Special Topics
Check back each semester for new Special Topic courses.
Spring 2026
Cinematic Arts
CCA 494/795 section 1R
An in-depth and hands-on production course where students get introduced to, utilize and design advanced lighting setups that could help frame the state of mind, evolving emotions, and underlying motivations of the characters, and set nuanced mood, ambience, and visual impact in a narrative film.
CCA 494/795 section 4K
This class develops student skills in stereo and surround sound mixing. The Advanced Postproduction Sound Mixing and Editing course is both a seminar and a workshop that provides a practical and theoretical introduction to surround sound mixing. The course explores this process from project scoping through the final mix. By the end of the course, students will have a stereo, 5.1, and 7.1 short film mix.
CCA 494/795 section Q
This course explores Afrofuturism, an international movement in cinema, music, art, literature and more featuring futuristic themes and speculative fiction that intersect with elements of African and Black diasporic history and culture. Examples include Sun Ra’s Space is the Place (1974), Marvel’s Black Panther (2018 and 2022) and Wanuri Kahiu’s Pumzi (2009).
CCA 494/795 section 6R
This course introduces the theoretical and practical foundations of costume design, including research methodologies and creative approach. Emphasis will be placed on specific stages of the costume design process, including research, design preparation, script analysis, continuity, budgeting, contemporary production procedures, terminology, and costume department roles, and etiquette.
CCA 494/795
The course explores the evolving creative partnership between artists-filmmakers and artificial intelligence. It combines the craft and hands-on analog filmmaking — including working with actors — with cutting-edge AI tools and workflows. The semester culminates in the creation of an original AI-generated film.
Podcast Storytelling affords students the opportunity to develop a new wave of audio content, create virtual gathering spaces and has the potential to create new audiences. Students will produce projects as either stand-alone or episodic and will publish their projects on a hosting site.
CCA 494/750 section 4G
Advanced production concepts and techniques explored in a variety of media. Students will produce an approved film or script. The class will explore the language of motion picture and how this language is utilized in the story telling process.
Communication
COM 406 section P
Communication Studies
COS 391/691 section 1K
Nutrition & Communication examines how nutrition information is framed and delivered across society. Students explore the social meanings of food; core communication modalities (oral, print, broadcast, digital, and interpersonal); and cultural competence. Topics include the history of nutrition messaging: Advertising, food labeling, ethics, and industry influence – along with behavior change theories, health and nutrition literacy, and culturally tailored education. Students systematically assess how nutrition information is disseminated across all channels (i.e. accuracy, credibility, accessibility, equity, reach, and engagement), including content analysis and basic analytics. They also analyze contemporary marketing (social media, fad diets, influencer credibility) and practice interprofessional communication in nutrition and healthcare settings. The course culminates in the design and evaluation of a culturally responsive, evidence-based nutrition communication campaign.
COS 391 section 5R
Research and theory organized around the inextricable link between communication processes (including message production and reception) and the development of romantic/intimate relationships emerged under the rubric “relational communication” in the early to mid-1980’s. This course will examine the evolution of this field, from foundational studies and key theories to novel developments and the various factors that influence romantic communication today.
Students should expect to:
- Understand the dynamics involved in romantic relationships
- Analyze how communication impacts attraction, bonding, and maintenance
- Recognize and interpret the effect of digital communication on relationships
- Identify and interpret attachment styles and their impact on relationships
- Critically evaluate depictions of romantic relationships in the media
- Practice conflict management strategies for romantic scenarios
- Understand and apply key theories and concepts in romantic communication
Why do we fall in love, and how does communication shape every stage of a relationship? Sign up for Romantic Communication, to explore how verbal and non-verbal communication influences attraction, bonding, conflict, and breakups. From classic theories of relational communication to the impact of texting, dating apps, and social media, students will gain tools to analyze and improve their relational communication. Look forward to interactive assignments such as – analyzing couples in pop culture, exploring attachment theory, and mock “couples therapy”. This course is perfect for anyone curious about relationships, or the science of connection!
Interactive Media
CIM 489/689 section 4J
This course introduces students to the business and legal foundations of the $180 billion video game industry, offering a practical guide to protecting creative work and navigating real-world challenges in development, distribution, and marketing. Through discussions on intellectual property, contracts, publishing deals, revenue models, and emerging topics like privacy, user-generated content, and loot boxes, students learn how games are brought to market and how studios manage risk, negotiate fair agreements, and build sustainable businesses. While focused on video games, the lessons apply broadly across creative and interactive media, helping students bridge the gap between creativity and commerce.
Journalism & Media Management
JMM 411/692 section O
JMM 592 section S
Students will learn to create basic animations, special effects, and motion graphics using Adobe After Effects through project-based instruction relevant to both beginners and experienced users.
CCA 404 + JMM 592 section 5T
JMM 592/692 + CCA 494/795 section 5U
This course gives a creative and business overview of the entertainment industry across a wide range of professions through a series of master classes taught by Los Angeles-based experts in the fields of film, television, game
JMM 306 section 4D
This course will be taught by an experience broadcast meteorologist and will introduce the students to the elements of forecasting and weather reporting for broadcast television.
JMM 692 + COM 609 section 1T
JMM 592/625 section R
Strategic Communication
STC 494/691 section EF
STC 494/691 section 1T
This course explores how entertainment industries such as K-pop, Bollywood, and Hollywood shape global audiences and cultural trends. Students will learn how public relations and strategic communication are used to build, promote, and sustain these cultural phenomena across diverse regions.
STC 314/629 section R
This course explores the intersection of public relations and artificial intelligence (AI), equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to leverage AI tools effectively in their professional practice. Students will delve into the applications and topics of AI in various areas including research, content creation, image generation, presentation development, and ethical considerations. Through hands-on exercises and case studies, students will learn to harness the power of AI to enhance their PR campaigns, streamline workflows, and stay ahead of industry trends.