Course Descriptions

JOUR 2306: Fundamentals of Computerized Publication Design

This publishing design course incorporates typography, electronic photo editing, graphics, and page design. Students are instructed in design theory, computer publishing skills, and creative problem solving. Extended computer access fee. Course fee $5. Extended computer fee $10.

JOUR 2307: Mass Media and Society

Relationship of mass communication processes and effects on the individual and society; impact of media messages on knowledge, attitudes and behavior. Examines social, economic, political, and cultural changes around the world from the perspective of mass communication theory and practice. Provides an understanding of the historical and cross-cultural/international aspects of a variety of issues from a mass communication perspective. Emphasis on both the developed and developing nations of the world. May be applied towards satisfaction of the general education requirement for humanities or foreign language. Course fee $5.

JOUR 2311: Writing for Mass Media

Techniques of information gathering and writing for various audiences. Practice in interviewing, observation, use of the internet and documentary references that include computer information retrieval and analysis skills. Course fee $5.

JOUR 2318: Beginning Digital Photography

Theory and practice of electronic photography, including photojournalistic composition for publication. The application of visual communication theories including human perception, psychology of color, and principles of design to photography and graphic design in communication. Course fee $5. Extended computer fee $25.

JOUR 3301: Feature Writing

A study of the purposes, character, and subject matter of feature stories. Emphasis is placed on writing and marketing the feature for magazines and newspapers. Students will contribute features to the student newspaper. Course fee $5.

JOUR 3305: Advanced Newswriting

A study of writing for the print media, public relations, advertising, and broadcast media. Course fee $5.

JOUR 3311: Visual Design

An examination of theories governing newspaper and magazine makeup. Students are given the opportunity to acquire practical experience in news editing as staff members of the student newspaper with emphasis on editing, layout, and design. Course fee $5. Extended computer fee $10.

JOUR 3318: Media Law and Ethics

A study of statutory and case law relevant to libel and slander in the United States. Particular attention is given to Texas law, contempt of court, privacy, and constitutional and legislative guarantees. Course fee $5. Extended computer fee $10.

JOUR 3340: Principles of Advertising

Advertising with an emphasis on the print and electronic media. Layout, design, and the evaluation of advertising campaigns are emphasized. Course fee $5.

JOUR 3350: Videography

Study and practice of the fundamentals of film theory and production. Course fee $5. Extended computer fee $15.

JOUR 3351: Advertising Writing and Design

An intensive study of the writing of advertising copy and the principles of advertising layout for the print and broadcast media. Prerequisite: JOUR 3340 or consent of instructor. Course fee $5. Extended computer fee $10.

JOUR 3355: Writing for Public Relations

An examination and application of the writing skills required in public relations. Competency is developed in writing news releases, feature articles, newsletters, advertising copy, magazine articles, and brochure copy.

JOUR 3356: Electronic Publishing

Emphasis is on the use of computers in typographic, graphic design, and production. Journalistic applications of still video photography, pagination, desktop publishing, advertising, on-line data applications for reporting, advertising, public relations, and project management. Course fee $5. Extended computer fee $25.

JOUR 3360: Photojournalism

A study of use and layout of photographs in newspapers, magazines, television, types of printing, caption writing, the picture story, picture essay, and multi-image presentations. Students will be given the opportunity to acquire experience in publication and broadcast production assignment. Course fee $5. Extended computer fee $25.

JOUR 3375: Principles of Public Relations

Nature of communication, public opinion, and persuasion; principles and techniques; media use; and application to businesses, colleges, churches, and civic organizations. Course fee $5.

JOUR 3380: Communications Technology

Experience in operation of equipment used for recording, retrieving, and communicating information. Emphasis will be on message design, information delivery systems and their application to communication theory for small and mass audiences. Course fee $5. Extended computer fee $15.

JOUR 3385: History of Mass Media

Study of the development and growth of American media from colonial times to the present; examination of the social, economic, and political relationships of the media within historical environments. Course fee $5.

JOUR 3390: Technical Writing

A study of the essential elements and techniques of report writing for a variety of technical disciplines. Students will be given the opportunity to write technical reports based on material from their area of interest. Course fee $5.

JOUR 4300: Opinion Writing

Emphasizes analysis of current public issues and writing about those issues. Students will write editorials, columns, critical reviews, and news analysis pieces and will study current public issues. Course fee $5.

JOUR 4310: Community Journalism

Critical study of contemporary local, state, and national current events and how they are treated by the mass media serving towns, cities, or homogenous communities within urban areas. Course fee $5.

JOUR 4325: Radio-Television Newswriting

The study and practice of television broadcasting. Emphasis is places upon learning the differences between print and electronic journalism newswriting. Stories will be written for both radio and television. Studio and newsroom procedures will be examined. Course fee $5.

JOUR 4329: Topics in Journalism

A study of selected journalism topics with emphasis on current ideas and literature. May be repeated once for credit when content changes. Course fee $5.

JOUR 4333: Electronic Photography

Study of the theories of digital imaging, exposure, lighting; emphasis on the ethical implications of electronic manipulation of photographs for news publications. Course fee $5. Extended computer fee $25.

JOUR 4335: Business and Industrial Publications

Study of the problems relating to staff selection, publication content, copy, layout, photography, printing, advertising and business operations. May be taken for graduate credit with consent of advisor. Course fee $5. Extended computer fee $25.

JOUR 4350: International Mass Media

Study of the role of the media under various political systems and the impact of communication technology on national development. May be taken for graduate credit with consent of advisor. Course fee $5.

JOUR 4361: Media Ethics

A study of the ethical issues in mass media in such areas as censorship, conflict of interest, portrayal of minorities, media as accessory to criminal action, fairness, sensationalism, and the pursuit of news and profit. Emphasis will be on journalism, public relations, advertising, and broadcasting. Course fee $5.

JOUR 4363: Public Relations Case Studies

Application and analysis of public relations principles to cases in business and industry, government, institutions, trades and professions. Prerequisite: JOUR 3375 or consent of instructor. Course fee $5.

JOUR 4368, 4668: Field Experience in Journalism

Study of journalism facilities, personnel, procedures, and field research which includes travel. Classroom lectures and seminar methods supplement the field experience. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Course fee $5..

JOUR 4370, 4371: Undergraduate Internship Program

An 8-to-16 week program offering a learning experience in an off-campus environment. Prerequisite: Consent of department chair.

JOUR 4199, 4699: Independent Study

Independent study in specific areas of journalism not covered by organized undergraduate courses. A maximum of six credit hours for independent study courses may be applied toward an undergraduate degree. Prerequisite: Consent of department chair.

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