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Department of Journalism

Course Goals

Upon completion of each course, you should be able to fulfill each of the expected outcomes.


Print Journalism "Skills" Courses

JOR 220 Media Writing

  • Recognize the characteristics of news and what gives something news value
  • Be capable of basic information-gathering techniques, including interviewing
  • Be able to write basic news stories
  • Be able to use a stylebook and apply basic newspaper style rules
  • Be familiar with basic journalism terminology
  • Be able to articulate the similarities and differences between writing news for print and broadcast, and writing for public relations
  • Be able to write at a terminal and write under deadline
  • Have been introduced to libel and basic ethical issues faced by reporters

JOR 320 Public Affairs Reporting

  • Be prepared to report on local government
  • Understand the democratic process at the local level and the media's role in that process
  • Be able to conduct a professional interview
  • Be able to use basic public records (municipal, police, court)
  • Be familiar with news story forms beyond the inverted pyramid
  • Be developing your own philosophical and ethical standards of performance

JOR 420 Advanced Reporting

  • Understand the democratic processes at the state and federal levels and the media's role in those processes
  • Be able to generate complex story ideas and write complex (multiple-source) stories on state government
  • Be familiar with sophisticated interviewing techniques
  • Be able to gather information from a variety of state and federal documents on paper and in data bases
  • Be refining your philosophical and ethical standards of performance
  • Be prepared for an entry level position as a reporter on a weekly or small daily newspaper

JOR 341 Editing for Publication I

  • Be able to articulate the role of editing and editors in the process of preparing written information for publication
  • Understand the decision-making processes that determine what is published
  • Be able to use copy editing terminology
  • Be able to edit copy to specifications, on a computer terminal and under deadline
  • Be able to write headlines to specifications, on a computer terminal and under deadline
  • Understand libel from the perspective of an editor
  • Understand the ethical dilemmas faced by copy editors

JOR 442 Editing for Publication II

  • Be able to articulate the role of editing and editors in the process of packaging written and visual information for publication
  • Be familiar with basic typography, design and publishing concepts as they relate to newspapers, magazines, newsletters and public relations documents
  • Be able to design and produce basic newspaper pages, newsletter layouts and related documents
  • Be able to execute basic projects using desk-top publishing techniques
  • Be conversant about the role of past, current and emerging technologies in the publication of news and public relations

JOR 321 Magazine Article and Feature Writing

  • Be able to articulate what a feature story is and how it differs from a news story
  • Be able to generate ideas for feature stories
  • Be able to plan, research and write feature stories that could be published in a newspaper or magazine
  • Be able to identify suitable market(s) for your feature stories
  • Be able to write a professional-quality query letter
  • Be able to conduct in-depth interviews
  • Be able to describe the roles of feature and magazine writers in the mass media

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Broadcast Journalism "Skills" Courses

JOR 230 Introduction to Broadcast Newswriting

  • Be able to demonstrate basic techniques of broadcast newsgathering
  • Be able to write a broadcast news script
  • Be able to edit audio tape for broadcast, using electronic editing techniques, and integrate audio tape into finished news stories
  • Be able to assemble and produce a variety of radio newscasts
  • Be able to complete newswriting assignments under deadline

JOR 330 Television News

  • Be able to demonstrate basic television newswriting formats
  • Be able to use the basic terminology associated with television news
  • Be able to write the major kinds of stories used in television news
  • Be able to mechanically and aesthetically edit video news stories
  • Be able to demonstrate news judgment by organizing news stories into a half-hour television studio newscast
  • Be able to report or anchor a short news segment on camera in the studio
  • Be developing your own philosophical and ethical standards of performance

JOR 331 Electronic News Gathering

  • Be able to use a video camera for reporting in the field
  • Be able to integrate videotape shot in the field into a completed story
  • Be able to apply field-reporting skills, techniques and technology to longer-format feature-oriented stories
  • Be able to discuss how emerging technologies are affecting electronic news gathering
  • Be developing your own philosophical and ethical standards of performance
  • Be able to participate -- as reporter, anchor, producer or videographer -- in the production of a half-hour news and information magazine program using multiple segments to explore a single topic

JOR 430 Advanced Television News

  • Be able to research, write, tape and electronically edit complex and specialized television news stones
  • Be able to produce a television news liveshot
  • Be able to report and produce a multi-part television news series on a single topic
  • Be refining your philosophical and ethical standards of performance
  • Have assembled a videotape resume with three to four pieces of your work

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Public Relations "Skills" Classes

