Journalism at Mount Royal University

Transcription

1 Take part in your world! Journalism at Mount Royal University Calgary, Canada Program Information * Bachelor of Communication Journalism Four-year degree *Certificate of Achievement in International Communication Additional certificate available as part of your studies 1

2 Welcome Letter From the Journalism Program Chair Congratulations on being accepted into the Bachelor of Communication- Journalism program at Mount Royal University! As you make your final decision on whether to join us in the fall, I invite you to review the attached materials with your advisors, friends and family. This is a big decision, and you want to make sure that this is the right program for you. Included here: A list of Frequently Asked Questions (and answers) about the program (page 5-9) Links to various campus resources that may be helpful as you prepare for this new phase (page 10) A program guide and study plan (page 11-14) outlining sequencing of courses in each semester (note: if you have taken previous post- secondary courses, your individual plan will differ somewhat, and you are advised to meet with the program chair or any full- time journalism faculty member to discuss your transfer credits and individual requirements) Information about the Certificate of Achievement in International Communication (page 15) an additional credential available to all Bachelor of Communication- Journalism majors who participate in an international work experience, field school or study abroad program An outline of journalism (COMM) courses and what those courses are about The Bachelor of Communication Journalism Clear communication and critical analysis take many forms and are at the heart of all human activity. These skills are important for success in the workplace, in graduate school and in various personal endeavours. The Journalism major in the four- year Bachelor of Communication program will help you acquire and strengthen those skills. Journalism education today is much different from the old stereotype of simply writing newspaper copy. Our program takes a broad approach to communication, with various core courses emphasizing reporting, writing, video, photography, graphics and other elements of storytelling, all with an underpinning of ethical and professional practices and intentional decision- making. The ethical and entrepreneurial focus of our program sets our graduates aside from those of other regional journalism programs, and provides graduates with a myriad of unexpected job opportunities. Our journalism graduates work in newspapers, television news, radio, magazines and online ventures as you might expect, but they also work for non- profits, advocacy organizations, government, education and corporate entities, including in the oil & gas sector. Some use our degree as a stepping- stone toward graduate school and even law school; others go on to open their own businesses. The bottom line is that this is a degree that provides a strong educational foundation that will be useful no matter where you re headed in the future. That s because core principles of journalism like seeking the truth, giving voice to those who are often unheard, serving the public interest, questioning the status quo, writing clearly, understanding what s important to your audience are values important in many of today s business fields, particularly in a world where social media brings us all closer together every day. Our degree consciously blends classroom learning with practical, hands- on experience oncluding professional work- terms, publication experience and leadership opportunities as part of a broad- based education. Our classes are small, and you ll get to know both your instructors and your classmates well. 2

3 Our professors are former industry professionals from important media outlets including the Los Angeles Times, the CBC, the Vancouver Sun, Avenue magazine and the Canadian Press, and our goal is to support each student who joins us on this journey of learning. The result is a program that will allow you to be yourself, and encourage you to be the best you can be. Our graduates do very well in the journalism and communications industry yes, there are plenty of jobs to go around for those who do want to work in the field. But they do equally well in the other various paths their lives take them, and we are proud of each and every one of them. Program Elements Education is what you make of it, and the journalism degree at Mount Royal could be the start of a something quite special for you. Here is a sense of what we offer: Specific lessons in idea and story development, website and newsmagazine production, broadcasting, photography, and basic graphic design. Practice is many forms of writing and storytelling. Reporting experience from Year 1, interviewing real sources in the community, including those in positions of influence such as community leaders, politicians, theatre directors, artists, business owners, corporate leaders and everyday citizens. Practice in the effective use of specialty software for video and photo editing, graphic design, and page layout. Leadership opportunities as a senior editor with the Calgary Journal, a community newsmagazine and website put out entirely by MRU journalism students. Direct workplace experience in communications through a required professional internship. Opportunities to study abroad at one of MRU s many international partners, as well as journalism- specific field schools in locales such as India and Mexico. A focus on critical reflection about journalism generally, and on the student s own work, through instructor feedback, peer critiques and self- reflection. Examinations of the changing social context for journalism, including media history, law, ethics. Strict attention to ethical and professional practices as detailed in a journalism program policy manual. Practice in using social media to brand yourself and shape your online presence. Help in learning how to do effective research. A Communication Studies theory component to expand your understanding of the role of communication more broadly in society. Optional complementary communication courses in Information Design or Public Relations. Open electives to provide choice in your studies as well as allow for the pursuit of a minor in a different field if you so choose. And journalism students also take a strong General Education component common to all degrees at MRU that ensures both breadth of study and the potential to achieve some depth in a given discipline, such as political science, history, sociology, or a second language, among other possibilities. This blend of elements makes for a degree that is interesting, exciting, engaging, and solid training for entering the workforce or continuing on for more advanced education. 3

