Professional Studies Journalism (MPJO)
MPJO 5000 Ethics in Journalism 3 Credits
Ethics in journalism is not a list of DOs and DON’Ts tacked above your desk that you refer to when someone hands you stolen documents. Ethics in journalism is a series of decisions you make constantly, every day, in the routine exercise of you work. How many sources are enough for this story? What are the implications of referring to “campaign cash” instead of “campaign donations”? How much of the defendant’s quote should I use? This class is therefore intended to explore the myriad grey areas that dominate the way journalists work and live, the blurry lines that divide right from wrong, or, more accurately, divide “probably should” from “probably shouldn’t.” The goal of the class is to help you understand the ethical implications of the choices journalists make, to empower you to navigate the ethical minefield of attempting every day to explain to the world the activities of other people. This course is required for all MPS Journalism students, and must be completed by the second semester in the program. Students must earn a B (3.00) or higher in order to satisfy graduation requirements.
Level: Graduate, Undergraduate
Grading: Main Campus (UGrad, Grad)
Course registration restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Prof Studies (Journalism), Prof Studies (Journalism), Prof Studies (Journalism) or Prof Studies (Journalism).
MPJO 5001 Reporting and News Writing 3 Credits
Journalism begins with basic reporting. This class focuses on the basics of beat reporting, one of the building blocks of any newsroom and journalism career. The class will also take a closer look at the reporting and writing process, from finding an idea to researching it, pitching it and executing it into a publishable article. Students will strive to become experts on the neighborhood they cover through old-school shoe leather reporting and will keep abreast of spot news while learning how to identify and pursue longer-form enterprise stories.
The class will also have a Twitter handle and Facebook page — DChoods — where students will publish routinely and practice writing for social media and cultivating sources and finding story ideas using these new tools. The updates on Twitter and Facebook will not just be news stories, but also tidbits collected during visits to the neighborhood, which should be visited weekly at minimum.
This is a core course of the MPS Journalism program, and students must earn a “B” (83) or higher to pass the course. Please see the Graduate Student Handbook for more details.
The class will also have a Twitter handle and Facebook page — DChoods — where students will publish routinely and practice writing for social media and cultivating sources and finding story ideas using these new tools. The updates on Twitter and Facebook will not just be news stories, but also tidbits collected during visits to the neighborhood, which should be visited weekly at minimum.
This is a core course of the MPS Journalism program, and students must earn a “B” (83) or higher to pass the course. Please see the Graduate Student Handbook for more details.
Level: Graduate, Undergraduate
Prerequisites: (MPJO 508 or MPJO 5008)
Grading: Main Campus (UGrad, Grad)
Course registration restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Prof Studies (Journalism), Prof Studies (Journalism), Prof Studies (Journalism) or Prof Studies (Journalism).
MPJO 5003 Digital Essentials 3 Credits
This course examines the essential digital skills needed in the field of journalism today. We will study the current media landscape to help students understand how digital skills and sensibilities are integrated with reporting, content creation, information dissemination and audience building efforts at news organizations of all sizes. The course involves a survey of key issues affecting the day-to-day work of modern journalists, as well as an examination of emerging technologies, platforms and ideas. Case studies, readings, media surveillance and guest lectures will help students learn the core skills needed to broaden their career opportunities; to add to their fundamental reporting background; and to think entrepreneurially about how to shape journalism. The final project will consist of a semester-long, team-created digital project that implements the full range of skills covered in the course. Students will: • learn practical, effective and applicable digital skills • create and distribute original content • investigate how individuals build traditional or unique journalism careers • develop and debate ideas using a collaborative, interactive team approach • display learning in class discussions, writing assignments and the final project This course is required for all MPS Journalism students. In order to satisfy graduation requirements, students must earn a B (3.00) or higher. Any student who fails to do so must repeat the course.
Level: Graduate, Undergraduate
Grading: Main Campus (UGrad, Grad)
Course registration restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Prof Studies (Journalism), Prof Studies (Journalism), Prof Studies (Journalism) or Prof Studies (Journalism).
MPJO 5008 Photo Video Storytelling 3 Credits
Foundation requirement for Journalism majors. This course requires a grade of "B" or better to pass. Additional 150 minute distance learning component required.
