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Department of Journalism
Thompson Storey (chair), Pam Parry, Linda Quigley.

Vision:

The vision of the journalism program is to enable students to communicate effectively and think critically through a mix of theoretical and practical courses, coupled with pre-professional training applicable to careers in news and media organizations.

Purpose:

The primary objective of the journalism program is to provide students with a combination of liberal arts and professional journalistic education, enabling them to think critically and communicate effectively, and qualify for entry-level positions in the communications media. A secondary objective is to provide a foundation for those students choosing to continue their education at the graduate level.

Goals:

Students may practice and refine their journalistic skills through work with campus media. The Belmont Vision student newspaper is sponsored by the journalism program.

Journalism Courses (JRN)

JRN 199-499. Special Studies (1-3).

JRN 201. Basic Newswriting (3). An introduction to the journalistic field, focusing on the structure, purpose and function of news, from story inception to completion. Students are exposed to ethics and legal limitations and rights of the journalist. Typing skill required.

JRN 213. Advanced Reporting (3). Prerequisite: JRN 201. This course takes students beyond the inverted pyramid to more in-depth reporting. Students will focus on information gathering and advanced newswriting. Fieldwork is required.

JRN 217. Desktop Publishing (3). Prerequisite: ENG 101C or approval of instructor. Students will receive training on computer-based typesetting and desktop publishing equipment widely used in the professional print media. A combination of class work and independent practice. Typing skill required. ($50.00 course fee)

JRN 221. Feature Writing (3). Prerequisite: JRN 201 or approval of instructor. This course provides a study of the practical techniques of researching and developing feature stories for newspapers and periodicals. Students will also be instructed in methods and procedures for freelancing feature articles for publication.

JRN 240. Editing Techniques for Print (3). Prerequisite: JRN 201 or approval of instructor. A study in practical application of editing news, features and investigative stories. Students will assume the role of copy editor in rewriting, headline and caption writing, photo editing, and principles of layout and design.

JRN 260. Broadcast News (3). Writing techniques for radio and television news from spot coverage to features. Students will receive on-camera training in producing complete newscasts.

JRN 311. Media Ethics (3). Prerequisite: BCT 201 or BCT 260. A study of the social ethic for mass communication, establishing a system of checks and balances to measure fair and truthful news and diversified entertainment. Course work involves case study analysis to help understand the roles of the communicator and the audience as individual and group.

JRN 313. Specialized Reporting (3). Prerequisite:JRN 201. This course focuses on the industry's trend toward specialized reporting, taking students beyond the general-interest stories to some of the most popular beats. The various beats covered will reflect industry trends, which might include religion, sports, business and the environment.

JRN 317. Introduction to Public Relations (3). Prerequisite: JRN 201 or BCT 260. A study of the dissemination of public information through the mass media; public opinion analysis; campaigns; publicity and the press release; establishing media contacts; project work.

JRN 340. Journalism as Literature (3). This course will examine some of the foremost American journalism of the 20th century, including literature from the early muckrakers to modern-day journalistic giants. In addition to their literary value, the selection of books provides a cursory social history of the United States.

JRN 397. Publications Workshop (1-3). Students who work on the staff of the Vision may receive from 1 to 3 hours per semester credit. The criteria for credits received is established by the advisor to the publication. No more than 6 hours of credit may be used to count toward a major or minor. All students majoring in journalism are required to take this workshop at least once.

JRN 410. Communications Law (3). Prerequisite: JRN 201 or BCT 260. Examines governmental regulations affecting news media, advertising, radio broadcasting and telecasting, and the direct effects of such regulation upon management and daily operations.

JRN 490. Internship (3 or 6). On-the-job training in a communication organization. Student assignments will be consistent with vocational objectives. Normally taken during senior year. May be taken up to six hours in student's major. Permission of internship coordinator needed before a student may enroll in this course.

MSC 150. Mass Media and Society (3). This course serves as an introduction to mass media, including radio, television, film, and newspapers. It is designed to lead the student to basic media literacy by exploring the evolution of mass mediums and their effects on society - politically, economically, and socially.