Communication Arts: Journalism

Description

The Communication Arts - Journalism major is designed to teach students skills in written, verbal and mediated communication that will provide a foundation on which to build a career in writing or journalism. An emphasis will be placed on using journalism in Christian and secular media, as well as using skills in writing to fulfill the Great Com-mission.

To accomplish this, the student will develop a theoretical understanding of communication media, technical skills in journalism and writing, and the means to ethically apply their unique perspectives and Christian worldview on communication media to help advance the discipline’s body of knowledge, while advancing the kingdom of God.

A theoretical understanding of media includes:

·         Broad study of communication theory across all contexts;

·         Convergent media and technology;

·         Journalistic news values;

·         Audience, voice and rhetorical strategy;

·         Public relations and advertising communication;

·         Communication in a global context;

·         Business Communication.

Technical skills in journalism include:

·         Interviewing;

·         Reporting;

·         News writing;

·         Writing for digital and electronic media;

·         Copyediting;

·         Layout and design;

·         Web design;

·         Photography;

·         Advanced public speaking.

Integrating a Christian worldview and the mass media includes:

·         Demonstrating interpersonal and writing skills that reveal the values of the journalist;

·         Interpreting current events in the light of a clearly defined Christian perspective;

·         Making choices regarding communication styles, timing, information and voice that demonstrate a Christian value system;

·         Communicating the gospel effectively through the written media;

·         Relating to people with diverse cultural backgrounds;

·         Understanding the mass media as an educational and social force in today’s world;

·         Making correct moral and ethical decisions within any context;

·         Utilizing the media to fulfill the Great Commission.

All students are required to complete the General Education core, the Biblical Studies core, the Communication Studies core and the Journalism Major core along with course from one of the Communication Arts elective tracks. On top of these, the student may add a supporting program, a minor degree and/or general electives. A total of 124 credits are needed for program completion.

Courses