2007-2008 Academic Catalog

Course descriptions


Course descriptions index


Journalism

JRN 101      3 Credits
Introduction to Mass Communications (h)
History and principles of mass communications and the role of information media in American society. Introduction to professional aspects of mass communications, including print and broadcast. Also available via Independent Learning. (3 + 0) Offered Fall


JRN 102      3 Credits
Introduction to Broadcasting (h)
Principles of broadcasting as they relate to the people of the United States, including history, government involvement and social effects. Also available via Independent Learning. (3 + 0) Offered As Demand Warrants


JRN 105      3 Credits
History of the Cinema (h)
(Cross-listed with FLM 105)
History and development of the medium of film in the United States and abroad during the last 100 years. Content will vary each semester. Available only via Independent Learning. (Next offered:
2008-09. ) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Year


JRN 202      3 Credits
News Reporting and Writing (h)
Finding and getting the story, writing the lead, developing story structure, writing on deadline, editing copy, writing headlines and captions, cropping and sizing pictures, and writing for broadcast news. (Prerequisites: ENGL 111X and ENGL 211X or ENGL 213X; or permission of instructor.) (3 + 0) Offered Fall, Spring


JRN 203      3 Credits
Basic Photography (h)
Photography fundamentals, including use of an adjustable camera, film and exposure techniques, filters, flash techniques, and an introduction to color. Darkroom procedures including black and white film processing and printing, photograph design and composition. Students must have use of an adjustable camera. Laboratory fee: $50. (2 + 3) Offered Fall, Spring


JRN 215      3 Credits
Radio Production
Sound production techniques for radio and television. Emphasis on writing, recording, control room techniques and editing. Lab fee: $50. (2 + 3) Offered Fall


JRN 217      3 Credits
Introduction to the Study of Film (h)
(Cross-listed with ENGL 217 and FLM 217)
An appreciation course designed to introduce the student to the various forms of cinematic art with special emphasis on humanistic and artistic aspects. (Prerequisite: ENGL 111X.) (2 + 2) Offered Spring


JRN 220      3 Credits
Adobe Photoshop
Create images that go beyond traditional photo editing and into the realm of painting with depth and color manipulation. Includes use of a computer, scanner, analog images and digital camera. Includes ethical and copyright issues of photography manipulation. Lab fee: $75. (Prerequisite: JRN 250. Recommended: Advanced knowledge of the Macintosh operating system.) (3 + 0) Offered Fall


JRN 240      3 Credits
Foreign Corresponding (h)
The U.S. tradition of "objective" journalism holds sway in very few countries. How did these varying approaches develop, and what do they mean for how Americans report overseas and how foreign journalists report about us? (3 + 0) Offered Spring


JRN 250      3 Credits
Web Site Design
Create website projects. Includes the Internet, design, multimedia and the incorporation of text, sound, images, animation and video. Lab fee: $50. (Prerequisites: Familiarity with the World Wide Web, Internet browsers, the Macintosh operating system, and image editing software, or permission of instructor.) (3 + 0) Offered Fall


JRN 251      4 Credits
Television Production
Television studio production, floor directing, audio, camera, staging, lighting and switching. Materials fee: $60. (2 + 5) Offered Fall


JRN 280      3 Credits
Video Storytelling (h)
Basics of digital video production technology, composition, audio, lighting and editing as it relates to primarily non-fiction filmmaking. Students will conclude the course by producing their own short videos. Course fee: $50. (3 + 0) Offered Fall


JRN 300      1-3 Credits
Internship
Practical experience working with campus media, individual media-related projects for business or media, or in a professional media environment. (Prerequisite: JRN 202 or permission of instructor.) (1 + 6) Offered Fall, Spring


JRN 305
Snedden Chair Lectures
Rotating series of lectures and seminars with America's leading journalists on topics ranging from war reporting to covering sports. Please contact Department of Journalism for current topic and instructor. Course may be repeated for credit. (Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of instructor.) (3 + 0). Offered Fall


JRN 308      3 Credits
Film Criticism (h)
(Cross-listed with FLM 308)
Theoretical approaches to viewing, analyzing and evaluating film and television program content. Available only via Independent Learning. (3 + 0)


