Indiana University School of Journalism

Do the media occupy a “hot” space in audiences’ everyday lives? Without the media, how do we come to know the “who, what, where, when, and why” of newsworthy people and controversies in politics, economics, and entertainment?

The colorful images and words of newspapers, television news and online journalism have created a shared media culture with audiences across the world. Many people encounter the media in airports, cafes, classrooms, living rooms, gyms and in their cars. In the United States, it has become increasingly difficult to avoid or escape media. In this course, we will go behind the curtains of online information, newspaper pages, and television screens to gain a better understanding of how media shape the reality that we sometimes take for granted. This includes media coverage of war, politics and sports, and issues such as media privacy and bias.

Sports Journalism will take a look at the history of covering sports, from the “'golden age” of sports writing to today. Special emphasis will be placed on the evolution of ESPN and similar sports networks and how sports coverage changed from highlight clips to half hour shows. The class also will cover 'new media' coverage of sports on the web and on social media sites and the development of 'bloggers' and other web-based writers as accredited media.

Survey of the institutions of journalism and mass communication, their philosophical foundations, history, processes, economic realities, and effects. This class is a robust introduction to journalism and mass communication in the United States today. It is a class for students interested in learning more about the role of media in American society and it serves as a prerequisite for further studies in the School of Journalism.

A ten-week online course emphasizing basic research techniques used by media writers to gather information for news releases, newspaper articles, magazine pieces, and other forms of journalistic-style writing. Skills covered include researching Internet and non-Internet sources. Ideally this course is taken concurrently with J 200.

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.

Prerequisite: ENG-W 131 or its equivalent and fundamental computer skills. Working seminar stressing the creation of journalistic stories for diverse audiences. Students will learn to develop story ideas, gather information, combine visual and verbal messages, and to write and edit news.

Taught online through Oncourse Students will explore non-linear methods of storytelling and how Web-based tools can enhance their written work. In addition to building existing skills, they will use photography and embedded audio to create story packages for an online magazine. (This is a required course for students starting at IU before fall 2007.)

Theories of visual communications including human perception, psychology of color, and principles of design. Application of those theories to photography, video, and graphic design in news communication.

The changing world of work means that people entering the job market can no longer rely on traditional job search methods such as on-campus interviews, job fairs, mass mailing of resumes and responding to postings. Most internships and jobs are now found by student-driven methods such as researching employers, networking, informational interviewing and proper follow-up. This course will help students become highly competitive applicants by developing professional etiquette, job search skills and career-related experience. The 8-week course is open only to journalism majors.

Taught via video conference from IUPUI.

This course will introduce students to sports and will take a macroscopic approach in discussing sports' societal influence. It will study sport from a socio-cultural-historical perspective as well as from a contemporary position. It will focus on the converging worlds of print journalism, electronic media, public relations, advertising, documentary, and emerging technologies as expressed in the new commercial reality of sport. Students will have mid-term and final exams and will also write critical analyses and a media journal.

In today's world, design is literally all around us. This course will chart a course through the numerous design revolutions that gave life to the 20th Century, from Modern to Late Modern to Post Modern, and which continue to shape the world we share now. Beginning with the rise of industrial-influenced design in Britain in the early 19th Century, this course will provide students with a deep understanding of the crucial role leading-edge design plays in defining its age, allow them to become conversant with and learn the motivations behind the prevailing trends at any given period, and provide them with the means to reinterpret influential styles in their own work.

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? Topics range from media “outing” to the desexualization of gay spokespeople to the emerging queer youth activist. The goal is to gain a greater understanding of complex issues and the relationship between sexual minorities and the media.

Taught via videoconference from IUPUI. Sports journalism chronicles the seemingly immortal prowess of the games’ brightest stars. It trumpets the titanic showdowns between the best of its gladiators. And, journalists do it all in an attempt to feed America’s insatiable appetite for sports. This course will explore the state and practice of sports journalism, through case studies of some of this decade’s most controversial sports stories. Were sports journalists fair? Did they report these stories with context? Did they explore the larger societal issues? Did they explore the economics behind these stories? Did they portray the characters in these sagas as real people? We will explore these issues through evaluating coverage, reading related texts and talking directly to prominent sports journalists, executives and athletes.

