Undergraduate Bulletin
Spring 2025
JRN: Journalism
JRN 101: News Literacy
How do you know if you're getting the truth from the news media? This course is designed to prepare students to become more discriminating news consumers. It will examine standards of reliability and accuracy in news gathering and presentation, and seek to establish the differences between news and propaganda, assertion and verification, bias and fairness, and infotainment and journalism. Students will be encouraged to critically examine news broadcasts, newspaper articles and websites. Visiting journalists will be questioned about the journalistic process and decision making.
Pre- or corequisite: WRT 101 or WRT 102 or equivalent
3 credits
JRN 106: Introduction to Mass Media
A survey of the historical evolution, content, and structural elements of mass media. This introduction to social science research approaches to the study of mass communication enables participants to understand mass media's political, economic, social, psychological influences on individuals and broader U.S. society. Students examine the effect and impacts of mass communication on contemporary society and consider how global media influence and are influenced by U.S. media. This course was previously known as JRN 106.
3 credits
JRN 116: Introduction to Digital Journalism
An introduction to the fundamentals of journalistic reporting and storytelling in an interactive and immersive environment. Students will learn how to collect data and information using every tool in the journalistic arsenal, from notebooks and pens to online data collection. Students will begin the process of learning how to turn that core information into modern stories involving various elements such as text, audio, video, data visualization, and mapping - skills that will be built upon during other courses in the curriculum. Students will also explore how to use social tools both for information gathering and story amplification, and learn the philosophy that guides modern journalism: impartiality, ethical values and respect for accuracy. Students will build on their understanding of civic life and practice keeping pace with current events.
Prerequisite: Journalism Major or Minor
3 credits
JRN 205: News Reporting & Writing II
Telling an effective story often means going beyond the basics and adding additional layers of reporting, including "color" and compelling anecdotal material, additional sources, independent verification of competing accounts, background and context, as well as providing a narrative organizational structure and the deployment of a variety of story approaches. In this course, students report and write more complex news stories, news feature stories, profiles and news trend stories, several of which are based on their own story ideas. In addition, students add multimedia elements to at least one story, employing the tools they have learned in Introduction to Digital Journalism.
Prerequisite: C or higher in JRN 116
3 credits
JRN 216: Intermediate Digital Journalism
Teaches journalism students the tools necessary to tell stories in the digital age. Building on the core reporting concepts learned in JRN 116, students will use audio, still photography and video to communicate news stories to the public utilizing the standards and best practices of American broadcast journalism. Students will also work in teams to produce short newscasts (Newsbreak). This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.
Prerequisite: Journalism Major or Minor; C or higher in JRN 116
3 credits
JRN 217: Journalistic Reporting and Writing
A hands-on approach to reporting techniques and written journalism. Careful examination of professional news reporting and writing enables students to understand how journalists seek, verify and assemble information. Students then apply those insights to original reporting projects in a variety of traditional and innovative story forms, with close attention to grammar, usage, and style.
Prerequisite: Journalism Major or Minor; C or higher in JRN 116
3 credits
JRN 301: The Changing News Business
An inquiry into how the evolving media landscape in the digital age has changed journalism, and the ramifications for journalists and audiences. This course examines the advent of digital technology and the shifting patterns of media consumption, investment, ownership, and employment; regulatory changes; and the rise of nontraditional competition. Through readings and classroom discussion, students explore the effects of this revolution on content, standards, business models, news delivery, readership, viewership, and jobs. Guest speakers will discuss how today's changes are affecting their news organizations and their own careers.
Prerequisite: Journalism Major or Minor; U3 or U4 Standing
3 credits
JRN 303: Global Issues in Journalism
A study of global journalism of the 20th and 21st centuries, as it has been defined by the central topics of these times: mass migration, global warming, and the destruction of natural ecosystems; reparations, indigenous issues, and the advancement of global corporate media. This course studies the role of global journalism as opposed to mainstream American journalism and media, in the configuration of a media agenda and an image of the global society.
Prerequisite: Journalism Major or Minor; U3 or U4 Standing
3 credits
JRN 310: Multimedia Newsroom I
Students are introduced to the skills needed to report and write news stories for television and radio. Students will become familiar with the proper use of pictures and sound in broadcast journalism, and become comfortable writing news reports in a variety of broadcast formats. Students also are expected to become familiar with a variety of broadcast production tools, including the basics of Final Cut Pro and video photography. Course includes a lecture and a weekly three-hour lab.
