The journalism major at Purchase College is designed to provide students with the intellectual bases and skills to gather, assess, and disseminate information and ideas.
This equips students for careers in journalism and a wide variety of other fields, including law, government, business, and public relations. The program fits naturally in the School of Humanities, as journalism at its best exemplifies the open and honest inquiry that marks the liberal arts and sciences.
Students are offered a central set of skills courses in journalism, electives in specialized areas in a variety of media, and courses that explore the broader context of journalistic practice. Students also take advantage of the broad offerings of Purchase College, and are encouraged to have internships. The studies culminate in a senior project, an extended work that allows students to showcase the full range of their talents.
Facilities
Purchase students produce journalism in a variety of computer labs using equipment consistent with industry standards. Journalism majors work in a dedicated suite in the Humanities Building that offers an integrated newsroom, broadcast studio, and control room with up-to-the-minute technology.
Our proximity to New York City, the media capital of the world, has enabled students to land internships with such varied media outlets as NBC, CBS, ABC, PBS, MSG, Marie Claire, and the Daily News. In essence, we strive to offer our students whatever they need to produce and promote excellent work. Chief among these things is a core set of journalistic practices and principles that remain steady even as the technology changes.
These two introductory courses are the only journalism courses open to freshmen.
JOU 1500/Introduction to Media: 3 credits
JOU 2150/History of Journalism: 3 credits
II. Central Courses: 22 credits
JOU 2515/Journalism I: 4 credits*
JOU 2915/Journalism II: 4 credits*
JOU 3080/Freedom and the Media: 4 credits
JOU 3880/Junior Seminar in Journalism: 2 credits
SPJ 4990/Senior Project I: 4 credits
SPJ 4991/Senior Project II: 4 credits
*Students must earn a minimum grade of C+ in JOU 2515 and 2915, which must be taken initially and in sequence.
III. Journalism Electives: 10–12 credits
Three journalism electives, chosen from the list below. For students who begin the major from fall 2020 onward, at least one of the three electives must be a practical course in visual journalism (denoted by an asterisk).
Please note: New courses may be added to this list. Students should check with their faculty advisor to determine if a new course is an appropriate elective.
COM 3375/Podcasting and Audio Storytelling JOU 1120/Journalism and Film JOU 3040/Race, Gender, and the Media
JOU 3100/Photojournalism*
JOU 3120/First-Person Reporting
JOU 3130/Documentaries and Journalism
JOU 3160/Broadcast News I*
JOU 3170/Broadcast News II
JOU 3200/Feature Writing
JOU 3220/The Art of Sports writing
JOU 3230/The Beat of Music Journalism
JOU 3350/Community Reporting
JOU 3360/Narrative and Nonfiction Podcasting
JOU 3374/The Literature of Journalism
JOU 3500/Video Journalism I*
JOU 3600/News Editing JOU 3700/The Beat, Magazine Production
JOU 3780/Criticism/Reviewing Workshop
JOU 4010/Covering the Arts
JOU 4020/International Issues Reporting
JOU 4150/Investigative Reporting
JOU 4320/Broadcast Writing LIT 3635/Reviewing the Contemporary Novel PHI 3085/Objectivity PSW3120/Writer and the Documentary
IV. Other Studies
Five electives in one area of study within the liberal arts and sciences, chosen in consultation with the faculty advisor. (Many students will find it appropriate to earn a minor.) The per-course credits vary, but the credit total is typically 18 to 20. A minimum of 9 credits must be upper-level.
Minor requirements:
The minor in journalism is designed for undergraduate students in all disciplines at Purchase College who are interested in the field of journalism.
MS, Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism
Courses
Students will learn different styles of podcasting, best practices for developing and pitching a show, how to use professional audio recorders, basic audio editing techniques with Adobe Audition and how to build an audience and distribute a podcast once it's complete.
Credits: 3
Department: Journalism
An exploration of journalism through famous films. Students screen a variety of films that investigate different aspects of journalistic practice—from classic shoe-leather reporting to high-stakes investigations aimed at uncovering political malfeasance and corruption. The course also covers everyday challenges of the craft, from developing sources to navigating ethical dilemmas and the ever-increasing demand to meet deadlines and make headlines.
Credits: 4
Department: Journalism
Today’s media are placed in historical, cultural, and economic context. Students explore the concept of media literacy, and then delve into specific media platforms, including newspapers, magazines, the Internet, radio, TV, and movies. The class also examines the spin-off industries of advertising and public relations.
Credits: 3
Department: Journalism
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.
Credits: 3
Department: Journalism
In this introductory course, students learn the fundamentals of reporting and writing news stories, focusing on the skills that form the basis for newspaper, magazines, broadcast, and Web-based journalism. Students also learn AP (Associated Press) style and proofreading and examine broader issues, such as ethics, the impact of the media, and libel.
