Journalism

Degrees and Certificates

Classes

JN 131 : Introduction to Mass Communications

This gateway course is an introduction to the fields of communication, including theory, law and regulation, history and social implications of media operations. Prerequisite to all other courses in the Journalism major and co-requisite to ENG 131 or ENG 199. Should be taken in the student's first or second semester of the freshman year.

Credits 3

JN 132 : Introduction to Media Writing

This course is an introduction to writing for mass media with attention to the various forms of writing, print and non-print texts, for journalism, telecommunication, advertising, and public relations, which appeal to adolescent and/or adult readers. The course also gives students opportunities to interact with multiple media environments. The course will give attention to mixed media assessment tools to measure comprehension of literature studied, written about, and researched. Students engage in collaborative communication through group dynamics (i.e., oral presentations) that build students’ written communication skills.

Credits 3

Prerequisites

Prerequisite to the major or co-requisite to ENG 131 or ENG 199. Required for English majors with a language arts/secondary education concentration.

JN 231 : Newswriting and Reporting

This course covers the fundamentals of news gathering, news writing, and copy editing. It emphasizes interviewing, covering speeches, profiles, court reporting, and other assignments. Enrolled students must write for the student run media outlet. Lecture and lab.

Credits 3

Prerequisites

JN 131-132 and ENG 131-132 or 199-200.

JN 233 : Photojournalism

This course is a study and practice of techniques in photographic communication. Instruction in the operation of film and digital cameras.

Credits 3

Prerequisites

JN 131
JN 132

JN 237 : Applied Journalism

This course involves interviewing, writing, editing, photography, and production efforts for the Stillman print or online media. Freshmen with a documented proficiency in newswriting, sophomores, juniors, and seniors may enroll in the student news practicum.

Credits 3

Prerequisites

ENG 131 or ENG 199 and JN 132 and JN 231.

JN 334 : Public Relations Writing

This course emphasizes techniques and practices of writing for public relations as a management tool in corporations, government, and nonprofit organizations. Examines critical elements and issues faced by PR practitioners, including identifying primary stakeholders and audiences, designing campaign objectives, developing messages, targeting media, and measuring results.

Credits 3

Prerequisites

JN 231

JN 337 : Applied Journalism

This course involves interviewing, writing, editing, photography, and production efforts for the Stillman print or online media. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors may enroll in the student news practicum.

Credits 3

Prerequisites

ENG 131 or ENG 199, JN 132, and JN 231.

JN 338 : Radio Production

This course covers principles and practices of over the air, satellite and digital
radio productions such as news, commercials and documentaries: includes programming and podcasting.

Credits 3

Prerequisites

CSC 121
JN 131
JN 132

and ENG 131 or ENG 199

JN 339 : Digital Video Production

This course provides students with practical training in digital video production, programming and direction. Students work in teams to produce digital video programming and new media productions such as documentary shorts, news, commercials, sports programs, and narrative video vignettes. The course includes video editing and distribution.

Credits 3

Prerequisites

JN 131
JN 132

and ENG 131 or ENG 199

JN 430 : Internship/Practicum

This course is a supervised practical experience coupled with investigative studies of communication problems. Students are placed for a minimum of eight hours per week in local media or agencies that use media strategies. Supervisors evaluate the student’s work onsite.

Credits 3 - 6

Prerequisites

JN 231

This course may be 3 to 6 credit hours.

JN 435 : Advanced Magazine Writing

This course covers writing and editing of magazine articles for publication in print or online media and other in-house publications. Includes technical, industrial, employee, and general-circulation magazines.

Credits 3

Prerequisites

JN 231
JN 332

JN 437 : History of Journalism

This course is a study of the history of the principal practices of American journalism, with particular attention to the First Amendment and freedom of press.

Credits 3