Journalism Option, Communication, A.S. Degree

Program Design

The Journalism Option is designed for students interested in pursuing careers in print journalism as correspondents, reporters or feature writers. Students will be expected to build strong writing and communication skills, as well as a broad understanding of history, government, economics, social science and ethics – all areas critical to the practicing journalist. Cooperative Education/Work Experience is required.

Journalism Option Requirements 

Gen Ed ENG* 101: Composition 3
ECN* 101,
ECN* 102 
Principles of Macroeconomics or
Principles of Microeconomics  
3
Gen Ed PSY* 111: General Psychology I 3
COM* 173 Public Speaking 3
Gen Ed Mode 3  3
      Subtotal: 15
COM* 108 Contemporary Issues in Media 3
COM* 222 Reporting and Writing News Stories 3
Gen Ed ENG* 110: Introduction to Literature 3
HIS* 102,
HIS* 202,
HIS* 213  
Western Civilization II or
U.S. History II or
The U.S. Since World War II
3
POL* 111,
POL* 112
American Government or
State and Local Government  
3
      Subtotal: 15
ENG* 200 Advanced Composition 3
COM* 247 Television Writing 3
COM* 201 Introduction to Public Relations 3
Gen Ed MAT* 109 : Quantitative Literacy 3
COM* 295 Internship I  3
      Subtotal: 15
COM* 223 Reporting and Writing Feature Stories 3
COM* 101 Introduction to Mass Communication 3
SOC* 101 Principles of Sociology 3
Gen Ed Mode 1  3
Gen Ed Mode 5  3-4
      Subtotal: 15-16
       Total Credits Required: 60-61

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of all Journalism Option, Communication degree program requirements, graduates will

1. Report and write basic news stories including obituaries, accident/fire/disaster stories, and news conferences and town meetings, using standard news style and applying the concepts of fairness and accuracy.
2. Identify, report and write feature stories.
3. Report and write for television news programming.
4. Operate under the Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics and understand the ethics involved in making journalistic and editorial choices.
5. Choose appropriate sources, conduct interviews and use quotation and attribution correctly.
6. Define and assess the role of the news media within the context of history, government and society.

In addition, the graduate will complete the comprehensive learning outcomes identified with the General Education Component.

Division of Liberal Arts: 860-512-2663

Source: 2008-2009 Course Catalog

Last Update: June 04 2008
For Additional Information, Contact: 860-512-2663