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Journalism (JOUR)

Undergraduate Courses
  • 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 150 An Introduction to Sports Journalism (3 cr.) This course will explore the state and practice of sports journalism through a variety of avenues including case studies, prominent sports journalists, executives and athletes. The course will provide an opportunity for students to learn the craft of sports media by examining some of the most controversial sports stories of this decade. And, to ask the questions about fairness in coverage, economics behind story, societal issues, and portraying characters as real people. 
  • JOUR-J 200 Reporting, Writing and Editing I (3 cr.) P: ENG-W 131 or ENG-W 140. and fundamental computer skills. 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 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 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 300 Communications Law (3 cr.) P: Sophomore standing or above. 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: JOUR-J 200. or permission of instructor. 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, and 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 Advertising Copywriting (3 cr.) P: JOUR-J 200, JOUR-J 320, or permission of the instructor. A study of the principles and practices of writing effective commercial messages for media such as magazines, newspapers, billboards, direct mail, directories, and other promotional copy. It includes studies of message elements: the role of research in developing message strategies: the creative process: and clear, effective, and persuasive copywriting.     Application of creative strategy for print and electronic media. Emphasis placed on the development of creative concepts. Requires preparation of advertisements including rough layouts and storyboards. 
  • JOUR-J 340 Public Relations Tactics and Techniques (3 cr.) P: JOUR-J 219. Planning and using a wide variety of public relations tactics and techniques is the cornerstone of an entry-level public relations practitioner's skill set.  This course provides extensive hands-on learning and practice in those basic techniques.  The course allows students to apply theory and research to actual problem solving. 
  • JOUR-J 341 Newspaper Reporting (3 cr.) P: JOUR-J 200 and JOUR-J 210. 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 343 Broadcast News (3 cr.) P: JOUR-J 200 and JOUR-J 210. 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: JOUR-J 200 and JOUR-J 210. 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 345 Sports Journalism Writing (3 cr.) P: JOUR-J 150, JOUR-J 200 and JOUR-J 210. The class offers overview from its origins to its current status in the twenty-first century. The course will enable students to learn fundamentals of the sports writing process from information gathering and interviewing to writing and editing copy. Students will gain skills necessary for working in today's sports departments and newsrooms. 
  • JOUR-J 351 News Editing (3 cr.) P: JOUR-J 200 and JOUR-J 210. Workshop in fundamentals of editing daily news for both print and online formats. Emphasis on news judgment, fairness, accuracy, editorial balance, grammar, style, language fluency, leadership skills, legal concerns and ethics in the newsroom. Practice in editing copy, writing headlines and cutlines, designing print and online pages, working with multimedia features and making sound, ethical decisions on deadline. 
  • JOUR-J 352 Magazine Editing (3 cr.) P: JOUR-J 200 and JOUR-J 210. 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: JOUR-J 200, JOUR-J 210, and JOUR-J 343. 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 360 Journalism Specialites (1-3 cr.) Topical course dealing with changing subjects and material from semester to semester. Course may be repeated once for credit.
  • JOUR-J 361 Issues in Sports Journalism (3 cr.) P: JOUR-J 150. This course will study sports journalism's key policies, trends and issues.  It will approach sport from a socio-cultural-historical perspective as well as a contemporary position.  It will examine sociological, political, ethical and technological issues.  Additionally it will focus on current events and controversies in the world of sports journalism. 
  • JOUR-J 390 Public Relations Writing (3 cr.) P: JOUR-J 200 and JOUR-J 219. or permission of the instructor. 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. Course provides public relations majors and certificate candidates an understanding of the nature of the public profession in preparation for entering the workforce. The course is focused specifically on the tools and techniques needed for a successful job search and successful initial employment. 
  • JOUR-J 402 Careers in Journalism (1 cr.) P: Junior standing or above. Course provides journalism majors and certificate candidates an understanding of the nature of the new and traditional media profession in preparation for entering the work force.  The course is focused on the tools and techniques needed for a successful job search and successful initial employment. 
  • 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: JOUR-J 300. and Junior standing or above 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 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 420 Advertising Concepts and Copywriting (3 cr.) P: JOUR-J 320 and JOUR-J 335. Intensive practice in producing effective advertising concepts, copy, and design prototypes for newspaper, magazine, direct mail, outdoor, radio, television, and converged campaigns. 
  • JOUR-J 428 Public Relations Planning & Research (3 cr.) P: JOUR-J 340 and JOUR-J 390. 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 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. (Offered in summer only.) 
  • JOUR-J 438 Advertising Issues & Research (3 cr.) P: JOUR-J 300, JOUR-J 320, JOUR-J 335, and JOUR-J 420. 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 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 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 Graphic Design I (3 cr.) P: JOUR-J 200 and JOUR-J 210. This design course incorporates electronic photo editing, graphics, and page design. Students are instructed in design theory, computer publishing skills, and creative problem solving.
  • 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 cr.) P: Prior approval of the faculty member; journalism majors only. (S/F Grading) Supervised professional experience in communications media.  May be repeated, but a student may take no more than three credit hours total of internship credit for the journalism degree.
  • 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.
Sports Journalism
  • JOUR-J 150 An Introduction to Sports Journalism (3 cr.) This course will explore the state and practice of sports journalism through a variety of avenues including case studies, prominent sports journalists, executives and athletes. The course will provide an opportunity for students to learn the craft of sports media by examining some of the most controversial sports stories of this decade. And, to ask the questions about fairness in coverage, economics behind story, societal issues, and portraying characters as real people.
  • JOUR-J 345 Sports Writing (3 cr.) P: J150, J200, J210. 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.) P: J150. This 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, violence, disability in sport, and other provocative issues.
  • JOUR-J 501 Public Affairs Reporting (3 cr.)

