Graduate Courses
  • JOUR-J 500 Introduction to Mass Media Research (3 cr.) Seminar on content analysis, experiments, survey methods, qualitative research, historical and legal methodology. Development of media research proposals.
  • JOUR-J 501 Public Affairs Reporting (3 cr.) Reporting and publishing in a hyper-local news environment, on government and other areas of public interest.
  • JOUR-J 502 Quantitative Research Methods for Journalists (3 cr.) Open to graduate students only. The purpose of this course is to teach students about research/methodology and scientific evaluation as it is applied to all mass communication professions, from investigative journalism to public relations and advertising. This is a hands-on course. The primary objective is to teach students how to collect, manage, evaluate, interpret and understand data. The course will focus entirely on quantitative methodologies that journalists and communication practitioners commonly encounter in their daily professional lives, and it will help students engage in data analysis, and work toward a better understanding of scientific and social-scientific methodology.
  • JOUR-J 505 Intensive Reporting, Writing, and Editing Workshop (3 cr.) P: By permission only. This course introduces graduate students to the fundamental practices and principles of writing, reporting, editing and design for the print media. Students will develop skills in news judgment, document-based information gathering, interviewing, observation and description, news and feature writing, ethics, page layout, headline writing, copy editing, content editing, and photo editing.
  • JOUR-J 510 Media and Society Seminar (3 cr.) Examination of structure, functions, ethics, and performance of communication and mass media, stressing a review of pertinent research literature. Analysis of media policies and performance in light of communication theory and current economic, political, and social thought.
  • JOUR-J 514 International Communication (3 cr.) Comparative analysis of international media systems. Course topics and geographical regions studied vary from semester to semester.
  • JOUR-J 516 Digital Journalism Practicum (6 cr.)
  • JOUR-J 517 Advanced Digital Journalism Practicum (6 cr.) This course is a continuation of J516: Digital Journalism Practicum and is open to Digital Journalism track students only.
  • JOUR-J 520 Seminar in Visual Communication (3 cr.) Integration of advanced visual communication skills, including photography, writing, and editing. Individual projects in packaging news and public affairs information. Emphasis on experimentation with message forms outside constraints of the traditional news media.
  • JOUR-J 528 Public Relations Management (3 cr.) Designed to enable students to manage a public relations department. Theories and principles relevant to public relations practiced in agency, corporate, and not-for-profit organizations will be covered. This will include developing goals and objectives, working with clients, developing budgets, and research methods.
  • JOUR-J 540 Business of Sports Media (3 cr.) This course will provide of how sports media have evolved from radio, network television and magazines into the multi-dimensional world of regional and national cable, the internet, the networks and other entities. Students will also explore how decisions get made and the financial implications of those decisions.
  • JOUR-J 541 Digital Sports Journalism (3 cr.) Students will learn how to adapt their skills in traditional journalistic platforms to the new multimedia environment, including websites and mobile devices. The course will teach students the fundamentals of writing, editing, shooting video and recording audio content for a sports website.
  • JOUR-J 560 Topics Colloquium (1-4 cr.) Topical seminar dealing with changing subjects and material from semester to semester. May be repeated twice for credit with a different topic.
  • JOUR-J 563 Computerized Publication Design I (3 cr.) This publishing design course incorporates typesetting, electronic photo editing, graphics, and page design. Students are instructed in design theory, computer publishing skills, and creative problem solving.
  • JOUR-J 660 Topics Colloquium (3 cr.) Topical seminar dealing with changing subjects and material from semester to semester. May be repeated twice for credit.
  • JOUR-J 804 Read and Research in Journalism (1-9 cr.)
Sports Journalism
  • JOUR-J 219 Introduction to Public Relations (3 cr.) Provides an overview of public relations and introduces theory and practice of the field. Topics include the relationship between public relations and marketing, the history and development of public relations, media relations, measurement and assessment methods, ethics, and law.
