Journalism (JRNL)
This is a list of the Journalism (JRNL) courses available at KPU.
JRNL 1100 CR-3
Explorations in Mass Communications
Students will be given a comprehensive overview of mass communications in Canada. They will learn about the key players who affect mass media, including the people who work in mass media and their audiences and critics. Students will examine the roles played by government and business in mass communications and discuss a variety of relevant issues, including concentration of media ownership and the dominance of American popular culture on Canada
Prerequisites: English 12 (B) or ENGQ 1099 or ABEE 0091 or ENGP 1091 or Kwantlen English Placement Test EPT) for placement to ENGL 1100 or an LPI level 5 with an Essay score of 30 or higher or ELST 0381, 0383 (was EASL 0085, 0040) (B)
JRNL 1123 CR-1.5
Writing Skills for Journalism
Students will learn the writing skills required for modern media, especially newspapers. They will write and edit articles in Canadian Press style and organize information in accepted newspaper story forms, with emphasis on grammar, effective structure, and the presentation of accurate information.
Co-requisites: JRNL 1160
JRNL 1130 CR-1.5
Photography for Print Media
Students will be introduced to photographic skills used in print journalism. They will learn different types of photojournalism, including news, sports and feature photography and the use and care of 35mm single lens reflex cameras and professional standard digital cameras. Students will gain practical experience while photographing subjects in a variety of lighting conditions and settings requiring different exposures and techniques. They will learn how to produce both colour and black and white photographs for publication, as well as basic principles of photo layout and use of software to download digital photographs to a Mac computer.
JRNL 1141 CR-3
Visual Design with Computers
Students will develop the skills and knowledge to produce computer-generated material for print media, using appropriate software. They will learn basic design theory, the history and application of typography and how to critically evaluate visual design elements.
JRNL 1160 CR-3
Introduction to Journalism
Students will explore how journalism fits in a media landscape that includes both traditional mainstream news sources and alternative information sources such as social networking, YouTube, Twitter and blogs. They will also explore reporting by citizen journalists. Students will explore the ramifications of economic and technological change in the industry. They will also study its impact on journalists and journalism, citizens, human rights, community and democracy.
Prerequisites: A grade of 'B' in English 12 (or equivalent)
Transferable (refer to transfer guide )
JRNL 1220 CR-3
Citizen Journalism
Students will explore the role of citizen journalism in the dissemination of information. They will explore the investigative techniques commonly employed by professional journalists, including but not limited to court searches and Freedom of Information requests. They will learn how to use many of these techniques to find information important to themselves and their communities. They will discover how tools such as blogging, social networking and search engine optimization can be used to share this information with the larger community. They will learn how to write clearly and concisely. Students will also explore how media law affects citizen journalism, and vice versa.
Prerequisites: A grade of 'B' in English 12 (or equivalent)
Transferable (refer to transfer guide )
JRNL 1231 CR-3
Basic Photojournalism
Students will further develop their understanding of photography as it pertains to journalism. They will sharpen skills in using a 35mm camera, and producing black and white and colour images. Students will gain practical experience in photographing subjects using different lenses under a variety of lighting conditions. They will learn to apply the principles of photojournalism in conceiving and creating various types of newspaper and magazine photographs, with special attention on news, features, sports and photo stories. Students will also continue to learn negative scanning and use of Adobe Photoshop®.
Prerequisites: JRNL 1130
JRNL 1261 CR-3
Advanced Journalism
Students will learn different approaches to news writing and develop the ability to cover sports, business, entertainment, and lifestyles beats. They will apply critical thinking skills to the writing of columns, editorials, and reviews.
Prerequisites: JRNL 1123 and JRNL 1160
Co-requisites: JRNL 1262
JRNL 1262 CR-1.5
Political Reporting
Students will learn how political stories are generated from budgets, school boards, city councils, community organizations, and federal and provincial governments. They will learn how to access documents and people who are sources of information, and how to evaluate and select information for use in news stories.
Prerequisites: JRNL 1123 and JRNL 1160
Co-requisites: JRNL 1261
JRNL 1265 CR-3
Feature Writing
In this course, students learn how to write feature articles for newspapers and magazines. The student will study the process of producing ideas, selling a story, research techniques, writing and rewriting, and surviving as a free-lancer. In-class writing exercises are designed to help the student develop a feature writing style.
Prerequisites: (JRNL 1123 and JRNL 1160) or PRLN 1150 and PRLN 1162)
JRNL 1273 CR-3
News Production and Editing
Students will learn how to produce a print and online newspaper, using relevant design, photo-imaging and audio and video editing software. They will develop and practice skills in copy editing, rewriting, proofreading, headline and cut line writing, page design and online storytelling. Students will develop teamwork skills and the ability to critique their own work and the work of others.
