What Journalism courses do we offer?

This is a list of the Journalism courses offered at EMU, however not every class is offered each term. To view schedule information for upcoming terms, visit the EMU Online Course Schedules.

JRNL 177/178/179 Special Topics (1/2/3 hrs)
An exploration and study of topics not covered in other departmental offerings. Students may elect more than once, provided different topics are studied.
Prereq: Department permission.

JRNL 213 Introduction to the Print Media (3 hrs)
An exploration into the multiple effects of print media on American popular culture and vice versa. Understanding the business of news, features, editorials, comics and other media formats. Tracking the development of contemporary media research. Learning to become critical consumers of print media. Student media research.

JRNL 215 Journalism (3 hrs)
An introduction to newspaper reporting. Learning to gather information and to write in an approved journalistic style. Courses offer practical instruction and working exercises in interviewing, news story development, lead writing and editing skills. Substantial use of computer lab.
Prereq: Sophomore standing.

JRNL 277/278/279 Special Topics (1/2/3 hrs)
An examination of topics in journalism not covered in other departmental offerings. Students may elect this course more than once, provided different topics are studied.
Prereq: Sophomore standing.

JRNL 305 Editorial, Column, and Review Writing (3 hrs)
Writing of interpretive articles, editorials, reviews and columns. Aimed at developing the student's critical faculties, it includes the study of public opinion and the efforts to change it, the rhetorical principles of argumentation and persuasion, and the aesthetic principles guiding criticism in the arts.
Prereq: JRNL 215

JRNL 306 Feature Writing (3 hrs)
Writing of feature and interpretive articles and editorials designed for newspapers or magazines. Emphasis on research, interviewing and logical presentation of informative material. Writing assignments and analysis of writing in the mass media.
Prereq: JRNL 215.

JRNL 307 Copy Editing (3 hrs)
Practical application of professional techniques for editing copy for newspapers, magazines and books, including basic headline writing, use of pictures, and understanding the laws of libel and copyright and the rights of privacy.
Prereq: JRNL 215 and JRNL 306.

JRNL 311 Editing Procedures (3 hrs)
Presentation of the written word on the printed page relative to the use of photographs and other illustrations; copy fitting, printers' markings, visual concepts; typographical selection; page makeup; working with graphic artist and printer.
Prereq: JRNL 215.

JRNL 312 Introduction to Public Relations (3 hrs)
Definition, historic aspects, evolution and ethics of public relations; the practical use of public relations by corporations, not-for-profit organizations, businesses, institutions and government; correlation of written, oral and visual skills.
Prereq: JRNL 215, and CTAS 121 or CTAS 124.

JRNL 313 History of American Journalism (3 hrs)
A survey of the historical evolution of journalism in the United States, its involvement in the social, economic and political development of the national life and its influences on the decision-making process through its effect on public officials.
Prereq: Sophomore standing.

JRNL 314 Writing for Public Relations (3 hrs)
Practical experience in writing press releases, broadcast announcements, speeches and scripts to present a project or product; preparing brochures, newsletters, annual reports, memos and proposals; implementing public relations campaigns.
Prereq: JRNL 312.

JRNL 377/378/379 Special Topics (1/2/3 hrs)
An exploration and study of topics not covered in other departmental offerings. Students may elect more than once, provided different topics are studied.
Prereq: Department permission.

JRNL 387 Cooperative Education in Journalism/Public Relations (3 hrs)
Employment for pay in the print media, public relations or publishing fields to provide practical experience for skills learned in the classroom. Work experiences generally are alternated with full-time attendance at the University.
Prereq: Junior or senior standing; admittance by application to the Cooperative Education Office and recommendation approved by a journalism professor.

JRNL 408 Case Studies in Public Relations (3 hrs)
Solving problems and managing controversy in the day-to-day pursuit of public relations; legal considerations; crisis communication; professionalism and public responsibility in public relations.
Prereq: JRNL 312 and JRNL 314.

JRNL 423 Magazine Article Writing (3 hrs)
A writing course to develop skills in investigating and writing nonfiction articles longer and more complex than feature or background articles in daily newspapers. Emphasis on individual completion of articles of professional quality.
Prereq: ENGL 328 or JRNL 306.

JRNL 453 Advanced Reporting (3 hrs)
Writing of news stories dealing with such topics as courts, politics, government, finance, labor, education, etc. Emphasis on study and research to provide articles of depth.
Prereq: JRNL 215.

JRNL 454 Contemporary Problems in Journalism (3 hrs)
Emphasis on student investigation, reporting and writing on select problems such as free press vs. fair trial, media accessibility, and the people's right to know.
Prereq: Junior standing.

JRNL 455 Journalism and the Law (3 hrs)
A senior professional course exploring issues of libel, privacy, free press-fair trial, and the First Amendment.
Prereq: JRNL 454.

JRNL 477/478/479 Special Topics (1/2/3 hrs)
An examination of topics in journalism not covered in other departmental offerings. Students may elect this course more than once, provided different topics are studied.
Prereq: Junior standing and department permission.

JRNL 487 Cooperative Education in Journalism/Public Relations (3 hrs)
Employment for pay in the print media, public relations or publishing fields to provide practical experience for skills learned in the classroom. Work experiences generally are alternated with full-time attendance in the classroom.
Prereq: Junior or senior standing; admittance by application to the Cooperative Education Office and recommendation approved by a journalism professor.

JRNL 488/489/490 Internship in Journalism/Public Relations (1/2/3 hrs)
Optional, practical on-the-job work experience for recommended students electing an opportunity provided by the department or finding an appropriate outside opportunity subsequently approved by the intern supervisor; paid or nonpaid. One hour credit for 10 hours work per week; two hours for 11-17 hours; three hours for 18 and above.
Prereq: Junior or senior standing and recommendation of journalism professor.

JRNL 497/498/499 Independent Study (1/2/3 hrs)
Study of topics not offered in the regular curriculum, the particular topic to be defined (and credit hours set) by the instructor and student, subject to approval by the curriculum committee. Restricted to students taking majors or minors in the English Language and Literature Department.
Prereq: Nine hours in the appropriate major or minor.