List of Courses

JRN 121 Introduction to Journalism and the Mass Media (3 credits)

This course is designed to increase students' media literacy through awareness of journalism and mass media, their history and development, their impact on society, ethical and social problems, and the changing media landscape. Prerequisite: ENG 103.

JRN 123 Newspaper Production (1 credit)

Familiarizes students with all aspects of newspaper production and provides practical application of journalism theories with participation in the activities of the student newspaper. Students attend weekly meetings, write articles, etc. Includes one and one-half hour seminar/discussion.

JRN 157 Electronic Media Writing (3 credits)

This course helps students to master the diverse writing styles and formats used in writing for broadcast on radio, television, and cable. These include public service announcements (PSAs), station IDs, promotional announcements, script formats, commercials, news copy, and program materials. Emphasis is on developing broadcast copy style, distinguishing words directed toward the ear and the eye. Prerequisite: ENG 103.

JRN 227 Writing for Emerging Technologies (3 credits)

Fast-paced and widespread developments in technology have changed the way people distribute, access, and understand information. With the Internet serving both as a medium for text and images, and a delivery system for other kinds of digital content, competitive employees in the marketplace must be able to provide clear and effective pieces of Web-based communication and other kinds of documents. This course will discuss the issues surrounding the new technology. Topics covered in the course include First Amendment law and the Internet, "repurposing" stories across platforms, and clear writing techniques. This course may be offered online and/or face-to-face. Prerequisite: ENG 104.

JRN 251 Writing for the Media (3 credits)

Elements of writing news stories: style and structure, news sources, types of stories. Discussion and criticism of various kinds of writing for the media, with emphasis on newspapers; consideration of publicity writing. It is recommended that students take ENG/JRN 121 first. Prerequisites: ENG 103 and ENG 104, and ability to type.

JRN 252 The New Non-Fiction and Popular Writing (3 credits)

A survey of contemporary attempts to use the techniques of fiction writing in works of non-fiction and an examination of some outstanding examples of journalistic feature writing, magazine writing, and criticism. Students will have the choice of writing critical reviews or doing non-fiction and related writing. Includes study of one relevant documentary motion picture and one full-length non-fiction work. Prerequisites: ENG 103, ENG 104.

JRN 253 Newspaper Editing Laboratory (2 credits)

Open to senior members of the student newspaper. Provides practical application of editing theories. Students must be familiar with all aspects of newspaper production, and will help train and direct the staff of the student newspaper appropriately. Students attend weekly staff and editorial meetings. Includes weekly seminar discussions, four individual consultations with the instructor, and a short evaluative paper.

JRN 255 Writing for Electronic Media (3 credits)

This course helps students master the diverse writing styles and formats used in writing for broadcast, on radio, television and cable. These include public service announcements (PSA's), station ID's, promotional announcements, script formats, commercials, news copy and program materials. Emphasis is on developing broadcast copy style, distinguishing words directed towards the ear and eye. Prerequisites: ENG 103 and ENG 104.