Courses - Spring 2026
JOUR130
Self-Presentation in the Age of YouTube
Credit only granted for: COMM107, COMM200, ENES143, INAG110, JOUR130 or THET285.
Additional information: May not count toward the Journalism major.
Students, as they make use of evolving technologies, need to be able to present themselves effectively in front of any number of different audiences through any number of different outlets. Whether in an interview on radio, a guest presentation at a conference, in comments on a video blog, in commentary on TV, in the lead on a self-produced YouTube video, or as spokesperson in front of investors or management, professionals need strong oral communication skills. This class focuses on strengthening those skills through active individual and group presentations, as well as, through discussion of key techniques and group critique of presentation publicly available in the social media space on sites such as YouTube.
JOUR150
Additional information: Not applicable toward journalism major.
Survey of the functions and effects of the mass media in the United States. A consumer's introduction to newspapers, television, radio, film, sound recording, books, magazines, and new media technology.
JOUR152
Introduction to Storytelling with Code
Credits:
1
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: Must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in JOUR200.
An introduction to the ways markup and programming languages and computational thinking are transforming news reporting and storytelling.
JOUR175
Additional information: Not applicable toward journalism major.
An analysis of the information, values and underlying messages conveyed via television, newspapers, the internet, magazines, radio and film. Examines the accuracy of those messages and explores how media shape views of politics, culture and society.
Mandatory synchronous online meetings on Monday 1/26, Monday 2/9, Monday 3/2, Monday 3/23, Monday 4/13, and Monday 5/4 from 6pm-7pm EST.
JOUR181
Grammar for Journalists
Credits:
1
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Credit only granted for: ENGL181, ENGL281, or JOUR181.
The basic grammatical structures of standard American written English and its conventions of punctuation, diction and usage in journalistic writing.
JOUR199
Survey Apprenticeship
Credits:
1
Grad Meth:
S-F
Prerequisite: permission of department. Repeatable to 6 credits if content differs. Students must meet with the Internship Director in KNI 1100 to receive permission to register. No requests to register after the Schedule Adjustment Period will be honored.
JOUR200
Journalism History, Roles and Structures
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Introduction to the study of journalism from the standpoint of media history and sociology.
JOUR201
News Writing and Reporting I
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C- in ENGL101, JOUR181, and JOUR200; and permission of JOUR-Philip Merrill College of Journalism.
Restriction: For students intending to be journalism majors; and permission of JOUR-Philip Merrill College of Journalism.
Introduction to news for the print and electronic media, development of new concepts: laboratory in news-gathering tools and writing skills. Students who earned 80% or higher on the JOUR181 diagnostic are exempt from the JOUR181 prerequisite.
For students intending to be journalism majors.
JOUR202
News Editing
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: JOUR201.
Restriction: Must be in a major in JOUR-Philip Merrill College of Journalism.
Copy editing, fact checking, verification and research across media platforms, including social, with consideration of story play and placement, graphic principles, headlines and SEO.
JOUR281
Credit only granted for: JOUR289E or JOUR281.
Formerly: JOUR289E.
Additional information: This course is intended for non-journalism majors.
What are our legal rights and ethical responsibilities as citizens of the digital world? That is the big question we will be exploring this semester. Along the way, you will learn the constitutional foundations of free speech and consider their present-day applications to information gathering and sharing by citizens through social media and online platforms. You will come away with a practical working knowledge of the First Amendment, public access laws, libel, privacy, copyright. You'll develop critical thinking skills for recognizing and dealing with common ethical issues in digital communication.
JOUR282
Beyond Facebook: How Social Media are Transforming Society, Culture, Business and Politics
Credit only granted for: JOUR289F or JOUR282.
Formerly: JOUR289F.
How has social media changed the world, and how has the world changed social media? This course explores how social media has influenced relationships, culture, industry, politics, and the information environment, as well as how significant global events and technological advancements have contributed to the evolution of social media. This course gives students a broad contextual understanding of social media that they may apply in their daily lives as well as future academic inquiry.
JOUR283
Probing War: Investigative Narratives and American Conflicts
Credit only granted for: JOUR283 or JOUR289J.
Formerly: JOUR289J.
What role should the American news media play when the United States is at war? Students will explore the realities of war through the work of journalists who pushed beyond the daily headlines, some risking life and limb, to challenge official versions and document uncomfortable realities about American conflicts.
JOUR284
Scandal: Exposing Corruption, Justice, and Vice in America
Credit only granted for: JOUR289P, JOUR284 or HONR239J.
Formerly: JOUR289P, HONR239J .
What are the ingredients of a juicy scandal? Money? Sex? Power? How are scandals uncovered? Why does society punish some scoundrels but not others? Come explore both serious and salacious scandals with a professor who's an expert in both--and who once exposed many scandals himself when he was an investigative reporter. This class examines scandals in politics, science, religion, social media, business, government, sports, and higher education; feeding frenzies, tabloid scandalmongering, undercover reporting, apologies, and cancel culture. Learn why even trivial scandals matter--and how scandals reflect what we value and ultimately who we are.
JOUR289I
Information 3.0: Exploring Technological Tools
In a mobile social media world with unlimited amounts of digital information available on demand, what does the future hold for a population that spends hours on their devices seeking, selecting, and sharing more entertaining content than critical information about national and world issues? This course explores innovative ways for producing digital content and engaging diverse audiences with important topics, such as those related to every student's major. Students also utilize new metric tools to answer the question asking how today's digital audiences consume various forms of media and content.
Students will expand their understanding of various digital information and the issues it raises, evaluate media research investigating how users interact with information for different purposes, analyze how diverse audiences seek, select, share and produce various types of digital information, and evaluate the ethics related to digital privacy and security.
JOUR320
News Writing and Reporting II: Multiplatform
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: Must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in JOUR152; and minimum grade of C- in JOUR201; and must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in JOUR262 or JOUR370.
Restriction: Must be in a major in JOUR-Philip Merrill College of Journalism.
Principles and practices of news reporting; covering news beats and other news sources, including researching news stories for accuracy, comprehensiveness and interpretation. Due to rigorous publication requirement, plan your schedule accordingly.
JOUR325
Capital News Service Bureau
Prerequisite: JOUR320; and permission of JOUR-Philip Merrill College of Journalism.
Advanced journalism training. Students report as part of college's Capital News Service program.
Washington, DC students should enroll in section 0101. Annapolis students should enroll in section 0201. College Park students should enroll in section 0301 and 0401.
