Course Descriptions and Prerequisites
Journalism and Mass Communication
JOMC 100:Freshman Seminar Credit 1(1-0) This course gives students an overview of the various careers and required skills essential to the success of students majoring in Journalism and Mass Communication. (F;S;SS)
JOMC 102:Interactive Communication in the Digital World (formerly JOMC 202) Credit 3(3-0) This course is a survey of mass media in the digital world – including newspapers, magazines, radio, television and multimedia. (F;S;SS)
JOMC 200:Public Relations Seminar (formerly JOMC 500) Credit 3(3-0) A course on a selected aspect of public relations as it relates to advertising and marketing research and other topics such as electronic communication. Topics vary from semester to semester. (DEMAND)
JOMC 201:Minorities in Mass Media (formerly JOMC 302) Credit 3(3-0) This course presents an overview of past and present contributions of minorities in the areas of film, radio, television, newspapers and magazines. It also examines the roles of minorities in contemporary media, with an emphasis on career opportunities for minorities. Open to university. (F;S;SS)
JOMC 203:Social Media Credit 3(3-0) This course is the study of traditional and emerging communication-related theories and concepts that help explain the popularity of social media primarily among young people. (F;S;SS)
JOMC 204:Black Press in the United States (formerly JOMC 403) Credit 3(3-0) This course examines, within a chronological framework, the development of the African American press since the early 1800s. The focus is on significant personalities and issues during major movements in African American history. (F;S;SS)
JOMC 205:Current Issues in Mass Communication (formerly JOMC 502) Credit 3(3-0) This course is a study of the rights, responsibilities and changing characteristics of the mass media and the problems therein. It includes use of debates, mass communication practitioners and guest speakers. (F;S;SS)
JOMC 206:Introduction to Video Production (formerly JOMC 406) Credit 3(1-4) This course involves basic methods and techniques in video field and studio productions: announcing, program design, lighting, audio, camera, and electronic techniques are studied. (F;S;SS)
JOMC 208:Women and Media (formerly JOMC 608) Credit 3(3-0) This course is designed to acquaint students with the major critical approaches to understanding the role of women as “auteurs” in film as well as editors, writers and producers in all facets of mass communication. The course also addresses gender in cinema with an examination of global diversity issues as they are explored through the readings of major film critics from national and transnational backgrounds. Readings and exercises of leading digital media scholars will also be explored. (F;S;SS)
JOMC 220:Reporting and Writing Across Media Platforms Credit 3(2-2) This course is a study and practice of writing leads and elements of news stories across media platforms including copy for newspapers, radio, television and online. (F;S;SS)
JOMC 224:Editing for Print and Online Media (formerly JOMC 324) Credit 3(3-0) This course emphasizes basic copy editing. It includes extensive practical work in copy editing and headline writing for print and online media. Prerequisite: JOMC 220. (F;S;SS)
JOMC 231:Practicum II Credit 1(0-2) Students serve on the staff of campus media organizations such as the newspaper, television studio, radio station, or university public relations office. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing. (F;S;SS)
JOMC 240:Media History Credit 3(3-0) This course examines the relationship between the media and United States history. It recognizes the significance of alternative media such as minority and non-traditional media, and analyzes the relationships between media and government to explore and understand the roles they play in history. (F;S;SS)
JOMC 241:Media Ethics (formerly JOMC 441) Credit 3(3-0) This course will provide students with a working knowledge of journalism ethics, the impact that ethical decision-making by journalists has on society, and the harm that unethical reporting by journalists can do to their careers and to the lives of others. Prerequisite: JOMC 220. (F;S)
JOMC 244:Script Writing (formerly JOMC 445) Credit 3(3-0) This course focuses on researching and writing treatments and scripts for radio, television, corporation or educational institutions, and online media. Prerequisite: JOMC 220. (F;S;SS)
JOMC 245:Digital Information Sources Credit 3(2-2) This course involves instruction and practice in utilizing libraries, databases, government records and the Internet for the purpose of obtaining from electronic sources information used by professional communicators. (F;S;SS)
JOMC 249:Introduction to Multimedia (formerly JOMC 309) Credit 3(1-4) This course presents the basic production elements of multimedia content and production. It develops an understanding of the ethics and application of audio and video production, still photography and the Internet. Prerequisite: JOMC 220. (F;S;SS)
JOMC 250:Race, Media and Politics (formerly JOMC 550) Credit 3(3-0) This course examines communication as a social behavior incorporating all facets of political science such as foreign policy, the courts, political movements and elections. (F;S;SS)
JOMC 255:On-Air Delivery Credit 2(2-0) This course emphasizes performance skills essential to successful communication through the electronic media. It focuses on the analysis and delivery of copy, voice quality, guidelines for pronunciation, and techniques for specialized announcing. Prerequisite: JOMC 220. (F;S;SS)
