JOU - Journalism

This course explores 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 are also examined, with an emphasis on journalism's transition in the new media age.

This course teaches the basics of capturing and editing sound, photographs and moving images from a journalist’s perspective and 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 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.

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

A seminar involving supervised practical experience on a student publication. May not be used to satisfy general distribution requirements. Students may enroll for credit as follows: editor (4 credit hours), assistant editor or area editor (3 credit hours), assistant area editors or other staff (1-2 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 semester hours of credit: Minaret, 8; Moroccan, 8; Quilt, 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 methods and tools, 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.

An advanced journalism class which 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 important genres in those publications and learn how to complement their own stories with additional elements, such as sidebars, forming editorial packages. May count toward the humanities distribution in the baccalaureate core if not used for the journalism or writing major.

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

Students collaborate on a multimedia news project, utilizing the journalism skills and knowledge base gleaned from past classes, internships and practicum experience. They construct an online journalism outlet from scratch and produce original content available for public consumption or pick-up by the professional media. Students market the final product via social media.

This independent study 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 are agreed upon by the individual student and professor. May be repeated if content varies. May not be used to satisfy general distribution requirements.

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. 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 the journalism craft and an industry in transition. Students examine journalism's emerging issues and technological transformations, in part through lectures and seminars led by visiting professionals and scholars. In addition, students prepare, review and improve a portfolio of their journalism work and engage in pre-professional development workshops and critiques.