• Media & Communications Pathway

    As we move deeper into the 21st century, effective communications on multiple platforms remain as essential as ever. Masconomet’s Media & Communications Pathway provides students with hands-on, real-world exposure to careers and skills in the world of communications.  Students will explore various forms of media communication including print journalism, broadcast journalism, public speaking, and social media.  Both the Morning Update television studio and the WBMT radio station will be used as laboratories.
     
    Masconomet students will have the opportunity to graduate with a Media & Communications Diploma.  This pathway will provide an entryway for students who would like to study communications in college and pursue a career in the wide-ranging communications field. Completion of this pathway will:

    • Expose students to the broad career opportunities in the communications field and help students make connections between education and a career in communications
    • Allow students to explore an interest they have, building engagement in school and learning
    • Build stronger listening, oral and written communication skills
    • Develop advanced technology skills.  
    • Build an E-portfolio of student work
    • Develop reasoning skills which create an awareness of and ability to interpret and produce media in visual, oral and written forms

    Media and Communications Pathways Requirements:

    In order to complete the Media and Communications Pathway, students must accumulate a minimum of 25 points as described below:   

    • A minimum of 2.5 points from Visual Media and Communication related courses* (1 credit = 1 point)
    • A minimum of 2.5 points from Written Media and Communication related courses* (1 credit = 1 point)
    • A minimum of 2.5 points from Verbal Media and Communication related courses* (1 credit = 1 point)
    • A maximum of 5 points from Media and Communications-related extra curricular activities. Each year's participation earns 1 point.
    • Internship or other capstone project is required to complete the pathway and will earn 2.5 points.

    * Courses that apply to more than one concentration can only be used to fulfill one concentration requirement.

    Completion of this pathway requires work in three concentrations: Visual Media and Communication, Written Media and Communication, and Verbal Media and Communication. For more information on some other courses that can be applied toward the academic component please browse the list below.
     

    Topic Area 1
    Visual

    Topic Area 2
    Written

    Topic Area 3
    Verbal
    • Digital Photo
    • Yearbook
    • Media Comm / Journalism
    • Documentary Filmmaking
    • Creative Writing
    • Digital Society
    • Bioethics
    • Statistics
    • Media Comm / Journalism
    • Documentary Filmmaking
    • Marketing
    • Acting
    • AP Government
    • Media Comm / Journalism 
    • Documentary Filmmaking