JRN 311W     3 Credits
Magazine Article Writing (h)
Learn to identify great article ideas, turn them into finished products and pitch them to magazine editors. Workshops and extensive instructor feedback. May be repeated once for additional credit. Lab fee: $50. (Prerequisites: ENGL 111X; ENGL 211X or ENGL 213X; JRN 202; or permission of instructor.) Also available via Independent Learning. (3 + 0) Offered Fall


JRN 323      3 Credits
Editing for Journalists
Tricks of the trade, including copyediting; writing headlines and captions; basic page design using computers; and thinking like the editor-in-chief. Lab fee: $50. (Prerequisite: JRN 202 or permission of instructor; junior standing.) (3 + 0) Offered Spring


JRN 324      3 Credits
Typography and Publication Design
Typography, layout and design, coupled with a study of the methods of printing production. Materials fee: $75. (Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.) (2 + 2) Offered Spring


JRN 347O      3 Credits
Lighting Design (h)
(Cross-listed with ART 347O and THR 347O)
Principles and techniques of theatrical lighting design. The student will conduct practical experiments and design projects applying the experience gained from the experiments. Also available via Independent Learning. (Prerequisite: COMM 131X or 141X; THR 343 or permission of instructor. May be taken concurrently with THR 343. Next offered: 2008-09.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Fall


JRN 368      3 Credits
Topics in American Film History (s)
(Cross-listed with HIST 368)
American film and how it shapes and warps popular perceptions of America's past. A historical contrast according to Hollywood with the views and interpretations of historians. Content will vary depending on the specific genre or period of focus, such as World War II, the Vietnam War, the Great Depression, the Cold War and development of the west, etc. Course may be repeated for credit when content varies. (Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of instructor.) (3 + 0) Offered As Demand Warrants


JRN 371O      3 Credits
Digital Photography and Pixel Painting
(Cross-listed with ART 371O)
An introduction to the world of digital imaging with applications in fine and commercial art. It is expected that students will become competent in creating convincing images of impossible subjects as well as detecting their creation by others. The varied ethical issues engendered by this expertise will be addressed in depth. Students will be required to gain proficiency in visual design for electronic and print publication. Materials fee: $75. (Prerequisites: COMM 131X or 141X; Macintosh OS or Windows OS experience with graphic applications; and one college level studio art course.) (1 + 4) Offered Fall, Spring


JRN 380O      3 Credits
Women, Minorities and the Media (h)
(Cross-listed with WMS 380O)
Examination of how women and minorities are portrayed in the mass media, the employment of women and minorities in the media, as well as how accurately the media reflects our society demographically. Presented from a feminist, multi-culturalist perspective using a broad feminist analysis encompassing issues of gender as well as class, race, age and sexual orientation. (Prerequisite: COMM 131X or 141X; junior standing.) (3 + 0) Offered Fall


JRN 400      1-3 Credits
Professional Media Internship
Practical training in a supervised, professional media environment. Participation at an approved publication, TV or radio station, or other media-related business or non-profit organization is required. (Prerequisite: Senior standing or permission of instructor.) (1 + 6) Offered Fall, Spring


JRN 401      3 Credits
Beat Reporting
Intensive training in developing and covering a news beat (chosen by the student) and the basics of common news beats: police, courts and government. Includes cultivating sources, explaining complicated stories, reporting trends, improving interviewing techniques and employing advanced writing skills. Writing for publication encouraged. Laboratory fee: $50. (Prerequisite: JRN 202.) (2 + 2) Offered Fall


JRN 402      3 Credits
Advanced Photography (h)
Continuation of JRN 203. Emphasis on continuing development of photographic skills by application of basic technical skills to a variety of areas of photography. Laboratory fee: $50. (Prerequisite: JRN 203 or permission of instructor.) (2 + 3) Offered Fall


JRN 404      3 Credits
Photojournalism I (h)
Fundamentals of visual communication through photography; issues and techniques of modern photojournalism; news, features, sports and the photo essay assignments as encountered at a daily newspaper; preparation of photographs for publication. Students must have basic 35mm camera equipment. Laboratory fee: $75. (Prerequisite: JRN 203 or permission of instructor.) (2 + 3) Offered Fall


