1
The following courses can also count as RIM electives: MUHL 3150 – “Musics of the South” (will require a course sub to
be written by the Advisor); JOUR 2710 (Media Writing); MUHL 3670 (History of Popular Music); JOUR/EMC/RIM 3650
(Free Expression, Mass Media); RIM 1230 (Musicianship for Engineers- can be used as an elective for Music Business
majors).
Note: RIM FLEX OPTIONS – Music Business allows for up to 9 hours of Audio electives; Commercial Songwriting allows
for 9 hours of Audio or Music Biz electives; and Audio Production allow for 6 hours of Music Biz electives.
MB Electives – pgs 2-9
AP Electives – pgs 10–16
CS Electives – pgs 17-23
2
The following courses can also count as RIM electives: MUHL 3150 – “Musics of the South” (will require a course sub to
be written by the Advisor); JOUR 2710 (Media Writing); MUHL 3670 (History of Popular Music); JOUR/EMC/RIM 3650
(Free Expression, Mass Media); RIM 1230 (Musicianship for Engineers- can be used as an elective for Music Business
majors).
Note: RIM FLEX OPTIONS – Music Business allows for up to 9 hours of Audio electives; Commercial Songwriting allows
for 9 hours of Audio or Music Biz electives; and Audio Production allow for 6 hours of Music Biz electives.
usic Business Electives-
RIM 1020 – American Media and Social Institutions
3 credit hours
(Same as JOUR 1020.) The power of the mass media and its effect on social institutions and practices. Develops skills of qualitative
and quantitative social science research in the area of mass communication processes; examines media as social, cultural, and
economic institutions that shape the values of American society, its political dialogues, its social practices, and institutions.
RIM 3000 – History of the Recording Industry
3 credit hours
Traces the development of the technology, business, major record labels, and the music recorded as well as significant individuals in
these areas.
RIM 3010 – Audio Fundamentals
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: MATH 1710 or higher level math. Examines theories and technologies used in audio production for music, radio, TV, and
film. Provides the management-oriented student with a useful vocabulary covering the area of audio production and provides the
production-oriented student with the basic theory upon which production skills can be built. RIM 3010 is required for all Audio
Production students; Music Business and Commercial Songwriting students may choose between RIM 3010 and RIM 3011.
RIM 3011 – Survey of Audio Technology (*Note-this course is equivalent to RIM 3010 and should NOT be taken if RIM 3010 has
already been completed).
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: MATH 1710 or higher level math. For non-Audio Production Recording Industry pre-candidacy students; includes students
seeking admission to candidacy in the Music Business and Commercial Songwriting concentrations. Overview of the basic function and
application of audio hardware and software used in music creation. Surveys audio technology found in live sound, professional
recording studios, and project studios. Required for admission to candidacy to the RI program and offered as an online course.
Students must choose between and may receive credit for either RIM 3010 or RIM 3011. Audio Production concentration students will
not receive credit for RIM 3011
M
3
The following courses can also count as RIM electives: MUHL 3150 – “Musics of the South” (will require a course sub to
be written by the Advisor); JOUR 2710 (Media Writing); MUHL 3670 (History of Popular Music); JOUR/EMC/RIM 3650
(Free Expression, Mass Media); RIM 1230 (Musicianship for Engineers- can be used as an elective for Music Business
majors).
Note: RIM FLEX OPTIONS – Music Business allows for up to 9 hours of Audio electives; Commercial Songwriting allows
for 9 hours of Audio or Music Biz electives; and Audio Production allow for 6 hours of Music Biz electives.
RIM 3020 – Commercial Songwriting
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: RI majors – admission to Commercial Songwriting concentration and RIM 1230 or MUTH 1110; RIM 3115 or RIM 3116
(Instrumentation). Helps the new or developing songwriter acquire a song construction toolkit. Focuses on groove, melody, lyric,
harmony, and structure and integrates these five elements into a cohesive and commercially viable song. Students expected to play
guitar or piano and also sing.
RIM 3100 – Introduction to Popular Music Studies
3 credit hours
(Same as JOUR 3100.) Prerequisites: RI majors – admission to candidacy; others – permission of instructor. Introduces students to
different academic and theoretical approaches to popular music as a social and cultural phenomenon. A discussion oriented class that
is both reading and writing intensive.
RIM 3200 – History of Country Music
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Admission to candidacy. History and culture of American country music. Explores the historical progression of the genre
and analyzes topics such as race and gender relations, material culture, generational conflict, and the role of “authenticity” in the
creation and commodification of the music. Reading, writing, and listening intensive.
RIM 3500 – Lecture Series
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: RI majors – admission to candidacy. Major executives, producers, and others in the recording industry speak to students
about contemporary topics in the music business. May be taken only once for credit toward the major. Pass/Fail.
