School of Journalism and Strategic Media (JOUR)
Bret Schulte
Chair of the School
205 Kimpel Hall
479-575-6659
Email: bjschult@uark.edu
Dave Bostwick
Vice Chair
Kimpel Hall 205
479-575-8485
Email: bostwick@uark.edu
School of Journalism and Strategic Media Website
The purpose of the School of Journalism and Strategic Media is to provide students with knowledge of the history, theory, and ethics of mass communications, to educate students in journalistic skills, including the ability to express themselves logically and clearly, and to guide them in securing specialized knowledge of society appropriate to journalistic careers.
Majors, Minors and Microcertificates
The School of Journalism and Strategic Media offers two undergraduate majors leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree: a major in Advertising and Public Relations and a major in Journalism. The journalism major offers students a choice of three concentrations: a broadcast concentration, a journalism concentration and a multimedia storytelling and production concentration. The school also offers a minor program in journalism and strategic media, and two microcertificate credentials one in strategic media skills and a second in writing for the modern mass media.
Advertising/Public Relations Courses
ADPR 35503. Advertising and Public Relations Strategies. 3 Hours.
Introduction to the research, strategies and tactics used in developing advertising and public relations campaigns. Provides an overview of planning, implementing, and evaluating research-based advertising and public relations campaigns. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)
ADPR 37203. Advertising Principles. 3 Hours.
Introductory course to the broad field of advertising. Includes a study of the role of advertising in modern society with emphasis being given to the extent and manner of use of advertising in mass media and digital media. Prerequisite: ((At least 30 credit hours completed; at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA; must be a Journalism major, Advertising and Public Relations major, Journalism minor, or obtain department consent; completion of JOUR 10303 with a grade of C or better; completion of JOUR 10003 with a grade of C or better or complete and pass the GSP (Grammar, Spelling and Punctuation) test in JOUR 11000 with a 75% or higher) or (At least 30 credit hours completed; at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA; must be a Journalism major, Advertising and Public Relations major, Journalism minor, or obtain department consent; must have completed at least 6 credit hours in JOUR courses, each with a grade of C or better.); No in-progress credit hours accepted. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)
ADPR 37403. Public Relations Principles. 3 Hours.
Study of theory, methods, and ethics of public relations in modern society, business, and communications. Influencing opinion through acceptable performance and 2-way communication. Prerequisite: ((At least 30 credit hours completed; at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA; must be a Journalism major, Advertising and Public Relations major, Journalism minor, or obtain department consent; completion of JOUR 10303 with a grade of C or better; completion of JOUR 10003 with a grade of C or better or complete and pass the GSP (Grammar, Spelling and Punctuation) test in JOUR 11000 with a 75% or higher) or (At least 30 credit hours completed; at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA; must be a Journalism major, Advertising and Public Relations major, Journalism minor, or obtain department consent; must have completed at least 6 credit hours in JOUR courses, each with a grade of C or better.); No in-progress credit hours accepted. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)
ADPR 41003. Crisis Public Relations. 3 Hours.
Studies the role of strategic public relations practice in crisis management and communication. Examines how to understand different types of crises, prepare for a crisis, how to select and implement appropriate crisis public relations tactics, and how to restore or enhance an organization's image after a crisis. Prerequisite: Junior Standing. (Typically offered: Spring)
ADPR 41403. Public Relations Writing. 3 Hours.
Instructional and writing practice to develop the professional-level writing skills required of public relations practitioners. Emphasizes different approaches required for different audiences and media. Prerequisite: Minimum of 60 credit hours completed, 2.5 cumulative GPA, ADPR major, and completion of ADPR 37203 and ADPR 37403, each with a grade of B or better. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)
ADPR 44203. Creative Strategy and Execution. 3 Hours.
The creation of advertising copy and layout for the mass media with emphasis on strategy, the written message, and the physical appearance for the advertisement. Includes laboratory component. Prerequisite: Minimum of 60 credit hours completed, 2.5 cumulative GPA, ADPR major, and completion of ADPR 37203 and ADPR 37403, each with a grade of B or better. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)
ADPR 44503. Media Planning & Strategy. 3 Hours.
