Professor receives U.S. Scholar Fulbright, conducts research in India
The Media Studies concentration in Journalism is designed for students who enjoy discussing, analyzing, and writing about film, TV, advertising, and other media. The degree is ideal for those interested in a liberal arts approach to mass communication, especially if planning to pursue graduate studies. Students will participate in academic media research and writing. Majors examine media messages in historical and contemporary media, plus critique visual images and their impact on society. They also explore how and why media influence audience perception and behavior.
Courses for this conceptual concentration of Media Studies challenge students to think about the interplay between media and society. Topics include diversity such as race and gender, as well as global media systems and perspectives. All students take the SoJSM core, providing a balance of writing and digital skills, and then choose from pools of professional and conceptual electives to create their own paths.
A degree in Media Studies gives students an academic background to prepare for a variety of career paths in the field of communications, including research. In particular, students may want to seek a graduate degree in media and communication or other areas such as law. Here are some potential occupations
Because this degree program is quite new, employer information is still being compiled.
MTSU's School of Journalism and Strategic Media offers work leading to the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree with a major in Journalism. Concentrations are available in
For complete curriculum details, click on the REQUIREMENTS tab above.
Undergraduate or graduate students outside the College of Media and Entertainment may choose to minor in Media and Communication with an emphasis in any of the School of Journalism and Strategic Media’s concentrations.
A Master of Science (M.S.) degree is available in Media and Communication.
Journalism and Strategic Media
615-898-2814
Katie Foss, program coordinator
Katie.Foss@mtsu.edu
The Journalism major with a Media Studies concentration is designed for students who enjoy discussing, analyzing, and writing about film, television, advertising, and other media. In this concentration, students think about the interplay between media and society, exploring the messages in historical and contemporary media content, as well as examining how and why media influence audience perception and behavior.
Students should check the prerequisites for each course.
Following is a printable, suggested four-year schedule of courses:
Journalism, Media Studies, B.S., Academic Map
General Education | 41 hours |
Major Requirements | 47 hours* |
Minor | 15-18 hours |
Electives | 14-20 hours |
TOTAL | 120 hours |
*This program requires courses that can also fulfill requirements of the General Education curriculum. If program requirements are also used to fulfill General Education requirements, the number of elective hours will increase.
General Education requirements (shown in curricular listings below) include courses in Communication, History, Humanities and/or Fine Arts, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Social/Behavioral Sciences.
The following course required by the program meet General Education requirements:
3 credit hours
(Same as JOUR 1020/RIM 1020.) An introduction to media and entertainment, exploring the history of media and entertainment as it pertains to ethics, law, free expression, diversity and inclusion, economics, research, globalization, and other important concepts. Examines the evolution of technology, from the first printing presses to social media and gaming, as well as media industries that include advertising and public relations.
3 credit hours
(Same as EMC 1020/RIM 1020.) An introduction to media and entertainment, exploring the history of media and entertainment as it pertains to ethics, law, free expression, diversity and inclusion, economics, research, globalization, and other important concepts. Examines the evolution of technology, from the first printing presses to social media and gaming, as well as media industries that include advertising and public relations.
3 credit hours
(Same as EMC 1020/JOUR 1020.) An introduction to media and entertainment, exploring the history of media and entertainment as it pertains to ethics, law, free expression, diversity and inclusion, economics, research, globalization, and other important concepts. Examines the evolution of technology, from the first printing presses to social media and gaming, as well as media industries that include advertising and public relations.
(may be counted in General Education)
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020 or equivalents. Theory and practice of writing for print and electronic media according to the techniques, styles, and formats of various media.
3 credit hours
Professional skills necessary to create digital platform stories that integrate audio, photo, video, and text.
1 credit hour
Prerequisite: Senior status. Issues faced by graduates upon entering the professional world or graduate school. Topics include preparation of the professional portfolio, the resume and cover letter, post-graduate study, and professional advancement. Should be completed by majors in the School of Journalism in either of their last two semesters prior to graduation.
3 credit hours
(Same as JOUR 4250.) Prerequisites: EMC 1020; junior standing. Examines legal guarantees and restrictions on the flow of information using the case study method. Focuses on libel, privacy, obscenity, and the special restrictions placed on advertising, broadcasting, cable television, and the Internet.
3 credit hours
(Same as EMC 4250.) Prerequisites: JOUR 1020 and JOUR 2710; junior standing. Examination of legal guarantees and restrictions on the flow of information using the case study method. Focus on libel, privacy, obscenity, and the special restrictions placed on advertising, broadcasting, cable TV, and the Internet.