JOMC 259:Nonlinear Video Editing (formerly JOMC 419) Credit 3(1-4) This course focuses on nonlinear editing and production techniques and practices. A nonlinear video editing system is used to produce public service and commercial announcements, and other types of video programs. Prerequisite: JOMC 220, 206 or 249. (F;S;SS)
JOMC 275:Introduction to Radio and Digital Audio Production (formerly JOMC 405) Credit 3(2-2) This course focuses on practical experience in digital audio techniques and conventional studio practices; projects in radio announcing; and digital audio production. (F;S;SS)
JOMC 276:Introduction to Public Relations Credit 3(3-0) This course will emphasize internal and external public relations concepts for corporate, government and non- profit organizations. (F;S;SS)
JOMC 299:Video for Multimedia Credit 3(2-2) This course introduces basic video production and editing for TV and digital news packages. (F;S;SS)
JOMC 300:Photojournalism Credit 3(3-0) This course involves instruction and practice in photographing and videotaping with an emphasis on journalism techniques. (F;S;SS)
JOMC 303:Mass Communication Research Methods Credit 3(3-0) This course introduces students to social science research methods commonly used to develop and implement mass communication research. lt covers research design, and data collection, analysis and interpretation. Prerequisite: JOMC 220. (F;S;SS)
JOMC 306:Advanced Video Production (formerly JOMC 507) Credit 3(2-2) This course involves project-based, hands-on, advanced video productions for in-studio and field applications. It places emphasis on producing professional quality programs for various media platforms. Prerequisites: JOMC 220, 206, 244, and 259. (F;S;SS)
JOMC 322:Media Management and Legal Issues (formerly JOMC 522) Credit 3(3-0) This course is an examination of the principles and policies of media management; it encompasses electronic and print media. Prerequisites: JOMC 206 and 220. (F;S;SS)
JOMC 325:Electronic News Writing (formerly JOMC 425) Credit 3(3-0) This course introduces students to the principles of electronic journalism – including news gathering, reporting, writing, producing, and editing across media platforms. Prerequisites: JOMC 220, 249.(F;S;SS)
JOMC 329:Advanced Reporting and Writing (formerly JOMC 430) Credit 3(3-0) This course involves advanced training in news gathering with an emphasis on business and investigative reporting and feature writing. Students will cover assigned beats and produce stories for publication on various media platforms. Prerequisites: JOMC 220, 231. (F;S;SS)
JOMC 330:Public Relations Writing Credit 3(3-0) This course involves instruction and practice in writing for news, governmental and legislative agencies; it covers press releases and all other writing styles required of public relations specialists. Prerequisites: JOMC 220 and JOMC 276. (F;S;SS)
JOMC 335:Electronic Reporting and Producing (formerly JOMC 435) Credit 3(2-2) This course focuses on specialized beat reporting and on producing newscasts in multimedia platforms under deadline conditions. Prerequisites: JOMC 220, 249, 325. (F;S;SS)
JOMC 339:Feature Writing (formerly JOMC 540) Credit 3(3-0) This course is an intensive practice of feature writing involving background research for in-depth reports on various topics. Prerequisite: JOMC 220. (F;S;SS)
JOMC 340:Editorial Writing (formerly JOMC 440) Credit 3(3-1) This course is a study of interpretation and comment in writing editorials. It also provides practical experience in writing editorials for newspapers, magazines and online. Prerequisite: JOMC 220, and 224. (F;S;SS)
JOMC 351:International Communication (formerly JOMC 551) Credit 3(3-0) This course involves readings, discussion and papers on the development of international communication and the role of communication in international relations. Prerequisites: Junior Standing; instructor’s permission. (F;S;SS)
JOMC 352:Communication Theory (formerly JOMC 552) Credit 3(3-0) This course involves readings and discussions examining various communication theories. Students will prepare papers on these theories. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing. (F;S;SS)
JOMC 353:Mass Communication Seminar (formerly JOMC 553) Credit 3(3-0) This course involves research, discussions, and papers on communication topics. Prerequisite: Junior standing; instructor’s permission. (F;S;SS)
JOMC 354:Media Criticism (formerly JOMC 554) Credit 3(3-0) This course involves an explanation of the development of media and the theory and practice of media criticism. Prerequisite: Junior standing; instructor’s permission. (DEMAND)
JOMC 356:Business Reporting (formerly JOMC 556) Credit 3(3-0) This course involves instruction and practice in specific reporting techniques for business and industry. The coverage of trends and strategies will be explored. Prerequisite: Junior standing; instructor’s permission. (F;S;SS)
JOMC 357:Medical and Science Reporting (formerly JOMC 557) Credit 3(3-0) This course involves instruction and practice in specific reporting techniques for science and the medical industries. The coverage of trends and strategies will be explored. Prerequisite: Junior standing; instructor’s permission. (DEMAND)
JOMC 366:Leadership Problems and Media Management Credit 3(3-0) This course involves the analysis of issues facing media executives and their employees. It emphasizes problems and solutions that reflect the concerns of management in print, electronic media, and public relations. Prerequisite: Junior standing. (F)