  • JOUR-J 321 Principles of Public Relations (3 cr.) Students are introduced to the creative integration of advertising and public relations as a mass media campaign tool. Topics include the role of integrated communications in marketing and media, an examination of current practice, and the creative process of a campaign, including planning strategies and media characteristics.
  • JOUR-J 340 Public Relations Tactics and Techniques (3 cr.) P: J219 Covers a wide variety of knowledge and skills needed by entry-level public relations practitioners. Topics include media relations, community relations and internal communications.
  • JOUR-J 390 Public Relations Writing (3 cr.) A comprehensive survey of corporate publications from newsletters to corporate magazines, tabloids and annual reports with an emphasis on layout and design. Includes refreshing writing skills with review on interviewing and editing.
  • JOUR-J 400 Careers in Public Relations (1 cr.) P: Junior Standing Prepare for job or internship searches. Polish your resume and portfolio. Learn how to write impressive cover letters. Practice interviewing skills. Understand how to articulate your abilities and experiences to market yourself to potential employers.
  • JOUR-J 427 Public Relations in a Democratic Society (3 cr.) Lectures and discussion on dissemination of public information by industry and institutions. Examination of procedures and policies and evaluation of public relations efforts. Contrasts public relations practices in America with those in other nations and cultures.
  • JOUR-J 428 Public Relations Planning & Research (3 cr.) P: J340 and J427. Theories and principles relevant to public relations practices in agency, corporate and nonprofit organizations, including development of goals and objectives, client relationships, budgets and research methods.
  • JOUR-J 429 Public Relations Campaigns (3 cr.) P: J340 and J427. Development and execution of a public relations campaign for a nonprofit organization. Public relations theory and in-depth case study analysis.
  • JOUR-J 431 Public Relations for Nonprofits (3 cr.) This seminar focuses on how a nonprofit organization creates images and how it shapes its programs and goals to gain public support. Assignments and readings are designed to foster a practical understanding of promotional techniques and campaigns using journalistic and other media.
Sports Journalism
  • JOUR-J 150 An Introduction to Sports Journalism: Controversy, Conflict & Characters (3 cr.) This course will explore the state and practice of sports journalism, through case studies of some of this decade's most controversial sports stories. We will explore these issues through evaluating coverage, reading related texts and talking directly to prominent sports journalists, executives and athletes.
  • JOUR-J 152 Introduction to Sports in Society (3 cr.) This course will introduce students to sports and will take a macroscopic approach in discussing sports' societal influence. It will study sport from a socio-cultural-historical perspective as well as from a contemporary position. It will focus on the converging worlds of print journalism, electronic media, public relations, advertising, documentary and emerging technologies as expressed in the new commercial reality of sport.
  • JOUR-J 345 Sports Journalism Writing (3 cr.) This class will offer an overview of sports writing from its origins to its current status in the twenty-first century. The course will teach students fundamentals of the sports-writing process from information gathering and interviewing to writing and editing copy. Students will gain requisite skills for working in today's sports departments and will write and publish stories on IUPUI athletics and area professional teams and events.
  • JOUR-J 361 Issues in Sports Journalism (3 cr.) This upper-level course will study sports journalism's key policies, trends and issues. It will examine sociological, political, legal, ethical and technological issues in college and professional sports. It will focus on current events and controversies in the world of sports journalism. This course will discuss the symbiotic relationship between sport media and race, gender, doping, steroids, sexuality and homophobia, politics and nationalism, sports fans, loyalty and violence, disability in sport, and other provocative issues.
Undergraduate Courses
  • JOUR-C 190 Perspectives on Communication (1 cr.) Students are introduced to college learning within a journalism and mass communications environment. Classroom instruction, library activities, and projects are designed to introduce technology and information resources, develop teamwork, and sharpen analytical and evaluative skills. Topics include career planning, study techniques, time management, data collection, and presentations.
  • JOUR-C 201 Topics in Journalism (3 cr.) Topical course dealing with changing subjects and material from semester to semester. May be repeated once for credit with a different topic. Will not count toward journalism major requirements.