Prerequisite: C or higher in JRN 216
SBC: SPK
3 credits
JRN 311: Advanced Digital Journalism - Text
An in-depth writing course that guides students through deeply reported and sophisticated stories that incorporate accompanying visuals, and are of publication quality. Building on the core reporting concepts learned in earlier skills courses, students will also write professional story pitches. All work will represent the highest standards in journalistic ethics and accuracy.
Prerequisite: C or higher in JRN 216 and JRN 217; U3 or U4 Standing
3 credits
JRN 312: Advanced Digital Journalism - Audio
An in-depth course in which students report, write, and produce a series of feature length pieces and podcasts that are of NPR style and broadcast quality. Building on the core reporting concepts learned in JRN 116, students will also write professional story pitches. All work will represent the highest standards in journalistic ethics and accuracy. Some assignments will require students to go off campus.
Prerequisite: C or higher in JRN 216 and JRN 217; U3 or U4 Standing
3 credits
JRN 313: Advanced Digital Journalism - Audio-Visual
Students will build on the fundamentals of visual storytelling taught in JRN 116 and JRN 216 by producing multimedia news stories to be published as part of the School of Journalism's digital platform. In addition to producing news stories, students gain experience in Studio and Control Room roles.
Prerequisite: C or higher in JRN 216 and JRN 217; U3 or U4 Standing
3 credits
JRN 319: The Image of the Journalist in Popular Culture
Students will analyze the impact of conflicting images of journalists in movies and television on the American public's perception of journalists in the 20th and 21st centuries. The public adopts perceptions of journalists based on portrayals in the media, often without considering the accuracy and/or dramatization of these representations. Few people will ever witness a journalist in action. Yet many have very specific ideas of what journalists do because they have read about journalists in novels, short stories and comic books, and they have seen them in movies, television, plays, and cartoons. This class explores how these representations in the media contribute to public perceptions about journalists, and explores the trajectory of these perceptions from the days of silent films through the 21st century.
Prerequisites: Journalism or Mass Communication Majors and Minors; U3 or U4 Standing
3 credits
JRN 320: Multimedia Newsroom II
Examines the challenges presented by the explosion of journalism on the Internet and assesses the role of the journalist in an online society. Students are exposed to both practical skills and a broader understanding of issues. Topics include how journalists add value to information online, writing and editing for the Web, the use of interactive tools, blogs and podcasts, and an elementary understanding of web design. At the same time, students explore issues of privacy, the Internet's potential threat to traditional journalistic standards, and how online publishing is creating new audiences. Students will critique news websites, participate in a blog and podcast, create a news Web page, and produce an online story package. Course includes a lecture and a weekly three-hour lab.
Prerequisite: C or higher in JRN 216
3 credits
JRN 322: Working Newsroom
Students work under real deadlines for local news outlets producing print and digital news and feature stories. Students will work with local Long Island editors and the instructor to brainstorm story ideas and create assignments to be covered primarily off campus for publication. Students will switch editing and reporting roles during the semester.
Prerequisite: C or higher in JRN 216
3 credits
JRN 334: Science and Health Reporting
Students will examine methods of evaluating and reporting science and health news with accuracy and context. Among the topics to be covered: how to read a medical journal article; how to understand simple statistical data; how to develop and interview expert sources; how to deal with conflicting claims. Drawing on the resources of the Health Sciences Center, the course also will provide information on how research and health care are organized and funded. Students will report and write several stories for print, broadcast or the Web. They also will spend a day shadowing a healthcare professional.
Prerequisites: C or higher in JRN 216 or JRN 217; Completion of SNW or SBS
3 credits
JRN 335: Reporting in New York City
This course, which is offered mainly in winter and summer sessions, provides students with an overview of how reporters cover major institutions in New York City. The semester focus varies, ranging from city hall, United Nations, police, courts, Wall Street, arts and culture, television, music, movies, theater, fashion and other city-centric themes. The course offers a blend of classroom instruction, talks with officials and journalists and hands-on reporting. On reporting days, the class will be run as a newsroom. May be repeated as the focus changes.
