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Course Listings

Journalism

A major and minor in Journalism are available, as well as teacher certification in journalism for grades 5-12. See also the major and minor in Writing, offered by the English department.

Major in Journalism

47 credit hours

Student learning outcomes

Graduates in Journalism will:

  1. Demonstrate knowledge of core communication principles and research methods.
  2. Create a diverse multimedia portfolio.
  3. Demonstrate a set of professional skills and competencies.
  4. Engage in the campus and community through co-curricular media involvement.
  5. Demonstrate learning and competence in completing one or more internships.
  6. Report that courses and other collegiate training prepared them for a position in communication or a related career.
  7. Engage in meaningful discussions about media, professionalism, and ethics.
  8. Stimulate interest in the practice of journalism.

Planning guide:

First YearGoshen Core
Introduction to Communication
Communication Research
100-299 level courses in major
Second YearGoshen Core
Media Law and Ethics
Expository Writing
Other courses in major SST
Third YearGoshen Core
Communication and Society
Courses in major
Fourth YearBalance of Goshen Core
Balance of major
Internships
Senior Seminar

Planning and advising notes

Comm 200, Communication Practice should be with a co-curricular closely related to the major. The journalism major requires two internships: one for three credit hours and a second for one credit hour. A portfolio or its equivalent is required for graduation.

All journalism majors and minors must earn a grade of C- or higher in all courses required for their major or minor. Failure to attain this level of achievement requires the student to either repeat the course (for specific requirements) or take an additional course (an option for elective courses) and achieve a grade of C- or higher.

A maximum of 45 credit hours in communication courses may be applied to a degree. Also, no more than 12 credit hours in experiential learning (Comm 200, 209, 409 or 412) may be applied.

Minor in Journalism

18 credit hours

Student learning outcomes

Graduates with a minor in Journalism will:

  1. Demonstrate a set of professional skills and competencies.
  2. Demonstrate learning and competence in completing one or more internships.

Course descriptions

  • COMM 101 Introduction to Communication

    This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the field of communication, exploring its fundamental concepts, theories, and practices. Students will engage in self-assessment and career exploration, gaining insight into both traditional and emerging professional opportunities in the communication disciplines. Topics...

  • COMM 200 Communication Practice

    Applied work in communication with The Record, Globe Media, FiveCore Media, the Public Relations Student Society of America, or other on-campus communication activity. A maximum of two hours applicable toward a communication major or minor. Consent of instructor required.

  • COMM 202 Purposeful Presentation

    Students will polish their skills in public speaking, facilitation and active listening. Focusing on content creation and message delivery, this course is designed to provide practical experience in impromptu speaking, formulating and delivering persuasive arguments and effectively utilizing images and...

  • COMM 204 Expository Writing

    (Cross-listed from Engl 204) Theory and practice of written communication. Assignments in a variety of prose forms aim at developing the student’s control of logic, organization, rhetoric, usage, and audience accommodation. Prerequisite: CORE 110 or equivalent.

  • COMM 212 Digital Media Production

    An introduction to digital media with an emphasis on field video production. The primary goal of the course is the development of the necessary video and audio skills and understandings needed to create effective digital media messages. Secondary goals include...

  • COMM 240 Communication Research

    An introduction to theory building and research methodology of mass communication. Course focuses on the practical aspects of communication research, providing a framework for conducting quantitative and qualitative research..

  • COMM 250 Journalism Essentials

    Students will learn how to produce journalism – how to tell stories – in different forms and across various platforms. They will learn the techniques of interviewing and practice professional research methods. The course will provide a grounding in Associated...

  • COMM 270 Media, Law & Ethics

    The course provides an introduction to the U.S. legal system and the major principles of media law. The course will cover issues like access to information, accuracy, conflicts of interest, deception, fairness, libel, obscenity, plagiarism and privacy. Students will devote...

  • COMM 326 Creating for the Web

    This course examines the necessary tools for building successful web pages. Students utilize design elements and principles to emphasize the importance of the web as an effective form of communication. They also learn languages of page development (HTML/CSS) and responsive...

  • COMM 350 Reporting for the Public Good

    Journalism’s role in serving the public good will be in the forefront as students discuss civic journalism, the watchdog function of the news media, tensions between profits and public service, and the advocacy of peace and justice. Students will focus...

  • COMM 383 Communication and Society

    A study of communication issues in modern society with attention to the persons, institutions, media and systems that facilitate social interaction. An overview of communication philosophy as a basis for ethical and aesthetic perspectives.

  • COMM 409 Internship

    Experiential learning, usually in an off-campus professional setting, for communication majors and minors. The student contracts with a faculty member in regard to goals, performance expectations, supervision, evaluation and course subtitle. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

  • COMM 410 Senior Seminar

    Senior Seminar offers a consideration of ethical and professional issues in the fields of art, communication, English, and theater. Assignments include information interviews with practitioners in the respective fields, oral presentations, and the preparation of a capstone portfolio and polished...

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