Journalism offers the interest and challenges of investigating and reporting current events and topics of interest. The discipline touches on every aspect of human affairs with the opportunity to specialize in areas such as politics, sports, economics, and international affairs. Journalistic skills demand good writing ability, creativity, curiosity, and commitment to exacting professional standards. While one typically thinks of journalists working for a newspaper, many excellent employment opportunities are offered with popular magazines, professional journals, business and industry newsletters, government agencies, and publishing houses.
Career Opportunities
Advertising Agency Executive, Community Relations Specialist, Copy Writer, Journalism, Promotions Manager, Public Information Officer, Publicity Director, Reporter, Television News Producer
Transfer
For the most up-to-date information on transfer programs, visit assist.org. Please stop by the Transfer Center in Building 23 or make an appointment with a counselor if you have questions.
Journalism Courses
JOUR 108 Fundamentals of Journalism (3.0 Units)
This course covers the basics of news and feature reporting and writing, including interviewing techniques, legal/ethical issues, writing strategies, and desk-top publishing. Students produce the campus newspaper and learn about career opportunities. Crosslisted with CMST 188.
Prerequisite(s): ENGL 45, Minimum grade C
Co-requisite(s): JOUR 108LA
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
JOUR 108LA Journalism Lab A (3.0 Units)
Prerequisite: ENGL 101. Co-requisite JOUR 108. This is a laboratory course which requires Journalism 108 as a co-requisite. The students will improve their writing skills; learn techniques for copy editing, design, and layout; and learn the fundamentals of advertising, photo-journalism, business, and desk-top publishing as they apply to newspaper production and distribution.
Prerequisite(s): ENGL 45 or JOUR 108, Minimum grade C
Co-requisite(s): JOUR 108
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
JOUR 108LB Journalism Lab B (3.0 Units)
This lab focuses on intermediate writing and producing the school newspaper and its online version. Students will participate in all stages of writing and producing both versions.
Prerequisite(s): JOUR 108 and JOUR 108LA
Lab Hours: 162.0
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
JOUR 108LC Journalism Lab C (3.0 Units)
Prerequisite: JOUR 108 and JOUR 108LB. This laboratory-only course focuses on advanced intermediate writing and producing the school newspaper, RamPage, and its online version. Students will research, write, and edit articles for both publications. Students will also take photographs, design and/or layout pages, create graphic illustrations, and develop multimedia stories. Throughout this course, students will also apply media ethics and learn the fundamentals of media law. Leadership and management skills are also covered.
Prerequisite(s): (JOUR-108) and (JOUR-108LB, Minimum grade C)
Lab Hours: 162.0
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
JOUR 108LD Journalism Lab D (1-3 Units)
This lab focuses on advanced intermediate writing and producing the school newspaper and its online version. Students will participate in all stages of writing and producing both versions.
Prerequisite(s): JOUR 108 and JOUR 108LC, Minimum grade C
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
JOUR 111 Writing for Media (3.0 Units)
This course is an introduction to the principles of writing and organizing stories for publication in print and electronic mediums. Students will develop and compose news stories, learn and adhere to industry-standard style guidelines, conduct meaningful and appropriate research, and understand how the ethics, laws, and culture of journalism influence media coverage. Basic media-writing will enhance a student's ability to procure employment in print, broadcast, public relations, and corporate communication professions.
Recommended Preparation: ENGL 101.0
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
JOUR 112 Global Communication and Issues (3.0 Units)
Survey of global mass communication and the interrelationships of media with society including history, structure and trends in a digital age. Discussion of theories and effects, economics, technology, law and ethics, global media, media literacy, and social issues, including gender and cultural diversity. .
Recommended Preparation: ENGL 101.0
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
JOUR 114 Newspaper Production (3.0 Units)
Newspaper production is designed to provide practical journalism experience for students through the actual production of the RamPage student newspaper. The fundamentals of advertising, photojournalism, business and desk-top publishing, are to be applied to newspaper production and distribution. Class members will be asked to cover campus beats, report events, and write news and feature articles under the direction of the advisor and editors. Students will edit pictures, design pages, and layout the RamPage student newspaper. While some theories will provide the foundation for the development of student journalists and those interested in communications and the media, this course is designed to allow students the opportunity for the newspaper production process, with class members assuming responsibility for publication of the RamPage student newspaper. .
Prerequisite(s): (ENGL-101.0) and (JOUR-111)
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
JOUR 129 Independent Study (1-3 Units)
See Independent Study listing (1-3 units). .
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only