Course Description: This course is designed to give the student the ability to communicate in the Video Age--whether for television or the web. We call it storytelling to emphasize the communication of ideas, rather than simply the technical knowledge of shooting and editing video. Students will begin by learning how shots work together, how to write compelling scripts, and how to use audio for best effect. Then students will work with professional camera equipment to develop shooting, lighting, and audio skills. The class will also have hands-on instruction in editing techniques using Final Cut Pro. By the end of the course, students should be comfortable in the video storytelling process--from the flash of an idea, to the finished product on the screen, in the field, and in the studio. Students who entered the MPS Journalism program in Summer 2010 and thereafter must complete this class and receive a grade of solid "B" (3.00) or higher in order to graduate.
Course Description: This course is designed to give the student the ability to communicate in the Video Age--whether for television or the web. We call it storytelling to emphasize the communication of ideas, rather than simply the technical knowledge of shooting and editing video. Students will begin by learning how shots work together, how to write compelling scripts, and how to use audio for best effect. Then students will work with professional camera equipment to develop shooting, lighting, and audio skills. The class will also have hands-on instruction in editing techniques using Final Cut Pro. By the end of the course, students should be comfortable in the video storytelling process--from the flash of an idea, to the finished product on the screen, in the field, and in the studio. Students who entered the MPS Journalism program in Summer 2010 and thereafter must complete this class and receive a grade of solid "B" (3.00) or higher in order to graduate.
Level: Graduate, Undergraduate
Grading: Main Campus (UGrad, Grad)
Course registration restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Prof Studies (Journalism), Prof Studies (Journalism), Prof Studies (Journalism) or Prof Studies (Journalism).
MPJO 6001 Multimedia Storytelling 3 Credits
This course will offer a highly intensive multimedia experience where students will learn the art and craft of multimedia storytelling, giving students a practical foundation to expand upon, one that will help them navigate the shifting media landscape. We will examine the current state of multimedia storytelling by reviewing many of the best past and present projects. Most importantly, students will learn the process and tools of multimedia creation through hands-on reporting and editing assignments.
The class will build on the skills that students acquired during the foundation courses, Reporting and Newswriting, Photo and Video Storytelling and Digital Essentials. Students will pitch and execute stories based in the Washington, D.C., area, and be expected to participate in peer review of their classmates’ work. They will learn how multimedia stories are reformatted and edited to reach broad audiences on content-sharing platforms, studying examples of multimedia projects that have engaged digital audiences in innovative ways.
The class will build on the skills that students acquired during the foundation courses, Reporting and Newswriting, Photo and Video Storytelling and Digital Essentials. Students will pitch and execute stories based in the Washington, D.C., area, and be expected to participate in peer review of their classmates’ work. They will learn how multimedia stories are reformatted and edited to reach broad audiences on content-sharing platforms, studying examples of multimedia projects that have engaged digital audiences in innovative ways.
Level: Graduate
Grading: Main Campus (UGrad, Grad)
Course registration restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Prof Studies (Journalism), Prof Studies (Journalism), Prof Studies (Journalism) or Prof Studies (Journalism).
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
MPJO 6002 Podcasting Audio Storytelling 3 Credits
In this course, students will learn the principles of how to report and produce non-fiction audio stories that may be featured in a Georgetown SCS podcast about Washington, D.C. The course includes fundamentals of how to record and conduct effective interviews, record scenes on location, how to edit audio, write for the ear and use a digital audio editor to assemble audio stories for the podcast series.
Level: Graduate
Grading: Main Campus (UGrad, Grad)
Course registration restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Prof Studies (Journalism), Prof Studies (Journalism), Prof Studies (Journalism) or Prof Studies (Journalism).
Enrollment limited to students in the MPS-PRSJ program.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
MPJO 6003 Accountability Journalism 3 Credits
This course will offer a highly interactive experience in which students will learn the art of identifying reliable sources and cultivating them as sources of information as they seek the truth, one of the key tenets of ethical journalism. Students will examine the difference between fact and spin and truth and lies and how to identify which is which, especially as it applies to the political sphere.
