Course Descriptions

201 Introduction to Journalism (Griffin)

Open to freshmen and sophomores only. In Introduction to Journalism we will study the principles and practices of journalism as well as journalism's role in a democratic society. We will explore journalism's impact on public policy, private lives, and the increasing role of citizens within the context of the contemporary convergence of multimedia. Class discussions will address the historical development and future of the field, including new technologies and changing strategies. Techniques, methods, and models guiding the contemporary practice of journalism will be given particular emphasis. We will cover news, feature, and profile writing, cultural commentary, op-ed, and narrative journalism. The fundamental skills of a journalist will be introduced, including research and interviewing, fact-checking and attribution, style and persona. Guest speakers may include journalists who can speak to specialized areas of journalism.

225 (1) Readings in Journalism (Simurda)

From the muckraking journalists of the turn of the century to the investigative journalism of the late 1900s, we will take a tour of journalism. We will read from such journalists as Ida Tarbell, H. L. Mencken, A.J. Liebling, Walter Lippmann, James Agee, Jessica Mitford, Hunter Thompson and Bob Woodward. Through their work we will learn more about the Great Depression, communist witch hunts of the 1950s, race relations, the alternative press, Watergate and many other important benchmarks in this century's history. We will also focus on the responsibility of the press in a democratic society and the growing awareness of journalists and social scientists of the impact the press has on the nation. Students will be expected to do significant amounts of reading, with some films also shown in class.

225 (2) Readings in Journalism (O’Brien-Weiss)

Throughout this course, students will read works from journalists from a variety of genres to gain insight on how they gathered and reported news and information. From the drama of covering the 9/11 terrorist attacks, to covering Hillary Clinton's historic Senate race and the development of an entirely different type of journalism online in the form of blogging, students will examine the techniques and ethical mores utilized by those who gather, write, broadcast and post information.

295A Advanced Projects in Existential Journalism (McBride)

Webster defines existential as “having being in time and space.” We are all born into a time, social, psychological, biological, and environmental space. We are shaped by reality we inherit and reality we create. Journalists are asked to re-present facts gathered through a lens of clinical objectivity. How does a person’s existential reality impact her way of seeing fact? Through the life and work of the journalists Jessica Mitford, George Orwell, Ida B. Wells, I.F. Stone, Mark Twain, W.E.B. Du Bois and others, this course seeks to answer this question for ourselves.

300 Newswriting and Reporting (Staff)

This course is required of all majors. It introduces students to the basics of reporting, including finding sources, interviewing, covering speeches, profiles, court reporting, and other assignments. Includes in-class and outside reporting assignments. Attendance is required. Fulfills Junior Year Writing requirement. Read the blog from Prof. Mary Carey's section of Journalism 300.

301 Intermediate Reporting: Writing about Social Issues (Roche)

In this class, students build on the skills they learned in Journalism 300 to write more in-depth pieces in areas that affect the average American, including education, family issues, immigration, energy use and the gap between rich and poor. Students learn how to find government and advocacy group sources, and how to navigate the wealth of online sources available on these issues. Students gain experience and confidence in reporting, writing and revising longer news stories. Interest in public affairs and current events is required. Attendance is required.

Journ 301 Community Journalism Project (McBride)

The Community Journalism Project is an intermediate reporting class that sends students into ghettoes, barrios, and poor white and working class communities of Western Massachusetts. Journalists have become increasingly out of touch with the majority of the population. The working class, the poor, the minority often are overlooked by the mainstream media. This course will put you into the homeless shelters, food pantries, health clinics, community centers, public schools, and low wage job sites in hope of finding solutions and answers from the real experts. Intensive field work, substantial newswriting, and devotion to reading comprise the calculus of this course.

Journ 310 Press & the Third World (Muller)

The idea of a "Third World," a world in which at least 70% of the people of the world now live, was conceived in the West and remains largely a Western concept. The unity and most of the qualities assigned to the Third World have also been largely Western. In this course we will examine the ways in which the Third World is represented by Western media. And using an anthropological and political economy approach we will deconstruct the propaganda used to continue the imbalance in the flow of information between the West and the Third World.

312 Journalism and Law (List)

Students will become familiar with legal concepts underlying freedom of the press: censorship, obscenity, libel, privacy, free press/fair trial, contempt, access and other legal problems affecting the mass media. The case study approach generally is used, but emphasis is on the principles and philosophy underlying various aspects of communication law as these affect the daily work of journalists.

