The communications studies minor allows students to explore communication paths in
cyber communication, organizational communication and human communication. Winthrop's film and content production minor will be unique in that no other local
institutions offer a track that focuses on both film and content hands-on production.
Bonnye Stuart
Sabrina Habib
ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA — Winthrop University will anticipate the growing interest
in all forms of communications, from traditional to digital, with two new minors in the Department of Mass Communication: communications studies and film and content production.
Communications studies
Bonnye Stuart, an instructor of mass communication who focuses on integrated marketing communication,
will oversee this new minor, which allows students to explore communication paths
in cyber communication, organizational communication and human communication.
"Employers today seek graduates with great communication skills across all sectors
from social media to interpersonal interaction," Stuart said. "This minor was established
for students who want to further develop their knowledge and communication skills."
After taking the three required courses for the minor—public speaking (SPCH 201),
WRIT 465 (preparation of oral and written reports) and a comparative politics course
(PLSC 207) that focuses on communication on global issues—students can choose three
elective classes from any of the three paths. Courses range from advertising principles
and technical communication to management and leadership and social psychology.
This minor is not open to mass communication majors.
Film and content production
American technology conglomerate Cisco Systems predicts that by 2020, 82 percent of
consumer internet traffic will be comprised of video. The film and content production
minor, which started enrolling this spring, will give students a general overview
of the possible specializations within the field and gain experience through hands-on
courses.
"We are responding to student demands and hope to eventually grow it into a major,
which would fill a gap in our state," said Sabrina Habib, assistant professor of mass
communication. "While other universities offer film studies, no one is offering a
track that focuses on both film and content hands-on production.
"Their skills will be the foundation to create content for brands, journalism, filmmaking
or any type of video storytelling," she added. "The minor is broad enough to attract
an array of interests."
The required courses—FILM 101, FILM 201, FILM 301 and FILM 420—focus on production
fundamentals, screenwriting and film production/technology. The minor includes a capstone
project.
In addition to the required courses, students who pursue this minor can choose two
electives from specific classes in the arts, theatre, music technology, visual communication,
writing, English or design. Mass communication majors who pursue this minor must take
an additional elective: MUTC 201, DESF 222 or VCOM 392.
For more information on these minors, contact the Department of Mass Communication at 803/323-2121.
