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Certificate of Achievement
Mass Communications/Mass Media

The Mass Communications Mass Media Certificate is designed to provide a general technical background which will enable the student to make intelligent and realistic career decisions in mass communications to provide a broad background which will afford the currently employed student an opportunity for upward mobility or career advancement; to provide a program to meet both the entry-level and skill upgrading needs of the local mass communications industry.

Please contact the Student Success Team for this program if you have any questions.

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Sample Education Plan

This sample education plan for the 2023-2024 catalog year represents one possible pathway through the program. Each university (UC, CSU, private, and others) has their own transfer requirements; please see a counselor to create an education plan that is customized to meet your needs. Additional course descriptions may be found in the College Catalog.
CourseUnitsTypically Offered
1st Semester
JOUR 110 - Digital Photojournalism IM3.0
JOUR 110 - Digital Photojournalism I (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: CSU

This course provides an introduction the process of taking photographs using digital cameras, digital video cameras, and digital printing devices. Photocomposition, printing and scanning techniques using Photoshop for the use of publication, and other computer skills related to contemporary photojournalism will also be addressed. Assignments may include work for college publications. This class is recommended for students majoring in journalism or photography. Lab hours are required in addition to scheduled lecture hours.

ART 115 - The Art of FilmM3.0
ART 115 - The Art of Film (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This introductory course explores film as an art form, its basic components, and its relation to the styles and movements of other visual arts forms. An understanding of cinematic language is emphasized by focusing upon film's manipulation of time and space, its use of visual metaphors, montages, and explicit/implicit messages. The collaborative nature of filmmaking is studied by examining the role of cinematography, lighting, film editing, visual effects, art direction, and the use of sound and music to enhance the script and create style. Through discussion and written assignments, students develop the ability to analyze the impact of films viewed both in and out of class. This course is appropriate for any student interested in film, art, media studies, or culture.

MSCM 134 - Documentary FilmM3.0
MSCM 134 - Documentary Film (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college level-texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course serves as an introduction to documentary film. It provides an overview of key historical and critical concepts regarding film, including vocabulary for storyboard and scene analysis. Students analyze films in relation to mise-en-scene, editing, sound, narrative, cinematography, screenplay, and meaning.

Total Semester Units:9.0 
2nd Semester
Select one: LIT 147 / LIT 147H M3.0
LIT 147 - Cinema as Literature (3.0 units)

Prerequisite:ENGL 101
Advisory:It is advised that students be able to read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: LIT 147 or LIT 147H)

This course is intended for students interested in learning about the aesthetics of filmmaking, especially with regard to the adaptation of literature to the cinematic medium. Films are analyzed and evaluated according to their historical, social, cultural, aesthetic, and technical significance. Both American and international filmmaking will be covered.

LIT 147H - Cinema as Literature Honors (3.0 units)

Prerequisite: ENGL 101
Advisory:It is advised that students be able to read college-level texts.
Transfers to:UC (*credit limit), CSU(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: LIT 147 or LIT 147H)

This course is intended for students interested in learning about the aesthetics of filmmaking, especially with regard to the adaptation of literature to the cinematic medium. Films are analyzed and evaluated according to their historical, social, cultural, aesthetic, and technical significance. Both American and international filmmaking will be covered. The course is intended for students who meet Honors Program requirements.

RDIO 104 - Radio BroadcastingM3.0
RDIO 104 - Radio Broadcasting (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and be able to read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC,CSU

This course introduces students to the field of broadcasting and related electronic media, with emphasis placed on the history, development, and current status of broadcasting and related industries. Students explore the broadcasting industry and develop "on-air" skills for a variety of radio formats, and upon completion, demonstrate knowledge of the regulations, organizational structures, revenue sources, historical development, and ongoing operation of broadcasting and related industries.

MSCM 128 - Mass Media in Modern SocietyM3.0
MSCM 128 - Mass Media in Modern Society (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college level-texts.
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: MSCM 103 or MSCM 128)

This course in mass media surveys the history, format, laws, and significant contributors in American mass communications. Through projects and readings, students research and discuss such issues as free press, fair trial, foreign communications systems, and the relationship between free media and a democratic society.

Total Semester Units:9.0 
3rd Semester
MSCM 103 - Survey of Motion Picture, Radio, and TelevisionM3.0
MSCM 103 - Survey of Motion Picture, Radio, and Television (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college level-texts.
Transfers to:UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: MSCM 103 or MSCM 128)

This course provides an overview of the history, theory, and aesthetic principles of radio, television, and motion pictures, and examines their social impacts and effects on society. The changing nature of consumer information is explored, along with the evolution of these three mediums in the traditional and non-traditional aspects of listening, writing, and viewing. The social, political, regulatory, ethical, and occupational impacts of the electronic media are also studied.

