Multimedia production for strategic communications
| *Fall 2026 | Montclair State University* |
| Instructor | Joe Amditis |
| Course | STCM 140, section 04 |
| Modality | Hawk to Hawk |
| Schedule | Fridays, 2–4:45 p.m. |
| Location | SCM-2050 |
| Office hours | By appointment |
| Official syllabus | View the Montclair Syllabus |
This site summarizes the published Montclair Syllabus. Canvas is the source of truth for announcements, assignments, deadlines, feedback, and grades.
Course overview
This introductory course teaches essential multimedia production skills for strategic communications. You will create content for different media channels, use photo, video, and audio production tools, and apply multimedia tactics to brand messaging.
The course focuses on practical work. You will learn how to use production tools and why specific design and content choices support a communication goal.
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Analyze media systems and identify audience information needs
- Apply contrast, hierarchy, alignment, and balance to visual work
- Develop audience personas based on motivations, constraints, and media habits
- Write clear strategic copy for different audiences and platforms
- Create accessible multimedia assets, including useful alt text
- Develop and apply a style guide across a campaign
Key dates
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| August 28 | First class |
| September 7 | Academic engagement assignment due |
| October 16 | Monday schedule; our Friday class does not meet |
| October 17–25 | Fall break |
| November 25–29 | Thanksgiving break |
| December 11 | Last regular Friday meeting |
| December 15 | Friday schedule and final class meeting |
Grading
| Component | Points |
|---|---|
| Weekly assignments | 585 points |
| Final project | 500 points |
| Participation | Required |
| Grade | Percentage | Grade | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 94–100% | A- | 90–93% |
| B+ | 87–89% | B | 84–86% |
| B- | 80–83% | C+ | 77–79% |
| C | 74–76% | C- | 70–73% |
| D+ | 67–69% | D | 64–66% |
| D- | 60–63% | F | 0–59% |
Required materials
- No textbook purchase is required.
- Use Canvas for assignments, course materials, feedback, and grades.
- Use a current version of Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.
- Connect to MSU Secure Wi-Fi with your NetID when you work on campus.
- Use your Montclair access to Microsoft Office 365 Education and Google Apps for Education.
- Use Microsoft Copilot with Enterprise Data Protection when an assignment permits AI tools.
Course policies
Attendance and participation
This is a hands-on workshop course. Your presence matters because class meetings include production work and direct feedback. Contact me early if you expect to miss class.
Communication
Use the office hours scheduler for appointments. Email is best for quick or individual questions. I aim to respond within 24 hours on weekdays.
Academic integrity
Submit your own work and follow Montclair’s academic integrity policy. Ask questions before submission when you are unsure about attribution, collaboration, or permitted tool use.
AI use
When an assignment permits AI tools, you must disclose their use and verify all claims and sources. The final work must represent your thinking, judgment, and voice.
Contact
| amditisj@montclair.edu | |
| Office | Center for Cooperative Media, CCOM Building, second floor |
| Phone | 551-265-1429 |
| Office hours | Schedule a meeting |
For assignment questions, check Canvas announcements first.