Department of Journalism

Collaborative Learning

The practice of contemporary journalism is inherently a collaborative effort; individuals working together create the final product. Increasingly, newsrooms -- traditionally without walls and offices -- are being reorganized in light of even greater demands for cooperation. Writers no longer just write, camera people no longer just take pictures, and more and more voices are sought in daily decision making. The Department of Journalism is committed to preparing graduates who can function effectively in such an environment, where teamwork and cooperation are not just valued, but are expected. To that end:

• Each "skills" course in the curriculum requires students to participate in at least one group project.
• The curriculum of "conceptual" courses, where appropriate, incorporates discussion and activity directed at enhancing students' ability to work as part of a team.
• Majors are encouraged to undertake at least one internship before graduation.
• To prepare students for internships, faculty advisors monitor students' courses of study and academic performance.
• To assist students in finding appropriate placements, the department annually publishes an Internship Directory and maintains a file of student reports about their internship experiences.
• To facilitate successful internship experiences, the department requires students to attend a weekly seminar where topics include on-the-job issues.
• Independent Study provides students an avenue for carrying out research / creative projects with a faculty member, with a faculty member and other students, or with a faculty member and media professional(s).
• Special Topics courses can be used for semester-long collaborative efforts.
• As appropriate to their courses, Journalism faculty are encouraged to collaborate with faculty from other departments to develop and assign cross-disciplinary projects that serve specific goals for students from both disciplines.