Students will use the Freedom of Information resources to try to get to the truth of what those in power are saying. They will analyze fact-checking operations of a broad range of news organizations and interview a journalist who has fact-checking as part of their portfolio to help them understand what skills are important. They will acquire skills to do their own fact-checking, both during live simulations and after-the-fact responses, and to identify and point out misinformation that is spreading across social media platforms. Clear, concise and accurate writing and reporting will be emphasized throughout the course.
This class will build on the skills that students acquired during the Journalism Ethics, Reporting and Newswriting and Digital Essentials courses, as well as Journalism electives like Political Reporting and Investigative Reporting.
Students will use the Freedom of Information resources to try to get to the truth of what those in power are saying. They will analyze fact-checking operations of a broad range of news organizations and interview a journalist who has fact-checking as part of their portfolio to help them understand what skills are important. They will acquire skills to do their own fact-checking, both during live simulations and after-the-fact responses, and to identify and point out misinformation that is spreading across social media platforms. Clear, concise and accurate writing and reporting will be emphasized throughout the course.
This class will build on the skills that students acquired during the Journalism Ethics, Reporting and Newswriting and Digital Essentials courses, as well as Journalism electives like Political Reporting and Investigative Reporting.
Level: Graduate
Grading: Main Campus (UGrad, Grad)
Course registration restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
MPJO 6004 Investigative Reporting 3 Credits
Students will learn the essential elements of investigative reporting through a combination of lectures, readings and hands-on project work. Students will experience a team approach to investigative reporting, from story concept to field reporting, research, writing and editing. We’ll also explore the role of data in investigative work. Ethics and legal aspects of investigative reporting will help form the framework of our discussions, and will complement material presented in the separate media law course.
Course Objectives Develop skills in investigative reporting as well as an understanding of the role of such reporting in media organizations, across media platforms, and in the information marketplace.
Course Objectives Develop skills in investigative reporting as well as an understanding of the role of such reporting in media organizations, across media platforms, and in the information marketplace.
Level: Graduate
Grading: Main Campus (UGrad, Grad)
Course registration restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Prof Studies (Journalism), Prof Studies (Journalism), Prof Studies (Journalism) or Prof Studies (Journalism).
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
MPJO 6005 Race Inclusive Storytelling 3 Credits
Today’s writers and editors are expected to curate and engage with communities around a variety of multicultural topics: Gender, Race, Nationality, Sexuality and Religion to name a few. This course will allow students to explore, expand and probe the notion of diversity and the “other.” The clash of cultures is playing out in the corridors of power. But how does it impact individuals? Students will learn how to identify larger trends through the individual.
Mainstream news organizations such as the New York Times and NPR now have beats which cover global health and poverty, gender and race among others. Students will be asked to cover a community they are not familiar with -- whether it be a refugee family, an Orthodox Jewish neighborhood, women in the workplace, or a poor neighborhood to name a few examples. You will learn how to tell a story that makes everyone care. We will read, listen and watch some great works of multicultural reporting to serve as context and critique new ones. This course will be reporting and writing intensive. The goal will be to create a multimedia platform –blogs, photos, and one long form piece whether it be magazine, podcast or long for video that everyone can contribute to. You learn also how to pitch the story to get editors interested.
Mainstream news organizations such as the New York Times and NPR now have beats which cover global health and poverty, gender and race among others. Students will be asked to cover a community they are not familiar with -- whether it be a refugee family, an Orthodox Jewish neighborhood, women in the workplace, or a poor neighborhood to name a few examples. You will learn how to tell a story that makes everyone care. We will read, listen and watch some great works of multicultural reporting to serve as context and critique new ones. This course will be reporting and writing intensive. The goal will be to create a multimedia platform –blogs, photos, and one long form piece whether it be magazine, podcast or long for video that everyone can contribute to. You learn also how to pitch the story to get editors interested.
Level: Graduate
Prerequisites: (MPJO 501 or MPJO 5001)
Grading: Main Campus (UGrad, Grad)
Course registration restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Prof Studies (Journalism), Prof Studies (Journalism), Prof Studies (Journalism) or Prof Studies (Journalism).