JOMC 370:Converged Media Projects (formerly JOMC 470) Credit 3(0-6) This lab course will allow students to apply the principles of writing and reporting in a cross-media environment. Students will develop two converged media projects and a class website. Following completion of this course, students will receive a certificate. Prerequisites: JOMC 220 and junior or senior standing. (DEMAND)
JOMC 375: Advanced Radio and Digital Audio Production (formerly JOMC 508) Credit 3(2-2) This course involves advanced production technology – including recording, editing and production techniques and concepts. Prerequisites: JOMC 220,244, and 275. (F;S;SS)
JOMC 386:Public Relations Campaign (formerly JOMC 486) Credit 3(3-0) This course involves instruction in research, planning and evaluation for public relations practice in internal and external business environments including social media. Prerequisite: JOMC 220, 224, 276, 330, and 390. (F;S;SS)
JOMC 390:Public Relations Case Studies Credit 3(3-0) This course focuses on case studies in public relations, emphasizing the success and failure of public relations practices. Prerequisite: JOMC 220, JOMC 276 and Junior Standing. (F;S;SS)
JOMC 392:Cable Television Seminar (formerly JOMC 592) Credit 3(3-0) This course includes a review of the development of cable television in the United States – including the law governing it, technical facilities necessary for an operation, and methods of financing various types of programming. The course will also focus on the advantages and disadvantages faced by minorities in cable programming. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing. (F;S;SS)
JOMC 393:Communications Law and Ethics (formerly JOMC 493) Credit 3(3-0) This course is a survey of legal and extra-legal limitations on press freedom. The course includes a study of legal issues including libel, free press, contempt of court, copyright, access law. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing. (F;S;SS)
JOMC 396:Publication Design and Layout (formerly JOMC 496) Credit 3(2-2) Instruction in the principles of publication design and layout, with actual practice in laboratory publications. Prerequisite: JOMC 220, 224. (F;S;SS)
JOMC 399:Law in Film and Literature (formerly JOMC 558) Credit 3(3-0) This course explores the correlations of legal issues and theories in film and literature through intense examination, analysis and discourse. Prerequisite: JOMC 393 or approval of professor and junior or senior standing. (F;S;SS)
JOMC 417:Advanced Video Production Credit 3(3-0) Video production techniques are developed through the creation of individual video programs. Prerequisite: JOMC 206, and 259. (DEMAND)
JOMC 418:Digital Audio Production Credit 3(3-0) Advanced editing and production techniques and practices are developed utilizing digital production equipment. Prerequisite: JOMC 220, 275, and 375. (DEMAND)
JOMC 424:Design for Print and Online Media Credit 3(2-2) This course emphasizes design and layout. It includes extensive principles of typography and design principles. Prerequisites: JOMC 220, 324. (F;S;SS)
JOMC 437:Field Production Credit 3(3-0) Practical application of out-of-studio production techniques and theories for audio and video programs will be emphasized. Prerequisite: JOMC 220, 206, and 259. (DEMAND)
JOMC 468:Practical Writing (formerly JOMC 368) Credit 1(1-1) This course involves instruction and practice in communication skills for students of media management who will be involved in writing policies and procedures for media organizations. Prerequisite: Senior standing. (S)
JOMC 475:Special Projects Credit 3(1-4) Students produce a weekly television news magazine, documentary production, or newscast. Content may be distributed in a multimedia format. Prerequisite: JOMC 220, 249, 244 or 325, 306 or 325. (F;S;SS)
JOMC 490:Independent Study in Journalism and Mass Communication (formerly JOMC 580) Credit 3(3-0) This course will cover an area of journalism and mass communication to be determined by the student in consultation with the instructor. Prerequisites: Permission of chairperson and instructor, and Junior or Senior standing. (F;S;SS)
JOMC 492:Mass Communication Professional Development Seminar (formerly JOMC 591) Credit 2(2- 0) This is an intensive study of professional practices, skills, etiquette and attitudes of the mass communication industry in preparation for an off-campus field learning experience. There are different prerequisites for different concentrations: (1) Mass Media Production (JOMC 492.01) – JOMC 206, 220,244, 259, 275, 306* or 375* ; (2) Multimedia Journalism (JOMC 492.02) – JOMC 220,224, 249, 329, 335* ; (3) Public Relations (JOMC 492.03) –JOMC 220, 224, 276, 330, 390, 386*. (*Must be enrolled in or must have completed these courses).(F;S;SS)
JOMC 498:Mass Communication Internship (formerly JOMC 598) Credit 3(1-4) This class is an off-campus journalism and mass communication experience. Academic supervision is provided by faculty members and direction in the field is provided by an approved supervisor. This course must be taken the semester after passing JOMC 492 (Mass Communication Professional Development Seminar). Junior or senior standing. There are different prerequisites for different concentrations: (1) Mass Media and Production (JOMC 498.01) – JOMC 206, 220,244, 259, 275, 306 or 375, 492; (2) Multimedia and Journalism (JOMC 498.02) – JOMC 220,224, 249, 325, 492; (3) Public Relations (JOMC 498.03) – JOMC 220, 224, 276, 330, 386, 390,492. (F;S;SS)
JOMC 499 Seminar: Case Studies in International Media Management Credit 3(3-0) This course involves readings, discussions and analyses of case studies in international media management strategies in an effort to highlight the issues confronting managers in international media organizations. Prerequisite: Senior standing. (S)
