Courses
Please note that not every course listed is offered each year and students should consult STU Self Service for current course offerings.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
JOUR-1023. The Messenger: Great Stories of Journalism
This course will introduce students to a range of works of print and broadcast Journalism to allow them to understand the scope, purpose, and influence of stories in the journalistic tradition. Students will respond to these works in writing and post their responses in an online discussion forum.
JOUR-1113. Fundamentals of Effective Writing
Vigorous and clear writing is the foundation for all forms of digital journalism and new media production. This writing intensive course develops fundamental skills for effective writing and storytelling. This is a required course for all students pursuing a major in Digital Journalism and New Media.
JOUR-2013. Multi-Media: Reporting From the Field
This course will introduce students to multi-media storytelling and the collection of video, still photographs and sound, and how all these elements can be used in storytelling. The course will introduce students to the technology used in the collection of material and editing software used to create stories. Enrolment is normally restricted to students admitted to the Major in Journalism.
JOUR-2033. Local Reporting, Global Media
This course explores the art of reporting and storytelling, allowing students to create and digitally publish local stories that become part of a global media network.
JOUR-2063. Media, Ethics and the Law
This course will introduce students to the freedoms and responsibilities of journalists in Canada. Topics include press freedom and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, publication bans, defamation, confidentiality of sources, investigative reporting and the law. Students will be introduced to the fundamentals of court reporting.
JOUR-2113. The Toolbox I - New Media
This course introduces students to multi-media storytelling, including recording and editing sound and video.
JOUR-2123. The Toolbox 2- Mobile Social Media
This course introduces students to media production and storytelling, publication, podcasting and broadcasting using mobile technology and social media. Prerequisite: JOUR 2113 or permission of professor.
JOUR-3013. Through the Lens
This course will explore the use of photography and video in new media, and how stories are told through the lens. Prerequisite: JOUR 2123 or permission of professor.
JOUR-3023. Radio and Podcasting
This course explores the enduring power and influence of radio, and will allow students to produce podcasts and programming for a campus and community radio network. Prerequisite: JOUR 2123 or permission of professor.
JOUR-3033. The Power of Narrative
This course explores the use of narrative in various media, and how storytelling remains the primary form of communication in the multi-media world.
JOUR-3143. Documentary
This course introduces students to the art of documentary in various media. The course will explore the history of documentary and the resurgence of the art form in the digital age. Students will produce a short documentary as part of the course work. Prerequisite: JOUR 2123 or permission of professor.
JOUR-3153. Digital Journalism
This course explores developments in digital journalism that have fundamentally changed the nature of publishing and journalism, and the role of journalism in the new media landscape. Prerequisite: JOUR 2123 or permission of professor.
JOUR-3163. New Media & Social Change (COPP)
This course explores how the new media and social media are contributing to political and social change around the world.
JOUR-3173. Interviewing and the Art of Inquiry
This course explores the art of the interview and the art of inquiry, allowing students to understand how to effectively ask and answer questions.
JOUR-3333. Special Topics: Journalism and the Natural World
This course explores journalism that relates to the natural world. Students study and respond to works of journalism about nature, environmental issues, climate disruption, and the relationship between science and traditional knowledge. Students will also complete an original work of journalism. (No Prerequisite)
JOUR-3703. Commentary Journalism & Public Opinion
Students in this course will explore theoretical issues in journalistic commentary and learn fundamental skills related to the writing or production of print and spoken word editorials. In the process, the course will focus on examples of journalistic commentaries of the past century that have shaped and directed public opinion, the power that drives political, social, and cultural change. Classes will include lectures, group projects, and one-on-one skills development with the professor. Prerequisites: JOUR 1113 OR COPP 2013, or by permission of instructor.
JOUR-3803. Business Journalism: Following the Money
This course examines the fundamentals of business and economic reporting to demystify economics - macro and micro; financial markets, and international trade. It provides basic reporting expertise, including how to conduct interviews to reading balance sheets, annual reports, and financial statements. Other topics may include covering specific beats such as labor, workplace issues, small business, banking, taxation, real estate, and personal finance.
JOUR-4106. Senior Seminar in Journalism
Students will produce community-based digital journalism projects supervised by faculty and explore the ethics of producing journalism in the public interest.
JOUR-4116. Journalism in the Field
Students will pursue experiential learning opportunities in journalism. These opportunities might include work in the student press, a professional newsroom, or the creation of a new digital publication.