This course looks at the roles and contributions of women in the news—meaning both women who are newsmakers (prime ministers, secretaries of state, etc.) and women in the news industry. Students will examine the challenges women faced “breaking in” to the news business and the challenges that still remain. The course also will explore the unique concerns and opportunities that prominent women, in the news business and in politics and other fields, grapple with every day.

Prerequisite: sophomore standing. History and philosophy of laws pertaining to free press and free speech. Censorship, libel, contempt, obscenity, right of privacy, copyright, government regulations, and business law affecting media operations. Stresses responsibilities and freedoms in a democratic communications system.

Students learn the art and craft of journalistic reporting, writing, photographing, and editing for presentation on the Web. Emphases will include information-gathering for multiple media, organization of information for clarity, and appropriate style for Web-based distribution.

Required introductory course for Advertising.Survey course about the field of advertising with a focus on its function as a means of communication. Learn how marketing, psychology, research, mass media, law and ethics are important to professionals working in the industry. Class will emphasize use of strategy to develop creative advertising.

Required introductory course for Public Relations.Survey course about the theory and practice of public relations. Examines public relations' function within organizations, its impact on publics and its role in society. Topics include the evolution of the field, the range of roles and responsibilities that public relations practitioners assume in a variety of settings, ethics, and significant issues and trends that have shaped the practice. Course provides a foundation for more advanced study in the field. Also useful for those planning another professional or managerial career that requires an understanding of public relations concepts and management practices.

Techniques of gathering, analyzing, and writing news and features for newspapers. Practice in interviewing, observation, and use of documentary references that include computer information retrieval and analysis skills.

Techniques of gathering, analyzing, and writing material for specialized and general circulation magazines. Practice in interviewing, observation, and use of documentary references that include computer information retrieval and analysis skills.

Techniques of gathering, analyzing, and writing news and features for broadcast. Practice in interviewing, observation, and use of documentary references that include computer information retrieval and analysis skills.

This is an intermediate photojournalism course focusing on the basics of light, camera operation, and the use of the digital darkroom. It includes instruction in spot news and feature photography as well as instruction in ethics, privacy, and law.

Student must have their own camera.

Develop the professional writing skills expected of beginning public relations practitioners, including different approaches required for a variety of audiences and media. Focus on the basics of good writing as well as the art of writing. Brush up on AP style. Learn how to work effectively with clients. This course is a service learning course.

Course meets at

Hirons and Company Advertising, Inc.

555 N. Morton

Bloomington, IN

Workshop in fundamentals of editing newspapers, including both individual and team projects. Emphasis on news judgment, fairness, accuracy, editorial balance, and language usage. Practice in writing news summaries, editing copy, writing headlines, laying out pages, and using computer editing technology.

Workshop in fundamentals of editing specialized and general interest publications. Individual and team functions are stressed. Attention is given to editorial voice and judgment, fairness, accuracy, and language usage. Practice in writing headlines and titles, layout, design, and use of computer editing technology.

Continuing workshop in reporting, writing, and editing for broadcast. Individual and team functions are stressed. Emphasis on news judgment, fairness, accuracy, editorial balance, and language usage. Practice in editing copy, audio and video tape.

This course teaches professional level sound editing and writing for broadcast. All students publish three news stories through a local professional station. Students also have the opportunity to publish their final audio features at a professional level and with American Student Radio, a new, national broadcast and new media publication at the j-school. You have the whole semester to report, record, edit and submit this audio feature. National NPR reporters and producers teach five of the classes. Speakers regularly join us from NPR's All Things Considered, Radiolab and Weekend Edition Saturday. Audio Storytelling students are automatically qualified to enroll in Radio Innovation and take a larger role in American Student Radio.

Contact instructor Sarah Neal Estes if you have questions.