Credits: 4
Department: Journalism
Students build on skills developed in JOU 2515 and delve into more specific areas of coverage called “beats.” Students who complete JOU 2515 and 2915 may be eligible for semester-long internships at local publications.
Credits: 4
PREREQ: JOU2515
Department: Journalism
Students explore the region to produce journalistic reports that include writing and photography. Assignments include stories on challenges facing a French family, implications of a French political issue, a social issue, and a travel piece. The goal is for students to write as a foreign correspondent, conveying the community’s views, struggles, sights, and sensations to an audience back home. (offered in France, Summer)
Credits: 4
Department: Journalism
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.
Credits: 4
Department: Journalism
Examines the historical, philosophical, and legal bases for freedom of speech and of the press in the U.S. and the practical application of these principles to print, broadcast, and online media today. Topics include the First Amendment, libel, privacy, government regulation, news gathering, and journalism ethics. Not recommended for freshmen or sophomores.
Credits: 4
Department: Journalism
Students build on skills acquired in previous journalism classes as they explore in depth the various interviewing techniques for print, broadcast, and online media. Students critique each other’s work and critically dissect published articles and broadcast interviews. They report and write their own in-depth profiles with an eye toward publication in professional or student publications or broadcast outlets.
Credits: 4
Department: Journalism
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.
Credits: 4
Department: Journalism
Students build on the skills acquired in JOU 2515 and 2915 as they discuss, critique, write, revise, and edit first-person reporting. This is a writing-intensive course; students work on developing a point of view and voice and craft material that resonates with the reader. They are also expected to be active peer-editors of their classmates’ work.
Credits: 4
PREREQ: JOU2915
Department: Journalism
Documentaries are supposed to provide a factual record, but do they? In this course, students analyze, critique, and deconstruct documentary films, and discuss the evolution of the genre. Historical context, aesthetics, and ethics are examined. Students look at the emerging fault lines in the documentary format, where it has become increasingly difficult to tell the difference between news and entertainment.
Credits: 4
PREREQ: JOU2915
Department: Journalism
Students learn about business and economic news through reporting, writing, and reading, and establish an understanding of the four core elements of business journalism: the economy; the financial world; the consumer; and government regulation/policy. Students familiarize themselves with the language of corporations and the financial markets, and learn how to write clearly for any audience.
Credits: 4
PREREQ: JOU2915
Department: Journalism
Building on the foundations of JOU 2515 and 2915, this hands-on course enables students to make the transition from reporting for print and online publications to reporting for radio and television news broadcasts. Students gain experience shooting, writing, and editing television news stories and are introduced to the basics of live television studio production. Recommended prior course: JOU 3500.
Credits: 4
PREREQ: JOU2515 Or COM1400
Department: Journalism
Students further their development as broadcast journalists through class exercises, field assignments, and in-studio productions, serving as reporters, anchors, producers, and directors for a campus television news and feature program. Strengthening broadcast writing skills and polishing on-air delivery are emphasized.
Credits: 4
PREREQ: JOU3160 Or JOU3150
Department: Journalism
An advanced course focusing on longer and more complex reporting and writing techniques for newspapers, magazines, and other types of publications.
Credits: 4
PREREQ: JOU2515 And JOU2915
Department: Journalism
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.
Credits: 4
Department: Journalism
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.
Credits: 4
PREREQ: JOU2915
Department: Journalism
Students report on communities surrounding the college, with an emphasis on Port Chester, in collaboration with Casa Purchase. Includes résumé-building opportunities to get work published in local news outlets on such topics as immigration, social justice, public safety, sports, housing, education, politics, business, volunteerism, lifestyles, and college issues.
Credits: 4
PREREQ: JOU2915
Department: Journalism
Building on skills developed in COM3375 Podcasting and Audio Storytelling, students will create longer audio reporting projects with more complex structures. Focus will be on audio documentary and nonfiction narrative storytelling and production.
Credits: 4
PREREQ: COM3375
Department: Journalism
Students look at the evolution of long-form journalism of postwar America, roughly defined as 1946–1980. Works include Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood, John Hersey’s Hiroshima, and the magazine writing of Lillian Ross, Alex Haley, Joan Didion, and Gay Talese. The class also explores more recent authors, such as Isabel Wilkerson and Rachel Aviv, and the influences of the digital age.
Credits: 4
Department: Journalism
An introduction to issues and developments in multimedia journalism. Students critique and create stories for publication online, learning how to assemble story packages that combine media elements, including text, video, audio, and images. Includes some exploration of the use of social media and other techniques to promote stories. May be taken concurrently with JOU 2515 or 2915. Completion of JOU 3500 is strongly recommended before taking JOU 3160.
Credits: 4
PREREQ: JOU2515
Department: Journalism
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.
Credits: 4
PREREQ: JOU2515
Department: Journalism
Putting a range of journalism skills into practice, students produce a finished, arts-based magazine. Students will utilize their reporting and writing talents and develop other ones: editing; writing headlines and captions; layout and design; and finer points of news judgment. Passion for journalism and the ability to work independently, and with peers, are a must.
