Graduate Journalism and Mass Communication (JMC)

The minimum prerequisite for 50000-69999 level courses is graduate standing. Additional prerequisites may apply and are listed in this catalog.

50001 Fundamentals of Media Messages (3)
Working with messages for print, broadcast, electronic and new media outlets. Course may not be taken for credit nor applied toward any requirements by a JMC major. Prerequisite: special approval.

50002 Reporting for Mass Media (3)
Theory and practice in news writing and reporting; news values and news judgment; lead and story development; techniques of gathering information and dealing with sources of news; writing for deadline. Hours do not count toward degree. Prerequisite: special approval. Special course fee: $30 per semester (subject to change).

50003 Editing for Mass Media (3)
Theory and practice in copy editing, headline writing, picture selection and online editing, newspage design and layout, special sections and management problems. Hours do not count toward degree. Prerequisite: JMC 50002. Special course fee: $30 per semester (subject to change).

50004 Computer-Assisted Reporting (3)
Computer analysis of large data sets focusing on government, court, police records, for preparation of news stories; basics of online searching; software and databases. Prerequisite: JMC 50002. Special course fee: $30 per semester (subject to change).

50005 Feature Writing (3)
Researching, writing and placement of feature stories in publications. Prerequisite: JMC 50002. Special course fee: $30 per semester (subject to change).

50006 Law of Mass Communication (3)
Libel and slander; privacy, copyright, obscenity; regulation of advertising and broadcasting; antitrust law and mass media; legal problems reporting courts, legislatures; taxation, licensing.

50007 Reviewing the Arts (2)
Reviewing and criticism of performing, visual and literary arts. Emphasis on books, film, TV and theatre. Prerequisite: special approval.

50012 Online Journalism (3)
Study and evaluation of online news and news sites; reporting and writing for online news media; design, production and maintenance of an online news site; ethical, legal and economic issues related to online news. Prerequisite: JMC 50002. Special course fee: $30 per semester (subject to change).

50013 Television Sports Production (3)
A comprehensive study of the production of live action television sports coverage. Prerequisite: Journalism and Mass Communication (JMC) major.

50015 Media Management (3)
A study of administrative problems, methods, procedures in the management of media corporations.

50016 Law for Advertising and Public Relations (3)
Regulation of advertising and public relations; first amendment; libel and privacy; legal problems of new media; research in persuasive media. Prerequisite: special approval.

50020 Audio and Still Photo Production (3)
Develop skills in telling journalistic stories by producing multimedia news stories through research and planning; reporting using digital cameras and digital audio recorders; editing photos and audio. Prerequisite: Journalism and Mass Communication (JMC) major.

50023 Non-traditional Journalism (3)
The study of journalistic writing that goes beyond the inverted pyramid and traditional feature story and has topics traditionally not defined as news. Students will also work as part of a team on multi-part stories. Prerequisite: Journalism and Mass Communication (JMC) major.

50027 Managing Media Diversity (3)
Aspects of diversity and how it changes our environment with emphasis on the field of mass communication.

50030 Collaborative Online Producing (3)
The use of multimedia and interactive storytelling tools such as video, audio and graphics. Students work in teams to produce packages for online news sites and organizational videos. Prerequisite: Journalism and Mass Communication (JMC) major.

50035 Television Graphics (3)
Basic design, theory and technique in creating and preparing TV and video graphics.

50036 Non-Linear Video Editing (3)
Introduction to planning and creating short computer video programs integrating multi-layered digital effects and transitions for application by end users in a variety of
current video file formats. Prerequisite: Journalism and Mass Communication (JMC) major.

50037 Scriptwriting for Video and Film (3)
The emphasis of the course is on writing dramatic scripts for broadcast or motion pictures. The course also includes current perspectives on market needs. Prerequisite: Special approval.

50193 Variable Title Workshop in Journalism and Mass Communication (1-3)
Intensive study of professional issues and problems in various areas of mass communication, utilizing the expertise of faculty and professionals in the field. S/U grading. Prerequisite: special approval.

51003 Advertising Accounting Management (3)
An introduction to advertising account management, its functions and the skills needed for this profession. Prerequisite: JMC 60007.

53035 Advanced Television News Producing (3)
Advanced understanding of how to produce news content for broadcast and the web. Prerequisite: special approval.

53036 Record Promotion (3)
Class operates as an independent record label to critique, select, promote, publicize and sell original recorded music. Prerequisite: Journalism and Mass Communication (JMC) major.

53042 Video Studio Production (3)
Study of producing and direction of various types of television studio programs. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 2 hours weekly. Prerequisite: special approval.

54045 Promotions for Electronic Media (3)
Fundamental and latest trends in broadcast and cable promotion. Prerequisite: Journalism and Mass Communication (JMC) major.

54050 Audio for Video (3)
Understanding of the sonic aspects of visual productions including video studio, video field and online applications. Prerequisite: Journalism and Mass Communication (JMC) major.

