Multimedia Journalism Courses
Franklin College > Academics > Majors, Minors and Programs > Multimedia Journalism at Franklin College > Multimedia Journalism Courses
COURSE NUMBERCOURSE NAMEDEPARTMENTCREDIT HOURSYEARCOURSE DESCRIPTION
BRJ 400Advanced On-air StorytellingJournalism3The course is designed to teach the skills necessary to create a strong understanding of traditional storytelling, visual and audio narrative for television and radio broadcast. Emphasis is placed on creating stories through project development, natural sound and effective interviews. Throughout the course, a major concern will be the construction of stories that connect the news of the day to the larger community. Prerequisite: Immersion Experience. Fall and Spring.
BRJ 450Broadcast Journalism Special ProjectJournalism3The course is designed to develop practical experience in real-life field projects by completing a project in conjunction with a supervising faculty member. Prerequisite: BRJ 400. Fall and Spring.
MMJ 001Student MediaJournalism1Students will work on refining their reporting, writing and editing skills by working across media platforms for converged media that make use of print, audio, video, sound slides and other forms of presentation. Counts as activity course credit. Fall and Spring.
MMJ 002Statehouse FileJournalism1Students will work on refining their reporting, writing, and editing skills by working across media platforms for converged media that make use of print, audio, video, sound slides and other forms of presentation. Work will appear on the Franklin College Statehouse Bureau website, www.thestatehousefile.com, and with the bureau?s news partners. Counts as activity course credit. Prerequisite: MMJ 001 (can be satisfied concurrently with permission of advisor.) Fall, Spring, and Summer.
MMJ 004Radio StationJournalism1Laboratory course in radio station procedures, operations, and on air broadcasting on WFCI-FM. Counts as activity course credit. Fall and Spring.
MMJ 005TV NewsJournalism1Laboratory course in video production. Students may work on The Statehouse File newscast or other video productions as approved by the course instructor. Counts as an activity course credit. Fall and Spring.
MMJ 007Media ManagerJournalism2All student media managers must enroll in MMJ 007 in the semester(s) during which they manage a student media outlet. Counts as an activity course credit. Fall and Spring.
MMJ 115Reporting, Interviewing, and NewswritingJournalism3
MMJ 120Ethics and Professional DevelopmentJournalism2An introduction to basic aspects of professionalism required of multimedia journalists and public relations professionals. Course emphases are on professional ethics codes of journalism and public relations with an examination of case studies; basic concepts and terminology of journalism; business etiquette; multimedia and public relations career options; basics of Associated Press style; resume and cover letter preparation; and internship preparation. Same as PRL 120 and SPR 120. Fall and Spring
MMJ 135Editing for Print and OnlineJournalism3This course introduces students to copyediting, self-editing and fact-checking skills needed to publish stories for the Web, broadcast and print. Same as SPR 135. Fall and Spring.
MMJ 150Intro Digital Photography and Audio ReportJournalism3The course will introduce students to the basic principles of digital photojournalism and video technologies. Students will be introduced to digital cameras (photographic and video), the basics of editing still photographs and the basics of video editing. Students will be required to create content using appropriate gear and prepare it for distribution across multiple platforms as appropriate for the message intended. Same as PRL 150 and SPR 150. Fall and Spring.
MMJ 155Video for Digital Journalism IJournalism3The course will focus on the practices and principles of shooting, editing and distributing video for multiple platforms. Topics include: shooting with cellphones, DSLR cameras and dedicated video cameras; preproduction planning; lighting principles; audio for video, editing video and distributing digital stories through multiple platforms. Same as PRL 155 and SPR 155. Prerequisite: MMJ/PRL/SPR 150 or consent of instructor. Fall and Spring.
MMJ 180Publication DesignJournalism3This course will focus on fundamentals of typography including theory and practice in visual communication. By exploring typography, photography, layout, grids, and the principles of contrast, repetition, alignment, proximity, and hierarchy, students will create ethical, compelling, and effective two-dimensional designs. Through lectures, projects, and classroom critiques, the focus is on designing publications, information graphics and interactivity. Proficiency in Adobe InDesign and Illustrator required or willingness to learn through online tutorials. Same as PRL 180 and SPR 180. Fall and Spring.
MMJ 210Adv Reporting/Database Rsrch to ImmersioJournalism6This course is required as part of the Immersion Experience as students learn to apply the lessons of the classroom to the reporting environment in a professionally-run news bureau located at the Indiana Statehouse. Students will develop their storytelling skills in multi-media formats as they build on their reporting, interviewing and writing skills to explore issues with more depth and range. Central to the course is learning to compile, analyze and use data from a variety of sources in the storytelling process. The students? work will be published or presented across media platforms through www.thestatehousefile.com and its newsgathering partners. Course prerequisites are listed in the Immersion experience prerequisites. Fall and spring.