    This course includes lectures and roundtable discussion of problems in covering public affairs issues at the national, state, and local levels. Emphasis is on reporting on government, social welfare agencies, elections, political parties, special interest groups and other areas of general public interest.

  • JOUR-J 510 Media and Society Seminar (3 cr.)

    Probing examination of structure and functions of mass media, stressing interaction among communication agencies and other social institutions. Critical analysis of media performance and policies in light of current economic, political, social, and intellectual thought. Comparative case studies of U.S. media with other national press systems.

  • JOUR-J 540 Business of Sports Media (3 cr.)

    This course will provide a history 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 542 Sports Journalism and Society (3 cr.)

    This course provides a broad understanding of how social issues impact sports and how sports impacts society. Included will be a historical overview of sports, athletes’ rights, race and gender in sports, the Olympics and international sports, youth sports, the commercialization of sports and the influence of the media on sports.

  • JOUR-J 543 Sports Law (3 cr.)

    Students will develop a basic understanding of the relationship between sports and the law and of the basic concepts of major legal issues—antitrust, labor, contract and intellectual property—in sports today, while translating that knowledge into analytical reporting on those subjects.

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  • JOUR-J 545 Sports Writing (3 cr.)

    This course is an intensive, in-depth and practical instruction on reporting and writing for print, magazines and the Web. This course will include a broad range of sports writing, from long-form narrative for magazines to twittering on the Web. It also will explore the essentials of beat reporting, with experiential learning at live press conferences and events.

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  • JOUR-J 546 Sports Journalism Research (3 cr.)

    This course is all about learning the reporting techniques necessary to conduct effective research, and then distilling, evaluating and interpreting information to provide an accurate public service to readers.  The topic is sports, but these reporting, research and advanced analytical skills are necessary for any journalist aspiring to excellence.  The research results and database will be published by the end of the semester.

  • JOUR-J 547 Sports Broadcast Journalism (3 cr.)

    Sports Broadcasting has been an essential part of traditional media, but its skills are now transitioning into new forms of an on-line reporting through video and audio reports and features.  This class will examine the best practices of television and radio reporting, and analyze how those skills can be effectively translated to digital mediums.  It will focus on the differences between writing for audio and video broadcasts, examining how to use word pictures to develop imagery in radio, and developing narratives to complement video, not duplicate it.