320 (1) History of American Journalism (List)

This course begins with an assessment of the state of the media in America today and the principles--or lack of principles--that drive them. It then goes back to the 18th century to explore journalism’s beginnings and the development of press freedom under the First Amendment. We also explore the 19th century to see how press freedom developed in practice for both mainstream and alternative journalists. The final part of the course explores 20th century constraints that impact the media today. We also look at how the media on occasion have fought these constraints--and won.

320(2) History of American Journalism (Sims)

Introduction to problems and literature of journalism history in America. The social and cultural context, substance and styles of past journalism, critical perspectives on journalism in our time. Emphasis on freedom of the press.

345 (1) Media Criticism (Simurda)

This class will provide students with the historical understanding and analytical skills needed to make intelligent assessments of the performance of the media in the United States today. At least half of the class will focus on the news media, from the development of the social responsibility theory of the press to the current trend toward “tabloid” news. We will also look at advertising and entertainment media, with a particular emphasis on depictions of women and members of minority groups. Lastly, we will examine electronic media.

345 (2) Media Criticism (O'Brien-Weiss)

Students taking this course will put all manner of American media under a microscope and analyze not only the day-to-day decisions journalists, editors and producers make when it comes to reporting the news, but what motivates those decisions. Print, television (both network and cable) news, radio news, news web sites, talk shows and entertainment media will be examined individually to see how those media handle a wide variety of stories

345 (3) Media Criticism (Whitehead)

American journalism is going through what might be the greatest upheaval in its history. This course examines the causes of this upheaval -- technological, economic, cultural, ideological -- and their current and prospective impact. It also looks at some efforts to set standards for the performance of journalists.

360 Journalism Ethics (List, McBride)

This course will develop an understanding of the ethical questions raised by media coverage in a democratic society at a time of focus on profit over news values and on entertainment over substance. Issues discussed will include: accuracy and fairness, diversity, conflicts of interest, privacy, deception, relationships with sources and photojournalism. We will also learn to identify news values--or lack of them--both as professionals and as consumers.

375 News Editing (Forcier)

A hands-on course that teaches through practice the theory and techniques of news editing. Focusing on the copy editor’s role, the course includes headline writing as well as review of basic language and research skills. Lectures and discussions cover the broader areas of editing responsibility such as news value, libel, and taste.

391F Newspaper Feature Writing (Roche)

In this class, students build on their Journalism 300 skills to write the types of feature stories that appear regularly in newspapers and newspaper websites: news features, arts and entertainment, food and travel, and the profile. Students will be required to write three longer length features and several shorter ones. Attendance is required.

391R Sem—Travel Writing & Photojournalism (Newton & Skolfield)

Travel Writing and Photojournalismin Sicily is a 3 credit course offered during the spring semester. Students accepted into the program meet twice weekly to study the fundamentals of travel writing and/or basic photography. They will be preparing for a 10 day travel experience to the Italian island of Sicily. During the week of Spring Break we will travel throughout the island (accompanied by professional guides) photographing and experiencing the people and the landscape. Students will also keep a reporters notebook to record their day to day impressions. Upon return, they will complete either a 10 to 15 page travel article or learn to use Adobe Photoshop to produce a portfolio of 15 photographs taken during the trip.Students must apply and be accepted into the course during the Fall semester. Applications are available at http://www.umass.edu/journal/sicilyprogram/

392M Sem—Intro to Nonfiction Writing (Sims)

An introduction to the art of literary journalism and the writing techniques that make it possible. Writing assignments include recollections, travel, and cultural reporting.

392W Writing for the Web (Roche, Perkins)

This is a basic class to introduce students to the technology and technique of telling stories on the web. Students will use the writing skills they've learned in Journalism 300 and one upper level writing course to write feature stories that will appear online. Students will be required to produce two-three major pieces and several shorter stories that incorporate various aspects of web publishing, including digital photos, links, blogs, podcasts and short audio files. Attendance is required.

393B Philosophy of Journalism (McBride)

Blends ancient wisdom with modern film in hopes of provoking original thoughts from students about the present and future for journalism and themselves. In this age, when cynicism rules, this course seeks to engender hope and solutions from the only place it can come from—you!