JOUR328B
Special Topics in News Writing and Reporting; Covering Overlooked Communities
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: JOUR320
This class will provide students with the challenge of developing a beat, cultivating sources and relationships, diving into issues and writing stories about the rich and diverse communities that border the University of Maryland. Through this hands-on course students will produce stories and packages that tell the stories of often overlooked communities.
This class will provide students with the challenge of developing a beat, cultivating sources and relationships, diving into issues and writing stories about the rich and diverse communities that border the University of Maryland. Through this hands-on course students will produce stories and packages that tell the stories of often overlooked communities.
JOUR328C
Special Topics in News Writing and Reporting; Journalism Compass: Navigating Your College Path
Credits:
1
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: JOUR200 or permission of instructor. Students will learn how to maximize your time in college so you can get a position in journalism (internship or job) that interests you. Information will include expectations and opportunities that are out there, and how to make the most of resumes and cover letters, classes, networking and professionalism and more.
JOUR328G
Special Topics in News Writing and Reporting; Enterprise Sports Reporting
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: JOUR320.
Students will work as a team on a sports enterprise project. Previous topics have included gender equity in sports, youth sports & the media, betting and college sports, the economic impact of a new stadium on a city, and the future of football.
Students will work as a team on a sports enterprise project. Previous topics have included gender equity in sports, youth sports & the media, betting and college sports, the economic impact of a new stadium on a city, and the future of football.
JOUR328I
Special Topics in News Writing and Reporting; Turning Your Degree into Multiple Career Options
Credits:
1
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Must have earned at least 60 credits.
Whether you love your major or hate it, it doesn't matter. That's because the many skills you're learning in journalism and other humanities majors like -- English, History, Government & Politics, Philosophy, Sociology, etc -- are transferable into countless industries. You'll learn step-by-step how to inventory the most valuable skills you've gained inside and outside the classroom and translate them into tangible job functions that exist in almost any industry you can imagine. From Aeronautics to Architecture, from Hedge Funds to Health Care, from IG & TikTok from Intelligence & Foreign Affairs, this will be a course unlike any other you've taken in college because its sole focus is to help you identify at least three career options you'd be excited to pursue after you graduate and then show you how to use LinkedIn to uncover those jobs and internships.
Whether you love your major or hate it, it doesn't matter. That's because the many skills you're learning in journalism and other humanities majors like -- English, History, Government & Politics, Philosophy, Sociology, etc -- are transferable into countless industries. You'll learn step-by-step how to inventory the most valuable skills you've gained inside and outside the classroom and translate them into tangible job functions that exist in almost any industry you can imagine. From Aeronautics to Architecture, from Hedge Funds to Health Care, from IG & TikTok from Intelligence & Foreign Affairs, this will be a course unlike any other you've taken in college because its sole focus is to help you identify at least three career options you'd be excited to pursue after you graduate and then show you how to use LinkedIn to uncover those jobs and internships.
JOUR328K
Special Topics in News Writing and Reporting; Business and Economic Reporting
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F
Prerequisite: JOUR320.
Students in this capstone class will research and write business stories for Capital News Service. Each semester, the topics students write about changes, but past subjects have included stories about Maryland's gig economy, the growth in start-up businesses, wage theft of immigrant workers, Wall Street's foray into affordable housing, the economics of sports stadiums and many other topics. Students will learn to identify newsworthy stories and interpret and integrate numbers and financial data into stories in a compelling way.
Students in this capstone class will research and write business stories for Capital News Service. Each semester, the topics students write about changes, but past subjects have included stories about Maryland's gig economy, the growth in start-up businesses, wage theft of immigrant workers, Wall Street's foray into affordable housing, the economics of sports stadiums and many other topics. Students will learn to identify newsworthy stories and interpret and integrate numbers and financial data into stories in a compelling way.
JOUR328P
Special Topics in News Writing and Reporting; Enterprise Reporting: From Political Reporting to Solutions Journalism
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: JOUR320 and permission of instructor (jzremski@umd.edu).
Students will learn to report and craft in-depth enterprise stories that will be published as part of a project produced for Merrill College's Local News Network. Students will also learn the tenets of solutions journalism and will produce solutions stories as their final project.
Students will learn to report and craft in-depth enterprise stories that will be published as part of a project produced for Merrill College's Local News Network. Students will also learn the tenets of solutions journalism and will produce solutions stories as their final project.
JOUR328V
Special Topics in News Writing and Reporting; Covering Comic Book Culture in Entertainment
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: JOUR320.
Comic book culture's evolving impact in entertainment has been vast and rapidly growing. This course will look at the humble beginnings of comic book culture in entertainment, from the comic books themselves, to the adaptations that have become big business for movies, television, streaming and animation as well as how to write on/cover those moments.
Comic book culture's evolving impact in entertainment has been vast and rapidly growing. This course will look at the humble beginnings of comic book culture in entertainment, from the comic books themselves, to the adaptations that have become big business for movies, television, streaming and animation as well as how to write on/cover those moments.
JOUR328Z
Special Topics in News Writing and Reporting; Making a Career as a Freelance Journalist
Credits:
1
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: JOUR201.
Freelancing can give early-career journalists their first big break in the industry. This course will cover the basics of launching a career as a freelance reporter: pitching, setting rates, forming relationships with editors, managing invoices and doing your taxes.
Freelancing can give early-career journalists their first big break in the industry. This course will cover the basics of launching a career as a freelance reporter: pitching, setting rates, forming relationships with editors, managing invoices and doing your taxes.
JOUR334
Audio and Podcast Reporting
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: JOUR360.
Formerly: JOUR368L.
Students will learn the tools needed to report and produce short- and long-form audio storytelling, including writing, reporting, interviewing, production, editing, hosting and delivery. Field reporting and audio gathering outside of class are required, along with writing and mixing broadcast-quality audio stories. Students will work together to produce a complete radio broadcast on deadline, with live and pre-recorded elements. Various interests in audio reporting are welcome and encouraged.
JOUR347
News Videography
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: Must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in JOUR201.
Restriction: Permission of JOUR-Philip Merrill College of Journalism.
Jointly offered with: JOUR603.
Credit only granted for: JOUR262, JOUR347 or JOUR603.
Formerly: JOUR262.
Introduction to shooting, editing and production of video stories for broadcast and the Web; includes newsgathering in the field.
