Courses
JOUR 100. Mass Communication (3)
Not open to students with credit in CTVA 100. Survey and analysis of newspapers, books, magazines, radio, television, popular music, movies, advertising, public relations, the Internet and emerging technologies. Examines media history and economics, as well as their roles, rights and impact in contemporary society. Particular emphasis on media literacy, critical thinking, research and writing. (Available for General Education, E Lifelong Learning.)
JOUR 104. Introduction to Journalism (1)
This first-year seminar introduces the Journalism department’s traditions and expectations, as well as resources and opportunities to help students as they move through the major. Students will meet faculty, get to know campus media operations, clubs and career options and learn about the program’s writing, ethics and other academic standards. (Credit/No Credit only)
JOUR 110/L. News Reporting I and Lab (2/1)
Prerequisite: Grade of “C” or better in the lower division writing requirement. Preparatory: Keyboard, typing proficiency. Corequisite: JOUR 110L. Basic news gathering and writing. Includes interviewing, speech/meeting coverage, preparing news copy, and traditional- and electronic-information gathering as applied to news decision making. Introduces ethics as part of developing news judgment and learning the values practiced by professional journalists. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours lab.
JOUR 210/L. News Reporting II and Lab (2/1)
Prerequisite: Grade of “C” or better in JOUR 110/L. Corequisite: JOUR 210L. Continuation of news reporting, with coverage of public affairs beats, including police, courts and government. Writing primarily in print, but also in broadcast news, online news and public relations formats. Ethics emphasized. Off-campus reporting and statistical journalism included. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours lab.
JOUR 225. Multimedia Storytelling (3)
Prerequisite: Grade of “C” or better in JOUR 110/L. Recommended Preparatory Courses: JOUR 100, JOUR 250. An introduction to multimedia storytelling and online news production. Techniques for gathering, reporting and producing news using digital and social media. Legal and ethical issues in digital media and other emerging journalistic practices.
JOUR 250. Visual Communication (3)
Survey of the most significant techniques and examples of visual communication in the mass media, including social media and the Internet, newspapers, magazines, photography, typography, graphic design, animation, television, cinema and advertising. Particular emphasis on critical thinking, visual and cultural literacy, and on the perception of visual media messages and their impact on culture and society. Illustrated lectures and activities.
JOUR 255. Introduction to Public Relations (3)
Prerequisite: Grade of “C” or better in the lower division writing requirement. Practical approach to public relations, including its history, career paths, campaign planning process, theory and methods. Includes concepts of planning and executing effective strategies, integrating message design and distribution.
JOUR 310. Feature Writing (3)
Prerequisites: Grade of “C” or better in JOUR 210/L and JOUR 225. Feature reporting and long-form storytelling, including the use of digital media and digital media platforms. Analysis and application of the practice and aesthetics of narrative journalism, the techniques of in-depth reporting, and an emphasis on the newer forms of explanatory storytelling.
JOUR 315. Broadcast Reporting (3)
Prerequisites: Grade of “C” or better in JOUR 210/L and JOUR 225. Broadcast news writing, radio reporting and producing of live and recorded daily newscasts and other programming. Use of digital tools and emerging practices in class and in the KCSN Newsroom. 6 hours of classroom and lab activity.
JOUR 325. Multiplatform Storytelling (3)
Prerequisites: Grade of “C” or better in JOUR 225 and JOUR 250. Students in this advanced digital-media class will learn to produce text, audio, video and social media to create and disseminate digital stories and engage audiences across multiplatforms.
JOUR 335. Writing, Producing and Editing Television News (2)
Prerequisites: Grade of “C” or better in JOUR 315 and JOUR 325. Television news writing, editing and producing. Developing news judgment, ethics and newsroom skills. Editing and writing to video, anchoring. Students produce weekly newscasts, followed by discussion and critique. 4 hours of classroom and lab activity.
JOUR 341. Writing for Public Relations (3)
Prerequisites: Grade of “C” or better in JOUR 210/L and JOUR 255. Intensive writing instruction, integrating a variety of public relations techniques using a journalistic tone for a diverse audience.
