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Journalism and Communication

Professors. Sharon M. Friedman, M.A. (Penn State), director of science and environmental writing program; Jack Lule, Ph.D. (Georgia) chair

Associate Professors. Walter W. Trimble, M.A. (Ohio State); Kathy Olson, Ph.D. (University of North Carolina)

Assistant Professor. John Jirik, Ph.D (University of Texas); Jeremy Littau, Ph.D. (University of Missouri)

Lecturer. Nancy S. Ross, M.A.T. (Cincinnati).

Adjunct Professors. Kenneth Friedman, Ph.D. (Penn State); Glenn Kranzley, B.A. (Penn State); William White, M.A. (Ohio State); James Harper, M.A. (Northwestern); Charles Butler, M.A. (Columbia).

The Department of Journalism and Communication offers major and minor programs in journalism and science and environmental writing, and a minor in mass communication.

Journalism is crucial to the public life of a democracy. At its best, journalism serves as a watchdog to government, offers a voice for the powerless at home and abroad, entertains and instructs the public, represents the views of varied constituencies, monitors and protects the environment and public resources, and provides a common memory for a people.

The purpose of the journalism program is to provide students with the knowledge and skills to fulfill such roles. The program emphasizes research, writing, editing, and critical thinking and analysis. Students integrate online technology with legal and ethical thinking and a global perspective that will prepare them for numerous opportunities in and out of journalism.

In the journalism major, students take courses in writing, editing, visual literacy, law and ethics, a professional internship, and varied courses in the relationship of the media with society.

In the journalism major, students take courses in news and feature writing, editing and design, a professional internship, and varied courses in online journalism. Supported by the endowed Rodale Online Communication Program, the department has a national reputation in online journalism. All courses have online research and writing components.

A second major available to students is the science and environmental writing program. Students learn to write about pure and applied scientific research, technology, engineering, the environment and medicine and health for a variety of audiences ranging from the general public to scientists and engineers in industry and government. Students can also gain experience in the science and environmental writing field research program. A minor in science and environmental writing is available that may be valuable for students with majors in science or engineering.

An interdisciplinary minor in mass communication is also offered.

Career opportunities are numerous for graduates of the department. Students find work in traditional journalism organizations, such as newspapers, wire services, magazines, cable, television and radio stations, and other media outlets. Students find work too in new media, such as web sites and other digital production activities.

Students also find work in public relations positions, with responsibilities in government, corporations, hospitals, health care organizations, universities, sports information, nonprofit agencies and other groups.

A background in journalism, with its emphasis on research and writing, also proves to be excellent preparation for many other fields and provides a fine basis for the study and practice of law, graduate study in a variety of disciplines, government service, teaching and business management.

Students in science and environmental writing can expect to pursue careers in science, health and environmental journalism in both the traditional and online media; public relations for scientific societies, environmental organizations, government agencies, universities or hospitals; technical writing for industry and government agencies, and other areas, such as management, administration and teaching. The program also prepares students for graduate study in science or environmental writing, journalism and other disciplines.

The interdisciplinary minor in mass communication will be useful to students interested in organizational and written communication, law, business, philosophy, government, marketing, teaching, telecommunication or other careers where understanding of communication is important.

Required Math Course. Understanding statistical information has become extremely important in modern society. MATH 12, Basic Statistics, is required for students taking a journalism or science and environmental writing major. Students should take MATH 12 to fulfill the college's distribution requirement. ECO 145, Statistical Methods, is an acceptable alternative. For science/science writing double majors, calculus will be considered as a substitute for statistics.

Journalism Major

Core Courses

Advanced Courses

Senior Seminar: Journalism or Communication course at 300 level (4)

* (JOUR 211, JOUR 212, JOUR 218 and JOUR 298 fulfill junior writing intensive requirement)

Required Elective

One additional 4-credit Journalism or Communication course. (4)

NOTE: Students must consult an adviser in choosing the elective course as not all courses with JOUR or COMM designations can be used

Total credits: (40)

Collateral Requirements

Students must also complete a second major, OR a minor outside of the Department of Journalism and Communication with a minimum of 15 credits.