393C From Objectivity to Attitude: Forms of Contemporary Journalism (Griffin)

Although uncommon a generation ago, flexibility and mobility are essential for journalists in today's convergent, multi-media environment.  Contemporary journalists most likely will work across media and genres over the course of their careers. Journalism students can prepare for such serendipitous turns by developing a working knowledge of various reporting styles in a variety of media.  This course presents and explores how "the story" takes on different forms across different media platforms--print, broadcast and online.  From blogs to satire, news reporting to criticism, columns to feature stories, we will discuss and distinguish among forms of journalism as we encounter the many voices that not only inform, but, also often entertain us.  Junior & Senior Journalism majors only. Read the course blog...

393N Sem -- Writing Broadcast Narratives (Cohen)

This course introduces students to reporting and writing for radio. Through lectures, readings, reporting assignments and class discussion students will learn how to choose a compelling story, arrange and conduct interviews, and write a radio script. This course explores how writing and story structure in print differ from broadcast journalism. Unlike readers, listeners can’t skim, set their own pace or back-track to reread something they don’t understand. It’s up to the broadcast journalist to write in a clear, conversational style that makes sense to “the ear”. Students will be required to report, record and write several stories for radio.

393S Sem - Sports Journalism (Fox)

A hands-on course aimed at how to write, edit and cover sports stories.  Interviewing skills will be honed in this class, and you will need a flexible schedule in order to cover games outside of classes.  Students will learn to write a variety of stories ranging from straight game stories to previews to features and breaking news.  Students will read and analyze successful writing styles from sportswriters in all mediums, including broadcast and the Web.

395N Broadcast News Reporting (Madsen)

The course will look at the business of television writing and reporting.   The class will be composed of lectures, discussions and readings. Students will be required to join UVC 19, the campus television station. There is small fee for training. Students will produce stories for broadcast on the station, which will mean a time commitment outside of class. Students will be working on a deadline to produce these stories. Students also make a field trip to abc40 to see an actual news broadcast. The class will also focus on writing for television and radio broadcast and how it differs from print journalism. Class assignments will include papers, news reporting and writing and occasional quizzes. Attendance and participation are important aspects of the class.

397G Multimedia Reporting: Convergence Journalism (Fox)

What's convergence?  This class will focus on ways to merge the traditional methods of storytelling and present them on the Web.  Students will create basic Web pages while being introduced to Web-editing; photo-editing and audio-editing tools.  Students will enhance their skills in site structure and navigation, headline and link writing and will discuss the business and ethical implication of publishing online.

397L Documentary Tradition in Literature & Film (Blais)

This course offers an in depth exploration of the artistic and journalistic impulse to capture in words and images what the Irish call the “music of what happens.” The thesis of this class is that in recent years documentary film has come into its own as an art form and as an expression of social consciousness, not unlike the rise of the New Journalism in the late sixties and early seventies. Why this is so is a matter for conjecture: is it a failure of vision, or precisely the opposite? Does it take even greater imagination to process the world around us because reality has outstripped fantasy as a source of the outlandish? If this class has one central theme, it is the question of what it means to be a journalist in today’s world, in print or on film . Sample pairings include “Fog of War” shown in conjunction with the James Carroll’s memoir, American Requiem: God, My Father and the War That Came Between Us, “Grizzly Man” with John Krakauer’s , Into the Wild, “When we were Kings,” with Norman Mailer’s The Fight and “The War Room” with Marjorie Williams’ The Woman in the Washington Zoo. We will examine the strengths and weaknesses of varying approaches to what amounts to the same material, with a special emphasis on how the author/director honors truth and fact simultaneously. Honors component available.

397P Introduction to Photojournalism (Vandal)

This is an introductory level course for students who wish to acquire a working knowledge of the field of photojournalism and the various tools used in modern image processing for both print and on-line media. Covered topics will include: basic camera, flash, and lens techniques; film and exposure issues; composition; digital image processing; news, feature, and sports photography; ethics, and credibility in the age of the digital image. Text: "Photojournalism: The Professionals' Approach" by Ken Kobre. Focal Press/Elsevier Fifth Edition. Students must have a 35mm or digital camera and flash.

Journ 397R Business of Radio Broadcasting (Berman)

This course will provide a detailed examination of the current state of the radio broadcast industry and how students can best prepare themselves for entry level employment and/or internship opportunities. Emphasis will be given to understanding the internal operating structure and business model of commercial radio stations with an eye towards matching individual student interests with identified career opportunities in the radio broadcast industry. There will be guest speakers throughout the semester.

450 Freedom of the Press (Sims)

Historical and philosophical foundations of the idea of freedom of the press. Writings by Milton, Locke, Jefferson and Mill on classical liberal ideas that shaped the First Amendment; neo-liberal ideas from the 20th century, including works by Dewey, Lippmann, the Hutchins Commission on Freedom of the Press. Why the original ideas behind the First Amendment were altered over time; how those ideas stand today.