JOUR352
Interactive Design and Development
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: JOUR152; and JOUR201; and must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in JOUR262 or JOUR370. Or permission of JOUR-Philip Merrill College of Journalism.
Restriction: Must be in a major in JOUR-Philip Merrill College of Journalism.
Jointly offered with JOUR652.
Credit only granted for: JOUR352 or JOUR652.
Conceptualize, wireframe, design and build responsive Web pages using HTML, style sheets and other coding tools; work with open source interactive tools, JavaScript libraries, multimedia and text to create charts, timelines, maps and other forms of nonfiction storytelling.
JOUR353
News Bureau: Multimedia Reporting
Prerequisite: JOUR352; and permission of JOUR-Philip Merrill College of Journalism; and (JOUR320 or JOUR360).
Advanced reporting and writing in an online environment focusing on multimedia, non-traditional storytelling and investigative reporting.
Contact instructor to obtain permission.
JOUR355
News Bureau: Multimedia Editing and Production
Prerequisite: JOUR320 or JOUR360; and JOUR352; and permission of JOUR-Philip Merrill College of Journalism.
Advanced online journalism training. Students work as multimedia and social media editors and producers, building interactive content and special reports.
JOUR357
Capital News Service Broadcast Immersion
Credits:
6
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: JOUR361; and permission of JOUR-Philip Merrill College of Journalism.
Advanced broadcast journalism training. Students report as part of the College's Capital News Service program.
JOUR360
News Writing and Reporting II: Broadcast
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C- in JOUR201.
Restriction: Must be in a major in JOUR-Philip Merrill College of Journalism.
Writing and reporting for broadcast media: production of news stories.
JOUR361
Television Reporting and Production
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: JOUR262 and JOUR360.
Writing and editing for the broadcast media. Interpretive and documentary news stories.
Students will spend several hours per week on field assignments, in addition to scheduled class sessions.
JOUR362
Broadcast News Producing
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: JOUR347 and JOUR360.
Jointly offered with: JOUR662.
Credit only granted for: JOUR362 or JOUR662.
Producing TV news.
JOUR364
Advanced Audio and Podcast Reporting
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: JOUR 334.
Jointly offered with: JOUR664.
Students will receive professional skills training in the reporting, writing, editing, voicing and production of radio news. Students will be required to do extensive field reporting, along with writing and mixing radio pieces. They will also participate in other aspects of radio news production, including editing, directing, live interviewing and hosting. By the end of the semester, students will have created all the elements of a complete radio broadcast. The class will also delve into the history and evolution of radio news and its future in podcasting and other forms.
JOUR367
Broadcast News Bureau
Prerequisite: JOUR361; and permission of JOUR-Philip Merrill College of Journalism.
Advanced broadcast journalism training. Students report as part of the college's Capital News Service program.
JOUR368E
Topics in Broadcast and Electronic Media; Streaming and Broadcast Design
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: JOUR262 or JOUR347
This course explores the culture and practice of live streaming. Througha hands-on approach, it leads students from the various stages of live streaming - account creation, production design and delivery, audience garnering and engagement. Beyond Twitch, it will also examine other popular streaming platforms. At the end of the course, you should understand how accessible and valuable streaming is for you.
This course explores the culture and practice of live streaming. Througha hands-on approach, it leads students from the various stages of live streaming - account creation, production design and delivery, audience garnering and engagement. Beyond Twitch, it will also examine other popular streaming platforms. At the end of the course, you should understand how accessible and valuable streaming is for you.
JOUR368O
Topics in Broadcast and Electronic Media; Advanced Studio Production
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: JOUR368L or permission of instructor.
This course will take you through every production aspect related to studio production and work as production support for live sports or video game news shows. This includes learning how to plan and execute a live studio production featuring camera crews, a floor director, producer, director, technical director, audio, and teleprompter. It will also include post-production promo pieces for live shows, as well as social media components that are production-related.
This course will take you through every production aspect related to studio production and work as production support for live sports or video game news shows. This includes learning how to plan and execute a live studio production featuring camera crews, a floor director, producer, director, technical director, audio, and teleprompter. It will also include post-production promo pieces for live shows, as well as social media components that are production-related.
JOUR368Q
Topics in Broadcast and Electronic Media; Zooming in: Advanced Visual Storytelling
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: JOUR347 and JOUR361/JOUR368T.
Students will develop their skills as versatile video journalists, working independently to produce in-depth visual stories on community-driven topics. This course emphasizes creative storytelling through video, with a focus on investigative techniques and immersive, hands-on filming and editing.
Students will develop their skills as versatile video journalists, working independently to produce in-depth visual stories on community-driven topics. This course emphasizes creative storytelling through video, with a focus on investigative techniques and immersive, hands-on filming and editing.
JOUR368X
Topics in Broadcast and Electronic Media; Documentary Filmmaking
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: JOUR262 or JOUR347; and JOUR320/JOUR360.
Hands-on independent documentary production. From pre-production to distribution, the class will include field production, pitching, grant writing and more.
Hands-on independent documentary production. From pre-production to distribution, the class will include field production, pitching, grant writing and more.
JOUR368Y
Topics in Broadcast and Electronic Media; Sports Producing
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: JOUR262/JOUR347 and JOUR360; or JOUR320.
This class will take an analytical look at sports TV and sports content by deconstructing shows. We will examine the producer's role in creating the look, feel and direction of shows and learn how to choose a lead story, how to "tease" and the importance of identifying and telling good stories. We will watch live televised sporting events to better understand the techniques used by directors and producers. Students will get hands-on experience with BTN2GO and learn all aspects of live game production.
This class will take an analytical look at sports TV and sports content by deconstructing shows. We will examine the producer's role in creating the look, feel and direction of shows and learn how to choose a lead story, how to "tease" and the importance of identifying and telling good stories. We will watch live televised sporting events to better understand the techniques used by directors and producers. Students will get hands-on experience with BTN2GO and learn all aspects of live game production.
JOUR370
Photojournalism
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: Must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in JOUR201.
Restriction: Permission of JOUR-Philip Merrill College of Journalism.
Credit only granted for: JOUR370 or JOUR670.
Additional information: Students are required to borrow, rent or purchase a 35mm digital camera. Contact department for camera specifications.
Examining the basics of shooting, editing and storytelling with still photos taken with 35mm digital cameras. Students shoot portraits, feature photos and action shots. Final project is a photo story/essay.
JOUR371
Feature Writing
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: JOUR320.
