Journalism (Spring 2023)

Study of the communicative function of the mass media and the impact of films, radio, television, newspapers, magazines, and books on society.

Theories and methods of evaluating persuasive communication, including public address, contemporary drama, and other categories of written discourse. Prerequisite: C371 or C391.

Analysis of the theory and practice of the process of interpersonal communication including verbal and nonverbal messages, self-disclosure, social power, intimacy, emotions, conflict reduction, and various interpersonal relationships.

Analysis of theories and techniques of the process of communication between persons of different cultures or subcultures.

An exploration of journal keeping and autobiographical writing. Students will read and write various types of personal essays and memoirs and share them in small group settings.

An introduction to the styles, techniques, content, and forms of screenwriting. Student work is considered for the department annual short film production.

Students will study the extended short story form (novella), including plot, characterization, and dialogue. The course will include regular writing for peer review, offering ample time for revision and completion of a polished extended short story (novella).

Students are introduced to the basics of professional journalism to gain an understanding of how a publication works; develop instincts as an interviewer, reporter, and writer; and understand the various genres associated with journalistic writing. Students will also learn to develop editing skills by using the Associated Press Stylebook and write on deadline to prepare for writing for the campus publication and beyond.

Theories and techniques of social influence. Course content includes motivation, attitude change, ethics, credibility, nonverbal persuasion, logic and argumentation, emotions, and cultural influences.

Theories of argumentation including the analysis of propositions, issues, evidence, and reasoning. Training and experience in debate forms.

An introduction to the dynamics of technologically mediated social discourse with a look at both individual implications as well as larger processes within society including culture, polity, and commercial enterprise.

An exploration of podcasting as a form of journalism. Students will be introduced to the various types of podcasts and podcast outlets. They will work with classmates to research a podcast concept and then regularly produce and publish it. Components of marketing and attracting subscribers will also be discussed. Computer expertise is not required.

Visual storytelling through making, selecting, processing, and disseminating photographic images. Technical, artistic, and professional topics are covered, including composition, lighting, portraiture, photo essays, and reproducing and publishing images, as well as legal and ethical issues.

The course teaches the fundamentals of computer graphics using Adobe Photoshop. Students learn to edit photographs, generate digital painting, color correct images, and design layouts for web development. Used as the primary application in the graphics, web, and film industry, Photoshop has become the program that all up-and-coming digital artists and photographers need to learn.

Techniques for crafting publishable articles on travel writing, a genre that is featured both in magazines and in every major U.S. newspaper. Directed Study only.

An introduction to the arena of multimedia journalism. Students will learn the process of combining text, images, sound, videos, and graphics to tell an engaging story on an online platform. Students will produce finished pieces to be viewed and critiqued by peers and the instructor. Prerequisite: C261 or C311.

This course will expose students to the historical and theoretical elements that compose documentary filmmaking— journalism, research, development, filming, and editing. The course will examine the cultural, legal, and ethical parameters that are crucial to the production, while exploring the major themes often present within documentaries. Students will create documentary projects throughout the class.

By writing for the TMU student publication, students will learn the techniques and methods of mass communication. Laboratory experience in constructing one or more of the news forms of the student publication: news reporting, feature writing, editorials, photojournalism, design, etc. Journalism emphasis majors are required to actively serve on The Mane staff by registering for Newspaper Workshop for a minimum of 3 semesters. May be repeated for up to a combined total of 12 units. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: C261.

This course will examine the entrepreneurial power shift in the world of business and what it means for media practitioners, entrepreneurs, and technologists. The disruptive nature of the Internet, open source technologies, and lower barriers-to-entry have prompted a shift in the power from large media companies toward smaller organizations and individuals.

This course explores the method and artistry of the literary feature. Students will examine the form with an eye toward technique and delivery (finding and framing the story, structure, tone, point of view, writing style, etc.). Students will write several features for possible publication. Prerequisite: C261.

This course will teach students the concepts and skills in the area of content marketing. Students will gain theoretical and practical knowledge while actively working on promoting a film in production. This will allow students to gain real-world experience in the who, what, when, where, and why of content marketing. Prerequisite: Professor approval.

Students are introduced to the basics of professional journalism to gain an understanding of how a publication works; develop instincts as an interviewer, reporter, and writer; and understand the various genres associated with journalistic writing. Students will also learn to develop editing skills by using the Associated Press Stylebook and write on deadline to prepare for writing for the campus publication and beyond.

Grammar basics and sentence structure are reinforced. However, the bulk of the course covers the real-world issues writers encounter in college and beyond. Issues such as word choice, antecedents, plurals, possessives, punctuation, clarity, conciseness, and self-editing. Chicago, MLA, and Associated Press style formats will be explored. Reading and coursework are also geared for those looking at editing as a career or see it as an important aspect of a chosen job field. Additional topics covered include “editing well means writing well,” the editor-writer relationship, and using style guides. Students learn by dissecting weekly news articles, editing articles for the campus newspaper, and self- and peer-editing various writing assignments.

Students will develop the skill of writing columns and editorials as they appear in journalistic venues across both print and electronic media.

This class introduces the students to the concepts of Desktop Publishing. Topics covered will include color theory, page layout, composition, print requirements, and other production-related techniques. The applications used in this class are AdobeTM PhotoshopTM for image editing, AdobeTM IllustratorTM for logo design, and AdobeTM InDesignTM for page layout and composition.

This class builds upon the previous classroom experience from Graphic Design I and covers new concepts for infographics, advertising, electronic publications, production of books, graphic novels, magazines, and newspapers. Prerequisite: C373.

Students find placement in communication-related departments or firms (film studios, television stations, radio stations, newspapers, advertising companies, public relations firms, etc.). Fifteen hours per week for 3 units. A comprehensive final report completes coursework. Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing, B average or higher in communication courses, and permission from an instructor.

Students will learn the unique and specific nature of sports journalism—first in the written form, and then also in other forms, including TV broadcast and radio. Students will be exposed to various sports journalism practices, including writing game stories and features, conducting on-camera interviews, and taking pictures. Prerequisite: C261 or instructor approval.

Students build on the principles learned in C261 in order to dig into the craft of literary nonfiction narrative. Students learn and practice crafting different types of narrative journalism; understand the backbone of narrative; develop and refine interviewing, reporting and research skills; and continue to refine revision and editing skills. The course includes exposure to literary excellence in journalism as students learn the nuances of story shape, structure, and pacing. Prerequisite: C261.

Building off of the principles of C352, this course explores more deeply the nuances of various style guides (Chicago, MLA, Associated Press). Students will learn to edit on levels beyond mechanics and style. New areas of focus will include editing for corporate voice. PR themes will be explored. Prerequisite: C352.

American political parties: their history, structure, operation, and impact on the American electoral process.

A study of the presidency and various schools of thought concerning the president’s role and powers. Particular attention is paid to the constitutional presidency view vs. the modern presidency view.

A study of the United States Congress; its members, functions, and procedures; and its relationship with other elements of the governmental system and processes.

A study of the various media and their impact on politics. Particular emphasis on television, political cartoons, and propaganda.

An examination of the dynamics of the national judicial system, with emphasis on the Supreme Court as a working institution, the politics of selecting judges, external influences on the courts, internal procedures of decision-making, and relations with other political institutions.

An examination of American political culture and its dynamics through selected current issues in law with an emphasis on their effect on policy formation and implementation.

An in-depth study of the evolution of the Bill of Rights and its effect upon individual rights and federal and state law enforcement.