55051 Reporting Broadcast News (3)
Gathering and preparing broadcast news, with emphasis on unique style and presentation methods of broadcast media. Use of both audio and video recorders and editing equipment. Prerequisite: JMC 50002. Special fee: $10 per semester.

56000 Newspaper Design (3)
Design of newspapers from small inside pages to elaborate feature pages. News judgment. Basic information graphics and photo editing. Prerequisite: JMC 50003. Special course fee: $30 per semester (subject to change).

56001 Information Graphics (3)
(Cross-listed with VCD 53007) Introduction to shapes, color, type and combinations of these for computer-designed news graphics: maps, charts, graphs and diagrams. Prerequisite: special approval.

56003 Producing Television News (3)
Knowledge of the theory and practice of producing content for TV news and public affairs programs. Emphasis is placed on understanding news philosophies, storytelling, story selection and rundown placement. Prerequisite: JMC 55051 and Journalism and Mass Communication (JMC) major.

56006 Editorial Writing (3)
Structure and purpose of editorial and column writing; study of editorial page; practice in writing editorials. Prerequisite: JMC 50002.

56007 Reporting In Depth (3)
Techniques involved in researching, interviewing and writing in-depth news articles and analyses. Prerequisite: JMC 50002.

56009 Reporting Public Affairs (4)
Instruction and practice in reporting all areas of public affairs, including government and the courts. Use of precision journalism techniques. Prerequisite: JMC 50002. Special course fee: $40 per semester (subject to change).

56016 Magazine Publishing (3)
Overview of magazine publishing, editorial, advertising, circulation and production. Analysis of magazines. Prerequisite: Special approval. Special course fee: $30 per semester (subject to change).

56020 Magazine Design (3)
Marriage of words and visuals for designing magazine layouts and covers in desktop publishing. Prerequisite: JMC 50002, 50003 and 56016. Special course fee: $30 per semester (subject to change).

56021 Magazine Writing and Editing (3)
Research, interviewing, writing and marketing of major magazine articles. Also editing techniques for magazines. Prerequisite: JMC 50002 and 50003. Special course fee: $30 per semester (subject to change).

56052 Advanced Broadcast News Practices (3)
Study of investigative news stories, newsroom operations,editing and producing broadcast news programs. Advanced projects in broadcast news. Prerequisite: JMC 55051 or 56054. Special course fee: $45 per semester (subject to change).

56054 Broadcast Documentary (3)
Development of the documentary form for radio/TV; analysis, production of radio/TV documentary; utilization of audio/video recording/editing. Prerequisite: JMC 55051. Special course fee: $45 per semester (subject to change).

57003 Teaching High School Journalism (3)
Methods and materials for teaching journalism in high school. Prerequisite: Special approval. Special course fee: $30 per semester (subject to change).

57004 Desktop Publishing for High School Journalism Teachers (1)
Basics of InDesign desktop publishing program as it relates to high school newspapers and magazines.

58001 Media Relations and Publicity (3)
Planning and preparation of materials for use by the news media, both on paper and online. The course explores the media relations function and media relations strategies along with the uses and limitations of mass media in public relations practice. Prerequisite: special approval. Special course fee of $30 (subject to change).

58002 Public Relations Tactics (3)
Planning and preparation of face-to-face public relations tactics, including spokesperson training for on- and offcamera appearances, special-event planning, speeches and presentations with visual support and other applications of writing "for the ear". Prerequisite: special approval. Special course fee of $30 (subject to change).

58003 Public Relations: Online Tactics (3)
Explores fundamentals of Web site planning and design and provides hands-on skills development using the full range of cybermedia techniques. Includes emphasis on writing for
online audiences. Prerequisite: special approval. Special course fee of $30 (subject to change).

58006 Public Relations Publications (3)
Planning, writing and design of organizational publications, including newsletters, brochures, fliers, and promotional mailers. Course emphasizes basic graphic design principles, use of professional desktop publishing software along with basic printing and production processes. Prerequisite: special approval. Special course fee of $30 (subject to change).

59021 Corporate Video (3)
The use of video in the legal, medical and corporate environments. Emphasis is placed on the structure and function of the medium within each environment. Prerequisite: special approval. Special course fee: $60 per semester (subject to change).

60000 Introduction to Graduate Studies in Journalism and Mass Communication (1)
An introductory survey of the various areas of professional and scholarly concentrations in the fields of journalism and mass communication. Consideration of the relationship between professional practice and scholarly activity in those fields. S/U grading; IP permissible.

60001/80001 Theory of Mass Communication (3)
Introduction to theory of mass communication, with emphasis on the process and effects of mass communication.

60002 Legal Problems in Mass Communications (3)
Case studies related to the First Amendment, libel, invasion of privacy, regulation of broadcasting and new media, copyright and access to information. Course focus will be the theories underlying these issues, as well as practical application of the legal concepts. Prerequisite: special approval.

60003 Ethics of Mass Communications (3)
Study of ethical problems of mass media in society; analysis of media policies; performance evaluation. Prerequisite: Journalism and Mass Communication (JMC) major.