1 to 3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Junior standing; permission of instructor. Practical experience in an on-campus mass communication setting. Note: Total credit for practicum and internship courses cannot exceed 3 credits. Pass/Fail.
1 to 3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Junior standing; permission of the internship coordinator. Advanced students gain practical experience in a professional setting. Note: Total credit for internship and practicum courses cannot exceed 3 credits. Pass/Fail.
3 credit hours
Overview of advertising principles and practices including the role of advertising in society and the marketplace, consumer behavior, advertising media, budgeting and planning, and the creation and production of advertising messages.
3 credit hours
Introduces the practice of public relations, including its fundamental concepts and theories, historical development, and current issues.
NOTE: This was formerly PR 3040.
3 credit hours
Overview of concepts for effective visual communication; the role of visual elements and design practices in a cultural, historical, and political context; basic typography and design, electronic and digital composition and reproduction, and technological aspects of design and production.
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: EMC 1020/JOUR 1020/RIM 1020. Enables students to develop an informed and critical understanding of media messages and media culture as well as their social, cultural, and political contexts and implications. Students develop the critical thinking skills and methods of analysis necessary to interpret media content in a digital age. Offers ways to think critically about media as they relate to citizenship and democracy.
3 credit hours
Covers the relationships between the sports industry, athletes, media, and audience. Students will develop literacy and critical-thinking skills about the sports industry and its relationship with the media.
Complete at least 6 but not more than 9 hours from the course offerings below:
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: JOUR 2710. Theory and practice of basic journalism skills, including content gathering, storytelling, evaluating, writing, and processing of news.
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: JOUR 2710 and JOUR 2720. Stresses reporting, writing, and presenting radio news. The history, philosophy, and regulation of electronic media news. Three-hour lecture.
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: JOUR 2710 or permission of instructor. Theory and practice of writing feature stories for newspapers and magazines. Assignments in writing for professional publications as well as the student newspaper.
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: JOUR 2720 and JOUR 3430 or permission of instructor. Develop skills in creating audio journalism products and podcasts. Hands-on practice in research, news gathering, interviewing, writing, reporting, audio recording and editing. Includes discussion of legal and ethical considerations of audio journalism and podcasting.
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: JOUR 2710, permission of instructor, or permission of the School of Journalism. Introduces research methods used in advertising, journalism, public relations, and strategic communication. Provides experiences in scientific research and data analysis, including quantitative and qualitative methods, content analysis, experiments, surveys and focus groups for diagnosing, planning, managing, and evaluating situations.
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: JOUR 2710 and PR 2040. Techniques of creating and writing strategic messages, including the planning and development of components for strategic communication campaigns for corporate, public service, and other persuasive messages.
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: PR 2040. Practical methods of handling problems in public relations with emphasis on fact-finding, planning, promoting, and evaluating.
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: PR 2040 or permission of School of Journalism. Examines crisis communication theories, management, strategies, tactics, and cases while developing practical skills useful in crisis situations.
3 credit hours
Introduces students to the creative use of current industry-standard software used for print, digital, and Web design. Focuses on important aspects of design, typography, color theory, and production for creating more effective visual communication. Students explore their own vision through creative projects. Exposure to diverse industry professionals from around the world expands knowledge of the field. Combined lecture/lab.
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: VCOM 2950. Introduces software, design principles, and technology used for communicating concepts, information, and narratives through websites and digital media. Overview of social, political, copyright, and ethical issues involving websites, digital, and social media. Combined lecture/lab.
3 credit hours
(Same as JOUR 3520/PR 3520/VCOM 3520.) Special topics in journalism, advertising, public relations, and visual communication focusing on practical applications. Topics change each semester and have included investigative, environmental, sports, and political reporting; visual editing; international public relations; and advertising account management. May be repeated up to 6 credits.
3 credit hours
(Same as ADV/PR/VCOM 3520.) Prerequisites: JOUR 3090 or JOUR 3430 or permission from the School of Journalism. Special topics in journalism, advertising, public relations, and visual communication focusing on practical applications. Topics change each semester and have included investigative, environmental, sports, and political reporting; visual editing; international public relations; and advertising account management. May be repeated up to 6 credits.
3 credit hours
(Same as JOUR/ADV/VCOM 3520.) Prerequisite: JOUR 3090 or JOUR 3430 or PR 2040. Special topics in journalism, advertising, public relations, and visual communication focusing on practical applications. Topics change each semester and have included investigative, environmental, sports, and political reporting; visual editing; international public relations; and advertising account management. May be repeated up to 6 credits.
