Bachelor of Journalism
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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.
Career Opportunities
The Journalism program prepares graduates to:
- Work as multi-media writers, reporters, editors and photojournalists in online and print journalism and related fields
- Work as freelance multi-media writers and/or photojournalists
- Work in media-relations positions in private industry and government
Kwantlen's Journalism program celebrates a high rate of employment for its graduates.
Entrance Requirements
Note: Entrance requirements for The Bachelor of Journalism have changed. These are the new entrance requirements, now in effect.
For admission to the Bachelor of Journalism program, students must have a grade of 'B' in English 12 (or equivalent) and a grade of 'C' in either Principles of Math 11 (or equivalent) or Applications of Math 12. Students may be admitted to the Bachelor of Journalism program at any point at which admission requirements are met. Students who do not qualify upon initial application to Kwantlen are encouraged to consult an Educational Advisor for the appropriate qualifying courses that satisfy the application criteria.
Registration access to third or fourth year courses is first awarded to students who have completed at least 60 credits of coursework with a cumulative GPA of 2.00, as well as a grade of 'C' in all required courses including the English writing requirement, 2 Quantitative courses, 12 credits of breadth courses, the language requirement, Principles of Math 11 (or equivalent), and all first and second year course requirements for their declared major and/or minor program(s).
Content
Note: The Bachelor of Journalism program has been revised. New program requirements are effective for the Fall 2011 intake. Students enrolled prior to Fall 2011 are advised to make an appointment with the department Chair or an Educational Advisor to ensure the correct course selections are made in order to satisfy the program's graduation requirements.
Journalism courses include such subject areas as:
- photojournalism
- multimedia storytelling
- news reporting
- narrative nonfiction
- communication and rights
- citizen journalism
- visual literacy
- media and diversity
During the course of their studies, students will:
- Develop a broad knowledge of multi-media journalism
- Develop critical thinking skills through course work that covers areas such as popular culture, communication theory, and media law and ethics
- Train in specific skill areas, such as photojournalism, multimedia storytelling, news reporting and literary journalism
- Develop appropriate attitudes through exposure to the legal, ethical and societal constraints under which they will be expected to function as journalists or professionals utilizing journalistic skills in other fields
- Develop sound work habits, such as effective time management, teamwork, and setting objectives and standards
- Develop appropriate attitudes through exposure to the legal, ethical and societal constraints under which they will be expected to function as journalists or professionals utilizing journalistic skills in other fields.
Courses: Journalism and Communication Studies
COMM 1100 Foundations of Communication Studies
COMM 1110 TV and Social Change
COMM 1200 Visual Literacy
COMM 2100 Media Ethics and Law
COMM 2210 Mapping Media and Cultural Theory
COMM 2220 Communications Rights & Freedoms
COMM 3100 Media and Diversity
COMM 3110 News Media and Influence
COMM 4210 History of Canadian Journalism
JRNL 1160 Intro to Journalism
JRNL 1220 Citizen Journalism
JRNL 2120 Storytelling 1
JRNL 2140 Introduction to News: How We Inform Ourselves
JRNL 2230 Multimedia Storytelling
JRNL 2240 Beyond the News
JRNL 2250 Public Affairs Journalism 1
JRNL 3155 Storytelling 2: Reporting
JRNL 3160 Photojournalism
JRNL 3170 Storytelling 3: Narrative Nonfiction
JRNL 3260 Media Economics and Entrepreneurial Journalism
JRNL 3270 Advanced Photojournalism
JRNL 4140 Work Experience
JRNL 4160 Journalism Research Methods
JRNL 4240 Social Issues Journalism
JRNL 4250 Public Affairs Journalism 2
JRNL 4260 Computer Programming for Journalists
JRNL 4270 Advanced Storytelling
The Bachelor of Journalism Program requires completion of 120 credits. Students must complete all requirements in the Bachelor of Arts framework in addition to journalism- and communication-studies course requirements.
Graduation
Upon successful completion of this program, students are eligible for a Bachelor of Journalism or a Bachelor of Journalism – Honours.
