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
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
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
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
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.