Choose courses from this list to total at least 18 hours or a maximum of 21 hours; at least 9 hours must be JOUR or ADV hours:
3 credit hours
Explores use of sexuality and gender portrayals in print, broadcast, outdoor, and online and new forms of advertising from various theoretical perspectives and using actual cases.
1 to 3 credit hours
Examines a specific topic in the field of journalism or media. Variable credit. Topic and available academic credit will be announced prior to scheduling of the class. May include Study Abroad; Study Abroad fees may apply.
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of instructor. The development and role of motion pictures in America, including the history of films and filmmakers and how they've used film to portray journalists and media influencers to impact American society and culture.
3 credit hours
Introduces students to fundamental issues in Health Communication. The development of health communication, the role of interpersonal communication in health care, the design and challenges of public health campaigns, intended and unintended health messages in news and popular media, the structure of health care organization, and key ethical issues in creating and disseminating health messages to diverse audiences.
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: JOUR 1020 and JOUR 2720. Introduces social media history, approaches, and practical application. Overview of social media usage within and on behalf of organizations and institutions through a practical analysis approach that focuses on the application of social media techniques.
3 credit hours
Explores media content created for and by children, examining the many ways that graphic novels, music, social media, videos, and other forms of media influence the way that kids see the world. Topics include history of the child consumer; children's marketing; ethics in children's media; constructions of gender, race, ability; and other positions of intersectionality, role-playing, identity, and video games, and other salient topics in this area.
3 credit hours
(Same as EMC 3650/RIM 3650.) A general introduction to the issues surrounding free expression and its relationship to mass media in contemporary America. Comprehensive analysis of the history, philosophies, cases, and controls associated with freedom of expression.
3 credit hours
Addresses origin and history of "rape myths" and crime-related legislation as contextually-situated, gender disparities in the "cultivation of fear," sex trafficking, intimate partner violence, and other topics as constructed in media messages about crime, criminals, victimization, and the prison system, positioned across the inequality of various social intersections.
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Junior standing. Theories of the process of mass communication, how media affect society, the evolution within a social and cultural context, ethical and social dimensions. Extensive reading in theory, history, and research. Media-content emphasis varies depending on instructor's expertise.
3 credit hours
Examines television as a cultural product, communication tool, "mirror on the world," and as an agent for social change. Explores censorship, sponsorship, ethics, and the impact of context on content. Focuses on role that television has had and continues to have on constructing notions of gender, race, class, and difference.
3 credit hours
Viewing history as the study of change across time, examines "new media" from different periods (symbols, writing, printing, telecommunications, Internet) and their role in shaping journalism and media content historically. Includes discussion of alternative media, including the Black Press and Woman Suffrage Press.
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Junior/Senior standing or permission of instructor. Examines the role of the mass media in maintaining national security. Topics include history, legal, and operational concerns from both media and the government perspectives. Discusses the tension between maintaining national security and American traditions of civil liberties and the role of both the media and government in these discussions.
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Junior standing. Approaches to understanding media audiences. Examines tensions between the business and public functions of media, and social and ethical conflicts related to media marketing.
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Junior standing. Systems and philosophies associated with gathering international news and news coverage in different regions. Looks at global communication systems and ownership; examines how cultures shape news and the role of the individual in reporting news internationally. Includes discussion of development issues and role of global advertising and public relations.
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Junior standing. Examination and critical evaluation of issues relevant to the operation and functions of mass media, including their relationships to each other and to government, advertisers, consumers, and other publics. May be repeated up to 6 credits.
3 credit hours
A close comparative study of chosen media systems in regions of the world. Examines print, broadcast, entertainment, and new media in Western and Eastern Europe, Asia and the Pacific Rim Region, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas. Media interactions with an influence on the geographic, demographic, linguistic, cultural, economic, and political structures of countries.
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing or permission of instructor. Critical examination of diversity in mass communication with particular emphasis on media representations of race, gender, and class. Also examines audience interpretations of media texts.
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Junior standing. Examination of ethical concerns of media practitioners illuminated by study of selected current ethical issues and an overview of the cultural and philosophical basis of socially responsive mass media.
3 credit hours
Introductory course provides a broad overview of communication processes, theories, research, and career options. Includes foundational terminology and principles associated with the field of human communication as applied in various contexts including interpersonal, organizational, rhetorical, and intercultural settings.
3 credit hours
Introduces theories and processes pertaining to organizational communication; topics may include communication networks, teamwork, leadership and power, information technology, crisis communication, and organizational trends.
3 credit hours
Introduces how communication patterns are influenced by perceptions, values, and norms of behavior that vary among people of different cultural, racial, and national backgrounds. Content focuses on increasing understanding as well as improving abilities to facilitate cross-cultural interactions.
