Harper College is closed on Friday, April 18, for Reading Day.
This sample transfer planning guide meets the requirements of the Associate in Arts degree and follows the Illinois Articulation Initiative mass communication baccalaureate major recommendations. Students choosing to follow this sample plan need to choose the major of Associate in Arts if needing financial aid. Transfer institution requirements may vary - students should check individual college/university requirements before completing the sample plan as outlined. Baccalaureate admission may be competitive. Completion of these courses does not guarantee admission.
| Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
First Semester | Hours | |
| ENG 101 | Composition I | 3 |
Description: Emphasizes the writing of expository prose. Introduction to the critical reading of nonfiction prose. IAI C1 900 Prerequisite: ENG 096 with a grade of P or other placement options. https://www.harpercollege.edu/testing/english-placement-grid.php ESL students need one of the following options: ESL 073 and ESL 074 with grades of B or better; ESL 073 with a grade of B or better and required writing placement test score; or ESL 074 with a grade of B or better and required reading placement test score. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| FYS 101 | First Year Seminar | 3 |
Description: Please note: FYS sections are specific to a student's Area of Interest (AoI); please make sure that you are registering for the correct one. Thank you! Focuses on developing critical thinking and information literacy skills to make better-informed decisions regarding college and career planning. Special emphasis is given to the questions, methods, and career and college options relating to an area of academic or thematic interest. Additional information about material to be covered will be available with pre-registration materials each time that the course is offered. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| Mathematics 1 | 3 | |
| MCM 120 | Introduction to Mass Communication | 3 |
Description: Examines the history, technical development and cultural impact of the media, including books, newspapers, magazines, radio, sound recording, movies, television and the Internet; as well as related areas of public relations and advertising. Focuses on media convergence, trends and issues. Analyzes the impact and effects of media on our consumer culture and democratic system. Encourages critical evaluation of the media. IAI MC 911 Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| SPE 101 | Fundamentals of Speech Communication | 3 |
Description: Theory and practice of oral communications. Development of poise, confidence and skill in speech organization and delivery. Emphasis on frequent speaking, development of standards of criticism and selection and organization of material. IAI C2 900 Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| Hours | 15 | |
Second Semester | ||
| ENG 102 | Composition II | 3 |
Description: Continues ENG 101. Reading literature and writing of various types of prose. Introduces methods used in writing investigative papers. IAI C1 901R Prerequisite: ENG 101 with a grade of C or better, or consent of instructor or department chair. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| MCM 130 | Introduction to Journalism | 3 |
Description: Introduces the basics of writing for the media and Associated Press (AP) style, focusing on print journalism. Explores the history, legal and ethical concerns, and culture of journalism. Develops fundamental skills in writing, interviewing and conducting research using traditional and Internet sources. Emphasizes accuracy, conciseness, grammar and spelling skills. Explores career opportunities in journalism. Some beginning reporting and writing in computer lab. IAI MC 919 Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| MCM 200 | Film History | 3 |
Description: Surveys the historical development of film emphasizing a study of films and innovations in film production that have had a significant influence on film as an art form. Explores the history of film through the eyes of the filmmaker. Students will analyze film movements from multilple countries and recognize their effect on each other and the Hollywood film model. IAI F2 909 Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| Physical and Life Science 2 | 4 | |
| Social and Behavioral Science 3 | 3 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
Third Semester | ||
| Humanities and Fine Arts 4 | 3 | |
| MCM 205 | Multi-Platform Photojournalism | 3 |
Description: Introduces students to the principles and techniques of photojournalism for use in a variety of platforms including print, broadcast, web and social media. Students will use still photography and mobile video production techniques to create products for web journalism, public relations and marketing. IAI MC 921 Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| MCM 212 | Multi-Camera Production | 3 |
Description: Introduces students to the application of fundamental multi-camera production techniques. Includes terminology, conceptualization, basic script writing, audio board operations, editing, shooting and lighting in multi-camera settings including live events, social media streaming and video conferencing. IAI MC 916A Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| Physical and Life Science 2 | 3 | |
| Social and Behavioral Science 3 | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
Fourth Semester | ||
| Humanities and Fine Arts 4 | 3 | |
| Major Discipline and Transfer Elective 5 | 6 | |
| MCM 233 | Introduction to Public Relations | 3 |
Description: Explores the history, theory, practice and role of public relations in government, corporate, non-profit and private organizations. Introduces students to the business and creative aspects of publics relations, as well as the complexities of issue management. Students will prepare original public relations campaigns for print, broadcast and electronic media. Familiarizes the student with computer software for desktop publishing. IAI MC 913 Recommended Prerequisite: MCM 230 with a grade of C or better, or computer design experience. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| Social and Behavioral Science 3 | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Total Hours | 61 | |
Refer to the Associate in Arts degree for approved courses in this category. Students should check the curriculum of the transfer school they are considering.
Select one Physical and one Life Science course. At least one must include a lab. Refer to the Associate in Arts degree for approved courses in this category.
Select one Social and Behavioral Science course. Refer to the Associate in Arts degree for approved courses in this category.
Select at least one course from Humanities or Interdisciplinary Studies. Refer to the Associate in Arts degree for approved courses in this category.
Additional recommended courses: MCM 150, MCM 156, MCM 218
For more information about the Mass Communication Advertising PR program, contact Admission Outreach at 847.925.6700, or submit a request information form. You can also apply online.
