Indiana University

Indiana University School of Journalism

Register now for second eight weeks courses

SoJ Web Report | Sept. 15, 2011
Four classes are on the schedule for the second eight weeks, and students may register through eAdd or eDrop/eAdd. Second eight weeks week courses begin Oct. 24. Register early as many courses will close by early October or before.

The classes are:

J261 (33148) Crisis Risk and PR Opportunity
9:30-11:30 a.m., Monday and Wednesday, three credits. Journalism elective. Instructor: Bill Oates

How do organizations mitigate reputation damage when they find themselves in the midst of public controversy? How do some assess and manage risks to avoid controversy in the first place? How do advocacy groups and corporate adversaries plan strategic communications to shape public debate on their issues? Answers to these questions are the focus of this eight-week course.

J261 (31580) Sexual Orientation and the News
5:45-7:45 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday, three credits. Journalism elective. Instructor: Zak Szymanski

News coverage of sexual orientation has been reduced to a few narrow issues, including gay marriage, the military and hate crimes. Much of this coverage ignores the history and nuances of these debates and excludes large segments of the LGBT community. Utilizing a mix of mainstream and gay media along with prominent guest speakers, this course will examine: How are sexual minorities portrayed in the news? What is the evolution of sexual orientation in the news? Who determines what a ‘gay’ issue is, and how does that shape public opinion?

J261 (33785) Nukes vs. the Greenhouse? Climate change, nuclear meltdowns and the news media
5:30-7:30 p.m. Monday and Wednesday, three credits. Journalism elective. Instructor: Steve Higgs.

The facts about global climate change, fossil fuels, nuclear power and alternative energy seem clear to any reasonable informed citizen. The earth is warming (with potentially devastating results). Burning fossil fuels is a major cause that warming. Nuclear power is dangerous. Alternative energy is clean and preferred by the public. Yet nothing ever changes. The course will explore the role today's news media play in this apparent failure of the democratic process.

J170 (33047/33048) Wordsmithing.
See schedule for class times. Two credits, journalism elective. Instructors: Professor Bonnie Brownlee or Jeremy Shere.
Workshop on the mechanics of writing and editing. The course builds on the basics, focuses on the practical and strengthens your confidence as a practitioner.

To register, visit the registrar website and click under Drop/Add. Instructions also are available in the Ernie Pyle Hall main office.


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