MMJ 255Video for Digital Journalism IIJournalism3Designed to introduce broadcast writing and to enhance opportunities to develop broadcast-style shooting and editing skills. This course adds onto the video skills learned in Video for Digital Journalism I. Students will learn to shoot voice overs, voice overs with sound bites and full packages suitable for broadcast featuring news and sports content. Students will also learn to produce scripts for broadcast delivery, as well as the process of creating newscast/sportscast rundowns. Video studio techniques and procedures will be taught in the PSJ video lab. Distribution of individual stories via social media will be required. Same as SPR 255. Fall and spring.
MMJ 380PracticumJournalism1Experience on campus in areas directly related to the media; internships or off-campus on-the-job training. Open only to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Fall and Spring.
MMJ 445Communication Law in a Digital WorldJournalism3Students will be introduced to First Amendment law as it relates to professional communicators. Topics will include First Amendment theory, libel law, invasion of privacy law, copyright law, news-gathering rights, public relations law and advertising law. Satisfies Civic Learning exploratory requirement. Same as PRL 445 and SPR 445. Fall and Spring.
MMJ 498Multimedia PortfolioJournalism0Each student must develop a portfolio containing a significant and appropriate body of work that, by the time of graduation, demonstrates to a potential employer that the student is ready to make the transition to the professional workplace. Each portfolio also must demonstrate the student?s understanding of linkages among leadership, the liberal arts, and the student?s intended career. The specific format and content of the portfolio is determined by the faculty. Students must enroll in MMJ 498 in fall or spring semester of the senior year. Portfolios will receive either a passing or failing grade by the Pulliam School of Journalism faculty. Deficiencies must be corrected before the portfolio is certified as passing. Same as SPR 498. Fall and spring.
MMJ 499Multimedia Storytelling Senior ProjectJournalism0Students will demonstrate and showcase the skills they have acquired through their careers at the Pulliam School of Journalism by creating an in-depth package of stories about a significant public issue that is told from multiple media platforms. Same as SPR 499. Fall and Spring.
NWS 400Advanced In-depth News WritingJournalism3An advanced exploration of reporting and writing techniques, this course will focus on preparing students to cover substantive issues. Students will study and produce enterprise stories of merit and feature stories of grace. The students will produce work that will be published or presented through www.thestatehousefile.com and its newsgathering partners. Prerequisite: Immersion Experience. Fall and Spring.
NWS 450In-depth Storytelling ProjectJournalism3Working with the faculty, staff and students of www.thestatehousefile.com, the students in this class will use sophisticated reporting and writing techniques to produce compelling stories on -or newsworthy subjects or issues of their choosing (subject to the approval of the instructor and/or editor). These stories will be published as display pieces at www.thestatehousefile.com and offered as such to its news-gathering partners. Prerequisite: NWS 400. Fall and Spring.
PRL 150Intro Digital Photography and Audio ReportJournalism3The course will introduce students to the basic principles of digital photojournalism and video technologies. Students will be introduced to digital cameras (photographic and video), the basics of editing still photographs and the basics of video editing. Students will be required to create content using appropriate gear and prepare it for distribution across multiple platforms as appropriate for the message intended. Same as MMJ 150 and SPR 150. Fall and Spring.
PRL 155Video for Digital Journalism IJournalism3The course will focus on the practices and principles of shooting, editing and distributing video for multiple platforms. Topics include: shooting with cellphones, DSLR cameras and dedicated video cameras; preproduction planning; lighting principles; audio for video, editing video and distributing digital stories through multiple platforms. Same as MMJ/SPR 155. Prerequisite: PRL/MMJ 150 or consent of instructor. Fall and spring.
PRL 180Publication DesignJournalism3Theory and practice in graphic design for publications commonly used by news and public relations professionals. Focus is on creating ethical, compelling and effective visual communications vehicles by combining elements such as copy, colors, fonts, photos, illustrations and informational graphics. Same as MMJ 180 and SPR 180. Fall and Spring
PRL 221Public Relations Practice AreasJournalism3An introduction to practical and theoretical aspects of the public relations profession. Students become familiar with career options and the basic knowledge/skills required of public relations practitioners through the study of contemporary practice areas such as, but not limited to, community relations, consumer relations, corporate communications, education communications, employee communications, faith-based communications, government communications, healthcare communications, investor relations, nonprofit communications, sports communications.