3 credit hours
Exploration and application of pertinent concepts and theories of group dynamics, decision-making procedures, problem solving, and leadership.
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Junior standing. Critical discussion of values, issues, and traditions in the field of gender communication. Focuses on the analysis of gender and communication as they relate to language, culture, media, relationships, and organizations.
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: COMM 2300; sophomore standing. Explores the role of communication in conflict management/resolution between or among individuals and groups. Also examines third party interventions (such as mediation and negotiation) and workplace policies (such as theft and employee assistance programs).
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: COMM 2140. Critical examination of multinational organizations and the expatriate experience, including analysis of organizational preparation and employee training.
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: SPM 2100 or permission of instructor. Diversity issues in the sports media industry as they relate to race, ethnicity, gender, social class, sexuality, and physical ability/disability.
Curricular listings include General Education requirements in Communication, History, Humanities and/or Fine Arts, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Social/Behavioral Sciences categories.
Majors must have a C (2.00) or better in all Media and Entertainment courses.
3 credit hours
The first General Education English course. Emphasis on learning to adapt composing processes to a variety of expository and analytic writing assignments. Minimum grade of C- required to meet degree requirements.
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: ENGL 1010. The second General Education English course. Emphasis on analytic and argumentative writing and on locating, organizing, and using library resource materials in the writing. Minimum grade of C- required to meet degree requirements.
3 credit hours
Introduces principles and processes of effective public oral communication including researching, critical thinking, organizing, presenting, listening, and using appropriate language. Counts as part of the General Education Communication requirement. TBR Common Course: COMM 2025
3 credit hours
(Same as EMC 1020/RIM 1020.) An introduction to media and entertainment, exploring the history of media and entertainment as it pertains to ethics, law, free expression, diversity and inclusion, economics, research, globalization, and other important concepts. Examines the evolution of technology, from the first printing presses to social media and gaming, as well as media industries that include advertising and public relations.
3 credit hours
(Same as JOUR 1020/RIM 1020.) An introduction to media and entertainment, exploring the history of media and entertainment as it pertains to ethics, law, free expression, diversity and inclusion, economics, research, globalization, and other important concepts. Examines the evolution of technology, from the first printing presses to social media and gaming, as well as media industries that include advertising and public relations.
3 credit hours
(Same as EMC 1020/JOUR 1020.) An introduction to media and entertainment, exploring the history of media and entertainment as it pertains to ethics, law, free expression, diversity and inclusion, economics, research, globalization, and other important concepts. Examines the evolution of technology, from the first printing presses to social media and gaming, as well as media industries that include advertising and public relations.
3 credit hours
Survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects. Discusses the era from the beginning to 1877. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement. HIST 2010 is NOT a prerequisite for HIST 2020. TBR Common Course: HIST 2010
3 credit hours
Survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects. Discusses the era from 1877 to the present. May be used to satisfy one part of the the General Education History requirement. HIST 2010 is NOT a prerequisite for HIST 2020. TBR Common Course: HIST 2020
3 credit hours
The role of the state in the development of the nation. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement. TBR Common Course: HIST 2030
3 credit hours
The role of African Americans in establishing and shaping the American nation. Covers their historical development and contributions to American art, music, literature, and religion. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement.
NOTE: HIST 2040 is not a prerequisite for HIST 2050.
3 credit hours
The role of African Americans in shaping the American nation and creating a twentieth-century racial identity. Covers their historical development and examines their contributions to American art, music, literature, and religion. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement.
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020. Traces a specific theme or idea through a number of literary texts that reflect different historical and cultural contexts. Subject will vary.
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020. The reading of a variety of literary types which illuminate themes and experiences common to human existence.
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020. Representative works of French, German, and Hispanic authors in English translation. No foreign-language proficiency required. Carries General Education credit.
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020 or equivalents. Theory and practice of writing for print and electronic media according to the techniques, styles, and formats of various media.
3 credit hours
Professional skills necessary to create digital platform stories that integrate audio, photo, video, and text.
3 credit hours
Survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects. Discusses the era from the beginning to 1877. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement. HIST 2010 is NOT a prerequisite for HIST 2020. TBR Common Course: HIST 2010
3 credit hours
Survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects. Discusses the era from 1877 to the present. May be used to satisfy one part of the the General Education History requirement. HIST 2010 is NOT a prerequisite for HIST 2020. TBR Common Course: HIST 2020
3 credit hours
The role of the state in the development of the nation. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement. TBR Common Course: HIST 2030
3 credit hours
The role of African Americans in establishing and shaping the American nation. Covers their historical development and contributions to American art, music, literature, and religion. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement.
