Journalism, B.A.
The BA in Journalism is a 40-credit program that prepares students for entry into journalism and related fields where information-gathering, writing, editing, and awareness of public affairs are important. Students choose one of two tracks, print or broadcast, but all students receive training in multimedia reporting. All students must declare a minor in Arts and Sciences, excluding Communication. Resources such as the Robert Vance Endowed Chair in Journalism and Mass Communication allow the program to bring in visiting professionals on a regular basis to supplement the curriculum. A PORTFOLIO IS REQUIRED.
Requirements: (40 credits)
1. Common Core
Students must take
and three credits from the following:
Important Notes:
JRN 200: prereq. ENG 110
JRN 235: To be taken concurrently with JRN 255
JRN 255: To be taken concurrently with JRN 235
JRN 237: preferably taken concurrently with JRN 235 or JRN 336
2. Two Sequences: Print and Broadcast
Print sequence: 15 credits
a. Required: Two courses from the following:
Students may take JRN 418 twice provided the courses are on different topics
b. Nine credits of directed electives chosen in consultation with a faculty advisor.
These electives may include courses in Journalism not used to fulfill other requirements, including JRN 491 (Campus Newspaper Critique) and JRN 495 (Internship), or courses in other departments and schools at CCSU. Three of the nine credits must be in a visual medium that is in or related to journalism (video, photojournalism, design). Students are encouraged to choose courses that will allow them to build an area of expertise that will help their future work in journalism and related media fields.
Broadcast sequence
a. Required:
| COMM 227 | Introduction to Television Production | 3 |
| JRN 340 | Introduction to Broadcast News | 3 |
| JRN 440 | TV News Practicum | 3 |
b. Six credits of directed electives chosen in consultant with a faculty advisor.
Students may choose courses from those listed below or, with approval of an advisor, select other courses from Journalism, Communication, or other CCSU departments.
| COMM 231 | Communication Technologies | 3 |
COMM 335
| | |
| COMM 420 | Principles of Digital Photography for Convergent Media | 4 |
| COMM 428 | Digital Film Production II | 4 |
COMM 480
| | |
| COMM 495 | Special Topics in Strategic Communication | 3 to 4 |
| JRN 495 | Internship in Journalism | 3 |
Journalism Major- General Education Requirements
All majors:
1. One of the following courses:
| HIST 161 | American History to 1877 | 3 |
| or | |
| HIST 162 | American History from 1877 to present | 3 |
2. One of the following courses:
3. One of the following courses:
| PS 110 | American Government & Politics | 3 |
| or | |
| PS 230 | American State and Local Government | 3 |
All Majors1:
4. Diversity requirement. Students can meet this requirement in one of a few ways.
a. Select one of the following:
b. Choose a more advanced course in consultation with an adviser
c. Take JRN 371: Reporting Cultural Diversity.
5. COMM 230 is a recommended Gen Ed elective for all JRN majors (also counts towards broadcast sequence)
Broadcast Sequence
Courses that count toward the major:
Journalism (JRN) courses:
Communication (COMM):
| COMM 230 | Introduction to Mass Media | 3 |
| COMM 231 | Communication Technologies | 3 |
| COMM 255 | Visual Communication | 3 |
COMM 330
| | |
COMM 335
| | |
| COMM 420 | Principles of Digital Photography for Convergent Media | 4 |
| COMM 427 | Studio Production | 4 |
| COMM 428 | Digital Film Production II | 4 |
COMM 480
| | |
| COMM 495 | Special Topics in Strategic Communication | 3 to 4 |
English (ENG):
Total Credit Hours: 40