Courses

  • Program of Studies

    • 1.
      • Music
      • Acting I
      • 2961
      • Students are instructed in the fundamentals of theatre with a focus on acting. Students will explore and practice vocal technique, movement, dramaturgy, playmaking, theatrical genres, improvisation, mime, scene analysis, audition technique, and more. The course will culminate in a public performance/demonstration.
      • Semester - 2.5 Credits
      • 9,10,11,12
      • CP
      • Media & Communication, Visual & Performing Arts
      • All years
      • A1, A3, S1, S2, S3, C1, C2, C3
    • 2.
      • Business & Computer Science
      • Marketing
      • 5534
      • This Marketing course is designed to serve as an introduction to the basic principles of marketing and the application of these practices. This course is conducted through lecture, engaging activities, group paced instruction, and hands-on practice. For the final project students will prepare a professional marketing plan proposal. This course also integrates experiential learning with the Masco Variety School Store. This honors course includes an additional project each quarter.
      • Semester - 2.5 Credits
      • 10,11,12
      • H
      • Media & Communications, Computer Science, STEAM, Visual & Performing Arts
      • All Years
      • A1, A2, A3, A4, S1, S2, C1, C3
    • 3.
      • Business & Computer Science
      • Marketing
      • 5554
      • This Marketing course is designed to serve as an introduction to the basic principles of marketing and the application of these practices. This course is conducted through lecture, engaging activities, group paced instruction, and hands-on practice. Students will prepare a professional marketing plan proposal.For the final project students will prepare a professional marketing plan proposal. This course also integrates experiential learning with the Masco Variety School Store.
      • Semester - 2.5 Credits
      • 10,11,12
      • CP
      • Media & Communications, Computer Science, STEAM, Visual & Performing Arts
      • All years
      • A1, A2, A3, A4, S1, S2, C1, C3
    • 4.
      • Business & Computer Science
      • Introduction to Computer Science
      • 5810
      • Introduction to Computer Science offers the unique opportunity for 9th graders to learn programming and website development. This course will have a heavy focus on coding and developing applications and games to prepare you for the Computer Science field which continues to see significant growth.
      • Semester - 2.5 Credits
      • 9
      • CP
      • Computer Science, Media & Communication
      • All years
      • A1, A2, A3, A4, S1, S2, C1, C3
    • 5.
      • English
      • Creative Writing (CP)
      • 0461
      • This is for students who have a passion for writing and who want to experiment with different types of writing. Throughout the semester students will continually work on and eventually submit a polished final draft of a short story. Students may submit at least one piece of writing to the Scholastic Writing Contest and/or the school's literary magazine.
      • Semester - 2.5 Credits
      • 9,10,11,12
      • CP
      • Media & Communication, Visual & Performing Arts
      • All years
      • A1, A3, A4, S1, S2
    • 6.
      • English
      • Creative Writing (H)
      • 0462
      • This is for students who have a passion for writing and who want to experiment with different types of writing. Throughout the semester students will continually work on and eventually submit a polished final draft of a short story. Students should submit at least one piece of writing to the Scholastic Writing Contest and/or the school's literary magazine. Students who take this for Honors credit will produce additional projects.
      • Semester - 2.5 Credits
      • 9,10,11,12
      • H
      • Media & Communication, Visual & Performing Arts
      • All years
      • A1, A3, A4, S1, S2
    • 7.
      • Soc. Stud.
      • AP United States Government and Politics
      • 2543
      • This college --- level course introduces students to key political ideas, institutions, policies, interactions, roles, and behaviors that characterize the political culture of the United States. The course examines politically significant concepts and themes, through which students learn to apply disciplinary reasoning, assess causes and consequences of political events, and interpret data to develop evidence --- based arguments.
      • Full Year - 5 Credits
      • 12
      • AP
      • CCC, Global, Media & Communications
      • All years
      • A1, A2, A4, S1, S2, C2
    • 8.
      • Art
      • Drawing
      • 7501
      • This is a multi --- media course, which is organized to strengthen each students observational drawing skills and to broaden their definition of what drawing is. A series of assignments has been designed to stretch each individual's development. Classes are made up of students with varying levels of ability and experience. Students considering a career in architecture, graphic design, industrial design, fashion design, and the fine arts are encouraged to take this course.
      • Semester - 2.5 Credits
      • 10,11,12
      • CP
      • Media & Communication, Visual & Performing Arts
      • All years
      • A1, A3, A4, S1, S2, C1, C2, C3
    • 9.
      • Art
      • Graphic Design I
      • 7801
      • Graphic Design is an introduction to the creative art of using imagery and typography to convey information to an audience. After learning some fundamental design and computer skills, real-life design projects (ie: posters, logos) from local non-profit organizations will become the focal point of the class. Skill areas will include concept development, composition, typography, and vector art. Students work in the Mac lab where they will primarily utilize Adobe Illustrator.
      • Semester - 2.5 Credits
      • 10,11,12
      • CP
      • Media & Communication, STEAM, Visual & Performing Arts
      • All years
      • A1, A3, A4, S1, S2, C1, C2, C3
    • 10.
      • English
      • Media Communications I (CP)
      • 0821
      • Learning reporting and film techniques, Media Comm. will help you become an active journalist and producer. You will write articles for the school newspaper, The Chieftain Chronicle, you will produce the Morning Update broadcast in front of or behind the camera, and you will enter a variety of video contests for which you can make anything from music videos to commercials. Get ready to interview, write, edit, learn the ins-and-outs of a broadcasting studio, and join our tight-knit community!
      • Full Year - 5 Credits
      • 9,10,11,12
      • CP
      • Media & Communication, Global, Visual & Performing Arts
      • All years
      • A1,A3,A4,S1,S2,C1,C2,C3
    • 11.
      • English
      • Media Communications I (H)
      • 0823
      • Learning reporting and film techniques, Media Comm. will help you become an active journalist and producer. You will write articles for the school newspaper, The Chieftain Chronicle, you will produce the Morning Update broadcast in front of or behind the camera, and you will enter a variety of video contests for which you can make anything from music videos to commercials. Get ready to interview, write, edit, learn the ins-and-outs of a broadcasting studio, and join our tight-knit community!
      • Full Year - 5 Credits
      • 9,10,11,12
      • H
      • Media & Communication, Global, Visual & Performing Arts
      • All years