Research and writing feature articles.
JOUR382
Sports Reporting and Writing
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: JOUR320; and permission of JOUR-Philip Merrill College of Journalism.
Jointly offered with: JOUR682.
Credit only granted for: JOUR382 or JOUR682.
Gives students full and wide-ranging instruction in all aspects of sports reporting and writing, including how to report, write, edit and lay out sports stories, incorporating photography and multimedia. We will also discuss ethics, objectivity, fairness and the future of sports journalism.
JOUR383
Advanced Photojournalism
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: JOUR370.
Restriction: Permission of Philip Merrill College of Journalism.
Credit only granted for: JOUR368N or JOUR383 .
Formerly: JOUR368N.
Provides a deeper dive into the storytelling medium of photojournalism. Students will learn the skills necessary to tell in-depth, long-term stories through the use of still photography. Topics of discussion will include the history of photojournalism, changing approaches to the photo story/essay, how to approach a variety of potential subjects and situations, finding long-term photo story projects and organizing images for a variety of digital and traditional formats.
JOUR384
Social Media Content Creation, Audience Engagement and Analytics
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: JOUR320 or JOUR360.
Jointly offered with: JOUR657.
Credit only granted for: JOUR368D or JOUR384 .
Formerly: JOUR368D.
Provides students with an overview of social media best practices for journalists and will work to develop their skills in social content creation, audience engagement, sourcing and verification and analytics. By the end of this course, students will have the practical skills needed to manage a social media account for themselves or to contribute to the management of a news organization's social media presence.
JOUR389D
News Coverage of Special Topics; From Field to Feed: News Video for Social Media
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F
Prerequisite: JOUR320.
In this course, you will learn the principles, strategies, and techniques behind high-performing news videos on social media platforms, such as YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. We will delve into the multifaceted aspects of social videos in journalism through theoretical frameworks, multimodal analysis, real-world case studies, and hands-on projects. All you need to bring is a smartphone, and your sharp mind!
In this course, you will learn the principles, strategies, and techniques behind high-performing news videos on social media platforms, such as YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. We will delve into the multifaceted aspects of social videos in journalism through theoretical frameworks, multimodal analysis, real-world case studies, and hands-on projects. All you need to bring is a smartphone, and your sharp mind!
JOUR389I
News Coverage of Special Topics; Investigative Reporting
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F
Prerequisite: JOUR320. Introduces students to the skills and techniques of investigative reporting. Students will learn how to report, write and publish investigative stories.
JOUR389L
News Coverage of Special Topics; Local News Investigation - Money in Politics: Campaign donations in Maryland
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F
In this local investigative class, students will examine donations to Marylanders seeking election and re-election for statewide and national office. Students will try to assess the influence of this money on lawmakers' policy decisions and priorities. We will analyze data from the state's database of contributions and from federal records to find and report on new trends and to write in-depth stories on the lobbyists, big donors and other characters of interest. No data background required, only a willingness to periodically travel to Annapolis and around the state to conduct interviews.
JOUR389R
News Coverage of Special Topics; Computational Text Analysis
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F
Restriction: Permission of instructor (robwells@umd.edu).
This course introduces students to key skills and concepts in the digital humanities and how they can be applied to content analysis. Students will learn how to gather textual data, process it and conduct computational textual analysis, sentiment analysis, narrative analysis, machine learning and topic modeling using the R programming language. Then, you will process your findings into various data visualization programs.
This course introduces students to key skills and concepts in the digital humanities and how they can be applied to content analysis. Students will learn how to gather textual data, process it and conduct computational textual analysis, sentiment analysis, narrative analysis, machine learning and topic modeling using the R programming language. Then, you will process your findings into various data visualization programs.
JOUR396
Supervised Internship
Credits:
2
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F
Prerequisite: Must have earned a grade of C- or better in JOUR201.
Restriction: Must be a major in the JOUR-Philip Merrill College of Journalism.
Credit only granted for: JOUR326, JOUR366, or JOUR396.
Students will complete a minimum of 90 hours in a supervised journalism internship over a minimum of 10 weeks in spring and fall, and eight weeks in summer. Emphasis is on relating academic training to professional experience. To enroll, students must do the following: Fill out the internship proposal form, have their internship supervisor fill it out, and meet with the college's internship director to receive permission to register. No requests to register after the Schedule Adjustment Period will be granted.
JOUR398
Independent Study
Credits:
1 - 3
Grad Meth:
Reg
JOUR402
Journalism Law and Ethics
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: JOUR201.
Credit only granted for: JOUR402 OR JOUR400 and JOUR300.
An examination of the legal rights and ethical problems and constraints of mass media, including libel, privacy, copyright, monopoly and contempt.
JOUR405
Breaking News With Numbers: Statistics for Journalists
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C- in JOUR201; and (MATH107 or MATH110; or must have completed a higher level math course).
Restriction: Must be in a major in JOUR-Philip Merrill College of Journalism.
Common statistical tools, software and data visualization techniques will be used to allow students to analyze data and solve problems relevant to reporting and writing about politics, sports, criminal justice, business and other fields.
JOUR455
Media Entrepreneurship
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Basic business and entrepreneurship concepts will be covered and will explore how technology is transforming the business of media. Students develop and pitch ideas for media businesses, learn startup basics, do exercises in Internet advertising and business plan analysis, use social networks and other digital communication tools, and perform other hands-on exercises in business development and presentation.
JOUR456
Literature in Journalism
Credit only granted for: JOUR456 or JOUR673.
From Truman Capote's In Cold Blood to Mark Bowden's Black Hawk Down, students will examine how literary works can help writers approach a subject in a different way than more traditional forms of journalism, including the advantages and limitations of the style.
JOUR458B
Special Topics in Journalism; Sports Media Today
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Students will discuss working with various organizations' communications/media relations staff, coaches and players; distributing news of the organizations; and creating/maintaining methods for disseminating that news to the public in an honest and forthright manner. Also, traditional, digital and social media elements will be explored. Restriction: Junior Standing or higher.
