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Journalism Undergraduate Course Descriptions

2001 JOU. Journalism and Democracy. (3-0-3) On Demand. An examination of the role of journalism and news in a democracy, the effects of the news media on society and the individual, the importance of an informed electorate in a free society, and the responsibility of citizens to know, think and speak out about public issues. MC 911 WI

2091 JOU. Journalism and Democracy, Honors. (3-0-3) On Demand. An examination of how news and the media affect individuals and society and how both interact with the media. Special emphasis will be given to the role of media in a democracy and news in society. Prerequisite: Admission to the University Honors Program. WI

2101 JOU. News Writing I. (2-2-3) On Demand. Introduction to the study and practice of gathering and writing information for news media. Prerequisite: Compliance with the Journalism Writing Competency Standard. MC 919 WC

2901 JOU. Introduction to Copy Editing. (2-2-3) On Demand. The study of principles and practices of editing copy for various journalistic media. Emphasis on editing for accuracy, fairness, legal and ethical problems and proper style, grammar, word usage, and punctuation. Prerequisite: A minimum grade of "C" in JOU 2101. MC920

2950 JOU. Introduction to Visual Communication. (2-2-3) On demand. Study of design, communication and visual communication theory, principles, and techniques that are essential to understanding photojournalism and journalism visual design. Students will test their understanding by applying theory to journalistic photography and design assignments. This course may be taken only by journalism majors and minors. Credit will not be given for both JOU 2950 and INT 1363.

3000 JOU. Advanced Reporting and Research (2-2-3) On Demand. Advanced techniques of writing and reporting for news media. Prerequisite: A minimum grade of "C" in JOU 2101. WI

3001 JOU. News Photography. (2-2-3) On Demand. Photographic work in journalism with emphasis on photo content. Prerequisite: A minimum grade of "C" in JOU 2101 or permission of the instructor.

3102 JOU. Feature Writing. (3-0-3) On Demand. Study and practice of developing and writing feature material for newspapers and magazines, including information-gathering, marketing, and surveying the place of features in the print media. Prerequisite: A minimum grade of "C" in JOU 2101 or permission of the instructor. WC

3301 JOU. Editing and Design for Newspapers (2-2-3) On Demand. The study of principles and practices of headline writing, of selecting and editing photos and graphics and of layout and design as used principally in newspapers. Prerequisites: A minimum grade of "C" in both JOU 2101 and JOU 2950 or permission of the instructor. Credit will not be given for both JOU 3301 and 3302.

3302 JOU. Editing and Design for Targeted Audiences. (2-2-3) On Demand. The study of principles and practices of headline writing, of selecting and editing photos and graphics, and of layout and design as used principally by magazines and by public relations professionals attempting to reach targeted audiences. Prerequisites: A minimum grade of "C" in both JOU 2101 and 2950 or permission of the instructor. Credit will not be given for both JOU 3301 and 3302.

3401 JOU. Journalism Practicum (Arr-Arr-1) (Credit/No Credit) On Demand. Supervised, journalism-related experiences on student media outlets, focusing on information-gathering, writing, editing, photography, design, online journalism, electronic journalism and public relations on student media such as The Daily Eastern News, The Warbler, @Magazine, WEIU-TV-FM, and The Agency. Prerequisites: JOU 2001 and a minimum grade of “C” in JOU 2101.

3501 JOU. Principles of Advertising. (3-0-3) On Demand. Principles of advertising with special emphasis on advertising design and sales for mass media. Prerequisite: A minimum grade of "C" in JOU 3301 or 3302 or permission of the instructor.

3610 JOU/SPC. Broadcast News Writing. (2-2-3) On Demand. Emphasis will be placed upon fitting news copy and coverage to station requirements and audience needs in varying market situations. This course will include news gathering, analysis, editing, and rewriting of wire service copy for broadcasting. Prerequisite: JOU 3000 or SPC
2520. Credit not granted for both JOU 3610 and Speech Communication 3610. WC

3620 JOU/SPC. Electronic News Gathering. (2-2-3) On Demand. A study of the electronic news gathering process, editing, presentation and evaluation for radio and television. Creation of special programs for WEIU. Prerequisites: SPC 2520 or JOU 2101; two of SPC 3520, 3540, 3610. Credit not granted for both JOU 3620 and Speech Communication 3620.

3701 JOU. Online Journalism. (1-0-1) On Demand. In-depth study of the implications of the Internet on journalistic media. Prerequisites: A minimum grade of C in JOU 3301 or JOU 3302 or permission of the instructor and concurrent enrollment in JOU 3702.

