DEPARTMENT OF MASS COMMUNICATION

Bachelor of Arts - Major in Journalism | Major in Advertising | Major in Public Relations | Bachelor of Science - Major in Journalism | Minor in Journalism | Course Descriptions

CHAIR: Janet A. Bridges

The Department of Mass Communication offers sequences in two interrelated areas: Journalism and Radio-Television. Mass media play a significant role in society. Whether it is informing the public on the economic effect of a widely fluctuating stock market or providing photographic images of critical events around the world, effective mass communication is critical. That recognition is the driving force behind the programs offered in the Department of Mass Communication. The degree sequences offer the opportunity for students to develop the specific skills and experiences demanded for a smooth transition into the working world of mass media.

Journalism Sequences

FACULTY: Fullerton, Logan (Warner, Chair), Pate

Journalism is vital to the operation of a democracy, because it furnishes the information that citizens must have to participate in their own governance. The Journalism program provides students with the knowledge and skills to communicate effectively through both the traditional print media and the developing digital media. Skills emphasized for both types of media include information gathering, writing, and graphic design.

Students seeking a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism take a core of Journalism courses that includes an introduction to media writing, desktop publishing, reporting, and editing. Each student must complete PHO 182, PHO 233, ECO 230 and one Philosophy course. After the core courses are completed, each student works with an advisor to select courses in writing, production, advertising or public relations to fit specific career goals. At the advanced level, all Journalism majors take a course dealing with media law and ethics, at least four hours of Journalism practicum (JRN 320) and a communication internship. Typing skills are necessary for all Journalism students. Journalism students may pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism or Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism, Journalism-Advertising, or Journalism-Public Relations. Journalism majors must earn a grade of C or better in each journalism course.

REQUIRED COURSES FOR MAJOR

All Journalism, Advertising and Public Relations majors must take the following courses:

RTV 178, JRN 131, 180, 264, 320 (4 hr), 334, 498, PHO 182, 233, 230

31 hrs.

Student may select one of the following degrees:

Journalism (BA or BS): JRN 261, 262, JRN (Adv.), 9 hours from

JRN 380, 382, 431, 499, PHO 333, RTV 377

18 hrs

Advertising: JRN 263, 269, 385, 468, JRN (Adv.), 3 hours from JRN 380,

382, 431, PHO 333, RTV 377

18 hrs

Public Relations:

JRN 262, 263, 266, 336, 432, 3 hours from JRN 380,382, 431, 499, PHO 333, RTV 377

18 hrs

Scholarships: Many Journalism scholarships are available for incoming freshmen and for students in the program. Most scholarship deadlines are March 1 for the following academic year. Contact the Journalism Program Coordinator for scholarship information and applications.

Department of Journalism Website

NOTE: Students should use elective and/or minor hours to satisfy the 42 advanced hour requirement.

NOTE: Students should use elective and/or minor hours to satisfy the 42 advanced hour requirement.

* An Art Minor is suggested for those on an advertising creative track. The Art Minor should consist of: ART 161, 234, 265, and at least 9 hours chosen from ART 335, 336, 431, 432, and 434. Three hours of the art minor will fulfill a Component Area 4 requirement.

NOTE: Students should use elective and/or minor hours to satisfy the 42 advanced hour requirement.

**The Mass Communications Minor is 18-19 hours and includes:

Choose 3 courses from: SCM 286, 370, 382, 383, 481	9 hours
Choose 1 course from: RTV 163/116, or 263 or 265	3-4 hours
Choose 1 course from: RTV 372, 373, 376, or 377	3 hours
Choose a 3-hr. elective from: SCM, RTV, or PHO	3 hours
Total	18-19 hours

The Mass Communication minor is required for the Journalism-Public Relations major. It is also available with other majors with permission of the Chair of the respective major discipline.

NOTE: Students should use elective and/or minor hours to satisfy the 42 advanced hour requirement.

Curriculum: Minor In Journalism

The minor in Journalism includes JRN 131, JRN 180, JRN 261 or JRN 263, and JRN 320 (2 hours), plus 9 hours of Journalism electives, of which at least 6 hours must be 300-level or above. JRN minors also take PHO 181 or 230. Minors may select an emphasis in print journalism, advertising, or public relations.

Journalism minor program for students who are majoring in Multimedia Authoring and Communication: JRN 180, JRN 261 or JRN 263, JRN 380, and any four of the following: JRN 336, JRN 382, JRN 385, JRN 431, JRN 432, JRN 468, JRN 498, JRN 499.

JOURNALISM COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

CORE COURSES

JRN 131 INTRODUCTION TO MEDIA WRITING. Introduces students to the basic skills necessary to produce news stories, publicity/public relations materials and advertising copy. Emphasis is placed on language and grammar skills as well as styles, techniques and formats. Prerequisite: ENG 164. Credit 3.

JRN 180 DESKTOP PUBLISHING. An introduction to desktop publishing programs used in writing, advertising and production courses. Students will learn about publishing possibilities offered by computer technology for word processing, graphics and page layout. Covers basic principles of format design, typography, layout and production techniques. Prerequisite: C S 133. Credit 3.

JRN 261 NEWS WRITING. [COMM 2311] Introduction to the principles and practices of news writing. Emphasis placed on newspaper style in writing news material. Prerequisite: JRN 131. Credit 3.