JRN 405      3 Credits
Advanced Photography Seminar (h)
(Stacked with JRN 605)
Advanced discussion of photojournalism and photographic topics. Topics range from the photographic essay to the history of photography and working in series. Weekly classroom meetings supplemented by field, studio and darkroom sessions. Laboratory fee: $50. (Prerequisite: JRN 402 and JRN 404 or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2008-09.) (2 + 3) Offered Alternate Spring


JRN 406      3 Credits
Photojournalism II
Continuation of Photojournalism I. Emphasis on developing skills in photo essay and documentary photography and working as a freelance photojournalist. Seminar-style class includes work with film and digital equipment. Materials fee: $75. (Prerequisite: JRN 404. Next offered: 2007-08.) (2 + 2) Offered Alternate Spring


JRN 408      3 Credits
Media Management
Overview of media management, including management theories, media competition, media research, regulatory issues of concern to managers, organizational planning and future trends in media. Case studies in practical problem-solving techniques. (Prerequisites: Junior standing or permission of instructor.) (3 + 0) Offered As Demand Warrants


JRN 411W     3 Credits
Writing for a Living (h)
Writing advanced prose for publication in books or magazines. May be repeated for credit with permission of instructor. Laboratory fee: $50. (Prerequisite: ENGL 111X; ENGL 211X or 213X; JRN 311; or permission of instructor.) (3 + 0) Offered As Demand Warrants


JRN 413      3 Credits
Mass Media Law and Regulation (s)
Common law, statutory law and administrative law that affects the mass media, including libel, copyright, access to the media, constitutional problems, privacy, shield laws and broadcast regulations. (Prerequisite: JRN 202 or permission of instructor.) Also available via Independent Learning. (3 + 0) Offered Fall


JRN 421      3 Credits
Journalism in Perspective (h)
Seminar-style exploration of the ethical, financial, corporate and international trends tugging at American journalism. (Prerequisite: Junior standing.) (3 + 0) Offered Spring


JRN 440      3 Credits
Ethics and Reporting in the Far North
(Stacked with JRN 640 and NORS 640)
Historical overview of media coverage of the northern frontier with focus on journalistic ethics. Comparison made to media climate in third world countries. (3 + 0) Offered As Demand Warrants


JRN 444W     3 Credits
Investigative Reporting (h)
Advanced reporting of news with emphasis on public affairs. Develops sophisticated news judgment, writing and investigative reporting skills for print and electronic media. Lab fee: $50. (Prerequisites: ENGL 111X; ENGL 211X or ENGL 213X; JRN 202 and 401; junior standing; or permission of instructor.) (2 + 2) Offered Spring


JRN 452W     3 Credits
Radio and Television News Writing
Overview of radio and television news writing. Emphasis on intensive news writing practice, including interviewing techniques, ethical issues and current controversies, and structure of television and radio news operations. Lab fee: $50. (Prerequisites: ENGL 111X; ENGL 211X or ENGL 213X; JRN 202, or permission of instructor.) (3 + 0) Offered Spring


JRN 453O      3 Credits
Television News Reporting
Electronic news gathering using videotape equipment, scriptwriting, location sound recording, interview techniques, editing, videography and other aspects of field news reporting. Materials fee: $50. (Prerequisites: COMM 131X or 141X, JRN 251 and JRN 452. JRN 452 may be taken concurrently with JRN 453.) (2 + 2) Offered Spring


JRN 454      3 Credits
Advanced TV News Production
In-depth experience with television news production including electronic newsgathering. Emphasis on producing broadcast quality news footage and packages. Materials fee: $60. May be repeated once. Only the first 3 credits count toward major approved elective requirements. (Prerequisites: JRN 251, 452 and 453.) (1 + 6) Offered Fall


JRN 456W     3 Credits
Science Writing for Magazines and Newspapers (h)
(Stacked with JRN 656)
Students write and analyze science articles aimed at the general public. Course work includes writing and reading assignments, class workshops and conferences with the instructor. Emphasis on recognizing, finding and developing science stories; structuring articles; capturing reader interest; maintaining accuracy and getting published. Scientists are welcome, but science background not necessary. Repeatable once for additional credit with permission of instructor. Course fee: $50. (Prerequisite: ENGL 111X, ENGL 211X or 213X, JRN 202 or permission of instructor.) (3 + 0) Offered As Demand Warrants