Enrollment limited to students in the MPS-PRSJ program.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
MPJO 6006 Studio Reporting 3 Credits
This class gives Georgetown students the skills to produce high-quality studio shows throughout the semester. Students will be introduced to TV producing, develop scriptwriting abilities, as well as tackle advanced filming and editing techniques.
Level: Graduate
Prerequisites: (MPJO 500 or MPJO 5000) and (MPJO 501 or MPJO 5001) and (MPJO 505 or MPJO 5003) and (MPJO 508 or MPJO 5008)
Grading: Main Campus (UGrad, Grad)
Course registration restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Prof Studies (Journalism), Prof Studies (Journalism), Prof Studies (Journalism) or Prof Studies (Journalism).
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
MPJO 6007 Documentary Filmmaking 3 Credits
This course will give students the knowledge and skill they need to research, develop and shoot a short documentary film that tells compelling real-world stories with a clear vision and style. The course will cover all stages of documentary filmmaking, from developing an idea to identifying sources and writing a script to shooting, editing and distribution, emphasizing strong journalistic ethical standards and storytelling skills. Throughout the semester we will screen short documentaries of note and hear from industry guests about their professional experience and what inspires them.
Level: Graduate
Grading: Main Campus (UGrad, Grad)
Course registration restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Prof Studies (Journalism), Prof Studies (Journalism), Prof Studies (Journalism) or Prof Studies (Journalism).
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Enrollment limited to students in the School of Continuing Studies college.
MPJO 6008 Entrepreneurial Journalism 3 Credits
Most courses in the MPS Journalism program focus on the development of great content. This course focuses on the distribution and monetization of content. We will examine the core business concepts of the evolving media landscape to help students understand how to develop and evaluate entrepreneurial pursuits in journalism. Along the way, we will provide students with the ability to steer their careers toward opportunities with legitimate business potential.
Case studies, readings, media surveillance, and guest lectures will help students take an entrepreneurial view of their careers, with particular emphasis on how to build an audience, distribute content, and monetize with smart business models. Journalists who understand these issues will be better positioned to make informed career decisions and to discern opportunities in a range of media-related industries-whether they choose to pursue an entrepreneurial venture or not.
The coursework involves abroad examination of issues affecting media careers, as well as a specific focus on a subject area of the student’s choosing. Students will learn - through reading, analysis, and experimentation – how to drive their own success or maximize their opportunities within a larger media company.
The final project will consist of a detailed competitive analysis and formal business plan outlining audience, content, and monetization strategies (the target can be a new website or refining an existing one).
Case studies, readings, media surveillance, and guest lectures will help students take an entrepreneurial view of their careers, with particular emphasis on how to build an audience, distribute content, and monetize with smart business models. Journalists who understand these issues will be better positioned to make informed career decisions and to discern opportunities in a range of media-related industries-whether they choose to pursue an entrepreneurial venture or not.
The coursework involves abroad examination of issues affecting media careers, as well as a specific focus on a subject area of the student’s choosing. Students will learn - through reading, analysis, and experimentation – how to drive their own success or maximize their opportunities within a larger media company.
The final project will consist of a detailed competitive analysis and formal business plan outlining audience, content, and monetization strategies (the target can be a new website or refining an existing one).
Level: Graduate
Grading: Main Campus (UGrad, Grad)
Course registration restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Professional Studies, Professional Studies, Professional Studies or Professional Studies.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
MPJO 6052 Media Relations 3 Credits
Level: Graduate
Grading: Main Campus (UGrad, Grad)
Course registration restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
MPJO 6056 Storytelling for Change 3 Credits
A story well told can be a change-maker. It can inspire and illuminate by giving voice to the voiceless and shine a light on underreported issues and causes. It can motivate a nonprofit’s supporters to contribute the resources necessary to further its work in the community. Good storytelling can connect your readers to the lives of people outside their usual orbit. But first, you have to find those stories and report and craft them so that they have an impact. That’s what we will do in this course. Students will apply journalistic techniques to telling an organization or individual’s story, with the goal of creating a change—not only in the readers but in the collective actions those readers are inspired to take.
