In Introduction to Journalism we will study the principles and practices of journalism as well as journalism's role in a democratic society. We will explore journalism's impact on public policy, private lives, and the increasing role of citizens within the context of the contemporary convergence of multimedia. Class discussions will address the historical development and future of the field, including new technologies and changing strategies. Techniques, methods, and models guiding the contemporary practice of journalism will be given particular emphasis.

In this class, students will develop a variety of skills necessary for undertaking writing feature stories and getting them published. Students will learn to identify strong story ideas, query magazine editors, and turn ideas into finished products ready for submission. Finding the story is a process that unfolds throughout the writing process of gathering information and facts (through observation, research, and interviews), developing a strong lead, selecting and structuring the material, and revising for clarity and interest.

This class is an introduction to radio & television news writing, videography, editing and visual storytelling. Students will learn the basics of radio reporting, videography and broadcast journalism. They will produce a variety of radio and television reports to expand their understanding of the various formats, styles and types of reports used in the media. Students will also work on news judgment, sourcing stories, interviewing subjects and writing and editing their stories for radio, television and the web.

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Not available at this time

Not available at this time

Students build on the skills learned in Journalism 300, while gaining the technical skills to tell stories in online platforms, using digital images and audio podcasts. Students learn how to find and work with online sources, and produce online news packages in areas like the environment, the economy, education and other topics.

This course will develop an understanding of the ethical questions raised by media coverage in a democratic society at a time of focus on profit over news values and on entertainment over substance. Issues discussed will include: accuracy and fairness, diversity, conflicts of interest, privacy, deception, relationships with sources and photojournalism. We will also learn to identify news values--or lack of them--both as professionals and as consumers. Satisfies the Integrative Experience requirement for BA-Journ majors.

The relationships among reporters, publishers, and politicians, and how each uses the media. Using historical biographies and other texts, the class will examine past strategies by politicians and media figures. Topics include campaign strategies, Washington politics, day-to-day effectiveness in office, making arguments through the media, and how those not elected use the media. Taught by Congressman Richard Neal of the First District, Massachusetts, the class offers an opportunity for students to hear how elected officials work with the press.

Not available at this time