  • JOUR-C 300 The Citizen and the News (3 cr.) A study of the institutions that produce news and information about public affairs for the citizens of American mass society. The problems about the selection of what is communicated. Case studies. International comparisons. Will not count toward journalism major requirements.
  • JOUR-C 327 Writing for Mass Media (3 cr.) A workshop for nonmajors to improve writing skills and learn basic requirements of writing for publication. Instruction in market analysis and interpreting specific editorial requirements, in gathering and researching background materials, and in preparing manuscripts. Examination of various types and styles of published writing. Will not count toward journalism major requirements.
  • JOUR-J 100 Computer Methods for Journalism (3 cr.) An introduction to computing uses in journalism. Hands-on experience with computer software packages commonly used in journalistic research and expression. Experience with using the Internet, Lexis/Nexis, and other library resources for research. This course is for students on the Indianapolis campus only. Bloomington students take JOUR J155 Research Techniques for Journalists.
  • JOUR-J 110 Foundations of Journalism and Mass Communication (3 cr.) Survey of the institutions of journalism and mass communication, their philosophical foundations, history, processes, economic realities and effects.
  • JOUR-J 200 Reporting, Writing and Editing I (3 cr.) P: W131 or its equivalent and fundamental computer skills. P or C: JOUR J155 in Bloomington, J100 in Indianapolis. Working seminar stressing the creation of journalistic stories for diverse audiences. Students will learn to develop story ideas, gather information, combine visual and verbal messages, and to write and edit news.
  • JOUR-J 201 Reporting, Writing and Editing II (3 cr.) P: J200. Working seminar focused on the strengthening of basic journalism skills, including in-depth reporting, editing, and multimedia presentations. Creativity, cooperation, and critical thinking are used to shape effective messages for diverse audiences.
  • JOUR-J 210 Visual Communication (3 cr.) Theories of visual communications including human perception, psychology of color and principles of design. Application of those theories to photography, video and graphic design in news communication.
  • JOUR-J 300 Communications Law (3 cr.) P: sophomore standing. History and philosophy of laws pertaining to free press and free speech. Censorship, libel, contempt, obscenity, right of privacy, copyright, government regulations, and business law affecting media operations. Stresses responsibilities and freedoms in a democratic communications system.
  • JOUR-J 315 Feature Writing (3 cr.) P: J200, J210. Emphasis on developing story ideas, identifying sources, organizing materials, planning, and outlining the story. Techniques for capturing the reader’s interest.
  • JOUR-J 320 Principles of Creative Advertising (3 cr.) Analysis of strategy employed in developing creative advertising, with emphasis on role of the copywriter. Research, media, legal aspects, ethical standards as they apply to the copywriting functions. Place of the creative function within the advertising agency and the retail business.
  • JOUR-J 335 Retail and Direct Advertising (3 cr.) P: J200, J210, J320. Role of advertising in retail and service establishments. Forms of retail and direct media advertising, including production and distribution. Procedures, requirements, and techniques of newspaper advertising departments and broadcast stations; in-store promotions; budgeting; evaluation.
  • JOUR-J 337 Media Economics (3 cr.) This course explores how economic forces influence production of media content, particularly at U.S. organizations. It examines basic economic concepts, such as market and competition, as they relate to commercial media organizations. Special attention is paid to the effect of advertising and market considerations on news decision making.
  • JOUR-J 341 Newspaper Reporting (3 cr.) P: J200, J210. Techniques of gathering, analyzing, and writing news and features for newspapers. Practice in interviewing, observation, and use of documentary references that include computer information retrieval and analysis skills.
  • JOUR-J 342 Magazine Reporting (3 cr.) P: J200, J210. Techniques of gathering, analyzing, and writing material for specialized and general circulation magazines. Practice in interviewing, observation, and use of documentary references that include computer information retrieval and analysis skills.
  • JOUR-J 343 Broadcast News (3 cr.) P: J200, J210. Techniques of gathering, analyzing and writing news and features for broadcast. Practice in interviewing, observation and use of documentary references that include computer information retrieval and analysis skills.
