The objectives within the journalism major rest in three main areas: foundations of journalism, news gathering, and news story presentation.
Upon completion of the program of study, students in either the print or the broadcast emphasis should demonstrate an understanding and application of the following concepts:
- Students will be able to discuss journalism’s history and importance
- Understand First Amendment --18th Century Journalism
- Understand Growth of the Press-- 19th Century Journalism
- Understand Broadcasting-- 20th Century Journalism>
- Understand Online-- 21st Century Journalism
- Display Knowledge of Ethical Guidelines
- Students identify key elements in a new story
- Identify News Values (What is a news story?)
- Identify Story Audience (Who cares?)
- Demonstrate Appropriate News Platform (How to tell this story?)
- Identify Story Visuals
- Work Under Deadline Pressure
- Students will gather information to tell an accurate story
- Apply Research Methods
- Identify News Sources
- Verify Facts and Story
- Verify Facts and Story Accuracy
- Gather Visual Story Components
- Conduct News Gathering Interviews
- Students will assemble a compelling story
- Construct a Story Lead
- Apply Appropriate Story Structure
- Demonstrate Knowledge of Writing Mechanics/Transitions
- Edit/Proofread Written Stories
- Produce Stories Across Various Media Platforms
In addition, students completing their degrees in journalism are fulfilling the ideals articulated in the university’s mission statement by:
- being professionally prepared for a career practicing journalism, either in print, broadcast, or multimedia formats,
- honing their skills and showcase their writing, producing, researching, and presenting talents as reporters, garnering hands-on experience to enhance hiring potential,
- in searching for the truth, examining all sides of an issue with objectivity and openness to the ideas and influences of message creators,
- through print, television, and Internet mediums, enriching the ²Ø¾«¸ó and Saint Charles County with multimedia narratives relevant to community stakeholders,
- through information gathering and story production, providing platforms to augment students’ cognitive problem-solving and adaptation skills when confronted with diversity of environments, personalities, and ambiguities,
- grasping the world order and purposeful universe, while nurturing emerging curiosity, and establishing a lifelong dedication to learning,
- holding steadfast confidence in journalism’s role as an integral part of a functioning representative democracy, and strive for an unwavering search for the truth therefore creating an enlightened citizenry.