JOUR 350. Photojournalism (3)
Prerequisite: Grade of “C” or better in JOUR 225; Students are required to have access to a camera and laptop. Technical, aesthetic, ethical and legal aspects of photojournalism. Emphasis on the production of narrative still images, using digital platforms for editing and dissemination.
JOUR 362. Public Relations Campaigns (3)
Prerequisites: JOUR 255 and JOUR 341. Plan, design and implement a comprehensive public relations campaign, including conducting research and evaluating results.
JOUR 365. News Literacy (3)
Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Recommended Preparatory: JOUR 100. Analysis of news and information. Development of news literacy skills to evaluate sources, bias, opinion, transparency and other attributes. First Amendment, culture of journalism, participatory media and democracy. Regular written assignments required. (Available for General Education, D1 Social Sciences.) (IC)
JOUR 371. Gender and Media (3)
Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Examines media representation of gender and sexual identity and ways in which the media culture shapes gender roles, expectations, and stereotypes. Particular emphasis on applying critical thinking, research and writing skills to analyze gendered portrayals, policies and practices in television, film, magazines, music, video games, news, advertising, and social media, and to develop strategies that empower gender equality in society. Special attention to historical and contemporary contributions and responsibilities of women media professionals. (Available for General Education, F Comparative Cultural Studies.) (IC)
JOUR 372. Diversity and the Media (3)
Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Analysis of media portrayals and audience perceptions of racial, ethnic and sociopolitical groups, and the roles and responsibilities of mainstream and specialty media in a democratic society. Particular emphasis on applying critical thinking, research and writing skills to analyze media policies and practices and on developing strategies for multiculturalism. (Available for General Education, F Comparative Cultural Studies.) (IC)
JOUR 374SLJ. Spanish-Language News Environment (3)
The course is a survey of Latino-oriented and Spanish-language news media and of the news coverage of Latinos and Spanish-language communities. The course provides students with a general understanding of contemporary Spanish-speaking and Latino communities. Conducted in English.
JOUR 375. Engaging Diverse Communities (3)
Prerequisites: JOUR 210/L and JOUR 225. Engagement and multimedia journalism skills, including in-depth reporting, social media and online surveys. Analysis of demographics, community institutions and social issues, to generate engagement with diverse communities with media. Creation of critically informed, visual representations.
JOUR 390. Freedom of the Press (3)
Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Not available for those with credit in JOUR 400. Designed for non-journalism majors. Legal rights and privileges of the mass media under the Constitution. Censorship and control of the press. (Available for General Education, E Lifelong Learning.)
JOUR 395B. Broadcast News Practicum (2)
Prerequisites: Grade of “C” or better in JOUR 315 and JOUR 325. Corequisite: JOUR 395C. Radio and television news reporting and production. Emphasizes the development of professional broadcast skills necessary to work as a team under deadline pressure, and the evolution of ethical news judgment, particularly in choosing news stories and sources. 6 hours of activity per week required.
JOUR 395C. Broadcast News (2)
Prerequisites: Grade of “C” or better in JOUR 315 and JOUR 325. Corequisite: JOUR 395B. Radio and television news reporting and production. Emphasizes the development of professional broadcast skills necessary to work as a team under deadline pressure, including the evolution of ethical news judgment, particularly in choosing news stories and sources. 2 hours lecture.
JOUR 397A. Newspaper Practicum (1)
Prerequisite: Grade of “C” or better in JOUR 310 for writers and reporters and in JOUR 330 for editors. Supervised work on the department daily newspaper. Students work as writers, reporters, photographers and editors. 3 hours of activity per unit per week.
JOUR 397B. News Practicum (2)
Prerequisite: Grade of “C” or better in JOUR 310 or JOUR 350, and JOUR 325. Corequisite JOUR 397C. Advised work on the department’s student newspaper. Students create content as multimedia journalists for The Sundial digital and print editions. Emphasizes the development of professional journalism skills to work under deadline pressure and employing ethical news judgment, particularly in choosing coverage and sources. 6 hours of activity per week required.
JOUR 397C. News—The Sundial (2)
Prerequisites: Grade of “C” or better in JOUR 310 or JOUR 350 and JOUR 325. Corequisite: JOUR 397B. Advised work on the department’s student newspaper. Students create content as multimedia journalists for The Sundial digital and print editions. Emphasizes the development of professional journalism skills to work under deadline pressure and employing ethical news judgment, particularly in choosing coverage and sources. 2 hours lecture.
