Journalism - JRNL

1503 - Mass Media & Society - 3 credit hours
Open to all students, this lecture and discussion course is designed to introduce students to the study of the media of mass communication. Newspapers, books, magazines, film, broadcast and cable television, radio, advertising and the Internet are studied in relation to their historical development and their interrelationship with society. Note: Also listed as COMM 1503. Course Rotation: Fall.

2153 - Introduction to Photography - 3 credit hours
Open to all students, this course introduces students to the use and understanding of cameras and their adjustable features to help students take better photographs. Areas of concentration include camera operation, film/sensitivity selection, exposure, depth of field, composition, and lighting. Out-of-class time is required to complete photo assignments. Also listed as ART 2153. Course Rotation: Fall.

2403 - Introduction to Journalism and News Writing - 3 credit hours
The gateway course for the journalism emphasis, this course introduces students to the world of the journalist. It is a practical course emphasizing the development of professional journalistic writing skills, specifically: identifying news and news sources, information gathering and interviewing, lead writing and story structure, and working to deadlines. Also included are a review of grammar, an introduction to The Associated Press Stylebook, and a discussion of journalism career options. Writing for student publications may be coordinated with this class. Prerequisite: ENGL 1013. Course Rotation: Fall.

3103 - Community Reporting - 3 credit hours
Introduction to the reporting of actual community events, including public meetings, government affairs, courts, crime and social activities. Students are expected to attend and observe events, conduct interviews, gather information and accurately write about both campus and off-campus communities. This course requires significant out-of-classroom time during times not normally scheduled for classes.  Prerequisite: JRNL 2403. Course Rotation: Spring of odd years.

3203 - Introduction to Copy Editing - 3 credit hours
Introduction to the basic newspaper editorial functions and principles of copy editing, including grammar, style, headline writing, page design, picture editing, and assuring proper attention to the legal and ethical ramifications of publishing. Prerequisite: JRNL 2403. Course Rotation: Spring of even years.

3213 - Feature Writing - 3 credit hours
Offers extensive practice in the writing of feature and human interest stories with emphasis on producing marketable work for both newspaper and magazine use. This course is open to both journalism and non-journalism students. Prerequisite: JRNL 2403 or ENGL 1023. Course Rotation: Spring of even years.

3223 - Sports Reporting - 3 credit hours
Provides extensive practice in the writing of sports stories with emphasis on local community sporting events. This course requires significant out-of-classroom time during times not normally scheduled for classes. Prerequisite: JRNL 2403 or permission of the instructor. Course Rotation: Spring of odd years.

3233 - Opinion Writing - 3 credit hours
Provides extensive practice in the writing of opinion pieces, including editorials, reviews and commentaries. This course requires significant out-of-classroom time during times not normally scheduled for classes. Prerequisite: JRNL 2403 or permission of the instructor. Course Rotation: As needed.

4101 - Readings in Journalism - 1 credit hour
Students  read and react to non-fiction journalistic literature. Prerequisite: JRNL 2403 or permission of the instructor.  Course Rotation: Fall and Spring Semesters.

4403 - Communications Law - 3 credit hours
Study of the constitutional and legislative foundations of communications and media law. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and relevant rulings by SCOTUS are examined in depth. The Sixth and Fourteenth Amendments are addressed as they impact the First Amendment. Also listed as COMM 4403. Course Rotation: Spring.

XNF1 - Campus Newspaper Apprenticeship - 1 credit hour
Students actively participate in the production of the student newspaper. This apprenticeship offers one credit hour for each of the required three two semesters of participation. Prerequisites: JRNL 2403 or permission of the instructor. Course Rotation: XNF1, fall; XNS1, spring.

XYF1 - Campus Yearbook Apprenticeship - 1 credit hour
Students actively participate in the production of the campus yearbook. This apprenticeship offers one hour credit for each of the required two semesters of participation. Prerequisites: JRNL 2403 or permission of the instructor. Course Rotation: XYF1, fall; XYS1, spring.

PN03 - Journalism Internship - 3 credit hours
In this capstone course for the Journalism Program, students apply the journalistic skills learned in the classroom in a professional newsroom. Students are expected to arrange their own internships with the assistance and approval of their internship adviser. Journalism majors are required to take a professional internship in their junior or senior year for three credit hours. Grading: Credit/No Credit. Prerequisite: Junior standing and grades of C or better in twelve hours of  JRNL courses. Course Rotation: As Needed.