Level: Graduate
Grading: Main Campus (UGrad, Grad)
Course registration restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
MPJO 7001 Sourcing Interview Tech. 3 Credits
Journalists find sources and ask questions for a living. But how do you network to find the people you need for a story? How do you figure out what questions to ask and how to pose them? How do you stay in control of the conversation? This class will explore both how to find sources and how to interview them effectively. It will look at the art and the science of the interview, from tactics for securing your subjects' cooperation to strategies for getting the information you need from them.
We will engage in hands-on exercises to hone these skills, hear tips from guest speakers, and analyze interviews to figure out what works and what doesn’t.
We will engage in hands-on exercises to hone these skills, hear tips from guest speakers, and analyze interviews to figure out what works and what doesn’t.
Level: Graduate
Grading: Main Campus (UGrad, Grad)
Course registration restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Prof Studies (Journalism), Prof Studies (Journalism), Prof Studies (Journalism) or Prof Studies (Journalism).
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
MPJO 7002 Data Reporting 3 Credits
This course is intended to introduce students to data journalism through hands-on work and a survey of techniques used in reporting. Students will learn how to acquire, evaluate and analyze data from a variety of sources, with an emphasis on using freely available tools. The goal is to develop a comfort level for working with different kinds of data and for different purposes, which include creating visualizations or maps to aid in the reporting process.
This is a skills-based course, so students will need to be comfortable with learning to use computer software beyond word processors. Prior experience is not required or assumed, but a basic comfort level and willingness to experiment are vital.
This is a skills-based course, so students will need to be comfortable with learning to use computer software beyond word processors. Prior experience is not required or assumed, but a basic comfort level and willingness to experiment are vital.
Level: Graduate
Grading: Main Campus (UGrad, Grad)
Course registration restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Prof Studies (Journalism), Prof Studies (Journalism), Prof Studies (Journalism) or Prof Studies (Journalism).
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
MPJO 7003 Nat SecurityDiplomatic Report 3 Credits
Rarely have the stakes been higher for journalists covering core issues of national security and diplomacy. At a moment when the American media's credibility is under attack as never before, and the government attempts to stretch its already far-reaching powers toward legal limits, effective, insightful, and transparent reporting is essential. This class will introduce students to the fundamentals of covering matters of national security, including foreign policy, law enforcement, military issues, and reporting from conflict zones overseas. The class will provide students with an overview of agencies and organizations key to national security and diplomatic coverage, guidelines for beat reporting and sourcing, and a look at issues related to press freedom.
Level: Graduate
Prerequisites: (MPJO 501 or MPJO 5001)
Grading: Main Campus (UGrad, Grad)
Course registration restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Prof Studies (Journalism), Prof Studies (Journalism), Prof Studies (Journalism) or Prof Studies (Journalism).
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Enrollment limited to students in the School of Continuing Studies college.
MPJO 7004 Environmental Reporting 3 Credits
As our planet continues to heat up, journalists increasingly will be expected to understand and report authoritatively on the Earth’s changing climate. This course will provide students with a foundation for understanding the science behind what’s causing global warming and its impact, including stronger storms, heat waves, droughts, wildfires and rising sea levels. Students will learn how to develop sources and produce balanced, contextual reporting on environmental topics like air and water pollution and why low-income communities and people of color are disproportionately affected by these environmental risks. Reporting for this class will require a review of previously published news stories about the topic, extensive interviews with human sources, obtaining and reviewing public or private records, and obtaining and analyzing data. The class meets weekly, but students will be expected to work on assignments independently as time permits throughout the week.
Level: Graduate
Grading: Main Campus (UGrad, Grad)
Course registration restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
MPJO 7005 Health Reporting 3 Credits
Life-saving medical discoveries. Terrifying disease outbreaks. Hotly debated national health policies. Rapid changes in both the media industry and healthcare itself are redefining what it takes to be a successful health journalist in the digital era.
This course will emphasize the importance of thinking critically about studies, health policies and the practice of medicine. You will glean these skills by understanding how researchers, patient advocacy groups, and government agencies use – and sometimes misuse – data to make a point or prove a hypothesis.