4 Journalism Program Values Our program places students first and rewards effort. Learning something new is a challenge and students don t always get it right the first time, and we recognize that making mistakes is part of the process. A journalism education at Mount Royal is all about putting yourself out there, developing good work habits, keeping to your commitments, asking questions, and developing your confidence and potential. And help is always available if you get stuck all that s needed is to ask. As students go through our program they do a large number of projects and we encourage each student to develop and maintain an active digital portfolio or samples of their work. This portfolio forms the basis of your resume and allows you to show potential employers what you can really do. You will use your portfolio first to obtain a professional internship placement (also known as a Work Experience) that is a required part of your degree. This helps you gain experience and references to call upon after graduation. Your portfolio will also be tremendously important upon graduation if you enter the job market. Academic success is also profoundly important in the degree, as it demonstrates commitment and responsibility to your learning. Students who maintain average marks of a B or better (3.0 grade point average) have good portfolios and also do well in their General Education courses outside journalism such as political science, languages, history, natural sciences and so on. These courses are an essential part of the student s personal and professional development, and we expect a maximum effort in all of them. Outside Employment Most of our students work outside of school to pay expenses, and that is fine. But university should be a time of new experiences and discovery, not just work. Therefore if you have to work more than 20 hours per week, we strongly recommend that you slow down your program of study and take only three or four courses per semester instead of the full five- course plan. It s important that you do well in your courses and produce a strong portfolio that will serve you well in your post- graduation job search. Better to take a bit longer and enjoy your time at MRU and do well, then to hurry through and end up stressed and with only mediocre skills. The standard 5- courses- per- semester study plan is attached. But education is never a one- size- fits- all endeavour, and any full- time faculty member, including the program chair, would be happy to discuss alternate study plans with you. Again, please take some time to review these materials, and while you are at it, make a list of your questions, and your own goals for your university career. You are making a big decision, and you need to take some time to think about what you want to accomplish. Finally, whether you ultimately join us in September or not, I you all the best in your future. Warm Regards, Shauna Snow- Capparelli Program Chair Bachelor of Communication- Journalism ssnowcapparelli@mtroyal.ca 4

5 Frequently asked questions about Journalism Studies at Mount Royal How many students are admitted every year? We currently accept 63 bachelor s degree students into the fall semester each year (we have only one intake per year). We generally have 200 or more applicants for those spots, so acceptance into the program can be fairly competitive. I received notice that I ve been accepted. But why must I attend a required advising session? We want you to be sure that you ve made the right decision for your future. We know that there are many programs and universities to choose from, and so we want to give you as much information as possible to help you feel comfortable that you ve made the right choice for you. Please make sure to ask any question that s on your mind. My letter said Conditionally Accepted. What does that mean? Students who have self- reported their grades, including most high school seniors, will be termed conditionally accepted until their final grades are received. As long as those grades meet the university minimum, you will be fine. You should go ahead and pay your deposit, and then register for courses as soon as you re able. All the conditional means is that your academic transcripts must be sent to MRU once you complete your current courses. How much is tuition? Please refer to for the most recent tuition costs. You can also call the Admissions and Recruitment Office ( , or toll free ; for more detailed information. Alternately, you can ask a question electronically, via Are there other costs to students? Yes. Students need to purchase some text books, a dslr camera, and some computer and audio/video supplies. The first year of the program is the most costly because you re purchasing equipment that you ll use throughout the entire program (see the attached equipment list, or go to for updates on specific equipment needs). Depending on the model of camera you choose, first- year equipment costs are usually around $1,000. Textbook costs, meanwhile, vary semester to semester and vary by particular course (though many journalism courses have limited, or no texts at all). The journalism program routinely informs the student finance office of the equipment demands so that they can be factored into student loans. Having a personal laptop computer is not required by the program, though many students find them helpful to have. How long is the journalism degree program? If you take a full 5- course load per semester, the journalism stream of the Bachelor of Communication will include eight semesters on campus, and one semester of a mandatory non- credit work- experience, which is a job in journalism or communications that Mount Royal helps you organize as part of your studies. While all students must complete one work experience as part of their degree, the program provides opportunities for a second work experience to allow you to try out different positions, boost your competence and confidence, and build your professional resume and references. Work experiences are most often completed in the summers, but there are also job openings for the fall and winter semesters, and some students opt to finish out their program with a work- term (particularly a second work- term) in the hopes that the experience will lead to future employment. 5

