JOU - Journalism

This course explores the role and function of journalism, its evolution throughout history, and how it is practiced in different media and in different parts of the world. The basic principles, related legal issues and ethics of journalism are also examined, with an emphasis on journalism's transition in the new media age.

Students read and study diverse, outstanding examples of this genre while practicing the craft of first-person narrative. Frequent and substantial writing--done in-class and as homework--is the catalyst for self-reflection and learning nonfiction storytelling techniques: rendering scenes; portraying character; structure and narrative arc; and finding and refining the author's voice. The final project, a substantial piece of life writing, is created in component parts throughout the semester and revised through peer editing, the teacher's responses, and multiple drafts of the entire narrative.

Students will explore the art of travel writing, using the techniques of creative nonfiction and journalism. They will learn to incorporate fact and research into pieces that include narrative, interview and reflection. They will reflect the intersection of people and places, while exploring their own relationship to the experiences. Assignments may include the critique of food, architecture and music; political analysis; and description of natural environs.

This course teaches the basics of capturing and editing sound, photographs and moving images for journalistic purposes, with a focus on producing content for the Web. Students will learn to tell multi-platform stories using simple, portable equipment and software that makes up the “tool kit” for today's versatile reporters. They also will be introduced to the ethical and legal dimensions of capturing sound and images in public spaces and to alternative storytelling techniques.

Sports and athletes-pro and college- constantly make compelling news and offer rich sources for story telling and investigation. This part of journalism has been "multimedia" since radio and TV began; in this class sports students will become adept at the diverse skills today's journalism requires, including previewing and covering games in written and visual media; blogging; and using social media. Like athletes, journalists can only get better with practice-and this class will provide students hands-on opportunities to cover sports and raise their games.

This course provides a hands-on practice of journalism, in which students learn reporting and information-gathering techniques, develop interviewing skills and write frequent news stories with varying angles and subjects. Students will also learn to be fair and objective in their reporting.

A supervised practical experience on a student publication. Students may enroll for credit as follows: editor in chief, managing editor and section editors (up to 4 credit hours);  writers, assistant section editors and other staff (photo, video, advertising) from 1 to 2 credit hours. No student may receive more than 4 credit hours of credit in student publications in any one semester. May be repeated for a maximum of the following credit hours: Minaret, 8; Moroccan, 8; Neon, 6.

Specialized study of a topic and/or area of journalism. The course may be repeated if content varies.

This course focuses on digital reporting and storytelling tools and methods, building on the training provided in Multimedia Journalism I. The latest video journalism, audio journalism, data journalism, photojournalism, web writing and social media skills will be explored, along with issues involving multimedia journalism ethics and the law.

This class builds upon the foundational skills introduced in COM 236 UTTV Practicum. Students will learn how to use DSLR cameras and other advanced technologies to produce TV news packages. Students will strengthen broadcast skills in conducting standups, on-camera interviews, video shooting, editing and production. Students will be required to report on topics and events affecting the broader Tampa Bay community. Classes incorporate lecture/discussion and professor guidance in project work for news packages. 

An advanced journalism class that focuses on writing longer feature stories of greater complexity than the news stories in JOU 271. Involves extensive writing assignments of the kind that appears in print or online magazines. Students will study important genres in those publications and learn how to complement their own stories with additional elements, such as sidebars, forming editorial packages.

Advanced study of a topic and/or area of journalism. The course may be repeated if content varies.

Independent study and advanced training in journalism, which could include reporting, feature writing and/or multimedia, with emphasis on flexibility and practicality of topic and focus. Reading and writing assignments are agreed upon by the individual student and professor. May be repeated if content varies.

Internships acquaint students with careers and professions in their major and demonstrate to students how their special skills can be used in these environments. May be repeated for a maximum of 8 credit hours, 4 of which may count toward the journalism major.

This course is a requirement for journalism majors, offered in their final semesters, with the goal of preparing them for the post-graduation opportunities and challenges of the journalism craft and an industry in transition. Working professionals give workshops on best practices and the latest issues and developments in the media industries.  Students also compile and submit a portfolio of their best work (in all media) from each year of study.  A preface should include a discussion of the student's growth as a reporter, writer, and multimedia journalist.  Program faculty members evaluate portfolios and select the most distinguished for awards.