NOTE: HIST 2040 is not a prerequisite for HIST 2050.
3 credit hours
The role of African Americans in shaping the American nation and creating a twentieth-century racial identity. Covers their historical development and examines their contributions to American art, music, literature, and religion. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement.
3 credit hours
(Same as EMC 4250.) Prerequisites: JOUR 1020 and JOUR 2710; junior standing. Examination of legal guarantees and restrictions on the flow of information using the case study method. Focus on libel, privacy, obscenity, and the special restrictions placed on advertising, broadcasting, cable TV, and the Internet.
1 credit hour
Prerequisite: Senior status. Issues faced by graduates upon entering the professional world or graduate school. Topics include preparation of the professional portfolio, the resume and cover letter, post-graduate study, and professional advancement. Should be completed by majors in the School of Journalism in either of their last two semesters prior to graduation.
1 to 3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Junior standing; permission of instructor. Practical experience in an on-campus mass communication setting. Note: Total credit for practicum and internship courses cannot exceed 3 credits. Pass/Fail.
1 to 3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Junior standing; permission of the internship coordinator. Advanced students gain practical experience in a professional setting. Note: Total credit for internship and practicum courses cannot exceed 3 credits. Pass/Fail.
Our adjunct faculty bring outstanding professional experience to our programs. Many are industry leaders with decorated careers and honors. Importantly, they are innovative educators who offer hands-on learning to our students to prepare them to enter and thrive in a dynamic, and oftentimes emerging, industry and professional world. They inspire, instruct, and challenge our students toward academic and professional success.
(Same as EMC 1020/RIM 1020.) An introduction to media and entertainment, exploring the history of media and entertainment as it pertains to ethics, law, free expression, diversity and inclusion, economics, research, globalization, and other important concepts. Examines the evolution of technology, from the first printing presses to social media and gaming, as well as media industries that include advertising and public relations.
Introduces the theories and methods, principles and practices of environmental journalism and communication. A general overview of environment and climate change topics and issues covered in a variety of media from the local, regional, national, to the global contexts.
Prerequisite: EMC 1020/JOUR 1020/RIM 1020. Video journalism techniques and skills necessary to arrange, shoot, edit, and produce a television or video news story. Field production techniques covered include camera work, lighting, audio, and editing.
Three-hour lecture plus up to three-hour lab per week.
Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020 or equivalents. Theory and practice of writing for print and electronic media according to the techniques, styles, and formats of various media.
Professional skills necessary to create digital platform stories that integrate audio, photo, video, and text.
Examines a specific topic in the field of journalism or media. Variable credit. Topic and available academic credit will be announced prior to scheduling of the class. May include Study Abroad; Study Abroad fees may apply.
Career options for students in journalism and media, focusing on understanding career paths and options, and professional development through experiential learning.
Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of instructor. The development and role of motion pictures in America, including the history of films and filmmakers and how they've used film to portray journalists and media influencers to impact American society and culture.
Prerequisites: JOUR 2710 and JOUR 3090. Explores the key concepts, best practices, and philosophy of engaging with communities usually ignored in a meaningful way by mainstream media. Foundational course in the Social Justice Journalism concentration.
Introduces students to fundamental issues in Health Communication. The development of health communication, the role of interpersonal communication in health care, the design and challenges of public health campaigns, intended and unintended health messages in news and popular media, the structure of health care organization, and key ethical issues in creating and disseminating health messages to diverse audiences.
Prerequisites: JOUR 1020 and JOUR 2720. Introduces social media history, approaches, and practical application. Overview of social media usage within and on behalf of organizations and institutions through a practical analysis approach that focuses on the application of social media techniques.
Prerequisite: JOUR 2710. Theory and practice of basic journalism skills, including content gathering, storytelling, evaluating, writing, and processing of news.
Prerequisites: EMC 1020/JOUR 1020/RIM 1020 and JOUR 2710 or consent of department. A journalistic and strategic understanding of digital analytics, leading to analytics certifications for users. Includes examination of creative direction and digital media practices and theory behind digital approaches.
Prerequisite: EMC 1020/JOUR 1020/RIM 1020 with C or better; JOUR 2710. Focuses on reporting, writing, and editing stories for mobile platforms using mobile technology. Creative use of different social media and mobile content to engage an audience. Covers ethical issues facing journalists using both mobile platforms and social media, including breaking news best practices. Mix of fieldwork, in-class exercises, and lectures.