6 Do I need to complete the program in four years? No! You have up to eight years to complete the degree. Many students take an extra semester or two to complete the program. This is most often because they need to work more than the recommended limit of hours per week outside of school. Other students have time- consuming personal or family commitments, or other reasons for slowing the program down. We hope you will look at completing the degree not as a race, but as a journey to be enjoyed. The focus should be on using your time well, keeping your workload manageable, and building a strong portfolio. We strongly encourage any student who must work 20 hours or more a week to meet with a faculty advisor to discuss a slightly minimized study plan. Do my grades in the program matter? Yes. A key goal of the program is that each student builds a professional entry- level portfolio of their work, and B- or- better work in every course will help you toward this goal. Second, to continue at MRU from year- to- year you need keep your GPA above 2.00 average (which is a C average), and a passing grade in all COMM courses is also a C or better. Review the Mount Royal calendar (which is like the school s rule book) for policies on continuance and graduation. The calendar is available online through mtroyal.ca. Lastly, it is important to understand that core (or communication) courses are often prerequisites, or required, to continue to the next semester or level. Getting a poor grade in a given course could, as a result, prevent you from taking the next course in that sequence in the semester that follows. A good example is in year two of the program where COMM 3707, the reporting course offered in the fall, needs to be completed successfully to allow you to take COMM 3709, the second- level reporting course offered in the winter. It is important to note, too, that missing a prerequisite does not prevent you from continuing on in other courses, and faculty are available to help you rework your study plan if you must repeat one or more courses during your studies. What is the teaching philosophy in the journalism program? The degree is a combination of theory and application. Students are expected to actively participate in class, challenge theories and ideas based on their readings, ask questions of their instructors and others, get out into the community to report their stories, adhere to ethical practices vital to the journalism profession, take advantage of volunteer opportunities to hone their writing and planning skills, and honorably fulfill their group work obligations. Students are treated as independent- thinking adults; they are expected to help make the classroom interactive and dynamic and speak up if their learning needs are not being met. In return the instructors work hard to make discussions relevant and interesting, and are widely available for out- of- class interaction with and help for students. A hallmark of our program is in- depth, one- on- one story- vetting sessions with students, in which faculty work with you individually (both in- class and out) to help you make your journalistic content (whether written, text, video, photographs, graphics or multimedia) as engaging and professional as possible. What kinds of courses will I take? See the curriculum and course descriptions included in this package. But in general terms, the degree is approximately 55 per cent journalism core courses and 45 per cent General Education requirements and options. Generally COMM courses fulfill your core requirements, though you may take a few additional COMM courses as general education options. A list of General Education courses offered is available at: raleducation/ What is General Education? General Education is the component of a university degree that includes courses from disciplines other than your core area of study. General Education courses encompass such things as languages, sociology, political science, the natural sciences, math etc., and are organized in 4 clusters, or disciplinary areas. Full details are available in the link above, and General Education course offerings are at 6

7 raleducation/courses/index.htm. In addition to the core (Journalism and Communication) course requirements, the degree requires 12 General Education courses and four electives (or student- chosen options). Can I work while going to school? Yes. Most of our students do. However, working more than hours a week outside of school while taking a full could make it difficult to do well in the program, and to build the professional portfolio you will need. Students who must work more than that therefore can and should choose to do fewer courses in a given semester. Faculty mentors can help you work through these options and choices. Can I transfer courses I ve taken previously at MRU or other post- secondary institutions? Yes. If you have already completed a degree or some post- secondary course work from a recognized university, you may not be required to take all/or some of the General Education courses required in the Bachelor of Communications degree. You may also be able to transfer in individual courses, including journalism courses taken at other institutions. Enrolment Services will automatically determine which courses transfer to Mount Royal by reviewing your transcripts. Ensure you have all relevant official transcripts forwarded to Mount Royal directly from the other schools. MRU journalism also has direct transfer arrangements for graduates of several Alberta media diploma programs. What kind of support is there for me at MRU? Mount Royal has many services and professionals that are ready to help you once you join us as a student. These include the Learning Skills Centre, Peer Support Centre, Student Counselling Services, Accessibility Services and the Student s Association. A list of helpful links is included at the end of this package, or in the current MRU Calendar at Can I use this degree to get into other post- secondary programs? Mount Royal University is a member of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC). Other AUCC member schools therefore generally accept Mount Royal degrees, but a student should never assume anything about transfer given that each school has its own rules. So the student rule is to check with the school you wish to attend. In addition, entrance to graduate school is often dependent on the grades you receive in your baccalaureate degree, so if you plan on pursuing advanced studies, it s important to do well here at MRU. Can I speak to a current student? Absolutely! We plan to have current students available at the advising sessions. But if you d rather meet with a student one- on- one, you can leave your name and phone number at the Faculty of Communication Studies Office ( ). Please indicate whether you want to speak with a first-, second-, third-, or fourth- year student, and we will have one contact you. Work Experiences What are work experiences? Work Experiences are semester- long (12 to 16 weeks), full- time internships in the communications industry that provide Journalism students with an opportunity to put their on- campus education into practice. We recognize that academic learning is enhanced by real- life experience, and it s important for you to work alongside professionals other than just your program instructors. You must complete one experience as part of your degree, but we recommend you complete two, as that will allow you double the experience, double the portfolio material, and double the references to call upon after graduation. Also, many students uncertain about their future career paths try out two different types of 7