Prerequisite: C or higher in JRN 216 and JRN 217; Permission of Department
SBC: EXP+
3 credits
JRN 336: Sports Reporting
This course is designed to prepare students to report, write and produce sports stories in print, broadcast and online, from sports news to behind-the-scenes issues that resonate in the world of sports. Upon completion of this course, students should be as comfortable covering a government hearing on steroids in professional sports as covering a basketball game.
Prerequisites: C or higher in JRN 216 or COM 207; U3 or U4 Standing
3 credits
JRN 337: Introduction to Narrative Journalism
Building on students' experiences in newswriting, this courses examines the reporting and writing of longer stories and more textured feature stories. There will be an emphasis on focus, structure, and storytelling, including the rudiments of developing style and a narrative voice. Students will be expected to write several original enterprise stories. They will also explore the similarities and differences in telling stories in print, online, and in broadcast formats.
Prerequisite: C or higher in JRN 216 and JRN 217; U3 or U4 Standing
3 credits
JRN 339: Foreign Reporting
An introduction to interpreting complicated events outside North America for domestic audiences at home through studying foreign correspondents, their practices, practicalities, tradecraft, ethics, scoops, successes, and failures. The course is situated in the context of understanding the geopolitics of information, cross-cultural studies, ethics, and identifying the impact of propaganda, and disinformation. This seminar format course focuses on key reporting techniques including identifying reliable sources, quickly analyzing complex situations, and writing and speaking about them under time pressure.
Prerequisite: U3 or U4 Standing
3 credits
JRN 340: Beat Reporting
A hands-on course that gives students greater exposure to the skills and knowledge required to regularly cover various branches and functions of government or a topic area. Students develop a beat and write stories from that beat. Beats include local governments: village, town or county government, police, courts or a board of education or a topic such as the environment, transportation, immigration, education or health care issues on Long Island or a specific aspect of Stony Brook University. The course emphasizes identifying, developing, and maintaining sources. A special feature of this class is the opportunity to meet and learn from experienced journalists as well as government officials and public relations experts who offer a perspective on the media from their points of view. The basic reporting skills developed here are applicable to print, broadcast and the Internet. All stories handed in must be ready for publication.
Prerequisite: U3 or U4 Standing
3 credits
JRN 363: Magazine Writing
This course builds on JRN 337, advancing the exploration of long-form magazine stories. Students will learn how to develop ideas and craft them into sophisticated pieces with protagonists and strong narrative drive. They will learn to bring their stories to life using novelistic techniques such as character development, voice, mood and theme, conflict and resolution, scene-setting, foreshadowing and dialogue. Required reading assignments, group discussions of works-in-progress and roundtable meetings with professional narrative journalists will inspire students to develop their own writer's eye and voice. The culminating goal of the course is for each student to produce a 2,500-to-3,000-word story for publication. Students will also learn how to select a market for their stories and write a query letter.
Prerequisite: C or higher in JRN 216 or JRN 217 or COM 207; U3 or U4 Standing
3 credits
JRN 364: Advanced Reporting
Designed to help student journalists explore complex stories through probing reporting that unearths rich detail and context. Students will work under supervision of their "editor" (the instructor) to produce publication-quality works. The focus will be on "solutions journalism," with reporting in-depth on a single story spanning the semester. Classes will serve as a learning lab and newsroom, during which students will present their work to their editor and fellow reporters. They will pitch their ideas, explain in detail their reporting progress, brainstorm with fellow student journalists on story development and reporting strategies, share experiences, review each other's stories in progress, and, in general, help one another. Students will be graded on their success as a colleague, a reporter, and a writer.
Prerequisite: C or higher in JRN 216 and JRN 217; U3 or U4 Standing
3 credits
JRN 366: Press & the Presidency
Students examine the complex, difficult, co-dependent relationship between the news media and the president including the role of the press in a presidential campaign. The course includes a study of the historical relationship between the press and the president, the reasons for the fundamental deterioration of the press-White House relationship over the last 50 years, the impact of the digital revolution on the relationship, and whether voters can make an informed decision based on the information provided by the news media. This course is offered as both JRN 366 and POL 366.
Prerequisite: U2 or higher standing
3 credits
JRN 367: Opinion Journalism
A writing-intensive experience on the various aspects of opinion journalism, from columns to commentary, editorials, op-ed, blogs, reviews, and letters to the editor. What makes effective opinions? How does opinion journalism differ from news reporting? When do opinions and commentary qualify as journalism? When do they not qualify? What has been the historical role of opinion in journalism? How did it change and why? What impact has the internet and cable television had on opinion journalism and commentary? This course covers print, broadcast, and all forms of news media emphasizing the importance of reporting, critical thinking and clear writing.