Prerequisites: JOUR 2710 and JOUR 2720. Stresses reporting, writing, and presenting radio news. The history, philosophy, and regulation of electronic media news. Three-hour lecture.
Prerequisite: JOUR 3090 with minimum grade of C. Theory and practice in the art of copy editing, including editing, language skills, newspaper style, news judgment, headline writing, photo editing, cutline writing, and page design.
Prerequisites: JOUR 2710 or JOUR 2132 and JOUR 3430 with minimum grade of C. Theory and practice in the gathering, editing, and reporting video news. Attention given to on-the-air presentation. Laboratory required. Three-hour lecture plus up to three-hour lab per week.
(Same as ADV/PR/VCOM 3520.) Prerequisites: JOUR 3090 or JOUR 3430 or permission from the School of Journalism. Special topics in journalism, advertising, public relations, and visual communication focusing on practical applications. Topics change each semester and have included investigative, environmental, sports, and political reporting; visual editing; international public relations; and advertising account management. May be repeated up to 6 credits.
Prerequisite: JOUR 2710 or permission of instructor. Theory and practice of writing feature stories for newspapers and magazines. Assignments in writing for professional publications as well as the student newspaper.
Prerequisites: JOUR 2720 and JOUR 3430 or permission of instructor. Develop skills in creating audio journalism products and podcasts. Hands-on practice in research, news gathering, interviewing, writing, reporting, audio recording and editing. Includes discussion of legal and ethical considerations of audio journalism and podcasting.
Prerequisite: JOUR 2132.
Responsibilities and skills required of the individual performer in preparing, announcing, and narrating of various types of materials for television and radio.
Three-hour lecture plus up to three-hour lab per week.
Prerequisites: Junior standing; permission of instructor. Practical experience in an on-campus mass communication setting. Note: Total credit for practicum and internship courses cannot exceed 3 credits. Pass/Fail.
Prerequisite: JOUR 3530 with minimum grade of C. Types of magazines and editorial needs; practice in magazine article writing.
Prerequisite: EMC 1020/JOUR 1020/RIM 1020. Enables students to develop an informed and critical understanding of media messages and media culture as well as their social, cultural, and political contexts and implications. Students develop the critical thinking skills and methods of analysis necessary to interpret media content in a digital age. Offers ways to think critically about media as they relate to citizenship and democracy.
Prerequisites: JOUR 2710 and JOUR 2720 with C or better. Entertainment and lifestyle are broad categories that include topics such as travel, leisure, music, art, nature, theatre, food, and various indoor and outdoor activities. Covers a variety of activities and produces media content for multiple platforms.
(Same as EMC 3650/RIM 3650.) A general introduction to the issues surrounding free expression and its relationship to mass media in contemporary America. Comprehensive analysis of the history, philosophies, cases, and controls associated with freedom of expression.
Prerequisite: JOUR 2710, permission of instructor, or permission of the School of Journalism. Introduces research methods used in advertising, journalism, public relations, and strategic communication. Provides experiences in scientific research and data analysis, including quantitative and qualitative methods, content analysis, experiments, surveys and focus groups for diagnosing, planning, managing, and evaluating situations.
Prerequisites: JOUR 2710, JOUR 2720, and JOUR 3430 with C or better. Helps students develop the skills required to produce television and online newscasts and sportscasts. Focuses on sources for news and sports content, selecting stories, using graphics, writing headlines and teases, writing news and sports scripts, working with newsroom and production staff, law and ethics, and the role of social media in television news. In addition to learning how to use television news producing software, students will also learn about producing online news content. Has a mandatory lab component in order to practice live news producing skills.
Prerequisites: JOUR 3430, JOUR 3500, and VFP 3570/JOUR 3570. Theory and practice of television journalism, including use of electronic news-gathering equipment, evaluating and processing news for broadcast, and delivery of television news. Laboratory required. Three-hour lecture plus up to three-hour lab per week.
Examines a specific topic in the field of journalism or media. Topic and available academic credit announced prior to scheduling of the class. May include Study Abroad. Study Abroad fees may apply.
Introduces applied data analysis concepts and techniques useful to professionals working in media-related disciplines. Topics include spreadsheet-based data analysis, online data visualization and mapping, relational databases, inferential statistics, and code-based data acquisition through API access and web scraping.
Addresses origin and history of "rape myths" and crime-related legislation as contextually-situated, gender disparities in the "cultivation of fear," sex trafficking, intimate partner violence, and other topics as constructed in media messages about crime, criminals, victimization, and the prison system, positioned across the inequality of various social intersections.
