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Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication

This is an archived copy of the 2011-12 Catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.iastate.edu.
http://www.jlmc.iastate.edu

The Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication offers work for the bachelor of arts in advertising, and the bachelor of science degree in journalism and mass communication. The unit, founded in 1905, has been continuously accredited every six years since 1948 by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications and was last reaccredited in 2004. Accreditation is based on the principle that students need a broad-based, liberal arts education, as well as a solid core of courses within the discipline.

Undergraduate Study

Students who complete degrees in advertising or journalism and mass communication will develop competencies in 12 key areas:

  • History/role of professionals and institutions: Demonstrate an understanding of the history and role of professionals and institutions in shaping communications;
  • First Amendment/Law: Understand and apply the principles and laws of freedom of speech and press, including the right to dissent, to monitor and criticize power, and to assemble and petition for redress of grievances;
  • Theory: Understand concepts and apply theories in the use and presentation of images and information;
  • Research and evaluation: Conduct research and evaluate information by methods appropriate to the communications professions in which they work;
  • Diversity: Demonstrate an understanding of the diversity of groups in a global society in relationship to communications;
  • Ethics: Demonstrate an understanding of professional ethical principles and work ethically in pursuit of truth, accuracy, fairness and diversity;
  • Critical thinking: Think critically, creatively and independently;
  • Writing: Write correctly and clearly in forms and styles appropriate for the communications professions, audiences and purposes they serve;
  • Visual Communication: Conceptualize, prepare or select appropriate methods to convey information in visual form, whether as a complement or supplement to words;
  • Numeracy: Apply basic numerical and statistical concepts;Critical Evaluation/Editing: Critically evaluate their own work and that of others for accuracy and fairness, clarity, appropriate style and grammatical correctness;
  • Tools and technology: Apply tools and technologies appropriate for the communications professions in which they work.

To become an advertising or journalism and mass communication major, the student must:

  1. have either achieved a score of 26 or higher on the ACT English exam, 590 or higher on the SAT verbal exam, or passed the School's English Usage Test as outlined in the Greenlee School's policy for meeting the English Usage Standard
  2. have completed the pre-major core requirements (See majors). Until these requirements are successfully completed, advertising and journalism and mass communication students are designated as pre-majors. A copy of the EUT policy, including additional details and requirements, is available from the Greenlee School.

Communication Proficiency Requirement

To meet the University's Communication Proficiency requirement, all majors in the School must earn a grade of C or better in ENGL 150 Critical Thinking and Communication and ENGL 250 Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition (or ENGL 250H Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition, Honors). These additional requirements apply:

Advrt majors must earn a C+ or better in JL MC 201 and one of ADVRT 334 or ADVRT 336. Jl MC majors must earn a C+ or better in:

JL MC 201Reporting and Writing for the Mass Media3
One of the following
Intermediate Reporting and Writing for the Mass Media
Reporting and Writing for the Electronic Media
Public Relations Writing

Advertising Major

The advertising major prepares students for careers in business and industry or for graduate education. Students majoring in advertising find career opportunities in professions requiring applied communication expertise. Graduates are qualified for positions in the creative and account sides of advertising within businesses, agencies and media.

To become an advertising major, a student must successfully complete:

JL MC 101Mass Media and Society *3
JL MC 110Orientation to Journalism and Communication *R
JL MC 201Reporting and Writing for the Mass Media *3
ADVRT 230Advertising Principles3

*

with a C+ or better

Until the EUT standard is met and these courses are successfully completed, advertising students are designated as pre-majors. To receive a bachelor of arts degree in advertising, a student must earn at least 120 credits. A minimum of 80 credits must come from courses other than Advrt or Jl MC and must include MKT 340 Principles of Marketing. At least 65 of these credits must come from the liberal arts and sciences, and must include STAT 101 Principles of Statistics, or other approved statistics course, and SP CM 212 Fundamentals of Public Speaking. Overall, at least 45 credits must be from 300-level courses or above.

