Mass Communication and Journalism
(MCJ)
1. Introduction to Media and Society (3)
Surveys structures and practices of U.S. mass media industries; examines
historical, legal, economic, political, and social contexts of mass media;
analyzes the effects of mass communication in our society. (Formerly Jour
1; TCOM 10)
5. Basic Editing (3)
Open only to mass communication and journalism majors. Recommended for all
majors who do not pass the Department Qualification Exam. Application of
basic language skills to media writing and editing. (Formerly Jour 5)
10. Media Writing (3)
Prerequisites: pass Language Qualification Exam, Engl 1. Preparation
of written mes-sages for the print and electronic media and for related
industries such as public relations and advertising. Introduces techniques
of writing news stories, press releases, advertisements, commercials, public
ser-vice announcements, and other media assignments. (2 lecture, 4 lab hours)
(Computer lab fee, $15) (Formerly Jour 8; TCOM 120) (CAN JOUR 2)
17. Beginning Photojournalism (3)
Survey and instruction in beginning photojournalism. Characteristics of
the journalistic photograph and its role in publications. Instruction in
use of cameras and laboratory technique for black-and -white photographs.
(2 lecture, 3 lab hours; arranged hours) (Formerly Jour 17)
100. Media Practices and Professions (3)
Prerequisite: MCJ 1 or equivalent. Examines current trends, problems, and
issues facing mass media professionals, including career opportunities in
various communication fields. (Formerly TCOM 110)
102W. Reporting (3)
Prerequisites: pass Department Qualification Exam, satisfactory completion
(C or better) of the Engl 1 graduation requirement, must have completed
56 units. Analysis of news sources; techniques of interviewing applied to
specific reporting situations; coverage of campus and community functions
in the preparation of articles for the media. Meets the upper-division writing
skills requirement for graduation. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours; arranged hours)
(Computer lab fee, $15) (Formerly Jour 100W)
103. Advanced Reporting (3; max total 6)
Prerequisites: pass Language.Qualification Exam, MCJ 10, 102W, Engl 1, 70
units completed or permission of instructor. Practice in handling advanced
news writing and reporting assignments in a newsroom environment; preparation
of interpretative and investigative articles for the media. Department newspaper
used for laboratory purposes. (8 lab hours, 4 hours arranged) (Computer
lab fee, $15) (Formerly Jour 110)
104. Editing of Publications (3)
Prerequisites: pass Language Qualification Exam, MCJ 110. Preparation of
copy, headlines, and photos for newspapers and other publications; advanced
concepts of grammar and style; legal and ethical issues of publications;
basic publications layout and graphic design. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours; arranged
hours) (Computer lab fee, $15) (Formerly Jour 114)
105. Newspaper Workshop (3; max total 6)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Practice in editorial leadership,
newspaper writing assignments, and newspaper production techniques. Department
newspaper used for laboratory purposes. (1 lab hour, 10 hours arranged)
(Formerly Jour 120)
106. Desktop Publishing (3)
Survey, design, and editing of specialized publications such as newsletters,
brochures, and other materials for editorial, advertising, and public relations
purposes. Emphasis on computerized production techniques. (2 lecture, 3
lab hours; arranged hours) (Computer lab fee, $15) (Formerly Jour 106)
107W. Magazine Feature Writing (3)
Prerequisites: pass Language Qualification Exam, Engl 1. Writing and marketing
feature material for magazines, newspaper supplements, and syndicates. Meets
the upper-division writing skills requirement for graduation. (Formerly
Jour 124W)
108. In-Depth Reporting (3)
Prerequisites: pass Language Qualification Exam, MCJ 102W, Engl 1. Advanced
reporting for the media; emphasis on covering community sources and issues,
including politics, local government, courts and law enforcement. (2 lecture,
4 lab hours) (Computer lab fee, $15) (Formerly Jour 188)
112. Audio Production (4)
Lectures and laboratory experiences in the design and execution of audio-based
programs, as used in the telecommunications industries. (2 lecture, 3 lab
hours; 1 arranged hour) (Formerly TCOM 30; TCOM 103)
113. Video Production (4)
Lectures and laboratory experiences in the design and execution of video
programs, as developed in studio environments. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours;
1 arranged hour) (Formerly TCOM 50; TCOM 105)
114. Radio Operations Practicum (1; max total 2)
Prerequisites: MCJ 1 or equivalent' permission of instructor. Enrollees
participate in operation of the university FM radio station, on a scheduled
basis, and under supervision of department faculty. CR/NC grading only.