Prerequisites: JRNL 1123 and JRNL 1141 and JRNL 1130
JRNL 2120 CR-3
Storytelling 1
Students will explore journalistic and other non-fiction storytelling, with an emphasis on the different writing styles and conventions of such genres as narrative, documentary, online, print and broadcast media. Students will analyze a range of non-fiction storytelling and reporting, explore the importance of audience, and create works in a variety of styles.
Prerequisites: JRNL 1160
Transferable (refer to transfer guide )
JRNL 2140 CR-3
Introduction to News: How We Inform Ourselves
Students will explore the evolving concept of news and related issues of how a civil society informs itself, through examining the professionalization of the media, the development of objectivity and changes in the late stages of a mass media culture. Students will examine questions such as: What is news? Is objectivity possible? What is the difference in how news is covered and presented by different media operations? What are the effects of citizen journalism, "corporatization" and other ownership models of the media? What is the impact of wide-scale cultural disruption on news coverage?
Prerequisites: JRNL 1160
Transferable (refer to transfer guide )
JRNL 2230 CR-3
Multimedia Storytelling
Students will explore the types of multimedia journalism and other non-fiction storytelling made possible by inexpensive hardware and software tools, and the ability to easily publish on the Internet. They will explore the role of audio, video and interactivity in creating rich, immersive stories, through profiles, event coverage, journalistic storytelling and other modes. Students will learn storytelling skills and the technical skills (both hardware and software) needed to create effective stories of their own.
Prerequisites: JRNL 1160
JRNL 2240 CR-3
Beyond the News
Students will examine what is happening in media areas beyond news, including, but not limited to, health and science, education, sports, entertainment, fashion and lifestyles, and opinion writing. Students will explore the evolving mediascape, which includes traditional media and new-media competitors, and examine differences in writing styles and presentation. They will examine the potential for accessing and providing in-depth information in specialist and niche areas, analyze non-news publications, and develop and publish traditional or non-traditional information projects in their own areas of interest.
Prerequisites: JRNL 1160
JRNL 2250 CR-3
Public Affairs Journalism 1
Students will explore the relationship between journalism and politics, investigate the role of journalism as a public watchdog, and learn about the historical and current practice of journalism as it impacts public policy. They will examine a range of political coverage including: journalistic coverage of politics in the form of multimedia news stories, opinion pieces, editorials and blogs, and strategic use of political communication by governments and political parties.
Prerequisites: JRNL 1160
Transferable (refer to transfer guide )
JRNL 2301 CR-3
Media and Audiences
This course is an introduction to the study of popular culture and communication, with a focus on the nature and role of audiences. Popular culture is examined in relation to consumerism, pleasure-seeking, language and advertising, politics and the news.
Prerequisites: JRNL 1100 recommended
JRNL 2332 CR-1.5
Advanced Photojournalism
Students will expand their skill in the use of 35mm cameras and flash photography, and explore the basics of digital photography, with special emphasis placed on covering news and sports, feature pictures and photo stories. Students will learn to control on-location lighting, develop computer-imaging skills, and understand ethical and legal issues. They will address special topics including how to build and present a portfolio and the nature of the freelance market.
Prerequisites: JRNL 1231
JRNL 2353 CR-3
Research Techniques
Students will learn how to research records at government offices, registered charities, and publicly traded companies. They will develop the skills necessary to interpret financial reports and statistical information and to do research using the Internet.
Prerequisites: JRNL 1261
JRNL 2373 CR-4
News Publication I
Using industry standard software, students will practice the skills necessary to publish a print and online newspaper, including writing, photography, editing, page layout, prepress production and distribution, and audio and video storytelling. They will also explore legal issues involved in journalism, including copyright, libel and defamation and contempt of court.
Prerequisites: JRNL 1261
JRNL 2401 CR-3
Ethics and the Media
Students will learn about moral theories and will apply them to topics such as conflicts of interest, offensive content, and stereotypes. They will critically examine current issues in the news and will explore the relationship between journalism and public relations.
JRNL 2402 CR-1.5
Broadcast I: Introduction to Radio Reporting
Students will be introduced to radio broadcast journalism which focuses on writing, editing, story production and on-air voice presentation. They will learn to conduct interviews using digital tape recorders, and to select, download and edit clips on Mac computers. They will also learn to identify types of radio stories, beats and programs, and to distinguish between public and private radio formats.