JOR 340 Public Relations

  • Be able to define public relations as an activity and a profession, and be able to describe its role in the American and international commercial, non-profit and local communities
  • Be able to explain the symbiotic relationship of public relations and the media and, at least in theory, know how to interact with the media.
  • Be able to write simple news releases
  • Be able to explain the public relations "cycle" (research, definition, definition of objectives, planning and implementing, evaluation) and apply this cycle to simple public relations
  • Be able to describe the basic internal structure of a public relations agency and an internal public relations department
  • Be able to explain the public relations code of ethics and articulate the need for such a code

JOR 441 Public Relations Practices

  • Be able to integrate your knowledge from other courses, general life experience and current events into public relations planning/implementation
  • Be able to write several types of print news releases, and know how to hire/evaluate someone trained to write/produce more complex communication tools
  • Be able to describe methods of placing stories in the media
  • Be able to articulate the goals and limitations of different types of public relations
  • Be able to write a simple public relations plan with a timeline and budget
  • Be able to work with a public relations/advertising/marketing team

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Conceptual Courses

JOR 110 Introduction to Mass Media

  • Have an overview of American mass media, including newspapers, magazines, books, radio, television, films, recordings and new technologies
  • Be able to explain the functions of each medium (who does what and why)
  • Be able to discuss the development, significant names and dates of each medium, and use its basic terminology
  • Be able to discuss the basic theories and principles of each medium, how it influences individuals and society, and its effects on individuals and society
  • Be familiar with the First Amendment, along with legal and ethical issues, rights and responsibilities of American mass media

JOR 115 Foundations of American Journalism

  • Be familiar with what journalists do -- and why -- and be able to discuss the role of journalism and journalists in American society
  • Recognize the similarities and differences between the practice of journalism in America and press systems in other countries
  • Be able to demonstrate a basic understanding of the First Amendment, journalism history, law, criticism and ethics
  • Be familiar with the resources available to journalism scholars, including books, journals and trade publications
  • Be able to discuss and write about issues facing journalists in a critical manner

JOR 210 Journalism History

  • Be able to explain the development of American journalism
  • Be able to explain the role of journalism in the social and economic development of the United States
  • Be able to articulate the links between journalism history and contemporary trends and problems in Journalism

JOR 211 History of Broadcasting

  • Be able to explain the significant events and people shaping the development of radio and television in America
  • Be able to explain the social, cultural and historical contexts in which radio and television operate in American society
  • Be able to discuss the landmark radio and television programs of the last 50 years
  • Be able to explain how contemporary news broadcasting developed and how radio's and television's futures may develop

JOR 310 Mass Media Law

  • Be able to explain the role of federal and state governments in the communication of news
  • Be able to explain the historical and legal ramifications of the First Amendment
  • Be able to explain the major decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court that have had an impact on mass media in the 20th century
  • Be able to relate those major decisions to the day-to-day work of a responsible journalist

JOR 311 Media Criticism

  • Be able to discuss the works of historical and contemporary media critics
  • Be able to explain the role of the news media in a democratic society
  • Be capable of critiquing media performance based on standards you articulate

JOR 313 Alternative Media

  • Be able to define alternative media
  • Be able to explain the roles alternative media have played in shaping American society
  • Be able to explain the impact of alternative media on contemporary society
  • Be better prepared for a diverse and multi-cultural world and workplace

JOR 410 Mass Media Issues

  • Be able to articulate the basis for making ethical decisions regarding the news media
  • Be able to discuss controversial issues related to the practice of reporting/editing
  • Be able to make editorial decisions regarding full disclosure of information and sources
  • Be conversant about contemporary and traditional problems facing professional and academic journalists
  • Be able to describe the professional codes of ethics used by journalists
  • Be able to defend your positions on the First Amendment and the public's right to know

JOR 415 Perspectives on Reporting

  • Be able to provide a cultural and societal context for the practice of reporting in America
  • Be able to articulate how the roles of reporters have evolved
  • Be able to discuss the differences between the myths and realities associated with the practice of reporting in American society
  • Be able to articulate alternative perspectives on the reporting process

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Internships & Independent Study

JOR 345 Journalism Internship

  • Be able to write a cogent and coherent resume and cover letter to use for potential jobs in your field
  • Be able to show written or taped accomplishments produced as part of your internship
  • Be aware of job seeking skills, including published and unpublished sources for jobs
  • Be aware of how to proceed in a job interview
  • Be able to discuss workplace issues, problems and solutions, including sexual harassment, professional misconduct, employee rights, obligations and benefits
  • Be able to communicate effectively with professionals in the workplace
  • Be prepared to enter the workplace after graduation

JOR 440 Independent Study

Goals will vary depending on subject of course.