The degree requirements allow for a minimum of 33 and a maximum of 40 credits to be taken in Advrt and Jl MC. These include the pre-major core requirements of 9 credits:

JL MC 101Mass Media and Society3
JL MC 110Orientation to Journalism and CommunicationR
JL MC 201Reporting and Writing for the Mass Media3
ADVRT 230Advertising Principles3
ADVRT 301Research and Strategic Planning for Advertising and Public Relations *3
JL MC 460Law of Mass Communication *3
JL MC 499Professional Media Internship *3

*

required of all ADVRT majors

Additional recommended courses and requirements for the advertising major are available from the Greenlee School.

Advrt majors need a broad-based academic background that the School seeks to ensure by requiring a Designated Area of Concentration (DAC) made up of 21 credits with at least 12 credits from the 300-level or above. The DAC is a secondary area of expertise made up of courses selected and designed by the student, with adviser approval, to complement the student's professional and academic interests. A second major outside of Advrt or Jl MC may substitute for the DAC.

The Journalism and Mass Communication Major

The major in journalism and mass communication prepares students for careers that involve all aspects of news and information. The emphasis is on generating ideas, organizing, writing, editing and presenting information for various media platforms and audiences. Graduates most likely will work in journalism (magazines, newspapers, electronic media or on-line media) and public relations and public information as well as related disciplines that expect articulate and informed writing and presentation. Students work with advisers to develop programs of study designed to prepare them for work in a variety of communication-specific areas: electronic media, print media (magazine and/or newspaper), public relations/public information, science communication or visual communication.

To be a Jl MC major, a student must successfully complete JL MC 101, JL MC 110 and JL MC 201 (with a C+ or better). Until the EUT standard is met and these courses are successfully completed, journalism and mass communication students are designated as pre-majors. To receive a bachelor of science degree in journalism and mass communication, a student must earn at least 120 credits. A minimum of 80 credits must come from courses other than Advrt or Jl MC. At least 65 of these credits must come from the liberal arts and sciences and must include STAT 101 Principles of Statistics, or other approved statistics course. Overall, at least 45 credits must be from 300-level or above.

The degree requirements allow for a minimum of 33 and a maximum of 40 credits to be taken in Advrt and Jl MC. These include the pre-major core requirements of 6 credits:

JL MC 101Mass Media and Society3
JL MC 110Orientation to Journalism and CommunicationR
JL MC 201Reporting and Writing for the Mass Media3
JL MC 460Law of Mass Communication *3
JL MC 499Professional Media Internship *3

*

required for all JL MC majors

Additional recommended courses and requirements for the journalism and mass communication major are available from the Greenlee School.

Jl MC majors need a broad-based academic background that the School seeks to ensure by requiring a Designated Area of Concentration (DAC) made up of 21 credits. All courses for the DAC must be taken outside of Advrt and Jl MC. At least 12 credits must be from the 300-level or above. The DAC is a secondary area of expertise made up of courses selected and designed by the student, with adviser approval, to complement the student's professional and academic interests. A second major may substitute for the DAC.

Minors

The Greenlee School offers a minor in Advertising and a minor in Journalism and Mass Communication.

For a minor in Advertising or Journalism and Mass Communication, students complete 15 credits, beginning with JL MC 101 Mass Media and Society. The remaining 12 credits, at least 9 of which must be from Iowa State University, are selected from course offerings in the advertising and journalism and mass communication majors, as follows:

6 credits from the following6
Advertising Principles
Research and Strategic Planning for Advertising and Public Relations
Advertising Media Planning
Principles of Public Relations
Research and Strategic Planning for Advertising and Public Relations
Publicity Methods
Contemporary Magazine Publishing
Visual Principles for Mass Communicators
6 credits from the following6
Mass Communication Theory
Media Management
Electronic Media Technology and Public Policy
Critical Analysis and History of the Moving Image
History of American Journalism
Media Ethics, Freedom, Responsibility
Journalism and Literature
Communication Technology and Social Change
World Communication Systems
Ethnicity, Gender, Class and the Media
Special Topics in Communication
Special Topics in Communication

Jl MC majors may not minor in Advrt and Advrt majors may not minor in Jl MC.

