: MCC-AH - Arts and Humanities (MAH), MCC-CT - Critical Thinking (MCT), MCC-IL - Information Literacy (MIL)

COM 142 - Broadcast Performance

3 Credits

Practice in devising and participating in various kinds of radio and television performances, including news, sports, commercials, promotional announcements, and interviews.

COM 150 - Video Production I

3 Credits

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.

MCC General Education: MCC-AH - Arts and Humanities (MAH), MCC-TL - Technological Literacy (MTL)

COM 202 - Techniques of Television I

3 Credits

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.

MCC General Education: MCC-TL - Technological Literacy (MTL)

COM 203 - Compositing and Visual Effects

3 Credits

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.

MCC General Education: MCC-AH - Arts and Humanities (MAH), MCC-TL - Technological Literacy (MTL)

COM 204 - Audio Production

3 Credits

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.

MCC General Education: MCC-TL - Technological Literacy (MTL)

COM 211 - Practicum in Media I

3 Credits

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.

Prerequisite: Permission of a VaPA Department faculty member.

COM 212 - Techniques of Television II

3 Credits

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.

Prerequisite: COM 202.

MCC General Education: MCC-AH - Arts and Humanities (MAH), MCC-TL - Technological Literacy (MTL)

COM 230 - Scriptwriting

3 Credits

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.

Prerequisite: ENG 101 or ENG 200.

MCC General Education: MCC-BCO - Speaking (MBCO), MCC-BCW - Writing (MBCW), MCC-CT - Critical Thinking (MCT)

COM 240 (formerly COM 131) - Principles of Journalism

3 Credits

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.

Prerequisite(s): ENG 101 or ENG 200

COM 242 (formerly COM 130) - Media Writing

3 Credits

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.

Prerequisite(s): ENG 101 or ENG 200

Learning Attributes: WR

COM 244 - Social Media Strategies

3 Credits

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.

COM 245 (formerly COM 109) - An Introduction to Public Relations

3 Credits

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.

COM 247 - Organizational Communication

3 Credits

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.

Prerequisite(s): ENG 101

Learning Attributes: WR

COM 264 - Video Production II

3 Credits

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.

Prerequisite: COM 150.

MCC General Education: MCC-CT - Critical Thinking (MCT), MCC-TL - Technological Literacy (MTL)

COM 267 - Video Editing

3 Credits

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.

Prerequisite(s): COM 150 or permission of instructor.

MCC General Education: MCC-AH - Arts and Humanities (MAH), MCC-CT - Critical Thinking (MCT), MCC-TL - Technological Literacy (MTL)

COM 270 - Media and Society

3 Credits

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.

Prerequisites: COM 101

MCC General Education: MCC-VE - Values and Ethics (MVE)

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