Are you interested in writing about cutting-edge science topics, from global warming to evolution to intelligent design? Throughout the semester we will think creatively about science and cover stories that matter to a changing world. Understanding and communicating scientific concepts are highly demanded skills in both journalism and science related fields. The purpose of this course is to introduce you to the basic skills and knowledge required of a science journalist. We will learn to communicate science effectively, translate scientific jargon for the general public, as well as discuss how science journalists influence news coverage of controversial scientific concepts.

Prerequisite: C- or above in one of the following: J341, J342, J351, J352 or J463; or significant magazine writing or design experience. Junior/senior standing. Registration by permission of instructor.

Students in this advanced class will produce a print and online magazine that covers intriguing people, places and moments in history in Southern Indiana. Students will report, write and edit stories, take photographs and design pages. The class will be limited in size. To apply, students should electronically submit a brief description of their magazine-related classes and experience along with a short explanation of why they’re interested in the course. Applications (no more than 250 words) should be sent to Nancy Comiskey at ncomiske@indiana.edu by October 5.

This class taught via videoconference from IUPUI. This upper-level course will study sports journalism’s key policies, trends, and issues. It will examine sociological, political, legal, ethical, and technological issues in college and professional sports. It will focus on current events and controversies in the world of sports journalism. This course will discuss the symbiotic relationship between sport media and race, gender, doping, steroids, sexuality and homophobia, politics and nationalism, sports fans, loyalty, and violence, disability in sport, and other provocative issues. The class will include discussions in a seminar format integrating lectures, debates, and questions. Students will turn in critical analyses, a media journal, and will conclude the semester with a presentation and final paper or project.

Terry Hutchens, the instructor, is a sports writer for the Indianapolis Star and his beat is IU sports. This class will offer an overview of sports writing from its origins to its current status in the twenty-first century. The course will enable you to learn fundamentals of the sports writing process from information gathering and interviewing to writing and editing copy. You will gain skills necessary for working in today’s sport departments and will also learn how to critically analyze others’ articles. This class is about writing well and grammar counts! You must convey your story clearly, accurately and creatively.

This course will teach students the core skills required for professional web design (primarily HTML and CSS), introduce students to the framework of web-based visual and information communication, and better prepare them for self-promotion and communications work in the digital “new media” world.

Prerequisite: At lease sophomore standing. J210 with a grade of C- or better. Hands-on experiences in reporting, editing and presenting stories in images, sound and spoken word. Goes beyond basic skills with advanced cameras and software. Create projects including Podcast, Audio slideshow, web video, and Portfolio website to display projects.

Survey and analysis of how news and entertainment media represent issues of race and gender. History of women and people of color as media professionals and media consumers. Discussion of contemporary problems and potential solutions.

Study and practice in using techniques of social science and traditional methods of investigative reporting. Class will plan, write and edit news stories in depth.

Professor French and Professor Kelly are trying a unique journalism approach this spring called Depth Journalism: Words and Pictures. It’s actually two courses. Jim Kelly will offer J 460 Depth Photojournalism and Tom French will offer J 401 Depth Reporting & Editing. Each photographer in Depth Photojournalism will be paired with a reporter from Depth Reporting and Editing to form reporting teams. Together these two person teams will brainstorm and research story ideas, conduct interviews and attend events. By the end of the semester, each team will have jointly produced multimedia stories that combine the talents of two journalists contributing words and pictures. The two classes will join up on Wednesdays so that the reporting teams can provide the entire group with updates on the stories they are pursuing.

Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing. Students study the law relating to the content of news media and the processes by which that content is created. Discussion includes the legal issues triggered by story framing, selection of sources, interviewing, photography, and access to information. The course involves reading and research using primary legal materials.

Prerequisite: Senior standing. Examination of the functions and impact of the mass media in society with primary focus on the United States. Discussion of the values of media organizations and the professional and ethical values of journalists. Critical analysis of the relationship of the media and society and the effect of political, economic, and cultural factors on the operation of the media.

Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing. Structure and function of international communication systems and barrier to flow of information among nations. Emphasis on gathering and disseminating information around the world. Study of the major newspapers of the world, international news agencies, and international broadcasting and satellite networks.

