Courses in Journalism
1311 Writing for Mass Media (3-0). The fundamentals of purpose, context, voice, techniques, and structure for effective written and broadcast communication.
1361/COMM 1335 Introduction to Radio-Television (3-0).
A survey of the radio and television industry in
America including programming, regulations, technology, and history.
(Credit may not be earned for this course and Communication
1361.)
2305/COMM 1307 Media Literacy (3-0). An analysis of media and its impact on society. Emphasis is on understanding the cultural, political, economic, and social impact of media in the United States and the world.
2311 Reporting Principles (3-0). Advanced elements of writing
for mass media, including audience analysis, news evaluation, fact
gathering, and information dissemination. Emphasis on techniques
and procedures of writing for student publications or programs.
Prerequisite: Journalism 1311.
2321/COMM 1318 Photography (2-2). An introductory course in operating a 35mm camera and developing and printing black and white film.
2344 Graphics, Layout, and Design (3-0). Creative and fundamental
aspects of graphics, typography, layout, design, and production
of printed communication. Emphasis on both the theoretical and practical
principles of design.
(Credit may not be earned for this course and Communication
2344.)
Prerequisite: Communication or Journalism 2345.
2345 Desktop Publishing (3-0). The use of computers to
incorporate elements of design and layout into a variety of documents
including brochures, newsletters, programs, magazines, and books.
(Credit may not be earned for this course and Communication
2345.)
2362 Beginning Television Production (2-2). Operation and use of
television production equipment; fundamentals of television production
and direction using single camera and multi-camera formats.
(Credit may not be earned for this course and Communication
2362.)
3311 Media Law (3-0). A study of statutory, administrative, and case law relevant to the First Amendment and U.S. print and broadcast media. Attention given to applicable Texas state law.
3313 Magazine and Feature Writing (3-0). Concepts and a
practical approach to research, writing, and marketing of feature
stories for magazines and newspapers.
Prerequisite: Journalism 2311 or approval of instructor.
3314 Copy Editing (3-0). Principles and practices in copy
editing, photograph selection and editing, headline writing, use
of the language, and news judgment.
Prerequisite: Journalism 1311 or approval of instructor
3315 History and Principles of Journalism (3-0). A survey
of the development of U.S. media with emphasis on American newspapers,
magazines, radio, and television with attention to the latest technology
of cable and satellite communications.
3317 Reporting Public Affairs (3-0). Investigation of and
reporting from the many sources of public information which the
reporter must cover.
Prerequisite: Journalism 2311. Strongly recommended: Government
2301 and 2302.
3322 Advanced Photography (2-2). A continuation of work
started in 2321 with more advanced and more specific projects. Increased
emphasis on print and negative quality. Advanced study of composition.
Prerequisite: Journalism 2321.
3335 Public Relations (3-0). Fundamentals of public relations
with emphasis on the preparation of PR campaigns, including news
releases for various media, newsletters, and speeches.
(Credit may not be earned for this course and Communication
3335.)
3342 Advertising Principles (3-0).
Fundamentals of advertising with an emphasis on the preparation
of advertising for print and broadcast media.
(Credit may not be earned for this course and Communication
3342.)
3352 Interviewing (3-0). The study of the theory and practice
of effective interviewing techniques. The course will examine information
giving, information gathering, counseling, employment, and appraisal
interviews.
(Credit may not be earned for this course and Communication
3352.)
3361 Radio-Television Programming (3-0). Study of the
programming function, analysis of programs, and implementation of
effective program schedules.
(Credit may not be earned for this course and Communication
3361.)
Prerequisite: Advanced standing.
3363 Radio-Television News (2-2). A practical approach
to the news story specifically for radio and television. Lab experience
is directed toward producing news stories for broadcast media.
(Credit may not be earned for this course and Communication
3363.)
Prerequisite: Advanced standing.
4101 Senior Seminar (1-0). A capstone course for all areas of journalism, empahsizing portfolio development and other preparation for entry into the journalism profession,
(Credit may not be earned for this course and Communication or Drama
4101).
4314 Magazine Development and Design (3-0). The publishing, production, and management of publications. Focus on creation, development, budgeting, content, layout, sales, and technical procedures. Students will participate in an individual or group project developing and producing a publication.
4322 Combining Film and Digital Technology(2-2). Optimization and enhancement of color and black and white from both film and digital capture. Topics will include scanning, alteration techniques, and creating effects traditionally created in the photographic dark room.
Prerequisite: Journalism 2321 or the equivalent and basic Photoshop skills.
4325 Digital Imaging (3-0). Introduction to the digital
imaging process using the industry standard software. Course will
include image capture, file formats, calibration, manipulation,
composing, storage, and output of both black and white and color
prints.
Prerequisite: Journalism 2344 or 4322 (Credit may not be earned for this course and Comm 4325).
4335 Advertising/Public Relations Campaigns and Cases (3-0).
Case-method and campaign planning as they pertain to advertising
and public relations administration. Emphasis on development of
creative strategy and media selection.
(Credit may not be earned for this course and Communication
4335.)
Prerequisite: Journalism 3335 or 3342.
4338 Communication Technologies (3-0).
A survey of existing land line technologies, microwave relays, space
transmissions, and the interfacing of computers, video and telephone
technologies. Emphasis will be placed on evolving communication
technologies.
(Credit may not be earned for this course and Communication
4338.)
4355 Mass Media Effects and Ethics (3-0). An in-depth study
of the impacts of mass media on a changing America including a study
of the effects of mass media on government, demographic groups,
and the military. The study of moral reasoning and ethical decision
making as they relate to the mass media.
(Credit may not be earned for this course and Communication
4355.)
4364 Media Management (3-0). Management functions, advertising,
sales, and internal organizational structure of media.
(Credit may not be earned for this course and Communication
4364.)
Prerequisite: advanced standing.
4365 Advanced TV Production (2-2). Theories and techniques
of producing, directing, and editing single and multi-camera productions.
To include script writing, shooting, and post producing for television, field, and studio work.
(Credit may not be earned for this course and Communication
4365.)
Prerequisite: Communication 2362 or Journalism 2362.
4379 Mass Communication Internship.
Students gain on-the-job experience by working in the industry.
Limited to advanced students majoring in Journalism and Mass Communication
with options in Print, Radio-TV, Advertising, Public Relations,
and Photography. Participants are selected on the basis of written
application submitted to the department head one semester in advance.
(May be repeated once for credit for a maximum of 6 semester
hours credit.)
Prerequisite: Advanced standing.
4381 Special Topics (3-0). Selected topics in journalism
and mass communication.
(May be repeated once for credit when topic varies.)
Prerequisite: Senior standing and department head approval
4391 Research. A specialized course which may be directed
reading or research for superior students majoring in journalism.
Prerequisite: Senior standing and department head approval