JOUR 398B. Public Relations Practicum (2)
Prerequisites: Grade of “C” or better in JOUR 255 and JOUR 341. Corequisite: JOUR 398C. Hands-on experience for students to conduct professional-level public relations activities on behalf of Agency 398’s nonprofit clients, including social media management, event planning, production of press releases along with other media materials. 6 hours of activity per week required.
JOUR 398C. Public Relations—Agency 398 (2)
Prerequisites: Grade of “C” or better in JOUR 255 and JOUR 341. Corequisite: JOUR 398B. Hands-on experience for students to conduct professional-level public relations activities on behalf of Agency 398’s nonprofit clients, including social media management, event planning, production of press releases along with other media materials. 2 hours lecture.
JOUR 400. Media Law and Ethics (3)
Prerequisite: Upper division standing required. Not available for students with credit in JOUR 390. Examination of laws and ethics that provide the liberties, rights and responsibilities of the media and others in the digital era. Available for graduate credit.
JOUR 410. Investigative Reporting (3)
Prerequisite: Grade of “C” or better in JOUR 310 or JOUR 315. Researching, reporting, writing and producing investigative stories on societal, governmental and scientific issues for print, broadcast or online media. Ethical issues, problems, traditional techniques and technological approaches to investigative journalism. Available for graduate credit.
JOUR 415. Reporting for Television News (3)
Prerequisites: Grade of “C” or better in JOUR 315 and JOUR 325. Reporting, writing, editing and producing for television news. Fundamentals of television news field reporting, writing, researching, interviewing and editing complete narrative packages. Available for graduate credit.
JOUR 430. Public Affairs Journalism (3)
Prerequisite: Grade of “C” or better in JOUR 315. Advanced journalism students report, write and produce On Point, a weekly news and public affairs multiplatform program that explores diverse current and in-depth topics and issues for a local audience. Available for graduate credit.
JOUR 440. Public Relations Management (3)
Prerequisite: Grade of “C” or better in JOUR 362. One of the most important functions in public relations is the management function. Directs the management of constituents, customers, journalists and media. Includes public relations theory and analysis of historical and contemporary case studies. Available for graduate credit.
JOUR 445. Advanced Television News (3)
Prerequisites: Grade of “C” or better in JOUR 415. Reporting, writing, editing, anchoring and producing television newscasts for airing on cable or television. Students produce weekly newscasts in a professional environment, followed by critique and discussion. Available for graduate credit. 6 hours of classroom and lab activity.
JOUR 450. Advanced Photojournalism (3)
Prerequisite: Grade of “C” or better in JOUR 350. Advanced instruction in the techniques and ethics of photojournalism. Emphasis on reporting and narrative construction for the photojournalist. Includes the production of picture stories, photo essays and the preparation of a professional portfolio. Available for graduate credit.
JOUR 455. Documentary Photojournalism (3)
Prerequisites: Grade of “C” or better in JOUR 350. Production course that guides the student to a discovery and use of the principles of investigation and reporting on a subject in depth. Production of photographic images are supported by a survey of the major journalistic documentary projects in still photography. Available for graduate credit.
JOUR 460. Magazine Journalism (3)
Prerequisite: Grade of “C” or better in JOUR 330. Principles, problems and techniques of magazine editing and design; production of department magazine; and nonfiction article research and writing. Available for graduate credit. 6 hours of scheduled classroom and lab activity required.
JOUR 465. Mass Communication and Popular Culture (3)
Study of the social, political and economic influences that shape popular culture and its effects on audiences. Examines media’s roles as storytellers. Particular emphasis on applying critical thinking, research and writing skills to analyze media policies and practices and on developing strategies that empower consumers in the media. Available for graduate credit.
JOUR 474SLJ. Spanish-Language Media Writing (3)
Prerequisites: Upper division level of Spanish-language; JOUR 210/L or instructor approval. The course will guide students in the methods and styles of reporting and writing in Spanish for print and broadcast. It will prepare students to take part in the Journalism Department’s media practica. Conducted in Spanish. Available for graduate credit.
