Undergraduate Bulletin
Fall 2023
JRN: Journalism
JRN 101: News Literacy
How do you know if you're getting the truth from the news media? This course is designed to prepare students to become more discriminating news consumers. It will examine standards of reliability and accuracy in news gathering and presentation, and seek to establish the differences between news and propaganda, assertion and verification, bias and fairness, and infotainment and journalism. Students will be encouraged to critically examine news broadcasts, newspaper articles and websites. Visiting journalists will be questioned about the journalistic process and decision making.
Pre- or corequisite: WRT 101 or higher or equivalent
DEC: BSBC: CER, SBS
3 credits
JRN 106: Introduction to Mass Media
A survey of the historical evolution, content, and structural elements of mass media. This introduction to social science research approaches to the study of mass communication enables participants to understand mass media's political, economic, social, psychological influences on individuals and broader U.S. society. Students examine the effect and impacts of mass communication on contemporary society and consider how global media influence and are influenced by U.S. media. This course was previously known as JRN 106.
SBC: SBS, USA3 credits
JRN 108: The History and Future of the American Press
This course traces the history of the American press from pre-American Revolution to post-Internet revolution. It examines the political, economic and technological forces that shaped the news media and how the press, in turn, influenced American government, politics and society. Topics will include freedom of the press, the rise of the popular press, war and the press, the press and presidents, the impact of investigative journalism, the evolution of radio and TV news, and the advent of 24/7 online news.
Pre- or corequisite: WRT 101 or higher or equivalent, or permission of department
DEC: FSBC: SBS, USA
3 credits
JRN 111: Grammar and Editing Lab
To progress in the major and minor program, students must pass a grammar proficiency test as part of JRN 111, a grammar course that is co-requisite with JRN 110. The grammar course includes an eight-week immersion lab in grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure. In the ninth week, all students take a proficiency test. Those who pass are excused from the lab for the rest of the semester. All other students must continue attending the lab and will be required to take a second test on the last day of class.
Prerequisite: WRT 102; C or higher in JRN 101 or JRN 103; JRN 105
Corequisite: JRN 115
1 credit
JRN 115: News Reporting & Writing I
The second of a three semester sequence in the School of Journalism's Fundamentals of Reporting and Writing sequence. Students sharpen their ability to find and frame a well-focused story idea, apply advanced interviewing skills, learn the effective use of attribution and quotations, craft effective leads and "nut graphs" and become disciplined in writing to length and meeting deadlines. In this course, students write basic professional-level news ledes, news updates and live blogs on deadline and by the conclusion of the semester complete several news stories that are well-reported, well-written and stylistically acceptable, with an emphasis on accuracy and verification. Students are expected to maintain an ongoing engagement with current events.
Prerequisite: WRT 102; JRN 101 or JRN 103
Corequisite: JRN 111
3 credits
JRN 116: Introduction to Digital Journalism
An introduction to the fundamentals of journalistic reporting and storytelling in an interactive and immersive environment. Students will learn how to collect data and information using every tool in the journalistic arsenal, from notebooks and pens to online data collection. Students will begin the process of learning how to turn that core information into modern stories involving various elements such as text, audio, video, data visualization, and mapping - skills that will be built upon during other courses in the curriculum. Students will also explore how to use social tools both for information gathering and story amplification, and learn the philosophy that guides modern journalism: impartiality, ethical values and respect for accuracy. Students will build on their understanding of civic life and practice keeping pace with current events.
3 credits
JRN 205: News Reporting & Writing II
The final course in the School of Journalism's Fundamentals of Reporting and Writing sequence. Telling an effective story often means going beyond the basics and adding additional layers of reporting, including "color" and compelling anecdotal material, additional sources, independent verification of competing accounts, background and context, as well as providing a narrative organizational structure and the deployment of a variety of story approaches. In this course, students report and write more complex news stories, news feature stories, profiles and news trend stories, several of which are based on their own story ideas. In addition, students add multi-media elements to at least one story, employing the tools they have learned in the corequisite Introduction to Multimedia Skills lab.