  • JOUR-J 620 Media Coverage of Sports (3 cr.)

    This course will study sport policies, trends and issues.  From March Madness to the BCS, to Coach Crean, Coach Calipari, Mark Ingram and Brittney Griner, this course will examine athletes, coaches, events and sports media coverage.  It will focus on current events and controversies such as amateurism, competitive balance, debate over school mascots, gambling and problems in recruiting and the ensuing media coverage.

Graduate Courses
  • JOUR-J 501 Public Affairs Reporting (3 cr.) This course includes lectures and roundtable discussion of problems in covering public affairs issues at the national, state, and local levels. Emphasis is on reporting on government, social welfare agencies, elections, political parties, special interest groups and other areas of general public interest.
  • JOUR-J 510 Media and Society Seminar (3 cr.) Probing examination of structure and functions of mass media, stressing interaction among communication agencies and other social institutions. Critical analysis of media performance and policies in light of current economic, political, social, and intellectual thought. Comparative case studies of U.S. media with other national press systems.
  • 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 529 Public Relations Campaigns (3 cr.) Designed to provide students with the opportunity to develop and execute a PR campaign for a local not-for-profit organization. Students will be exposed to relevant PR theory and in-depth case study analysis.
  • JOUR-J 531 Public Relations for Non-Profits (3 cr.) Provides a theoretical and practical background in public relations capable of meeting graduate student interest in persuasion, internal and external communications, and tactics for not-for-profit organizations.
  • JOUR-J 540 Business of Sports Media (3 cr.) This course will provide a history 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 542 Sports Journalism and Society (3 cr.) This course provides a broad understanding of how social issues impact sports and how sports impacts society. Included will be a historical overview of sports, athletes rights, race and gender in sports, the Olympics and international sports, youth sports, the commercialization of sports and the influence of the media on sports.
  • JOUR-J 543 Sports Law (3 cr.) Students will develop a basic understanding of the relationship between sports and the law and of the basic concepts of major legal issues: antitrust, labor, contract and intellectual property in sports today, while translating that knowledge into analytical reporting on those subjects.
  • JOUR-J 545 Sports Writing (3 cr.) This course will provide intensive field experience and training in sports reporting and writing.  This class will give students the basic tools they need to report or write sports for print and online publications.  Students will cover beats chronicling one of Indiana's sports teams or organizations.  And, they will become proficient in generating story ideas, writing game stories, notebooks, features and enterprise pieces with substance and depth.  The class will explore ethical decisions and new judgments also.
  • JOUR-J 546 Sports Journalism Research (3 cr.) This course is all about learning the reporting techniques necessary to conduct effective research, and then distilling, evaluating and interpreting information to provide an accurate public service to readers.  The topic is sports, but these reporting, research and advanced analytical skills are necessary for any journalist aspiring to excellence.  The research results and database will be published by the end of the semester.
  • JOUR-J 547 Sports Broadcast Journalism (3 cr.) Sports Broadcasting has been an essential part of traditional media, but its skills are now transitioning into new forms of an on-line reporting through video and audio reports and features.  This class will examine the best practices of television and radio reporting, and analyze how those skills can be effectively translated to digital mediums.  It will focus on the differences between writing for audio and video broadcasts, examining how to use word pictures to develop imagery in radio, and developing narratives to complement video, not duplicate it.
  • 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 620 Media Coverage of Sports (3 cr.) This course will study sport policies, trends and issues.  From March Madness to the BCS, to Coach Crean, Coach Calipari, Mark Ingram and Brittney Griner, this course will examine athletes, coaches, events and sports media coverage.  It will focus on current events and controversies such as amateurism, competitive balance, debate over school mascots, gambling and problems in recruiting and the ensuing media coverage.
  • JOUR-J 660 Topics Colloquium (3 cr.) Topical seminar dealing with changing subjects and material from semester to semester.
  • JOUR-J 804 Read and Research in Journalism (1-9 cr.)