Prerequisites: JRNL 1160 and JRNL 1261
JRNL 2463 CR-1.5
Investigative Journalism
Students will develop the skills necessary to practice investigative journalism. They will learn how to obtain information from a wide variety of sources, including government and non-governmental organizations, individuals and others. Emphasis will be placed on interview techniques and other aspects essential to journalistic investigation.
Prerequisites: JRNL 1261
JRNL 2471 CR-4.5
Work Experience
Students will experience the daily routine used in the preparation of a publication during a four-week industry placement. They will perform the duties of full-time reporters during their placement, applying the skills they learned in the first two years of the program.
Prerequisites: JRNL 2301 and JRNL 2332 and or JRNL 2373
JRNL 2477 CR-3.5
News Publication II
Using industry standard software, students will further develop their skills in publishing a print and online newspaper, including writing, photography, editing, page layout, pre-press production, designing, managing distribution and preparing and presenting multimedia journalism. They will conduct news meetings and develop teamwork skills while working on a group project. Students will continue to practice journalism in print and online delivery.
Prerequisites: JRNL 2373
JRNL 3100 CR-3
Online Publishing I
Students will combine text, images, audio and video to create multimedia journalism. They will use a variety of production techniques, including navigation design, interactivity and linking strategies, for producing in-depth online journalism. Students will also explore the effects new web technologies are having on journalism and storytelling.
Prerequisites: JRNL 2475 or JRNL 2477
JRNL 3130 CR-3
Writing for Magazines
Students will learn how to develop the "writer's voice," to integrate narrative and descriptive writing into stories, and to organize material for magazine-length, non-fiction stories. They will develop the skills necessary to rewrite magazine stories and to work with an editor.
Prerequisites: JRNL 1265
JRNL 3150 CR-3 (Formerly JRNL 4120 )
Advanced Research for Journalism
Students will learn techniques for computer-assisted research and use information gathered through those techniques to produce original news stories and graphics. They will study advanced Internet research methods, information analysis using spreadsheets and databases, and methodologies for designing surveys, research questionnaires, and polls.
JRNL 3155 CR-3
Storytelling 2: Reporting
Students will learn the essential skills of reporting, including conducting interviews; writing different types of stories; establishing connections with reliable sources; finding stories; and writing stories for a variety of media platforms. They will examine the differences between news writing and that of feature, column, blog and editorial writing. Students will critique news coverage of local, national and international events and develop the ability to recognize and write a newsworthy story.
Note 1: Students are required to have a digital audio recorder and hand-held microphone for this course. Specifications will be provided by the department.
Note 2: This course may include mandatory field trips.
Prerequisites: 45 credits of any 1100-level or higher courses, including ENGL 1100 and JRNL 1220 and JRNL 2120 and JRNL 2230
Not Transferable
JRNL 3160 CR-3
Photojournalism
Students will learn still and video photojournalism basics for print and online publication. They will explore the differences between photojournalism and other types of photography. They will gain practical experience while photographing and/or video-recording subjects in a variety of lighting conditions and locations requiring different techniques. Students will learn basic video-editing, principles of photo layout and use of photojournalism software such as Adobe Photoshop and Soundslides.
Note: Students are required to have a digital single-lens reflex (SLR) camera for this course. Specifications will be provided by the department.
Prerequisites: 45 credits 1100-level or higher courses, including JRNL 1160
JRNL 3170 CR-3
Storytelling 3: Narrative Nonfiction
Students will explore the world of narrative nonfiction, which marries strong journalism and narrative storytelling. They will learn advanced nonfiction writing techniques and how the nonfiction-publishing industry functions, both online and in print. They will analyze published work, including but not limited to magazine articles, books, memoirs and personal essays. They will learn the art of narrative nonfiction and develop their "voices" as writers.
Prerequisites: 45 credits 1100-level or higher courses, including JRNL 1220 and JRNL 2120 and JRNL 2230 and ENGL 1100
Transferable (refer to transfer guide )
JRNL 3200 CR-3
Media and Diversity
Students will examine the media from the perspective of the diverse audience, with a specific focus on issues such as race, religion, gender and culture. They will develop the skills to report on diversity with fairness and balance.
Prerequisites: completion of 60 Kwantlen credits which must include ENGL 1100 and JRNL 2301
JRNL 3250 CR-3
Directed Study
Students will carry out a detailed investigation of a topic of interest relevant to journalism. The investigation will be carried out under the supervision of a faculty member with expertise in the area and will consist of readings and research. Students will be required to identify relevant sources of information and to develop a comprehensive understanding of their topic, in addition to submitting a final in-depth article or academic paper.