JOUR 478. International News Media (3)
Study of news media systems and the influence of government, economics, culture and propaganda on international news practices. Examines the role of multinational media organizations. Available for graduate credit.
JOUR 480. History of the American News Media (3)
Study of the development and influence of the news media in the U.S. from colonial times to the present. Examines social, economic, cultural, technological and political influences on news media development. Special attention to dominant media personalities. Available for graduate credit.
JOUR 491. Media Leadership (3-3)
Prerequisites: Grade of “C” or better in JOUR 395B and JOUR 395C; or JOUR 397B and JOUR 397C; or JOUR 398B and JOUR 398C. Newsroom leadership. Students will develop, produce and disseminate content, leading teams and managing workflows between and across the department’s diverse student media platforms. Available for graduate credit. May be repeated once for credit.
JOUR 494AEE/BEE. Internship (1/2)
Prerequisite: Grade of “C” or better in JOUR 310 or JOUR 315 or JOUR 341. Supervised employment, field study or on-the-job training in contemporary news media and public relations operations. AEE and BEE must be taken together and the combination can be taken only once. Available for graduate credit. (Credit/No Credit only)
JOUR 495A-Z. Selected Topics in Journalism (3)
Prerequisite: Upper division standing required. Advanced research, writing and reporting of selected journalistic styles and/or subject matter. Ethical issues, problems, traditional techniques and technological approaches are integral segments of each selected topic. Subject content will change from semester to semester. Available for graduate credit.
JOUR 496A-Z. Experimental Topics Courses in Journalism (1-3)
Prerequisite: One year of appropriate coursework in Journalism. Experimental courses in journalism, with course content to be determined. Available for graduate credit.
JOUR 498. Senior Project (1)
Prerequisite: Graduating senior standing. Capstone course for Journalism majors, usually taken the final semester before graduation. Individual, supervised study in selected areas of students’ interest, resulting in completion of a capstone portfolio project.
JOUR 499A-C. Independent Study (1-3)
Independent Study
JOUR 585. Theory of Mass Communication (3)
Prerequisite: Senior or graduate status. Extended analysis of the theories which inform the study of mass communication. The course focus is on contemporary theories but is grounded in a historical understanding of the development of theory in the field.
MCOM 600. Seminar in Research Methods (3)
Prerequisite: Classified graduate status. Scope and methods of research in mass communication, including review of literature, statement of research problem, research design, collection and analysis of data and information, and writing the research report.
MCOM 612. Journalism Practices (3)
Prerequisite: Graduate status in the Mass Communication program. Students acquire and apply professional journalism practices that may include visualizing and analyzing data sets, investigative reporting, long-form reporting and other in-depth research techniques.
MCOM 620. Seminar in Media Criticism (3)
Prerequisite: Classified graduate status. Analysis of books, journal articles and other reviews that deal with contemporary mass communication.
MCOM 630. Seminar in Analysis of Media Performance (3)
Prerequisite: MCOM 600. Extended application of research and evaluation techniques as used in mass communication research to describe the quality of news media performance.
MCOM 635. Multimedia Journalism (2)
Prerequisite: Graduate standing in Mass Communication. Multimedia Journalism is a skills-based class in which students learn how to produce mobile digital content for journalism projects using personal technology devices.
MCOM 690. Research Practicum (3)
Prerequisite: MCOM 600. Instruction and individualized guidance in the preparation of thesis or project proposals, including introduction, literature review and methodology.
MCOM 693A-Z. Selected Topics in Journalism and Mass Comm (3)
Prerequisite: Approval of graduate advisor. Advanced examination of selected topics in journalism and mass communication, with course content to be determined by department faculty.
MCOM 696. Directed Graduate Research (3)
Directed Graduate Research
MCOM 697A. Comprehensive Written Exam (1)
Written and oral examination in the major field (Mass Communication) and two specified fields selected with the approval of the Graduate Committee. One of those specialized fields may be outside the Department of Journalism.
MCOM 698C. Thesis or Graduate Project (3-3)
Prerequisites: MCOM 690; Approval of sponsor.
MCOM 699A-C. Independent Study (1-3)
Prerequisites: MCOM 600; Approval of sponsor.