Journalism
Journalism (JOUR) Courses
JOUR 300 Newswriting and Reporting
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- C-ID:C-ID JOUR 110
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This is a beginning course in newswriting and reporting. It provides instruction and practice in news reporting and fundamentals of news writing, including analyses of news stories and different types of stories in newspapers and magazines. The course concentrates on news leads and simple news story types, organization and structure of news and feature stories, and the language and style of journalism.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- describe how news is gathered.
- recognize the basic techniques of news and feature writing.
- analyze newspaper and magazine stories.
- organize and write news story leads.
- organize and write news and feature stories.
- interview and research for news and feature stories.
- apply principles of news and feature writing in preparation of copy for possible publication.
JOUR 302 Style for Media Writers
- Units:1
- Hours:18 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course provides a review of English grammar for writers who seek careers in the mass media. Students will review basic grammar, spelling, punctuation, and Associated Press style, focusing on their use in online and print media.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- apply the proper use of punctuation marks in news stories, feature stories, and photo captions.
- apply the Associated Press style rules in news stories, feature stories, and photo captions.
- apply the rules of spelling in news stories, feature stories, and photo captions.
JOUR 310 Mass Media and Society
- Same As:COMM 351 and ENGWR 384
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ENGWR 300 or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better; or concurrent enrollment
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area V(b); CSU Area D4; IGETC Area 4G
- C-ID:C-ID JOUR 100
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This is an interdisciplinary course exploring aspects of communication and the impact of mass media on the individual and society. The survey includes basic communication models, books, magazines, newspapers, recordings, movies, radio, television, advertising, public relations, the Internet, theories of communication, relationships between mass media and business and government, and processes and effects from a social science perspective. Credit may be awarded for only one section of either COMM 351, ENGWR 384, or JOUR 310.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- identify the basic principles of each form of basic communication.
- demonstrate an understanding of mass media and its relationship to the public.
- differentiate among news, opinion, feature writing, and electronic presentations.
- analyze and evaluate each form of media.
- assess the impact of media messages on various audiences.
JOUR 320 Race and Gender in the Media
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area V(b); AA/AS Area VI; CSU Area D; IGETC Area 4
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This multi-media course is an overview of print, broadcast and Internet news, and entertainment media in the U.S. from World War I to the present. Using readings from selected texts, old newsreels, clips from movies, radio and television broadcasts, and Internet selections, as well as period literature, students will analyze and debate the changes in media with particular focus on social class, gender, and ethnicity. Critical thinking will be emphasized in this course.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- analyze the approaches of U.S. news and entertainment media.
- assess the effectiveness of media messages.
- analyze and assess social and class bias in news and entertainment media.
- analyze and assess gender and race bias in news and entertainment media.
- analyze and assess race and gender bias in U.S. media advertisements.
JOUR 340 Writing for Publication
- Same As:ENGWR 330
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ENGWR 300 or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This is an introductory course in writing nonfiction for publication. Emphasis will be on developing a saleable article for magazines, newspapers, or online media sources; finding ideas; analyzing publications; writing a query letter; researching and interviewing; and organizing, writing, and illustrating an article. Credit may be awarded for ENGWR 330 or JOUR 340, but not for both.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- demonstrate writing and marketing skills to successfully write magazine articles and find the most appropriate print or online publications to market them.
- demonstrate ideas with a focus and slant toward a particular print or online publication.
- research sources and develop interview techniques.
- write and edit salable articles for print or online publications.
- appraise both print and online publications for appropriateness and timeliness of proposed articles.
JOUR 350 Writing for Broadcasting/Podcasting
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ENGWR 300 with a grade of "C" or better.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course covers the theory and technique of writing for the broadcast media. It includes reporting for radio and television news, as well as online media, writing commercials, and public service programming, and an introduction to production techniques. The course is recommended for students who plan to work in broadcasting, instructional media, and related fields.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- analyze the basic structure of radio and television journalism.
- analyze the audiences of broadcast media.
- choose sources and conduct interviews for stories.
- write, edit, and produce news and feature stories for television, radio, and online media.