TV 135 - Digital Filmmaking I: IntroductionM3.0
TV 135 - Digital Filmmaking I: Introduction (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to:UC, CSU

This is an introductory course in film production techniques for narrative, documentary, and music video, and may be of interest to students interested in both film and television production. Topics include creating a story treatment, screenwriting, storyboarding, camera operation, lighting, introductory production sound, and non-linear editing. Students work in teams and crew all positions, including writer, producer, director, assistant director, cinematographer, boom operator, and editor. Emphasis is placed on defining the content, structure, and style of the production. Students implement these skills with projects in documentary, music video, and narrative filmmaking traditions.

JOUR 120 - Communications Reporting and WritingM3.0
JOUR 120 - Communications Reporting and Writing (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

The course is an introduction to the writing and editing techniques used in the newspaper industry, with an emphasis on gathering information and the principles of clarity and conciseness. Students will use computers during class and lab times. This course is intended for students who are pursuing the Associate of Science Degree/Certificate of Achievement in Mass Communications with either Mass Media or Print Media Specializations.

Total Semester Units:9.0 
4th Semester
JOUR 147 - Broadcast NewsM3.0
JOUR 147 - Broadcast News (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: CSU

This course is for students interested in broadcasting for television. Students learn the principles and techniques of broadcast news with special reference to the gathering and writing of news for television, script writing, and interviewing; and the procedures and techniques of presenting the news for broadcast. This course covers law and ethics; producing news packages; live-to-tape packages; and live shots including SOT/VO, producing, and directing. Students will have the opportunity to produce the “Rio News” weekly segments for the El Paisano digital newspaper.

Select one: JOUR 290 / RDIO 290 M1.0
JOUR 290 - Cooperative Work Experience/Internship for Journalism Related Fields (1.0 units)

Prerequisite: JOUR 120, JOUR 241, ENGL 101
Transfers to: CSU

This course supports and reinforces on-the-job training in journalism related fields under supervision of a college instructor and is facilitated by the use of learning objectives. The student will be working in a skilled or professional level assignment in an area of journalism related fields and will meet performance objectives related to instruction that are above and beyond the conditions of regular employment. This course is intended for students whose intended job is related to the field of journalism and have completed or enrolled in the appropriate coursework. Contact the CWE office regarding re-enrollment procedures.

Student Unpaid Internship:
1 Unit/60 hours; 2 Units/120 hours;
3 Units/180 hours; 4 Units/240 hours
Student Paid Internship:
1 Unit/75 hours; 2 Units/150 hours;
3 Units/225 hours; 4 Units/300 hours.

RDIO 290 - Cooperative Work Experience/Internship for Radio Related Fields (1.0 units)

Prerequisite: RDIO 104
Transfers to: CSU

This course supports and reinforces on-the-job training in radio related fields under supervision of a college instructor and is facilitated by the use of learning objectives. The student will be working in a skilled or professional level assignment in an area of radio related fields and will meet performance objectives related to instruction that are above and beyond the conditions of regular employment. This course is intended for students whose intended job is related to the field of radio and have completed or enrolled in the appropriate coursework. "Contact the CWE office regarding re-enrollment procedures".

Student Unpaid Internship:
1 Unit/60 hours; 2 Units/120 hours;
3 Units/180 hours; 4 Units/240 hours
Student Paid Internship:
1 Unit/75 hours; 2 Units/150 hours;
3 Units/225 hours; 4 Units/300 hours.

Total Semester Units:4.0 
Total Units for Mass Communications/Mass Media COA program 31.0 
Notes:
AP exams and courses taken outside of Rio Hondo College may fulfill general education and/or major requirements. Please check with a counselor.
Legend:
M Major course; course may also meet a general education requirement
Advising Sheet:
Click or tap here to open the program's advising sheet.

Program Learning Outcomes

1

Students will identify the broad area of the history, theory, aesthetic principles, and techniques used in motion pictures.


2

Students will take press photos, print the photos, and prepare the composition of the photos for publication.


3

Students will write a news story of a particular length that can be produced on the air for an allotted time slot.


4

Students demonstrate knowledge of the broad area of the history, theory, aesthetic principles, and techniques used in motion pictures.


About RHC

Rio Hondo College, serving the communities of El Monte, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, South El Monte, and Whittier for over 50 years.

Contact

Rio Hondo College
3600 Workman Mill Road
Whittier, CA 90601

Phone: (562) 692-0921
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