PRL 303Sports Information and Public RelationsJournalism3JuniorThe study of and hands-on experience in best practices for conducting public relations on behalf of sports teams and their parent organizations-schools, conferences, amateur governing bodies and professional teams. Emphasis is on the college/university sports information profession. Topics include, but are not limited to, using in-game statistical software for major sports; media credentialing; press box and press row management; proactive and reactive media relations; season media guides; game-day media guides; strategic planning; crisis communications; relationships with players and coaches; multimedia story packaging; and pre-season, in-season and post-season writing. Same as SPR 303. Fall.
PRL 333Public Relations WritingJournalism3JuniorExtensive practice in writing materials commonly used by public relations professionals and their clients. Projects involve research, concept development, writing, revision, and project management. Focuses on results-oriented writing based on accuracy, clarity, and creativity in business and nonprofit settings. Includes introduction to advertising copywriting. Prerequisites: PRL/MMJ 120 and PRL 221 or consent of instructor. Spring.
PRL 334Learn Engagement w/Pub Rel ProfessionalsJournalism3JuniorWithin the context of a traditional course, students interact and network weekly with public relations professionals from a variety of practice areas. Students study each visiting professional's practice area, business/organization, competitors, and communications tactics. Students develop additional skills and knowledge by studying communications from a professional trade organization in public relations. There is a course fee required for student membership in either the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) or the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC), depending on the instructor's choice of organization each year. Fall.
PRL 380Practicum in Public RelationsJournalism1JuniorExperience on campus in areas directly related to public relations and mass media; or off-campus experiences or on-the-job training related to public relations. Open only to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Fall and Spring.
PRL 445Communication Law in a Digital WorldJournalism3JuniorA survey of communications law, including libel, privacy, free press/fair trial, reportorial privilege, access, and broadcast regulation. Satisfies Civic Learning exploratory. Same as MMJ 445 and SPR 445. Fall.
PRL 480Strategic Communications CampaignsJournalism3SeniorCourse focuses on the research, writing, and evaluation of strategic communications plans. Emphasis will be on common plan elements such as the situation analysis, desired communications outcomes, target audiences, key messages, strategies, tactics, and timelines-by-tactics. Fall.
PRL 495Senior Seminar in Public Relations HistJournalism3SeniorA survey of major developments ? from ancient Greece until contemporary times ? in communications, media, and, especially, public relations. Course includes an introduction to conducting public relations research. Also includes familiarization with classic case studies in public relations. Prerequisites: PRL/MMJ 120, PRL 221, PRL 231, and PRL 333 or permission of instructor. Taken concurrently with PRL 499. Spring.
PRL 498Portfolio Development SeminarJournalism0SeniorEach student must develop physical (book") and digital interactive portfolios containing an appropriate body of work that demonstrates to a potential employer that the student is ready to make the transition to the professional workplace. Coursework requirements includes job searches and actual job applications. Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grading. Taken concurrently with PRL 493 in the senior year. Fall. "
PRL 499Senior Competency SeminarJournalism0SeniorA comprehensive exam over major aspects of the study of public relations. A minimum grade of 60 is required. If the minimum grade is not achieved, one retake may be permitted if Pulliam School faculty members judge the first attempt to be an earnest effort with a score reasonably close to the required minimum. Taken concurrently with PRL 495 in the senior year. Spring.
SPR 101Sports in SocietyJournalism3FreshmanAn exploration of new and ongoing issues involving amateur and professional sports. Focus in on the ramifications of sports as a prominent presence across mass media platforms. Also includes study of socio-economic factors related to sports, including gender and racial discrimination/stereotyping. Fall and spring.
SPR 115Reporting, Interviewing, and NewswritingJournalism3Freshman
SPR 120Ethics and Professional DevelopmentJournalism2FreshmanAn introduction to basic aspects of professionalism required of multimedia journalists and public relations professionals. Course emphases are on professional ethics codes of journalism and public relations with an examination of case studies; basic concepts and terminology of journalism; business etiquette; multimedia and public relations career options; basics of Associated Press style; resume and cover letter preparation; and internship preparation. Same as MMJ/PRL 120. Fall and spring.
SPR 135Editing Print and Online MediaJournalism3FreshmanThis course introduces students to copyediting, self-editing and fact-checking skills needed to publish stories for the Web, broadcast and print. Same as MMJ 135. Fall and spring.