Graduate Study

The Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication offers work for a master of science degree in journalism and mass communication. Two tracks are available: one for students who desire specialized study in communication theory and research; the second for students who wish to strengthen professional strategic skills.

Majors plan programs of study in one of two tracks:

I. Communication as theory and research -- The School offers advanced academic preparation in communication theory and research leading to the master of science degree. Graduate work prepares students to use and contribute to research and scholarship in the field of communication. The degree requires a thesis or creative component based on original research, which must be defended successfully before a committee at the end of the program.

Areas of research emphasis include: science and risk communication, media performance, media effects, advertising, public relations, political communication, communication technology, law and ethics, international communication and visual communication.

II. Professional and Strategic Communication -- The School offers advanced professional study in journalism and mass communication leading to the master of science degree. Graduate work prepares students for professional careers in a variety of mass communication fields. Students with limited training or experience in journalism and mass communication may include skills courses in their programs for no credit. The degree requires either a creative component or thesis.

All students must complete four core courses:

JL MC 592Introduction to Graduate Study in Journalism and Mass CommunicationR
JL MC 501Theories of Mass Communication3
JL MC 502Communication Research Methods4
JL MC 598Seminars in Mass Communication1-3

Each student selects elective courses based on his/her area of emphasis and career goal, in consultation with the student's major professor and Program of Study Committee.

The Greenlee School graduate program offers minor work for students majoring in other departments. The M.S. minor requires:

JL MC 501, JL MC 510 and one other course in journalism and mass communication for a total of 9 credits taken within the Greenlee School.

Advertising (Advrt)

Courses primarily for undergraduate students

ADVRT 230. Advertising Principles.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.
Historical, social, economic and legal aspects of advertising. Evaluations of advertising research, media, strategy, and appeals. Study of the creation of print and broadcast advertising.

ADVRT 301. Research and Strategic Planning for Advertising and Public Relations.

(Cross-listed with JL MC). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: 230 or JL MC 220; Sophomore classification
The use of primary and secondary research for prospect analysis, market segmentation, positioning, strategic planning, public opinion formation, communication strategy formation and development of critical thinking skills.

ADVRT 334. Advertising Creativity.

(2-2) Cr. 3. Prereq: C+ or better in JL MC 201; Advrt/JL MC 301
Development and execution of creative advertising materials. Copywriting, art direction and computer applications for print, broadcast and digital media. Creative strategy development, execution and evaluation.

ADVRT 335. Advertising Media Planning.

(3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: C+ or better in JL MC 201; Advrt/JL MC 301
Concepts of media planning and selection in the development, execution and evaluation of advertising campaigns. Characteristics and capabilities of the advertising media. Utilization of market segmentation, consumer buying and media audience databases.

ADVRT 336. Advertising Account Management.

(3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: C+ or better in JL MC 201; Advrt/JL MC 301
Fundamentals of account management with emphasis on leadership, sales techniques, relationship building, presentation skills, and strategic thinking. Includes aspects of agency revenue growth, team building, client management, evaluating creative concepts and media plans, and developing strategic proposals and campaign recommendations.

ADVRT 390. Professional Skills Development.

(Cross-listed with JL MC). Cr. 1-3. Repeatable, maximum of 3 credits. Prereq: C+ or better in 201, other vary by topic; instructor permission
Check School for course availability.

ADVRT 434. Advertising Campaigns.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: Advrt/JL MC 301; C+ or better in 334 or 336, and major status
Development of advertising campaigns for business and social institutions. Projects involve budgeting, media selection, market analysis, campaign strategy, and creative execution.

ADVRT 435. Advertising Competition.

Cr. 1-3. Repeatable, maximum of 3 credits. S. Prereq: Permission of instructor, Junior/senior standing strongly recommended
Preparation of materials for regional and national competitions.

ADVRT 436. Advertising Portfolio Practicum.

(2-2) Cr. 3. Prereq: C+ or better in 334, instructor permission
Advanced advertising writing and design. Emphasis on creative strategy, problem solving and execution of creative materials in print, broadcast and on-line media for a variety of clients.