Prerequisite: C or higher in JRN 115 and grade of Satisfactory in JRN 111
Corequisite: JRN 215
3 credits
JRN 208: History of Mass Communication
A survey of the history of mass communication in the American colonies and the United States. Students examine the ways in which mass communication has shaped, and has been shaped by, technological, economic, political, social, and cultural changes across the globe. Students will apply the skills and tools used by historians and journalists to understand the presence of the past in their lives and the critical role they play in the ongoing history of mass communication. This course is was previously known as JRN 208.
JRN Maj/Min
SBC: USA3 credits
JRN 215: Introduction to Multimedia Skills Lab
Images and sound are critically important to journalists. In this lab, students will explore and apply basic skills in audio, video and photography. This lab will be divided into three sections: Four weeks of audio, five weeks of photography and five weeks of video. Students demonstrate proficiency with digital audio recorders, video and still cameras as well as proficiency in basic editing in all mediums.
Prerequisite: JRN 111 and C or higher in JRN 115
Corequisite: JRN 205
1 credit
JRN 216: Intermediate Digital Journalism
Teaches journalism students the tools necessary to tell stories in the digital age. Building on the core reporting concepts learned in JRN 116, students will use audio, still photography and video to communicate news stories to the public utilizing the standards and best practices of American broadcast journalism. Students will also work in teams to produce short newscasts (Newsbreak). This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.
Prerequisite: JRN 116
3 credits
JRN 217: Journalistic Reporting and Writing
A hands-on approach to reporting techniques and written journalism. Careful examination of professional news reporting and writing enables students to understand how journalists seek, verify and assemble information. Students then apply those insights to original reporting projects in a variety of traditional and innovative story forms, with close attention to grammar, usage, and style.
Prerequisite: JRN 116
3 credits
JRN 220: Media Law
Examines the legal issues that are encountered by journalists and other media professionals, including the First Amendment, libel, invasion of privacy, copyright law, and trademarks. Students also will examine ethical codes that guide journalists, including independence, truth-telling, accountability and protecting sources.
Prerequisite: major or minor in Journalism
2 credits
JRN 301: The Changing News Business
An inquiry into how the evolving media landscape in the digital age has changed journalism, and the ramifications for journalists and audiences. This course examines the advent of digital technology and the shifting patterns of media consumption, investment, ownership, and employment; regulatory changes; and the rise of nontraditional competition. Through readings and classroom discussion, students explore the effects of this revolution on content, standards, business models, news delivery, readership, viewership, and jobs. Guest speakers will discuss how today's changes are affecting their news organizations and their own careers.
3 credits
JRN 303: Global Issues in Journalism
A study of global journalism of the 20th and 21st centuries, as it has been defined by the central topics of these times: mass migration, global warming, and the destruction of natural ecosystems; reparations, indigenous issues, and the advancement of global corporate media. This course studies the role of global journalism as opposed to mainstream American journalism and media, in the configuration of a media agenda and an image of the global society.
JRN Maj/Min: U3 or U4
SBC: DIV, GLO3 credits
JRN 305: Mass Communication Law & Ethics
Provides students with a model by which they can analyze, understand, and act upon the law and ethical considerations that journalists and mass media professionals and consumers face in the 21st century. The class will use case studies, the Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics, the First Amendment Handbook from the Reporters Committee for the Freedom of the Press, and current newsworthy stories to build an analytical model. This course is offered as both JRN 305 and COM 305.
JRN Maj/Min: U3 or U4
SBC: ESI3 credits
JRN 310: Multimedia Newsroom I / Visual
Students are introduced to the skills needed to report and write news stories for television and radio. Students will become familiar with the proper use of pictures and sound in broadcast journalism, and become comfortable writing news reports in a variety of broadcast formats. Students also are expected to become familiar with a variety of broadcast production tools, including the basics of Final Cut Pro and video photography. Course includes a lecture and a weekly three-hour lab.