JOUR458R
Special Topics in Journalism; From Censorship to Invasion: How the Silencing of Media Enabled Repression in Russia and the War in Ukraine
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
In this course, students will examine Russia as a case study in how the gradual erosion of press freedom can lead to irreversible consequences for democracy and human rights across an entire society -- including a focused analysis of Russian online disinformation campaigns prior to the 2014 invasion of Donbas and Luhansk, and the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
JOUR458Z
Special Topics in Journalism; Great Storytelling and Great Storytellers
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Permission of instructor (tbettag@umd.edu). This course explores long-form journalism using stories from programs like 60 Minutes. We'll emphasize the art of reporting and storytelling. We will use video stories as our material, but this will not be a television production course. You will discuss and write about outstanding stories. Then, in most cases, you will discuss them with the reporters who created them.
JOUR459J
Special Topics in Journalism; The Media's Role in Investigating Foreign and Domestic Extremists
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
The media has played a critical role in informing the public about significant threats from foreign terrorists and domestic extremists. But they were also highly reliant on government sources and susceptible to government hype and spin after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and then mostly missed the growth of domestic extremists' groups that emerged on Jan. 6, 2020. In this course we will read significant examples of news and investigative reporting during this 20-year period, analyze its impact and relevance on the public policy and debate and examine the latest open-source methods for uncovering extremists' networks at home and abroad.
JOUR459M
Special Topics in Journalism; The Business of News and the Media
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
This seminar will explore the basic economics of news and the broader media industry. The course will examine how news, social media and entertainment are structured and how emergent media business models differ from legacy models. We will also discuss how business and political interests increasingly influence the news and entertainment that viewers see and hear. During the course, students will read case studies and hear from speakers who represent different segments of the media. Students will then use these insights to analyze specific media corporations.
JOUR459Y
Special Topics in Journalism; Israel in Regional, International, and U.S. Media and Social Media
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Cross-listed with ISRL329Y. Credit only granted for ISRL329Y or JOUR459Y.
This course offers a comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted relationship between Israel and the media landscape in the regional, international, and U.S. media landscapes, providing students with the tools to critically analyze and understand the complex narratives on Israel, Arab-Israeli, Israeli-Palestinian affairs and the dynamics at play. Students will delve into the historical, cultural, and political context that shapes the portrayal of Israel in traditional media outlets, as well as the transformative power of social media platforms.
This course offers a comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted relationship between Israel and the media landscape in the regional, international, and U.S. media landscapes, providing students with the tools to critically analyze and understand the complex narratives on Israel, Arab-Israeli, Israeli-Palestinian affairs and the dynamics at play. Students will delve into the historical, cultural, and political context that shapes the portrayal of Israel in traditional media outlets, as well as the transformative power of social media platforms.
JOUR471
Follow the Money: Reporting on Business
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F
Restriction: Must have permission of the College of Journalism.
Credit only granted for: JOUR479C or JOUR471.
Formerly: JOUR479C.
Business and economics reporting is one of the strongest sectors of journalism with lucrative employment opportunities. This class, designed for journalism and non-journalism majors, introduces students to the main economic and business themes that dominate news coverage. Topics will include: corporate money and power in Washington, the ups and downs of the stock market, rising income inequality, the immigration crisis, why we have a trade war with China and technology disruptors. This class will be helpful to students who want to enhance their career opportunities by understanding how the economy works, why globalization is important and how the biggest corporations--including technology companies--have such a big influence on the way we live.
JOUR472
Data Journalism
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F
Prerequisite: JOUR320 or JOUR360.
Jointly offered with: JOUR772.
Credit only granted for: JOUR472 or JOUR772.
A practical, skills-based course in the basics of modern data journalism, data literacy and data storytelling. Students will learn to use data visualization, data analysis and other data-driven reporting techniques.
Prerequisite: JOUR320 or JOUR360.
Computer and online data acquisition; analytical methods for writing and reporting news.
Computer and online data acquisition; analytical methods for writing and reporting news.
JOUR479D
Special Topics in Data Gathering and Analysis; Using Investigative Tools in Reporting
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F
Prerequisite: A university statistics course.
Introduces students to the journalists and techniques behind award-winning investigations. In-class meetings will dissect these stories, often with the reporters who did them. Reporters will share the methods behind their success and you'll experiment with them. Students will work on developing their reporting skills using online tools, human sources, records, data and observation. Students will learn techniques that apply to all forms of journalism and all beats, whether broadcast or multi-platform, public affairs or sports.
Introduces students to the journalists and techniques behind award-winning investigations. In-class meetings will dissect these stories, often with the reporters who did them. Reporters will share the methods behind their success and you'll experiment with them. Students will work on developing their reporting skills using online tools, human sources, records, data and observation. Students will learn techniques that apply to all forms of journalism and all beats, whether broadcast or multi-platform, public affairs or sports.
JOUR479L
Special Topics in Data Gathering and Analysis; The Art of Interviewing
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F
Restriction: Students are not eligible to take this course if they have completed JOUR328X/JOUR628X. This course will substantially deepen your skills at the most elemental act in journalism knowing how to ask questions that elicit more honest and illuminating answers. You'll learn by doing, watching, and listening-- looking at some of the best interviews ever -- and some of the not so best --and analyze the differences. Students will conduct various interviews of their own, watch and critique themselves and their fellow students, and hear from some of the most skilled interviewers in the field today.
JOUR479Q
Special Topics in Data Gathering and Analysis; Civic Media Lab
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F
In this course, we'll reverse engineer today's social platforms and then use design thinking to rapidly develop civic media and technologies that support the passage and sharing of fact-based news and information. Students will learn to rapidly develop, iterate, prototype and test their designs with feedback from industry professionals and scholars. Students will learn how to leverage AI, open-source technologies and design practices to develop product ideas that support democracy. Students will be introduced to the available maker spaces across the College Park campus where they can continue to hone and craft ideas after taking this course.
JOUR479Z
Special Topics in Data Gathering and Analysis; Students in the Newsrooms: Visibility for Local News
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F
Prerequisite: A university statistics course.
Students will research and analyze the digital strategies that make news organizations more visible online, in search, and on social media. Each student will then be assigned a local news organization in Maryland to study, research, interview editors and reporters, and ultimately write an action-oriented paper to assist that local news organization in gaining more online prominence.
Students will research and analyze the digital strategies that make news organizations more visible online, in search, and on social media. Each student will then be assigned a local news organization in Maryland to study, research, interview editors and reporters, and ultimately write an action-oriented paper to assist that local news organization in gaining more online prominence.
JOUR603
News Videography
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Prerequisite: JOUR501 or JOUR502; or permission of JOUR-Philip Merrill College of Journalism.
Restriction: Permission of JOUR-Philip Merrill College of Journalism.
Jointly offered with: JOUR347.
