Students in this course will study freedom of the press through the examination of significant court cases, particularly those that have come before the U.S. Supreme Court. Issues to be studied include libel, privacy, prior restraint and free press v. fair trial. In addition, students will study ethical issues, most of which are inseparable from the legal matters to be considered.
Conducted as a workshop, this course emphasizes a step-by-step approach to the business of freelance writing. Students will learn how to select topics and study potential markets in an effort to sell research articles and first-person essays. Students will read, analyze, and study a wide range of articles and writers as they develop their writing style.
Conducted as a workshop, this course considers the theory and practice of writing reviews and opinion pieces. Students will review a variety of popular art forms, and will develop skills in writing editorial and opinion pieces. The study and critique of local and national reviewers and opinion writers will also be included.
A study of American elections, of how the electorate votes and why they vote the way they do. The course examines attitude formation and change, the impact of public opinion on public policy, the media's influence on the political opinions of US citizens and lawmakers, the media's ability to determine which political issues get placed on the public agenda, and the degree to which these issues are presented in an unbiased and objective manner. Presidential elections since 1952 are covered in detail.
The principles and practice of public relations. Lectures, readings, and discussion will introduce students to the theories, techniques, and application of public relations. In addition, case studies and group and individual projects will be used to refine and apply course concepts.
Students will work in a professional setting in the journalistic area of the student's choice, usually involving full- or part-time employment by a cooperating newspaper or magazine, radio or television station, advertising agency or public relations office. Open only to majors and minors. Arranged on an individual basis.
Special Topics in Journalism.