(1 lab, 4 arranged hours) (Formerly TCOM 131)
115. Electronic Field Production (4)
Lecture and discussion of field-production techniques as used in ENG/EFP;
preproduction planning, production execution, and postproduction processes.
Field assignments required. (4 hours lecture, discussion, demonstration;
outside projects required) (Formerly TCOM 70; TCOM 107)
116. Advanced Video Production and Directing (3)
Prerequisites: Drama 34, MCJ 1, 113, and 115 or equivalents; B or better
in production courses. Development of critical and creative skills; study
of production theory and practice; planning and producing for the director's
role. Laboratory goal: air-worthy products for closed-circuit, cable, or
broadcast distribution. (1 lecture, 6 lab hours; arranged hours) (Formerly
TCOM 150)
117. Television Operations Practicum (1; max total 2)
Prerequisites: MCJ 116 or equivalent; permission of instructor.
Enrollees participate in television studio operations on campus and in the
media community, on a scheduled basis, under instruction and supervision
of department faculty. CR/NC grading only. (1 lecture, 4 lab; arranged hours)
(Formerly TCOM 150)
118. Corporate Video (3)
Prerequisites: MCJ 10, 113, and 115 or equivalents, with B or better. Advanced
study of the planning, organization, and execution of video field-production
techniques as used in corporate video and documentary program production;
single-camera, film-style video techniques and postproduction. (2 lecture,
3 lab hours; arranged hours) (Formerly TCOM 170)
119. Broadcast Media Projects (3; max total 6)
Prerequisites: senior status in major; permission of instructor. Creative
group projects in radio, television, film; public showing/airing or other
distribution required. (6-8 arranged hours) (Formerly TCOM 189)
124. Broadcast News Writing (3)
Prerequisites: pass Department Qualification Exam, Engl 1. Gathering, writing,
and editing news for the broadcast media. (2 lecture, 4 lab hours) (Computer
lab fee, $15) (Formerly Jour 128)
126. Media Performance (3)
Prerequisite: completion of Drama 22 or Spch 3 or equivalents. Basic theories
and techniques of broadcast and film performance. Lectures and laboratory
experiences in vocal and visual aspects of performance; media characteristics
and requirements; analysis and preparation of material for media performance.
(2 lecture, 3 lab hours; arranged hours) (Formerly TCOM 80; TCOM 108)
128. News/Public Affairs Production (3)
Prerequisites: MCJ 124 or equivalent; permission of instructor. Study of
local news operations and programming, use of sources and resources, news
policy, and editorial responsibility, management, and control. Planning
and producing news for presentation on the university closed-circuit channel.
(2 lecture, 4 lab hours; arranged hours) (Formerly Jour 153; TCOM 153)
130. Screenwriting (3; max total 9)
(See Drama 130.)
132. Photo Editing (3)
Study of photographs and other visual elements in publications; principles
of graphic design. Practical experience in selecting photographs and design
elements for content, aesthetic values, and technical quality. (3 lecture,
2 lab hours) (Formerly Jour 116)
134. Intermediate Photojournalism (3)
Prerequisite: MCJ 17. Study and practice of photojournalism; evaluation
of photographs for publication; field and laboratory experience; emphasis
on lighting, lenses, and special processing methods. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours;
arranged hours) (Formerly Jour 117)
135. Multimedia Journalism (3)
Survey and practice in multimedia communications especially as a public
relations or advertising tool. Emphasis placed on slide-tape and its production.