  • JOUR-J 344 Photojournalism Reporting (3 cr.) P: J200, J210. This is an introductory photojournalism course focusing on the basics of light, camera operation, and the use of chemical and digital darkrooms. It includes instruction in spot news and feature photography as well as instruction in ethics, privacy and law.
  • JOUR-J 351 Newspaper Editing (3 cr.) P: J200, J210. Workshop in fundamentals of editing newspapers, including both individual and team projects. Emphasis on news judgment, fairness, accuracy, editorial balance, and language usage. Practice in writing news summaries, editing copy, writing headlines, laying out pages, and using computer editing technology.
  • JOUR-J 352 Magazine Editing (3 cr.) P: J200, J210. Workshop in fundamentals of editing specialized and general interest publications. Individual and team functions are stressed. Attention is given to editorial voice and judgment, fairness, accuracy, and language usage. Practice in writing headlines and titles, layout, design, and use of computer editing technology.
  • JOUR-J 353 Advanced Broadcast News (3 cr.) P: J200, J343. Continuing workshop in reporting, writing and editing for broadcast. Individual and team functions are stressed. Emphasis on news judgment, fairness, accuracy, editorial balance and language usage. Practice in editing copy, audio and video tape.
  • JOUR-J 354 Photojournalism Editing (3 cr.) P: J344 or permission of the instructor. Workshop on the role and function of the print media picture editor. Theory and practice of picture editing skills including assigning, selecting, cropping, writing captions and blurbs, producing informational graphics, designing photo pages, editing by computer, and managing.
  • JOUR-J 360 Journalism Specialites (1 - 3 cr.) P: Must have taken J360 Newscast Skills or J360 Topical course dealing with changing subjects and material from semester to semester. Course may be repeated once for credit.
  • JOUR-J 385 Television News (3 cr.) P: J343 and J353, or consent of instructor. Preparation and presentation of news for television. Practice in writing, reporting, filming, and editing news for TV. TV writing problems; use of photographs, film, and videotape; problems of sound in TV news; ethical problems of the TV film reporter and editor.
  • JOUR-J 401 In-Depth Reporting and Editing (3 cr.) P: One 300-level reporting course and one 300-level editing course. Study and practice in using techniques of social science and traditional methods of investigative reporting. Class will plan, write, and edit news stories in depth.
  • JOUR-J 402 Careers in Journalism (1 cr.) P: Junior Standing Prepare for job or internship searches. Polish your resume and portfolio. Learn how to write impressive cover letters. Practice interviewing skills. Understand how to articulate your abilities and experiences to market yourself to potential employers.
  • JOUR-J 407 News Gathering and the Law (3 cr.) Students study the law relating to the content of news media and the processes by which that content is created. Discussion includes the legal issues triggered by story framing, selection of sources, interviewing, photography, and access to information. The course involves reading and research using primary legal materials.
  • JOUR-J 409 Media Management (3 cr.) Research seminar that examines techniques and processes used in managing media organizations. Through discussions, case analysis, and group projects, the course explores organizational missions and social responsibilities, market analysis techniques, personnel management issues, and budgeting.
  • JOUR-J 410 The Media as Social Institutions (3 cr.) P: J300, senior standing. Examination of the functions and impact of the mass media in society with primary focus on the United States. Discussion of the values of media organizations and the professional and ethical values of journalists. Critical analysis of the relationship of the media and society and the effect of political, economic and cultural factors on the operation of the media.
  • JOUR-J 413 Magazine Article Writing (3 cr.) P: J342. In-depth explanation of the nonofiction magazine article field. Examination of trends and problems in nonfiction writing for both general and specialized magazines. Criticism of student articles written for publication. Seminar sessions with editors and freelance writers.
  • JOUR-J 414 International News-Gathering Systems (3 cr.) Structure and function of international communication systems and barrier to flow of information among nations. Emphasis on gathering and disseminating information around the world. Study of the major newspapers of the world, international news agencies, and international broadcasting and satellite networks.