ADVRT 497. Special Topics in Communication.

(Cross-listed with JL MC). Cr. 1-3. Repeatable.
Seminars or one-time classes on topics of relevance to students in communication.

 

Journalism and Mass Communication (Jl MC)

Courses primarily for undergraduate students

JL MC 101. Mass Media and Society.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.
Communication models and their application to the mass media; the mass communication process; organization, characteristics and responsibilities of the mass media; media-related professional operations.

JL MC 110. Orientation to Journalism and Communication.

Cr. R. F.S.
Orientation to career opportunities, emphasis areas and requirements in the Greenlee School. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.

JL MC 201. Reporting and Writing for the Mass Media.

(1-4) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: ENGL 250 (or testout) and either a score of 26 or higher on the ACT-English exam, 590 or higher on the SAT verbal exam or a passing score on the School's English Usage Test
Generating story ideas, exercising news judgment and gathering information via interviews, observation and documentary sources to produce news and informational material for the mass media. Emphasis on analyzing and organizing information, as well as accuracy and principles of good writing. Use of AP Style.

JL MC 202. Intermediate Reporting and Writing for the Mass Media.

(2-2) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: C+ or better in 201
Designed for students interested in writing for newspapers, magazines and online media. Enhancing and refining skills in developing sources and generating story ideas. Information-gathering techniques, reporting and writing. Includes segments on local government and judiciary.

JL MC 206. Reporting and Writing for the Electronic Media.

(2-3) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: C+ or better in 201
Researching, organizing, and writing for radio, television and online media. Basic principles of news, information and entertainment programming. An emphasis on development, content and structure.

JL MC 220. Principles of Public Relations.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.
Introduction to public relations in business, government and non-profit organizations; functions, processes, and management; attitudes, public opinion and persuasion; overview of theory.

JL MC 301. Research and Strategic Planning for Advertising and Public Relations.

(Cross-listed with ADVRT). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: ADVRT 230 or JL MC 220; Sophomore classification
The use of primary and secondary research for prospect analysis, market segmentation, positioning, strategic planning, public opinion formation, communication strategy formation and development of critical thinking skills.

JL MC 305. Publicity Methods.

(3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: ENGL 250, Sophomore classification
Communication and publicity fundamentals and the use of media for publicity purposes. Preparing releases for print and broadcast; basics of publication layout. Publicity campaigns. Not available to Jl MC and Advrt majors.

JL MC 306. Electronic Media Production.

(2-2) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: C+ or better in JL MC 201
Introduction to studio production using professional equipment. Course focus on visual concepts, maintenance and practical operation of studio equipment.

JL MC 308. Electronic News Gathering and Production.

(2-3) Cr. 3. Prereq: C+ or better in 202 or 206 or 321; 306
Field techniques in single-camera video production used to shoot and edit visual stories. Introduction to electronic news gathering.

JL MC 310. Fundamentals of Photojournalism.

(1-3) Cr. 3. Prereq: C+ or better in 201
Basic photojournalism techniques. Includes camera operation, lighting, composition, and photo reproduction techniques for print or computer-mediated applications. Emphasis on using the camera as a reporting tool. Basic use of digital imaging and editing software. Ethical issues involving photojournalism.

JL MC 312. Advanced Techniques in Photojournalism.

(3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: JL MC 310 or permission of instructor
Advanced techniques and problem solving, both ethical and technical, for photographers who seek to be members of newsgathering teams. Photographic storytelling using a combination of audio and still photography techniques to report stories for print and web publications. Hands on experience with latest digital imaging technology.

JL MC 315. Multimedia Production.

(2-2) Cr. 3. Prereq: 306 or 342L or 343L or equivalent computer design proficiency
Concepts and principles for evaluating, constructing, and designing information for the Web and other computer-mediated communication systems. Explores the use of computer-generated animation and graphics, audio and video. Issues of ethics and ownership of work pertinent to the new media are discussed.

JL MC 321. Public Relations Writing.