491C Sem—Writing about Pop Culture (Whitehead)

This is a writing course. It consists chiefly of weekly individual conferences with the teacher. The topics for most for the writing assignments are chosen by the individual students themselves, and can be drawn from the popular culture.

492M (1) Magazine Writing (Simurda)

This class will help you learn what makes magazine journalism different from newspaper journalism. Unlike newspaper writing, magazines often demand that a journalist bring both authority and a point of view to the work. We will create our own imaginary magazine from scratch, read lots of great magazine journalism, learn how to do the type of research necessary to produce a magazine article, and work hard to improve writing and analytical skills. Three major assignments.

492M(2) Magazine Writing (Allen)

This class will help you learn what makes magazine journalism different from newspaper journalism. Unlike newspaper writing, magazines often demand that a journalist bring both authority and a point of view to the work. We workshop each student's paper, so each student is expected to think as an editor as well as a writer.  There is substantial reading required from magazine anthologies, plus your fellow students' work. We will learn how to do the type of research necessary to produce a magazine article, and work hard to improve writing and analytical skills.  Three major assignments.

492M (2) Magazine Writing  (Griffin)

This seminar offers journalism students ample opportunity to develop an understanding of narrative craft, effective research techniques, and strategies for marketing their work. We will read and discuss, write and workshop a range of narrative journalistic forms, including profiles and personal experience reportage, features, travel, sports and how-to magazine articles. The art of an effective query letter and the importance of professionalism in communicating with editors in making or breaking a writer- editor relationship will be emphasized and explored. We will examine magazines on the stands today as we demystify the anatomies of a range of popular, literary, and trade magazines. Students will culminate the course with a publishable article and submit at least one query to a magazine.

493H Literary Journalism in the 20th Century (Sims)

Our goal in this class will be to study the literary consciousness in journalism between about 1900 and today. We will read landmark works of literary journalism, some fiction, and several scholarly articles about particular authors and books. In the first weeks of the course we will discuss the nature of contemporary literary journalism, its origins in the intellectual culture of the 20th century, and how it fits with traditional and innovative forms of reporting. During the semester we will have a couple opportunities to talk with contemporary literary journalists about their craft.

497B Diaries, Memoirs & Journals (Blais)

The class will read from a variety of memoirs and subsequently write a personal history that combines rigorous emotional honesty with high literary standards. Readings may include the works of Mary McCarthy, Tobias and Geoffrey Woolf, Russell Baker, George Orwell, John Wideman, Mary Carr, Vladimir Nabokov, Harry Crewes, Reeve Morrow Lindbergh, Mary Gordon, David Eggers, Ernest Hemingway, Alice Sebold, Wendy Mnookin and others. (Fulfills advanced writing requirement)

497M The Art of the Profile (Blais)

Using writers such as Joseph Mitchell, Lillian Ross, Susan Sheehan,
Gay Talese, Tom Wolfe, John Hersey, Susan Orlean, Joan Didion, and others as models, students will study what goes into successful profile writing for major literary magazines and other journalism outlets. After combining the various readings with a series of short writing exercises, they will embark on their own projects, selecting people outside their normal orbit who will challenge students to think creatively about how to capture these subjects in the round. The class will stress interviewing techniques, verbal finesse, possible publishing venues, and the necessity for fact-checking and complete accuracy while also honoring excellence in writing. Honors component. Juniors and Seniors only.

497P The Politician and the Journalist (Neal)

The relationships among reporters, publishers, and politicians, and how each uses the media. Using historical biographies and other texts, the class will examine past strategies by politicians and media figures. Topics include campaign strategies, Washington politics, day-to-day effectiveness in office, making arguments through the media, and how those not elected use the media. Taught by Congressman Richard Neal of the Second District, Massachusetts, the class offers an opportunity for students to hear how elected officials work with the press. Visiting reporters and editors will add to the seminar discussions.

497R Sp. Topic—Covering Race (McBride)

Racial issues continue to dominate our psychic and social reality. They generate more fear and fireworks than any other topic in life. By taking a hard look at history, Covering Race will endeavor to reveal the complexity, nuance, and ugliness which is the legacy of racism, colonialism, and slavery. That history serves as a foundation for understanding ourselves and for a journalistic prose that both elevates discourse and enlightens readers. This course requires substantial readings and writings.