Required Courses
| Course # | Title | |
| 0535-201 0535-405 0535-416 0535-417 0535-445 0535-462 0535-464 0535-470 0535-471 0535-472 0535-473 0535-474 0535-476 0535-482 0535-590 0535-499 0535-499 |
Introduction to Journalism Information Gathering Newswriting Newswriting II Theories of Communication Digital Design Public Relations Writing Law and Ethics of the Press History of Journalism News Editing Ejournalism Reporting in Specialized Fields Ejournalism II Mass Communications Senior Project Co-op 1 Co-op 2 |
0535-201 Intro to Journalism
The course covers the impact/effect of journalism on American society, with an introduction to the history, freedom, technologies, ethics and functions of the news media. Students will learn how to assess news value, develop news judgment and analyze news stories.
0535-405 Information Gathering
Introduction to information gathering techniques and search strategies for journalists, with emphasis on identifying, locating, evaluating and using information and sources.
0535-416 Newswriting
Practicum in basic techniques of newswriting and gathering for the daily press. Emphasis is primarily on writing for the print media and on frequent writing against a deadline. Professional elective for communication and advertising and public relations majors. Part of the communication minor and may also be taken as an elective.
0535-417 Newswriting II
Practicum in advanced techniques of news gathering, reporting and writing, with an emphasis on reportorial principles and practices. This class expands upon the processes of gathering, evaluating, investigating and presenting information to news media audiences, previously introduced in Newswriting. Prerequisite: Newswriting.
0535-445 Theories of Communication
An introduction to human communication theory, including a history of the major stages in development of modern theories of communication. Theories based both in the humanities and the social sciences are covered. Required course for communication and advertising and public relations majors only.
0535-462 Digital Design in Communication
An introduction to essential software applications for Communication majors, including desktop publishing, image manipulation, presentation graphics and statistical applications.
0535-464 Public Relations Writing
This course covers a variety of forms of writing for public relations including news releases, newsletters, backgrounders, public service announcements, magazine queries, interviews, coverage memos, media alerts, features, trade press releases, and public presentations. Students will write for a variety of media including print, broadcast, and the Web. Required course for advertising and public relations majors; professional elective for communication majors; part of the communication minor; and may also be taken as an elective.
0535-470 Law and Ethics of the Press
An introduction to the American legal system and its relationship to journalists and communication practitioners. The ethical boundaries and applications of law are explored to help students better understand how it influences journalism as an industry and profession. Students will strengthen their understanding of basic legal principles by applying them to existing and emerging issues in mass communications.
0535-471 History of Journalism
This course presents the history of American journalism from colonial times to the present, including the advance of press freedom under the First Amendment and how it has affected the development of American media. The influences of Europe, colonial politics in America, national expansion, urbanization, war, and technology are further developed. Journalism’s relationship to politics, institutions and culture will be investigated. Newspaper, magazine, and broadcast industries will be examined for ideas that have changed American journalism. Class 4, Credit 4
0535-472 News Editing
This course covers the principles and practices of editing hard news and feature articles, including news judgment, story selection, headline writing and copy editing. Prerequisite: Newswriting.
0535-473 eJournalism
An introduction to the principles and practices of online news reporting, including writing for mainstream news sites, journalistic blogs (Web logs), share and discussion sites, and other, evolving online news outlets. The course familiarizes students with the tools of the online reporter and explores the cultural and ethical terrain unique to the digital environment. Prerequisite: News Editing.
0535-474 Reporting in Specialized Fields
An in-depth study, analysis and practicum of a selected advanced and focused subject in professional journalism. Specific subject matter of the course varies according to the faculty assigned and is published when the course is offered. Examples include education journalism, health journalism, business journalism, reporting public affairs, sports journalism, reporting for alternative media. Prerequisite: Newswriting.
0535-476 eJournalism II
Further development of skills learned in eJournalism, with an emphasis on writing and design skills for rich (online) media and an overview of new trends. Course will cover writing, designing and packaging content to attract and inform online news consumers. Prerequisite: eJournalism, Digital Design in Communication.
0535-482 Mass Communications
This course takes an “institutions” perspective focusing on the history and development, laws and regulations, and theory and practice of mass communication. Additional topics will include the composition of audiences, how media effects and are effected by society, and future trends and career opportunities. Required course for communication and advertising and public relations majors; part of the communication concentration and minor; and may also be taken as an elective.
0535-590 Senior Project
Senior capstone course culminating in the production of a longform piece of journalism, a Web site and a digital portfolio of select works. The course brings together each participant’s work in journalism and the Professional Core. Prerequisite: eJournalism II.