Credit only granted for: JOUR503 or JOUR603.
Formerly: JOUR503.
Introduction to shooting, editing and production of video stories for broadcast and the Web; includes newsgathering in the field.
JOUR610
Seminar in Mass Media History
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud, S-F
Credit only granted for: JOUR610 or JOUR710.
Formerly: JOUR710.
Analysis and discussion of the interrelationships between the mass media and society, including various social and cultural elements of modern society; responsibilities of the mass media and the mass communicator.
JOUR620
Public Affairs Reporting
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Prerequisite: JOUR501 or JOUR502; or permission of JOUR-Philip Merrill College of Journalism.
Designed to add to and sharpen the skills learned in JOUR501 or JOUR502. It is primarily an introduction to "beat" reporting that allows students to sample the most common new beats while reporting and writing on deadline. Students are required to develop and hone their multimedia skills by reporting in a variety of media.
JOUR625
Advanced Capital News Service Bureau
Credits:
6
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Prerequisite: JOUR620; and permission of JOUR-Philip Merrill College of Journalism.
Credit only granted for: JOUR625 or JOUR729.
Formerly: JOUR729.
Advanced journalism training. Students report as part of College's Capital News Service program.
Washington, D.C. Bureau students register for section 0101. Annapolis Bureau students register for section 0201.
JOUR628C
Specialized Topics in News Writing and Reporting; Advanced Howard Center Investigations I
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg
JOUR628D
Specialized Topics in News Writing and Reporting; Journalism Compass: Navigating Your College Path
Credits:
1
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud, S-F
Prerequisite: JOUR502 or permission of instructor Students will learn how to maximize your time in college so you can get a position in journalism (internship or job) that interests you. Information will include expectations and opportunities that are out there, and how to make the most of resumes and cover letters, classes, networking and professionalism and more.
JOUR628F
Specialized Topics in News Writing and Reporting; Covering Overlooked Communities
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud, S-F
Prerequisite: JOUR620
This class will provide students with the challenge of developing a beat, cultivating sources and relationships, diving into issues and writing stories about the rich and diverse communities that border the University of Maryland. Through this hands-on course students will produce stories and packages that tell the stories of often overlooked communities.
This class will provide students with the challenge of developing a beat, cultivating sources and relationships, diving into issues and writing stories about the rich and diverse communities that border the University of Maryland. Through this hands-on course students will produce stories and packages that tell the stories of often overlooked communities.
JOUR628G
Specialized Topics in News Writing and Reporting; Enterprise Sports Reporting
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud, S-F
Prerequisite: JOUR620.
Students will work as a team on a sports enterprise project. Previous topics have included gender equity in sports, youth sports & the media, betting and college sports, the economic impact of a new stadium on a city, and the future of football.
Students will work as a team on a sports enterprise project. Previous topics have included gender equity in sports, youth sports & the media, betting and college sports, the economic impact of a new stadium on a city, and the future of football.
JOUR628I
Specialized Topics in News Writing and Reporting; Advanced Howard Center Investigations II
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg
JOUR628K
Specialized Topics in News Writing and Reporting; Business and Economic Reporting
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg
Prerequisite: JOUR620.
Students in this capstone class will research and write business stories for Capital News Service. Each semester, the topics students write about changes, but past subjects have included stories about Maryland's gig economy, the growth in start-up businesses, wage theft of immigrant workers, Wall Street's foray into affordable housing, the economics of sports stadiums and many other topics. Students will learn to identify newsworthy stories and interpret and integrate numbers and financial data into stories in a compelling way.
Students in this capstone class will research and write business stories for Capital News Service. Each semester, the topics students write about changes, but past subjects have included stories about Maryland's gig economy, the growth in start-up businesses, wage theft of immigrant workers, Wall Street's foray into affordable housing, the economics of sports stadiums and many other topics. Students will learn to identify newsworthy stories and interpret and integrate numbers and financial data into stories in a compelling way.
JOUR628P
Specialized Topics in News Writing and Reporting; Enterprise Reporting: From Political Reporting to Solutions Journalism
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Restriction: JOUR620 and permission of instructor (jzremski@umd.edu).
Students will learn to report and craft in-depth enterprise stories that will be published as part of a project produced for Merrill College's Local News Network. Students will also learn the tenets of solutions journalism and will produce solutions stories as their final project.
Students will learn to report and craft in-depth enterprise stories that will be published as part of a project produced for Merrill College's Local News Network. Students will also learn the tenets of solutions journalism and will produce solutions stories as their final project.
JOUR628V
Specialized Topics in News Writing and Reporting; Covering Comic Book Culture in Entertainment
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Prerequisite: JOUR501.
Comic book culture's evolving impact in entertainment has been vast and rapidly growing. This course will look at the humble beginnings of comic book culture in entertainment, from the comic books themselves, to the adaptations that have become big business for movies, television, streaming and animation as well as how to write on/cover those moments.
Comic book culture's evolving impact in entertainment has been vast and rapidly growing. This course will look at the humble beginnings of comic book culture in entertainment, from the comic books themselves, to the adaptations that have become big business for movies, television, streaming and animation as well as how to write on/cover those moments.
JOUR628Z
Specialized Topics in News Writing and Reporting; Making a Career as a Freelance Journalist
Credits:
1
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Prerequisite: JOUR502.
Freelancing can give early-career journalists their first big break in the industry. This course will cover the basics of launching a career as a freelance reporter: pitching, setting rates, forming relationships with editors, managing invoices and doing your taxes.
Freelancing can give early-career journalists their first big break in the industry. This course will cover the basics of launching a career as a freelance reporter: pitching, setting rates, forming relationships with editors, managing invoices and doing your taxes.
JOUR634
Audio and Podcast Reporting
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Prerequisite: JOUR660; or permission of Philip Merrill School of Journalism Associate Dean.
Jointly offered with: JOUR334.
Formerly: JOUR668L.
Students will learn the tools needed to report and produce short- and long-form audio storytelling, including writing, reporting, interviewing, production, editing, hosting and delivery. Field reporting and audio gathering outside of class are required, along with writing and mixing broadcast-quality audio stories. The class will produce a complete newscast on deadline, with live and pre-recorded elements. Various interests in audio reporting are welcome and encouraged.
JOUR652
Interactive Design and Development
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Prerequisite: Master of Journalism students must have taken or be concurrently enrolled in JOUR620; or must have permission of the Philip Merrill College of Journalism.
