Journalism

JRNL 1503 – Mass Media & Society – 3 credit hours

Examines the role and impact of the media on individuals and society. Topics include the historical development of the mass media, along with media effects, ethics, legal considerations, and the role of journalism in society. Students develop a deeper awareness of the media in their lives and a critical perspective to become more responsible consumers of information. Also listed as COMM 1503.

JRNL 2153 – Introduction to Photography – 3 credit hours

Introduces the fundamentals of digital photography in both artistic and media contexts. Through the study of cameras, light, composition, and image manipulation, students learn the processes and aesthetic values needed to produce quality images. A hands-on approach allows students to explore their creativity through a series of projects. Also listed as ART 2153. Course rotation: Fall and spring.

JRNL 2403 – Media Writing & Reporting – 3 credit hours

An introduction to the fundamentals of journalism. Emphasis is on the reporting, writing, and editing of stories for the print, online, and broadcast media. Specific topics include interviewing, story structure and development, media style, ethics, and legal considerations. Prerequisite: ENGL 1013, unless waiver requirements are met, or instructor’s permission. Course rotation: Fall.

JRNL 3103 – Community Reporting – 3 credit hours 

Students develop advanced skills in reporting and writing on events and issues that affect their communities. Topics include coverage of government, crime, courts, and social events. A hands-on approach is stressed. Projects are critiqued in a workshop setting. Prerequisite: JRNL 2403 or instructor’s permission. Course rotation: Spring of odd years.

JRNL 3203 – Editing & Media Management – 3 credit hours

Designed for writers, journalists, and other communication professionals by providing advanced instruction in publication editing and design. Topics include matters of style, copy editing, and proofreading in print and electronic environments. Other topics include publication management, ethics, and legal considerations. A hands-on approach is stressed in a workshop setting. Prerequisite: ENGL 1023 or JRNL 2403. Course rotation: Spring of even years.

JRNL 3213 – Magazine & Feature Writing – 3 credit hours

The focus is on writing feature stories for magazine, newspaper, and creative nonfiction audiences. Genres include personality profiles, human interest features, travel writing, and creative nonfiction. A hands-on approach allows exploration of creativity through a series of exercises and projects. Prerequisite: JRNL 2403 or instructor’s permission. Course rotation: Spring of even years.

JRNL 3413 – Interactive Media Design – 3 credit hours

Examination and application of the theories, skills, and techniques used in digital storytelling and interactive media. Through a series of hands-on projects, students explore creative applications of interactive media through the integration of text, photographs, graphics, audio, and video. Also listed as ART 3413. Prerequisite: Junior standing or instructor’s permission. Recommended: ART 2153, ART 2164, and ART 2623. Course rotation: Fall of odd years.

JRNL 4401 – Topics in Journalism – 1 credit hour

Explores a chosen topic related to journalism or the mass media, such as documentaries, technology, economics, ethics, or literary journalism. Prerequisite: JRNL 2403 or instructor’s permission. Course rotation: As needed.

JRNL 4123 – Broadcast Journalism – 3 credit hours

Emphasizes the theories, skills, and techniques used in the wiring, production, and presentation of news in a digital media environment. Topics include broadcast wording style, story structure, podcasting, digital audio and video production, and working as talent in front of a camera. A hands-on approach is stressed, allowing students to explore creativity through a series of projects. Prerequisites: JRNL 2403 or instructor’s permission. Course rotation: Spring of odd years.

JRNL 4403 – Communication Law & Ethics – 3 credit hours

Study focuses on media law and ethical considerations in the contemporary communication environment. Topics include the First Amendment, libel, invasion of privacy, information access, free press and fair trial considerations, obscenity, copyright, advertising, and telecommunication regulations. Also listed as COMM 4403.

JRNL 4901 – Media Studies Seminar – 1 credit hour

Combined with the experiential component of the media studies program, the seminar is a capstone course where students design, execute, and present a project appropriate to their emphasis in the media studies program. In addition, students create and evaluate a professional portfolio for future employment. Course rotation: Spring.

JRNL XNF1, JRNL XNS1 – Practicum: Student Media Productions – 1 credit hour

A practical application of skills, techniques, and critical thinking through work with campus media productions (Campus Courier newspaper and online journal). The course may be repeated up to six hours to satisfy capstone requirements for the journalism emphasis or repeated for three hours and combined with JRNL PN03 (Journalism Internship). Prerequisite: JRNL 2403 or instructor’s permission. Course rotation: XNF1 fall and XNS1 spring.

JRNL PN03 – Journalism Internship – 3 credit hours

Students gain practical experience in a professional media setting. Internships are arranged by students with the assistance and approval of an internship advisor. Grading: Credit/No Credit. Prerequisite: Junior standing and grades of C or better in twelve hours of JRNL courses. Course rotation: As needed.