JOUR 201 - Newspaper Production & Editing

Credits: 2
Variable Credit Course: No

Lecture Hours: 22
Lab Hours: 0
Worksite/Clinical Hours: 0
Other Hours (LIA/Internships): 0

Course Description: This course focuses on the development of skills in editing, desk-top publishing, and multi-media communication using basic principles of journalism and emphasizing production management and editorial leadership. It is designed for students interested in or already filling the positions of Editor, Assistant Editor, or Advertising Manager of the student newspaper. This course is repeatable up to 6 credits.

Prerequisite: JOUR 101 with a C or higher.
Meets FQE Requirement: No
Integrative Experience Requirement: No

Student Learning Outcomes

Develop and/or expand skills/experience in using Adobe InDesign or other desktop publishing software to produce bi-weekly issues of a student newspaper
Evaluate news stories and select content appropriate for the various pages of a student newspaper
Recognize and apply effective layout and design techniques to create a visually appealing newspaper
Produce content mock-ups for evaluation
Proofread and edit stories for style, ethics, accuracy, and space
Apply effective leadership and communication skills in working with newspaper staff, faculty, campus administration, and community
Coordinate print and multi-media publications of the newspaper
Write editorials and respond professionally to letters to the editor as needed
Manage time effectively by meeting deadlines.

Course Contents

Proofreading, evaluating, & editing stories
Page/issue design and layout
Newspaper production schedules, deadlines, & time management
Desktop publishing software
Newspaper leadership & communication effectiveness
Multi-media publications
Editorial writing

Instructional Units: 2