Recommended: Multimedia Journalism certificate students are encouraged to take or be concurrently enrolled in JOUR604.
Restriction: Must be in a major in JOUR-Philip Merrill College of Journalism.
Credit only granted for: JOUR652 or JOUR352.
Conceptualize, wireframe, design and build responsive Web pages using HTML, style sheets and other coding tools; work with open source interactive tools and JavaScript libraries to create charts, timelines and maps to tell stories.
JOUR655
Advanced Online News Bureau
Credits:
6
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Prerequisite: JOUR603 or JOUR620; and JOUR652; or permission of JOUR-Philip Merrill College of Journalism.
Advanced online journalism training. Students work as online reporters, editors and producers for a news site. Students also package copy from the print and broadcast news bureaus.
JOUR657
Social Media Content Creation, Audience Engagement and Analytics
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Corequisite: JOUR620; or permission of the department.
Credit only granted for: JOUR657, JOUR668D or JOUR368D.
Formerly: JOUR668D.
Provides students with an overview of social media best practices for journalists, and will work to develop their skills in social content creation, audience engagement, sourcing and verification and analytics. By the end of this course, students will have the practical skills needed to manage a social media account for themselves or contribute to the management of a news organization's social media presence.
JOUR660
Broadcast News Writing
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Prerequisite: JOUR501 or JOUR502; or permission of JOUR-Philip Merrill College of Journalism.
Credit only granted for: JOUR660 or JOUR760.
Formerly: JOUR760.
Descriptive and critical analysis of broadcast news; methods of evaluation of news judgments; decision-making and organizational aspects of the broadcast news industry.
JOUR661
Television Reporting and Production
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Prerequisite: JOUR603 and JOUR660.
Restriction: Must not be in Journalism Studies (Doctoral) program.
Reporting, writing, editing and production of broadcast news.
JOUR662
Broadcast News Producing
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Prerequisite: Must have completed JOUR603 and JOUR660.
Jointly offered with: JOUR362.
Credit only granted for: JOUR362 or JOUR662.
Learn and practice the basics of broadcast newscast producing. Design, write, edit and implement a news program.
JOUR664
Advanced Audio and Podcast Reporting
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Prerequisite: JOUR634; or permission of JOUR-Philip Merrill College of Journalism.
Restriction: Permission of JOUR-Philip Merrill College of Journalism.
Jointly offered with: JOUR364.
Students receive professional skills training in the reporting, writing, editing, voicing and production of radio news. Students will be required to do extensive field reporting, along with writing and mixing broadcast-quality radio pieces. They will also participate in other aspects of radio news production, including editing, directing, live interviewing and hosting. By the end of the semester, students will have created all the elements of a complete radio broadcast, including news spots, finished pieces, two-ways and a long-form audio segment. The class will also delve into the history and evolution of radio news and its future in podcasting and other forms.
JOUR667
Broadcast News Bureau
Credits:
6
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Prerequisite: JOUR661.
Jointly offered with: JOUR367, JOUR357.
Advanced broadcast journalism training. Students report as part of the College's Capital News Service program.
JOUR668E
Topics in Broadcasting and Electronic Media; Streaming and Broadcast Design
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Prerequisite: JOUR603
This course explores the culture and practice of live streaming. Througha hands-on approach, it leads students from the various stages of live streaming - account creation, production design and delivery, audience garnering and engagement. Beyond Twitch, it will also examine other popular streaming platforms. At the end of the course, you should understand how accessible and valuable streaming is for you.
This course explores the culture and practice of live streaming. Througha hands-on approach, it leads students from the various stages of live streaming - account creation, production design and delivery, audience garnering and engagement. Beyond Twitch, it will also examine other popular streaming platforms. At the end of the course, you should understand how accessible and valuable streaming is for you.
JOUR668O
Topics in Broadcasting and Electronic Media; Advanced Studio Production
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Prerequisite: JOUR636 or permission of instructor.
This course will take you through every production aspect related to studio production and work as production support for live sports or video game news shows. This includes learning how to plan and execute a live studio production featuring camera crews, a floor director, producer, director, technical director, audio, and teleprompter. It will also include post-production promo pieces for live shows, as well as social media components that are production-related.
This course will take you through every production aspect related to studio production and work as production support for live sports or video game news shows. This includes learning how to plan and execute a live studio production featuring camera crews, a floor director, producer, director, technical director, audio, and teleprompter. It will also include post-production promo pieces for live shows, as well as social media components that are production-related.
JOUR668Q
Topics in Broadcasting and Electronic Media; Zooming in:Advanced Visual Storytelling
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Prerequisite: JOUR603 and JOUR661/JOUR668T.
Students will develop their skills as versatile video journalists, working independently to produce in-depth visual stories on community-driven topics. This course emphasizes creative storytelling through video, with a focus on investigative techniques and immersive, hands-on filming and editing.
Students will develop their skills as versatile video journalists, working independently to produce in-depth visual stories on community-driven topics. This course emphasizes creative storytelling through video, with a focus on investigative techniques and immersive, hands-on filming and editing.
JOUR668X
Topics in Broadcasting and Electronic Media; Documentary Filmmaking
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Prerequisite: JOUR603 and JOUR620/JOUR660.
Hands-on independent documentary production. From pre-production to distribution, the class will include field production, pitching, grant writing and more.
Hands-on independent documentary production. From pre-production to distribution, the class will include field production, pitching, grant writing and more.
JOUR668Y
Topics in Broadcasting and Electronic Media; Sports Producing
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud, S-F
Prerequisite: JOUR603 and JOUR660. This class will take an analytical look at sports TV and sports content by deconstructing shows. We will examine the producer's role in creating the look, feel and direction of shows and learn how to choose a lead story, how to "tease" effectively and the importance of identifying and telling good stories. We will watch live televised sporting events to better understand the techniques used by directors and producers. Students will get hands-on experience with BTN2 and learn all aspects of live game production.
JOUR670
Photojournalism
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Prerequisite: JOUR620.
Restriction: Must be in a major in JOUR-Philip Merrill College of Journalism; and permission of JOUR-Philip Merrill College of Journalism.
Jointly offered with: JOUR370.
Credit only granted for: JOUR368P, JOUR370 or JOUR670.
Additional information: Students are required to borrow, rent or purchase a 35mm digital camera. Contact department for camera specifications.