Prerequisites: JRNL 3100
JRNL 3260 CR-3
Media Economics and Entrepreneurial Journalism
Students will explore the economics of existing and emerging media. They will also explore the implications and opportunities for journalists working in traditional and new media. They will learn skills, techniques and technologies needed for developing a professional reputation and personal brand. Students will learn the organizational, business and personal skills needed for freelance employment, and for leading or working as a team member with media start-up companies.
Prerequisites: 45 credits 1100-level or higher, including JRNL 1220 and JRNL 2120 and JRNL 2230 and ENGL 1100
Not Transferable
JRNL 3270 CR-3
Advanced Photojournalism
Students will expand their photojournalism skills in the use of professional-standard cameras to produce and publish photographs and videos. They will explore the legal and ethical aspects of photojournalism and consider the role of photojournalism in public discourse. They will learn how to control lighting and other variables in various locations. Students will learn and apply advanced techniques in such photojournalism software as Adobe Photoshop and programs for video-editing and combining still photographs and audio for online publication. They will produce a portfolio of their work and learn about freelancing as a photojournalist.
Note: Students are required to have a digital single lens reflex (SLR) camera for this course. Specifications will be provided by the department.
Prerequisites: 45 credits 1100-level or higher, including JRNL 2230 and JRNL 3160
JRNL 4101 CR-1.5
Daily News Production
Students will explore and develop an understanding of the economic, social and technological forces that influence changes in journalism, particularly as it applies to daily newspapers. They will study recent newspaper history and emerging trends in daily newspapers both in Canada and internationally. Students will also explore the implications these changes have for the practice of journalism in the short- and near-term future.
JRNL 4131 CR-3
Advanced Editing
Students will learn advanced skills related to the editor's role in a newsroom. They will practice coaching reporters on generating and shaping story ideas, improving writing techniques, and developing sidebars, visual aids and other elements to complement a story, as well as editing complex stories for accuracy, effectiveness, organization, and writing style.
JRNL 4140 CR-4.5
Work Experience II
A work experience is arranged during the seventh semester with newspapers, magazines or online publications in and out of the college area. Students will experience the daily routine used in the preparation of a publication during a four-week industry placement where they will perform the duties of full-time staffers. Following that work experience, they will report back with an assessment.
JRNL 4141 CR-3
Work Experience
Students will work for 120 hours, or equivalent, as journalists in one or more media businesses or organizations. They will further their personal and professional development, integrating knowledge and skills acquired from the Journalism curriculum in the context of their practical experience. They will investigate potential job markets through the work-experience placements they choose, such as freelance work, job shadowing and fixed-term placements. They will develop their journalistic skills in areas of interest to build contacts and create networks that will help them in their careers.
Note: Placements must be approved by the department.
Note: Students must be registered in the Bachelor of Journalism and have a minimum GPA of 3.3.
Note: Equivalency to 120 hours is determined by the department based on work produced in a project-based placement or placements.
Prerequisites: 45 credits 1100-level or higher courses, including JRNL 3155 and JRNL 3160
Not Transferable
JRNL 4160 CR-3
Journalism Research Methods
Students will learn to use a critical approach in conducting advanced research using electronic databases and other information sources including, but not limited to: social media; blogs; public and corporate websites; Statistics Canada; scholarly journals; and mainstream news media. They will learn about and apply media law and journalism principles of fairness, accuracy and balance in assessing and comparing the validity of various information sources. They will use Freedom of Information (FOI) and Access to Information (ATI) laws to obtain government records. They will use information gathered via various research methods to write original journalism articles.
Note: The Journalism and Communications Studies department strongly recommends students have three quantitative-course credits before taking this course. Check with the department for recommended quantitative courses.
Prerequisites: 45 credits of any level-1100 or higher, including JRNL 1220 and JRNL 2120 and JRNL 3155
JRNL 4165 CR-3 (Formerly JRNL 4160 )
Data Journalism
Students will learn how to use data-journalism techniques to produce compelling news stories and interactive online tools. They will obtain raw data, from open-data portals and using Freedom of Information and Access to Information requests. They will analyze data, using tools such as Excel Pivot Tables, to find patterns that can form the basis of interesting journalism. They will also create a range of engaging online tools, including maps, interactive graphics and searchable databases. They will explore and apply media law and journalism's principles of fairness, accuracy and balance in assessing and comparing the validity of various information sources.
Note: The Journalism and Communications Studies department strongly recommends students complete three quantitative-course credits before taking this course. Check with the department for recommended courses.
Prerequisites: JRNL 3155
Not Transferable
JRNL 4190 CR-3
Directed Study Honours I - Research
Students working under the supervision of a faculty member will identify a topic for their honours thesis and undertake a research program that includes an extensive reading list developed by the student and faculty supervisor. They will design an outline for their thesis project.