Journalism/Science and Environmental Writing Major

Core Courses

Advanced Courses

Required Electives

One additional 4-credit Journalism or Communication course. (4)

NOTE: Students must consult an adviser in choosing the elective course as not all courses with JOUR or COMM designations can be used.

Total credits: (38)

Collateral Requirements

Students must also complete 15-16 credits in science for the journalism/science and environmental writing major.

Required science courses. A minimum of 15-16 credits in the physical, biological, environmental or social sciences or engineering is required. These hours can be concentrated in any one area or distributed among all five areas, although an area concentration is recommended. Dual majors in journalism/science and environmental writing and a science are encouraged. Science courses should be chosen in consultation with the major adviser.

Science and environmental writing field research program. Available to science, environmental and technical writing students at the junior or senior level, this program provides practical experience in scientific research and science writing for students who work on and write about research projects directed by university scientists and engineers. Another segment of the program allows students to attend major scientific meetings as fully accredited science reporters. Students observe professional science writers in action and write their own stories about the scientific sessions and press conferences held at the meetings.

Science and Environmental Writing Minor

Total credits: (17)

Mass Communication Minor

Purpose: The Mass Communication Minor focuses on how information is disseminated and the effect on the shaping of societies. As traditional forms of mass communication change and new forms arise, it is more important than ever to understand the interplay of the media and society. In this minor, students will learn to evaluate and interpret media messages so that they can understand and participate in this increasingly complicated world. They can also choose to combine theory with practice in research, interviewing, writing, visual communication and editing to enhance their skills in those areas. Because the minor draws on the same courses, it is not open to majors in Journalism or Journalism/Science and Environmental Writing.

Requirements:

Four 3- or 4-credit COMM or JOUR classes, with one at or above the 200 level. NOTE: Students must consult an adviser in choosing the elective courses as not all courses with JOUR or COMM designations can be used.

Total 15-16 credits

Prerequisites for Journalism Courses

NOTE: Journalism and Communication courses build on one another. Some courses thus require prerequisites before students can register for the class. Check the course schedule each semester.

Media Internships

All majors in journalism and journalism/science and environmental writing take professional internships during their senior year or the preceding summer. The internships provide realworld experience with newspapers, magazines, cable, television or radio stations, web sites or in public relations settings. Science writing minors may take an internship instead of working on The Brown and White.

Course Listings

JOUR 1. Brown and White (1) every semester

This course is a student's first semester on the staff of the semiweekly undergraduate newspaper. Students register for this course, attend a meeting on the first Wednesday of the semester, and are placed on the staff. Because this is an introductory training class, JOUR 1 is for students with freshman or sophomore standing; juniors only with consent of department chair. (ND)

JOUR 2-JOUR 8. Brown and White (1) every semester

Enrollment constitutes continued membership on the staff of the semiweekly undergraduate newspaper. These courses are taken consecutively after a student has completed JOUR 1. For a second semester on the newspaper, a student registers for JOUR 2. For a third semester, JOUR 3. For a fourth semester, JOUR 4. And so on. Prerequisite: JOUR 1. (ND)

JOUR 9. Brown and White photography (1) every semester

Enrollment constitutes membership on the photography staff of the semiweekly undergraduate newspaper. Students should have basic camera skills and knowledge of digital photography. Classes will include review of these subjects and more advanced techniques in digital darkroom techniques. Members of the class work on a series of assignments for the newspaper. Students should have their own digital SLR camera equipment and will be expected to provide examples of their work for admission to the class. Repeatable up to 8 credits. (ND)

JOUR 10 Brown and White (12) every semester

Enrollment constitutes an editorial position on the staff of the semiweekly undergraduate newspaper. Editors are chosen by the instructors and the newspaper's editorial board. May be repeated for a maximum of eight credits. Prerequisites: JOUR 1 and permission of the department chair.