A study of literary forms and techniques used in journalism. Topics to be considered include formal considerations such as voice and structure, reporting methods, and ethical issues. Students will supplement reading with writing experimental pieces of their own.

Professor Hans Ibold will guide students through the world of social media and new technologies. The class includes attending South by Southwest Interactive Festival in Austin, Texas, where students attend conference sessions with professionals on the bleeding edge of new media innovation, meet high-profile journalists and new media professionals, and explore the local art and music.

Travel over spring break is a required component of this course. Travel for this course is dictated by the dates of the SXSW conference; please note that some days of regular coursework will be missed.

Prerequisite: journalism major in good standing. Covers the life and times of Ernie Pyle. The class will include Spring Break travel to Europe, and will be led by Professor Owen V. Johnson, an Ernie Pyle historian. The week in Europe will include travel to London, Normandy and Paris. Students will visit the Imperial War Museum, St. Paul's Cathedral, the Cabinet War Rooms, historic Omaha and Utah beaches, the American cemetery and Mont-Saint-Michel.

Travel over spring break is a required component of this course.

By permission only. Limited to Journalism majors.

Professor Joe Coleman will join students on a reporting mission to Japan. Focusing on working with survivors of the atomic bombs, travel will include Tokyo and Hiroshima. Students will learn about the media issues surrounding reporting abroad, covering major international issues, informing international audiences and localizing international issues for a domestic audience.

Travel over spring break is a required component of this course.

Professor Lars Willnat will help students explore the differences between the western-style free press and state-sponsored media in China. Students will develop a better understanding of the history, functions and current state of media in China. Over spring break, students will visit Beijing, explore Chinese media organizations, meet with Chinese journalism students, and experience Chinese culture first-hand.

Travel over spring break is a required component of this course.

Professor Bonnie Brownlee will help students explore the media environment in Latin America, and specifically Chile. Students will spend the semester studying issues in an assigned country, and then will together explore the media environment in Santiago in May, including meeting their Chilean counterparts.

Travel after the spring semester, May 8-18,2012, is a required component of this course. However, this is still a spring semester course.

Intensive practice in producing effective advertising concepts, copy, and design prototypes for newspaper, magazine, direct mail, outdoor, radio, television, and converged campaigns.

Prerequisite: 12 credit hours of journalism. Corequisite: J403. Lectures, projects and discussion on legal and ethical aspects of advising school media and on designing, producing and financing school-produced student media, including print, broadcast and online media. Required for Education 2nd concentration.

Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing.

Theories and principles relevant to public relations research and strategic planning, including development of goals and objectives, client relationships, budgets, and research methods.

How to develop a campaign proposal to meet a client's business objectives and how to pitch it. Part of the course focuses on media relations and crisis communications training.

This seminar focuses on how a nonprofit organization creates images, and how it shapes its programs and goals to gain public support. Assignments and readings are designed to foster a practical understanding of promotional techniques and campaigns using journalistic and other media.

Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing. Seminar in current developments in advertising as an economic and social force. Examines contemporary issues in the profession. Students will conduct independent and original research projects.

Prerequisite: At least junior standing. American social-intellectual history integrated with the story of news media development, emphasizing the historical relationship of the mass media to American social, economic, and cultural patterns and developments. Origin, growth, shortcomings, and achievements of media. Impact of society on the media and vice versa.

This class provides hands-on experience in planning, developing, creating, and evaluating persuasive brand communication campaigns that coordinate the disciplines of advertising, public relations, direct marketing, digital, Internet, and social media. The IMC approach highlights the contemporary practice of building brands, marketing products, and helping to shape public opinion by focusing on well defined and targeted marketing segments rather than the exclusive use of mass-marketing tactics. The student will participate in developing integrated communication campaigns by planning and executing creative concepts and messages targeted to consumers through the most effective and efficient media channels. The goal of integrated marketing communication is to build quantifiable long-term brand and shareholder value demonstrating a return on communication investment.

