Requirements for a Major or Minor in Journalism


Programs offered
• Major in Multimedia Journalism (36 credits)

Multimedia Journalism Committee
Donald E. Rice, CSTA, program director

Committee members
Donald E. Rice, CSTA
Catherine McMullen, English
Peter Schultz, Art

Faculty
David Boggs, Art
Tracy Briggs Jensen, CSTA
Greg Carlson, CSTA
Roger Degerman, CSTA
Catherine McMullen, English
Steven Rezac, Art
Donald E. Rice, CSTA
Patrick Springer, English
David Sprunger, English

The multimedia journalism program is an integrated, interdisciplinary program that teaches students the skills needed to succeed in this field. TV reporters no longer just report and shoot video; they write for their station’s website. Newspaper reporters no longer just report and write stories; they shoot still photos, video and make audio recordings and podcasts – in addition to constantly updating their stories for the Web.

Successful completion of the major in multimedia journalism will enable students to understand the changing role and importance of journalism in modern society; use rich, precise and illuminating language; construct skillful narratives; find and assess relevant facts, interpret them and present them in a context that is concise, fair and accurate; and show familiarity with the major ethical and legal issues in journalism.

Learning Goals for the Multimedia Journalism Major
• Students gain exposure to fundamental skills in the converging world of journalism today, including reporting, writing, graphic production, video and audio editing, and an understanding of new media.
• Students come to understand storytelling as a fundamental principle for journalists, no matter what medium is being used.
• Students learn the analytical abilities and adaptability necessary to be a journalist today.
• Students learn about the legal, ethical and moral responsibilities central to multimedia journalism.

Major in Multimedia Journalism
The requirements for a major in multimedia journalism are 36 credits:
• 16 credits from:
– ENG 317 – Telling the Story: News Writing, 4 credits
– ENG 318 – Telling the Story: Feature Writing, 4 credits
– ENG 403 – Investigating and Narrating the News, 4 credits
– ENG/COM 422 – Mass Communication Law and Ethics, 4 credits
• 8 credits from:
– COM 315 – Interviewing, 4 credits
– COM 332 – Media Production 1: Video, 4 credits
– COM 333 – Media Production 2: Audio, 2 credits
– COM 334 – Broadcast Performance, 2 credits
– COM 431 – Broadcast Writing and Reporting, 4 credits
– COM 432 – Electronic News Gathering, 4 credits
• 4 credits from:
– COM 139 – Appreciating Film, 4 credits
– COM 325 – New Media, 4 credits
– COM 326 – Global Cinema, 4 credits
– COM 382 – Analyzing Film, 4 credits
– COM 493 – Documentary and Historical Film – Capstone, 4 credits
• 8 credits from:
– ART/COM 368 – Digital Photography, 4 credits
– ART 370 – Graphic Design, 4 credits
– ART/COM/ENG 390 – Cooperative Education, 4 credits
– COM 314 – Group Communication, 4 credits
– COM 403 – Public Relations, 4 credits
– COM 413 – Advertising, 4 credits
– COM 414 – Organizational Communication, 4 credits
– ENG 227 – Foundations of Creative Writing, 4 credits
– ENG 316 – Business Writing, 4 credits
– ENG 324 – Technical Writing, 4 credits
– ENG 371 – Editing and Grammar for Professionals, 4 credits
– ENG 377 – Nonfiction Writing Seminar, 4 credits

Students are strongly encouraged to participate in the cocurricular activities in the three departments, including The Concordian, Concordia On-Air, KORD radio and Public Relations Club.