Prerequisite: U3 or U4 Standing
3 credits
JRN 370: Advanced Visual Reporting and Storytelling
This course is offered in a workshop/production environment. There is focus on mastering the reporting of breaking news, live reporting and developing story ideas. Emphasis also will be on shooting techniques. Students will produce longer-form reports.
Prerequisite: C or higher in JRN 216
3 credits
JRN 371: Weekly Broadcast
Designed to introduce students to planning, assembling, producing and performing the elements of a newscast. Students will be exposed to the roles of key members of a newscast team, including producers, assistant producers, reporters, writers, anchors and video photographers and editors. There will be emphasis on developing decision-making and on-air skills, as students complete mini-newscasts and segments for broadcast. Students will be expected to meet strict deadlines and manage critical air time. Newscast segments will be showcased on Journalism websites.
Prerequisite: C or higher in JRN 216
3 credits
JRN 390: Special Topics in Journalism
This special topics course will deal with timely and contemporary issues that affect journalists and journalism. The issues could range from the press in wartime to how the press covers presidential campaigns. May be repeated as the topic changes.
Prerequisite: U3 or U4 Standing
3 credits
JRN 391: Journalism Workshops
These workshops are designed to assist students in developing skills that will be useful in various journalism courses. Topics will rotate. Anticipated topics include On-Air Presentation, Audio Journalism, Digital Photography, Databases, FOIL and Sunshine Laws, On-Air Performance, Editing Software. May be repeated as the topic changes.
Prerequisites: Varies by topic; Permission of Department
1-2 credits
JRN 392: Journalism Without Walls Prep
This 1-credit workshop is designed to help students prepare if they are interested in taking JRN 435 Journalism Without Walls, a course in which students travel with journalism faculty to a location and spend several weeks reporting, writing and broadcasting from and about it. Each Journalism Without Walls Prep is tailored to the specific locale and coverage issues. May be repeated as the topic changes.
Prerequisite: To be taken before JRN 435
1 credit
JRN 413: Journalisms of the Global South
A historical and socio-communicational exploration of the genres and styles of journalism emerging and shaping the different regions of the Global South since the early mercantile expansion of the 17th century and into the 21st century. In parallel with the colonial push into the Americas, Asia and the Pacific, journalistic narratives start to shape the Western view of the new worlds. But the process has a dual nature: these styles and genres are appropriated, re-signified and repurposed locally, giving birth to an array of journalisms that do not conform with their Western counterparts. Crónicas, corridos, roman feuilleton, and a vast number of other forms of journalisms born in the Global South are discussed during this course. The class aims at expanding the Western idea of journalism as the watchdog of democracy, and to understanding journalism in the Global South in its historical context, within its political, pedagogical and literary roles.
Prerequisite: U3 or U4 Standing
3 credits
JRN 433: Journalistic Book and Serial Narrative Production
A contemporary approach to factual long-form and serial storytelling based on the study of narrative theory. We explore western and non-western contemporary literary journalism in written and audio-based formats. Participants conduct research as a basis for producing an individual or group project. Individuals may produce a pitch, prospectus, or a book proposal and then complete the first chapter of a long-form narrative. Groups may develop a collaborative proposal and produce a first episode of a serial podcast. Formative research will include interviews, documentary research, and a summary of the core ideas proposed in the book or podcast. The work is based on class analysis and the ideas explored during the semester.
Prerequisite: U3 or U4 Standing
3 credits
JRN 434: Photojournalism
An introduction to operating as a reporter empowered by effective news and feature photography skills. Students will develop judgment in how to tell stories visually through experiential mastery of digital camera picture taking and editing skills. They will develop a critical eye to determine what makes a great photograph, understand effective forms of visual communication, and master techniques in making photographic images. Students will take a hands-on approach to craft photographs that convey emotions and have impact in delivering the news. Picture selection, cropping, captions as well as the ethics of photographic presentations in an era of easy image manipulation are emphasized. Students add to their visual toolbox of reporting skills through lessons that are focused on making stronger photographs under time pressure.