JOUR 360 Photojournalism
- Same As:PHOTO 350
- Units:3
- Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:PHOTO 302 with a grade of "C" or better; equivalent or technical competency determined by a photography department faculty member upon evaluation of photography portfolio.
- Enrollment Limitation:Students must use a DSLR style camera to complete all course objectives and assignments. Point-and-shoot cameras are not allowed.
- Advisory:PHOTO 312 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- C-ID:C-ID JOUR 160
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course provides instruction in photojournalism and magazine techniques in photography. Students will study features, environmental portraits, sports, spot news, and the photo essay styles of journalistic photography. Students will also capture and use audio to complete multimedia projects. Students will photograph or capture multimedia stories for both online and print campus publications (The Express, Mainline magazine, etc.) to complete assignments for their final portfolios. The course includes lectures, visual presentations, speakers, a required field trip to The Sacramento Bee or another media outlet, and lab time. Students will provide their own adjustable camera and related materials. Credit may be earned for PHOTO 350 or JOUR 360, but not for both.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- identify the difference between newspaper and magazine photography.
- apply and demonstrate understanding of ethics of photojournalism.
- shoot the news, feature, and sports photographs.
- shoot the portrait and environmental portrait photographs.
- demonstrate an understanding of principles of editing and self-editing.
- shoot in difficult lighting situations.
- identify major historical and contemporary photojournalists.
- create a photographic essay.
- produce a capstone multimedia project using video editing timeline software.
- demonstrate an understanding of using video to capture news stories.
- apply and demonstrate an understanding of digital imaging ethics as they pertain to photojournalism.
- operate a flash and determine correct flash exposure.
- employ advanced flash techniques.
- capture audio for multimedia content.
JOUR 364 Digital Video Editing and Production
- Same As:PHOTO 380
- Units:3
- Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:PHOTO 302 and 312 with grades of "C" or better; equivalent or technical competency determined by a department faculty member upon evaluation of photography portfolio.
- Enrollment Limitation:Students must use a DSLR or Mirrorless style camera to complete all course objectives and assignments. Point-and-Shoot cameras are not allowed.
- Transferable:CSU
- C-ID:C-ID JOUR 120
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is an introduction to the basic creative concepts and technical elements of capturing and editing video, audio, and still images to create visual media projects. Students will explore the creative and technical production possibilities of merging visual media and the various software used to edit this content. Students will receive hands-on experience with Mirrorless and HDSLR camera video capture techniques and accessories used in video and audio production. Students will complete a final visual media project and create a visual video reel for career advancement. Students will also meet with multimedia creators from our area. The course includes lectures, visual presentations, and lab time. Credit may be earned for JOUR 364 or PHOTO 380, but not for both. This course was formerly known as JOUR 364: Multimedia Capture I.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- demonstrate a basic competency in the capture of audio and video with Mirrorless or HDSLR cameras.
- demonstrate the use of a variety of audio and video accessories like gimbals, fluid heads, sliders, field recorders, and external microphones with course projects.
- evaluate, prepare and utilizes strategies for pre-production, production, and post-production with visual media projects.
- demonstrate basic computer-aided, non-linear, and post-production video editing techniques.
- assess and demonstrate an understanding of digital storytelling strategies and techniques through the use of visual variety, interviews, B-roll, time lapse, and sequences.
- understand terms and procedures typical in multimedia editing.
- assemble and complete a one to two minute visual reel that can be used to obtain career placement in the professional world.
- systematically organize video, audio, and images in editing software for a two to three-minute visual media project.
JOUR 365 Multimedia Capture II
- Same As:PHOTO 381
- Units:3
- Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:JOUR 364 or PHOTO 380 with a grade of "C" or better; equivalent or technical competency determined by department faculty member upon evaluation of photography portfolio.
- Enrollment Limitation:Students must use a DSLR style camera to complete all course objectives and assignments. Point-and-Shoot cameras are not allowed.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is designed to expand on the creative concepts and technical elements of capturing video, audio, and still images to create advanced documentary style multimedia content. Students will study advanced techniques in capturing and editing audio, video, and still images. Students will continue to advance their skills with image editing software to complete their final projects. Students must supply at least one of the following to complete the class: a video camera or an adjustable still camera in either film or digital formats. The course includes lectures, visual presentations, and lab time. Credit may be earned for JOUR 365 or PHOTO 381, but not for both.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- demonstrate advanced competency in audio and still image editing equipment and software.