3702 JOU. Online Journalism Lab. (0-4-2) On Demand. In-depth laboratory for the design and production of journalistic web sites using elements of design, photography, audio, and video as means of journalism delivery. Prerequisites: A minimum grade of C in JOU 3301 or JOU 3302 or permission of the instructor and concurrent enrollment in JOU 3701.

3705 JOU. Public Relations Writing (2-2-3) On Demand. The study and practice of writing for public relations including news releases, brochures, newsletters, Web site copy and applications, for print, electronic, and new media. Prerequisites: A minimum grade of “C” in JOU 2101 and JOU 2901 or permission of the instructor. WC

3706 JOU. Sports Writing (2-2-3) On Demand. Advanced techniques of writing and reporting on sports for print, online, and electronic media. Prerequisite: A minimum grade of “C” in JOU 2101. WI

3800 JOU. Advanced Editing (2-2-3) On Demand. A critical study of publication content, management, and copy editing for those preparing to work in print or online publications. Prerequisite: A minimum grade of “C” in JOU 2901 or permission of the instructor.

3820 JOU. Publicity Methods. (3-0-3) Publicizing events, products and organizations through the press. Practical application stressed. For those who will do publicity as part of their careers in business, family and consumer sciences, science, etc. Not open to journalism majors.

3903 JOU. Women and the Media. (3-0-3) On Demand. An overview of women's roles as media participants and consumers. Effects of media treatment of women on society and individuals. Examination of the images and roles of women in media such as newspapers and magazines. Prerequisite: ENG 1002G.

3920 JOU. Public Relations in Society. (3-0-3) On Demand. A study of the impact public relations has in society with major emphasis on providing information to the media (publicity); establishing mutually beneficial relations (employee, consumer, and community relations); and serving as the organization's conscience (counseling).

3950 JOU. Special Topics. (Arr.-Arr.-1 to 3) On Demand. A course devoted to special topics in journalism. May be repeated for a maximum of six semester hours with permission of the department chairperson. Prerequisites: JOU 2001 and permission of the instructor. WC

3951 JOU. Minorities and the Media. (3-0-3) On Demand. A course devoted to the purpose, problems, and present status of the minority press in the United States, and to the treatment of minorities in the majority media. Students are encouraged to develop research interests and to present their discoveries through oral and written presentation. Prerequisite: ENG 1002G.

3952 JOU. International Journalism and the World Press: Processes, Issues, Functions and Challenges. (3-0-3) On Demand. A course devoted to the study of world press systems. The course will examine issues and processes of international news dissemination as well as the nature and functions of the press in selected countries/regions, with an emphasis on socio-political and economic factors.

3953 JOU/SPC. Perspectives on Sports and the Media. (3-0-3) On Demand. An examination of the impact sports and the mass media have had and are continuing to have on each other. Focus on the history of sports writing and sports broadcasting and the state of these fields today. Prerequisites: ENG 1001G and 1002G, JOU 2001 or
SPC 2520 or permission of the instructor. Credit not granted for both JOU 3953 and Speech Communication 3953.

4001 JOU. Newspaper Management. (3-0-3) On Demand. Understanding of skills and attitudes necessary to publish a community newspaper. Prerequisite: JOU 4101 or permission of the instructor.

4102 JOU. Journalism Ethics. (3-0-3) On Demand. Ethical principles and issues of journalism; philosophical and professional standards of reporting and editing for newspapers, broadcast, and online journalism. Prerequisite: A minimum grade of "C" in JOU 3301 or 3302 or permission of instructor.
4275 JOU. Journalism Internship. (Arr.-Arr.-1-3) (Credit/No Credit) Actual training in a print or electronic news medium or in a related professional journalism environment. Prerequisite: JOU 4771 or permission of instructor.

4444 JOU. Honors Independent Study. (Arr.-Arr.1-6) On demand. Consideration of special topics in Journalism. Special emphasis on an area of interest to the student approved by faculty supervisor and Departmental Honors Coordinator. Prerequisites: Admission to the Departmental Honors Program and permission of Departmental Honors Coordinator. May be repeated for maximum of six semester hours.

4555 JOU. Honors Research. (Arr.-Arr.1-6) On demand. In consultation with a faculty mentor, the student will design, execute and present the results of an original piece of research in Journalism using appropriate methodology. Prerequisites: Admission to the Departmental Honors Program and permission of Departmental Honors Coordinator. May be repeated for maximum of six semester hours.

4644 JOU. Honors Thesis. (Arr.-Arr.3-6) On demand. Original research in preparation of a thesis on a topic in Journalism approved by faculty supervisor and Departmental Honors Coordinator. Students in the Journalism Honors Program must complete at least three credit hours of thesis work. Admission to the Departmental Honors Program and permission of Departmental Honors Coordinator. May be repeated for maximum of six semester hours.