Prerequisites: Journalism Major and U3 or U4 Standing; or Permission of Instructor
3 credits
JRN 435: Journalism Without Walls
Offered only during winter or summer sessions, this course is designed for experienced and energetic journalism students. Students will be assigned as part of a team to travel to a location and using only mobile technology, transmit stories and video from the field. Their work will be published via a special website. Students will have one week to research a topic or location before leaving for their destination. (Teams of students, for example, have gone to China, Russia, Cuba and the U.S. Gulf Coast.) While on assignment, students file blogs, gather multimedia and video, write and edit stories, produce a website and establish a "mobile newsroom." One or several instructors accompany the students. This course combines students' journalistic skills, judgment and enterprise with knowledge of emerging technology. May be repeated as the topic changes.
Prerequisites: Permission of Department; Additional prerequisites announced by topic. Passport may be required.
SBC: EXP+
3 credits
JRN 438: Weathercasting & Environmental Reporting
A practicum for upper division meteorology majors and advanced journalism students preparing for post college careers as local television/radio weathercasters, resident environmental reporters, and off-screen producers. The course centers on performance and production of a bi-weekly TV studio-based broadcast.
Prerequisite: U3 or U4 Standing
3 credits
JRN 439: WCast_Enviro Rprting: Feat Story & Mini-Doc BCast
A practicum for upper division meteorology majors and advanced journalism students preparing for post college careers as local television/radio weathercasters, resident environmental reporters, and off-screen producers. The course centers on making feature stories, pre-recorded segments for inclusion in a weekly TV studio-based broadcast. Late in the course students gain experience in live remotes.
Prerequisites: JRN 438; U3 or U4 Standing
3 credits
JRN 444: Experiential Learning
This course is designed for students who engage in a substantial, structured experiential learning activity in conjunction with another class. Experiential learning occurs when knowledge acquired through formal learning and past experience are applied to a "real-world" setting or problem to create new knowledge through a process of reflection, critical analysis, feedback and synthesis. Beyond-the-classroom experiences that support experiential learning may include: service learning, mentored research, field work, or an internship.
Prerequisite: WRT 102 or equivalent; Permission of Instructor; Approval of the EXP+ contract (http://sb.cc.stonybrook.edu/bulletin/current/policiesandregulations/degree_requirements/EXPplus.php)
SBC: EXP+
0 credit, S/U grading
JRN 475: Undergraduate Teaching Practicum I
Work with a faculty member as an assistant in one of the faculty member's regularly scheduled courses. The student must attend all classes and carry out tasks assigned by the faculty member to assist in teaching the course. The student will meet with the instructor on a regular basis to discuss intellectual and pedagogical matters relating to the course. Not for major or minor credit.
Prerequisites: U3 or U4; Permission of Instructor and Undergraduate Program Director
SBC: EXP+
3 credits, S/U grading
JRN 476: Undergraduate Teaching Practicum II
Work with a faculty member as an assistant in one of the faculty member's regularly scheduled courses. Students assume greater responsibility in such areas as leading discussions and analyzing results of tests that already have been graded. The course in which the student is permitted to work as a teaching assistant must be different from the course in which he or she previously participated. Not for major or minor credit.
Prerequisites: Grade of satisfactory in JRN 475; Permission of Instructor and Undergraduate Program Director
SBC: EXP+
3 credits, S/U grading
JRN 488: Internship
Students work at local, state, and national news organizations. The work must involve journalistic skills related to the educational goals of the department. Students are required to submit written progress reports and a final written report on their experiences.
Prerequisite: Permission of Department
Recommended GPA: 3.0 in Journalism and 2.5 Cumulative
SBC: EXP+0-6 credits, S/U grading
JRN 489: Specialized Internship
Students work in campus departments or at local, state and national organizations. The work must involve a professional experience using journalistic skills in alignment with the educational goals of the department. Students are required to submit written progress reports and a final written report on their experiences.
Prerequisite: Permission of Department
Recommended GPA: 3.0 in Journalism and 2.5 Cumulative
SBC: EXP+0-6 credits, S/U grading
JRN 490: Senior Project
This is a capstone course and a requirement for all journalism majors. Students produce an in-depth story of professional quality in written form, visually and with interactive elements. Students attend a weekly seminar and work independently. A secondary goal of the course is to prepare students for career opportunities upon graduation. Students leave with a multiplatform portfolio.
Prerequisite: C or higher in JRN 311 or JRN 312 or JRN 313
3 credits