Prerequisite: C or higher in JRN 210 or JRN 205 and a grade of satisfactory in JRN 211 or JRN 215
SBC: SPK3 credits
JRN 311: Advanced Digital Journalism - Text
An in-depth writing course that guides students through deeply reported and sophisticated stories that incorporate accompanying visuals, and are of publication quality. Building on the core reporting concepts learned in earlier skills courses, students will also write professional story pitches. All work will represent the highest standards in journalistic ethics and accuracy.
Prerequisite: C or higher in JRN 216 and JRN 217
3 credits
JRN 312: Advanced Digital Journalism - Audio
An in-depth course in which students report, write, and produce a series of feature length pieces and podcasts that are of NPR style and broadcast quality. Building on the core reporting concepts learned in JRN 116, students will also write professional story pitches. All work will represent the highest standards in journalistic ethics and accuracy. Some assignments will require students to go off campus.
Prerequisite: C or higher in JRN 216 and JRN 217
3 credits
JRN 313: Advanced Digital Journalism - Audio-Visual
Students will build on the fundamentals of visual storytelling taught in JRN 116 and JRN 216 by producing multimedia news stories to be published as part of the School of Journalism's digital platform. In addition to producing news stories, students gain experience in Studio and Control Room roles.
Prerequisite: C or higher in JRN 216 and JRN 217
3 credits
JRN 316: Mass Communication Research Methods
A systematic overview of key contemporary research methods in media and mass communication. Based in social science methods, participants pursue a deeper understanding of quantitative and qualitative research methods. The course provides opportunities to apply those methods through individual and team-based research projects. Participants will build on and apply their existing understanding of media and mass communication to explore the principles behind well-conducted research, including the design of research questions, a range of methodological approaches, development and application of these approaches, and standards related to research on human subjects.
Prerequisite: U3 or U4 status; C or higher in COM 106 or COM 208; completion of the SBC QPS requirement
SBC: SBS+3 credits
JRN 317: Mass Communication Theory
An overview of historical and contemporary theories of mass communication, media, and culture with particular focus on social and behavioral theory. The course covers key empirical theoretical perspectives on mass communication processes and examines the foundations of theoretical inquiry and applications of theory.
Prerequisite JRN Maj/Min or COM Maj/Min; and U3 or U4 status
3 credits
JRN 319: The Image of the Journalist in Popular Culture
Students will analyze the impact of conflicting images of journalists in movies and television on the American public's perception of journalists in the 20th and 21st centuries. The public adopts perceptions of journalists based on portrayals in the media, often without considering the accuracy and/or dramatization of these representations. Few people will ever witness a journalist in action. Yet many have very specific ideas of what journalists do because they have read about journalists in novels, short stories and comic books, and they have seen them in movies, television, plays, and cartoons. This class explores how these representations in the media contribute to public perceptions about journalists, and explores the trajectory of these perceptions from the days of silent films through the 21st century.
Prerequisite JRN Maj/Min or COM Maj/Min; and U3 or U4 status
3 credits
JRN 320: Multimedia Newsroom II / Web
Examines the challenges presented by the explosion of journalism on the Internet and assesses the role of the journalist in an online society. Students are exposed to both practical skills and a broader understanding of issues. Topics include how journalists add value to information online, writing and editing for the Web, the use of interactive tools, blogs and podcasts, and an elementary understanding of web design. At the same time, students explore issues of privacy, the Internet's potential threat to traditional journalistic standards, and how online publishing is creating new audiences. Students will critique news web sites, participate in a blog and podcast, create a news Web page, and produce an online story package. Course includes a lecture and a weekly three-hour lab.
Prerequisite: C or higher in JRN 210 or JRN 205 and a grade of satisfactory in JRN 211 or JRN 215
3 credits
JRN 333: Business Reporting
This course provides practical training for journalism students interested in a possible career in business reporting. It seeks to provide the basic understanding and skills to report on business and consumer news and economic trends. Goals include learning how to read and understand financial statements, how to identify and access relevant public documents, and how to interpret basic economic data and statistics. Students profile a public company on Long Island or in New York City, and learn how to write a business story that conforms to standards of accuracy and context. They will be encouraged to visit major financial institutions, public markets, and regulatory agencies in New York City. Students will also examine business stories and controversies in the news from the perspective of the business community and journalists.