60004/80004 Cybermedia Law (3)
Investigates how the law affects those who gather information and publish online, including issues relating to blogging, web site hosting, positing and online journalism, along with a basic ability to apply that knowledge in specific situations. Focus is on both existing law and developing public policy.

60007 Research Methods in Mass Communication (3)
Introduction to methods of social science research that are applicable to study of mass communication. Prerequisite: special approval.

60009 Social Role of the Mass Media (3)
Application of professional, theoretical, historical, economic and political perspectives to examine the role of mass media in society both in terms of structure and function. Prerequisite: Journalism and Mass Communication (JMC) major. Special fee: $18 per semester.

60010/80010 Qualitative Research in Journalism and Mass Communication: Data Collection (3)
Designed to develop skills in qualitative data collection in journalism and mass communication with primary focus on human subjects and textual data.

60015 Advanced Media Management (3)
Theory and practice of management operations and problem solving techniques specifically related to media companies. Emphasis will be using case studies from the media. Prerequisite: JMC 50015.

60021 Advanced Magazine Writing (3)
Course builds on content presented in JMC 56016 and JMC 50005. Purpose is to refine and hone writing skills for nonfiction magazine stories in print and online. Prerequisite: JMC 50005 and 56016.

60096 Individual Investigation in Mass Communication (1-3)
Individual investigation of selected area or problem approved by graduate faculty. Repeatable for maximum of 6 hours. IP permissible. Prerequisite: special approval.

60098 Research (1-15)
Research or individual investigation for master’s-level graduate students. Credits earned may be applied toward meeting degree requirements if school approves. Repeat registration permitted. Maximum of 3 hours may be applied to degree if school approves. Prerequisite: special approval.

60195 Special Topcis Seminar (1-3)
Study of important topics in mass communication. Offered irregularly in response to existing interests and opportunities. Prerequisite: special approval.

60196 Readings in Mass Communications (1-3)
Student pursues course of readings approved by instructor to cover subject specialty student cannot obtain from formal course offerings. IP permissible. Prerequisite: special approval.

60199 Thesis I (2-6)
Thesis students must register for a total of 6 hours, 2 to 6 hours in a single semester, distributed over several semesters if desired. S/U grading; IP permissible. Prerequisite: special approval.

60295 Special Topics in Computer Lab (1-3)
Selected topics of special interest not covered in depth in existing courses; offered as resources permit. Prerequisite: special approval. Special fee: $10 per semester hour.

60296 Advanced Readings in Journalism and Mass Communication (3)
Consolidation and synthesis of learning experiences in the graduate program. Application of graduate study to future professional careers. Updates on latest developments in the fields of JMC and their impact on the future of academic study and professional practice in the discipline. S/U grading; IP permissible. Prerequisite: special approval.

60299 Thesis II (2)
Thesis student must continue registration each semester until all degree requirements are met. S/U grading; IP permissible. Prerequisite: JMC 60199.

60396 Master's Professional Project (3)
Completion and defense of a substantial professional project in one of the fields of journalism and mass communication. S/U grading; IP permissible. Prerequisite: special approval.

64072 Administrative Problems in Radio and Television (3)
Advanced study of management topics in radio, television, cable and corporate television settings. Case studies and individual projects. Prerequisite: JMC 50015.

65660 Political Communication (3)
(Cross-listed with COMM 65660) An examination of political communication theory and research. Content includes approaches to political communication, role of the media in politics and analysis of political messages.

66005 Professional News Editing (3)
Professionally oriented work at the advanced level in selecting, editing and displaying stories and photographs in print journalism; role and responsibility of editors. Prerequisite: JMC 50003.

66010 Specialized Reporting (3)
News gathering techniques in specialty areas such as politics,labor, medicine, business and technology; techniques of team reporting. Prerequisite: JMC 55015 and 56009.

66015 Role of the Editor (3)
The role of the supervising editor in a news operation. How to plan coverage, generate story ideas, work with reporters and other editors and deal with community issues. Prerequisite: JMC 50002 and 50003. Special fee: $15 per semester.

66020 Precision Journalism (3)
Professional application of social science research methods and statistics to the news industry. Writing stories on public opinion polls, public records and field experiments. Prerequisite: JMC 50002.

66092 Internship in Journalism and Mass Communication (1-3)
Experience in a department or company involving supervised professional responsibilities in journalism and mass communication. Minimum of 150 hours of work for each hour of credit. S/U grading; IP permissible. Prerequisite: special approval.

67094 College Teaching of Journalism (1-3)
Staff training and experience in college teaching. Only 3 hours may be applied toward master’s degree. Prerequisite: special approval.

68000 Public Relations Theory and Process (3)
Introduces students to the profession of public relations by exploring both the theories and the processes employed by PR practitioners. Course also explores the history and social role of public relations as well as ethics and social responsibility. Prerequisite: special approval.

68001 Public Relations Management (3)
Perspectives, skills needed to manage an organization’s PR function, particularly strategic planning, implementation and evaluation. Emphasis on managerial aspects of negotiating organizational relationships with public. Prerequisite: JMC 68000.