8 communications positions perhaps corporate communications and a TV news station, or a newspaper and a non- profit to see which type of position they find most rewarding. What will I do during my work experiences? There are a range of jobs posted each semester and journalism students find themselves in professional print, broadcast and online working environments using their interviewing, research, writing, editing and photography skills to produce news and information for public consumption. They also work in corporate communications, non- profit and advocacy organizations, for education and sports programs, and various other entities where communications work is needed. Where will I go for my work experiences? As a Journalism student, you could be offered a work- term position at almost any location across Canada. Some students choose to contact their hometown media outlet while others travel to foreign countries to enjoy international work experiences. Since Calgary is a large media market that attracts people with a lot of experience, many students will need to leave the city to complete their work terms. The more willing you are to travel, the more opportunities will be available to you. Who are some of the employers that hire students? Previous work term employers include: A wide range of newspapers in Alberta and British Columbia Television and radio stations Web design and content workplaces such as magazines Large and small businesses, sports organizations and non- profits requiring communications support How will I get a placement? The Journalism Work Experience Coordinator, a former program graduate who works out of our career services area, posts jobs as they become available. Employers across the country are acquainted with the Mount Royal University Journalism program. They submit job descriptions that are posted on a website for internship students only. Students then apply as they would for any other job posting, and employers review the applications, interview candidates and make their selections. Students are offered and accept positions. Students are also encouraged to secure their own opportunities outside of our job listings, which are termed self- identified positions. International positions are generally self- identified. Will I have help when it comes time to apply for positions? Yes. In fall semester Year Three you will take COMM 4790 a 90- minute weekly non- credit seminar, that helps you prepare and plan for your work experience. The course also helps you build a suitable resume, cover letter and portfolio that demonstrate your capabilities. We ll coach you when it comes time to interview and we ll be there to congratulate you when you ve been offered the job. We also have industry guests come into this class to offer tips and talk about what they do in communications. What about expenses during a Work Experience? By starting to plan now, you can be financially prepared for your work terms. Expenses include: Course fees (see the current MRU Calendar). Re- location expenses you may be offered a work term position in a town or city outside of Calgary or your own hometown. It may be necessary to travel to and from the workplace location and pay rent on a different place to live for four months. Many though not all work terms require the use of a vehicle (which also means you must have a valid driver s license). 8

9 Often you will use your own camera and other equipment (purchased for the program) during the work term. If you re ready to upgrade any of your equipment, your instructors can offer suggestions. Because it is required for graduation, your Internship may qualify you for a student loan. Checking your status for a loan is entirely your responsibility. Will I be paid while I m on my Work Experience? Yes. Employers who offer work term positions to Mount Royal Journalism students state the salary they will offer at the time they post the position. Some pay by the month while others pay by the hour. Others offer only honorariums. Students may opt to accept unpaid work terms at times and for various reasons with program approval, but that is their choice. Please note: Because work terms are employer- paid, you will collect your pay cheque at the same time as others in the company. Therefore you may have to budget for expenses incurred until your first payday. When will I take my first Work Experience? You ll be ready to do your first Work Experience in the spring/summer semester following your third year in the program. Your second Work Experience, should you choose to complete another, can fall in any semester thereafter, including the semester, or spring/summer, after you complete your required coursework. Will I have support while I m on my Work Experience? Yes. You will be assigned a faculty member to assist you throughout your internship. The instructor will also inform you of any requirements that need to be fulfilled during your work term. Your Work Experience Coordinator will also be available to assist with any concerns about your workplace environment. Do you give credit for previous work experience? Previous journalism work experience may be considered for credit, but only if the application is made prior to being eligible for your program- specific work experience. If applicable, see the program chair for details. In general, however, we believe that the more work experience you have the better, and so we encourage you to do at least one work experience during your time with us in the program. Where can I obtain more information about the Journalism program and the Faculty of Communication Studies at Mount Royal? fcommunication- Journalism/index.htm Program publication: Faculty of Communication Studies information: Student Showcase: If I have other questions, whom can I call for answers? Journalism Work Experience Coordinator Chad Wilson: cewilson@mtroyal.ca; Program Chair Shauna Snow- Capparelli: snowcapparelli@mtroyal.ca; Or to talk to a current student: Faculty of Communication Studies office:

10 Useful Links The current MRU Calendar - has more details including key dates for registration, start of classes etc. Current information of particular interest to program students, including scholarships and awards, volunteer opportunities, equipment purchases, course changes and the like are posted routinely to the internal program website, We strongly recommend that you subscribe to the RSS feed for this site (the link is on the top left of the home page) to receive regular program updates. General Education Courses this link is useful for seeing how the general education process works and how courses fit into the clusters and tiers. raleducation/ The majority of the work you do in the program is published on one of our program websites and/or in print form in the Calgary Journal or a number of annual magazine supplements. That work all connects to Additional Links Faculty of Communication Studies (including faculty listings) Residence Services (living on campus) Accessibility Services (for students with disabilities) Student Learning Services (peer tutoring and support) Student Registration and Registrar s Office (including transfer credits) Parking Service (on- campus parking passes) Campus Card Office MRU Recreation International Education ute/index.htm 10