- apply and demonstrate video editing techniques with nonlinear digital video editing software.
- demonstrate critical thinking and appropriate performance skills.
- demonstrate an advanced understanding and proficiency in multimedia storytelling.
- assemble and complete a 5-minute audio-visual slideshow that can be used to obtain career placement in the professional world.
- produce a capstone multimedia project using video editing timeline software.
JOUR 403 College Magazine Production I
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This is a course in which students produce a non-fiction, journalistic college magazine. This course is designed for students interested in writing, graphics, page design, art, photography, or editing.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- write and edit a non-fiction magazine article or produce feature photographs to accompany the article for a nonfiction college magazine.
- apply principles of writing, editing, and page design to the production of a college magazine.
- prepare and produce a non-fiction college magazine.
JOUR 407 College Magazine Production II
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:JOUR 403 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course builds on the experience gained in JOUR 403. During this second-semester course, instruction in leadership is provided for students who function as editors and manage a staff that produces a non-fiction, journalistic college magazine. This course is designed for students interested in managing a non-fiction publication with writing, graphics, page design, art, photography, and editing.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- plan the content of the magazine in concert with other section editors, the editor in chief, and managing editor at editorial board meetings.
- assign, receive, and edit assignments of reporters and photographers in accordance with journalistic standards for his or her section of the magazine.
- manage reporters and photographers by guiding them during assignments and ensuring they meet deadlines.
- write headlines and format copy for production under deadline pressure.
- exhibit an understanding of production processes by editing page galleys and clarifying content for page designers under deadline pressure.
JOUR 408 College Magazine Production III
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:JOUR 407 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course builds on the experience gained in JOUR 403 and JOUR 407. Instruction in leadership is provided for students who function in top leadership positions (editor-in-chief and managing editor) for the non-fiction, journalistic college magazine. This course is designed for students interested in managing the staff who produce the publication using the skills of writing, graphics, page design, art, photography, and editing.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- create an agenda for each editorial board meeting, lead section editors through the agenda, and plan the vision and the content of the magazine.
- plan the number of pages based on content for the magazine and assign section editors the number of pages they will edit.
- utilize and demonstrate professional conduct when managing section editors and their content.
- coordinate production with design and photo editors.
- lead production process by supervising section editors in the college newsroom to meet the printer deadline.
- coordinate distribution of print product to campus.
- prepare and post digital version of magazine online.
JOUR 410 College Media Production I
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Corequisite:JOUR 420
- Advisory:JOUR 300, JOUR 360, PHOTO 302, and PHOTO 350 with grades of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- C-ID:C-ID JOUR 130
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course focuses on instruction in writing and producing student news media, primarily the online publication, Saccityexpress.com, a journalistic product for distribution to a college-wide audience. Students will receive instruction in one of the following areas: researching, reporting, and writing articles; taking photographs and participating in photo layouts; editing articles, writing headlines, and planning page layouts in conjunction with editors for online publication. Ethical and legal aspects of communication are also covered. JOUR 420 is the lab component for this course.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- produce work suitable for publication in print newspaper by researching, reporting, and writing stories or by taking and preparing photographs and photo layouts or by editing and laying out pages.
- apply the principles of news judgment to assignments by ranking information appropriately in stories; emphasize key facts in leads, stories, photo captions, and headlines.
- demonstrate an understanding of production processes by meeting required deadlines for publication while working under deadline pressure in the college newsroom.
- research, report, write, and edit stories that are free of libel; respect issues of copyright when publishing photos.
- assess and apply the principles of the First Amendment and other laws appropriate to professional practices; apply ethical principles in pursuit of truth, accuracy, fairness, and diversity.
- develop a digital portfolio of writing, photo, or editing products published in the student publication.
