USCHS launches year-long communications course

Eighteen students in grades 9-12 are enrolled in the English elective for the current school year.

Mastering Media: From the Page to the Digital Age is a year-long communications course that is comprised of three 12-week modules: the Evolution of Media, Introduction to Video, and Presentation Techniques. The course was created with support from English teachers Melissa Tungate, Keith Froelich and Lexi Surunis. 

“This course structure breaks away from the traditional semester scheduling,” Ms. Tungate said. “Instead, it is more responsive to the curriculum, student needs and the opportunity to expose students to greater variety in the area of media.”

The English teachers hope that the course’s three separate modules effectively introduce students to the different areas of communications. 

“The course gives students background and history of media along with hands-on experiences to create as well,” Ms. Tungate said. “We hope they leave the course with a greater understanding of media and some skills in creating and delivering, ultimately giving them more confidence in themselves as communicators.”

With the ever-changing digital landscape, the Mastering Media course enables students to understand the relationship between society and media, and to sharpen their own personal communication skills.

“Communication is the heart of every interaction we have in society,” Ms. Tungate said. “Now more than ever, we are consuming and delivering messages at a fast pace. We want high school students to be critical thinkers in analyzing messages and also know how to use their speaking skills to deliver messages effectively.”

Ms. Tungate stresses that effective communication skills are essential, regardless of a student’s potential career path.

“Though communication skills are traditionally a focus in the English department, these skills transcend content areas and fields,” Ms. Tungate said. “Those who pursue STEM-related careers need these skills and knowledge just as much as those who pursue the humanities. Physicians, businesspeople, writers, and everyone in between can benefit from what this course and other communications courses offer.”

The first 12 weeks – Evolution of Media – is focused on print, broadcast and digital media. An integral part of the course is the addition of guest speakers who can share their experiences and expertise. To date, guests have included Terry Kish, editor of the Upper St. Clair TODAY magazine, and Andrew Stockey, WTAE anchor/reporter. Natalie Glikes, a digital media professional, is scheduled to visit the class later this month.

“Guest speakers give students the interaction with professionals who are currently in the field of media,” Ms. Tungate said. “Our three speakers cover all three areas of media studied in the first 12-week rotation of the course; print, broadcast and digital.”

The speakers provide students with a glimpse of real-world experience in these areas of media and a better understanding of the work and challenges they face. 

“With these professionals sharing their experiences and knowledge with our students, we hope that our students have a more enriched understanding of media,” Ms. Tungate said. “The speakers also provide an opportunity for networking and understanding the career-related aspects of the content. Speakers can also highlight what post-secondary training is needed to successfully enter this field, and what a career trajectory might look like.”

The 12-week Introduction to Video module will include basic camera and editing procedures and techniques. Students will have the opportunity to produce a commercial and a music video. 

During the Presentation Techniques module, students will review presentation software as well as preparation and delivery skills. Students will gain practice in various forms of expression, including informing, persuading, and entertaining.

For more information about the Mastering Media: From the Page to the Digital Age course, contact Ms. Tungate at mctungate@uscsd.k12.pa.us.