Includes the study of media characteristics, market research, media strategies, media analysis, media-market measurements and the development of media plans. Emphasis is placed on the analysis of major mass media and digital strategies, tactics, and planning. Prerequisite: Minimum of 60 credit hours completed, 2.5 cumulative GPA, ADPR major, and completion of ADPR 37203 and ADPR 37403, each with a grade of B or better. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)
ADPR 44603. Campaigns. 3 Hours.
Applying advertising principles and techniques to preparation of a complete campaign; determining agency responsibilities, marketing objectives and research, media mix, and creative strategy. Emphasis also given to campaign presentation delivery, utilizing audio and visual techniques. Prerequisite: ADPR 37203 and ADPR 37403, each with a grade of B or better, ADPR major, and 2.5 overall GPA. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)
ADPR 44703. Account Planning. 3 Hours.
An introduction to applied advertising research and account planning. Integrate consumers' perspectives into creative strategy to developing brand stories for clients. Write creative briefs, positioning statements and prepare copy-testing research instruments to evaluate messages. Utilize consumer research for creating messages for diverse cultures. Prerequisite: Minimum of 60 credit hours completed, 2.5 cumulative GPA, ADPR major, and completion of ADPR 37203 and ADPR 37403, each with a grade of B or better. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)
This course is cross-listed with AAST 44703.
ADPR 44803. Multiculturalism in Advertising and Public Relations. 3 Hours.
Seminar course involving the critical examination of the major cultural, social, political, economic, ethical and persuasion theories and/or issues relevant to advertising and public relations. (Typically offered: Fall)
Journalism Courses
JOUR 10003. Journalistic Writing Skills. 3 Hours.
Provides a functional approach to improving language and writing skills specific to journalistic writing. Covers introductory journalistic writing and correct grammar usage, the logic governing syntax and punctuation use, analysis of grammar and syntax, sentence structure, word selection to convey proper meaning, memory aids, and other language topics relevant to journalistic writing. Cannot count as a major or minor elective within any ADPR or Journalism major or concentration, or Journalism and Strategic Media minor. Prerequisite: Journalism major, Advertising and Public Relations major, Journalism minor, IDST major with JOUR track, Writing for Modern Mass Media Undergraduate MicroCertificate, or department consent. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)
JOUR 10203. Media and Society. 3 Hours.
A survey of mass media (newspaper, radio, TV, magazine, advertising, public relations, photography, etc.) which stresses their importance in today's society and introduces the student to the various areas in journalism. Recommended for students considering journalism as a major. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)
JOUR 10303. Media Writing. 3 Hours.
Introduces students to the skills of observation, critical thinking and concise writing required in all aspects of journalism and strategic media, as well as to the technology needed in upper-level courses. A prerequisite to JOUR 20003, JOUR 20103, JOUR 20333, JOUR 20503, ADPR 37203 and ADPR 37403. Corequisite: Lab component. Pre- or Corequisite: JOUR 10003 or complete and pass the GSP (Grammar, Spelling and Punctuation) test in JOUR 11000 with a 75% or higher. Prerequisite: Journalism major, Advertising and Public Relations major, Journalism minor, IDST major with JOUR track, Writing for Modern Mass Media Undergraduate MicroCertificate, or department consent. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)
JOUR 11000. Grammar Spelling Punctuation Requirement. 0 Hours.
Students must complete the Grammar Spelling Punctuation (GSP) requirement as a prerequisite or corequisite to JOUR 10303 Media Writing. Students who do not take JOUR 10003 Journalistic Writing Skills to complete the GSP must take JOUR 11000, study for the GSP on their own and pass by earning a 75% or higher on the GSP test administered by the School of Journalism and Strategic Media. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)
JOUR 20003. Storytelling for Today's Media. 3 Hours.
Introduction to developing content strategies that tell accurate, concise stories across multiple media platforms. Emphasizes clear, effective storytelling in media content production for print, broadcast and digital platforms, including social media, podcasting, video, and short-feature writing. Integrates lessons on corporate social responsibility, personal branding and media entrepreneurship. Prerequisite: JOUR 10303 with a grade of C or better, JOUR 10003 with a grade of C or better or complete and pass the GSP (Grammar, Spelling and Punctuation) test in JOUR 11000 with a 75% or higher, and must be a Journalism major, or Advertising and Public Relations major, or Journalism minor, or IDST major with JOUR track, Writing for Modern Mass Media Undergraduate MicroCertificate, or obtain department consent. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)
JOUR 20103. News Reporting I. 3 Hours.