JOUR 411 College Media Production II
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:JOUR 410 with a grade of "C" or better
- Corequisite:JOUR 421
- Transferable:CSU
- C-ID:C-ID JOUR 131
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
During this second-semester course, students learn intermediate writing and production skills to produce the online news publication, Saccityexpress.com. Students will receive instruction in one of the following areas: researching, reporting, and writing intermediate-level articles; taking intermediate-level photographs and participating in photo layouts; assigning and editing intermediate-level articles, writing headlines, and planning page layouts in conjunction with page designers for the print newspaper. Ethical and legal aspects of communication are also covered. JOUR 421 is the lab component for this course.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- produce intermediate work suitable for publication in print by researching, reporting, and writing intermediate-level stories, or by taking and preparing intermediate-level photographs and photo layouts, or by assigning and editing intermediate-level stories, or by writing headlines, planning issues, and designing pages.
- apply the principles of news judgment to assignments by ranking information appropriately in stories; emphasizing key facts in leads, stories, photo captions, and headlines; ranking stories in page layout in each issue appropriately.
- demonstrate an understanding of production processes by meeting required deadlines and attending required planning meetings in the college newsroom.
- write, report, edit, and photograph intermediate-level stories that are free of libel; respect issues of copyright when publishing photos.
- assess and apply the principles of the First Amendment and other laws appropriate to professional practice.
- develop an intermediate-level digital portfolio of assignments that includes work in at least two of these areas: writing, editing, photo, or layout assignments published in student print publication.
JOUR 412 College Media Production III
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:JOUR 411 with a grade of "C" or better
- Corequisite:JOUR 422
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
During this third-semester course, students will serve in leadership roles as section editors using the school online publication Saccityexpress.com, as a practical laboratory. In this course, students will serve in leadership roles. Students will learn to conduct editorial meetings in which issues are planned; research, assign, and edit assignments of reporters and photographers for publication; and manage production alongside page designers for each issue of the newspaper. Ethical and legal aspects of media communication are also covered. JOUR 422 is the required lab component for this course.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- plan the content section of the newspaper under their authority, in concert with other section editors and the editor in chief and managing editor at editorial board meetings.
- assign, receive, and edit assignments of reporters and photographers in accordance with journalistic standards for his or her section.
- manage reporters and photographers by guiding them during assignments and ensuring they meet deadline; write headlines and format copy for production under deadline pressure.
- exhibit an understanding of production processes by editing page galleys and clarifying content for page designers under deadline pressure in the college newsroom.
- develop a digital portfolio of all published issues of the Express, which includes the published section pages under his or her management.
JOUR 413 College Media Production IV
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:JOUR 412 with a grade of "C" or better
- Corequisite:JOUR 423
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
In this course, instruction is provided in leadership for students who function as editors in chief and managing editors using the online publication Saccityexpress.com, as a practical laboratory. Students will plan publication issues and manage section editors, reporters, and photographers on staff. Students will learn to lead staff meetings in which they plan the vision and content of issues; research and suggest story ideas to section editors; manage section editors and staff; and manage the production of every aspect of each issue of the newspaper. Ethical and legal aspects of communication and media are also covered for students who serve in top leadership roles. JOUR 423 is the required lab component for this course.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- create an agenda for each editorial board meeting, lead section editors through the agenda, and plan the vision and the content of each issue.
- plan the number of pages based on advertising stack and content for each newspaper issue and assign section editors the number of pages they will be allotted.
- manage section editors and their content through professional conduct.
- coordinate production with design editor.
- lead production processes during production by supervising section editors in the college newsroom to meet the printer deadline.
- coordinate content and coverage with online editors.
- develop a digital portfolio of all the issues of the Express under their management.
JOUR 420 College Media Production Lab I
- Units:0.5 - 3
- Hours:27 - 162 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Corequisite:JOUR 411
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This lab course helps students improve their beginning writing, editing, photography, design, and computer skills as an addition to their enrollment in college media production (JOUR 410).
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- apply journalist principles to beginning-level, hands-on assignments for online by accomplishing one of the following: researching, reporting, and writing stories; taking and preparing photographs and participating in simple photo layouts; producing online content, such as photo slideshows, videos, audio clips, and multimedia: and assigning and editing articles using AP style.