RIM 3580 – RIM Practicum
1 to 3 credit hours
Prerequisites: RI majors – admission to candidacy, approval of instructor prior to enrollment, and approved application. On-campus
experiences in and related to the recording industry. Course may be repeated up to three times, but no more than six total credits
toward the major allowed for RIM 3580, RIM 4000, and RIM 4010. Pass/Fail.
RIM 3600 – Survey of the Recording Industry
3 credit hours
Examination of the industry including, but not limited to, artist development, songwriting, publishing, record companies, record
marketing and promotion, copyright, performance rights, and careers.
4
The following courses can also count as RIM electives: MUHL 3150 – “Musics of the South” (will require a course sub to
be written by the Advisor); JOUR 2710 (Media Writing); MUHL 3670 (History of Popular Music); JOUR/EMC/RIM 3650
(Free Expression, Mass Media); RIM 1230 (Musicianship for Engineers- can be used as an elective for Music Business
majors).
Note: RIM FLEX OPTIONS – Music Business allows for up to 9 hours of Audio electives; Commercial Songwriting allows
for 9 hours of Audio or Music Biz electives; and Audio Production allow for 6 hours of Music Biz electives.
RIM 3650 – Free Expression, Mass Media, and the American Public
3 credit hours
(Same as JOUR 3650/EMC 3650.) A general introduction to the issues surrounding free expression and its relationship to mass media
in contemporary America. A comprehensive analysis of the history, philosophies, cases, and controls associated with freedom of
expression.
RIM 3690 – International Entertainment Transactions
3 credit hours
Introduction to international law (European Union, Asia/Pacific Rim, and Latin America) in the context of the global entertainment and
intellectual property industries (music, film, television, books, videogames, etc.). Culminates in presentation of a proposed start-up
entertainment entity in a foreign territory. Each student will be able to establish a professional relationship with an entertainment
industry liaison in a foreign territory. Offers preparation for students interested in international opportunities for growth including
international internships and the Office of International Affairs’ Study Abroad programs.
RIM 3700 – Copyright Law
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: RI majors – admission to candidacy; others RIM 3600. Examines copyright law with particular reference to the music
industry. Emphasis on understanding and applying the law to work in the industry.
RIM 3720 – Artist Management
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: RI majors – admission to candidacy; others RIM 3600. Examines the role of recording artists’ representatives. Topics
include personal appearances, touring, unions, and contractual considerations.
RIM 3770 – Publicity in the Recording Industry
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: RI majors – admission to candidacy; others – RIM 3600 and JOUR 2710. Experience in creating publicity materials and
developing media relations, press releases, press kits, and publicity campaigns.
RIM 3780 – Entertainment Reporting and Writing
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: RI majors – admission to candidacy; others – RIM 3600 and JOUR 2710. Theory and practice of the fundamentals of
entertainment journalism, including music industry writing, feature stories, and CD and concert reviews.
RIM 3890 – International Recording Industry
3 credit hours
5
The following courses can also count as RIM electives: MUHL 3150 – “Musics of the South” (will require a course sub to
be written by the Advisor); JOUR 2710 (Media Writing); MUHL 3670 (History of Popular Music); JOUR/EMC/RIM 3650
(Free Expression, Mass Media); RIM 1230 (Musicianship for Engineers- can be used as an elective for Music Business
majors).
Note: RIM FLEX OPTIONS – Music Business allows for up to 9 hours of Audio electives; Commercial Songwriting allows
for 9 hours of Audio or Music Biz electives; and Audio Production allow for 6 hours of Music Biz electives.
Prerequisites: RI majors – admission to candidacy; others RIM 3600. Cultural, media, business, and legal aspects of making and selling
records on a worldwide basis. Specific studies in foreign record company operations, i.e., production, distribution, marketing, promotion,
and licensing. Immigration, union, and tax implications of artists recording abroad.
RIM 3900 – Music Publishing
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: RI majors – admission to candidacy and previous or concurrent enrollment in RIM 3700; others RIM 3600 and RIM 3700.
Operations and functions of music publishing industry including songwriter publisher relations. Primary thrust is popular music
publishing, but art, religious, and educational music also discussed.
RIM 4000 – Recording Industry Internship: Business
1 to 6 credit hours
Prerequisites: Admission to candidacy; 90 credit hours completed; RIM 3700 and three of the following sub-core courses must be
completed: RIM 3720, RIM 3900, RIM 4320, or RIM 4620; approved internship application. Practical experience for advanced students
in a professional recording industry setting. This course may be repeated for additional credit. No more than six hours toward the major
are allowed for RIM 3580, 4000, and RIM 4010. Pass/Fail.
