Journalism |
Academic Requirements | Minor in Journalism
Courses | Faculty
The Journalism Program: Courses
Lower level (freshman/sophomore): JOU 1000–2999
Upper level (junior): JOU 3000–3999
Upper level (senior): JOU 4000–4999
Digital Photography I
JOU 1100 / 4 credits / Every semester
An introduction to basic photography using digital cameras. Students learn the basics of digital camera operation, computer editing, and image management. Basic photo skills and the fundamentals of good composition are also addressed.
Note: This course serves as a prerequisite for JOU 2050 and 3100, but does not count toward requirements for the major.
Digital Photography II
JOU 2050 / 4 credits / Spring
Continued development of basic photography skills and knowledge, using digital cameras. Students learn more advanced techniques of digital camera operation, computer editing, and image management. Basic photo skills and the fundamentals of good composition are also addressed.
Prerequisite: JOU 1100 or 2100
Photography for Journalists
JOU 2100 / 4 credits / Every year
Designed to familiarize journalism students with the basic techniques of photography, including darkroom techniques and camera basics.
Note: This course serves as a prerequisite for JOU 2050 and 3100, but does not count toward requirements for the major.
Writing About Cities
JOU 2200 / 4 credits / Special topic (offered irregularly)
Through site visits, direct observation, examining current press coverage, and writing stories, students are introduced to the art of understanding and writing about how city issues play out on streets and in public spaces, neighborhoods, and downtowns.
Freedom and the Media
JOU 2310 / 4 credits / Every year
The idea and practice of free speech and press are examined in relation to media, including print, broadcast, and online expression. Ethical issues surrounding modern media are also explored through source readings and lectures.
Journalism I
JOU 2515 / 4 credits / Every semester
This survey course covers basic skills, which include news reporting and writing. Students are also introduced to the history, traditions, practices, laws, and ethics of journalism in the U.S.
Introduction to Media
JOU 2520 / 3 credits / Every year
Designed to familiarize students with different kinds of media, explain the roles they play in society, and provide a firsthand experience in seeing how they operate. Students witness the workings of radio stations, television stations, newspaper plants, and magazine productions. Field trips are required for all students.
Web Journalism
JOU 2527 / 4 credits / Every year
Students gain Internet writing and editing skills by naming, conceptualizing, producing, writing, and editing a Web-based cultural magazine or “webzine” for online publication. The basics of Web design and production are covered, with emphasis on writing and editing articles.
Prerequisite: JOU 2515
Public Relations
JOU 2550 / 4 credits / Every year
Examines public relations as a body of knowledge and a profession, with emphasis on the techniques of communication, methods, media, and other areas of expertise. Upon course completion, students understand what public relations is, the role it plays in people’s lives and in modern society, and the various public relations vehicles used by practitioners. Students are also able to demonstrate ability in the skills necessary to be an effective practitioner.
Headlines Into History
JOU 3015 / 3 credits / Special topic (offered irregularly)
An exploration of the relationship between today’s headlines and their place in history. Outstanding news events of the past 200 years are examined in relation to their historical relevance. Case studies include the Crimean War, the Whitechapel murders, the Dreyfus affair, the Lindbergh baby kidnapping, the Rosenberg trial, and the Bay of Pigs invasion.
Prerequisite: JOU 3515
Women in Journalism
JOU 3030 / 3 credits / Special topic (offered irregularly)
Two areas involving gender and journalism are explored: the roles and accomplishments of women in the field of journalism, and how gender has played a role in journalistic treatments of women.
Prerequisite: JOU 2515 and 3515
Race, Gender, and the Media
JOU 3040 / 4 credits / Every year
Examines the relationship between the media and social constructions of race, gender, and class, both in the U.S. and within a global context. Topics include biases and assumptions in print and visual media; representations of masculinity and femininity; and the media’s role in creating and reinforcing ideas, symbols, and ideologies within cultures. Text analysis includes newspapers, magazine articles, cartoons, television, movies, and advertising.
History of Journalism
JOU 3060 / 4 credits / Spring
Covers the history of journalism with an emphasis on American journalism after 1900. Students examine the objectives of journalism, styles of writing and coverage, and the shape and impact of the industry in various periods. Recent developments are studied with an eye toward how they fit into historical contexts. Also offered as HIS 3060.
Photojournalism
JOU 3100 / 4 credits / Every year
A basic course in the use of photography for journalistic purposes. Topics include how to shoot news events, feature photo shoots, cropping, and the use of computer technology.
Prerequisite: JOU 1100 or 2100
Feature Writing
JOU 3200 / 4 credits / Every year
An advanced course focusing on longer and more complex reporting and writing techniques for newspapers, magazines, and other types of publications.
Prerequisite: JOU 2515 and 3515
Editing and Production Workshop
JOU 3210 / 4 credits / Every year
A hands-on course that covers the basics of producing a magazine and webzine, including writing, editing, composition, story methods, layout, copyediting, design, production, and marketing.
Prerequisite: JOU 3515
The Art of Sportswriting
JOU 3220 / 4 credits / Every year
In this overview of national sports journalism, the craft is explored through extensive reading of eminent sports writers and the history of the art, as well as intensive writing. Special emphasis is placed on thorough reporting, the craft of interviewing, writing on deadline, and producing prose written in a distinctive voice.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
The Beat of Music Journalism
JOU 3230 / 4 credits / Every year
Explores the craft of journalistic writing about various musical genres, including rock, hip-hop, punk, heavy metal, classical, R&B, and jazz. Readings include notable works of music journalism in print and on the Web. Students write articles on the genres of particular interest to them. This course is suitable for both specialized (journalism and music) and general audiences.