JRN 460      3 Credits
History of German Film (h)
(Cross-listed with GER 460)
In-depth study of a representative selection of films from the 1920's to the present, taught in English and German (films will be in German with English subtitles). Students of German will have a special discussion session in German and will do reading and writing in German. (Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of instructor.) (3 + 0) Offered As Demand Warrants


JRN 471O      3 Credits
Advanced Digital Design (h)
(Cross-listed with ART 471O)
Project-oriented class in graphic design with applications from journalism to fine and commercial art. Students will be expected to have a background in programs likely to include web design, digital photography and graphic design. May be repeated for credit with permission of instructor. Materials fee: $75. (Prerequisites: COMM 131X or 141X; JRN 250, JRN 350 or ART/JRN 371; and one college level studio art course.) (1 + 4) Offered Spring


JRN 472O      3 Credits
Visualization and Animation (h)
(Cross-listed with ART 472O)
An introduction to visualization and animation with applications in fine and commercial art and science. Students will produce a series of three dimensional animation projects which will introduce them to the tools and concepts used by animation and visualization professionals. Materials fee: $75. (Prerequisites: ART 471O or equivalent; COMM 131X or 141X; and Unix experience. May be repeated for credit.) (1 + 4) Offered Spring


JRN 480      3 Credits
Documentary Filmmaking (h)
Basics of hands-on documentary filmmaking techniques, including preproduction, production and postproduction. Different documentary filmmaking directing styles and the process of distributing a documentary. Each student will produce a short documentary as the capstone of the course. Course fee: $50. (Prerequisites: JRN 280 or permission of instructor.) (3 + 0) Offered Spring


JRN 484      3 Credits
Multimedia Theory and Practice (h)
(Stacked with JRN 684 and ART 684 and cross-listed with ART 484)
Study of techniques needed to produce multimedia with a special project for a university or community agency as the required final. For the purpose of this course multimedia is defined as computer-based, user-driven products with audio, visual and text components and also video or film where appropriate. Primary program is Flash. Materials fee: $75. (Prerequisites: Understanding of computer graphics [programs like Illustrator, Freehand, etc.] plus some mastery of a specialty like writing, art or television production.) (2 + 3) Offered Spring


JRN 490      3 Credits
Online Publication: Extreme Alaska
Using the department's multimedia newsroom facilities, senior-level students work on a team, under the guidance of an instructor, to publish an online publication. Students are expected to show substantial initiative and creativity as they make use of the skills they have acquired in other journalism courses. Course may be repeated once for credit. Course fee: $75. (Prerequisite: JRN 202 and Senior standing or permission of instructor.) (2 + 2) Offered Fall, Spring


JRN 601      3 Credits
Communication Research Methodologies (Social Science)
(Cross-listed with COMM 601)
Introduction to the range of methodologies used to produce both practical and theoretic knowledge in the discipline. Presents the relationships between scientific questions, appropriate selection of methodology and types of knowledge products. Note: 601 is a required core course for the master's degree in Professional Communication. (3 + 0)


JRN 605      3 Credits
Advanced Photography Seminar
(Stacked with JRN 405)
Advanced discussion of photojournalism and photographic topics with field, studio and darkroom sessions. Topics will range from the photographic essay to the history of photography and working in series. Weekly classroom meeting will be supplemented by field, studio and darkroom sessions. Materials fee: $50. (Prerequisites: JRN 402 and JRN 404 or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2008-09.) (2 + 3) Offered Alternate Spring


JRN 611      3 Credits
Advanced Writing for Publication
An intensive writing course focused on producing books and in-depth magazine features. Emphasis will be on writing, editing and research. The business and legal aspects of becoming an author will also be covered. Laboratory fee: $50. (Prerequisites: Graduate standing; JRN 311 or JRN 202 or comparable upper-division English courses or permission of instructor.) (3 + 3) Offered As Demand Warrants


