COMMUNICATIONS PATHWAY
The Communications Pathway is a four-year elective sequence that explores, develops, and refines skills in the areas of performance and print. The Pathway courses incorporate project-based learning, career and community experiences, educational field trips, and guest speakers. In the foundational courses of the Pathway, students will develop a broad knowledge of mass communications in various forms. The Pathway’s third course customizes learning by providing students with a choice of courses in order to specialize in an area of interest. The Pathway’s capstone course synthesizes students’ skills and experiences into a collaborative and community-based project.
Recommended Course Sequence:
- Public Speaking
- Power of Mass Communication
- Journalism or Broadcast Journalism
- District Internship
- Optional: Media Literacy Through Popular Culture
PUBLIC SPEAKING (EN9049) 0.5 credit
This course emphasizes the importance of effective public speaking in academic and real-world settings. Students are guided toward the creative development of speaking forms: process, persuasive, and informational. Additional skills emphasized include planning, preparing, and presenting a speech, the incorporation of technology, and critical evaluation. Students will also explore possible careers within the various fields of communications. Communication Arts 1: Public Speaking also serves as the foundational course in the Communications Pathway.
POWER OF MASS COMMUNICATIONS (EN9199) 0.5 credit
This course explores various forms of mass communications, focusing on the writer’s role and responsibilities. Students will investigate key topics such as: journalism, social media, literary arts, and broadcasting. Authentic assignments will require students to craft messages that include, but are not limited to: social media campaigns, print publications, public relations, and mixed media. In addition, students will continue to explore career opportunities in the various fields of communications. Communication Arts 2: Publications serves as the second course in the Communications Pathway.
JOURNALISM (EN9039) 1.0 credit
This course is designed for students interested in learning the basics of journalism as well as for advanced students who want to expand their skills into the areas of arts and entertainment writing, sports reporting, and editorial writing. Students will also learn how to research and write editorials as well as the fundamentals of photojournalism. Note: This course can be taken multiple times for advanced study of the subject.
BROADCAST JOURNALISM (EN9069) 1.0 credit
Students taking Broadcast Journalism will learn to write copy for and report both news and feature stories. This course exposes students to the process of live television production. Students will learn to operate a studio camera and use angles, shot length, movement and other techniques to create an interesting news story. Students will learn the techniques of producing, directing, editing, and anchoring in the studio providing valuable experience in the television industry. Final Cut Express will be used in this course. Note: This course is in conjunction with the business department and can be taken multiple times for advanced study of the subject.
DISTRICT INTERNSHIP (BU9259) 1.0 credit
The BASD Internship Program is intended to provide upperclassmen with opportunities to participate in on-site or off-site experiences related to their career goals. Through this program, students will interact with, observe, and assist individuals who are employed in an occupation.
The intent of a BASD internship course is to provide activities that will enable the student to make informed career decisions based on significant knowledge and insights developed during participation. For more information please visit the BASD District Internship page.
MEDIA LITERACY THROUGH POPULAR CULTURE (EN9189) 0.5 credit
This course is designed to empower students to become conscious and aware of the messaging they are receiving in the media. Through Popular Culture and living authors, students will read, discuss, and deconstruct current topics related to power, bias, stereotypes, diversity, and social justice. The following genres will be utilized: young adult literature, spoken word poetry, sales copy, video, blogs, tweets, music lyrics, and current news outlets. The goal is for students to not only become aware of everyday messaging but to produce their own content as well.