You will learn to apply critical thinking to produce stories that provide scientifically sound, accurate, and effective reporting in clearly written prose. Ethical issues will also be addressed, including the importance of looking for financial conflicts in study funding, medical associations that write clinical guidelines, and non-profit advocacy organizations that promote patient interests or healthcare reform. You will learn best practices in health journalism, including how to navigate public databases of medical studies, how and where to find credible health information, and how to use social media and other strategies to reach out to sources and find anecdotes.
This course will also focus on service journalism, providing your audience with accurate information about the medical and health stories of the day with an emphasis on finding a fresh, compelling angle with input from trustworthy experts.
Level: Graduate
Grading: Main Campus (UGrad, Grad)
Course registration restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
MPJO 7006 Political Reporting 3 Credits
Students will learn the techniques of reporting on political candidates, events, and issues. Through hands-on writing and reporting assignments as well as the analysis of the day's print, broadcast, and digital political journalism, students will learn how to craft informative, contextual, and balanced stories on politics.
At the end of this course, students will be able to: *Understand the techniques of reporting on political candidates, events, and issues *Find and develop sources in politics and in Congress *Craft informative, contextual, and balanced political stories *Fact-check politicians' statements and campaign ads *Read and understand federal campaign finance reports
At the end of this course, students will be able to: *Understand the techniques of reporting on political candidates, events, and issues *Find and develop sources in politics and in Congress *Craft informative, contextual, and balanced political stories *Fact-check politicians' statements and campaign ads *Read and understand federal campaign finance reports
Level: Graduate
Prerequisites: (MPJO 501 or MPJO 5001)
Grading: Main Campus (UGrad, Grad)
Course registration restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Prof Studies (Journalism), Prof Studies (Journalism), Prof Studies (Journalism) or Prof Studies (Journalism).
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
MPJO 7010 The Government Beat 3 Credits
Level: Graduate
Prerequisites: MPJO 501 or MPJO 5001
Grading: Main Campus (UGrad, Grad)
Course registration restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Prof Studies (Journalism), Prof Studies (Journalism), Prof Studies (Journalism) or Prof Studies (Journalism).
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Enrollment limited to students in the School of Continuing Studies college.
MPJO 7011 Money Media 3 Credits
Money plays a role in nearly every significant news story today, and students who take this course will be able to connect a wide range of topics using diverse storytelling skills through the prism of business journalism. We will look at how understanding the vocabulary and concepts of economics and finance apply to all types of writing and reporting, from politics and foreign correspondence to entertainment and sports.
Frequent guest lectures from business journalists who write for major publications, a blog for niche audiences, or appear on broadcast media will supplement the case studies, readings, and fieldwork to show how business reporting opens gateways to a broader world while connecting journalists to their own communities. Students will be challenged to think of economics in new ways and apply their developing skills as reporters, writers, and multimedia professionals in tangible ways prized by readers and potential employers.
Frequent guest lectures from business journalists who write for major publications, a blog for niche audiences, or appear on broadcast media will supplement the case studies, readings, and fieldwork to show how business reporting opens gateways to a broader world while connecting journalists to their own communities. Students will be challenged to think of economics in new ways and apply their developing skills as reporters, writers, and multimedia professionals in tangible ways prized by readers and potential employers.
Level: Graduate
Grading: Main Campus (UGrad, Grad)
Course registration restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Prof Studies (Journalism), Prof Studies (Journalism), Prof Studies (Journalism) or Prof Studies (Journalism).
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
MPJO 7025 Data Visualization 3 Credits
This class is designed to teach students practical skills in visualizing and analyzing cultural and social datasets. Students will be also introduced to other popular tools for creating interactive web-based visualizations.
Level: Graduate
Grading: Main Campus (UGrad, Grad)
Course registration restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Prof Studies (Journalism), Prof Studies (Journalism), Prof Studies (Journalism) or Prof Studies (Journalism).
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
MPJO 7030 Advanced Beat Reporting 3 Credits
This class gives students advanced real-world skills that prepare them for a newsroom job directly after graduation. Students will hone interviewing techniques, mine documents, and learn beat-management and source development skills from some of the best reporters in the country. This hands-on class is heavy on coaching and peer review and mirrors the assignments that journalists face in newsrooms big and small.