JOUR 12. Brown and White Videography (1) every semester

Enrollment constitutes membership on the videography staff of the student newspaper. Students should have basic camcorder skills and knowledge of editing video. Members of the class use the newspaper’s video equipment and work on assignments for the newspaper’s Web site. First-time students should provide examples of their work for admission to the class. Repeatable up to 8 credits; does not count in department‘s majors or minors. Littau. (ND)

JOUR 21. Writing for the Media (4) every semester

Practice gathering, writing and editing news; definition and components of news; structure and style; interviewing. Study and practice in use of social media and blogs by journalists as a way to gather and publish information. Requires freshman or sophomore standing or consent of the instructor. White. (ND)

JOUR 23. Editing (4) every semester

Students will strengthen news judgment, critical thinking and writing through careful editing of articles for accuracy, fairness and clarity, including use of proper spelling, grammar, usage and style. Practice in writing headlines for print and the Web, including search engine optimization and multimedia presentation of content. Prerequisite: Jour 21. Olson (ND)

JOUR 24 Visual Communication (4) every semester

Study of and practice in techniques of graphic design for publications including websites, magazines and newspapers. Proper use of typography, grids, photographs and other visual elements; computer-based desktop publishing. Study of and practice in taking and editing video for the Internet. Prerequisite: Jour 21. (ND)

JOUR 101. Media, Sports and Society (4) summer

Analysis of social, political and economic implications of media sports coverage; emphasis placed on media coverage of events of international scope, such as the World Cup, World Series and the Olympics; special attention paid to the role of the sports press in coverage of issues such as AIDS, racism, sexism, drug use and terrorism. Lule (SS)

JOUR 111. Sportswriting (4) summer

Principles and practice of writing about sports for general print and specialized publications; emphasis placed on instruction in reporting, writing and editing; topics covered include the history of sports journalism; recent trends in the field; ethical considerations, and the exploration of social and political issues through sportswriting. Lule (ND)

JOUR 114. Technical Communication (4) summer

This online course covers basic tools needed to write about all kinds of science and technical information for academic papers, term papers, proposals, reports, theses and dissertations. Involves practice with feedback on definitions, descriptions, cause and effect relationships, process writing, concept maps, graphics, classification, comparison and more. K Friedman (ND)

JOUR 115 (ES 115). Communicating About the Environment (4)

Introduction to the need for and ways to communicate about environmental issues to laypersons, government officials, journalists, members of the judiciary and technical experts. Explores case studies of good and bad communication about environmental issues. Internet communication, including the efficacy of placing governmental reports and databases on the Web for public consumption, will be evaluated. (SS)

JOUR 117 (ES 117) (HMS 117). Environmental Health Risks and the Media (4) summer

This course explores the risks and effects of environmental contamination on human health and behavior as well as the role of the mass media in alerting citizens to potential environmental health risks. Environmental topics vary but usually include air and water pollution, endocrine disrupters and radioactive waste. S. Friedman (SS)

JOUR 122. Media Ethics and Law (4) fall

First Amendment theory and history; ethical and legal issues involving libel, privacy, obscenity, newsgathering, access, and fair trials; national and international concerns over censorship, prior restraint and manipulation and control of information. Olson (SS)

JOUR 123. Basic Science and Technical Writing (4)

Study of and practice in writing about scientific and technical subjects for audiences ranging from the general public to scientists and engineers. Starts with basic science writing for lay audiences, emphasizing organization and clear writing techniques. As the course progresses, material becomes more technical, concentrating on how to write effective technical reports, descriptions, papers and memoranda. Also explores problems of conveying highly complex technical information to multiple audiences, factors that influence science communication to the public, and interactions between scientists and journalists. K. Friedman (SS)

JOUR 124. (STS 124) Politics of Science (4) fall

Analysis of the multidimensional interaction between the federal government and the scientific community. Explores historical growth of the sciencegovernment connection, the scientific establishment both past and present, and the role of scientific advice to the White House and Congress. Also examines scientific ethics, public attitudes toward science, sciencesociety interactions and case studies of scientific controversies. S. Friedman (SS)

JOUR 125 (ES125). Environment, the Public and the Mass Media (4) fall

Extensive exploration of local, national and international environmental problems and their social, political and economic impacts. Analysis of mass media coverage of complex environmental issues and the media's effects on public opinion and government environmental policies. Examination of environmental journalism principles and practices in the United States and around the world. S. Friedman (SS)