RIM 4010 – Recording Industry Internship: Technology
1 to 6 credit hours
Prerequisites: Admission to candidacy; senior standing (90 hours), RIM 4190, RIM 3300, RIM 4400, and an approved internship
application. Practical experience for advanced students in a professional recording industry setting. This course may be repeated for
additional credit. No more than six hours toward the major are allowed for RIM 3580, RIM 4000, and 4010. Pass/Fail.
RIM 4020 – Advanced Commercial Songwriting
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: RIM 3020/MUTH 3020. The developing songwriter will study how a professional songwriter prepares to write commercial
songs targeted to specific markets, artists, media, and events. Will be followed by a study of how students can find their unique voices
as songwriter/artists or as pure songwriters.
RIM 4130 – Cyber PR® in the Entertainment Industry
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Admission to candidacy or permission of instructor. Cyber PR® is the process where social media (with engaged
behavior), public relations (outreach and some processes), and online and direct –to-fan (D2F) marketing intersect. Explores the many
new and entrepreneurial methods, theories, applications (i.e., Topspin and Next Big Sound) and best practices artists and brands
employ to create awareness and make connections to consumers via electronic media. Readings, lectures, guest presentations, and
professional group projects and experiences.
6
The following courses can also count as RIM electives: MUHL 3150 – “Musics of the South” (will require a course sub to
be written by the Advisor); JOUR 2710 (Media Writing); MUHL 3670 (History of Popular Music); JOUR/EMC/RIM 3650
(Free Expression, Mass Media); RIM 1230 (Musicianship for Engineers- can be used as an elective for Music Business
majors).
Note: RIM FLEX OPTIONS – Music Business allows for up to 9 hours of Audio electives; Commercial Songwriting allows
for 9 hours of Audio or Music Biz electives; and Audio Production allow for 6 hours of Music Biz electives.
RIM 4210 – ProTools for Songwriters
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: RI majors – admission to candidacy; others – permission of instructor. Theory and application of audio hardware and
software for personal desktop music production. For RIM Music Business and Commercial Songwriting majors and Music majors,
specifically Music Education majors. Emphasis on application through hands-on instructional techniques. May not be used as a
prerequisite for RIM 3300 nor may it be used for credit by RIM Audio Production majors. Satisfies the music production component of
the RIM Commercial Songwriting concentration. Laboratory required.
RIM 4230 – Advanced Cyber PR in the Entertainment Industry
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: B or higher in RIM 4130 or permission of instructor. Applies the process where social media (with engaged
behavior), public relations (outreach and some processes), and online marketing intersect. Analyzes, designs, and implements an
online-social media marketing plan for an entertainment industry client. Uses existing and developing applications (such as Topspin
Media’s marketing and sales platform and Next Big Sound’s data analysis and monitoring program) to receive basic training. While the
promotion of music and entertainment are the focus, the skills and applications taught are transferable to other industries.
RIM 4320 – Concert Promotion and Touring
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: RI majors – admission to candidacy; others – RIM 3010 and RIM 3600. An in-depth study of the theoretical and practical
aspects of presenting contemporary arts and entertainment performances. Topics include talent acquisition, contracts and riders,
production, venues, budgeting, ticket services, and promotion.
RIM 4321 – Advanced Concert Promotion
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: RIM 4320 or permission of instructor. A continuation of RIM 4320. Students create proposals for concert events, critique
proposals, select best proposals, and present one or more shows.
RIM 4420 – Talent Agency Fundamentals
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Admission to candidacy and RIM 3720 or RIM 4320. Covers fundamentals of the talent agency business. Focuses on the
talent agency side of the music industry including the role the booking agent plays in the career development and revenue generation of
a music artist. Includes readings, lectures, guest presentations, in-class participation, and group projects and experiences.
7
RIM 4510 – Study Abroad
1 to 3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Permission of department. Topics related to the recording industry in the country in course delivered. May be taken two
times.
RIM 4550 – Hip-hop Music and Culture
3 credit hours
(Same as ANTH 4550 and MUHL 4550.) Prerequisites: ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020. An ethnomusicological investigation of how hip-
hop reacts to and informs mainstream culture through its primary art forms: music, visual art, and dance. Major themes and issues that
cut across hip-hop’s history, including issues of style and performance, gender, race, politics, and religion addressed.
RIM 4600 – Mixing Techniques and Technologies
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: RI majors – RIM 4300 and RIM 4400 or permission of instructor. Advanced application of mixing techniques in a digital
multitrack setting. Additional topics include applied critical listening, automation systems, focus and foundation mixing, and the NARAS
guidelines for delivery of recorded music projects.
RIM 4620 – Marketing of Recordings
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: RI majors – admission to candidacy; others RIM 3600. Special emphasis on the particular structures and problems
