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JRN Journalism Courses at Global Campus

Some people learn early on that they have a knack for telling stories. Others find a thrill in doggedly pursuing the truth. For centuries, both types of people have been drawn to journalism. If you are pursuing online study in journalism, the University of Arizona Global Campus offers a wide array of online courses in journalism. Through these courses, you will create an electronic portfolio of work to showcase professional journalistic skills. Courses include a wide range of topics, from composition and editing to research and analysis. Browse the course and course descriptions below to learn more.


JRN Journalism Class Descriptions and Credit Information

JRN 101 Digital & Media Literacy

3 Credits

This course is designed to teach students to critically examine the impact of digital media and mediated messages on their everyday lives. Throughout the course, students explore the underlying power relationships of the media industry, the construction of media messages, and the influence of digital media on individuals, groups, and society. 

JRN 200 Elements of Journalism

3 Credits

Elements of Journalism provides students with an understanding of the field of journalism. The course focuses on developing the students’ skills in the areas of grammar, spelling, punctuation, Associated Press (AP) style writing, the inverted pyramid, news gathering, interviewing and other elements of journalism. Prerequisites: ENG 121 and 122 or equivalents.

JRN 201 Multimedia News Writing and Editing

3 Credits

This course is designed to provide the principles and techniques of effective writing and editing for news in various platforms. There will be an emphasis on accuracy of information, presentation, clarity, precision, and efficiency in the use of language. Students will also begin to discover the various career opportunities and the field and begin to develop their goals through the Career Services Integration pieces built into the course. Prerequisite: JRN 200.

JRN 301 Newsgathering & Reporting

3 Credits

This course will focus on gathering, evaluating, writing and editing information for news stories tailored for various forms of media and audiences.

JRN 330 Media Law & Ethics

3 Credits

Media Law and Ethics familiarizes students with the major laws and ethical guidelines associated with news and information media. This course will explore the fundamental principles of media law and the ethical responsibilities of media practitioners. Prerequisite: JRN 200 and 201

JRN 333 Ethics in Journalism

3 Credits

Ethics in journalism begins with an overview of ethical foundations and philosophy with a focus on case studies in the media and the application of ethical standards and decision making to issues faced by journalists on a daily basis. Prerequisite: JRN 200.

JRN 341 Specialized Journalism

3 Credits

This course introduces students to the various genres of journalistic writing. Students learn to employ skills acquired from previous journalism courses to specific types of news reporting. Genres include the following: investigative journalism, sports journalism, entertainment journalism, business journalism, and environmental journalism. 

JRN 410 Journalism Law

3 Credits

The study of the law of journalism and mass communication is a vast field. This course provides a broad overview of the rule of law, the First Amendment, disruptive speech, libel, protecting privacy, reporter’s privilege and electronic media regulation. Prerequisite: JRN 200.

JRN 412 Advanced Editorial & Feature Writing

3 Credits

Students in this course will apply journalistic skills to opinion writing for editorial pages. It provides tools for evaluating critical thinking and argumentation for evaluating editorial writing. Additionally, students will learn the skills and requirements for feature writing. Prerequisite: JRN 301.

JRN 450 Investigative Journalism

3 Credits

This course teaches students to create more in-depth news reports for various forms of media. Students will utilize research and evaluation skills learned in previous courses to produce investigative news reports suited for real-world publications. Prerequisite: JRN 301.

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