JRN 263 WRITING FOR ADVERTISING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS. This course will examine the process of communicating for persuasive purposes. Students will learn the techniques and practice persuasive writing for advertising and promotions, persuasive print media, and special audience materials such as newsletters, brochures and annual reports. The growing area of online communication for internal and external audiences will also be explored. Prerequisite: JRN 131. Credit 3.

JRN 364 NEWS EDITING. [COMM 2309] Comprehensive study of editing, copyreading and headline writing. Introduction to other copy desk duties such as photo editing and page layout. Prerequisite: JRN 131. Credit 3.

JOURNALISM SEQUENCE

JRN 362 NEWS REPORTING. This is a continuation of JRN 261/263, with discussion and practice in writing and reporting on a variety of news. Emphasis will be upon building interviewing and reporting skills. Students will be assigned news beats, with regular assignments due for campus media. Prerequisite: JRN 261 or JRN 263. Credit 3.

*JRN 381 PHOTOJOURNALISM. The use of news and feature photographs in print media. Principles of evaluating photographs which accompany written articles. Focuses on the use of photographs rather than the production of photographs. Credit 3.

JRN 382 SPECIALIZED WRITING. Study of and practice in writing in specialized areas such as features, sports, business, and opinion. Emphasis is on developing a level of writing suitable for publication in one such specialized area. Course may be repeated, as topics vary. Prerequisite: JRN 261 or JRN 263. Credit 3.

JRN 431 MAGAZINE EDITING AND PRODUCTION. Principles and practices of magazine editing, content and design, including production technologies. Included is a survey of general interest and specialized magazines. Students will plan, write, edit and produce a prototype magazine. Prerequisites: JRN 180, JRN 261 or 263, and JRN 262. Credit 3.

ADVERTISING SEQUENCE

JRN 269 PRINCIPLES OF ADVERTISING. Introduces students to the fundamentals of advertising, including ethical questions, advertising strategies and integrated advertising. Also introduces copywriting, design and typography. Prerequisites: RTV 178, JRN 180. Credit 3.

JRN 385 ADVERTISING SALES AND PROMOTIONS. An in-depth approach to advertising sales and promotions. Students learn the ethics of selling and develop sales approaches and presentation skills. This class also develops students’ confidence in interviewing for internships and employment. Prerequisites: JRN 263, JRN 269 or permission of instructor. Credit 3.

JRN 468 ADVERTISING PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE. Focus on creative strategies and media selection. Students will research, prepare and present an integrated advertising plan. The emphasis is on practical training for advertising work. Prerequisites: JRN 263, JRN 269. Credit 3.

PUBLIC RELATIONS SEQUENCE

JRN 266 PRINCIPLES OF PUBLIC RELATIONS. An introduction to public relations, its origin and its role in contemporary life. Topics include ethics, skills acquired, and use of public relations by business, institutions and government. Prerequisites: RTV 178, JRN 131. Credit 3.

JRN 336 PUBLIC INFORMATION METHODS. The techniques and skills used in securing publicity and promoting the image of organizations, corporations and institutions— private and public— are stressed. Course includes writing and producing public relations materials and gaining practical experience in public relations techniques. Prerequisites: JRN 263, JRN 266. Credit 3.

JRN 432 PUBLIC RELATIONS CASE STUDIES. Study of public relations case problems in industry, labor, education, government, social welfare and trade associations with emphasis on analysis and applications of solutions. Prerequisites: JRN 263, JRN 266 or consent of instructor. Credit 3.

REQUIRED UPPER LEVEL COURSES

JRN 320 JOURNALISM PRACTICUM. Advanced instruction and practice in publications and projects. Students work in news, advertising, public relations or photography. Prerequisites: JRN 131, 180 and 261 or 263; JRN 266 for PR majors and JRN 269 for Advertising majors. May be repeated for up to six hours credit with up to two practicums taken in the same area. Credit 1-2. (Credit/No Credit Course)

JRN 334 LEGAL AND ETHICAL ASPECTS OF THE PRESS. A study of the rights, privileges, restrictions and responsibilities of the media. The influence of constitutional rights, statutory restrictions, court precedents, self-imposed and public restrictions on news coverage and ethics of journalism are included. Emphasis on applying legal and ethical principles to practical problems. Prerequisites: RTV 178 and advanced standing. Credit 3.

JRN 498 JOURNALISM INTERNSHIP. On-the-job application of skills and knowledge learned in the classroom for students who have completed their sophomore year and appropriate courses. Internships are with newspapers, public relations and advertising agencies, businesses, non-profit groups and government agencies. Prerequisites: Permission of Journalism internship coordinator and advanced standing. Credit 3. (Credit/No Credit Course)

UPPER LEVEL ELECTIVES

JRN 380 ONLINE PUBLISHING. Advanced work in planning, designing and producing on-line publications. Students will gain experience with on-line research, infographics, story packaging, and writing and editing for electronic publication. Prerequisite: JRN 180 or permission of instructor. Credit 3.

JRN 499 SPECIAL PROBLEMS IN COMMUNICATIONS. This course provides an opportunity to develop skills or conduct supervised investigation in an area of special interest. Prerequisites: Advanced standing. This course may be taken for Academic Distinction credit. See Academic Distinction Program in this catalog. Credit 3.

NOTE: RTV 377 AND PHO 333 may also be taken for upper level Journalism elective credit.

*Subject to action by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.