University of Maryland University College Asia
Course Descriptions
Area of Study:
To view a specific Course Description, select an Area of Study, select a course designator, and select the course you want to view. Then Click the "View" button to see the course decription.

Journalism

JOUR201 Writing for the Mass Media (3 cr.)
(Fulfills the general education requirement in communications.) Prerequisite: ENGL 101 or ENGL 101X. An introduction to writing news and feature articles for print, broadcast, and online media. Emphasis is on writing--from mechanics (grammar, spelling, punctuation, and journalism style) to content (accuracy, completeness, audience, and readability)--and reporting.

JOUR202 Editing for the Mass Media (3 cr.)
Prerequisite: JOUR 201. Presentation of the basic editing skills that apply to all mass media. Hands-on practice in copyediting, fact checking, headline writing, photo selection, and page layout is provided. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: JOUR 202 or JOUR 310.

JOUR319A Analyzing and Understanding the News (1 cr.)
An analysis of radio, television, and newspaper reporting designed to improve critical understanding of the news. Topics include the benefits of channel surfing and turning to more than one news provider, whether print or broadcast, for information. Reasons for loyalty to favorite sources of news information are examined.

JOUR319B Issues in Online Journalism (1 cr.)
Recommended: Basic computer skills and some experience using the Internet. A review of the recent history of online journalism that stresses the issues and challenges that writers face in this medium. Online newspapers and journals are reviewed for content and design. The basics of setting up an online newspaper-- from getting source material to designing the look of the publication --are examined.

JOUR320 News Reporting (3 cr.)
Prerequisite: JOUR 201. A survey of the principles and practices of news reporting. Emphasis is on gathering news for all the media and on covering news beats and other news sources. Researching a news story for accuracy, comprehensiveness, and interpretation is covered.

JOUR330 Public Relations Theory (3 cr.)
Prerequisite: JOUR 201. A study of the historical development and contemporary status of public relations in business, government, associations, and other organizations. Communication theory and social science methodology are studied as they apply to the research, planning, communication, and evaluation aspects of the public relations process.

JOUR331 Public Relations Techniques (3 cr.)
Prerequisites: JOUR 330. A review of the techniques of public relations. Emphasis is on news releases, publications and printed materials, speeches, special events, and audiovisual media. Techniques are applied in laboratory and field projects. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BMGT 398U or JOUR 331.

JOUR334 Public Relations Programs (3 cr.)
Prerequisite: JOUR 331. Analysis of eight major programs typically carried out by public relations: employee relations, media relations, financial relations, member relations, governmental relations, community relations, fund raising, and dealing with an activist public.

JOUR340 Advertising Communication (3 cr.)
Prerequisite: ENGL 101 or ENGL 101X. An exploration of advertising within mass communication and an evaluation of its role in the public-information system of the United States. The application of communication theory and research methods to the research, planning, communication, and evaluation aspects of global advertising are discussed.

JOUR341 Advertising Techniques (3 cr.)
Prerequisite: JOUR 340. A study of theory and practice in writing and producing advertisements for the print and broadcast media. Opportunities for applying techniques are provided through laboratory and field projects.

JOUR345 Advertising Campaigns (3 cr.)
Prerequisite: JOUR 341. A discussion of ways to plan and execute advertising campaigns in typical situations that arise in an advertising agency. Integration of advertising theories and techniques into a complete campaign is covered.

JOUR350 Photojournalism in the Digital Age (3 cr.)
(Students are required to use their own camera and budget for the costs of film and processing of 20-30 rolls of film.) Prerequisite: A course in journalism. An exploration of techniques and trends in photojournalism. Practice in the fundamentals of photography (exposure, basic lighting techniques, portraiture and composition, and scanning and digitally toning photos using Photoshop) is provided. Assignments include developing a mini portfolio of short photo essays and a final story project to be published on the course Web site. The history of photojournalism is surveyed, focusing on the recent development of webzines and online newspapers.

JOUR371 Magazine Article and Feature Writing (3 cr.)
Prerequisite: JOUR 201. A study of various types of feature articles, particularly in the magazine market. Analysis covers the medium and its specialized audiences. Practice in researching and writing the feature article and in evaluating freelance markets is provided.

JOUR380 Science Writing for Magazines and Newspapers (3 cr.)
Prerequisite: JOUR 201. An introduction to writing and editing scientific and technical material for both the general audience and the specialist.

JOUR398 Independent Study (3 cr.)
No Course Description Available.

JOUR410 History of Mass Communication (3 cr.)
Prerequisite: ENGL 101 or ENGL 101X. A discussion of the development of newspapers, magazines, radio, television, and motion pictures as media of mass communication. The influence of the media on the historical development of the nation is considered.

JOUR452 Women in the Media (0 cr.)
No Course Description Available.

JOUR459 Special Topics in Mass Communication (3 cr.)
An in-depth study of a specific area in journalism or public relations. Topics may focus on areas such as international public relations, crisis communication, newsroom management, environmental journalism, or political campaigns. Assignments include advanced reading and research. May be repeated to a maximum of 6 credits when topics differ.

JOUR459A Special Topics in Journalism (3 cr.)
An in-depth study of a specific area in journalism. Topics may focus on areas such as newsroom management, environmental journalism, or special features. Assignments include advanced reading and research. May be repeated to a maximum of 6 credits when topics differ.

JOUR459B Special Topics in Public Relations (3 cr.)
An in-depth study of a specific area in public relations. Topics may focus on areas such as international public relations, crisis communication, campaign management, or special events. Assignments include advanced reading and research. May be repeated to a maximum of 6 credits when topics differ.

JOUR459C Special Topics in Media and Mass Communication (3 cr.)
An in-depth study of a specific area in media and mass communication. Topics may focus on areas such as media literacy, the media industry, media's affect on society, or political campaigns. Assignments include advanced reading and research. May be repeated to a maximum of 6 credits when topics differ.

JOUR486A Internship in Journalism Through Co-op (3 cr.)
Prerequisite: Formal admission to the Co-op program (program requirements are listed on p. 00). An opportunity to combine academic theory with new, career-related experience in journalism. At least 12 hours per week must be devoted to new tasks for a minimum of 180 hours during the Co-op session; four new tasks must be delineated in the Learning Proposal; and the course requirements must be completed. May be repeated upon approval of a new Learning Proposal that demonstrates new tasks and objectives related to journalism and that continues to advance application of academic theory in the workplace. Students may earn up to 15 semester hours in all internship coursework through Co-op toward a first bachelor's degree and up to 9 semester hours toward a second bachelor's degree. Co-op credits may not be used for general education requirements and, unless otherwise specified, no more than 6 Co-op credits may be used in the academic major and minor (combined).

JOUR486B Internship in Journalism Through Co-op (6 cr.)
Prerequisite: Formal admission to the Co-op program (program requirements are listed on p. 00). An opportunity to combine academic theory with new, career-related experience in journalism. At least 20 hours per week must be devoted to new tasks for a total of 300 hours during the Co-op session; five to eight new tasks must be delineated in the Learning Proposal; and the course requirements must be completed. May be repeated upon approval of a new Learning Proposal that demonstrates new tasks and objectives related to journalism and that continues to advance application of academic theory in the workplace. Students may earn up to 15 semester hours in all internship coursework through Co-op toward a first bachelor's degree and up to 9 semester hours toward a second bachelor's degree. Co-op credits may not be used for general education requirements and, unless otherwise specified, no more than 6 Co-op credits may be used in the academic major and minor (combined).