  • JOUR-J 415 Literary Journalism (3 cr.) A study of literary forms and techniques used in journalism. Topics to be considered include formal considerations such as voice and structure, reporting methods, and ethical issues. Students will supplement reading with writing experimental pieces of their own.
  • JOUR-J 420 Advertising Research & Management (3 cr.) P: J200, J210, J320. Lectures and practice in copywriting, graphics, layout and production. Incorporates psychological, social, legal and marketing aspects of creativity for mass media.
  • JOUR-J 423 Public Opinion (3 cr.) Behavioral study of nature, operation, molding, and influence of public opinion, with practice in its measurement and evaluation. Discussion of major political, social, economic, and cultural problems.
  • JOUR-J 425 Supervision of School Publications (3 cr.) P: 12 credit hours of journalism. Lectures and discussion on designing, producing and financing school newspapers, magazines and yearbooks. Management of school news bureau.
  • JOUR-J 438 Advertising Issues & Research (3 cr.) P: J320 and permission of the instructor. Seminar on current developments and problems concerning advertising as an economic and social force. Stresses independent investigation on topics such as politics and advertising and advertising and public taste.
  • JOUR-J 444 Advanced Photojournalism (3 cr.) P: J344. Advanced techniques of reporting and interpreting news with photography. Practice in news, sports, features, photographic essays, color photography, electronic imaging, and studio illustration.
  • JOUR-J 450 History of Journalism (3 cr.) American social-intellectual history integrated with the story of news media development, emphasizing the historical relationship of the mass media to American social, economic, and cultural patterns and developments. Origin, growth, shortcomings, and achievements of media. Impact of society on the media and vice versa.
  • JOUR-J 455 News Analysis and Opinion Writing (3 cr.) P: J200, J210. Techniques for understanding, analyzing and reporting on complex events and issues. Development and refinement of skills and techniques for writing news analysis, editorials and opinion articles.
  • JOUR-J 460 Topics Colloquium (1-3 cr.) P: Junior or senior standing. Topical seminar dealing with changing subjects and material from semester to semester. May be repeated once for credit with a different topic.
  • JOUR-J 463 Computerized Publication Design I (3 cr.) P: J200, J210. This publishing design course incorporates typesetting, electronic photo editing, graphics and page design. Students are instructed in design theory, computer publishing skills and creative problem solving.
  • JOUR-J 465 Computerized Publication Design II (3 cr.) P: J463. This publishing design course incorporates typesetting, electronic photo editing, graphics, and page design. Students are instructed in design theory, computer publishing skills, and creative problem solving.
  • JOUR-J 470 Broadcast Media Analysis (3 cr.) Seminar on problems of communicating news through aural and visual channels. Application of communications theory to broadcast news and public affairs presentations. Study of effects of format, verbal content, nonverbal content, and presenter on communications process.
  • JOUR-J 475 Race, Gender, and the Media (3 cr.) Survey and analysis of how news and entertainment media represent issues of race and gender. History of women and people of color as media professionals and media consumers. Discussion of contemporary problems and potential solutions.
  • JOUR-J 492 Media Internship (1 - 3 cr.) (S/F grading) P: Prior approval of faculty member; journalism majors only. Supervised professional experience in communications media. May be repeated, but a student may take no more than 3 credit hours total of internship credit for the B.A.J. degree.
  • JOUR-J 493 Journalism: Off-Campus Registration (0 cr.) This noncredit course is for journalism students studying off campus temporarily as part of the Bachelor of Arts in Journalism degree program.
  • JOUR-J 496 Foreign Study in Journalism (3-8 cr.) P: Consent of the dean of the School of Journalism. Planning of research project during year preceding summer abroad. Time spent in research abroad must amount to at least one week for each credit hour granted. Research paper must be presented by end of semester following foreign study. I Sem., II Sem., SS.
  • JOUR-J 499 Honors Research in Journalism (1-3 cr.) Opportunity for independent reading, research, and experimentation on relevant issues in mass communications. Work with faculty member on individual basis. I Sem., II Sem., SS.