(Formerly Jour 127)
138. Advanced Photojournalism (3; max total 6)
Prerequisites: MCJ 17, 134, and permission of instructor. Individualized
study and practice in advanced skills, including lighting, color, laboratory
techniques, and electronic imagery. (1 seminar, 3 arranged hours) (Formerly
Jour 187)
142. Advertising Procedures (3)
Overview of all aspects of the field of advertising. Study of history, agent-client
relationships, media, relationship to the behavioral sciences, production
of copy and layouts, and advertising legislation and responsibility. (Formerly
Jour 145)
143. Newspaper Advertising Staff (3; max total 6)
Prerequisite: MCJ 142. Selling and servicing accounts and creating and producing
advertisements for the department's laboratory newspaper. (Formerly Jour
146)
144. Print Advertising Copy Writing (3)
Prerequisites: pass Language Qualification Exam, MCJ 142. Print advertising
copy writing for a variety of print media. The role of the copy writer;
development of creative strategy; laws regulating advertising. (Formerly
Jour 155)
146. Advertising Media (3)
Prerequisite: MCJ 142. Media planning and buying for advertising media.
Evaluating and selecting media to meet specific marketing and communication
goals; designing specific media plans and making buys in various media.
(Formerly Jour 160)
147. Broadcast Advertising Copy Writing (3)
Prerequisite: MCJ 142. Radio and television advertising copy writing. Technical
and format considerations; the role of the broadcast copy writer; development
of creative strategy; laws regulating advertising. (Formerly Jour 165)
148. Advertising Campaigns (3)
Prerequisites: MCJ 142 and 144 or 146. Background, research, planning, and
preparation of national advertising campaign as advertising agency with
client-agency set-up; marketing plan and creative execution. (3 lecture,
2 lab hours) (Formerly Jour 175)
152. Public Relations (3)
Development of public relations practice; principles and methods; application
in business, education, and other fields. (Formerly Jour 113)
158. Public Relations Strategies and Techniques (3)
Prerequisites: pass Department Qualification Exam, MCJ 102W, 152, Engl 1.
Study of effective publicity methods and assessment of public relations
programs and problems in business, philanthropy, and public institutions.
(Formerly Jour 173)
162. Media Issues and Effects (3)
Prerequisites: MCJ 1, 100. An examination of mass media effects on indlviduals
and society; an assessment of industry and public views of media impact.
The focus is on academic perspectives. (Formerly Jour 186; TCOM 140)
163. Radio/TV as Popular Culture (3)
Prerequisite: must have completed 56 units. A consideration of the media
as popular cultural arts through study of development of program forms,
social influences. Term paper required. General Education CAPSTONE Cluster
course. (Formerly TCOM 163)
164. Media Consumer Analysis (4)
Study of survey research methods as used in program ratings, opinion analysis
and tracking, and message assessment in radio, television, advertising,
and public opinion. Project participation required. (Formerly TCOM 145)
165. News/Public Affairs Analysis (3)
Study of methods of content analysis as used to evaluate program, newspaper,
and magazine content for emphasis, bias,. styles, and comparison. Project
participation required. (Former TCOM 148)
166. Film/Television Criticism (3)
Study of traditional and new critical approaches to film and their application
to television; analysis and interpretation of films and television programs
through humanist critical methodology. (Formerly TCOM 173)
167. Public Opinion Research (3)
Examination of public opinion from both theoretical and practical perspectives;
role of public opinion in news, advertising, and public relations; methods
of assessing opinion, behavior, and media effects. (Formerly Jour 183)
168. Cultural Studies of Mass Media (3)
A critical examination of the changing relationships between the mass media
and culture in all its expressive forms through the use of contemporary
methods of cultural studies research and of the effects of communications
technology on culture, society, and individual consciousness. (Formerly
TCOM 167T section)
172. Media Law (3)
Study of federal and state laws and regulations that apply to the media,
covering such topics as freedom of information, libel, right to privacy,
fair trial-free press, copyright, obscenity and indecency, advertising regulation,
and broadcast law and regulation. (Formerly Jour 181; TCOM 160)
173. Media Ethics (3)
Study of ethical choices in the context of the political, social, and economic
structure of U.S. communications systems. Also emphasizes applying traditional
ethical theories to current media issues and problems. (Formerly Jour 180)
174. History of Mass Media (3)
Historical background of American media from colonial to modern times. (Formerly
Jour 184)
175. Media Stereotypes (3)
Prerequisite: MCJ 1, upper-division standing. Survey of dominant media stereotypes
involving people of color, women and men, aged, and others. Analysis of
economic, social, and political factors that shape and maintain media stereotypes;
effects of stereotypes. Roles of minorities and women in media industries.