11 Program Guide: Bachelor of Communication Journalism This is a general year- to- year breakdown of courses required to complete the degree. If you have already completed some post- secondary courses, you will likely receive transfer credit for all or most of them. If your courses were at Mount Royal or another institution with which MRU has a standing transfer agreement, the transfers should appear automatically once you are registered in the program, and MRU has received all of your pertinent transcripts. For other institutions for which we do not have a transfer agreement, you may have to request specific transfer equivalents. For more information, see ( er). Please Note: most university programs are designed around the notion of completing eight semesters, of five courses each, but in reality many students take fewer courses at a time, and choose to go slower to accommodate their work schedules, social lives, hobbies and outside commitments. So consider this a rough guide only. It is up to each student to determine how fast to move through the program, and it can be far better to go slower, to get good grades and have fun rather than have your schooling suffer because of time conflicts. If you have questions about this, or would like to discuss an amended schedule, please speak to any full- time faculty member or the program chair. Further information for Journalism students can be found at Information for new students, as well as an updated registration and planning document is posted each semester in a link on the left side of the page. YEAR ONE * All courses are 3 credits, unless specified otherwise. Semester 1 Fall Tier 1 GE 11xx Tier 1 GE 12xx COMM 1707 COMM 1727 COMM 2501 Total Credits Cluster 1: Numeracy and Scientific Literacy (suggested*) Cluster 2: Values, Beliefs and Identities (suggested*) Journalism Elements Introduction to Visual Journalism Media History and Contemporary Issues 15 Semester 2 Winter Tier 1 GE 13xx Tier 1 GE 14xx COMM 1709 COMM 1720 COMM 1728 Total Credits Cluster 3: Community and Society (suggested*) Cluster 4: Communications (suggested*) Journalism Practice & Theory Managing Digital Media Journalism Projects 15 *Note: GE is general education. In year one, it s recommended that students take one level foundation course in each of Mount Royal s four general education clusters. The clusters above are merely a suggested order, however, so if you choose to take clusters 2 and 3 in the fall and clusters 1 and 4 in the winter, that is fine. The important thing is to take one and only one Foundation- Level Gen Ed in each cluster. 11

12 YEAR TWO Semester 3 Fall Any Tier two GE Cluster 1: Numeracy and Scientific Literacy (recommended) COMM 2500 Introduction to Communication Studies COMM 3707 News Reporting COMM 3727 Visual Journalism II AND 1 of ** Tier two GE Cluster 4: Communications; OR COMM 3720 Newspaper Production and Design (See **note below) Total Credits 15 Semester 4 Winter Tier two GE Cluster 3: Community and Society (recommended) COMM 3709 News Editing and Reporting COMM 3717 Specialized Writing for Journalism COMM 3735 Ethics, Law and the Media AND 1 of** Tier two GE Cluster 4: Communications OR COMM 3720 Newspaper Production and Design Total Credits 15 **Note: COMM 3720 Newspaper Production & Design is offered in both the fall and winter semesters; Journalism students may therefore complete it in either semester three or four, course registration permitting. The course may only be taken one time for credit. YEAR THREE Semester 5 Fall Tier two GE Tier three GE COMM 3737 COMM 3740 COMM 4790 AND 1 of COMM 3729 OR Any Elective Course Total Credits 15 Cluster 2: Values, Beliefs and Identities (or any remaining Tier 2 cluster) In any cluster (See Note 1 below) Research Design and Methodology Audio/Visual Storytelling Workplace Issues and Work Experience Preparation Seminar (Require non- credit seminar See Note 2 below) Online Journalism (See Note 3 below) Semester 6 Winter Tier three GE In any cluster (Note 1) COMM 3500 Media, Culture and Communication Theory COMM 3747 Audio/Visual Storytelling for Online Media AND 1 of COMM 3729 Online Journalism (Note 3) OR Any Elective Course AND 1 of: COMM 3501 Intercultural Communication (See Note 4 below) Or COMM 3503 Communication in Organizations Total Credits 15 12

13 Year 3: Note 1: The Tier 3 general education requirement calls for a total of 4 senior- level courses (3300 or higher). The courses can be in any cluster, except that students must cover at least 2 of the 4 clusters. Note 2: COMM 4790 is a non- credit seminar to prepare students for their Work Experiences. It is offered only in the fall semester, and students may not do a Work Experience until they complete the seminar. Note 3: COMM 3729 Online Journalism, is offered in both the fall and winter semesters. Students may tke it in either semester five or six, course registration permitting, but may take the course only one time for credit. Meanwhile, elective courses are open slots for courses of the students choice, and can be additional senior- level GenEds, additional senior COMM courses, or courses in other Faculty of Communication Studies disciplines such as Public Relations or Information Design (permission of those program s chairs would be required); students must have the required prerequisites for any elective courses. Note 4: Journalism students must take either COMM 3501 or 3503 to fulfill the core degree requirements. However, if both courses are completed, one will count as a Tier 3, Cluster 4 GenEd. Please note also that COMM 3501: Intercultural Communication is required for the Certificate of Achievement in International Communication. Spring/Summer (Year 3) COMM Journalism Work Experience I (recommended timing) Note: Journalism students are encouraged to complete two faculty supervised non- credit internships in the communications field during their program, but are required to complete one such internship for graduation purposes. Print/online, broadcast or general communications internships may be taken at any point following semester 6. YEAR FOUR Semester 7 Fall Tier three GE Elective Course COMM 4501 Roles and Practices in Contemporary Communications AND two of the following courses: (See Notes 1 and 3 below) COMM 4705 Online Editorial Board COMM 4707 Editorial Board (See Note 2 below) COMM 4709 Public Affairs Reporting (available in fall only) COMM 4729 Multimedia Projects COMM 4747 Advanced Audio/Visual Projects (available in fall only) COMM 4757 Corporate Communications (when offered, available in fall only) Total Credits 15 Note 1: Among the four required courses at the 4700 level, students must take either 4705 or 4707 as one of them, but can complete both if they choose. Note 2: To help manage student workload, it is highly recommended that those students enrolled in COMM 4707 Editorial Board in the fall semester ALSO take COMM 4709 Public Affairs Reporting at the same time. Note 3: Students can use one or more of their Elective Course spaces to take additional COMM 47xx (Senior COMM) courses. Semester 8 Winter Tier three GE Elective Course Elective Course 13

