Weekend M.A. in Interactive Journalism, Cohort 16
(Degree Requirements, effective as of Academic Year- 2013-2014, Pending approval of the University )
The program comprises 30 credit hours of coursework including:
COMM-050: Principles and Practices of Journalism
An intensive introduction to news reporting and news writing designed to prepare non-journalists for the weekend graduate program in journalism.
Dates: All-day Sat. Aug. 17; evening, Aug 20; evening, Aug 21; evening, Aug 22; All-day Sat Aug. 24 (Non-credit. Optional, unless required by
director who is reviewing applications. Fee applies.)
FALL
2013
COMM-652: Web Studio
Students learn how to construct a web site from the ground up, including site planning, basic HTML, graphics
(Sept. 7,
creation, optimization, and publishing. Graphic development tools are used to turn ideas into fully functional web
21, 28,
sites. Students also study web site development and how to create site usability for universal accessibility.
Oct. 5, 12,
19)
COMM-522: Writing for Convergent Media
This course introduces students to the writing and reporting skills necessary to work in today’s multimedia
environment. This course explores writing styles and techniques for digital presentation, including SEO, social
media, emerging tools and non-linear storytelling. This is a writing/ reporting class, not web design.
COMM-625: Seminar in Media Entrepreneurship
This course explores how new ventures and established media/communication companies have been successful in
the digital environment. The course equips students with the tools of media entrepreneurship focusing on ideation,
monetization, competitive scan and the first steps of a business plan.
COMM-535: Special Topics: Visual Storytelling I
This course explores digital storytelling using audio and still photography and slideshows. Students learn how to
leverage the strengths of the web to serve readers in new ways using discussions, exercises, and case studies of
multimedia projects.
FALL
2013
(Nov. 2, 9,
16, 23,
Dec. 7, 14)
SPRING
2014
(Jan. 25,
Feb. 1, 8,
22, Mar. 1,
8)
SPRING
2014
(Mar. 22,
29, Apr. 5,
12, 26,
May 3)
COMM-632: Backpack Video Journalism – Visual Storytelling II
Instruction in shooting, editing, and producing video stories; merging script, video, and graphics into the final
product. Working alone or in small teams, students learn to use digital cameras, microphones, lights, tripods, field
shooting techniques, and nonlinear editing.
SUMMER
2014
(May 17,
31, June 7,
14, 21, 28)
COMM-601: Communication Law
Practical introduction to the U.S. legal system and to laws, regulations, and current cases involving media.
Includes a broad understanding of libel, copyright, advertising regulation and First Amendment protections across
traditional and emerging media platforms. Introduction to legal writing and research, reasoning and analytic skills.
Prerequisite: admission to graduate journalism program or permission of school. (Must earn B or better)
SUMMER
2014
(July 12,
19, 26,
Aug. 2, 9,
& 16)
COMM-501: Data Driven Journalism
This course reviews the history and trends in computer-assisted reporting. The course introduces journalistic use of
spreadsheets, databases, programming, and data presentation. Prerequisite: admission to the journalism program
and permission of the division director.
FALL
2014
COMM-535: Special Topics: Visualization and Presentation of Interactive Journalism
The course focuses on one or two methods for producing and distributing interactive journalism, such as maps,
interactive graphics, data explorers, or immersive multimedia experiences. Students will become comfortable with
the current tools and technologies used to produce such content. The course will focus not only on production, but
also the capabilities, limitations and other considerations of such interactive projects.
FALL
2014
COMM-535: Special Topics in Journalism
In a rapidly evolving environment, this course dives deeply into a current contemporary movement in or challenge
facing journalism. Topics can cover anything from long-form narrative and writing to the latest in social media to
the impact of the latest technology changes, such as mobility.
COMM-720: Capstone Seminar in Journalism
This concluding seminar helps students review their master’s experience, and prepare a major project
demonstrating their online abilities. (Must earn “B” (3.0) or better)
Updated March 1, 2013
SPRING
2015
SPRING
2015