- assess and apply the essential skills of layout and design by writing and editing simple headlines for online publications.
- assess and apply the essential skills of layout and design by using beginning design principles to lay out pages for upload content for online edition.
- develop a digital portfolio of up to ten writing, photo, editing, or design pieces published online publications, depending on the number of units in which the student is enrolled.
JOUR 421 College Media Production Lab II
- Units:0.5 - 3
- Hours:27 - 162 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:JOUR 410 and 420 with grades of "C" or better
- Corequisite:JOUR 411
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This lab course helps students build on skills gained in JOUR 410 and JOUR 420. During this second-semester course, students will continue to improve their skills in at least two of the following areas: writing, editing, photography, design, and web production skills as an addition to their enrollment in JOUR 411.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- apply journalistic principles to intermediate-level, hands-on assignments for print and online by researching, reporting, and writing stories, or by taking and preparing photographs and participating in complex photo layouts, or by producing news content, such as photo slideshows, videos, audio clips, and multimedia, or by assigning and editing articles.
- assess and apply the essential skills of intermediate-level layout and design for print or online by writing and editing headlines for print or online publication headlines using key search words.
- assess and apply the essential skills of intermediate-level layout and design for print or online by designing pages that adhere to the principles of modular design.
- develop a digital portfolio of up to twelve writing, photo, editing, or design pieces published in student print or online publications.
JOUR 422 College Media Production Lab III
- Units:0.5 - 3
- Hours:27 - 162 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:JOUR 411 and 421 with grades of "C" or better
- Corequisite:JOUR 412
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This lab course helps students build on experiences gained in JOUR 411. During this third-semester course, section editors will learn leadership skills in how to manage news content and staff. Students will plan publication content and manage reporters and photographers. In addition, online section editors will manage multimedia content providers. Students will research and give assignments to staff; edit and produce publishable pieces for the campus newspapers; and manage a section of the publication, as an addition to their enrollment in JOUR 412.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- apply knowledge of planning the content for a particular section of the print or online newspaper.
- assess story ideas available for newsworthiness and audience on campus and assign them to staff.
- apply management skills of reporters, photographers, podcasters, and videographers by guiding them during assignments and ensuring they meet deadline.
- apply the correct form of headlines and format for each medium.
- develop a digital portfolio of up to seven issues of print content or fifteen published online assignments under their section.
JOUR 423 College Media Production Lab IV
- Units:0.5 - 3
- Hours:27 - 162 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:JOUR 412 or 422 with a grade of "C" or better
- Corequisite:JOUR 413
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This lab course helps students build on experiences gained in JOUR 412 and JOUR 422. During this fourth-semester course, students who are top leadership (editors in chief, managing editors, web managers) will learn skills in how to lead and manage section editors, photographers, and reporters. Additionally, online leadership will lead podcasters and videographers. Students will oversee the vision and content of their respective publications; research and suggest story ideas to section editors; and manage production of every aspect of the campus print or online newspaper, as an addition to their enrollment in JOUR 413.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- apply knowledge of planning a semester's worth of issues by implementing vision and motivating section editors and staff.
- apply the knowledge of creating an agenda for editorial meetings and lead section editors through the agenda.
- apply management skills in interactions with reporters, photographers, podcasters, and videographers by overseeing their assignments and ensuring all meet deadlines.
- apply the skills of conflict resolution with section editors and staff.
- represent the student voice on campus in a responsible manner within newspaper publications.
- develop a digital portfolio of up to seven issues of print content or thirty published online assignments under their management.
JOUR 495 Independent Studies in Journalism
- Units:1 - 3
- Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ENGWR 300 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
An independent studies project involves an individual student or a small group of students in study, research, or activities beyond the regularly offered journalism courses. UC transfer credit will be awarded only after the course has been evaluated by the enrolling UC campus. The units completed for this course cannot be counted towards the minimum 60 units required for admissions.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- design and discuss a topical study with a supervisor.
- demonstrate the ability to independently pursue a course of study or project in journalism.
JOUR 499 Experimental Offering in Journalism
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This is the experimental courses description.
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Arts and Communication
This program is part of the Arts and Communication meta major.