Journalism (JRN)

Introduction to the basic principles of advertising and its practice.

Introduction to writing for all mass media, including intensive study of basic journalistic composition elements (grammar, punctuation, spelling) in preparation for professional reporting, writing and editing courses.

Introduction to the fundamentals of news evaluation, gathering, and writing with special emphasis on newspaper style.

Analysis of the history and growth of public relations and its role within organizations including ethical standards, basic principles, and problems of public relations.

Study of the integration of basic photography with computer technology. Emphasis on the digital photography process through in-class discussion, field assignments, and hands-on laboratory experience.

Historical survey of participation by people of color in early publications and the industries of print and broadcast journalism, entertainment television and film, and advertising. Emphasis on case studies and other methods to examine interactions between societal conditions and mediated reality.

Philosophy and techniques of developing an advertising campaign with emphasis on integrating all creative elements, including market research; developing advertising objectives, plans and strategies; budgeting; scheduling of media; coordination of sales promotion; and measuring effectiveness.

Study of the fundamentals of copy editing, headline writing, re-writing and general copy desk work.

Study of the management and decision-making process in public relations. Emphasis on the case history approach to evaluate strategic planning in a variety of situations and areas, including business, government, non-profit, and education.

Planning, implementing, and measuring the effectiveness of public relations programs including techniques of using controlled and uncontrolled media to reach various target publics. Study of producing materials originating from public relations departments and agencies; publicity; human relations; writing and editing business, industrial, and house publications; and fundraising.

Experience working for a newspaper or media company in public relations or with an advertising department or agency. (Practicum is an on-campus position. Internship is an off-campus position.)

Individual study and/or research in journalism under the guidance of a journalism instructor.