Journalism and New Media Minor

Planning, gathering material, writing and preparation of articles for specialized and general media publications, with emphasis on the magazine article and newspaper feature; includes overview of the magazine market. Laboratory and field work. Students may only earn credit for either JRN 312 or JRN 350. Prerequisite: JRN 170. (3 units; Spring)

Practice in gathering information, conducting interviews and using online databases in writing and reporting news stories. Emphasis on style, clarity, accuracy, responsibility in handling the reporting of news. Laboratory and fieldwork. Prerequisite: JRN 170. (3 units; Fall, odd years)

This course prepares the student to work as a journalist in today’s newsrooms, where the online and digital platforms are at least as important as the traditional print or broadcast platforms. The emphasis is on gathering assets in the field (text, photographs, video, audio) and then using those assets to tell a comprehensive story. (3 units; Fall)

Principle concerns will be advanced problem solving and messaging for photography as a key element in journalism, as well as exploring the photojournalist's role in the news and editorial process. Visual perception, the role of words, picture eding, taste and judgement will also play a part in class discussion and presentations. Each week, both visual and written assignments will move the class to a better understanding of the potential and power of a journalistic package. Prerequisite: JRN 210. (3 units; Fall, even years)

An introduction to the ethical and legal aspects of public relations and journalism, including print, online and broadcasting. Students will gain practical insight into the field through review of real-world case studies and materials on ethics, policies and law. (3 units; Fall, Spring, & Online)

This course will provide students with an introduction to electronic and traditional broadcasting principles. Students will analyze, synthesize, and evaluate online and traditional broadcasting principles in the form of podcasts. (3 units; Fall)

Students learn how to write a sports story, examining issues from race and gender to hero worship and sportsmanship, as well as trends and philosophies and the ethics of what sports journalists do and why they do it. Students will gain experience in covering games; writing for major and minor sports; interviewing; finding feature stories; columns; legal aspects of sports reporting; and covering breaking news in sports. (3 units; Spring, odd years)

A course involving students in an in-depth study of procedures of copy editing for newspapers, magazines and online media. Through assignments and exercises, students will develop superior skills in grammar and word usage, punctuation, spelling, style, fact-checking, use of reference books, and writing headlines and captions. Students will practice substantive editing, and proofreading for print and online media. The special conditions of the increasingly important Internet to copy editors will be demonstrated. Prerequisite: ENG 113, 113E, or JRN 170. (3 units; Spring & Online)

This course provides students opportunities to participate in the production of audio and video news stories and newscasts, using professional principles, aesthetics, ethics, and practices of journalistic audio and video reporting, producing in-field and project assignments. (3 units; Spring, even years)

This course provides students opportunities to analyze, use and produce content for current and emerging social media, such as Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, YouTube, Reddit and other professional business platforms. (3 units; Spring)

Concentration upon a specific topic in the field of Journalism. Topic varies for different semesters. May be taken multiple times with change in topic. (3 units; Fall/Spring)

The purpose of this course is to prepare students to be future journalists by creating a high quality publication, The Banner. Students will learn to work within the guidelines of the university, the publisher of the newspaper. Students will learn to perform all tasks involved with the production of a bi-weekly publication, which includes meeting deadlines and completing assigned tasks. Students will maintain a positive and cooperative attitude toward student editors, advisor, and California Baptist University administration. A Christian team spirit and goal of excellence will be emulated and protected by all students in the class. May be repeated for a maximum of eight (8) units. (1-3 units; Fall/Spring)

Principles and practices of writing in the shorter forms of journalism, including editorials and opinion essays for print, electronic and online media outlets. Includes writing columns, blogs, opinion-page articles, and reviews of theater, music, books, and film. Prerequisite: JRN 170. (3 units; Spring, even years)

The tradition of investigative reporters, who uncover facts and write articles that expose waste, wrongdoing, mismanagement, fraud, conflict of interest and abuse of authority, and promote change and reform, has a long and proud history that stands alongside more conventional journalistic practices. Students are provided with reportorial skills and techniques required by journalists who develop articles of substance and depth in specialized areas, with emphasis given to research, analysis, and interpretation of complex issues in writing for publication. Prerequisite: JRN 170. (3 units; Fall, even years)

This course is designed to improve and expand the news gathering and writing skills of the media student, further developing understanding of broadcast news writing, new judgment and construction of broadcast news stories, as well as social responsibility and an ethical framework for broadcast journalists. (3 units; Spring, odd years)