Added Fall 2008 (8/19/08):
Multiple Platform Writing
JOU 3250 / 4 credits / Special topic (offered irregularly)
News, regardless of how it is distributed, is migrating to the Web. Building on the lessons of JOU 2515 and 3515, this course introduces techniques of writing for radio and television news and using audio and video to tell stories. It also explores the new language and iconography of Web-based content.
Prerequisite: JOU 2515 and 3515
Added Spring 2009 (9/18/08):
Environmental Journalism
JOU 3260 / 4 credits / Special topic (offered irregularly)
In this introduction to the issues associated with reporting on the environment, students gain an understanding of the science behind local and global environmental issues and the journalistic approaches necessary to illuminate those issues. The course grapples with the difficulties inherent in translating scientific information for mass audiences. Also offered as ENV 3260.
Prerequisite: Junior standing and either ENV 1500 or JOU 2515 and 3515
Voice of Sept. 11 Workshop
JOU 3400 / 4 credits / Every year
This hands-on course covers journalistic techniques of researching, interviewing, and gathering oral histories in an exploration of the historical and political implications of the events of 9/11. Students conduct fieldwork for Voices of Sept. 11, a nonpartisan, nonprofit advocacy group. Projects include identifying and developing Web links for memorial sites, preserving and creating digital archives, recording oral histories of victim families and survivors, and writing a weekly newsletter.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Journalism II
JOU 3515 / 4 credits / Every semester
This course builds on skills developed in JOU 2515 and includes basic feature reporting, copyediting, and layout. In addition to covering campus events, students may also cover specialized beats like local government, the New York arts scene, and environmental issues. Students who complete JOU 2515 and 3515 may be eligible for one or two semester-long internships at local publications.
Prerequisite: JOU 2515
Electronic News Media
JOU 3525 / 4 credits / Every year
Designed to familiarize students with the resources available on the Web for journalists and how to use those resources effectively. Students are also introduced to writing techniques for the Web and the fundamentals of producing electronic media.
Prerequisite: JOU 2515
Resources for Reporters
JOU 3530 / 4 credits / Every year
Students’ reporting and researching skills are enhanced through exposure to a variety of modern and traditional resources (e.g., the Internet, electronic databases, archives, and directories). The most current technologies are emphasized in this hands-on course.
Prerequisite: JOU 2515
News Editing
JOU 3600 / 4 credits / Every year
Covers the art of editing, from breaking news to features in special styles. Students work intensively on improving writing, expanding knowledge of word crafting, and producing tight prose. The relationship between reporters, editors, and decisions about news judgment is examined. An essential course for writing-based careers.
Prerequisite: JOU 3515
Criticism/Reviewing Workshop
JOU 3780 Refer to DRA 3780 in Drama Studies Courses for description.
Prerequisite: JOU 3515
Junior Seminar in Journalism
JOU 3880 / 4 credits / Spring
Students examine issues in journalism. Required for journalism majors.
Prerequisite: JOU 2515 and 3515
The Art of Criticism
JOU 4000 / 4 credits / Every year
This advanced seminar provides students with insight into the world of criticism, which can include theatre, cinema, television, books, and music. The focus reflects the expertise of the critic, who works on a major publication.
Prerequisite: JOU 3515 and permission of instructor
Added Spring 2009 (9/22/08):
Covering the Arts
JOU 4010 / 4 credits / Special topic (offered irregularly)
Using the College’s wide array of cultural activities as material, students learn to bring immediacy and depth to their reporting on entertainment and the arts. The course begins with a study of the form and function of various disciplines as a basis for this reporting.
Prerequisite: JOU 2515 and 3515
Narrative Journalism
JOU 4100 / 4 credits / Special topic (offered irregularly)
This advanced course focuses on long-form, magazine-style journalism. Readings range from the classic reportage of Orwell and Ross to the modern work of Wolfe and Talese. Intensive writing assignments include both shorter features and the 5,000-word narrative piece that major magazines run today.
Prerequisite: For journalism majors, JOU 3515; for students in other disciplines, writing background; and permission of instructor for all students
Introduction to Broadcast Journalism
JOU 4300 / 4 credits / Every semester
Designed to familiarize students with the basics of broadcast journalism, including writing for broadcast and techniques of broadcasting. Students have access to a campus television station, where they are introduced to the techniques and methods of broadcasting.
Advanced Broadcast News
JOU 4310 / 4 credits / Every semester
Expands the foundation skills learned in JOU 4300. Topics include advanced broadcast writing, filming, and editing. Students produce a news/feature television program at a working television station. Also offered as CIN 4310.
Prerequisite: JOU 4300 and permission of instructor
Added Spring 2009 (9/22/08):
Broadcast Writing
JOU 4320 / 4 credits / Special topic (offered irregularly)
Writing for broadcast requires advanced producing skills. This advanced course focuses on the graphics, rolling visuals, and sound structure that illuminate the scripted language written for radio and television. Class exercises and field assignments provide opportunities to develop and practice these skills, and current events frame classroom discussions.
Prerequisite: JOU 2515 and 3515
Journalism III: Media Production
JOU 4515 / 4 credits / Every year
An advanced course that builds on skills developed in JOU 2515 and 3515. Additional topics include investigative journalism, editing, layout, and graphics.
Prerequisite: JOU 2515 and 3515
Senior Seminar in Journalism
JOU 4880 / 2 credits / Fall
Students read selections from the work of major journalists and examine new techniques and methodologies. Designed to help students prepare for their senior projects. Required for journalism majors and intended exclusively for them.
Prerequisite: JOU 2515 and 3515
Senior Project in Journalism
JOU 4990 / 4 credits (per semester) / Every semester
Required for journalism majors in the senior year. Two semesters (8 credits total).
Updated Sept. 22, 2008