Communication - Journalism (COMJ)
COMJ-100 The Sentinel
1-2 Credits
Lab: 3 hours per week
Offering: Fall and Spring Only, All Years
This course provides a practical working environment to apply journalism theory and techniques in a variety of disciplines for The Sentinel, NIC's national award-winning student news organization. Sentinel students distribute newsworthy content concerning the campus community across print, online and social media platforms. Students must contribute in one or more of the following areas: reporting, editing, design, photography, illustrations, comics, website maintenance, mobile applications, and/or advertising. The course may be repeated for a total of 10 credits. Previous or concurrent news writing, photo, design, art, business and/or web page experience advised in area(s) of interest. Leadership/travel opportunities available.
Recommended Prerequisites: COMJ-121
COMJ-121 Introduction to Media Writing
3 Credits
Lecture: 3 hours per week
Offering: Fall and Spring Only, All Years
This course provides an introduction to the principles of writing and organizing stories for publication in print and electronic mediums. Students will develop and compose news stories, learn and adhere to industry-standard style guidelines, conduct meaningful and appropriate research, and understand how the ethics, laws, and culture of journalism influence media coverage. Basic media-writing skills will enhance a student's ability to procure employment in print, broadcast, public relations, and corporate communication professions.
Pre/Corequisites: ENGL-101
COMJ-140 
Mass Media in a Free Society
3 Credits
Lecture: 3 hours per week
Offering: Fall, Spring, and Summer, All Years
This course examines the development, successes and failures of today's American media. Students will learn to become media literate consumers of books, magazines, newspapers, film, television, the Internet and other modern formats. Media theories, public relations and advertising will also be discussed.
COMJ-222 Modern Reporting and Podcasting
3 Credits
Lecture: 3 hours per week
Offering: Spring Only, All Years
This course provides practical experience learning and working with modern technologies to enhance news coverage and reporting skills on a variety of platforms. Students learn to create and post multimedia and print content that adheres to journalistic standards and practices. Students will build and maintain a blog, engage with multimedia platforms, and complete podcasting and video editing assignments. Students will gain skills that prepare them for advancement to upper division journalism coursework or careers in publishing content on a variety of platforms.
COMJ-298 Journalism Practicum
2 Credits
Practicum: 2 hours per week
Offering: Fall and Spring Only, All Years
Journalism Practicum provides on-the-job training and experience through averaging a four hour weekly internship in a media related workplace. Developed as a "contract" agreement between the student intern and a "host" organization with permission of the instructor, this practicum offers practical work experience supporting preparation for upper division college studies or career entry. Students seeking clarification of career direction or "real world" experience will benefit. This course may be repeated for a total of 8 credits.