(2-3) Cr. 3. Prereq: C+ or better in 201; 220 or ADVRT 230; 342 and 342L or computer design proficiency recommended. May be taken concurrently with 301
Developing and writing public relations materials with an emphasis on media relations and news. Techniques addressed include media kits, brochures, newsletters and speeches.

JL MC 341. Contemporary Magazine Publishing.

(Dual-listed with 541). (3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: Junior classification
Analysis of magazine industry and specific audiences served by print and online magazines. Editorial procedures and policies, advertising, circulation, and history of the industry. Individual study of magazines.

JL MC 342. Visual Principles for Mass Communicators.

(3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: Sophomore classification
Understanding of the visual message. Visual perception, visual communication theory, design syntax, design elements and how they are applied in journalism and mass communication.

JL MC 342L. Laboratory in Basic Visual Principles.

(2-2) Cr. 3. Prereq: Credit or enrollment in 342
Introduction to digital publishing, beginning techniques in layout. Application of visual principles to design simple print projects.

JL MC 343L. Laboratory in Intermediate Visual Principles.

(2-2) Cr. 3. Prereq: 342L or equivalent computer design proficiency
Application of more advanced features of digital publishing and other document-enhancing software. Production of newsletters, multi-page brochures and other documents.

JL MC 344. Feature Writing.

(2-2) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: C+ or better in 202 or 206 or 321
Reporting and writing short- and long- form stories for magazines, newspapers, corporate communication and the Web. Focus on departmental stories, personal essays, trend or conflict articles and personality profiles. Emphasis on immersion reporting. Majors may not apply both 344 and Engl 303 toward graduation.

JL MC 346. Public Affairs Reporting.

(2-2) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: C+ or better in 202 or 206 or 321
Reporting on government, business, and other institutions; identification of and access to public records; investigative reporting techniques; developing major stories on government and non-profit organizations, and issues for print and broadcast media.

JL MC 347. Science Communication.

(Dual-listed with 547). (2-2) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: C+ or better in 202 or 206 or 321 for Jl MC majors; C+ or better in JL MC 201 and ADVRT 334 or 336 for Advrt majors. Nonmajors by permission of instructor
Reporting and writing about science and technology topics for general audiences. Outlets for stories include print, broadcast and online media. Story topics include reporting about basic, applied sciences and social sciences, as well as ethical, political and policy issues related to science and technology.

JL MC 349. Print Media Editing.

(1-5) Cr. 3. Prereq: C+ or better in 202 or 206 or 321
Grammar, punctuation, usage, syntax and logic. Editing newspaper, magazine and online copy. Headline, title writing and visual presentation. Use of computer editing programs.

JL MC 354. Advanced Electronic Media Production.

(2-3) Cr. 3. Prereq: 306 and 308
Application of advanced television techniques: producing, directing and managing live and recorded information programs.

JL MC 390. Professional Skills Development.

(Cross-listed with ADVRT). Cr. 1-3. Repeatable, maximum of 3 credits. Prereq: C+ or better in 201; other vary by topic. Instructor permission
Check School for course availability.

JL MC 401. Mass Communication Theory.

(3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: Junior classification
Theory and research in mass communication processes and effects; the scientific process; methods of measuring, evaluating and reporting mass communication research.

JL MC 406. Media Management.

(Dual-listed with 506). (3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: Junior classification
Decision-making functions of media. Basic media market analysis, media organization and management, circulation and audience development, technological developments affecting management decisions, and relationships with labor and regulatory agencies that affect media operations.

JL MC 424. Public Relations Campaigns.

(3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: 220, 301, and C+ or better in 321; junior classfication. Section B: C+ or better in 202 or 206; instructor permission only
Developing public relations and corporate communication campaigns for business and social institutions.

A. Research, planning, developing and evaluating strategies and tactics.
B. Bateman Competition: national public relations campaign.

JL MC 449. Advanced Print Media Editing.