14 AND two of the following courses: COMM 4705 Online Editorial Board COMM 4707 Editorial Board COMM 4711 Public Affairs Reporting II (when offered, available in winter only) COMM 4717 Magazine Writing, Editing and Production (when offered, in winter only) COMM 4727 Photojournalism Projects (available in winter only) COMM 4729 Multimedia Projects COMM 4737 Research Projects (when offered, in winter only) COMM 4759 The Business of Media (available in winter only) Total Credits 15 COMM 47XX Note: Not all level journalism courses will be offered every year, and students must in that case choose from among those that are being offered. Generally, COMM 4705, 4707 and 4729 are offered both fall and winter of every year. COMM 4709 and 4747 are generally offered every fall, and COMM 4727 and 4759 are generally offered every winter. COMM 4757, 4711, 4717 and 4737 are offered less often, depending on both MRU s budgetary situation and faculty availability. Work Experience Note: Students who elect to complete a work term in what would have been their 7 th or 8 th semester may, in a subsequent semester or school year, complete semester seven before semester eight, assuming required prerequisites. Likewise, a 2 nd work experience can be completed at any time and may change the sequence of final courses. (Total Credits for Graduation 120, plus required non- credit elements ADDITIONAL POLICIES CONTINUANCE IN THE PROGRAM Students accepted into the Bachelor of Communication program are subject to all Mount Royal University policies and regulations relating to baccalaureate degrees and continuance. RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT A minimum of 50 per cent of the course requirements for the degree must be completed as a registered student of Mount Royal, not including the required non- credit work experience and preparation seminar. GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE BACHELOR OF COMMUNICATIONS- JOURNALISM Successful completion of all core courses in the program with a final grade of C or better. Successful completion of 120 credits and all courses for graduation as listed. Successful completion of one non- credit internship and the non- credit internship preparation seminar. 14

15 Certificate of Achievement in International Communication All Bachelor of Communication- Journalism students who undergo an international experience during their studies have the option of earning an additional credential the Certificate of Achievement in International Communication from Mount Royal University s Faculty of Communication Studies. Qualifying international experiences include*: A semester of study abroad (MRU has numerous partner schools including in Europe, Asia, Australia, Mexico and the United States) An MRU international field school (the journalism program has run field schools in India and Mexico, and several other field schools are run through various MRU courses, including GenEds) An international workterm (students must set these up on their own and often do them in a country where they have family members) A substantial government- sponsored volunteer placement *Other structured international experiences may also be approved as acceptable for this purpose by your program chair. The Certificate of Achievement in International Communication is one way to signal to future employers or graduate schools that a communications graduate is interested in the wider world, and has already taken steps to broaden his or her horizons on the international front. Those who achieve it should refer to the credential in their resumes, and highlight in job interviews the lessons learned during international experiences. In addition to the international study or work experience, BCMM students must also complete at least 7 internationally focused courses: At least 3 foreign language courses (in a second language of the students choosing) COMM 3501: Intercultural Communication (this course is already in the journalism core students can chose between this or COMM 3503 Communication in Organizations for graduation purposes, for students who also take COMM 3503, Intercultural Communication counts as a Cluster 4, Tier 3 GenEd) And 3 additional courses with an international focus, which can be chosen from a range of options (see for more details) 15

