Intensive review of grammar, word use, spelling, and principles of clear, concise writing.

Fundamentals of news gathering and news writing. Emphasis on language and style used in feature and news stories.

Note: Computer familiarity (MAC-OS) recommended.

Co-requisite: JOUR 20.

Introduction to reasoning skills useful to the journalism major and general education student alike in interpreting and judging information, entertainment and advertising in the mass media. Emphasis on how to assess the quality of news as information, and on how to think critically about the effects of mass-produced culture.

Introduction to the basic concepts of mass communication, including the effects, uses, and functions associated with the goods and services of mass media. Examination of the ways mass media combine with other institutions to affect the organization, design, and comprehension of communication messages, as well as political thought, cultural beliefs, and economic behavior.

Cross Listed: COMS 55; only one may be counted for credit.

Instruction in visualizing datasets using charts, graphs and maps. Students will use spreadsheets to analyze data, along with software and online applications to create data visualizations. Emphasis on visualizations for business, academia and journalism.

Examination of development of major media of mass communication in the U.S. and how the economics, content, regulation and audience use of the media have been affected by the way the media have evolved. Current issues and trends are discussed, as well as possible future development.

Prerequisite: COMS 55/JOUR 55 or equivalent; may be taken concurrently with prerequisite.

Cross Listed: COMS 120; only one may be counted for credit.

Organization and operation of communication media; practice in publicity and public relations techniques. Emphasis on clear writing and correct public relations formats such as releases, PSAs, articles, and speeches.

Prerequisite: JOUR 30; GWAR certification before Fall 09; or WPJ score of 80+; or 3-unit placement in ENGL 109M or ENGL 109W; or 4-unit placement in ENGL 109M or ENGL 109W and co-enrollment in ENGL 109X; or WPJ score 70 or 71 and co-enrollment in ENGL 109X.

Cross listed: COMS 123

Note: Computer familiarity (MAC-OS) recommended.

Principles and techniques of reporting and writing news for radio, television, podcasts, social media, and other emerging media platforms. Field and laboratory experience, including basic multimedia story production.

Prerequisite: JOUR 30

Introduction to the role of the editor in contemporary news production. Instruction in story assigning and digital editing, headline/caption writing, photo/visual selection, identifying story treatments, and web tools including search engine optimization and audience analytics. Lab sessions include story/copy editing, fact-checking exercises, headline/caption writing, photo/visual selection, analysis and application of audience metrics in story assignments, and other editorial work.

Prerequisite: JOUR 20, JOUR 30.

Instruction and practice in journalistic research, interviewing, and reporting skills.

Note: Computer familiarity (MAC-OS) recommended.

Prerequisite: JOUR 20, JOUR 30.

Corequisite: JOUR 130B.

Practice in covering a news beat, producing news and feature stories on a weekly basis. Instruction includes reporting on local government.

Prerequisite: JOUR 30.

Corequisite: JOUR 130A.

Instruction and practice in finding, analyzing, visualizing and using data for journalism.

Prerequisite: JOUR 30; may be taken concurrently.

Concerned with the relationship of mass media to war and the possibilities for peace, with emphasis on recent concepts of political communication.

Cross Listed: GOVT 134; only one may be counted for credit.

Preparation and practice for covering California issues, with a focus on state government and investigative reporting techniques. Culminates with a final project.

Prerequisite: JOUR 20, JOUR 30, JOUR 130A, JOUR 130B; GWAR certification before Fall 09; or WPJ score of 80+; or 3-unit placement in ENGL 109M or ENGL 109W; or 4-unit placement in ENGL 109M or ENGL 109W and co-enrollment in ENGL 109X; or WPJ score 70 or 71 and co-enrollment in ENGL 109X.

Examines the laws, regulations, and ethical principles that govern print, broadcast, and electronic journalism in the U.S. The process by which laws and regulation are enacted and interpreted and the development of socially responsible journalistic practice are discussed.

Cross Listed: COMS 153; only one may be counted for credit

Application of theoretical concepts to the solution of problems for pre-selected non-profit and campus clients by forming small group PR agencies; completing needs assessments; profiling target and secondary audiences; developing and implementing a strategic public relations plan; producing targeted messages for media kits and other uses; developing and evaluating formative and summative evaluation plans; and making formal in-class presentations to peers, clients and invited PR professionals. Students will also learn how to negotiate contracts, maintain client relations, track work on projects and develop timelines and budgets.

Prerequisite: COMS 118 and JOUR 123 or COMS 123 with grade of "C-" or better.

Cross Listed: COMS 158; only one may be counted for credit.

Supervised employment in a company or agency working on journalism-related assignments, arranged through the Department of Communication Studies and the Cooperative Education Program office. Requires preparation of application packet, completion of a 6 month full-time or part-time work assignment, and a written report.

Note: Open only to upper division or graduate students with appropriate course preparation. Units MAY NOT be used to meet the Journalism major or minor. Consent of Communication Studies Department advisor required. No more than 12 units will count toward the degree.

Directed work experience through the internship program with public agencies or with journalistic publications, organizations or agencies. Supervision is provided by both the instructional staff and the cooperating agency.

Note: Student must make arrangements with the internship coordinator upon admittance to the course. Limited to Journalism majors and minors and Government-Journalism majors. No more than six units of JOUR 195 may be counted toward the Journalism major.

Prerequisite: JOUR 130A, JOUR 130B and minimum 2.3 overall GPA.

Fundamentals of gathering, organizing, evaluating and writing sports information in accepted professional style across news media and media relations platforms.

Prerequisite: JOUR 30.

Working as a staff member of the State Hornet news organization. Roles and responsibilities may include writing, reporting, photography, editing, audio/video production, web layout and design, promotions, marketing, distribution, and/or media business management.

Note: Journalism majors are required to take either JOUR 197A, JOUR 197B, or JOUR 195

Pre-requisite: JOUR 30

Individual projects or directed reading open to students who wish to attempt independent work. Faculty approval required.

Note: Journalism majors or minors may submit no more than 6 units of JOUR 199 and JOUR 299 toward their degrees.

Prerequisite: Instructor permission.