(3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 342, 342L, 349 or concurrent enrollment; junior classification
Developing higher-level editorial skills needed for issue-planning, editorial management and decision making. Designing, developing, and repositioning existing and new magazines, newspapers, and new media. Editing complex manuscripts, with continued emphasis on grammar, punctuation, usage, syntax and logic. Use of computer publishing programs. Nonmajor graduate credit.

JL MC 453. Electronic Media Technology and Public Policy.

(3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: Junior classification
Issues and policies affecting historical, contemporary and future developments of electronic media and their technologies.

JL MC 454. Critical Analysis and History of the Moving Image.

(3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: Junior classification
Evolution of motion picture and television content and other visual technologies. Theories and techniques for evaluating and critiquing film and video. Nonmajor graduate credit.

JL MC 460. Law of Mass Communication.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: C+ or better in 201; junior classification
First Amendment law, libel, privacy, obscenity, contempt, copyright, trademark, the Federal Communications Act; laws affecting advertising, legal publication, and other business activities of the media, including the Internet. Nonmajor graduate credit.

JL MC 461. History of American Journalism.

(3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: Junior classification
Role of the mass media, including advertising and public relations, in shaping the social, economic and political history of America; impact of change in these areas on the development, traditions, and philosophies of the media. Nonmajor graduate credit.

JL MC 462. Media Ethics, Freedom, Responsibility.

(3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: Junior classification
Media ethics and performance; functions of the media in relation to the executive, judicial and legislative branches of government; agencies of media criticism; right to know versus right to privacy.

JL MC 464. Journalism and Literature.

(3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: Junior classification
A study of journalism's impact on literary writing and literature's impact on journalism, as seen through the works of such American author-journalists as Ernest Hemingway, Truman Capote, Joan Didion, John McPhee, Tom Wolfe, Hunter Thompson. Nonmajor graduate credit.

JL MC 474. Communication Technology and Social Change.

(Cross-listed with T SC). (3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: Junior classification
Examination of historical and current communication technologies, including how they shape and are shaped by the cultural and social practices into which they are introduced.

Meets International Perspectives Requirement.

JL MC 476. World Communication Systems.

(Dual-listed with 576). (3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: Junior classification
World communication systems and social, political, and economic factors determining flow, character, and volume of news. Impact of media information and entertainment content on nations and societies. Comparative analysis of role and impact of traditional modes of communication, the mass media, and computer-mediated systems.

Meets International Perspectives Requirement.

JL MC 477. Ethnicity, Gender, Class and the Media.

(3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: Junior classification
Portrayals of ethnic groups, genders, and classes in the media in news, information, and entertainment; the effects of mass media on social issues and population groups. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement

JL MC 490. Independent Study in Communication.

Cr. arr. Prereq: Junior classification and contract with supervising professor to register
Independent studies are research-based. Students may study problems associated with a medium, a professional specialization, a philosophical or practical concern, a reportorial method or writing technique, or a special topic in their field. Credit is not given for working on student or professional media without an accompanying research component. See Greenlee School Student Services Office for more information. No more than 3 credits of Jl MC 490 may be used toward a degree in journalism and mass communication or advertising.

JL MC 497. Special Topics in Communication.

(Cross-listed with ADVRT). Cr. 1-3. Repeatable, maximum of 3 credits.
Seminars or one-time classes on topics of relevance to students interested in communication.

JL MC 499. Professional Media Internship.

Cr. 3. Prereq: Jl MC majors, C+ or better in 202 or 206 or 321; Advrt majors, C+ or better in JL MC 201; ADVRT 301; All students, junior classification, formal faculty adviser approval of written proposal
Required of all Jl MC and Advrt majors. A 400-hour internship in the student's journalism and mass communication or advertising specialization. Assessment based on employer evaluations, student reports and faculty reviews. Available only to Jl MC and Advrt majors. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.

JL MC 501. Theories of Mass Communication.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: 6 credits in social science or admission to the graduate program
Examination of major areas of research activity and theoretical development related to organization, functions, and effects of mass communication.

JL MC 502. Communication Research Methods.

