Search 
MyUMUC 
WebTycho School of Undergraduate Studies
Course Descriptions — Journalism (JOUR)
JOUR 201 Writing for the Mass Media (3)
(Fulfills the general education requirement in communications.) Prerequisite: WRTG 101/101X or ENGL 101/101X. An introduction to writing news and feature articles for print, broadcast, and online media. Emphasis is on writing—from mechanics (grammar, spelling, punctuation, and journalism style) to content (accuracy, completeness, audience, and readability)—and reporting.
JOUR 202 Editing for the Mass Media (3)
Prerequisite: JOUR 201. Presentation of the basic editing skills that apply to all mass media. Hands-on practice in copyediting, fact checking, headline writing, photo selection, and page layout is provided. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: JOUR 202 or JOUR 310.
JOUR 319B Issues in Online Journalism (1)
A review of the recent history of online journalism that stresses the issues and challenges that writers face in this medium. Online newspapers and journals are reviewed for content and design. The basics of setting up an online newspaper—from getting source material to designing the look of the publication— are examined.
JOUR 330 Public Relations Theory (3)
Prerequisite: JOUR 201. A study of the historical development and contemporary status of public relations in business, government, associations, and other organizations. Communication theory and social science methodology are studied as they apply to the research, planning, communication, and evaluation aspects of the public relations process.
JOUR 331 Public Relations Techniques (3)
Prerequisite: JOUR 330. A review of the techniques of public relations. Emphasis is on news releases, publications and printed materials, speeches, special events, and audiovisual media. Techniques are applied in laboratory and field projects. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BMGT 398U or JOUR 331.
JOUR 350 Photojournalism in the Digital Age (3)
(Students are required to use their own digital camera.) An exploration of techniques and trends in photojournalism. Practice in the fundamentals of photography (exposure, basic lighting techniques, portraiture and composition, and scanning and digitally toning photos using Photoshop) is provided. Assignments include developing a mini portfolio of short photo essays and a final story project to be published on the course Web site. The history of photojournalism is surveyed, focusing on the recent development of webzines and online newspapers.
JOUR 371 Magazine Article and Feature Writing (3)
Prerequisite: JOUR 201. A study of various types of feature articles, particularly in the magazine market. Analysis covers the medium and its specialized audiences. Practice in researching and writing the feature article and in evaluating freelance markets is provided.
JOUR 410 History of Mass Communication (3)
Prerequisite: WRTG 101/101X or ENGL 101/ENGL 101X. Recommended: COMM 300 or a journalism class. A discussion of the development of newspapers, magazines, radio, television, and motion pictures as media of mass communication. The influence of the media on the historical development of the nation is considered.
JOUR 459 Special Topics in Mass Communication (3)
Prerequisite: WRTG101/101X or ENGL 101/101X. Recommended: COMM 300 or a journalism class. An in-depth study of a specific area in journalism or public relations. Topics may focus on areas such as international public relations, crisis communication, newsroom management, environmental journalism, or political campaigns. Assignments include advanced reading and research. May be repeated to a maximum of 6 credits when topics differ.
JOUR 486A Internship in Journalism Through Co-op (3)
Prerequisite: Formal admission to the Co-op program (program requirements are listed on p. 246). An opportunity to combine academic theory with new, career-related experience in journalism. At least 12 hours per week must be devoted to new tasks for a minimum of 180 hours during the Co-op session; four new tasks must be delineated in the Learning Proposal; and the course requirements must be completed. May be repeated upon approval of a new Learning Proposal that demonstrates new tasks and objectives related to journalism and that continues to advance application of academic theory in the workplace. Students may earn up to 15 credits in all internship coursework through Co-op toward a first bachelor’s degree and up to 9 credits toward a second bachelor’s degree. Co-op credits may not be used for general education requirements and, unless otherwise specified, no more than 6 Co-op credits may be used in the academic major and minor (combined).
JOUR 486B Internship in Journalism Through Co-op (6)
Prerequisite: Formal admission to the Co-op program (program requirements are listed on p. 246). An opportunity to combine academic theory with new, career-related experience in journalism. At least 20 hours per week must be devoted to new tasks for a total of 300 hours during the Co-op session; five to eight new tasks must be delineated in the Learning Proposal; and the course requirements must be completed. May be repeated upon approval of a new Learning Proposal that demonstrates new tasks and objectives related to journalism and that continues to advance application of academic theory in the workplace. Students may earn up to 15 credits in all internship coursework through Co-op toward a first bachelor’s degree and up to 9 credits toward a second bachelor’s degree. Co-op credits may not be used for general education requirements and, unless otherwise specified, no more than 6 Co-op credits may be used in the academic major and minor (combined).