Journalism (Spring 2023)

Overview

We believe that journalism, though it is in transition, remains a vital, growing profession populated by intelligent storytellers with a knack for clear communication across various forms of mass (and targeted) media. We also believe that journalism in all forms must be characterized by a love for and a commitment to truth and accuracy. And finally, we believe that followers of Jesus Christ are uniquely equipped to discern and communicate truth.

Communication Core Courses

C261 3 Units

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.

C220 3 Units

News Media Literacy teaches students how to test information delivered as new for accuracy and veracity. Students will learn how to vet information for evidence of bias in various forms such as misinformation, misdirection, missing information, slanted sources, reliance on unnamed sources, statistical manipulation, editorializing, “fact-checking,” headline misdirection, etc.

C352 3 Units

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.

C132 3 Units

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.

C301 3 Units

In this course, students will learn how to effectively write and report on politics. It will cover the various political beats assigned to reporters at the local, state, and national levels. Students will learn techniques for both print and broadcast media.

C138 3 Units

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.

C338 3 Units

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

C371 3 Units

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.

C302 3 Units

Coming soon!

C382 3 Units

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

C373 3 Units

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 Adobe™ Photoshop™ for image editing, Adobe™ Illustrator™ for logo design, and Adobe™ InDesign™ for page layout and composition.

C472 3 Units

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

C492 3 Units

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.

THREE OF THE FOLLOWING

C122 3 Units

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.

C191 3 Units

In a day and age when on-the-street experiences are documented and shared worldwide, this class will explore the best go-to tool: the phone in your pocket. Students will create ready-to-be-viewed short video productions using minimalist technology. Throughout the course, students will focus on elements such as story structure, camera angle, lighting, editing, and sound. Finished productions will be viewed and critiqued by peers and the instructor.

C231 3 Units

Students will learn the fundamentals of non-linear editing. They will learn the technical aspects required by the film and television industry, the basics of assistant editing, and workflows.

C303 3 Units

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.

C331 3 Units

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.

C311

Introduction to the video technical language and creative and aesthetic elements of the production process. Students will gain understanding of lighting, sound, camera operation, composition, and design of visual elements.

C432 3 Units

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.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

The Master’s University is committed to providing quality Christian education to believers around the world.

To be admitted as an undergraduate, degree-seeking student in the Online School of Education, you must meet the following requirements:

Have a clear profession of faith in Jesus Christ as your personal Savior.
Be a high school graduate or have a GED certificate.
Demonstrate college-level writing ability.
Submit official transcripts from all other colleges and universities attended.

Number of Credit Hours

Months (not including GE requirements)

$450

Per Credit (Major Courses)

$21,600*

Total Avg. Cost (not including GE requirements)

CLASS TYPE

8-week, 100% online classes

*Does not include financial aid