Writing for Mass Communications

Writing for Mass Communications is designed to give you the tools and the training you need to become better writers. The course will introduce major styles of media writing and help prepare you to work in a digital media environment. Its primary focus is on fundamentals of writing. JOUR 291 is required of all majors in the journalism school.

Learning Objectives/Outcomes

 After successful completion of JOUR 291, students should be able to:

• Identify good writing and the tools and resources that develop strong writing skills.
•  Use English grammar and vocabulary proficiently. Understand and employ propernword choice.
• Write clearly and correctly under deadline pressure.
• Edit, revise and improve their work.
•  Evaluate their work and the work of others for accuracy, fairness, clarity, style and correctness.
• Identify the wide variety of forms and techniques used by writers in modern mass communications.
•  Differentiate between unbiased news reporting and the more subjective forms of writing required in persuasive communications, such as opinion journalism, public relations and advertising.
• Demonstrate the ability to gather information accurately.
•  Identify and begin to apply the skills and technologies appropriate for the production, editing and presentation of visual, aural, textual or other media content.
•  Begin to recognize ethical and legal considerations and practices that guide the mass media professions.