Professor French and Professor Kelly are trying a unique journalism approach this spring called Depth Journalism: Words and Pictures. It’s actually two courses. Jim Kelly will offer J 460 Depth Photojournalism and Tom French will offer J 401 Depth Reporting & Editing. Each photographer in Depth Photojournalism will be paired with a reporter from Depth Reporting and Editing to form reporting teams. Together these two person teams will brainstorm and research story ideas, conduct interviews and attend events. By the end of the semester, each team will have jointly produced multimedia stories that combine the talents of two journalists contributing words and pictures. The two classes will join up on Wednesdays so that the reporting teams can provide the entire group with updates on the stories they are pursuing.

Introduction of the basic tools of photographic illustration for advertising, public relations, and editorial illustration. There course will involve lecture, discussion, studio, location, and laboratory work to produce digital still (and possibly video) images for commercial, advertising, and editorial content for print and web. Emphasis on concept generation and studio and location lighting. The course includes photographic approaches to environmental portraiture, groups, institutions, homes, fashion, products, and still life as the basic entrepreneurial skills and practices needed to succeed as a freelance photographer.

The course also requires a capstone project for student portfolios. Professor Raymer brings to the course more than 40 years of experience as a visual journalist and photographer, including 24 years as a National Geographic staff photographer and many years of work as a freelance for clients ranging from health care to automotive companies.

This course is the think tank for American Student Radio, a new, national broadcast and new media publication. Students work to discover new, innovative ways to produce and promote brilliant, balanced and useful online journalism. In this course, students choose a role in planning, improving and sustaining entire show formats - topic/content plans (sports, music, entertainment, feature writing and news), reporter org charts, on air talent, engineering, marketing plans, online layout, photography, everything. Students will study and analyze current online media and work directly with national professionals - from Rolling Stone, to National Public Radio, to ESPN.

Course provides students with training in the coverage of the arts. Writing assignments range from feature articles to news to criticism for the journalistic media. Course includes coverage of issues revolving around the arts and society. Of value also to those who plan to write about the arts for promotion or development purposes. Close attention is given to information gathering and writing. Good opportunity for a student to sharpen writing skills in an area of special interest

P: J341, J342, or J343 and instructor permission required.

This advanced reporting and writing class will hone narrative skills through intensive coaching. In a workshop setting, French will critique stories in class and will meet one-on-one with students to help develop their stories for publication, either in print or online. Due to the extensive amount of individualized coaching, this will be a small class, with room for only a handful of students. To apply, submit three stories published or written for another class and a brief (no more than one page) description of why you’d like to take this course to French by October 5.

Surveys twentieth-century photography as a medium of art and communication. Considers portraiture, landscape, still life, the nude, conceptual photography, the social documentary tradition, the magazine picture story, fashion, advertising, and war photography. Examines the impact of post modern theories on photographic practice and the understanding of photography.

This graphic design course incorporates electronic photo editing, graphics, and page design. Students are instructed in design theory, computer publishing skills, and creative problem solving.

This advanced design course builds on Graphic Design I and incorporates advanced work in color, type design, computer illustration, creative problem solving, and an introduction to production.

Capstone, clinical experience that models the professional practices and service offerings of world-class integrated marketing communication media agencies. Implement public relations/advertising services for real clients through service learning. Professional skills, proficiencies, and best practices through hands-on learning. May be repeated once for credit.

Prerequisite: prior approval of internship coordinator; journalism majors only.

Supervised professional experience in communications media. May be repeated, but a student may take no more than 3 credit hours total of internship credit for the B.A.J. degree, either through journalism or any other academic unit.

Prerequisite: consent of the School of Journalism dean. Planning of research project during year preceding summer abroad. Time spent in research abroad must amount to at least one week for each credit hour granted. Research paper must be presented by end of semester following foreign study.

Prerequisite: consent of the School of Journalism dean. Opportunity for independent reading, research, and experimentation on relevant issues in mass communications. Work with faculty member on individual basis. (May take twice for a total of 4 credits. No more than 3 credits at one time.)