Intensive training in the methods of gathering and writing news. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 2 hours per week. Prerequisite: Must be a Journalism major, Advertising and Public Relations major, Journalism minor, or obtain department consent; JOUR 10303, with a grade of C or better, and either 1) JOUR 10003 with a grade of C or better or complete and pass the GSP (Grammar, Spelling and Punctuation) test in JOUR 11000 with a 75% or higher, or 2) at least 30 credit hours completed. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)
JOUR 20333. Video Production. 3 Hours.
Covers video storytelling basics, including story structure, production, planning and editing using lectures, hands-on exercises, and project-based learning. Includes how to use production equipment and post-production software to prepare video for a variety of media platforms. Prerequisite: Must be a Journalism major, Advertising and Public Relations major, Journalism minor, or obtain department consent; JOUR 10303 with a grade of C or better; JOUR 10003 with a grade of C or better or complete and pass the GSP (Grammar, Spelling and Punctuation) test in JOUR 11000 with a 75% or higher. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)
JOUR 20503. Multimedia Journalism. 3 Hours.
Provides students with the skills of visual literacy, photo editing, audio processing, video editing and web publishing. Good writing will be emphasized. The course examines basic aesthetic principles in visual composition and techniques applicable to audio, video and web production. Prerequisite: Must be a Journalism major, Advertising and Public Relations major, Journalism minor, IDST major with JOUR track, or obtain department consent; JOUR 10303, with a grade of C or better, and either 1) JOUR 10003 with a grade of C or better or complete and pass the GSP (Grammar, Spelling and Punctuation) test in JOUR 11000 with a 75% or higher, or 2) At least 30 credit hours completed. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)
JOUR 20603. Media Graphics and Technology. 3 Hours.
Introduction to computer skills required in journalism; focuses on training in the major creative software used for generating media graphics and visual communication. Emphasizes content creation and web publishing, including infographics and promotional materials. Prerequisite: Journalism major, Advertising and Public Relations major, Journalism minor, IDST major with JOUR track, Strategic Media Skills Undergraduate MicroCertificate,or department consent. (Typically offered: Fall and Summer)
JOUR 23303. Photojournalism I. 3 Hours.
Beginning course in the fundamentals of photography, including digital photography, file transfer and management, image enhancement, and layout and design. Develops an understanding of composition principles and framing techniques to create visually compelling and impactful photographs. (Typically offered: Fall)
JOUR 24503. Introduction to Sports Television Production I. 3 Hours.
Introduction to the specialized field of sports television production. Focuses on multi-camera, single-camera and studio production. Studio lab and field work outside of regularly scheduled class time required. (Typically offered: Fall)
JOUR 30003. Sports Media and Society. 3 Hours.
Examines the evolution of sports media and analyzes its cultural relevance. Considers the future of sports coverage as technology and trends change. Topics may include live broadcast announcers; highlight shows; talk radio; documentaries; unscripted television; narrative films and series; broadcast technology; ethical concerns in sports media; and the influence of sports on fashion/culture. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)
JOUR 30103. Editing. 3 Hours.
Theories and practices in newspaper editing, copyreading, headline writing, page layout and the gathering and publication of written and pictorial information. Prerequisite: JOUR 20103, with a grade of C or better. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)
JOUR 30203. News Reporting II. 3 Hours.
Continuation of JOUR 20103. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 2 hours per week. Corequisite: Lab component. Prerequisite: JOUR 20103 with a grade of C or better. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)
JOUR 30403. Performer in Mass Media. 3 Hours.
Introduction to performing in mass media on video, digital, and audio, while connecting effectively with audiences as journalists, spokespersons, experts, activists, or in other roles. Emphasizes principles and best practices related to performing on camera and microphone, voice and movement, researching and critiquing performances, and diversity and ethical performance. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)
JOUR 30733. Foundations for Video News. 3 Hours.