Examining the basics of shooting, editing and storytelling with still photos taken with 35mm digital cameras. Students shoot portraits, feature photos and action shots. Final project is a photo story/essay.
JOUR682
Sports Reporting and Writing
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Prerequisite: JOUR620.
Jointly offered with: JOUR382.
Credit only granted for: JOUR628B, JOUR682 or JOUR382.
Formerly: JOUR628B.
Gives students wide-ranging instruction in all aspects of sports reporting and writing, from the history of the craft to its mechanics, including how to report, write, edit and lay out sports stories, incorporating multimedia and interactive elements. Ethics, objectivity, fairness and the future of sports journalism will be discussed.
JOUR683
Advanced Photojournalism
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Prerequisite: JOUR670.
Restriction: Permission of JOUR-Philip Merrill College of Journalism.
Jointly offered with: JOUR383.
Credit only granted for: JOUR668N or JOUR683 .
Formerly: JOUR668N.
Provides a deeper dive into the storytelling medium of photojournalism. Students will learn the skills necessary to tell in-depth, long-term stories through the use of still photography. Topics of discussion will include the history of photojournalism, changing approaches to the photo story/essay over time, how to approach a variety of potential subject matters and situations, finding long-term photo story projects and organizing images for a variety of digital and traditional formats.
JOUR689D
News Coverage of Specialized Topics; From Field to Feed: News Video for Social Media
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Prerequisite: JOUR620.
In this course, you will learn the principles, strategies, and techniques behind high-performing news videos on social media platforms, such as YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. We will delve into the multifaceted aspects of social videos in journalism through theoretical frameworks, multimodal analysis, real-world case studies, and hands-on projects. All you need to bring is a smartphone, and your sharp mind!
In this course, you will learn the principles, strategies, and techniques behind high-performing news videos on social media platforms, such as YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. We will delve into the multifaceted aspects of social videos in journalism through theoretical frameworks, multimodal analysis, real-world case studies, and hands-on projects. All you need to bring is a smartphone, and your sharp mind!
JOUR689I
News Coverage of Specialized Topics; Investigative Reporting
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud, S-F
Prerequisite: JOUR620. Introduces students to the skills and techniques of investigative reporting. Students will learn how to report, write and publish investigative stories.
JOUR689L
News Coverage of Specialized Topics; Local News Investigation - Money in Politics: Campaign donations in Maryland
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud, S-F
In this local investigative class, students will examine donations to Marylanders seeking election and re-election for statewide and national office. Students will try to assess the influence of this money on lawmakers' policy decisions and priorities. We will analyze data from the state's database of contributions and from federal records to find and report on new trends and to write in-depth stories on the lobbyists, big donors and other characters of interest. No data background required, only a willingness to periodically travel to Annapolis and around the state to conduct interviews.
JOUR689R
News Coverage of Specialized Topics; Computational Text Analysis
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Restriction: Permission of instructor (robwells@umd.edu).
This course introduces students to key skills and concepts in the digital humanities and how they can be applied to content analysis. Students will learn how to gather textual data, process it and conduct computational textual analysis, sentiment analysis, narrative analysis, machine learning and topic modeling using the R programming language. Then, you will process your findings into various data visualization programs.
This course introduces students to key skills and concepts in the digital humanities and how they can be applied to content analysis. Students will learn how to gather textual data, process it and conduct computational textual analysis, sentiment analysis, narrative analysis, machine learning and topic modeling using the R programming language. Then, you will process your findings into various data visualization programs.
JOUR689U
News Coverage of Specialized Topics; Feature Writing
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Prerequisite: JOUR620.
Students will write feature-length articles during the semester.
Students will write feature-length articles during the semester.
JOUR698
Special Problems in Communication
Credits:
1 - 3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
JOUR698C
Special Problems in Communication; Comprehensive Examination Preparation
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
This class provides the steps for Merrill College doctoral students to prepare and begin taking their comprehensive examinations.
JOUR702
Journalism Law and Ethics
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud, S-F
Restriction: Must be in one of the following programs (Journalism - Master (Master's); Journalism Studies (Doctoral)) ; or permission of JOUR-Philip Merrill College of Journalism.
Credit only granted for: JOUR400, JOUR 600, JOUR700, or JOUR 702.
An examination of the legal rights and ethical problems and constraints of mass media, including libel, privacy, copyright, monopoly and contempt.
JOUR772
Data Journalism
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg
Prerequisite: Must have completed JOUR502, or students who have taken courses with comparable content may contact the department.
Jointly offered with: JOUR472.
Credit only granted for: JOUR772 or JOUR472.
A practical, skills-based course in the basics of modern data journalism, data literacy and data storytelling. Students will learn to use data visualization, data analysis and other data-driven reporting techniques.
JOUR775
Quantitative Methods in Journalism and Public Communication Research
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud, S-F
Credit only granted for: JOUR701 or JOUR775.
Formerly: JOUR701.
Logic and methods of quantitative data collection and statistical analysis as applied to journalism and public communication studies.
JOUR779K
Seminar in Research Problems; Social Movements, Peoples' Media and Platform Power
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud, S-F
In this course, we will examine how social movements leverage media, technology and space to shape and counter how people understand critical social issues. We will examine contemporary social movements such as Black Lives Matter and #MeToo to understand media as a practice, process and artifact. We will also study seminal constructs such as representation, alternative media and connective action through weekly assignments and in-class discussions. A recurrent thread throughout our discussions will be critically interrogating the ways social platforms such as X and TikTok orient the media creation and organizing strategies of social movements. The final project for this course will be a journal length manuscript that examines recent example of media practices and or media artifacts by a social movement, community newspaper or alternative publication.
JOUR798
Master's Professional Fieldwork
Credits:
2 - 6
Grad Meth:
S-F
JOUR799
Master's Thesis Research
Credits:
1 - 6
Grad Meth:
S-F
JOUR801
Advanced Public Communication Theory
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg
Prerequisite: JOUR601, or students who have taken courses with comparable content may contact the department.
Advanced selected survey of communication & media theory.
JOUR888
Doctoral Professional Field Work
Credits:
3 - 9
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
JOUR889
Doctoral Tutorial in Journalism and Public Communication
Credits:
3 - 9
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
JOUR898
Pre-Candidacy Research
Credits:
1 - 8
Grad Meth:
Reg
JOUR899
Doctoral Dissertation Research in Journalism and Mass Communication
Credits:
6
Grad Meth:
S-F
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