Fourth Year Journalism Courses

400 Level Courses

Jour 410: Online Journalism (2,2,0) 3 credits
Jour 412: Print Production (2,2,0) 3 credits
Jour 421: Freelance Writing (2,2,0) 3 credits
Jour 424: Political Reporting (2,2,0) 3 credits
Jour 431: Literary Journalism in Canada: Studies in Creative Non-Fiction (2,2,0) 3 credits
Jour 451: Photojournalism (2,2,0) 3 credits
Jour 452: Research Methods (2,1,0) 3 credits
Jour 455: Media and Public Relations (2,1,0) 3 credits
Jour 459: Outlaw Journalists (2,1,0) 3 credits
Jour 470: Medial Law and Media Ethics (2,2,0) 3 creditsJour 495: Directed Study (3,0.0) 3 credits

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JOUR 4100

Online Journalism (2,2,0) 3 credits

This course focuses on the production of an online newspaper. Students will refine their writing, reporting and editing skills by developing news and features for publication on the World Wide Web. They will acquire basic HTML language skills and become familiar with Web editing and design programs by producing the online newspaper and a personal Web page. Emerging issues in online journalism will be examined and discussed. Students will work on advanced applications in editing, layout and web publishing software.

Prerequisite: Entry into the Journalism Program or permission of the instructor

JOUR 4120

Newspaper Production (2,0,2) 3 credits

Through having students publish a newspaper, this course builds on the skills and techniques developed in Journalism 3200 and 3110. Students will gain experience with story assignment and line-up, story and photo placement, ad placement, the roles of different editors and reporters, editing and layout. Generally, students will work in a newsroom environment and they will be involved in all facets of producing these papers.

Prerequisite: JOUR 3110 or permission of instructor

JOUR 4210

Freelance Writing (2,2,0) 3 credits

This course will proceed as an intensive workshop in freelance writing, focused on the researching, writing and selling of freelance articles. Limited class size will allow students to zero in on special interests and special problems. Students will be required to submit (and where necessary, revise and re-submit) their work for publication. They will be encouraged to keep a writing log and to treat the course as a kind of self-directed study with a collaborative edge. The point of the course is twofold: to refine and strengthen the individual's sense of writing self (especially in order to facilitate the charting of a freelance career) and to provide a solid introduction to the business of professional freelance writing.

Prerequisite: Entry into the Journalism Program or permission of the instructor

JOUR 4240

Beat Reporting: Politics (2,2,0) 3 credits

An examination of political reporting as a central element of democracy, concentrating on the specific relationships between journalism, citizens and the political process. The course focuses on the interaction between Canadian political institutions and journalists at the local, provincial and federal levels, and explores issues involving the role of journalism in the democratic process.

The process of political news-gathering and writing is also explored through course assignments, which include the production of news stories for publication.

Prerequisite: Entry into the Journalism Program or permission of the instructor

JOUR 4510

Photojournalism (2,2,0) 3 credits

Newspapers, magazines and web publications depend on the special talents of photojournalists to provide unusual and striking images in difficult conditions under deadline pressure. This course develops the practical working skills of planning and taking the different types of photos needed for these publications and explores theoretical issues of ethics and privacy in press photography. The course looks at the day-to-day routines and life of a staff photojournalist and at opportunities for freelancing photos.

Prerequisite: Entry into the Journalism Program of permission of the instructor

JOUR 4520

Research Methods (2,1,0) 3 credits

This course covers the basic principles and techniques of research from a journalistic perspective, showing students how to fashion and execute a focused research plan for their articles. It features a range of material in three major areas: 1) the principles and techniques of journalistic investigation, including library and online research as well as interviewing; 2) mathematical and analytical skills required for original and computer-assisted research; and 3) an extended practical introduction to computer-assisted reporting .

Prerequisite: Entry into the Journalism Program of permission of the instructor

JOUR 4550

Media and Public Relations (2,1,0) 3 credits

This course develops some of the key skills and techniques used in the field of media and public relations such as: how to prepare and distribute press releases and media kits; how to arrange press conferences and media events; and “media coaching” organizational spokespersons.

Prerequisite: Entry into the Journalism Program of permission of the instructor

JOUR 4590

Outlaw Journalists (2,1,0) 3 credits

Journalism has a strong tradition of outlaw writers who break the conventions of society and of journalism. These writers do that through style and content and through the way they practise the craft of writing. Some of these journalists found an audience that allowed them to rebel from inside newspapers and the publishing industry, and others are outcasts who used the craft of writing to rage against their circumstances. The effect of these writers has been so strong that they have altered the path of journalism and made changes in both society and writing.

Prerequisite: Entry into the Journalism Program or permission of the instructor

JOUR 4700

Media Law and Media Ethics (2,1,0) 3 credits

This course provides an overview of the legal and ethical situations and circumstances that commonly confront journalists and other media professionals. Some of the topics covered will be libel, contempt of court, freedom of information and privacy legislation, copyright, confidentiality, protection of sources and the use of “off the record” remarks.

Prerequisite: Entry into the Journalism Program or permission of the instructor