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Credit Course Descriptions (Spring 2008)
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JOUR 120

Mass Media and Society (3 CR)

Via books, newspapers, magazines, recordings, movies, radio, television, new technologies and the related areas of advertising and public relations, each of us is exposed to and affected by the mass media on a daily basis. This course will increase student awareness of the various media and help them understand the influence of the media on their daily activities, beliefs, decisions and goals. As a result, the student will become a more astute critic of the messages delivered by the mass media. 3 hrs./wk.

JOUR 122

Reporting for the Media (3 CR)

Reporting for the Media is structured for students interested in the basics of writing and reporting. Writing for print, broadcast, and online media are included. Information gathering and story writing are conducted under strict deadlines to prepare students for a professional position. Basic news writing and style principles will be gained by writing stories for JCCC student media, including the student newspaper, The Campus Ledger. 3 hrs./wk.

JOUR 125

Fundamentals of Advertising (3 CR)

Fundamentals of Advertising introduces the student to the contemporary advertising process. Research, planning, creativity, production, media placement and sales are discussed, along with individual mediums and their forms, functions and roles in society. Major emphasis is placed on the areas of advertising/marketing research, planning and creativity, including integrated marketing communications. 3 hrs./wk.

JOUR 127

Introduction to Broadcasting (3 CR)

This course serves as a general introduction to students interested in pursuing knowledge of or a career in radio and television broadcasting. The course includes a study of the industry's development, its form and function, job responsibilities, basic production techniques, audience measurement, FCC regulations and ethics. Class time will include discussion of current trends and issues in the field, with students developing an understanding of broadcast media. Productions in the college's audio booth and TV facilities offer an opportunity to experience the field of broadcasting. These experiences will allow students to evaluate broadcasting as a possible career choice. 3 hrs./wk.

JOUR 130

Principles of Public Relations (3 CR)

This course is intended to provide the student with an overview of the history, principles and real-life functions of public relations. Public relations is a rapidly growing field. The ability to work with the public is essential in business, education, health care and numerous other fields. This course is designed to give students the background to develop their PR skills, both verbally and in writing. 3 hrs./wk.

JOUR 202

Broadcast Performance (3 CR)

Students will learn how to improve their speaking voices and body language as well as the techniques necessary to effectively communicate messages through basic announcing skills. Interviewing, radio and television news, and commercial announcing are some of the topics covered in this course, which will allow students to polish their skills through performances in the college's television studio and audio booth. 3 hrs./wk.
Associated Costs: In addition to the course tuition, fees, and textbooks, this course has additional expense considerations that are estimated to be $10 to $15.

JOUR 222

Advanced Reporting (3 CR)

Prerequisite: JOUR 122

This is an advanced newsgathering and reporting course designed to sharpen the discernment, critical thinking and writing skills of student journalists. Specific English language rules and principles plus AP news writing style will be emphasized in the production of incisive, well-defined news stories, features, profiles, editorials and personal columns. Professional writings in various media will be examined and critiqued, and class members will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on editing and layout. Students will gain additional experience by preparing for and participating in news conferences and events, as well as interacting with area media writers. 3 hrs./wk.

JOUR 225

Promotional Writing (3 CR)

Prerequisite: JOUR 125 or JOUR 130

Students will study the elements of layout and copywriting for promotional purposes, with emphasis on advertising, direct mail and public relations writing. 3 hrs./wk.

JOUR 227

Basic Video Production (3 CR)

This course provides students with the fundamentals of video production. The goal is to teach students basic video techniques. Topics covered include technology, lighting, camera operations, audio and editing. Students will gain hands-on experience in the college's Media Production Services Department. 3 hrs. lecture/wk.
Associated Costs: In addition to the course tuition, fees, and textbooks, this course has additional expense considerations that are estimated to be $10 to $20.

JOUR 242

Advanced Broadcast Performance: TV (3 CR)

Prerequisite: JOUR 202

Students will produce news, feature, sports, and interview programming for airing on the college's cable station. The development of news packages, event reporting, breaking news, and extended coverage of news events will be included. Learning composure, focus, and detail in a team information-gathering operation will be emphasized. 3 hrs. lecture/wk.
Associated Costs: In addition to the course tuition, fees, and textbooks, this course has additional expense considerations that are estimated to be $10 to $15.

JOUR 247

Advanced Video Production (3 CR)

Prerequisite: JOUR 227

Students will direct, produce, and edit programming for distribution via the college's media outlets. Students will develop the technical skills involved in both studio production and field production as well as advanced skills in camera operations, multi-camera directing, lighting, audio production, and graphics. 3 hrs. lecture/wk.
Associated Costs: In addition to the course tuition, fees, and textbooks, this course has additional expense considerations that are estimated to be $20 to $30.

JOUR 271

Journalism Internship (3 CR)

Prerequisites: Instructor approval; completion of six credit hours in journalism/media communications at JCCC or another college with a minimum grade of "C" in those 6 hours.

A journalism/media internship allows students to gain work experience at an approved training center under staff supervision. Emphasis is on learning new skills related to a particular program or department at a media facility. Students may learn the application of writing techniques needed to produce and broadcast news, and produce advertising or public relations promotional copy. On-the-job training involves approximately 15-20 hrs./wk. by arrangement.