Prerequisites: Junior standing; permission of the internship coordinator. Advanced students gain practical experience in a professional setting. Note: Total credit for internship and practicum courses cannot exceed 3 credits. Pass/Fail.
Prerequisite: Junior standing. Theories of the process of mass communication, how media affect society, the evolution within a social and cultural context, ethical and social dimensions. Extensive reading in theory, history, and research. Media-content emphasis varies depending on instructor's expertise.
Prerequisite: Junior standing or above or instructor approval. Interdisciplinary study of media, environment, and climate change; local and regional contexts of environmental and climate change issues in Middle Tennessee and the South; role of media in environmental and climate justice movements in the U.S. and around the world.
Examines television as a cultural product, communication tool, "mirror on the world," and as an agent for social change. Explores censorship, sponsorship, ethics, and the impact of context on content. Focuses on role that television has had and continues to have on constructing notions of gender, race, class, and difference.
(Same as EMC 4250.) Prerequisites: JOUR 1020 and JOUR 2710; junior standing. Examination of legal guarantees and restrictions on the flow of information using the case study method. Focus on libel, privacy, obscenity, and the special restrictions placed on advertising, broadcasting, cable TV, and the Internet.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Theories and practice of reviewing and criticism in the mass media. Overview of current trends in film, theatre, music, books, and other entertainment media. Practice in critical and analytical writing.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Theories and practice of reviewing and criticism in the mass media. Overview of current trends in film, theatre, music, books, and other entertainment media. Practice in critical and analytical writing.
Explores media content created for and by children, examining the many ways that graphic novels, music, social media, videos, and other forms of media influence the way that kids see the world. Topics include history of the child consumer; children's marketing; ethics in children's media; constructions of gender, race, ability; and other positions of intersectionality, role-playing, identity, and video games, and other salient topics in this area.
Explores media content created for and by children, examining the many ways that graphic novels, music, social media, videos, and other forms of media influence the way that kids see the world. Topics include history of the child consumer; children's marketing; ethics in children's media; constructions of gender, race, ability; and other positions of intersectionality, role-playing, identity, and video games, and other salient topics in this area.
Prerequisite: JOUR 3090. Advanced theory and practice in reporting, emphasis on coverage of public affairs-related assignments or other relevant topics, including an introduction to interpretive and investigative reporting techniques.
Prerequisite: JOUR 3090. Advanced theory and practice in reporting, emphasis on coverage of public affairs-related assignments or other relevant topics, including an introduction to interpretive and investigative reporting techniques.
Viewing history as the study of change across time, examines "new media" from different periods (symbols, writing, printing, telecommunications, Internet) and their role in shaping journalism and media content historically. Includes discussion of alternative media, including the Black Press and Woman Suffrage Press.
Viewing history as the study of change across time, examines "new media" from different periods (symbols, writing, printing, telecommunications, Internet) and their role in shaping journalism and media content historically. Includes discussion of alternative media, including the Black Press and Woman Suffrage Press.
Prerequisite: Junior standing. Provides a critical overview of the historical, intellectual, and theoretical foundations of scientific inquiry with specific emphasis on quantitative research methods. Introduces major theories and methods of scientific inquiry in the field of communication including psychological and sociological perspectives, survey research, content analysis, experiments, observational research, and statistical analysis. Explores audience analysis, media effects, message testing, campaign evaluation, political communication, public opinion, and new media technologies.
Prerequisite: Junior standing. Provides a critical overview of the historical, intellectual, and theoretical foundations of scientific inquiry with specific emphasis on quantitative research methods. Introduces major theories and methods of scientific inquiry in the field of communication including psychological and sociological perspectives, survey research, content analysis, experiments, observational research, and statistical analysis. Explores audience analysis, media effects, message testing, campaign evaluation, political communication, public opinion, and new media technologies.
Provides a critical overview of the historical, intellectual, and theoretical foundations of cultural studies with specific emphasis on research methods. Explores popular culture, comparative media systems, global media flows, and new media technologies, among other topics pertinent to media and journalism.
Provides a critical overview of the historical, intellectual, and theoretical foundations of cultural studies with specific emphasis on research methods. Explores popular culture, comparative media systems, global media flows, and new media technologies, among other topics pertinent to media and journalism.
Prerequisite: Junior/Senior standing or permission of instructor. Examines the role of the mass media in maintaining national security. Topics include history, legal, and operational concerns from both media and the government perspectives. Discusses the tension between maintaining national security and American traditions of civil liberties and the role of both the media and government in these discussions.
Prerequisite: Junior/Senior standing or permission of instructor. Examines the role of the mass media in maintaining national security. Topics include history, legal, and operational concerns from both media and the government perspectives. Discusses the tension between maintaining national security and American traditions of civil liberties and the role of both the media and government in these discussions.