Prerequisites: JRNL 3200
JRNL 4200 CR-3
History of Canadian Journalism
Students will learn about the history of journalism in Canada, from the first 18th century newspaper to the present-day multi-media world. They will examine both broad historic trends in Canadian journalism, such as the commercialization of the press in the 19th century and the concentration of ownership in the 20th, as well as more localized aspects, like regional differences among Ontario, Maritime, francophone and western Canadian journalism.
Prerequisites: Completion of 60 Kwantlen credits which must include (ENGL 1100 or 1110) and (any second-year level HIST course or JRNL 2301)
JRNL 4210 CR-3
Journalism - Special Topics
Students will examine a current topic, conduct in-depth research, and write a major academic paper on a current topic in consultation with their instructor. They will do a peer presentation based on their research.
JRNL 4240 CR-3 (Formerly JRNL 3120 )
Social Issues Journalism
Students will explore the history and practice of social-issues journalism, a long-established branch of reporting that ranges from the work of early social commentators such as Charles Dickens to today's investigative reporters. They will analyze social-issues journalism, which combines feature narrative writing, investigative reporting, and an invitation to change that goes beyond standard journalism. They will explore the ethics and traditions of social-issues journalism from the perspective of the public interest. They will be expected to be aware of political and social issues in their own communities. Students will compare journalistic and academic-writing styles and write a social-issues journalism feature on a specific social issue, or an academic essay about social-issues journalism for their final project.
Note: Students who wish to write a journalistic narrative feature, rather than an academic essay, are advised to take JRNL 3155: Storytelling 2 - Reporting prior to attempting this course as the narrative project requires at least a basic understanding of journalism-specific writing skills and formats. However, all students have the option of writing an academic paper instead.
Prerequisites: 60 credits of any 1100-level or higher courses, including JRNL 3155 and ENGL 1100
Transferable (refer to transfer guide )
JRNL 4250 CR-3
Public Affairs Journalism 2
Students will critique and generate political stories at the local, regional, provincial and federal levels, using a variety of information sources. They will learn how to access documents and individuals as sources of information, and how to evaluate and select information for use in news stories. They will consider the watchdog role of political reporting in a democracy, and will examine interactions among journalists, politicians, bureaucrats and non-governmental organizations and lobby groups with diverse interests, from Greenpeace to the Canadian Taxpayers Federation.
Note: This course may include mandatory field trips.
Prerequisites: 45 credits of any 1100-level or higher courses, including JRNL 3155 and POLI 1120 and ENGL 1100
Not Transferable
JRNL 4260 CR-3
Computer Programming for Journalists
Students will be exposed to and work in a number of programming and scripting languages (including, but not limited to Flash ActionScript, JavaScript, HTML and Cascading Stylesheets, and the PHP scripting language) and programs (such as Adobe Flash) that are used to create visually rich, interactive media websites and components of those sites. They will apply a range of skills needed to create and publish interactives, and to design, develop and deploy database-driven information applications. They will develop full-featured websites.
Note: This is a hands-on course, which requires basic computer literacy; however, previous knowledge of computer programming is not required.
Prerequisites: 45 credits of 1100-level or higher, including JRNL 1220 and JRNL 2120 and JRNL 2230
JRNL 4270 CR-3
Advanced Storytelling
Students will work as a newsroom team during the semester to report and produce stories for a single-theme on-line publication (a story package). Students will develop the initial concept and identify stories using the full-range of storytelling methods (narrative text, visualized data, video, audio, photography, etc.). They will also learn or deepen skills in storytelling, website design and interactivity. They will produce a final project that will be a rich and interactive website on the assigned topic.
Note: Students are required to have a digital SLR camera and digital audio recorder for this course. Specifications will be provided by the department.
Prerequisites: 60 credits of 1100-level or higher, including JRNL 3155 and ENGL 1100
Not Transferable
JRNL 4290 CR-3
Honours Thesis
Students working under the supervision of a faculty member will write an honours thesis based on the research and outline completed in Journalism 4190. Students will engage in an extensive process of draft-writing and revisions to produce the final thesis.
Prerequisites: JRNL 4190
JRNL 4295 CR-3
Journalism Honours Seminar
Students will explore contemporary mass communication and journalism issues and research strategies. They will examine advanced methodological approaches to mass communications and journalism research though critical evaluation and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of a variety of research methods. This course is mandatory for those students registered in the Bachelor of Applied Journalism Honours Degree.
Prerequisites: Admission to the Bachelor of Applied Journalism