4666 JOU. Honors Seminar. (Arr.-Arr.1-6) On demand. Areas of investigation that require integration of Journalism and research on a topic approved by faculty supervisor and Departmental Honors Coordinator. Prerequisites: Admission to the Departmental Honors Program and permission of Departmental Honors Coordinator. May be repeated for maximum of six semester hours.

Courses Open to Juniors, Seniors, and Graduate Students

4750 JOU. Independent Study. (Arr.-Arr.1-3) On Demand. Individual pursuit of in-depth study of selected topic in Journalism developed by student. Prerequisites: 75 semester hours and approval of the Department of Journalism chairperson. Course may be repeated for maximum of six semester hours with approval of Journalism chairperson. WI

4751 JOU. Photojournalism: Photoediting and Design. (3-0-3) On Demand. Theory and practice of the photo essay, photo story and other extended forms of photojournalism from inception to display. Stresses magazine-style presentation in book, magazine and newspaper form. Prerequisite: A minimum grade of "C" in JOU 3001 or permission of instructor.

4760 JOU. Advanced Publication Design. (3-0-3) On Demand. Study and application of advanced editing, typography, graphics, and the design of magazines, newspapers, public relations pieces, advertisements, and yearbooks. Prerequisite: A minimum grade of "C" in JOU 3301 or 3302 or permission of instructor.

4761 JOU. Advanced New Media Design. (2-2-3) On Demand. The study and design of advanced forms of journalism and storytelling using emerging new media such as streaming audio, video, animations, virtual reality simulations and other means and media. Prerequisites: JOU 3701/3702 or permission of the instructor.

4762 JOU. Interactive Reporting and Design. (1-3-3) On Demand. Class will focus on the creation of interactive journalistic packages. Industry standard software (such as Flash) and the corresponding scripting languages will be used extensively. The course will emphasize how best to use interactive packages to communicate effectively with diverse audiences. Prerequisites: JOU 3701/3702 or permission of the instructor.

4770 JOU. News Media Opinion Writing and Editing. (3-0-3) On Demand. Study and practice of how news media perform their opinion function, with emphasis on writing editorials and editing newspaper opinion pages. Prerequisite: JOU 4102 or permission of instructor. WI

4771 JOU. Communication Law. (3-0-3) On Demand. The study of the history and development of media law in the United States. Major emphasis will be placed on speech and press theories, libel, invasion of privacy, copyright, broadcast and advertising regulation, access to government records and meetings, access to court proceedings, and legal rights and limitations of new media. Prerequisite: Junior standing.

4801 JOU. Issues in Supervising High School Publications. (1-0-1) On Demand. Su. Study of the issues faced by advisers to high school publications with emphasis on adviser, administration and staff relationships; staff recruitment and motivation; publication, finance and management; and legal and ethical issues. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

4802 JOU. Issues in Supervising High School Newspapers. (1-0-1) On Demand. Study of the issues faced by advisers to high school newspapers with emphasis on the adviser's roles and duties; development and implementation of editorial policies; staff organization; development of content; and writing, editing, design and production. Prerequisite: JOU 4801 or permission of instructor.

4803 JOU. Issues in Supervising High School Yearbooks. (1-0-1) On Demand. Study of the issues faced by advisers to high school yearbooks with emphasis on the adviser's roles and duties; development and implementation of editorial policies; staff organization; development of content; and writing, editing, design and production. Prerequisite: JOU 4801 or permission of instructor.

4804 JOU. Special Topics in Supervising High School Publications. (1-0-1 or 2-0-2) On Demand. In-depth study of selected topics related to supervising high school publications. May be taken as many as three times with permission of the department chair. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

4900 JOU. Journalism Seminar. (3-0-3) On Demand. In-depth study of various topics in journalism. Prerequisite: A minimum grade of "C" in JOU 3301 or 3302 or permission of instructor. WI

4919 JOU. Public Relations Techniques. (3-0-3) On Demand. Effective techniques of a public relations program including basic concepts and principles of the public relations profession, the roles and functions, planning, managing, and executing campaigns. Prerequisite: JOU 3302. For students in public relations minors or concentration only. Credit will not be given for both JOU 4919 and SPC 4919.

4920 JOU. Case Studies in Public Relations Problems. (3-0-3) On Demand. Public relations case problems in industry, business, labor, education, government social welfare and trade associations; the application of public relations techniques. Prerequisite: SPC 4820. For students in public relations minors or concentration only. Credit will not be given for both JOU 4920 and SPC 4920.
For graduate courses, see the Graduate Catalog.