16 Individual Course descriptions You can access a journalism program course sequence planning sheet at jtimes.ca. It notes all requirements for the program and is a useful tool. COMM 1707 Journalism Elements (3 credits) 2 hours lecture/tutorial combined, and one hour online This course introduces students to key practices of the contemporary practice of journalism. Work will focus on reporting and writing stories on people, events, and issues in local communities, and on developing a critical understanding of key aspects in the reporting and writing of news. An online course component will provide support for student work and forums for student discussion. COMM 1709 Journalism Practice & Theory (3 credits) 2 hours lecture/tutorial combined, and one hour online Having been introduced in Communications 1707 and 1727 to the multifaceted and multidisciplinary nature of contemporary journalism, student journalists will complete significant projects for publication in print or mixed media journalism while linking key critical- theoretical understandings to their own practices. An online course component will provide support for student work and forums for student discussion. Prerequisites: Communications 1707 Journalism Elements, and 1727 Introduction to Visual Journalism COMM 1720 Managing Digital Media With the potential for any one news story to be edited for use in a variety of ways, and presented in a variety of formats, it is imperative that journalists understand the demands, legal implications and structure of digital file creation, alteration, movement and management. Using media production software, and with a focus on file management, students in this course will use their own work to create a range of media files, and store and retrieve these files for an online production project. COMM 1727 Introduction to Visual Journalism (3 credits) 90- minute lecture, 90- minute tutorial, two 30- minute labs This course introduces students to key practices in photo, audio, and video journalism, and the application of acquired skills in reporting and producing stories in local communities, while also developing a critical understanding of key practices in the production of visual journalism. COMM 1728 Journalism Projects (3 credits) 90- minute lecture, 90- minute tutorial, two 30- minute labs Grounded through Communications 1707 and 1727 in the main elements of contemporary journalism in multiple media, students will undertake projects in audio, video or photojournalism or in multimedia journalism for online broadcast or publication, while applying key critical- theoretical understandings to their own practices. Prerequisites: Communications 1707 Journalism Elements and 1727 Introduction to Visual Journalism COMM 2500 Introduction to Communication Studies (3 Credits) 3 hours lecture and tutorial combined When we consume information or communicate with others we are sharing and assessing facts, ideas, opinions, and biases. In doing so we are developing a sense of who we are as individuals, and we re also making decisions about how our world functions. This course will introduce students to the discipline of Communication Studies, and permit examination of a range of communication theories, which describe these dynamic social and personal processes. 16

17 COMM 2501 Media History and Contemporary Issues (3 credits) 3 hours lecture/tutorial combined and/or blended delivery or entirely online An introduction to the key ideas and events in the history of communication. The development of professional communication is examined with an emphasis on the role of journalism in democratic societies. Significant issues and opportunities influencing contemporary communication environments will likewise be explored. COMM 3500 Media, Culture and Communication Theory This senior- level course examines the role of communications in creating and explaining everyday cultural practices, and the larger systems that structure them. Students will consider multiple theories of communication, derived from various perspectives, to address the concept of subjectivity, and how the communication of information and ideas shapes our understanding of, and response to, our social and personal environments. Students will apply theories to specific artifacts and/or issues that they have defined and researched. Prerequisite: COMM 2500 Introduction to Communication Studies COMM 3501 Intercultural Communication Intercultural Communication examines communication among individuals of different cultural backgrounds, including the study of similarities and differences across cultures. The course will introduce students to key intercultural communication topics: communication and culture, linguistic differences, ecological influences on culture, the dimensions of cultural difference, stereotyping, and intercultural encounters, culture shock and adaptation. Prerequisite: COMM 2500 Introduction to Communication Studies COMM 3503 Communication in Organizations This course is designed to help students think critically about communication in the context of organizations and the cultural components that affect communication effectiveness. Through theory- based lectures and experiential exercise, students will better understand the nature, goals, strengths and limits of organizational design. Prerequisite: COMM 2500 Introduction to Communication Studies COMM 3707 News Reporting (3 credits) 3 hours tutorial In their role as staff reporters for the journalism program community newspaper, students will practice reporting and writing news stories for print and online publication, and writing about the community, arts, business, and sports among a range of other news beats. CP Style, pitching stories, updating stories, and editorial responsibility will also be discussed and practiced. Prerequisites: COMM 1709 Journalism Practice & Theory & COMM 1729 Journalism Projects COMM 3709 News Editing and Reporting (3 credits) 3 hours tutorial Student journalists in this course, in context of their work with the journalism program community newspaper, will consider more formally the role of editors, while continuing to develop their own reporting skills. Copyediting, section editing, and content planning will be discussed and practiced. Prerequisite: COMM 3707 News Reporting COMM 3717 Specialized Writing for Journalism 17

18 (3 credits) 3 hours tutorial Journalists need to present information to a variety of audiences and in a variety of ways. Students in this course will consider and practice such forms as long- form writing, in- depth profiles, editorial writing, and personal column writing. COMM 3720 Newspaper Production and Design (3 credits) 3 hours production lab Working with appropriate production software student journalists will consider design principles and production management of a newspaper, while practicing technical and content- based production processes, page design and layout as members of the journalism program newspaper production team. Prerequisite: COMM 1720 Managing Digital Media COMM 3727 Visual Journalism II (3 credits) 3 hours tutorial Photography and graphics are essential elements of successful publications. In this course students will build on their understanding of the use of photo tools, software and graphics, through the production of news photography, news graphics, multimedia and journalism focused special photo projects; all in context of their work on the journalism program newspaper. Prerequisite: COMM 1709 Journalism Practice & Theory and COMM 1729 Journalism Projects COMM 3729 Online Journalism (3 credits) 2 hours lecture and 2 hours tutorial; and/or 3 hours lecture/tutorial combined Student journalists in this course will plan, produce and edit a range of original online journalism for publication, while also considering the expectations and needs of Internet news users. Prerequisite: COMM 3709 News Editing and Reporting COMM 3735 Ethics, Law and Media The course considers ethics and law in relation to the media, and their link to democracy and our political institutions, through consideration of how the justice system functions, and of ethical and legal issues that routinely confront journalists and media organizations. Recommended Prerequisite: COMM 2500 Intro to Communication Studies or COMM 2501 Media History and Contemporary Issues COMM 3737 Research Design and Methodology Journalists are presented daily with the results of polls, surveys, clinical trials and other research projects by individuals and organizations seeking to have this information published or broadcast. Students in this course will consider structural and ethical aspects of how such projects are organized, including issues of reliability and generalization, and an array of theoretical and epistemological approaches used to conduct research in the social sciences. Prerequisite: COMM 2500 Introduction to Communication Studies COMM 3740 Audio/Visual Storytelling (3 credits) 2- hours lecture, 1- hour tutorial Student journalists in this course will develop and produce audio/video news stories, involving extensive practice in all facets of the story generation and production process. Work done in lectures and tutorials will focus on the goals and principles of digital media storytelling in context of current journalism practice and available technology. Prerequisites: Communications 3709 News Editing and Reporting and 3727 Visual Journalism II 18

