JOUR 1050 - Introduction to Mass Media
(3 Credits)
This introductory course surveys how media influences individuals, cultures, and societies. Topics include entertainment media, digital media, the Internet, books, newspapers, magazines, recordings, advertising, and other relevant issues. In addition, media ethics and responsibility, government regulation, legal issues, politics, and corporate media will be examined.
Lecture: 3 hours
Course completes the following requirements:
Gen.Ed. Ability 1A
Gen.Ed. Ability 2A
Humanities Requirement
URI/RIC Transfer General Education Transfer Opportunity: Yes
JOUR 1150 - Discovering Journalism
(3 Credits)
The aim of this class is to introduce students to journalism as a practice, as a function of democracy, and as a tool to create a well-informed citizenry. This course will familiarize you with what journalists do, how they do it and why they do it. Through participation in course activities, readings and assignments, students will learn about the guiding principles and standards of American journalism and the ever-changing landscape of the practice of journalism. Emphasis will be placed on the challenges faced by journalists as society moves from predominantly print/tv news to digital-first news. Students will also have practice in basic writing, grammar and punctuation, and will work to improve their writing skills by producing new stories, analytical essays, and by developing a career focused digital media presence.
Lecture: 3 hours
JOUR 1200 - Newspaper Production^
(3 Credits)
The college's student newspaper holds a unique position at the college. The paper contributes directly to campus culture by supplying news, commentary, entertainment and opinion. In this course, students will grow in experience and develop skills as they act as reporters, editors, photographers, designers and business managers as they produce the student newspaper. Additionally, students will participate in a Work-Based Learning experience with a media partner outside of the college. An in-person communication lab meeting is required weekly along with a classroom lecture. The course may be taken twice for credit.
Lecture: 2 hours, Lab: 2 hours
JOUR 2000 - News Writing
(3 Credits)
This course provides instruction in writing for print, broadcast, video, and new media. Students will practice skills including form and content required for various media. Writing objectively, considering legal and ethical issues, developing ideas and stories, gathering information, and interviewing are some concepts covered by this course.
Lecture: 2 hours, Lab: 2 hours
JOUR 2050 - History of American Journalism
(3 Credits)
This course is an overview of the institutional, technological, and social history of media and broadcasting. Starting with media of early civilization, students will study developments and trends throughout history that will culminate with media of the present. This course will reveal the major models of print, radio, television and the Web that have provided the foundation for communication in industry and society. The historical roles of content producers, broadcasters, and government regulators will be explored to provide students with a greater understanding of media today.
Lecture: 3 hours
JOUR 2221 - Digital Reporting
(3 Credits)
In this course, students will learn the latest technologies to write, produce, and distribute media stories for a variety of formats. Building on writing skills, students will become proficient in using still cameras, video cameras, and audio-recording devices to support a news story. Students will use cameras and audio-recording devices to deliver a news story. In essence, this course exposes students to skills needed by contemporary media journalists.
Lecture: 2 hours, Lab: 2 hours
Prerequisite(s): COMM 2000 (may be taken concurrently) or JOUR 2000 (may be taken concurrently)
