Journalism and Mass Communication

This is an archived copy of the 2015-2016 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.iastate.edu.

The Journalism and Mass Communication Major

The journalism and mass communication major prepares students for careers that involve all aspects of news and information. Emphasis is placed on generating ideas, organizing, writing, editing and presenting information for various media platforms and audiences. Students work with advisers to develop a program of study that prepares them for work in communication-specific areas including broadcast media, magazines and/or newspapers, photo journalism, science communication or visual communication and online/multimedia.

To receive a bachelor of science degree in journalism and mass communication, a student must earn at least 120 credits. A minimum of 72 credits must come from courses other than ADVRT, P R, or JL MC. At least 50 of these credits must come from the liberal arts and sciences. Overall, at least 45 credits must be from 300-level or above. Journalism and mass communication majors are required to take:

STAT 101

Principles of Statistics (or another approved statistics course)

The degree requirements allow for a minimum of 34 credits and a maximum of 48 credits to be taken in ADVRT, P R, and JL MC. These include:

JL MC 101	Mass Media and Society	3
JL MC 110	Orientation to Journalism and Communication	1
JL MC 201	Reporting and Writing for the Mass Media	3
JL MC 202	Intermediate Reporting and Writing for the Mass Media (C+ or better in JL MC 202 or JL MC 206)	3
or JL MC 206	Reporting and Writing for the Electronic Media
JL MC 460	Law of Mass Communication	3
JL MC 499	Professional Media Internship	3

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

Students taking one major at the school may not seek a second major or a minor in the school. All students are required to take a second major or minor outside the school as an area of expertise. A Designated Area of Concentration (DAC) outside the school may be used in place of a minor or second major with faculty approval.

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, including JL MC 101. The other 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, including:

6 credits from the following:		6
ADVRT 230	Advertising Principles
ADVRT 301	Research and Strategic Planning for Advertising and Public Relations
ADVRT 335	Advertising Media Planning
P R 220	Principles of Public Relations
P R 301	Research and Strategic Planning for Advertising and Public Relations
P R 305	Publicity Methods
JL MC 341	Contemporary Magazine Publishing
JL MC 242	Visual Principles for Mass Communicators
6 credits from the following:		6
JL MC 401	Mass Communication Theory
JL MC 406	Media Management
JL MC 453	Electronic Media Technology and Public Policy
JL MC 454	Critical Analysis and History of the Moving Image
JL MC 461	History of American Journalism
JL MC 462	Media Ethics, Freedom, Responsibility
JL MC 464	Journalism and Literature
JL MC 474	Communication Technology and Social Change
JL MC 476	World Communication Systems
JL MC 477	Ethnicity, Gender, Class and the Media
ADVRT 497	Special Topics in Communication
JL MC 497	Special Topics in Communication

Journalism and mass communication or public relations majors may not minor in advertising, and advertising and public relations majors may not minor in journalism and mass communication.

Graduate Study

The Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication offers work for a master of science degree in journalism and mass communication.

Majors plan a program 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, visual communication and emerging media.

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, but the credits for those courses will not count toward the graduate degree. The degree requires either a creative component or thesis.

All students must complete four core courses:

JL MC 592	Introduction to Graduate Study in Journalism and Mass Communication	R
JL MC 501	Theories of Mass Communication	3
JL MC 502	Communication Research Methods	4
JL MC 598	Seminars in Mass Communication	1-3

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.

Courses

Courses primarily for undergraduates:

JL MC 101. Mass Media and Society.

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

JL MC 110. Orientation to Journalism and Communication.

(1-0) Cr. 1. F.S.Alt. SS., offered irregularly.
Orientation to professional and pre-professional opportunities, writing for the mass media and curriculum requirements in the Greenlee School. Basic media writing preparation. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.

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

(1-4) Cr. 3. F.S.SS. Prereq: ENGL 250 (or testout) and JL MC 110.
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: Minimum of C+ in JL MC 201
Writing for newspapers, magazines and online media. Enhancing and refining skills in developing sources and generating story ideas. Information-gathering techniques, reporting and writing.

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

(2-2) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: Minimum of C+ in JL MC 201
Researching, organizing, and writing for radio, television and online media. Basic principles of news programming and storytelling across electronic media platforms. An emphasis on development, content and structure.

JL MC 242. Visual Principles for Mass Communicators.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.
Understanding and analysis 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 306. Electronic Media Production.

(2-2) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: Minimum of C+ 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: Minimum of C+ in JL MC 201.
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.

(2-2) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: Minimum of C+ in JL MC 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. A digital SLR camera is required.

JL MC 312. Advanced Techniques in Photojournalism.

(2-2) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered irregularly.Alt. S., offered irregularly. 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. A digital SLR camera is required.

JL MC 315. Multimedia Production.

(2-2) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: JL MC 308 or JL MC 310 or JL MC 316 or equivalent computer design proficiency
Visual storytelling concepts and principles for evaluating, constructing and designing information for the Web and other electronic publication systems. Issues of ethics and ownership of work pertinent to the new media.

JL MC 316. Introduction to Digital Publishing.

