This course explores the use of media in strategic communication toward the attainment of organizational objectives. Students will explore the impact of public relations, media outreach, marketing, branding, and leadership communication on both internal and external audiences in a variety of settings and sectors. The role and purpose of the organizational spokesperson, the function of the leader as the chief communicator, the strategic alignment of message and messenger, and effective use of technology in business communications will be discussed. This course provides knowledge of opportunities and pitfalls of the media environment, particularly in the digital, 24-hour news cycle age.

Building on skills learned in Web Development I, students continue to gain an understanding of the terminology, development tools, and fundamental skills related to designing a successful website. Current software applications are learned as appropriate to the process.

In the past 25 years, electronic media, mobile devices, and algorithmically optimized information networks have intensified how humans have engaged with mediated information. This course examines the collateral effects of this phenomenon on our habits, norms, beliefs, and cognitive processing. Students will study the historical, political, and theoretical narrative that has led to questions about the construction of social worlds, the construct of reality, and the legitimacy of information. A special focus will be made in studying the implications of synthetic deepfake and AI-driven text generating systems in accelerating these effects.

The Capstone course for the Digital Communication Design major enables the student to apply what they have learned throughout their academic career within a project of their choosing. Students will propose, design, develop, and report on a project that touches upon each of the Programmatic Outcomes for their major and concentration to demonstrate their knowledge and proficiency. Students will work in partnership with faculty to create a project that meets the requirements, output, and format of Capstone-level research. Prior to capstone enrollment, students are expected to complete the majority of their required major courses. Students should consult with their advisor regarding specific major courses that may be completed with their capstone. NOTE: Students who were admitted to the college before Fall 2019 and have remained active in their original catalog year are not required to take IDIS 601.