JRN 613      3 Credits
Advanced Mass Media Law and Regulation
Seminar on current issues, legal opinions and legislative actions which directly affect the mass media. Special emphasis on technological evolution, corporate growth and deregulation of administrative media law. (Prerequisite: Graduate standing.) (3 + 0) Offered As Demand Warrants


JRN 625      3 Credits
Communication Theory
(Cross-listed with COMM 625)
Communication 625 is a required course for the master's degree in Professional Communication. The course is designed to acquaint students with both the historical evolution of the discipline against the backdrop of the evolution of the social sciences and the theoretical perspectives of knowledge-building that have marked that disciplinary evolution. Students will learn the contextual interconnectedness of philosophy and theory. Finally, communication theory will also make the essential connections between theoretical perspectives and their professional uses. (3 + 0) Offered Fall


JRN 633      3 Credits
Public Relations Theory and Practice
Theory, practice and research in public relations. Emphasis on public relations in business, industry, government institutions and nonprofit organizations, as well as the role of public relations in American mass media. (Prerequisite: Graduate standing.) (3 + 0) Offered As Demand Warrants


JRN 640      3 Credits
Ethics and Reporting in the Far North
(Stacked with JRN 440 and cross-listed with NORS 640)
Historical overview of media coverage of the northern frontier with focus on journalistic ethics. Comparison made to media climate in third world countries. (3 + 0) Offered As Demand Warrants


JRN 641      3 Credits
Comparative Media Studies
Historical development of different mass communication systems around the globe. The relationship between press philosophies and their practical implementation. Mass communication systems of selected countries as representative examples of generalized systems. (Prerequisite: Graduate standing.) (3 + 0) Offered As Demand Warrants


JRN 656      3 Credits
Science Writing for Magazines and Newspapers
(Stacked with JRN 456)
Students write and analyze science articles aimed at the general public. Course work includes writing and reading assignments, class workshops and conferences with the instructor. Emphasis on recognizing, finding and developing science stories; structuring articles; capturing reader interest; maintaining accuracy and getting published. Scientists are welcome, but science background not necessary. Repeatable once for additional credit with permission of instructor. Course fee: $50. (Prerequisite: Graduate standing or permission of instructor.) (3 + 0) Offered As Demand Warrants


JRN 661      1 Credit
Mentored Teaching in Journalism
Mentored teaching provides consistent contact on course-related issues between teaching assistants and mentoring faculty. (Prerequisites: Acceptance into the Professional Communications M.A. degree program, and journalism track teaching assistantship award. Note: Teaching assistants are required to be enrolled in a mentored teaching section while teaching. May be repeated up to four times for credit.) (1 + 0 + 2) Offered As Demand Warrants


JRN 684      3 Credits
Multimedia Theory and Practice
(Stacked with JRN 484 and ART 484 and cross-listed with ART 684)
Study of techniques needed to produce multimedia with a special project for a university or community agency as the required final. For the purpose of this course multimedia is defined as computer-based, user-driven products with audio, visual and text components and also video or film where appropriate. Primary program is Flash. Materials fee: $75. (Prerequisites: Understanding of computer graphics (programs like Illustrator, Freehand, etc.) plus some mastery of a specialty like writing, art or television production.) (3 + 3) Offered Spring


JRN 685      3 Credits
Publishing, Production and Theory
Writing, editing and production techniques for high school publication. Topics: desktop publishing, basic and electronic photography, advertising management and legal liabilities. Examination of value of First Amendment to a democratic government. Requires access to a computer. UA computer network provides network to other teachers. (Prerequisites: Certified teacher or permission of instructor.) Independent Learning Program


JRN 698      3 Credits
Research
Candidates in the journalism concentration for the M.A. in Professional Communication may elect to complete a research project. The requirement consists of an original research project directed by a member of the graduate faculty in the Department of Journalism. The accepted and completed project will be presented in an appropriate public forum. Offered Fall, Spring


JRN 699      3 Credits
Thesis
Candidates in the journalism concentration for the M.A. in Professional Communication may elect to complete a thesis. The requirement consists of an original research directed by a member of the graduate faculty in the Department of Journalism. The accepted and completed project will be presented in an appropriate public forum. Offered Fall, Spring