(2-2) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: Credit or enrollment in JL MC 242 and C+ or better in JL MC 201
Digital publishing and beginning techniques in layout, photo editing and vector artwork. Application of visual principles to design simple print projects.

JL MC 317. Publishing for Mobile Devices.

(2-2) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: JL MC 316 or equivalent computer design proficiency and JL MC 310 or 315.
Creating, designing and publishing content for mobile devices (e.g., cell phones and tablets). Use of digital publishing tools (e.g., In Design). Exposure to animation and video editing software.

JL MC 341. Contemporary Magazine Publishing.

(Dual-listed with JL MC 541). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.S. 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 344. Feature Writing.

(2-2) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: Minimum of C+ in JL MC 202 or JL MC 206 or P R 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: Minimum of C+ in JL MC 202 or JL MC 206 or P R 321
Reporting and writing about government, business, and other institutions; identification of and access to public records; investigative reporting techniques; developing major stories about government and nonprofit organizations; and ethical issues.

JL MC 347. Science Communication.

(Dual-listed with JL MC 547). (2-2) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: ADVRT, JL MC, and P R majors: minimum of C+ in JL MC 201. Nonmajors and minors 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. News and Feature Editing.

(1-5) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: Minimum of C+ in JL MC 202 or JL MC 206 or P R 321
Editing content for multiple platforms, including websites, magazines, newspapers, and newsletters. Adapting material for audiences, including selection and organization of text and visuals, grammar, punctuation, usage, logic and accuracy. Designing print and online layouts. Using search engine optimization and social media to promote content.

JL MC 354. Advanced Electronic Media Production.

(2-3) Cr. 3. Prereq: JL MC 206.
Application of advanced television techniques: writing, producing, and managing live and recorded information programs.

JL MC 390. Professional Skills Development.

(Cross-listed with ADVRT, P R). Cr. 1-3. Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits. F.S. Prereq: Minimum of C+ in JL MC 201; other vary by topic. Instructor permission for non-majors.
Check with Greenlee 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 JL MC 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 449. Editorial Strategies.

(3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: JL MC 242, JL MC 316, JL MC 349 or concurrent enrollment; junior classification
Skills and strategies for editorial decision-making and management, including short and long range issue planning. Developing proposals, business plans and prototypes for content, design and layouts of publications for multiple platforms and diverse audiences, including new and existing online and print magazines, newspapers, newsletters and websites. Editing complex manuscripts, with continued emphasis on grammar, punctuation, usage, syntax and logic.

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.

JL MC 460. Law of Mass Communication.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: Minimum of C+ in JL MC 201; junior classification. Nonmajors by permission of instructor.
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.

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.

JL MC 462. Media Ethics, Freedom, Responsibility.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: Junior classification
Ethics and professionalism in the practice of journalism, public relations and advertising.

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 esteemed American author-journalists.

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 JL MC 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. F.S.SS. Prereq: Junior classification
Portrayals of ethnic groups, gender, and social class in the media in news, advertising, information and entertainment; the effects of mass media on social issues and population groups.
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. 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, P R). Cr. 1-3. Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits. F.S.
Seminars or one-time classes on topics of relevance to students in communication.

JL MC 499. Professional Media Internship.

Cr. 1-3. Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits. F.S.SS. Prereq: JL MC majors: minimum of C+ in JL MC 202 or JL MC 206 or P R 321; ADVRT majors: minimum of C+ in JL MC 201 and ADVRT 301; P R majors: minimum of C+ in P R 321. All students, formal faculty adviser approval.
Required of all Greenlee School majors. A 400-hour (for 3 credits) internship in the student's journalism and mass communication or advertising or public relations specialization. Assessment based on employer evaluations, student reports and faculty reviews. Available only to Greenlee School majors. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.

Courses primarily for graduate students, open to qualified undergraduates:

JL MC 501. Theories of Mass Communication.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: 6 credits in social science or admission to the graduate program
Historical overview of mass communication theories. 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: JL MC 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 JL MC 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: JL MC 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.

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.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F.Alt. S., offered irregularly. Prereq: 6 credits in social science
Explores the theoretical frameworks in visual communication, including concepts of perception, visual language, visual persuasion, and the social, political and cultural implications of the use of images. Understanding of the function of images in changing knowledge, attitudes and behavior.

JL MC 541. Contemporary Magazine Publishing.

(Dual-listed with JL MC 341). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.S. 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 547. Science Communication.

(Dual-listed with JL MC 347). (2-2) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: ADVRT, JL MC, and P R majors: minimum of C+ in JL MC 201. Nonmajors and minors 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 560. Risk Perception and Communication.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: Graduate standing, 6 graduate social science credits.
Study of risk communication principles, models and theories applicable to any risk communication situation. Emphasis on science, technology and risk issues encountered in e.g., food, agriculture and veterinary medicine. Examines roles of scientists and communicators in cultivating a public informed about scientific and technological issues.

JL MC 561. Media and Society: Interrelationships.

(3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered irregularly.S. Prereq: 6 credits in social science
Media roles and functions in society: Interplay and interrelationships between the media and a variety of social actors and forces: the mutual influence between social factors and mass 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 JL MC 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.