Prerequisite: C or higher in JRN 310
Advisory Prerequisites: ECO 108 and BUS 110
3 credits
JRN 334: Science and Health Reporting
Students will examine methods of evaluating and reporting science and health news with accuracy and context. Among the topics to be covered: how to read a medical journal article; how to understand simple statistical data; how to develop and interview expert sources; how to deal with conflicting claims. Drawing on the resources of the Health Sciences Center, the course also will provide information on how research and health care are organized and funded. Students will report and write several stories for print, broadcast or the Web. They also will spend a day shadowing a health care professional.
Prerequisites: C or higher in JRN 216 or JRN 217; 1 D.E.C. E or SNW; 1 D.E.C. F or SBS
3 credits
JRN 335: Reporting in New York City
This course, which is offered mainly in winter and summer sessions, provides students with an overview of how reporters cover major institutions in New York City. The semester focus varies, ranging from city hall, United Nations, police, courts, Wall Street, arts and culture, television, music, movies, theater, fashion and other city-centric themes. The course offers a blend of classroom instruction, talks with officials and journalists and hands-on reporting. On reporting days, the class will be run as a newsroom. May be repeated as the focus changes.
Prerequisite: C or higher in JRN 216 and JRN 217; permission of the department
SBC: EXP+3 credits
JRN 336: Sports Reporting
This course is designed to prepare students to report, write and produce sports stories in print, broadcast and online, from sports news to behind-the-scenes issues that resonate in the world of sports. Upon completion of this course, students should be as comfortable covering a government hearing on steroids in professional sports as covering a basketball game.
PQ JRN336-U3 or U4, JRN216 and JRN217 or COM207 and Permission of the Undergraduate Program Director.
3 credits
JRN 337: Introduction to Narrative Journalism
Building on students' experiences in newswriting, this courses examines the reporting and writing of longer stories and more textured feature stories. There will be an emphasis on focus, structure, and storytelling, including the rudiments of developing style and a narrative voice. Students will be expected to write several original enterprise stories. They will also explore the similarities and differences in telling stories in print, online, and in broadcast formats.
Prerequisite: C or higher in JRN 216 and JRN 217
3 credits
JRN 339: Foreign Reporting
An introduction to interpreting complicated events outside North America for domestic audiences at home through studying foreign correspondents, their practices, practicalities, tradecraft, ethics, scoops, successes, and failures. The course is situated in the context of understanding the geopolitics of information, cross-cultural studies, ethics, and identifying the impact of propaganda, and disinformation. This seminar format course focuses on key reporting techniques including identifying reliable sources, quickly analyzing complex situations, and writing and speaking, about them under time pressure.
Prerequisite: U3 or U4 status
3 credits
JRN 340: Beat Reporting
A hands-on course that gives students greater exposure to the skills and knowledge required to regularly cover various branches and functions of government or a topic area. Students develop a beat and write stories from that beat. Beats include local governments: village, town or county government, police, courts or a board of education or a topic such as the environment, transportation, immigration, education or health care issues on Long Island or a specific aspect of Stony Brook University. The course emphasizes identifying, developing, and maintaining sources. A special feature of this class is the opportunity to meet and learn from experienced journalists as well as government officials and public relations experts who offer a perspective on the media from their points of view. The basic reporting skills developed here are applicable to print, broadcast and the Internet. All stories handed in must be ready for publication.
Prerequisite: U3 or U4 status
3 credits
JRN 350: Journalistic Judgment and Ethics
Journalistic judgment-how and why decisions are made in the newsroom-examines the fundamentals of the editor or news director's role in print, broadcast and online news with emphasis on their impact on critical thinking, decision-making, maximizing accuracy, removing bias and providing diversity and context. Students will discuss journalistic judgment in print, broadcast and online news. The semester case studies and project will address fundamental judgment issues.
Prerequisite: C or higher in JRN 205 and JRN 215
SBC: CER, ESI3 credits
JRN 355: Reporting in New York City - Broadcast
Offered mainly in winter and summer sessions, the course provides students with an overview of how broadcast journalists cover the major institutions in New York City: City Hall, the United Nations, the police department, the courts, Wall Street, etc. The course offers a blend of classroom instruction, talks with officials and journalists, and hands-on reporting. On reporting days, the class will be run as a newsroom. It is offered at the university's Manhattan extension.
