This intermediate class builds on the writing skills developed in J312 and enhanced in J314 with emphasis on the practical. Students work individually on a campus-based beat, developing news stories and news feature stories worthy of publication in The Daily Texan or similar publications. In addition to learning management skills, students put to practice the principles of combining type and other graphics devices to produce inviting, effective newspapers. Students must first take J336, Visual Design. All who work in this field must understand and appreciate that what appear to be minute shifts in legal and ethical areas indeed can be significant.
Newspaper editors value the experience and resourcefulness of students who obtain internships.
The competition for internships is tough, but it can be done. Most news sequence internships span the summer and most are paid. With interactive television coming, newspaper reporters more and more will work in print and electronic journalism. This course takes students beyond the short feature and through in-depth interviews and story organization. 2 - Students in the College of Communication must take six hours outside their major department but within the College of Communication.