SPR 150Intro Digital Photography and Audio ReportJournalism3FreshmanThe course will introduce students to the basic principles of digital photojournalism and video technologies. Students will be introduced to digital cameras, the basics of editing still photographs and the basics of audio reporting. Students will be required to create content using appropriate technology and prepare stories for distribution across multiple platforms. Same as MMJ 150 and PRL 150. Fall and spring.
SPR 155Video for Digital Journalism IJournalism3FreshmanThe course will focus on the practices and principles of shooting, editing and distributing video for multiple platforms. Topics include: shooting with DSLR cameras and dedicated video cameras; preproduction planning; lighting principles; audio for video, editing video and distributing digital stories through multiple platforms. Same as MMJ 155 and PRL 155. Fall and spring.
SPR 180Publication DesignJournalism3FreshmanThis course will focus on fundamentals of typography including theory and practice in visual communication. By exploring typography, photography, layout, grids, and the principles of contrast, repetition, alignment, proximity, and hierarchy, students will create ethical, compelling, and effective two-dimensional designs. Through lectures, projects, and classroom critiques, the focus is on designing publications, information graphics and interactivity. Proficiency in Adobe InDesign and Illustrator required or willingness to learn through online tutorials. Same as MMJ 180 and PRL 180. Fall and Spring.
SPR 200Game CoverageJournalism3SophomoreFundamentals of and hands-on practice in deadline reporting/writing about games, matches, and meets commonly covered in the mass media. Topics include preview stories, rules reviews, coverage preparation, in-game note/statistic-taking, and post-game interviews with coaches and players. Focus in on writing accurate, clear, insightful and objective game stories for print, broadcast and social media. Games covered will vary based on season/semester. Some travel may be required. Fall and spring.
SPR 255Video for Digital Journalism IIJournalism3SophomoreDesigned to introduce broadcast writing and to enhance opportunities to develop broadcast-style shooting and editing skills. This course adds onto the video skills learned in Video for Digital Journalism I. Students will learn to shoot voice overs, voice overs with sound bites and full packages suitable for broadcast featuring news and sports content. Students will also learn to produce scripts for broadcast delivery, as well as the process of creating newscast/sportscast rundowns. Video studio techniques and procedures will be taught in the PSJ video lab. Distribution of individual stories via social media will be required. Same as MMJ 255. Fall and spring.
SPR 301Covering Econ and Public Policy in SportsJournalism3JuniorThe study of the ways financial considerations and government policies affect athletics. Features a series of in-depth interviews/discussions with decision-makers in sports, business and government. Focus will be on developing a deep understanding of the frameworks within which viable sports organizations and leagues operate. Fall and spring.
SPR 302Covering Lifestyle and Outdoor SportsJournalism3JuniorThis course will help students learn to cover recreational and competitive outdoor sports. Students will explore policy issues related to public recreation and personal hobby sports. Fall.
SPR 303Sports Information and Public RelationsJournalism3JuniorThe study of and hands-on experience in best practices for conducting public relations on behalf of sports teams and their parent organizations-schools, conferences, amateur governing bodies and professional teams. Emphasis is on the college/university sports information profession. Topics include, but are not limited to, using in-game statistical software for major sports; media credentialing; press box and press row management; proactive and reactive media relations; season media guides; game-day media guides; strategic planning; crisis communications; relationships with players and coaches; multimedia story packaging; and pre-season and post-season writing. Fall.
SPR 445Communication Law in a Digital WorldJournalism3JuniorStudents will be introduced to First Amendment law as it relates to professional communicators. Topics will include First Amendment theory, libel law, invasion of privacy law, copyright law, news-gathering rights, public relations law and advertising law. Satisfies Civic Learning exploratory. Same as MMJ 445 and PRL 445. Fall and Spring.
SPR 498Senior PortfolioJournalism0SeniorEach student must develop a portfolio containing a significant and appropriate body of work that, by the time of graduation, demonstrates to a potential employer that the student is ready to make the transition to the professional workplace. Each portfolio also must demonstrate the student?s understanding of linkages among leadership, the liberal arts, and the student?s intended career. The specific format and content of the portfolio is determined by the faculty. Students must enroll in MMJ 498 in fall or spring semester of the senior year. Portfolios will receive either a passing or failing grade by the Pulliam School of Journalism faculty. Deficiencies must be corrected before the portfolio is certified as passing. Same as MMJ 498. Fall and spring.
SPR 499Sports Communication Senior ProjectJournalism0SeniorStudents will demonstrate and showcase the skills they have acquired through their careers at the Pulliam School of Journalism by creating an in-depth package of stories about a significant public issue that is told from multiple media platforms. Same as MMJ 499. Fall and Spring.

r. 12-20-21