(3-2) Cr. 4. S. Prereq: 501 or equivalent communication theory course
Research methods in journalism and mass communication, including problem selection, sampling, hypothesis formulation, research design, data collection and analysis. Designing a research strategy appropriate for a variety of communication-related questions and assessing the appropriateness, validity, and generalizability of research results.

JL MC 506. Media Management.

(Dual-listed with 406). (3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 6 credits in social science (economics highly recommended) or admission to the graduate program
Decision-making functions of media. Basic media market analysis, media organization and management, circulation and audience development, technological developments affecting management decisions, and relationships with labor and regulatory agencies that affect media operations.

JL MC 510. Strategies of Communication.

(3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: 501
The process of developing professional communication and persuasion strategies, with emphasis on problem definition, behavioral objectives, situation analysis, strategy formulation, and justification through application of communication theories and research results.

JL MC 520. Public Relations Theory and Methods.

(3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: 6 credits in social science.
Theories and research methods applied to the study and practice of public relations.

JL MC 521. Theories of Visual Communication.

(2-2) Cr. 3. Prereq: 6 credits in social science
Introduction to the study of picture-based media (film, television, photography, advertising, etc.). Exploration of theoretical concepts of vision and perception, visual literacy, visual language, visual persuasion/manipulations, and the cultural implications of visual images.

JL MC 541. Contemporary Magazine Publishing.

(Dual-listed with 341). (3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: 502 or Instructor permission
Analysis of magazine industry and specific audiences served by print and online magazines. Editorial procedures and policies, advertising, circulation, and history of the industry. Roundtable on research literature.

JL MC 547. Science Communication.

(Dual-listed with 347). (2-2) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 6 credits of social science or admission to the graduate program
Reporting and writing about science and technology topics for general audiences. Outlets for stories include print, broadcast and online media. Story topics include reporting about basic, applied and social sciences, as well as ethical, political and policy issues related to science and technology. Nonmajors by permission of instructor.

JL MC 561. Media and Society: Interrelationships.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: 6 credits in social science
Media functions in a democratic society; conflicts between the media and social institutions; ethical and social controls on the media.

JL MC 574. Communication Technologies and Social Change.

(Cross-listed with T SC). (3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: 6 credits in social science
Personal, organizational, and social implications of the use of communication technologies. Includes theories and empirical research across the continuum of perspectives, from techno-utopianism through an anti-technology stance.

Meets International Perspectives Requirement.

JL MC 576. World Communication Systems.

(Dual-listed with 476). (3-0) Cr. 3.
World communication systems and social, political, and economic factors determining flow, character, and volume of news. Impact of media information and entertainment content on nations and societies. Comparative analysis of role and impact of traditional modes of communication, the mass media and computer-mediated systems.

Meets International Perspectives Requirement.

JL MC 590. Special Topics.

Cr. arr. Repeatable. Prereq: Permission of instructor

A. Media Studies
B. Professional Specialization
C. Research Problems and Methods
D. Technique and Style
E. Specialized Communication

JL MC 591. Professional Internship.

Cr. 1-2. F.S.SS. Prereq: Permission of instructor
Supervised internship experience. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.

JL MC 592. Introduction to Graduate Study in Journalism and Mass Communication.

Cr. R. F. Prereq: Graduate classification
Overview of advanced study in journalism and mass communication with special emphasis on requirements for obtaining the master of science degree.

JL MC 598. Seminars in Mass Communication.

Cr. 1-3. Repeatable.

A. Audiences and Effects
B. Communication Technology
C. Professional Communication
D. Development Communication
E. Evaluation Methods
F. International Communication
G. Mass Communication History
H. Mass Communication Law
I. Media Management
J. Research Methods
K. Society and Mass Communication
M. Visual Communication
N. Broadcast Communication
O. Communication Theory
P. Computer Mediated Communication
Q. Science, Technology and Risk Communication.

JL MC 599. Creative Component.

Cr. arr. Prereq: Approved creative component proposal

 

Courses for graduate students

JL MC 699. Thesis Research.

Cr. arr. Repeatable. Prereq: Approved thesis proposal

 

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