Prerequisite: C or higher in JRN 310 and permission of the department
3 credits
JRN 361: News Editing and Presentation/Print
Editors are the last line of defense. Their job is to catch and correct mistakes, make stories readable if they are not, write engaging headlines and captions, design pages that invite the reader, protect the publication's credibility, avoid libel, and otherwise exercise good news judgment. This course focuses on developing students' copyediting and page design skills. Mastery of grammar and of The Associated Press Stylebook are goals. The course will cover the art of photo selection, placement and cropping, and the use of graphics and other elements to enhance storytelling. Students will use Adobe InDesign to create attractive pages.
Prerequisites: C or higher in JRN 350 or permission of the department
Pre- or corequisite: JRN 364
3 credits
JRN 363: Magazine Writing
This course builds on JRN 337, advancing the exploration of long-form magazine stories. Students will learn how to develop ideas and craft them into sophisticated pieces with protagonists and strong narrative drive. They will learn to bring their stories to life using novelistic techniques such as character development, voice, mood and theme, conflict and resolution, scene-setting, foreshadowing and dialogue. Required reading assignments, group discussions of works-in-progress and roundtable meetings with professional narrative journalists will inspire students to develop their own writer's eye and voice. The culminating goal of the course is for each student to produce a 2,500-to-3,000-word story for publication. Students will also learn how to select a market for their stories and write a query letter.
Prerequisite: U3 or U4 status
3 credits
JRN 364: Advanced Reporting
Designed to help student journalists explore complex stories through probing reporting that unearths rich detail and context. Students will work under supervision of their "editor" (the instructor) to produce publication-quality works. The focus will be on "solutions journalism," with reporting in-depth on a single story spanning the semester. Classes will serve as a learning lab and newsroom, during which students will present their work to their editor and fellow reporters. They will pitch their ideas, explain in detail their reporting progress, brainstorm with fellow student journalists on story development and reporting strategies, share experiences, review each other's stories in progress, and, in general, help one another. Students will be graded on their success as a colleague, a reporter, and a writer.
Prerequisite: C or higher in JRN 216 and JRN 217 and U3 or U4 status
3 credits
JRN 365: Talking Science
Designed to help undergraduate students in the sciences communicate effectively and responsively with multiple audiences, from peers and professors to potential employers and the media. Rather than a bag of tricks and techniques, this course will push a shift in the students' understanding of communication: 1) audience centered, 2) goal oriented, and 3) dynamic. Improvisational theatre exercises will help students connect with an audience, pay close and dynamic attention to others, read non-verbal cues, and respond freely without self-consciousness. There will be a strong focus on storytelling as a medium through which this communication shift occurs.
SBC: SPK3 credits
JRN 366: Press & the Presidency
Students examine the complex, difficult, co-dependent relationship between the news media and the president including the role of the press in a presidential campaign. The course includes a study of the historical relationship between the press and the president, the reasons for the fundamental deterioration of the press- White House relationship over the last 50 years, the impact of the digital revolution on the relationship, and whether voters can make an informed decision based on the information provided by the news media. This course is offered as both JRN 366 and POL 366.
Prerequisite: U3 or U4 status
3 credits
JRN 367: Opinion Journalism
A writing-intensive experience on the various aspects of opinion journalism, from columns to commentary, editorials, op-ed, blogs, reviews, and letters to the editor. What makes effective opinions? How does opinion journalism differ from news reporting? When do opinions and commentary qualify as journalism? When do they not qualify? What has been the historical role of opinion in journalism? How did it change and why? What impact has the internet and cable television had on opinion journalism and commentary? This course covers print, broadcast, and all forms of news media emphasizing the importance of reporting, critical thinking and clear writing.