Level: Graduate
Prerequisites: (MPJO 501 or MPJO 5001)
Grading: Main Campus (UGrad, Grad)
Course registration restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
MPJO 7040 Immersive Storytelling Lab 3 Credits
Level: Graduate
Grading: Main Campus (UGrad, Grad)
Course registration restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Prof Studies (Journalism), Prof Studies (Journalism), Prof Studies (Journalism) or Prof Studies (Journalism).
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
MPJO 7052 Personal Branding 3 Credits
ambiguous ingredients in a career strategy. This course will arm students with the resources to evaluate, improve, and employ personal branding strategies for themselves and for key members of their organizational team. The course will discuss personal branding strategies in both digital and event contexts – including social media platforms, presentations, and networking opportunities.
Level: Graduate
Grading: Main Campus (UGrad, Grad)
Course registration restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Prof Studies (Journalism), Prof Studies (Journalism), Prof Studies (Journalism) or Prof Studies (Journalism).
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
MPJO 7053 Speech Writing 3 Credits
Level: Graduate
Grading: Main Campus (UGrad, Grad)
Course registration restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Prof Studies (Journalism), Prof Studies (Journalism), Prof Studies (Journalism) or Prof Studies (Journalism).
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
MPJO 7070 Web Development for Media 3 Credits
Merely using the web and digital tools is no longer enough for today's media professionals. Journalists and communicators need to have a practical understanding of how websites and applications work. This class does not aim to make you a professional coder or require any previous web development experience. We want you to come away with enough coding skills that you can effectively collaborate with web developers and continue learning on your own.
You will learn about web development by diving into Git, Python, HTML, CSS and JavaScript. There will be readings and guest speakers, but the major basis for instruction will be hands-on learning activities. You'll learn how web developers work by identifying a project, breaking that project down into features and then building those features. By the end of the class, you won't just have a functional website; you'll be comfortable with the best practices of good development teams.
You will learn about web development by diving into Git, Python, HTML, CSS and JavaScript. There will be readings and guest speakers, but the major basis for instruction will be hands-on learning activities. You'll learn how web developers work by identifying a project, breaking that project down into features and then building those features. By the end of the class, you won't just have a functional website; you'll be comfortable with the best practices of good development teams.
Level: Graduate
Grading: Main Campus (UGrad, Grad)
Course registration restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Prof Studies (Journalism), Prof Studies (Journalism), Prof Studies (Journalism) or Prof Studies (Journalism).
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
MPJO 7100 Dig. Analytics Measurement 3 Credits
This course examines the processes for gathering, interpreting, and presenting compelling digital data. Students will learn to use digital public opinion polling, specialized reports, social media platforms, digital analysis tools, and news aggregators to explain market research, audience trends, and social conversations. Students will also create data visualization tools to streamline data presentation into succinct, engaging formats.
Level: Graduate, Undergraduate
Grading: Main Campus (UGrad, Grad)
Course registration restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Prof Studies (Journalism), Prof Studies (Journalism), Prof Studies (Journalism) or Prof Studies (Journalism).
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
MPJO 7155 Design For Communicators 3 Credits
Level: Graduate
Grading: Main Campus (UGrad, Grad)
Course registration restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Enrollment limited to students in the School of Continuing Studies college.
MPJO 7860 Collab for Sustainable Future 3 Credits
Level: Graduate
Grading: Main Campus (UGrad, Grad)
Course registration restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Prof Studies (Journalism), Prof Studies (Journalism), Prof Studies (Journalism) or Prof Studies (Journalism).
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Enrollment limited to students in the School of Continuing Studies college.
MPJO 7951 MPS Journalism Internship 1 Credit
Students may take this 1-credit course alongside an independently-acquired internship to reflect on how their experience relates to program knowledge and skills. Deliverables include regular writing assignments in which students discuss how program curriculum and methodologies inform their approach to internship responsibilities. Students are expected to complete a minimum of 50 hours of work (total) for the internship organization. NOTE: Enrollment requires program permission. Students may take this class only after taking Internship I 7951. This 1-credit course does not satisfy an elective requirement alone; however, students may complete (3) internships along with all (3) internship classes (Internship I 7951, Internship II 7952, and Internship III 7953) to cumulatively fulfill an elective requirement.
