Journalism

(4 credits) Examines the historical development, organization and structure of the mass media in contemporary society, as well as related issues and problems. Suggests Christian perspectives on use of and participation in the mass media. Cross-Referenced: Cross-referenced in theatre/speech.

(4 credits) (Writing intensive) Students learn genres of writing for print and broadcast journalism and video, as well as for public relations and advertising. They learn these genres in relation to each other and in relation to their organizational contexts and audiences. Included are reporting, organizing and writing, as well as basic legal and ethical guidelines for reporters and writers in journalism and PR. Prerequisite: COM101x or permission of instructor.

(1 credit) Practical experience working on the campus newspaper, the Beacon, or the college yearbook, the Cornerstone. Prerequisite: students must be accepted for membership on one of these publications before signing up for the practicum. Note: Graded on a pass/no pass basis. Course may be repeated.

(2 credits) This class explores the ethical and legal judgments of media professionals both past and present in an attempt to reveal the process by which important communications decisions are made. By exploring the successes and failures of others, students will learn to hone their own decision-making skills. They will also learn how the law affects their field and ultimately the decision-making processes of members of the media. Finally, this course will show students there is no such thing as a universal ethic and that their own principles will not always agree with the principles of others. Students will come to understand the differences between secular ethical considerations and their own Christian values. Prerequisite: COM101.

(4 credits, non-yearly, consult department) Principles of clear and forceful journalistic writing. Includes fact gathering, story planning, lead and head writing. Attention to editing for improved copy, headline writing, and selection of photographs and art work. Prerequisite: COM185WI or permission of instructor.

(2 credits; non-yearly, consult department) Study of interviewing practices, research methods, organization, and interest-gathering techniques necessary for writing longer articles, profiles, columns and consumer affairs writing. Prerequisite: COM185WI or permission of instructor.

(3 credits) Covers basic principles of design as they apply to a wide variety of publications. Emphasis on selecting type, art and graphics appropriate to subject matter, purpose and audience.

(2 credits) Taught as a medium of creative expression or as an art form and as a journalistic tool. Film processing and printing are taught as well as camera techniques, darkroom procedures and presentation of work for exhibitions. Note: A fee is associated with this course.