Prerequisite: U3 or U4 status
3 credits
JRN 370: Advanced Visual Reporting and Storytelling
This course builds on the work of JRN 310 and is offered in a workshop/production environment. There is focus on mastering the reporting of breaking news, live reporting and developing story ideas. Emphasis also will be on shooting techniques. Students will produce longer-form reports.
Prerequisite: C or higher in JRN 310
Pre- or corequisite: JRN 350
3 credits
JRN 371: Weekly Broadcast
Designed to introduce students to planning, assembling, producing and performing the elements of a newscast. Students will be exposed to the roles of key members of a newscast team, including producers, assistant producers, reporters, writers, anchors and video photographers and editors. There will be emphasis on developing decision-making and on-air skills, as students complete mini-newscasts and segments for broadcast. Students will be expected to meet strict deadlines and manage critical air time. Newscast segments will be showcased on JRN Web sites.
Prerequisite: C or higher in JRN 370
3 credits
JRN 372: Introduction to Weathercasting
An introduction to weather casting with an emphasis on practical exercises and performance in a cutting-edge broadcast studio. Students will gain ease and poise delivering weather forecasts on camera using the latest equipment and technology in a professional setting with real-time constraints and challenges. Budding weathercasters will practice reporting and communicating critical meteorological news and be encouraged to find their personal voices and styles before the camera.
Prerequisite: ATM 102/103 or ATM 205; permission of department
1 credit, S/U grading
JRN 373: Advanced Weathercasting: Extreme and Hyperlocal
Advanced training for meteorology students who have completed JRN 372: Introduction to Weathercasting and want to continue exploring the coverage of extreme and local weather events such as hurricanes. Students will practice performing live under deadline pressure to acquire ease and a personal style before the camera. This class takes advantage of padcaster technology to put weathercasters in the field for live remote broadcasts. The goal of the class is to prepare students to qualify for The American Meteorological Society¿s Certified Broadcast Meteorologist Program.
Prerequisite: ATM 102/103 or ATM 205; grade of B or higher in JRN 372; permission of department
1 credit, S/U grading
JRN 380: Multimedia Photojournalism
This course, designed for students interested in specializing in online news, will focus on content management and the presentation of news on the Web. Students will have the opportunity to manage a news website in real time, with emphasis on around-the-clock news judgment and presentation. Students will learn how to enhance online news through multimedia integration and reader/viewer interactivity. Students also will study information architecture, eye-tracking studies and different ways of making the Web more accessible for readers, including layering information. After completion of course overview material, students will move through three phases designed to simulate a key role in current online newsrooms. The phases include real-time content management, multi-media integration and harvesting original video. There will be emphasis on building critical thinking skills and developing team work. By the end of this course, students are to produce a complete multimedia project and integrate its production into a real-time online news site.
Prerequisite: C or higher in JRN 320
Pre- or corequisite: JRN 350 or permission of the department
3 credits
JRN 381: Web Presentation
Students will combine their advanced journalistic skills in reporting, writing and producing with advanced multimedia techniques to create an online "microsite" devoted to one major story, combining text with video, photos, blogs and interactive features. This course builds on skills acquired in JRN 380. Significant computer use will be required outside of class time.
Prerequisite: C or higher in JRN 380
3 credits
JRN 390: Special Topics in Journalism
This special topics course will deal with timely and contemporary issues that affect journalists and journalism. The issues could range from the press in wartime to how the press covers presidential campaigns. May be repeated as the topic changes.
Prerequisite: U3 or U4 status
3 credits
JRN 391: Journalism Workshops
These workshops are designed to assist students in developing skills that will be useful in various journalism courses. Topics will rotate. Anticipated topics include On-Air Presentation, Audio Journalism, Digital Photography, Databases, FOIL and Sunshine Laws, On-Air Performance, Editing Software. May be repeated as the topic changes.
Prerequisite: Varies by topic, permission of the department
1-2 credits
JRN 392: Special Topics: Issues in Contemporary Journalism-Journalism Without Walls Prep
This 1-credit workshop is designed to help students prepare if they are interested in taking JRN 435 Journalism Without Walls, a course in which students travel with journalism faculty to a location and spend several weeks reporting, writing and broadcasting from and about it. Each Journalism Without Walls Prep is tailored to the specific locale and coverage issues. May be repeated as the topic changes.
