CM109, CM 207, and four courses numbered CM208 or higher. The mass media are so pervasive in contemporary society that students in many disciplines will find this course valuable. It provides a comprehensive overview of the development of such media as newspapers, magazines, books, radio, television, film, recordings, and the Internet. In addition, it introduces students to issues of regulatory control, audience analysis, media ethics, and international mass communications. This course covers the fundamentals of news gathering, reporting, and writing on assignment.
Students learn to evaluate how the media relate events.
The course also treats such issues as the right to privacy, the risks of libel, and the ethical contexts of gathering information. Ability to use a word processor is required. This course continues CM207 and concentrates on in-depth and investigative reporting, interviewing, and feature writing, as well as basic newspaper layout and design. Students explore the patterns of thinking and feeling that enable the reporter to make sound observations and judgments. CM207 or permission of instructor.