This course provides an in-depth look at communication in close relationships. The course begins with models of relational communication and proceeds with self- and other perceptions, verbal and nonverbal strategies and rituals, then the larger processes of communication in developing, sustaining, struggling, and ending relationships. Three featured topics include the role of conflict, verbal abuse, and personal style as factors in close relationships.

What makes this story so good? Compelling magazine and newspaper writing employs narrative nonfiction's creative tools to bring true stories to life. In this intermediate workshop-style course, students analyze examples of the best published memoir, personal narrative, travel writing, and immersion journalism to interpret the author's craft and formulate aesthetic principles to apply to their own creative work.

Playwriting is a workshop course designed for any student interested in developing their storytelling skills by writing for the stage. Students will study major components of playwriting, including dramatic formatting, structure, plot and character development, writing actionable dialogue, analysis, dramaturgy, and more. Students will deepen their understanding of these components and of the creative process through writing exercises, pitching ideas, reading work out loud, and respectfully providing and receiving feedback.

This course introduces students to the history, art, and craft of cogent short-form film and television writing. It involves theoretical and applied components. Topics include: concept, conflict, and character development, writing treatments, structure and plot point crafting, genre considerations, theme and character dynamics, mood and stylistic concerns, etc. Selective scripts from the course may be used in advanced production courses.

A hands-on seminar that explores the use of text, images, sound, video, data and graphics to tell stories in an engaging way. Students will leverage digital tools, social media platforms, and research to inform, educate or entertain. The course explores historical aspects, storytelling structures, design concepts, ethical issues, writing styles, and the business of media.

This workshop course offers students effective techniques for written and oral communication within the fields of business and industry, including key aspects of technical correspondence, report writing, oral communication, and the jobseeking process.

An in-depth look at the various forms of writing for video games. Students will study and practice game story scripting, writing for interface, dialogue and narration, as well as video game technical writing. Students will develop skills to handle the many writing tasks necessary for a game development project. Students who are not part of the Game Development program will also benefit from taking this course, as it is also applicable to non-game forms of media production.

An in-depth look at game design theory and aesthetic criticism pertaining to video games. Through the use of significant projects, students will further develop practical design skills, and investigate theoretical topics such as the ability of games to communicate, simulate and persuade. Students will examine the connections between game design and faith, spirituality, ethics, morality, and the Christian tradition in order to become game designers who are thoughtful shapers of culture rather than simply entertainment technicians.

Introduces students to the design of interactive digital experiences with a focus on website design, User Experience (UX) design, and User Interface (UI) design. Students will learn the core concepts and principles of interaction design by working through technical and design projects using industry standard design software. Students leave this course with the ability to build basic websites and design digital experiences that follow current interaction design standards and methodologies.

An exploration of integrated conceptual thinking and formal experimentation with the structural and organizing systems at work in graphic communications. Emphasis is given to the development of unified graphic systems spanning multiple design contexts and formats.