(Formerly Jour 115; TCOM 115)
176. International Media (3)
A study of the roles media and new information technologies play in the
national development of industrialized and Third World nations and in their
international relations. (Formerly Jour 182; TCOM 167T)
177T. Media Topics (3; max total 6)
Prerequisites: MCJ 1, upper-division standing. Topics explore various aspects
of the relationships between media and society in national and international
arenas. (For merly Jour 139T; TCOM 167T)
178. New Information Technologies (3)
Addresses the technological, philosophical, and sociological impacts of
electronic media. Particular attention is given to understanding how the
technology developed and how it operates. Designed to provide a better understanding
of the issues confronting new information technologies in a changing society.
(Formerly TCOM 167T section)
182. Broadcast Programming (3)
Study of strategies and practices in programming radio and television stations
and cable television operations. Lecture, discussion, and analysis/evaluation
are primary course methods. Term project and paper required. (Formerly TCOM
165)
186. Radio-Management Practicum (1; max total 2)
Prerequisite: MCJ 114 or permission of instructor. Enrollees participate
in management of the university FM radio station with a specific, assigned
responsibility for an operational element, under faculty supervision. (Formerly
TCOM 191)
188. Proseminar in Broadcast Media Management (3)
Prerequisites: B A 120 and MCJ 172 or equivalents; permission of instructor.
Organization, operation, and administration of radio and television stations
and cable television facilities; correlation of department functions within
stations; relationship to regulatory agencies and the marketplace. Term
project required. (Formerly TCOM 185)
190. Independent Study (1-3; max see reference)
See Academic Placement -- Independent Study. Approved for SP grading. (Formerly
Jour 190; TCOM 190)
191. Internship (3)
Prerequisites: senior standing in the major with 2.5 GPA, permission of
instructor. Applied practical experience in an appropriate media outlet,
recording studio, production company, advertising agency, or public relations
firm with on-the-job and faculty supervision/instruction. Conferences and
reports required. CR/NC grading only. (Formerly Jour 129, 193, 196, 197,
198, 199; TCOM 186)
Mass Communication (M Com)
200. Historical and Critical Research Methods (3)
(Core) A seminar in historical and critical research methods, including
cultural studies and legal research, and their underlying philosophical
bases. Papers required.
201. Quantitative Research Methods (3)
(Core) A survey of philosophies of modern research and of quantitative-empirical
research methods used in studies of mass communications phenomena, including
experiment, field survey, and content analysis. Papers required.
202. Mass Communication Theories (3)
(Core) A study of the nature and structure of theory and of theoretical
literature in mass communications and related fields. Papers required.
204T. Seminar in Journalism (3; max total 9)
Seminar in a print media topic: government information policy, news media
and urban affairs, social responsibility in public relations, magazine influence
in America.
205T. Seminar in Radio-Television (3; max total 9)
Seminar in an electronic media topic: current regulatory issues, mass media
and social influence, comparative and international broadcasting, film as
social comment, issues in media management.
230. Mass Media Criticism (3)
A study of modern critical techniques and theories and types of critical
analyses, and their application to the various mass media forms; and the
development of ethical, artistic, and critical standards for the evaluation
of media texts. Papers required.
290. Independent Study (1-3; max total 6)
See Academic Placement -- Independent Study. Approved for SP grading.
299. Thesis (6)
Prerequisite: See Criteria for Thesis and Project. Preparation, completion,
and submission of an acceptable thesis for the master's degree. Approved
for SP grading.