Prerequisite: To be taken before JRN 435
1 credit
JRN 393: Audio Journalism Lab
This 1-credit audio lab is designed to assist students in developing skills that will be useful in various broadcast courses and to prepare them for radio and podcasting internship opportunities. Digital recorders will be provided for use in and out of class. An emphasis will be on the skills needed to produce long-form radio reports and podcasts in the tradition of National Public Radio. The lab meets once a week for three hours. Some assignments will require students to go off campus.
Prerequisite: JRN 215
SBC: EXP+1 credit
JRN 411: Television Practicum
This is a capstone course for students specializing in video. This day-long workshop class meets on Fridays from 9 am to 6 pm, with an hour break for lunch. Each week, students will produce and broadcast a half-hour, live newscast that will be broadcast on the Web and on a campus news channel. The class will experience the working conditions of a professional TV newsroom. Over the course of the semester, students will have the opportunity to work in each of they key jobs necessary for a successful newscast: broadcast producer, news director, anchor, field producer, reporter, video editor and member of the studio crew. Following each newscast, the news team will gather for a "post-mortem" meeting. At this meeting, work will be critiqued and plans will be made for follow-up stories and the next week's newscast. The post mortem will serve as a weekly assessment for the students.
Prerequisite: C or higher in JRN 370 and permission of the instructor
Pre- or co-requisite: JRN 371
3 credits
JRN 413: Journalisms of the Global South
A historical and socio-communicational exploration of the genres and styles of journalism emerging and shaping the different regions of the Global South since the early mercantile expansion of the 17th century and into the 21st century. In parallel with the colonial push into the Americas, Asia and the Pacific, journalistic narratives start to shape the Western view of the new worlds. But the process has a dual nature: these styles and genres are appropriated, re-signified and repurposed locally, giving birth to an array of journalisms that do not conform with their Western counterparts. Crónicas, corridos, roman feuilleton, and a vast number of other forms of journalisms born in the Global South are discussed during this course. The class aims at expanding the Western idea of journalism as the watchdog of democracy, and to understanding journalism in the Global South in its historical context, within its political, pedagogical and literary roles.
Prerequisite: U3 or U4 status
3 credits
JRN 415: Data Analysis and Storytelling
A skill-building exploration of communicating empirical data to different audiences using stories. Using existing data, students practice interpreting data and implementing storytelling tools to create clarity and meaning within goal-oriented, narratives about topics from climate change, to population health, and plant science. Through the Alda Method® for science communication, students learn to engage in clear and vivid communication that ensures data is communicated with integrity and accuracy, which leads to improved understanding by the public, media, patients, elected officials, and others outside of their own discipline. The Alda Method® supports experiential learning by integrating teaching strategies from improvisational theater, communication, journalism, public health, and other relevant fields. This course is offered as both JRN 415 and COM 415
JRN Maj/Min: U3 or U4
SBC: STAS3 credits
JRN 433: Journalistic Book and Serial Narrative Production
A contemporary approach to factual long-form and serial storytelling based on the study of narrative theory. We explore western and non-western contemporary literary journalism in written and audio-based formats. Participants conduct research as a basis for producing an individual or group project. Individuals may produce a pitch, prospectus, or a book proposal and then complete the first chapter of a long-form narrative. Groups may develop a collaborative proposal and produce a first episode of a serial podcast. Formative research will include interviews, documentary research, and a summary of the core ideas proposed in the book or podcast. The work is based on class analysis and the ideas explored during the semester.
Prerequisite: U3 or U4 status
3 credits
JRN 434: Photojournalism
An introduction to operating as a reporter empowered by effective news and feature photography skills. Students will develop judgement in how to tell stories visually through experiential mastery of digital camera picture taking and editing skills. They will develop a critical eye to determine what makes a great photograph, understand effective forms of visual communication, and master techniques in making photographic images. Students will take a hands-on approach to craft photographs that convey emotions and have impact in delivering the news. Picture selection, cropping, captions as well as the ethics of photographic presentations in an era of easy image manipulation are emphasized. Students add to their visual toolbox of reporting skills through lessons that are focused making stronger photographs under time pressure.
