JOUR 101: Introduction to Journalism

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Class Program

Journalism

Communication Studies

Credits

Weekly Contact Hours

Course ID

091137

Meets Degree Requirements For

Humanities

Description

Fundamentals of Journalism. Course covers the principles, ethics, role and responsibility of journalists and news outlets; history, law, and economics of the industry. Students are also introduced to the challenges of newsgathering, writing, and publishing to audiences in an ever-evolving landscape of multi-media, digital and social platforms.

Grading Basis

Graded

Prerequisites

Placement in language usage and reading or a grade of C or higher in ENGL 97 or a grade of B- or higher in ABE 19 or a grade of B or higher in the Bridge-to-College English Language Arts course or a grade of 3 or higher on the Smarter Balanced exam.

Course Learning Outcomes

Describe the history and role of journalism as a function of communication in a democratic society.

Demonstrate an understanding of major issues in journalism principles, ethics, and law.

Make connections between the forces and factors contributing to the technological & economic upheaval of the journalism industry.

Assess the challenges of creating relevant & appropriate news content for dissemination to diverse audiences across multiple media.

Develop effective newswriting & basic editing skills, using writing styles & conventions.

Core Topics

Journalism: Foundations & Functions
- Defining News
- Social Role & Responsibility of the Press
Journalism Principles, Ethics, and Law
- Objectivity, Truth, Fairness, Bias
- First Amendment/Freedom of the Press
News Media Industry: Disruptive Changes
- Demise of Traditional Model
- Rise of Contemporary Alternatives
- News Challenges – Diverse Audiences across Multiple Media
The Newswriting Process
- Researching
- Interviewing & Reporting
- Editing