Mar 18, 2024  
2013-2014 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2013-2014 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Journalism Major, BA


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In today’s environment of converging media, successful journalists need the necessary skills and concepts to tell meaningful stories for a variety of outlets. In this major, students learn how to conceive ideas and collect and present information using words, pictures, and sounds to craft news stories that are accurate, fair, clear, and compelling. Students will also understand the ethical, legal, and management environment of journalism and the fundamental role media plays in our social, political, and economic system. A specialization in print, broadcast, or convergent media is required. Students must complete the communication foundation courses prior to acceptance into the journalism major.

Communication Foundation Core Requirements


Total Core Credits: 9


Journalism Core


Select one of the following Specializations


Print Specialization


The Print specialization teaches students the skills, concepts and perspectives they need to be successful in the print media. Students will learn how to conceive story ideas, gather information, write stories, and edit, design and present those stories for print publication. Students will put those skills to use on the Observer, Central’s weekly student-run newspaper, and at Newswatch, Central’s weekly student-run newscast. They will also get on-the-job education and training in a print-related internship.

Required Courses


Select ten credits from the following - Credits: (10)


Must take at least 4 credits of Observer.

Pre-approved upper division elective credits - Credits: (12)


Student may choose any COM course with advisor approval.

Print Specialization Credits: 34


Broadcast Specialization


The Broadcast specialization builds professional skills and ethical awareness in broadcast reporting and video production, from a general knowledge of journalism and mass media studies. Courses are offered in basic and advanced news writing, studio and field production, and news producing and directing. Rigorous and demanding, they are designed to provide a blend of theory and hands-on training in on-air and behind-the-scenes operations, required to enjoy successful careers in a highly competitive industry.

Select ten credits from the following - Credits: (10)


Must take at least 4 credits of NewsWatch Management.

Pre-approved upper division elective credits - Credits: (12)


Student may choose any COM course with advisor approval.

Broadcast Specialization Credits: 34


Convergent Media Specialization


The Convergent Media specialization teaches students the skills, concepts and perspectives they need to be successful in the world of online media. Students will learn the basics of both the print and broadcast formats, and their integration into the online media. They will also learn to write stories, and edit and present those stories for the Web. Students will receive hands-on experience in a number of projects as well as complete an internship.

Select ten credits from the following - Credits: (10)


Must take at least 4 credits of Observer.

Pre-approved upper division elective credits - Credits: (12)


Student may choose any COM course with advisor approval.

Convergent Media Specialization Credits: 34


Major Total (including core classes) Credits: 75


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