      • A1,A3,A4,S1,S2,C1,C2,C3
    • 12.
      • Soc. Stud.
      • Digital Society
      • 2228
      • Students today are living in an age of constant digital connectivity. Digital technology has completely transformed our societal norms and given us new lenses through which we see ourselves and the world. In this course, students will trace the history and development of digital technology, evaluate the rules for conduct and communication in the 21st century, and explore the psychological and sociological implications of our new digital culture.
      • Semester - 2.5 Credits
      • 10,11,12
      • CP
      • CCC, Global, Media & Communication
      • All years
      • A1, A3, A4, S1, S2, C2
    • 13.
      • Soc. Stud.
      • Digital Society
      • 2237
      • Students today are living in an age of constant digital connectivity. Digital technology has completely transformed our societal norms and given us new lenses through which we see ourselves and the world. In this course, students will trace the history and development of digital technology, evaluate the rules for conduct and communication in the 21st century, and explore the psychological and sociological implications of our new digital culture.
      • Semester - 2.5 Credits
      • 10,11,12
      • H
      • CCC, Global, Media & Communication
      • All years
      • A1, A3, A4, S1, S2, C2
    • 14.
      • Art
      • New Media Arts
      • 7531
      • New Media blends art with technology. Projects will be created primarily by using the software programs in the Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop + Animate) as well as the Procreate app to create, control and manipulate imagery. Still and moving images will be derived from the use of peripherals such as digital cameras (for photography, video, animation) tablets (for drawing + painting) and scanners. Students interested in developing their digital skills further are encouraged to take this course.
      • Semester - 2.5 Credits
      • 9, 10, 11, 12
      • CP
      • Media & Communications, STEAM, Visual & Performing Arts
      • All years
      • A1, A3, A4, S1, S2, C1, C2, C3
    • 15.
      • Art
      • Photography and Social Media
      • 7921
      • We begin with an introduction to the digital DSLR camera to understand the mechanics of photography. Then we'll take an in-depth look at the advanced features of smartphones in capturing both still images and video. Students will learn Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom to edit images. Students will shoot and edit video using smartphones and Adobe Premier to create short movies and stop-motion animations. We'll also learn how successful photographers on Instagram create some of their amazing images!
      • Semester - 2.5 Credits
      • 9,10,11,12
      • CP
      • Media & Communication, STEAM, Visual & Performing Arts
      • All years
      • A1, A3, A4, S1, S2, C1, C2, C3
    • 16.
      • Art
      • Photo I
      • 7901
      • Areas covered in this introduction to quality black and white photography include learning to use a single lens reflex (SLR) camera, exposure theory, developing film, and printing techniques in the darkroom. Emphasis is on creative expression while mastering the technical processes. 35mm cameras are available for student use, and film and photographic paper are provided to complete the course projects. Students are also welcome to bring their own 35mm film cameras to learn to use as well.
      • Semester - 2.5 Credits
      • 9,10,11,12
      • CP
      • Media & Communication, Visual & Performing Arts
      • All years
      • A1, A3, A4, S1, S2, C1, C2, C3
    • 17.
      • Art
      • Photo II
      • 7912
      • Photography II is the follow up course to both Photo I & Photography and Social Media. Students will work both in film as well as digital. There will be more frequent critiques and projects will be more advanced. Individual and group photo shoots will introduce students to studio lighting techniques as well as photography studio basics. Digital SLR cameras and 35mm film cameras are available for student use, and film and photographic paper are provided as needed to complete the course projects.
      • Photo II candidates must have successfully completed Photo I or Photography and Social Media
      • Semester - 2.5 Credits
      • 9,10,11,12
      • CP
      • Media & Communication, Visual & Performing Arts
      • All years
      • A1, A3, A4, S1, S2, C1, C2, C3
    • 18.
      • Art
      • Photo III
      • 7931
      • Photo III, which runs concurrent with Photo II, serves as the follow up course. Students will continue to work both in film as well as digital. Through combined critiques, students in both levels will gain insight from each other’s experiences. The projects will continue to give students more workable knowledge in studio techniques. Digital SLR cameras and 35mm film cameras are available for student use, and film and photographic paper are provided as needed to complete the course projects.
      • Photo III candidates must have successfully completed Photo II.
      • Semester - 2.5 Credits
      • 10,11,12
      • CP
      • Media & Communication, Visual & Performing Arts
      • All years
      • A1, A3, A4, S1, S2, C1, C2, C3
    • 19.
      • Art
      • Photo IV
      • 7941
      • This capstone course in photography serves as the culminating educational experience at Masconomet and is designed for the serious photography student who has decided to pursue this medium for commercial work or a college portfolio. Students are expected to complete thirty teacher approved, professional level pieces. Digital SLR cameras and 35mm film cameras are available for student use, and film and photographic paper are provided as needed to complete the course projects.
      • Photo IV candidates must have successfully completed Photo III.
      • Semester - 2.5 Credits
      • 10,11,12
      • CP
      • Media & Communication, Visual & Performing Arts
      • All years
      • A1, A3, A4, S1, S2, C1, C2, C3
    • 20.
      • English
      • Media Communications II (H)
      • 0831
      • You will apply the reporting and production skills from Media Communications I as you continue managing, editing, and covering news for The Chieftain Chronicle. Media Comm II students often take leadership roles in the production of the Morning Update broadcast and in editing their peers’ articles. You will study film technique and other media literacy related topics. Media Communications I is a prerequisite. This course may be taken more than once.
      • Full Year - 5 Credits
      • 11,12
      • H
      • Media & Communication, Global, Visual & Performing Arts
      • All years
      • A1,A3,A4,S1,S2,C1,C2,C3
    • 21.
      • Art
      • Media Communications (Yearbook)
      • 7703
      • This class offers a variety of publishing activities to students of all grade levels as they plan and design the high school yearbook MiToBo. Students create copy, edit photographs, and implement design elements as they create a unique yearbook each year. Theme development, cover creation, photography, copywriting, and design are all student-driven under the leadership of the faculty advisor. Every student who continues the class into their senior year achieves Yearbook Editor status.
      • Full Year - 5 Credits
      • 9,10,11,12
      • H
      • Media & Communication, Visual & Performing Arts
      • All years
      • A1, A3, A4, S1, S2, C1, C2, C3