Bachelor of Communication Arts in Journalism

Description
132 Credit Hours CrabtreeThe Journalism major is designed to teach students skills in written and verbal communication that will provide a foundation on which to build a career in writing or journalism. An emphasis will be placed on using journalism in Christian and secular media, as well as using skills in writing to fulfill the Great Commission.



To accomplish this, the student will develop a theoretical understanding of the mass media, technical skills in journalism and writing and an understanding of the mass media and a Christian worldview.



A theoretical understanding of the mass media includes:

• Interpersonal communication skills;
• Mass communications theory;
• Journalistic news values;
• Audience, voice and rhetorical strategy;
• Public relations;
• Principles of advertising.

Technical skills in journalism include:

• Interviewing;
• Reporting;
• News writing;
• Copyediting;
• Layout and design;
• Web design;
• Photography;
• Advanced public speaking.

Integrating a Christian worldview and the mass media includes:

• Demonstrating interpersonal and writing skills that reveal the values of the journalist;
• Interpreting current events in the light of a clearly defined Christian perspective;
  Making choices regarding communication styles, timing, information and voice that demonstrate a Christian value system;
• Communicating the gospel effectively through journalism;
• Relating to people with diverse cultural backgrounds;
• Understanding the mass media as an educational and social force in today's world;
• Making correct moral and ethical decisions within any context;
• Utilizing the mass media to fulfill the Great Commission.

All students are required to complete the General Education core, the Biblical Studies core and the Journalism major. On top of these, the student may add a supporting program, a minor or general electives. A total of 132 credits are needed for program completion.

Courses
Part 1. General Education Core 46 Credits See General Education Core. Part 2. Biblical Studies Core 21 Credits See Biblical Studies Core. Part 3. Journalism Major 45 Credits

• COMM 152 Interpersonal Communications (3)
• COMM 231 Principles of Layout & Design (3)
• COMM 291 Newspaper Writing & Reporting (3)
• COMM 387 Copyediting (3)
• COMM 454 Media & a Christian Worldview (3)
• COMM 492 Senior Seminar in Communication Studies (3)
• COMM 496 Communications Internship (3)
• ENG 450 Advanced Writing Seminar (3)

Select three (3 credits):

• COMM 268-9 Northerner Practicum-Writing (1)
• COMM 368-9 Northerner Practicum-Editor (1)
• ENG 343 Writing Practicum (1)

Select two (6 credits)

• COMM 348 Feature Writing (3)
• COMM 433 Freelance Writing (3)
• ENG 357 Nonfiction / Magazine Writing (3)

Select one (3 credits)

• COMM 375 Photography (3)
• COMM 396 Web Design (3)

Select two (6 credits)

• COMM 344 Advanced Public Speaking (3)
• COMM 365 Public Relations (3)
• COMM 375 Photography (3)
• COMM 396 Web Design (3)
• COMM 425 Principles of Advertising (3)

ENG Any ENG writing course not taken above (3) Any Video course (3) Part 4. General Electives - Including Bachelor of Arts Degree Option 20 Credits Students may select 6 credits of the same foreign language (May include Biblical Languages or American Sign Language.) and 14 credits of general electives to earn a Bachelor of Arts Degree or select 20 credits of general electives to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree.