JOU - Journalism

This course will explore the role and function of journalism, its evolution throughout history, its depiction in popular culture, 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 will also be examined, and journalism's transition in the new media age will be discussed and debated.

In this course students both study and practice the literary genre of memoir/autobiography. Students will read and analyze outstanding examples of this genre, learn narrative techniques and then write their own substantial autobiographical narratives.

This course is primarily intended to introduce students to basic publication and editing techniques used in print and online publications. Course content will cover publication design, editing, following a style guide, use of images and text, ethical issues, publication management and various technologies used in the publishing industry.

This course provides a hands-on practice of journalism, enabling students to gain an understanding of reporting and information-gathering techniques, develop interviewing skills, familiarize themselves with elements of the news and learn to write news stories. To do that, students will need to write clearly, purposefully and engagingly with the right organization and appropriate tone. Students will also learn to be fair and objective in their reporting.

A special topics course at the 200 level. The course will incorporate specialized study of a topic and/or area of journalism. The course may be repeated if content varies.

This course examines the art of telling nonfiction stories set in the past with a special emphasis on biography. Students read a wide variety of successful examples, learn historical research skills, and practice literary and narrative techniques to create their own biographical/historical work.

This course combines training in Web-based multimedia technologies with instruction in journalism. Students will learn to plan online multimedia projects; to think as professional communicators when gathering information; to capture still images, audio and video; and to publish materials they collect in interactive packages designed for the Web.

An advanced journalism class that focuses on writing longer feature stories of greater complexity. Involves extensive writing assignments of the kind that appears in print or online magazines. Students will study some of the important genres in those publication and learn how to complement their own stories with additional elements such as sidebars and forming editorial packages. May not be used to satisfy general distribution requirements.

A special topics course at the 300 level. The course will incorporate advanced study of a topic and/or area of journalism. The course may be repeated if content varies.

Students will collaborate on a multimedia news project, utilizing the journalism skills and knowledge base gleaned from past classes, internships and practicum experience. They will construct an online journalism outlet from scratch and produce original content available for public consumption or pick-up by the professional press. Students will determine the outlet's focus area; construct an editorial hierarchy to ensure its completion; develop a related website; create multimedia story packages; edit copy; and market the final product via social media.

An internship program is meant to acquaint students with careers and professions in their major and to 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. Students must apply for the internship one semester in advance. May not be used to satisfy general distribution requirements.

This course, a requirement for journalism majors, prepares students for the post-graduation opportunities and challenges of a journalism craft and industry in transition. Students will examine journalism's emerging issues and technological transformations, in part through lectures and seminars led by visiting professionals and scholars. In addition, students will prepare, review and improve a portfolio of their journalism work - written and in other media - and engage in pre-professional development workshops and critiques.

This course involves advanced training in journalism, which could include advanced study in reporting, feature writing and/or multimedia, with emphasis on flexibility and practicality of topic and focus. Reading and writing assignments will be agreed upon by the individual student and professor. May be repeated if content varies. May not be used to satisfy general distribution requirements.