Journalism

Degrees

Courses

JN 131: Introduction to Mass Communications

Class Program
Journalism
Credits 3

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.

JN 132: Introduction to Media Writing

Class Program
Journalism
Credits 3
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.
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

Class Program
Journalism
Credits 3
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.
Prerequisites

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

JN 233: Photojournalism

Class Program
Journalism
Credits 3
This course is a study and practice of techniques in photographic communication. Instruction in the operation of film and digital cameras.
Prerequisite Courses
JN 131
JN 132

JN 237: Applied Journalism

Class Program
Journalism
Credits 3
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.
Prerequisites

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

JN 333: News Media and Desktop Publishing

Class Program
Journalism
Credits 3

This course in web design and desktop publishing teaches basics in graphic design and information technology. Students will acquire skills in composition and the use of software to produce publications and web sites. 

JN 334: Public Relations Writing

Class Program
Journalism
Credits 3
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.
Prerequisite Courses
JN 231

JN 337: Applied Journalism

Class Program
Journalism
Credits 3
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.
Prerequisites

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

JN 338: Radio Production

Class Program
Journalism
Credits 3

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.

Prerequisites

and ENG 131 or ENG 199

Prerequisite Courses
CSC 121
JN 131
JN 132

JN 339: Digital Video Production

Class Program
Journalism
Credits 3

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.

Prerequisites

and ENG 131 or ENG 199

Prerequisite Courses
JN 131
JN 132

JN 430: Internship/Practicum

Class Program
Journalism
Credits 3
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.
Prerequisites

This course may be 3 to 6 credit hours.

Prerequisite Courses
JN 231

JN 434: Senior Project Research

Class Program
Journalism
Credits 3

This course is designed to equip students with the skills to develop and write a comprehensive thesis that will accompany a film. This course will focus on research, critical analysis, and academic writing abilities while guiding students through developing their thesis into five four-page papers. By the end of the course, students will have a solid foundation in thesis development and effective academic writing techniques. In addition to the thesis writing component, this course equips students with the necessary skills to pitch their research for a 10-minute documentary film. Students will learn how to present their research concisely and compellingly, highlighting the significance and relevance of their chosen topic. This integrates the practical application of research skills in documentary filmmaking, providing students with valuable experience communicating their ideas to potential stakeholders or collaborators for film production. This course is the first in a two-part sequence of JN434 and JN435.  

Prerequisite Courses
JN 131
JN 132
JN 231
JN 332

JN 435: Advanced Magazine Writing

Class Program
Journalism
Credits 3
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.
Prerequisite Courses
JN 231
JN 332

JN 437: History of Journalism

Class Program
Journalism
Credits 3
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.

JN 444: Senior Project Production

Class Program
Journalism
Credits 3 Lecture Hours 1 Lab Hours 2

This course is designed to provide students with the practical skills and knowledge required to bring their research and thesis from JN 434 to life through film production. Students will delve into documentary filmmaking's technical and creative aspects while focusing on their film projects' pre-production, production, and post-production phases. The end product will be the presentation of their work as their senior thesis project.

Prerequisite Courses
JN 434
Effective
Fall 2023