Journalism Courses
JR 112. News Writing: Print
This course introduces students to the techniques of gathering,
writing and editing news for print media. (U)(3)
JR 113. News Writing: Electronic
This course introduces the student to the techniques
of gathering, writing and editing news for broadcast media. The
emphasis is on broadcast style, basic aspects of writing news for
radio and television and broadcast news operations. (U)(3)
JR 212. Multimedia Journalism 1
The application of beat reporting assignments in a converged
media environment. Prerequisites: C- or above in JR 112, JR113 and
CME 106 or CME 108. (U)(3)
JR 213. Electronic Journalism
This course concentrates on television reporting skills.
Students learn to use portable cameras, audio equipment and
lighting equipment to gather and produce news stories for
television. Prerequisites: C- or above in JR 113. (U)(3)
JR 309. Feature Writing
This course focuses on crafting feature stories that give
readers a sense of place, knowledge of another human being, and
deeper understanding of an event, trend or issue. Prerequisites: C-
or above in JR 112. (U)(3)
JR 310. Producing the Television News
Techniques of producing, shooting and editing news for
television. Prerequisites: C- or above in JR 213. (U)(3)
JR 311. Visual Storytelling and Design
This course focuses on the art of telling a story through a
variety of digital techniques, media and design principles.
Prerequisites: C- or above in JR 212 and JR 213. (U)(3)
JR 312w. Multimedia Journalism 2
Coverage of city, county and state government and public
education in a converged media environment. Prerequisites: C- or
above in JR 212 and JR213. (U)(3)
JR 313. Advanced Reporting
The course concentrates on advanced reporting techniques for the
electronic media. Emphasis is placed on writing and on-air
presentation as well as strong production values. Prerequisite: C-
or above in JR213. (U)(3)
JR 315. News Photography
A professional journalism course teaching the importance of the
visual image for communicating ideas and information with emphasis
on the development of photojournalistic skills. Instruction covers
the basic photographic concepts, digital camera handling, and the
aesthetics of photography. A digital camera will be provided with a
rental fee. Prerequisites: C- or above in JR 112. (U)(3)
JR 317. Editorial Writing
Editorial writing focuses on opinion writing for print media,
concentrating on editorials, columns and reviews. Course
participants will be taught the fundamentals of researching and
writing opinion pieces. Students who complete the course will have
enhanced skills in gathering and analyzing information, and in
writing to inform, entertain and persuade readers. Prerequisites:
C- or above in JR112. (U)(3)
JR 333. Performance Lab
Participation in on-camera experiences using university
facilities and field experiences in the Indianapolis community.
Prerequisites: C- or above in JR112 and JR113 (U)(3) or permission
of instructor.
JR 350, 352, 353. Media Internship
All journalism majors are required to complete an internship
during one semester of their junior or senior years. The internship
program includes one-on-one assistance with resume preparation,
selection of internship possibilities, interview skills and a group
orientation session prior to beginning the internship. At the
conclusion of the semester, the student will also have prepared a
professional presented portfolio of projects completed during the
internship. Prerequisites: C- or above in JR212 and JR213. (U)(1,
3, or 6)
JR355. Sports Journalism
This course provides a foundation for reporting and writing
about sports in an urban setting. Prerequisites: C- or above in
JR112. (U)(3)
JR357. Web Design for an Interactive Age
This introductory course on web design focuses on website
development techniques and skills. Students will learn web-based
software and other critical web basics. The course includes writing
for the web, design and best practices. Prerequisites: C- or above
in JR112 (U)(3)
JR 401, 402, 403. Independent Study
An independent study provides an opportunity for qualified
students to pursue a topic of individual interest. Open to juniors
and seniors with permission of director of the School of
Journalism. (U) (1, 2, 3)
JR 407. Sportscasting
Concentrates on advance techniques in sports coverage for the
electronic media. Emphasis is placed on writing and on-camera
presentation as well as strong production values. Prerequisites:
JR313 or permission of instructor. (U) (3)
JR 409. Media Economics and Regulation
An overview of the economic and regulatory concepts that have a
distinct application on the structure and performance of media
industries. Prerequisites: junior standing and approval of
instructor. (U)(3)
JR 412w. In-depth Journalism
This capstone experience focuses on creating an in-depth,
long-form reporting project that is disseminated in one of a
variety of media formats depending on the career interest and
special skills of the student. Prerequisites: C- or above in JR312.
(U)(3)
JR 414. Mass Communications Law
Study of the major legal principles and standards underlying the
free speech/press clause of the First Amendment as well as the
major legal issues confronting mass communicators, including libel,
invasion of privacy, access to information, trespass, hidden
cameras and wiretapping, journalist privilege, free press/fair
trial, commercial speech and intellectual property law.
Prerequisite: junior or senior standing. (U)(3)
JR 415. History and Literature of Journalism
The historical development of the press and the literature of
the field. Historical trends and press freedom, from colonial times
to present. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing. (U)(3)
JR 416. Mass Communications in Society
The role of mass media in society and its social determinants,
government and social utility, ethics, values and problems.
Prerequisites: junior or senior standing. (U)(3)
JR 417. International Communication
This course introduces students to important issues and topics
in international communication in the era of globalization.
Prerequisites: junior or senior standing. (U)(3)
JR 420c. Mass Communication Ethics
Focuses on the application of ethical frameworks to ethical
dilemmas faced by the converged news media and advertising and
pubic relations professionals. Students develop skills in analyzing
ethical issues and making ethical decisions. Prerequisites: junior
or senior standing. (U)(3)
JR 427. Special Topics in Journalism
The thematic study of contemporary topics and issues in
journalism, this course may be repeated when topics change.
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. (U)(3) Topics may
include:
Converged Journalism
Students will learn how to effectively gather and produce
stories across various media platforms, including print, broadcast
and online. This course starts with the presumption that multiple
distribution media are available for any story produced and focuses
on the various ways to use media to communicate information.
Database Investigations
This course introduces students to how journalists use computer
databases to produce investigative stories. Students will learn the
basics of computer-assisted reporting, using software tools such as
Microsoft Excel, Access and SPSS. The course will cover how to find
database sources, how to ask good questions and use the data to
find answers, how to set up an investigation and how to write the
story.
Magazine Journalism
This course explores the current magazine landscape and focuses
on magazine structure, writing and visual presentation.
News and Media Art
This course will focus on the media and methods for graphically
communicating the stories and experiences that happen around us
each day. The course will cover infographics, creative page layout,
fact boxes, photography and photo correction, Photoshop montage,
stock photography and several other graphic approaches used to
visually communicate stories in the news and media.
JR 499. Honor Thesis
For more information: University Honors
Program