19 COMM 3747 Audio/Visual Storytelling for Online Media (3 credits) 2- hours lecture, 1- hour tutorial Working as online contributors, student journalists in this course will collaborate with senior student editors and produce video, audio, and multimedia stories for CalgaryJournal.ca, the journalism program s online community news service. Best practices for integrating audio/video/multimedia content in the evolving online journalism landscape will also be explored. Prerequisites: Communications 3740 Audio/Visual Storytelling COMM 3797 Special Topics in Journalism The content of this course will vary according to the needs and goals of the specific student group involved, but will offer material appropriate to the consideration of new forms of media and their impacts. Prerequisite: Consent of the program. COMM 3799 International Journalism Projects (3 credits) 3 hours tutorial and production lab The content of this course will be based on journalism project work completed in an international context, and result in the production of journalism products appropriate to the needs and goals of the specific student group involved. Prerequisite: Consent of the program. COMM 4501 Roles and Practices in Contemporary Communications Contemporary work environments in communication are evolving. Changes in technologies, workforce demographics, business models, audience relationships, regulatory regimes, social norms and other factors affect how communicators work, and precisely the work they do. This senior course focuses on problem- based learning. Working together, students from all Bachelor of Communication degree streams will examine and reflect on the origins, character and implications of changes in the contemporary communicator s work. Students investigations will result in major, team- based, public presentations. Prerequisite: One of COMM 4690, 4790 or 4890 (workplace prep seminars) COMM 4705 Online Editorial Board Senior student journalists will serve on the editorial board of the online version of the journalism program s community newspaper, and play a central role in its ongoing editorial development, while also considering and practicing leadership and team- building skills required in professional journalism environments. Prerequisites: COMM Online Writing, Editing and Production COMM 4707 Editorial Board Senior student journalists will serve on the editorial board of the journalism program s community newspaper, and play a central role in its ongoing development by participating in the editorial design of the publication, while also considering and practicing leadership and team- building skills required in professional journalism environments. Prerequisites: COMM Online Writing, Editing and Production and COMM 3720 Newspaper Production and Design COMM 4709 Public Affairs Reporting 19

20 Student journalists will investigate and report on public policy issues or contemporary social concerns, using advanced research techniques, and with an eye toward completing a comprehensive journalism project on a topic to be determined. Prerequisites: COMM 3729 Online Journalism COMM 4711 Public Affairs Reporting II Student journalists will investigate and report on public policy issues or contemporary social concerns, using advanced research techniques, and with an eye toward completing a comprehensive journalism project on a topic to be determined. Prerequisites: COMM 3729 Online Journalism COMM Magazine Editorial Board Student journalists will produce a high quality magazine while considering the goals and requirements of developing, designing and editing this form of publication. Prerequisites: COMM News Editing and Reporting, COMM 3720 Newspaper Production and Design & COMM 3717 Specialized Writing COMM 4727 Photojournalism Projects Senior student journalists, with specific and previously demonstrated interests in photojournalism, will discuss the processes and requirements of producing a major photojournalism effort. Each will then design and complete a major project to advance their skills and portfolios. Prerequisites: COMM 3727 Visual Journalism COMM 4729 Multimedia Projects Multimedia implies the use of more than one type or form of media in the design of a journalistic, corporate or educational project. Students in this course will consider the appropriate use of multimedia, beginning with audience needs, by undertaking a project of their own design from conception to completion. Prerequisites: COMM 3727 Visual Journalism and COMM 3729 Online Journalism COMM 4737 Research Projects Working in teams, students will design and complete significant research projects that focus on media issues, using a range of research methodologies appropriate to their goals, such as content analysis, surveys and focus groups. These projects will be published through an online journal established by the journalism program. Prerequisites: COMM 3737 Research Design and Methodology COMM 4747 Advanced Audio/Visual Projects Senior student journalists with a specific and previously demonstrated interest in reporting using audio/video will develop, will design and produce projects for publication on significant and timely community issues. Prerequisite: COMM 3747 Audio/Visual Storytelling for Online Media COMM 4757 Corporate Communications 20