JOUR 141. Photojournalism (4) summer

Ethics and history of photojournalism; instruction and practice in basic camera techniques; scanning and digital manipulation of black and white and color photographs using Adobe PhotoShop; cropping and sizing photographs and production of layouts using Quark Express. (ND)

JOUR 166. Beyond Google – Internet Research: Principles and Practice (4) summer

Students often turn first to the Internet for research. Yet they often are unaware of the promise and pitfalls of Internet research. This course has three objectives: 1) Students will learn methods of identifying and locating resources on the Internet, including resources not reached by traditional search engines; 2) Students will be introduced to steps for the assessment and evaluation of information gathered from the Internet; 3) Students will explore issues of access, privacy and other legal and ethical questions that arise in Internet research. Lule (SS)

JOUR 211 Reporting (4) every semester

Principles and practice of news reporting; techniques for gathering, organizing and writing news. Emphasis on interviewing, research, and clear, concise writing. Students develop and write numerous stories to gain understanding of fundamental reporting concepts, including use of sources, accuracy, fairness and. Prerequisites: JOUR 23 and JOUR 24. Staff (SS)

JOUR 212. Feature Writing (4) fall

Conceiving and developing feature stories for newspapers and magazines and websites; interviewing techniques; study of and practice in writing non-fiction using the techniques of the novelist. Prerequisites: JOUR 23 and JOUR 24. Staff (ND)

JOUR 218. Freelance Writing (4) spring

Practice in writing for magazines, newspapers and websites. Finding the right approach for a publication and writing in that publication’s style. Practice in analyzing content and audiences, and in writing. Learn research and interviewing skills and read works by well-known writers. Prerequisites: JOUR 23 and JOUR 24. Staff (ND)

JOUR 230 Multimedia Storytelling (4)

An introduction to storytelling across multimedia styles such as video, audio, photography, social media, and written word. Course stresses experiential learning with emphasis on complementary story packaging and publishing. Students do in-class assignments and team reporting on issues of concern to local residents. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Littau (ND)

JOUR 231. Science Writing Practicum (1-4) spring

Onsite experience as accredited science reporter at major scientific meetings, or writing and research in university laboratories as part of science writing field research program. May be repeated for a maximum of eight credits. Prerequisites: JOUR 21 or JOUR 123 or JOUR 311, junior standing, and consent of the instructor. S. Friedman (ND)

JOUR 232. Journalism Practicum (1-4) every semester

Credit for supervised on- and off-campus work in journalism and communication. Course allows credit for internships attained by students who do not qualify for the senior-level journalism internship class. May be repeated for maximum of eight credits. Prerequisites: Eight hours of journalism credits or consent of the instructor. Lule (ND)

JOUR 246 (IR 246) (GS 246). International Communication (4) summer

The subject matter is crucial to understanding modern life: the role of international news media in world affairs. The class studies the social, political and economic contexts that frame the reporting of international events by U.S. news media, such as politics, war, disasters, and other crises, as well as U.S. reporting on international issues, such as poverty, disease, and environmental change. The course also surveys reporting practices in nations around the world, including the varying systems of journalism and mass media and the brutal censorship and repression facing many foreign journalists. (SS) Lule

JOUR 311. Science and Technical Writing (3-4) every semester

Study of and practice in writing about scientific and technical issues for multiple audiences. Emphasis on developing effective writing and organizational skills and translating scientific information for a wide range of audiences. Similar in content to JOUR 123, but should be taken instead by upperclassmen (34 credits) and graduate students (34 credits). K. Friedman (SS) 4 credits for upperclassmen and 3 for graduate students

JOUR 312. Advanced Science Writing (3-4)

Further practice, on individual basis, in science writing techniques. Prerequisite: JOUR 123 or 311. S. Friedman (ND)

JOUR 313. Special Topics in Science Communication (1-4)

Research or writing involving a topic, medium or issue in science, environmental or technical communication not covered in other courses. Prerequisite: Eight hours in science or environmental writing or consent of the instructor. S. Friedman (SS)