Intensive training in the methods of gathering and writing video news. Involves learning how to shoot, write, edit and produce news content using hands-on techniques utilizing the UATV studio and control room. Prerequisite: JOUR 20333 with a grade of C or better. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)
JOUR 31203. Enterprise Journalism. 3 Hours.
Developing ideas and subjects for feature and human-interest articles for multiple platforms, with emphasis on the freelance trade. Instruction in idea generation, story pitches, interviewing methods, research, writing, revision, and narrative structure. Prerequisite: JOUR 20103 or JOUR 20333 with a grade of C or better. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)
JOUR 31603. Sports Journalism. 3 Hours.
Emphasis on techniques and principles of coverage of sports and sports-related subjects on and off the field, and on the relationship between sports and the mass media. (Typically offered: Fall)
JOUR 32603. African Americans in Film. 3 Hours.
A survey of the history of images of African Americans in film, especially as these images are examined in the context of stereotypical renditions and/or realistic representations of African American experiences. Issues of African American history, culture, and socio-political context will be addressed in the analyses of these films. Prerequisite: ENGL 10203 and junior or senior standing. (Typically offered: Irregular)
This course is cross-listed with AAST 32603, ENGL 32603, COMM 32603.
JOUR 32703. African Americans in Documentary Film. 3 Hours.
Exploration of the African-American image and experience in the context of time, historical record and varying production viewpoints from diverse documentarians. African-American history, culture and socio-political context are addressed in the analyses of these documentary films from the perspectives of mainstream media, independent filmmakers and minority documentarians. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing. (Typically offered: Spring)
This course is cross-listed with AAST 32703, COMM 32703.
JOUR 36603. Media Law. 3 Hours.
Constitutional guarantees, statutory laws and court cases applicable to mass communications. Prerequisite: Junior standing. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)
JOUR 392H3. Honors Colloquium. 3 Hours.
Covers a special topic or issue, offered as a part of the honors program. Prerequisite: Honors candidacy (not restricted to candidacy in journalism). (Typically offered: Fall and Spring) May be repeated for degree credit.
JOUR 4010V. Advanced Journalistic Practices. 1-4 Hour.
Study of advanced journalistic practices and methods, individual or group projects. May only be taken once for degree credit. Prerequisite: Junior standing and 10 hours of journalism and a 2.5 cumulative grade average. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)
JOUR 4020V. Internship in Journalism. 1-3 Hour.
Credit for practical experience gained through a journalistic internship. Report required on significant aspect of internship experience. Prerequisite: Journalism or Advertising and Public Relations major, and junior standing, and 10 hours JOUR/ADPR courses, and 2.50 minimum cumulative grade point average. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer) May be repeated for up to 3 hours of degree credit.
JOUR 40303. Advanced Radio News Reporting and Podcasting. 3 Hours.
Research, write and produce in-depth public radio style news stories and turn them into a three-episode podcast. Prerequisite: Instructor consent. (Typically offered: Spring)
JOUR 40403. Government and the Media. 3 Hours.
Focuses on the links between mass media and government and the increasingly significant role of media in politics and government. Examines the power, responsibility, and performance of the press and public officials/government agencies in their relationship with each other. Prerequisite: Junior standing. (Typically offered: Fall)
JOUR 4050V. Specialized Journalism Seminar. 1-3 Hour.
Primary purpose of course is to enlarge the journalistic skills of students interested in advanced forms of mass communication. Students undertake projects related to particular aspects or problems of journalism. Content varies. (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for up to 12 hours of degree credit.
JOUR 40603. Computer-Assisted Publishing. 3 Hours.
In-depth, hands-on exploration of computer hardware and software in the design and production of media messages. Examination of developing media technologies and the computer's influence on design and conceptualization. (Typically offered: Irregular)
JOUR 40703. Social Media and Journalism. 3 Hours.
Social Media and Journalism teaches conceptual knowledge and skills to develop news judgment and use changing technological tools to disseminate news quickly and to different audiences. The value of interacting with sources and the audience is stressed as are ethical, legal and accuracy issues. Prerequisite: JOUR 20103 or JOUR 20333 with a grade of C or better. (Typically offered: Fall)
JOUR 40803. Data Journalism. 3 Hours.
