2012-13 University Calendar
 Kwantlen Polytechnic University  Calendar  2012-13  Faculty of Arts  Journalism: Bachelor of Journalism (also: Honours)

Journalism: Bachelor of Journalism (also: Honours)

Description

The Journalism program prepares graduates for such positions as multi-media reporters, photojournalists, editors, researchers, and freelance writers. It also gives students valuable transferable skills that can be put to use in many fields of endeavour, including working in a deadline-driven environment, learning how to use social media and journalistic research skills in professional settings, and understanding the many facets of the collection and dissemination of information via the media.

The program is based on academic studies and practical training through seminars, labs and off-campus work experiences. The program features industry-standard software to produce journalism that draws on the full range of multimedia storytelling possibilities, including animation, interactivity, audio and video. Communication Studies courses are also an important part of the program, including exploration of such issues as media law and ethics, media and diversity and media and social change.

Faculty members include award-winning journalists with career experience and academic credentials. Many faculty members continue to work as journalists.

Journalism courses include such subject areas as:

 During the course of their studies, students will:

Career Opportunities

The Journalism program prepares graduates to:

Kwantlen's Journalism program celebrates a high rate of employment for its graduates.

Program Admission Requirements

In addition to Kwantlen's General university admission requirements, including the undergraduate-level English Proficiency Requirement, the following program admission requirements apply:

Year One Admission:

Year Three Admission:

Honours Admission:

High academic standing is required. Interested students should contact the department.

Qualifying Year

Students who do not qualify upon initial application to Kwantlen may be eligible for entry to the Qualifying Year. Students who possess at least a 'C' in English 12 (or equivalent) and a passing grade in either Pre-Calculus 11, Principles of Math 11, Foundations of Mathematics 11, Applications of Math 12 (or equivalents) will be able to apply for entry to the BA Qualifying Year. Students will be admitted to the BA program in the second year provided they have successfully completed appropriate qualifying courses. Other applicants who do not qualify are encouraged to consult an Educational Advisor for the appropriate qualifying courses that satisfy the application criteria.

Program Continuance Requirements

Current BA students must meet the following requirements to continue into their 3rd year of study. Registration access to third or fourth year courses is first awarded to students who have completed the following:

Program Requirements

Students must complete all requirements in the Bachelor of Arts framework in addition to Journalism- and Communication-Studies course requirements.

Journalism Honours

Students who have achieved high academic standing may choose to complete an Honours degree, which includes an Honours Seminar, Directed Study and Thesis. Students will work with a faculty advisor on an intensive research and writing project.

In addition to the 120 credits required by the Bachelor of Journalism degree program, honours students will need to complete the following additional 9 credits of course work:
  JRNL 4190 Directed Study Honours 1 – Research 3 credits
  JRNL 4290 Honours Thesis 3 credits
  JRNL 4295  Journalism Honours Seminar 3 credits

To qualify for the Journalism Honours degree, students must have been admitted to the Honours program prior to earning the Journalism degree. Students may receive either the Journalism degree or the Journalism Honours degree, but not both.

Note: The Honours degree may not be offered each year.

Journalism Major

Lower Level Requirements

Students must complete the following required courses for the Journalism Major.
  1000 Level
  JRNL 1160 Intro to Journalism 3 credits
  JRNL 1220 Citizen Journalism 3 credits
  2000 Level
  JRNL 2120 Storytelling 1 3 credits
  JRNL 2230 Multimedia Storytelling 3 credits
Students must complete a total of 12 credits from the following two areas by selecting two courses from each area:
  1. Journalism Electives (choose two)
  JRNL 2140 Introduction to News: How We Inform Ourselves 3 credits
  JRNL 2240 Beyond the News 3 credits
  JRNL 2250 Public Affairs Journalism 1 3 credits
  2. Communication Studies Electives (choose two)
  COMM 1100 Foundations of Communication Studies 3 credits
  COMM 1110 TV and Social Change 3 credits
  COMM 1200 Visual Literacy 3 credits
  COMM 2100 Media Ethics and Law 3 credits
  COMM 2210 Mapping Media and Cultural Theory 3 credits
  COMM 2220 Communications Rights & Freedoms 3 credits

Upper Level Requirements

Students must complete the following required courses for the Journalism Major:
  3000 Level
  JRNL 3155 Storytelling 2: Reporting 3 credits
  JRNL 3160 Photojournalism 3 credits
  4000 Level
  JRNL 4270 Advanced Storytelling 3 credits
Students must complete a total of 21 credits from the following three areas by selecting at least two courses from each area:
  1. Journalism Electives (choose at least two)
  JRNL 3170 Storytelling 3: Narrative Nonfiction 3 credits
  JRNL 3260 Media Economics and Entrepreneurial Journalism 3 credits
  JRNL 4160 Journalism Research Methods 3 credits
  JRNL 4250 Public Affairs Journalism 2 3 credits
  2. Journalism Electives (choose at least two)
  JRNL 3270 Advanced Photojournalism 3 credits
  JRNL 4141 Work Experience 3 credits
  JRNL 4240 Social Issues Journalism 3 credits
  JRNL 4260 Computer Programming for Journalists 3 credits
  3. Communication Studies Electives (choose at least two)
  COMM 3100 Media and Diversity 3 credits
  COMM 3110 News Media and Influence 3 credits
  COMM 4210 History of Canadian Journalism 3 credits

Credential Awarded

Upon successful completion of the honours program, students are eligible to receive a Bachelor of Journalism (Honours).

Upon successful completion of the major program, students are eligible to receive a Bachelor of Journalism.

Last Updated: Aug 9, 2012

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