Prerequisite: Junior standing. Approaches to understanding media audiences. Examines tensions between the business and public functions of media, and social and ethical conflicts related to media marketing.
Prerequisite: Junior standing. Approaches to understanding media audiences. Examines tensions between the business and public functions of media, and social and ethical conflicts related to media marketing.
Prerequisite: Junior standing. Systems and philosophies associated with gathering international news and news coverage in different regions. Looks at global communication systems and ownership; examines how cultures shape news and the role of the individual in reporting news internationally. Includes discussion of development issues and role of global advertising and public relations.
Prerequisite: Junior standing. Systems and philosophies associated with gathering international news and news coverage in different regions. Looks at global communication systems and ownership; examines how cultures shape news and the role of the individual in reporting news internationally. Includes discussion of development issues and role of global advertising and public relations.
Prerequisite: Junior standing. Examination and critical evaluation of issues relevant to the operation and functions of mass media, including their relationships to each other and to government, advertisers, consumers, and other publics. May be repeated up to 6 credits.
Prerequisite: Junior standing. Examination and critical evaluation of issues relevant to the operation and functions of mass media, including their relationships to each other and to government, advertisers, consumers, and other publics. May be repeated up to 6 credits.
A close comparative study of chosen media systems in regions of the world. Examines print, broadcast, entertainment, and new media in Western and Eastern Europe, Asia and the Pacific Rim Region, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas. Media interactions with an influence on the geographic, demographic, linguistic, cultural, economic, and political structures of countries.
A close comparative study of chosen media systems in regions of the world. Examines print, broadcast, entertainment, and new media in Western and Eastern Europe, Asia and the Pacific Rim Region, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas. Media interactions with an influence on the geographic, demographic, linguistic, cultural, economic, and political structures of countries.
Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing or permission of instructor. Critical examination of diversity in mass communication with particular emphasis on media representations of race, gender, and class. Also examines audience interpretations of media texts.
Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing or permission of instructor. Critical examination of diversity in mass communication with particular emphasis on media representations of race, gender, and class. Also examines audience interpretations of media texts.
Prerequisite: Junior standing. Examination of ethical concerns of media practitioners illuminated by study of selected current ethical issues and an overview of the cultural and philosophical basis of socially responsive mass media.
Prerequisite: Junior standing. Examination of ethical concerns of media practitioners illuminated by study of selected current ethical issues and an overview of the cultural and philosophical basis of socially responsive mass media.
Prerequisite: Senior status. Issues faced by graduates upon entering the professional world or graduate school. Topics include preparation of the professional portfolio, the resume and cover letter, post-graduate study, and professional advancement. Should be completed by majors in the School of Journalism in either of their last two semesters prior to graduation.
Prerequisite: Senior status. Issues faced by graduates upon entering the professional world or graduate school. Topics include preparation of the professional portfolio, the resume and cover letter, post-graduate study, and professional advancement. Should be completed by majors in the School of Journalism in either of their last two semesters prior to graduation.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Independent study projects or research related to media issues or professions.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Independent study projects or research related to media issues or professions.
Students work on developing good writing skills while conducting original research in their areas of interest. Students will critique each other's writing in a peer-workshop environment, as they edit and revise their own writing--building to a journal-quality research paper presented to the class in a conference-like setting.
Students work on developing good writing skills while conducting original research in their areas of interest. Students will critique each other's writing in a peer-workshop environment, as they edit and revise their own writing--building to a journal-quality research paper presented to the class in a conference-like setting.
This program is available .
Contact your department / program coordinator or advisor for more details about the program OR work one-on-one with your advisor to explore your options.
With over 25 years of experience in online teaching and learning, MTSU Online offers students access to innovative, high-quality programs. Designed with students in mind, our courses allow maximum flexibility for those unable to participate in person.
Resources and services for online students are available from MTSU Online or contact us at distance@mtsu.edu.
Katie Foss
katie.foss@mtsu.edu
Phone | 615-494-7747
Janell Fisher (A-B)
Janell.Fisher@mtsu.edu
615-494-7999 | BRAGG 230E
Leann McBride (C-J; N-Z)
Leann.McBride@mtsu.edu
615-898-5499 | BRAGG 230I
Josh Douglas (K-M)
Joshua.Douglas@mtsu.edu
615-494-4997 | BRAGG 230F
School of Journalism and Strategic Media
Middle Tennessee State University
MTSU Box 64
1301 East Main Street
Murfreesboro, TN 37132