This is an ARCHIVED version of the Kwantlen University College Calendar for 2000-2001 and is provided for historical reference only. See the current version of the Calendar for updated information.

Journalism

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Offered at Richmond

Intake: September

Graduation

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be awarded a Diploma in Journalism.

Description

This two-year diploma program prepares students for a career in print journalism. Graduates hold positions as reporters, photographers and editors at community and daily newspapers, as well as on media-related Web pages.

To keep pace with the rapid changes in the industry, we provide strong, practical training through seminars, labs and off-campus work experiences and use the latest in computer and photographic technology, including digital cameras and Web design. Faculty includes full-time instructors with career experience, as well as part-time specialists who are currently working in journalism.

Since journalists are expected to be able to interpret the world around them and to carry out research in many subject areas, using a variety of sources, the program has responded to these requirements by combining theory and skills.

Content

The journalism program is organized into four semesters and carries 60 college credits. Students concentrate on general knowledge and on developing the skills, work habits and attitudes they will need to succeed both as students and as professionals. During their two years of study, students will:

• develop a broad knowledge base through course work which covers areas such as popular culture, communication theory, law and ethics.
• train in specific skill areas such as news and feature writing, interviewing, photography, editing, layout, and computers
• develop sound work habits, such as effective time management, team work, 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.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• apply for positions in journalism and related fields with the education, skills, work habits and attitudes needed to be effective.
• freelance effectively.

Student Profile

This program is based on the position that the preparation of journalists requires a combination of general knowledge and technical competency.

Students in this program may come directly from high school or from other fields of endeavour. Many enter the program with post-secondary experience and some have university degrees. Depending on their specific background, advance standing can be granted for work done or skills learned elsewhere. Part-time students, although in the minority, can be accommodated.

Admission Requirements

Given the stringent writing requirements of the program, applicants must obtain a minimum of Level 4 on the Language Proficiency Index or have a minimum B average in post-secondary English.

Applicants must attend an information session at Kwantlen at a designated time in May. The purpose of the session is to offer potential students the opportunity to meet faculty, ask questions about the program and determine, more specifically, what the program entails. During the information session, each applicant will complete a current events quiz.

Applicants must also provide:

• a resume
• a 500-word statement of goals
• proof that they have talked to at least three people in Journalism

Parts 2 and 3 are required to ensure that the aspirations of applicants are realistic in light of the demands of the workplace and of the program itself.

A lack of basic computer skills will hold the student back, so applicants are urged to upgrade this area before starting the program.

Content

Semester 1

JRNL 1100 Explorations in Mass Communications
JRNL 1122 Writing Skills for Journalism
JRNL 1130 Photography for Print Media
JRNL 1141 Visual Design with Computers
JRNL 1142 Computer Skills
JRNL 1160 Introduction to Journalism

Semester 2

JRNL 1230 Basic Photojournalism
JRNL 1242 Computer Skills
JRNL 1261 Advanced Journalism
JRNL 1262 Political Reporting
JRNL 1265 Feature Writing
JRNL 1272 Newspaper Production

Semester 3

JRNL 2301 Media and Audiences
JRNL 2332 Advanced Photojournalism
JRNL 2342 Computer Skills for Journalism in a Macintosh Environment
JRNL 2352 Research and Investigative Techniques
JRNL 2372 Newspaper Publication I

Semester 4

JRNL 2400 Legal and Ethical Issues
JRNL 2461 The Community Newspaper
JRNL 2463 Investigative Journalism
JRNL 2471 Work Experience
JRNL 2474 Newspaper Publication II

Advisory Committee

An advisory committee, comprised of professional journalists, meets regularly with faculty to provide industry input.