JOUR 314. Technical Communication (3-4) summer

This online course covers basic tools needed to write about all kinds of science and technical information for academic papers, term papers, proposals, reports, theses and dissertations. Involves practice with feedback on definitions, descriptions, causeandeffect relationships, process writing, concept maps, graphics, classification, comparison and more. Taken by seniors for 4 credits and graduate students for 3 credits. K. Friedman (ND)

JOUR 323 (STS 323) (HMS 323) (ES 323). Health and Environmental Controversies (4) spring

Exploration of health and environmental controversies from the perspectives of scientific uncertainty and mass media coverage. Examines genetic engineering, biotechnology, environmental health risks and nanotechnology. Includes discussion of ethical and social responsibilities and interactions with the public. S. Friedman (SS)

JOUR 324 (SSP 324). Health Communication and the Internet (4) spring

This interdisciplinary class examines the role of the Internet in changing the way lay people, the mass media and medical organizations think and behave regarding health and medical care. It explores the nature of traditional and online health communication, and highlights online health issues such as access, quality of information, economics, privacy, and ethics. S. Friedman and J. Lasker (SS)

JOUR 325. Seminar in Journalism and Communication Issues (3-4)

A seminar focusing on contemporary issues and problems facing the mass media. Topics vary. Taken by seniors for 4 credits and graduate students for 3 credits. Prerequisite: nine hours in journalism or communication or consent of the instructor. (ND)

JOUR 330 Critical Studies in Journalism (4)

This course prepares students to be critical news consumers by giving them tools to understand how journalism works. Theoretical perspectives by and about journalists help students analyze news in historical, global, political, economic and social contexts. Prerequisites: JOUR 23 and JOUR 24 or consent of the instructor. Jirik (ND)

JOUR 361. Internship (4) every semester

Professionally supervised work on newspapers, magazines, Web sites radio and television stations, or with public relations organizations. Some internships involve science writing. May be repeated for a maximum of eight credits. Prerequisite: Senior standing and declared major in journalism or science writing. S. Friedman (ND)

JOUR 389. College Scholar Project (1-8)

Opportunity for college scholars to pursue an extended project. May be repeated for credit. Collegewide course designation. Transcript will identify department in which project was completed. Prerequisite: consent of the instructor. Staff (ND)

JOUR 390. Honors Thesis (1-4)

Directed undergraduate research thesis required of students who apply for and qualify for graduation with departmental honors. Staff (ND)

JOUR 391. Special Topics in Journalism and Communication (1-4)

Directed research or writing involving a subject or issue in journalism not covered in other courses. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: 12 hours in journalism or consent of the instructor. Staff (ND)

Communication Courses

COMM 30: Media and Society (4)

This introduction to the roles of mass media in U.S. and global society explores a media-saturated society. Students learn how mass media operate in relationship to society, controversies surrounding their activities, social consequences of media behavior, and theories for examining mass media. Upperclassmen allowed only by instructor’s permission. Littau (ND)

COMM 130. Public Speaking (4) every semester

Applying the principles of public speaking to making informative and persuasive presentations effectively. Emphasis on speech composition and effective oral communication skills. Ross (HU)

COMM 143. Persuasion and Influence (4)

The social, symbolic, and rhetorical means of persuasion and how this persuasive influence is expressed in politics, advertising, and the mass media. Students will gain experience in evaluating and creating persuasive communication messages and campaigns. Staff. (SS)

COMM 160. Public Speaking (for IBE Students) (4) every semester

Applying the principles of public speaking to making informative and persuasive presentations effectively. Emphasis on speech composition and effective oral communication skills. This class is limited to students in the Integrated Business and Engineering Honors Program. Ross (HU)

COMM 220 Public Relations (4) fall

Study of public relations principles and writing. Ethical, legal and public opinion environments for public relations; development of communication strategies for various audiences, including the mass media. Preparing publicity; planning and conducting news conferences; writing speeches, brochures, newsletters and reports. Prerequisites: JOUR 23 and JOUR 24. Harper. (ND)

COMM 248 (GS 248) Global Communication (4)

This class uses historical and cultural perspectives to study how globalization shapes and is shaped by communication and media structures and processes, with emphasis on journalism, the media industries and popular culture. Topics include: global media industries and media flow, entertainment, media hybridity, development communication and alternative media. Jirik. (SS)

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