Credits: 2
Department: Journalism
An introduction to styles of criticism and a practical course in writing short, critical essays (reviews) on the performing and visual arts. On-campus plays and films are assigned; students write about theatre, film, music, dance, painting, and other art forms.
Credits: 4
PREREQ: JOU2515
Department: Journalism
The goal of this seminar is to equip students with the skills needed to complete a successful senior project, and guide them in choosing a topic and format to research and report in depth. Students look at career options in journalism, do a résumé and job-hunting workshop, and discuss internships. Required for journalism majors.
Credits: 2
PREREQ: JOU2915
Department: Journalism
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.
Credits: 4
PREREQ: JOU2515 Or JOU3700
Department: Journalism
Examines the methods of international affairs journalism, how international issues and organizations are covered, and the innovative ways in which local reporters can reach out to bring the world closer to their readers. Students produce stories that illuminate connections between nearby neighborhoods and faraway lands.
Credits: 4
PREREQ: JOU2915
Department: Journalism
Choose a local social issue and produce multimedia reporting projects with that focus. Emphasis on sustained connection with communities and producing impactful journalism. Includes history of independent media and case studies of advocacy journalism.
Credits: 4
PREREQ: JOU2915 And (JOU3500 Or JOU3160 )
Department: Journalism
Building on skills from Multimedia Tools, students approach video in a photojournalistic style. They learn to identify interesting characters with remarkable stories. In nonnarrative video storytelling—where students capture vérité scenes and create cinematic sequences—the focus is on having people tell their stories in their own words. This personal approach allows the viewer to relate and to emotionally engage.
Credits: 4
PREREQ: JOU3500 Or JOU3160
Department: Journalism
Student reporters learn to develop the investigative state of mind needed to change public opinion and influence policy making. Working individually and in teams, students use documents, databases, official records, and human sources to probe social justice issues, expose official hypocrisy, and ferret out corruption, waste, and inefficiency in government and other institutions.
Credits: 4
PREREQ: JOU2915
Department: Journalism
Explore the sociopolitical dimensions of the arts across diverse creative outlets. Students examine art in relation to the politics of power in society, and engage the activist dynamics of artistic expression with regards to persistent forms of inequality and oppression.
Credits: 4
Department: Journalism
An introduction to the contemporary novel and the art and practice of book reviewing. Students read exemplary novels (e.g., Cloud Atlas and Netherland); they read exemplary book critics (e.g., Zadie Smith and James Wood); and they write their own exemplary reviews of contemporary fiction. Writing assignments range from blog posts to newspaper-style reviews and magazine-style essays.
Credits: 4
Department: Journalism
Is there such a thing as objectivity, journalistic or otherwise? How do accounts of reality in the natural sciences, social sciences, and the humanities differ, and is any account more objective than the others? How do narratives tell the truth, and how do they lie? What might people mean by the term “truth,” anyway? Course readings are interdisciplinary; the course style is philosophical.
Credits: 4
Department: Journalism
In recent years, opportunities in nonfiction work have grown significantly. In this course, students screen and analyze documentary films, and produce their own short nonfiction film on digital video. Field assignments include researching and conducting interviews; written assignments include narration exercises, documentary summaries, and scripts. Students also learn the basics of Final Cut Pro editing software.
Credits: 4
Department: Journalism
How do we create meaningful writing for an online readership that scrolls quickly and relies less on the printed page than any other generation? Students will write essays, features, and criticism and identify online publications that suit each project, while guest lecturers offer insight on engaging social media to share reported stories. Students co-edit Expose, Purchase's online expository writing magazine.
Credits: 4
PREREQ: WRI1110
Department: Journalism
Though often seen as simply a test of students’ knowledge and ideas, essays go far beyond what is generally required in courses. Students in this course read and experiment with a wide variety of critical, journalistic, academic, personal, and experimental essay forms. In the process, they further develop their skills as critical thinkers and writers.
Since actual course offerings vary from semester to semester, students should consult the myHeliotropecourse schedule to determine whether a particular course is offered in a given semester.
Information Changes
In preparing the College Catalog, every effort is made to provide pertinent and accurate information. However, information contained in the catalog is subject to change, and Purchase College assumes no liability for catalog errors or omissions. Updates and new academic policies or programs will appear in the college’s information notices and will be noted in the online catalog.
It is the responsibility of each student to ascertain current information (particularly degree and major requirements) through frequent reference to current materials and consultation with the student’s faculty advisor, chair or director, and related offices (e.g., enrollment services, advising center).
Notwithstanding anything contained in the catalog, Purchase College expressly reserves the right, whenever it deems advisable, to change or modify its schedule of tuition and fees; withdraw, cancel, reschedule, or modify any course, program of study, degree, or any requirement or policy in connection with the foregoing; and to change or modify any academic or other policy.