Outcome Statement for Journalism Majors

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The faculty has identified five broad standards of performance, or Student Outcomes, that it prepares students to meet by the time of their graduation. These standards are expressed thusly:

University of Rhode Island Journalism graduates are:

Capable of entry-level media work in one of the major's areas of emphasis.
This level of professionalism includes, but is not limited to, the following characteristics:

• the ability to express oneself clearly, both orally and in writing
• the ability to carry out journalistic research and interviews
• the ability to meet deadlines
• technological competency appropriate to the medium
• an understanding of the structure and function of local, state and national government
• the ability to prepare a written resume and, where appropriate, an audio or video resume tape

Informed about journalistic ethics and capable of articulating an ethical decision.
Graduates understand professional codes of ethics and are knowledgeable about ethical dilemmas faced by journalists. Employing personal as well as professional ethics, they are prepared to make thoughtful decisions from among alternatives and are capable of defending those decisions.

Able to explain the role of the news media in a democratic society.
Graduates understand the historical and legal ramifications of the First Amendment, the traditional role of journalism as society's watchdog, and the rights and responsibilities of journalists.

Conversant about contemporary media issues.
Because the present cannot be discussed intelligently without an awareness of and appreciation for the past, implicit in this expected outcome is the graduates' understanding of their professional roots. They are familiar with the issues now facing journalists and those likely to face journalists, particularly those being written and talked about by news media practitioners, users, observers and critics.

Prepared for a diverse and multi-cultural world and workplace.
Graduates recognize that they will live and work in a world characterized by difference and change, and they recognize the challenges these present to themselves and to journalism.