Level: Graduate
Grading: Main Campus (UGrad, Grad)
Course registration restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Prof Studies (Journalism), Prof Studies (Journalism), Prof Studies (Journalism) or Prof Studies (Journalism).
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
MPJO 7952 MPS Journalism Internship II 1 Credit
Students may take this 1-credit course alongside an independently-acquired internship to reflect on how their experience relates to program knowledge and skills. Deliverables include regular writing assignments in which students discuss how program curriculum and methodologies inform their approach to internship responsibilities. Students are expected to complete a minimum of 50 hours of work (total) for the internship organization. NOTE: Enrollment requires program permission. Students may take this class only after taking Internship I 7951. This 1-credit course does not satisfy an elective requirement alone; however, students may complete (3) internships along with all (3) internship classes (Internship I 7951, Internship II 7952, and Internship III 7953) to cumulatively fulfill an elective requirement.
Level: Graduate
Grading: Main Campus (UGrad, Grad)
Course registration restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Enrollment limited to students in the Prof Studies Journalism department.
MPJO 7953 MPS Journalism Internship III 1 Credit
Students may take this 1-credit course alongside an independently-acquired internship to reflect on how their experience relates to program knowledge and skills. Deliverables include regular writing assignments in which students discuss how program curriculum and methodologies inform their approach to internship responsibilities. Students are expected to complete a minimum of 50 hours of work (total) for the internship organization. NOTE: Enrollment requires program permission. Students may take this class only after taking Internship I 7951 and Internship II 7952. This 1-credit course does not satisfy an elective requirement alone; however, students may complete (3) internships along with all (3) internship classes (Internship I 7951, Internship II 7952, and Internship III 7953) to cumulatively fulfill an elective requirement.
Level: Graduate
Grading: Main Campus (UGrad, Grad)
Course registration restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Prof Studies (Journalism), Prof Studies (Journalism), Prof Studies (Journalism) or Prof Studies (Journalism).
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Enrollment limited to students in the School of Continuing Studies college.
MPJO 7990 MPS Journalism Capstone 3 Credits
The Master of Professional Studies Journalism degree program culminates in the Capstone. Each student produces a substantive and original reporting project on a timely issue that showcases his/her talents as a prospective journalist. It should be a major work of professional quality that requires extensive legwork, interviewing and research and will become the centerpiece of your portfolio.
The Capstone experience is intended to provide students an opportunity to demonstrate that they have the journalistic skills, ethics and initiative necessary to be a professional journalist. The Capstone project is an independent reporting endeavor. Class sessions provide feedback and structure. Group instructors will give you guidance throughout the semester, and your small groups will serve as mini-newsrooms where you will be expected to give each other feedback and support.
Successful completion of the MPSJ degree also requires submitting an ethics essay that reflects on your firsthand experience as a journalist. The essay will be graded as one of the assignments in the Capstone class.
This is a core course of the MPS Journalism program, and students must earn a “B” (83) or higher to pass the course. Please see the Graduate Student Handbook for more details. Students with at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA who receive a final grade of a B- or below may receive one opportunity to retake the course, if approved by the dean.
The Capstone experience is intended to provide students an opportunity to demonstrate that they have the journalistic skills, ethics and initiative necessary to be a professional journalist. The Capstone project is an independent reporting endeavor. Class sessions provide feedback and structure. Group instructors will give you guidance throughout the semester, and your small groups will serve as mini-newsrooms where you will be expected to give each other feedback and support.
Successful completion of the MPSJ degree also requires submitting an ethics essay that reflects on your firsthand experience as a journalist. The essay will be graded as one of the assignments in the Capstone class.
This is a core course of the MPS Journalism program, and students must earn a “B” (83) or higher to pass the course. Please see the Graduate Student Handbook for more details. Students with at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA who receive a final grade of a B- or below may receive one opportunity to retake the course, if approved by the dean.
Level: Graduate
Grading: Main Campus (UGrad, Grad)
Course registration restrictions:
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Prof Studies (Journalism), Prof Studies (Journalism), Prof Studies (Journalism) or Prof Studies (Journalism).
Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.