Prerequisite: U3 or U4 status and major in Journalism, or permission of instructor
3 credits
JRN 435: Journalism Without Walls
Offered only during winter or summer sessions, this course is designed for experienced and energetic journalism students. Students will be assigned as part of a team to travel to a location and using only mobile technology, transmit stories and video from the field. Their work will be published via a special website. Students will have one week to research a topic or location before leaving for their destination. (Teams of students, for example, have gone to China, Russia, Cuba and the U.S. Gulf Coast.) While on assignment, students file blogs, gather multimedia and video, write and edit stories, produce a website and establish a "mobile newsroom." One or several instructors accompany the students. This course combines students' journalistic skills, judgment and enterprise with knowledge of emerging technology. May be repeated as the topic changes.
Prerequisites: permission of the department, additional prerequisites announced by topic. Passport may be required.
SBC: EXP+3 credits
JRN 438: Weathercasting & Environmental Reporting
A practicum for upper division meteorology majors and advanced journalism students preparing for post college careers as local television/radio weathercasters, resident environmental reporters, and off-screen producers. The course centers on performance and production of a bi-weekly TV studio-based broadcast.
Prerequisite: U3 or U4 status
3 credits
JRN 444: Experiential Learning
This course is designed for students who engage in a substantial, structured experiential learning activity in conjunction with another class. Experiential learning occurs when knowledge acquired through formal learning and past experience are applied to a "real-world" setting or problem to create new knowledge through a process of reflection, critical analysis, feedback and synthesis. Beyond-the-classroom experiences that support experiential learning may include: service learning, mentored research, field work, or an internship.
Prerequisite: WRT 102 or equivalent; permission of the instructor and approval of the EXP+ contract (http://sb.cc.stonybrook.edu/bulletin/current/policiesandregulations/degree_requirements/EXPplus.php)
SBC: EXP+0 credit, S/U grading
JRN 475: Undergraduate Teaching Practicum I
Work with a faculty member as an assistant in one of the faculty member's regularly scheduled courses. The student must attend all classes and carry out tasks assigned by the faculty member to assist in teaching the course. The student will meet with the instructor on a regular basis to discuss intellectual and pedagogical matters relating to the course. Not for major or minor credit.
Prerequisites: U3 or U4; Permission of instructor and undergraduate program director
SBC: EXP+3 credits, S/U grading
JRN 476: Undergraduate Teaching Practicum II
Work with a faculty member as an assistant in one of the faculty member's regularly scheduled courses. Students assume greater responsibility in such areas as leading discussions and analyzing results of tests that already have been graded. The course in which the student is permitted to work as a teaching assistant must be different from the course in which he or she previously participated. Not for major or minor credit.
Prerequisites: grade of satisfactory in JRN 475; permission of instructor and undergraduate program director
SBC: EXP+3 credits, S/U grading
JRN 487: Independent Study
Intensive study of a special topic undertaken with close faculty supervision. May be repeated with a different topic.
Prerequisite: Permission of director of undergraduate studies
0-6 credits, S/U grading
JRN 488: Internship
Students work at local, state, and national news organizations. The work must involve journalistic skills related to the educational goals of the department. Students are required to submit written progress reports and a final written report on their experiences.
SBC: EXP+0-12 credits, S/U grading
JRN 489: Specialized Internship
Students work in campus departments or at local, state and national organizations. The work must involve a professional experience using journalistic skills in alignment with the educational goals of the department. Students are required to submit written progress reports and a final written report on their experiences.
SBC: EXP+0-12 credits, S/U grading
JRN 490: Senior Project
This is a capstone course and a requirement for all journalism majors. Students produce an in-depth story of professional quality in written form, visually and with interactive elements. Students attend a weekly seminar and work independently. A secondary goal of the course is to prepare students for career opportunities upon graduation. Students leave with a multiplatform portfolio.
Prerequisite: C or higher in JRN 311 or JRN 312 or JRN 313
SBC: EXP+, WRTD3 credits