Steven J. Surman:
Freelance Writer
College Coursework
MCM120
News Writing
Techniques of basic news writing for print and broadcast media. Emphasizes gathering and organizing information, rewriting and editing copy, and critiquing published as well as peer writing. Introduces on-line word processing and other forms of electronic networking to deliver copy. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab)
Attended at PCT
MCM241
Advanced Media Writing
Refined techniques for specialized and specific writing for a range of mass media. Surveys news features including scripts, instructional presentations, bites, color stories, sidebars and personality sketches. Includes techniques for interviewing, researching and writing with the goal of publication for pay. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab)
Attended at PCT
MCM225
Reporting Public Affairs
Develops refined writing skills through class assignments and news beat coverage. Emphasizes meeting deadlines and creating tight, thorough writing. Focuses on reporting public events through practicum and field experience. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab)
Attended at PCT
Feature Writing
Outlines basic requirements for feature-type articles for newspapers and magazines. Studies various techniques used to gather information and to develop a range of feature articles. Includes practical work as well as the study and discussion of published articles and marketing strategies. 3 Credits (3 Lecture – 0 Lab)
Attended at BU
MCM136
Introduction to Video Production
Theory and practice of video production with emphasis on understanding the visual media and their functions as means of communication. Emphasizes basic production elements such as camera operation, lighting and audio and video recording. Examines the pre-production process necessary for outlining, script development and storyboard creation. 3 Credits (2 Lecture - 3 Lab)
Attended at PCT
MCM236
Digital Media Editing
Theory, techniques, software applications and peripherals used in the process of creating and editing digital media content. Includes non-linear digital video editing, digital media asset creation and management of digital media content for digital video (DV), Internet, CD-ROM, and presentation applications. 3 Credits (2 Lecture - 3 Lab)
Attended at PCT
MCM246
Advanced Digital Media Production
Advanced non-linear video and audio production, delivery and distribution. Students produce short features and documentaries and, as part of project teams, create identity or advocacy pieces for non-profit groups. 3 Credits (2 Lecture - 3 Lab)
Attended at PCT
Telecommunications Workshop
A practical workshop program in which telecommunications majors undertake specific instruction on the technical aspects of their major. Topics may change from semester to semester and students may be required to work on specific projects, such as telethons or television news, as part of their workshop programs. 3 Credits (0 Lecture – 3 Lab)
Attended at BU
MCM127
Principles of Advertising
Survey of the history of American advertising and its relation to the economy. Media management and placement; integrated marketing communication; retail and national advertising; sociological aspects; creative production. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab)
Attended at PCT
PR: Theory and Practice
An introduction to the development, principles, theories and practice of public relations as a social and organizational implement. Looks briefly at the communication process, publicity, community relations and public affairs practice. 3 Credits (3 Lecture – 0 Lab)
Attended at BU
ENL235
Creative Writing
Develops the insights, sensibilities and skills necessary for the creation and refinement of expressive and imaginative writing. Early emphasis is upon the principles and techniques common to all genres of writing that seek to define, challenge and celebrate the individual. After cultivating observation, memory, and consistency, students will then focus upon crafting fresh and significant works that add to the traditions of poetry, fiction, and/or dramatic scripts. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab)
Attended at PCT
Creative Writing: Fiction
Original creative work in fiction; critical analysis by the instructor and the class in group discussion. 3 Credits (3 Lecture – 0 Lab)
Attended at BU
Creative Writing Seminar
An advanced course in creative writing. Through revision and editing, students have the opportunity to create a publishable body of work in a genre of their choosing, and create a portfolio suitable for job/graduate school interviewing. This course will enable students to develop a significant creative writing project while in a workshop setting and under the guidance of an instructor. Exercises to hone craft and essays to articulate theory are also included. 3 Credits (3 Lecture – 0 Lab)
Attended at BU
Elements of Political Science
Uses the procedures of political science to study power and examines the processes of politics and the practices of governments, the performance of and the pressures on the political system. 3 Credits (3 Lecture – 0 Lab)
Attended at BU
PSC241
State and Local Government
State and local government institutions, their functions and responsibilities; intergovernmental relations. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab)
Attended at PCT
SOC111
Introduction to Sociology
An introduction to the basic concepts and methods used in studying the group life of human beings. Students analyze forces which shape social practice and norms and explore alternative social practices.
3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab)
Attended at PCT
Principles of Cultural Anthropology
Provides a cross-cultural study of all human behaviors in contemporary cultures. Topics surveyed include socialization; language; sex, age and kinship roles; religion and magic; marriage and the family; political and economic behavior; cultural change; and the arts. Anthropological methodology and the concept of culture also are stressed. 3 Credits (3 Lecture – 0 Lab)
Attended at BU
Anthropology and World Problems
Explores the origins of global problems and evaluates the variety of cultural solutions to those problems. Investigates cultural values and solutions of tribal peoples holistically and compares them to those of industrialized nations in terms of their consequences and implications. 3 Credits (3 Lecture – 0 Lab)
Attended at BU
Human Biology
Presents an overview of function and the major concepts and principles of biology relating to humans.
3 Credits (3 Lecture – 0 Lab)
Attended at BU
Ecology and Evolution
Studies biology from the ecological, evolutionary and behavioral perspectives with emphasis on humankind. 3 Credits (3 Lecture – 0 Lab)
Attended at BU
CSC110
Introduction to Information Technology
Study includes all curricular areas with a broad background of computing fundamentals and an awareness of how and where information technology is currently being implemented. Computing terminology, hardware and software concepts, computer security, modern digital computers, new computer applications, how information technology is changing our society, and ethical use of computer information systems will be covered. In addition to computing theory, students will acquire basic skills in operating systems, networking, word processing, spreadsheets, and bibliographic research. Introduction to a variety of applications and environments; these will change with the emergence of new technologies. Prior keyboarding skills would be helpful. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab)
Attended at PCT
SPC101
Fundamentals of Speech
Includes public speaking methods and evaluation and the development of persuasive speech. The study of modern rhetorical theory in interpersonal and group dynamics and in mass persuasion and non-verbal behavior. The student will participate as speaker in a variety of situations and roles, including public speaking, small groups, and interpersonal communication. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab)
Attended at PCT
SPC201
Interpersonal Communication
Introduction to the theories, models, and practices in person-to-person communication, including a brief exposure to theories and methods of organizational communication. Emphasizes conflict management, gender, and cross-cultural issues. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab)
Attended at PCT
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