An introduction to basic data reporting skills, including how to use data to guide and inform reporting as well as tell stories to better serve the public. Ethical issues and best practices in data reporting are also examined. Prerequisite: Any STAT course or instructor permission. (Typically offered: Fall)
JOUR 40903. Business Journalism. 3 Hours.
Examines how the U.S. economy works and how to find news in business, market and government data sources. Focuses on the role of corporations, financial markets, and regulators, and benefiting students interested in sports, entertainment, political and investigative journalism. (Typically offered: Spring)
JOUR 43103. Literature of Journalism. 3 Hours.
Surveys the works of book and magazine-length narrative non-fiction, from the mid-19th century to the present. (Typically offered: Fall)
JOUR 43303. Ethics in Journalism. 3 Hours.
Critical examination of specific ethical problems confronting professionals in all areas of mass communications. Reading and writing assignments are aimed at familiarizing students with the nature of the mass media and their social responsibilities. Prerequisite: Junior standing. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)
JOUR 4430V. Event Promotion and Execution. 1-3 Hour.
Practicum for students to plan, design, promote and execute several Journalism Days events, to include the Roy Reed Lecture, a scholarship reception, a job fair, Senior Salute and a fundraiser. Prerequisite: Junior standing. (Typically offered: Spring)
JOUR 45003. Magazine Writing. 3 Hours.
Advanced long-form depth reporting and narrative writing augmented with multimedia, with an eye to generating the style of work found in such leading magazines as The New Yorker, the Atlantic, and Esquire. Advanced instruction in generating and pitching stories, reporting and writing for narrative, research. Stories are frequently published in nationally acclaimed student-magazine, Hill. Prerequisite: JOUR 20103 with a grade of C or better. (Typically offered: Spring)
JOUR 48603. Television News Reporting I. 3 Hours.
Continuation of JOUR 30733. Includes the specialized knowledge and skills needed in field reporting, anchoring, writing, and producing news for commercial television. Lab component arranged. Corequisite: Lab component. Prerequisite: JOUR 30733 with a grade of C or better. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)
JOUR 48703. Television News Reporting II. 3 Hours.
Continuation of JOUR 48603. Laboratory component arranged. Prerequisite: JOUR 48603 with a grade of C or better. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)
JOUR 48803. Advanced Multimedia Storytelling. 3 Hours.
Focuses on using all forms of media including writing, audio, video, still photography, archival images, content and visual research, and graphics. Stories will be produced for various forms of media to prepare for careers in corporate and nonprofit communication fields. Final projects include creation of digital media portfolios. Prerequisite: JOUR 20003 with a grade of C or better. (Typically offered: Irregular)
JOUR 48903. Television News Producing. 3 Hours.
Intensive training in methods of producing a live television news broadcast, including news gathering, writing broadcast copy, and production strategies. Lab 6 hours. Corequisite: Lab component. Prerequisite: JOUR 30733 with a grade of C or better. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)
JOUR 49003. Community Journalism. 3 Hours.
This three-hour course will blend student' reporting and editing skills with instruction on how regional newspapers select and present news to a local audience. This course will instruct students in deciding news stories for regional readers, how those stories can best be written and displayed. The semester goal is to publish a paper. Prerequisite: Junior standing. (Typically offered: Spring)
JOUR 49203. History of the Black Press. 3 Hours.
Covers the historic context of contributions and innovations to U.S. newspapers by African Americans. Also investigates the role of the black press from its beginnings in 1827 through the civil rights movement. Prerequisite: Junior standing. (Typically offered: Spring Even Years)
This course is cross-listed with AAST 49203.
JOUR 494H3. Honors Research Methods in Journalism. 3 Hours.
Emphasis on the major types of qualitative and quantitative research, electronic data base searching, and traditional library research. Prerequisite: Journalism or Advertising and Public Relations major and honors standing. (Typically offered: Spring)
JOUR 49801. Journalism Writing Requirement. 1 Hour.
Directed study in conceptualizing, researching, and writing a major paper to meet the college writing requirement. Students must make a C in order to satisfy the college writing requirement. Prerequisite: 90 hours. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)
JOUR 498HV. Honors Journalism Writing Requirement. 1-6 Hour.
Honors journalism writing requirement. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer) May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.
This course is equivalent to JOUR 49801.