Journalism Course Descriptions
JOUR 150
Public Relations Media Techniques
3 Units
Prerequisite: None.
Hours: 54 hours LEC
A study of the practice of public relations (PR); planning PR campaigns; preparing promotional messages for newspapers, magazines, radio, television, and online; using public relations techniques in business, education, entertainment, social service and other fields.
JOUR 299
Experimental Offering in Journalism
.5-4 Units
Prerequisite: None
Hours: 18 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
JOUR 300
Newswriting and Reporting
3 Units
Prerequisite: None.
Advisory: Eligibility for ENGWR 300
General Education: AA/AS Area II (b)
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 54 hours LEC
Introductory course in basic news writing and reporting. Course concentrates on fundamental writing techniques for mass media. Course also emphasizes the legal and ethical responsibilities of the news media with critical analysis of current news reporting practices.
JOUR 301
Advanced Newswriting and Reporting
3 Units
Prerequisite: JOUR 300 with a grade of "C" or better
Advisory: ENGWR 300
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 54 hours LEC
Interpretive news writing with emphasis on public affairs, specialized reporting, mastery of fundamental reporting techniques, and an introduction to feature and editorial writing.
JOUR 310
Mass Media and Society
3 Units
Same As: RTVF 300
Prerequisite: None
General Education: AA/AS Area V (b); CSU Area D2; IGETC Area 4
Course Transferable to UC/CSU
Hours: 54 hours LEC
Survey of the mass media: history, philosophy, structure and trends, as well as theories which help to explain effects and the importance of mass communications as a social institution. Exploration of economics, technology, law, ethics, and social issues, including cultural and ethnic diversity. This course is the same as RTVF 300, and only one may be taken for credit. See Cross-Listed Courses in the catalog.
JOUR 320
Race and Gender in the Media
3 Units
Prerequisite: None.
General Education: AA/AS Area V (b); AA/AS Area VI; CSU Area D3; IGETC Area 4C
Course Transferable to UC/CSU
Hours: 54 hours LEC
This course examines the roles of ethnic minorities and women in American society as depicted, documented and distorted in the mass media. Students will study ethnic, racial and gender issues in mass media content, development, policy, and professions, including media stereotypes, contributions of diverse groups to the media and mass communications as an agent of social change.
JOUR 330
Computer Familiarization
2 Units
Same As: CISC 302
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: BUSTEC 302
General Education: AA/AS Area III (b)
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 36 hours LEC
This is an introductory course to provide general knowledge on how computers work, computer terminology and the impact of computers on society and the work environment. Beginning level hands-on instruction using an operating system, word processing software, spreadsheet software, database software, email and the Internet will be emphasized. Students will be reading and interpreting written and oral instructions of a technical nature. This course is the same as CISC 302, and only one may be taken for credit. See Cross-Listed Courses in the catalog.
JOUR 335
Introduction to Desktop Publishing
2 Units
Same As: CISA 330
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: CISC 302, CISC 310, or JOUR 330
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 27 hours LEC; 27 hours LAB
This course will cover the introductory elements of desktop publishing. The course is taught in three modules with a project attached to each module. The course covers hardware and software, elements of design, computer graphics, text composition, page layout, and integration of text and graphics. Projects may include, but are not limited to: business cards, stationary, logos, covers, flyers, brochures, newsletters. Students may receive two units credit for each topic offered. Consult the class schedule for specific topics. Recommended courses: CISA 305; ARCH 330 or ART 320; and CISA 340. This course is the same as CISA 330. This course under either name, may be taken a total of four times for credit on different topics. See Cross-Listed Courses in the catalog.
JOUR 336
Intermediate Desktop Publishing
2 Units
Same As: CISA 331
Prerequisite: CISA 330 or JOUR 335 with a grade of "C" or better
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 27 hours LEC; 27 hours LAB
This course will cover the intermediate elements of desktop publishing. The course is taught in three modules with a project attached to each module. The course covers intermediate hardware and software, elements of intermediate design, graphics and text composition, multi-page layout, design for publishing presentations, project management, and single- and multi-page documents. Projects may include, but are not limited to: reports, slicks, slides, overheads, posters, transparencies, billboards, brochures, and newsletters. Students may receive two units credit for each topic offered. Consult the class schedule for specific topics. Recommended supplemental courses: CISA 300; ARCH 330 or ART 320; and CISA 340. this course is the same as CISA 331. This course, under either name, may be taken a total of four times for credit on different topics. See Cross-Listed Courses in the catalog.
JOUR 340
Writing for Publication
3 Units
Same As: ENGWR 330
Prerequisite: ENGWR 300 or JOUR 300 with a grade of "C" or better
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 54 hours LEC
Writing nonfiction for publication with emphasis on developing writing style. The course covers writing for specific audiences, writing magazine and feature articles, researching and interviewing and developing an effective prose style. Students will learn how to write reviews, profiles, personal narratives and longer articles and how to sell them. This course is the same as ENGWR 330, and only one may be taken for credit. See Cross-Listed Courses in the catalog.
JOUR 355
Media Writing
1 Unit
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: ENGWR 101 or 300.
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 18 hours LEC
An introduction to writing copy for advertising, public relations and publications. This course covers writing techniques and copy preparation for brochures, newsletters, in-house publications, press releases, display advertising and other visual presentations.
JOUR 400
College Newspaper Production
2-3 Units
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in one of the following: JOUR 300, 335, 340, 405, PHOTO 301.
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
This course provides instruction and experience in the principles and practice of newspaper production. The course offers instruction in writing, editing, photography, graphics, design and computerized layout for publications. Students work as writers, editors, graphic artists and photographers for the college newspaper. This course may be taken four times for credit.
JOUR 404
Editing and Production
3 Units
Prerequisite: None.
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 54 hours LEC
Instruction and practice in editing and designing newspapers, magazines, technical reports, and online publications. Topics include copy editing, headline writing, photo editing, page make-up and design, and production methods. Editorial writing, press ethics, and press law are also discussed.
JOUR 405
Publications Production Skills Lab
.5-3 Units
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in JOUR 400 or 404.
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 54 hours LAB
This lab course helps students improve their writing, editing, and computer skills as an addition to their enrollment in Editing and Production or College Newspaper Production. Students may earn up to three units per semester, and repeat the class until they reach a maximum of six units.
JOUR 495
Independent Studies in Journalism
1-3 Units
Prerequisite: None.
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 54 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
An independent studies project involves an individual student or small group of students in study, research, or activities beyond the scope of regularly offered courses. See the current catalog section of "Special Studies" for full details of Independent Studies.
JOUR 498
Work Experience in Journalism
1-4 Units
Prerequisite: None.
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 300 hours LAB
This course provides students with opportunities to develop marketable skills in preparation for employment or advancement within their current job. Course content will include understanding the application of education to the workforce; completion of required forms, which document the student's progress and hours spent at the work site; and developing workplace skills and competencies. During the course of the semester, the student is required to fulfill an 18 hour orientation and 75 hours of related paid work experience, or 60 hours of unpaid work experience for one unit. An additional 75 or 60 hours of related work experience is required for each additional unit. The course may be taken again when there is new or expanded learning on the job for a maximum of 16 units.
JOUR 499
Experimental Offering in Journalism
.5-4 Units
Prerequisite: None
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 18 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB