JMC courses

Prerequisites: Requirements you must meet before taking a course. Prerequisites are listed at the end of each course description.

JMC 099   Freshman Orientation
Credit hours:   1         Semesters offered: Fall

JMC 168   Contemporary Mass Media
Credit hours:   3         Semesters offered: Fall Spring Summer
The mass media, stressing development, nature, controls under which they operate, economic and political foundations, social implications, and future roles. Open to non-majors as an elective.

JMC 194   Newswriting
Credit hours:   3         Semesters offered: Fall Spring Summer
Principles of newswriting for print and electronic media. Prerequisites: ENG 101 with a grade of B or better; keyboarding proficiency; JMC 168 with a grade of C or better.

JMC 213   Computer Techniques for Print Media
Credit hours:   3         Semesters offered: Fall Spring
An introduction to Macintosh-based software techniques used by professionals in the print media. Prerequisites: JMC 168 with a grade of C or better.

JMC 270   Basic Audio and Video Production
Credit hours:   3         Semesters offered: Fall Spring Summer
Introduction to production technology including audio control room operations, audio and video recording, camera operations, and editing. Prerequisites: JMC 168 with a grade of C or better; ENG 101 with a B or better.

JMC 283   Principles of Photojournalism
Credit hours:   3         Semesters offered: Fall Spring
An introduction to the basic principles of news and magazine photography. Laboratory work in taking, developing, and printing news and feature photographs. Prerequisite: consent of the instructor.

JMC 294   Advanced Newswriting
Credit hours:   3         Semesters offered:
Advanced news story construction for print and electronic media as well as basics of copy preparation for the World Wide Web. Emphasizes news style, language usage, and news story construction. Prerequisite: JMC 194.

JMC 295   Editing
Credit hours:   3         Semesters offered: Fall Spring
Basics of handling newspaper copy, including headline writing, copy editing, and proofreading. Prerequisites: JMC 168; ENG 101; JMC 194.

JMC 300   Digital Media Production
Credit hours:   3         Semesters offered:
Introduction to digital production technology and methodology emphasizing the application to the mass media. Topics include design, graphics, audio, video and writing for the Internet and interactive CD-ROM disks. Prerequisites: JMC 168 and basic knowledge of how to operate a computer

JMC 322   Mass Media Study Abroad
Credit hours:   3         Semesters offered: as needed
Study of current trends and practices in mass media in foreign nations; specific content will vary. Prerequisites: Consent of supervising instructor and department chair; and acceptance in a study abroad program approved by Murray State University.

JMC 330   Mass Media Effects
Credit hours:   3         Semesters offered: Fall Spring Summer
A systematic approach to mass media in terms of structure, functions, and effects; including such topics as meaning, perception, selectivity, ethics persuasion, subliminal seduction, violence and erotica, political socialization, learning, agenda-setting, and uses and gratifications. Prerequisite: JMC 168.

JMC 336   Script Writing
Credit hours:   3         Semesters offered: Fall Spring
Theory and practice of writing for radio and television. Includes dramatic scripts; radio and TV copy conventions; script outlines and documentaries.

JMC 344   Press & Politics
Credit hours:   3         Semesters offered:
The role of newspapers, television and radio in the American national political process. Same as POL 344.

JMC 358   Television Studio Production
Credit hours:   3         Semesters offered: Fall Spring
Television studio production technology including camera operation, recording, audio and video control, video switching, electronic graphics, lighting, staging, and production organization, with an emphasis on broadcast-quality results. Prerequisites: JMC 168; ENG 101; JMC 270; JMC 336; or permission of instructor.

JMC 369   Advanced Studio and Field Production
Credit hours:   3         Semesters offered: Fall
Digital audio control and operations, including radio broadcasting, mixing and editing, multi-track recording, and sound reinforcement. Prerequisites: JMC 168; ENG 101; JMC 270.

JMC 383   Advanced Photojournalism
Credit hours:   3         Semesters offered: Fall Spring
Continuation of JMC 283 with emphasis on problem solving and developing an aesthetic visual image for today's publication. Prerequisite: JMC 283.

JMC 385   Directed Individual Study
Credit hours:   1 to 3         Semesters offered: Fall Spring Summer
Individual efforts involving readings, special writing projects, or research in Journalism and Mass Communications. May be repeated for a maximum of three hours. Prerequisites: approved proposal required prior to registration; consent of course instructor and department chair.

JMC 390   World Wide Web as Mass Medium
Credit hours:   3         Semesters offered: Fall Spring
This course is designed 1) to enhance the student's effectiveness as a user of Internet technologies; 2) to build understanding of the social implications of, and the major issues surrounding, the popularization of the World Wide Web; and 3) to focus on the Web's functions as a mass medium. Also considered are key technical concepts integral to Web operations that apply to the fields of journalism. Prerequisites: JMC 168 and 300, or consent of instructor; knowledge of browser software, and access to the Internet.

JMC 391   Public Relations Principles
Credit hours:   3         Semesters offered: Fall Spring Summer
A study of the profession of public relations: skills, jobs, case studies, media relations and writing. Prerequisite: JMC 168 or consent of instructor. Students may not be enrolled in JMC 391 and JMC 412 simultaneously. Businesse program students: MKT 360.

JMC 394   Introduction to Advertising
Credit hours:   3         Semesters offered: Fall Spring Summer
A survey course on the role and function of advertising in society; emphasis on the basic structure and techniques of advertising, marketing, media roles, creative strategies and the agency system. Prerequisites: ENG 101 with a grade of C or better, typing proficiency, JMC 168 or consent of instructor. Business program students: MKT 360.

JMC 396   Publication Design
Credit hours:   3         Semesters offered: Fall
Advanced editing class emphasizing newspaper design, layout, and graphics. Prerequisites: JMC 168; ENG 101; JMC 194; JMC 295.

JMC 397   Reporting for the Print Media
Credit hours:   3         Semesters offered: Spring
Techniques of news gathering and reporting for the print media. Provides both general assignment, specialized and beat reporting experiences by emphasizing the acquisition of information through interviews, direct observation and journalistic research. Prerequisites: JMC 194; JMC 295

JMC 398   Electronic News Reporting
Credit hours:   3         Semesters offered: Fall
News gathering and reporting for television and radio. Surveys electronic newsroom operations, and emphasizes construction of news copy, elementary news packaging techniques, and journalistic ethics. Includes 30 hours arrangeable lab work. Prerequisites: JMC 168; ENG 101; JMC 194; JMC 270 or permission of instructor.

JMC 400   International Mass Communications
Credit hours:   3         Semesters offered: Spring
Study of world's communications systems and the roles they play. Analysis of international news flow. The effect of the basic philosophical differences among the media in the developed and developing worlds and the changing communication technologies will be examined. Prerequisites: junior standing or permission of instructor.

JMC 412   Writing for Public Relations
Credit hours:   3         Semesters offered: Fall Spring
Emphasis placed on writing across the media, for diverse publics, to achieve organizational objectives. Basic formats include, but are not limited to, news releases, feature articles, fact sheets, newsletters, brochures and business correspondence. Basic copy editing and design concepts will be covered. Analysis of publicity methods used in professional campaigns will also be included. Prerequisites: JMC 194, JMC 391.

JMC 417   Advertising Copywriting and Layout
Credit hours:   3         Semesters offered: Fall Spring
A study of the theory, techniques, and practical skills needed for both writing advertising copy and doing basic advertising layout. Prerequisites: JMC 168; ENG 101 with a grade of B or better; JMC 394.

JMC 426   Advertising Media Sales
Credit hours:   3         Semesters offered: Fall Spring
Theory and practical application of media advertising sales. Advertising strategy, policy formulation and implementation. Creative and media decision-making structure and procedure. Management of media sales personnel. Students prepare and present advertising sales plan. Prerequisites: JMC 168; ENG 101; JMC 394.

JMC 437   Senior Honors Thesis
Credit hours:   3         Semesters offered:
A faculty-supervised thesis and/or project which allows Honors Program students with a senior standing to undertake advanced research. A thesis paper and/or written review of the exhibit or performance is required.

JMC 439   Advertising Media Planning
Credit hours:   3         Semesters offered: Fall Spring
The study and application of media analysis, planning, and buying. Students prepare and present an advertising media campaign. Prerequisites: JMC 168; ENG 101; JMC 394.

JMC 440   Research Methods for Public Relations
Credit hours:   3         Semesters offered: Fall Spring
Use of social science research methods in journalism, advertising, public relations, and broadcasting. Emphasis will be on survey techniques and focus groups, interpretation, application, and communication of research findings to appropriate audiences. Prerequisites: JMC 168 and 330 Students majoring in public relations must complete JMC 440 prior to enrolling in JMC 591 Advanced Public Relations.

JMC 445   Newspaper Management
Credit hours:   3         Semesters offered: Spring
Problems of organization, production and distribution of the community newspaper. Prerequisites: JMC 168; ENG 101; JMC 394 or permission of instructor. Students are encouraged to take ACC 200 or MGT 350 before enrolling in this course.

JMC 448   Radio-Television Operations
Credit hours:   3         Semesters offered: Spring
Day-to-day operations of radio and television stations with an emphasis on strategic planning, fiscal responsibilities, programming, promotion, sales, personnel, regulation, technology and ethics. Prerequisites: JMC 168 and junior or senior standing, with preference to Electronic Media Studies majors.

JMC 451   Television Field Production
Credit hours:   3         Semesters offered: Spring
Single camera and multi-camera electronic field production, non-linear editing and postproduction to create a variety of television productions from spots to full-length programs, with an emphasis on broadcast-quality results. Prerequisites: JMC 168; ENG 101; JMC 270; JMC 336; junior or senior standing, or permission of instructor.

JMC 456   Advertising Campaigns
Credit hours:   3         Semesters offered: Fall Spring
A seminar course designed to bring together the knowledge acquired in advertising, marketing, and communications courses and apply them to a realistic problem. Students develop management ability in analysis and preparation of complete advertising campaign. Students are required to work in teams to prepare plans books and give formal ad agency presentations. Prerequisites: JMC 394; JMC 417; JMC 426; JMC 439; MKT 360 or consent of instructor.

JMC 466   Advanced Electronic News Reporting and Production
Credit hours:   3         Semesters offered: Spring
Advanced electronic journalism, including emphasis on compiling, writing, videotaping, editing, and producing news for television. Students serve as reporters, photographers, and producers and gain practical work experience at MSU-TV. Includes 30 hours arrangeable lab work. Prerequisites: JMC 168; ENG 101; JMC 194; JMC 270; JMC 398.

JMC 486   Media Production Technique
Credit hours:   1-3         Semesters offered:
Advanced and specialized media production techniques in electronic, print, and related mass media technology and practical experience in production and distribution of media content. Two

JMC 488   Cooperative Education
Credit hours:   3         Semesters offered: Fall Spring
A meaningful, planned, and evaluated work experience related to the career and educational objectives of the student for which he may receive both academic credit and financial remuneration. May not be repeated.

JMC 491   Advanced Public Relations
Credit hours:   3         Semesters offered: Spring
A capstone seminar course designed to provide students an opportunity to demonstrate their mastery of the skills, techniques, and knowledge acquired in previous major and minor courses. Working in teams, students will research, develop, and create a public relations campaign, as well as give a formal presentation of their work that includes production of all materials supporting the campaign. This semester-long project should further enhance the students' public relations skills and knowledge, as well as develop their management and analytical skills. Prerequisites: ENG 101; JMC 194, 300, 330, 391, 412, and 440.

JMC 492   Feature Writing
Credit hours:   3         Semesters offered: alternate Fall
Techniques of researching, writing, editing, and marketing feature articles. Prerequisites: JMC 168; ENG 101; JMC 194; JMC 295; or permission of the instructor.

JMC 499   Senior Seminar
Credit hours:   1         Semesters offered: Fall
A required course for all graduating seniors in advertising, public relations, journalism, and radio-TV. A forum for career preparation on such topics as resume and portfolio preparation, job searches, interviews, and graduation requirements.

JMC 501   School Publications
Credit hours:   3         Semesters offered:
Journalistic problems on the high school and college levels; methods of teaching and advising of school and college publications.

JMC 502   Writing for the Mass Media
Credit hours:   3         Semesters offered:
An intensive writing course covering newsgathering and reporting for print and broadcast, basic editing, advertising copy, news releases, features, columns, reviews, and editorials. Open to those students not pursuing a major in the Department of Journalism and Mass Communications; required for any JMC graduate student who does not have an undergraduate major or minor in the mass communications field. Prerequisites: ENG 101; ENG 102; or JMC grammar test.

JMC 504   Writing the Nonfiction Article
Credit hours:   3         Semesters offered:
A Jesse Stuart workshop writing course, taught only in the summer. Preparation, writing, editing, and marketing the nonfiction article. Individual critique sessions conducted by highly-published journalist. For graduate and undergraduate students. Prerequisite: permission.

JMC 505   Writing for Children
Credit hours:   3         Semesters offered:
A Jesse Stuart workshop writing course, taught only in the summer. Analysis of the children's literature market and preparation of fictional and nonfictional works designed for the young reader. Individual critiques by a noted editor and writer of children's literature. For graduate and undergraduate students. Prerequisite: permission.

JMC 515   History of U.S. Journalism & Broadcasting
Credit hours:   3         Semesters offered: Fall
History of journalism and broadcasting with emphasis on the role of newspaper, radio, television, and other communications media in the United States.

JMC 525   Television Program Development
Credit hours:   3         Semesters offered:
Capstone seminar in creating television programs. Topics include program concepts, target audiences, scripting, budgeting, pre-production planning, producing and marketing pilots. Prerequisites: JMC 270, JMC 336; JMC 358; JMC 369; JMC 451; senior or graduate standing; preference given to Electronic Media Studies majors.

JMC 558   New Technologies
Credit hours:   3         Semesters offered: Spring
The development of technology in media industries and related businesses, such as consumer electronics and office systems. Topics include the nature of technical innovation, economic feasibility, public policy, social impact and diffusion models.

JMC 560   Alternative Media Criticism
Credit hours:   3         Semesters offered:
An examination of the cultural and social functions of non-mainstream online media such as "e-zines," independent film, informational websites targeting women and minorities, alternative press reviews, and "fringe" artistic mass media. Prerequisites: Senior- or graduate-level standing in JMC; ability to write at a college level, as well as proficiency in the English language; graduate students: the ability to create web material.

JMC 568   Critical Analysis of Mass Media
Credit hours:   3         Semesters offered: Spring
In-depth examination of the cultural and social functions of mass media, both print and electronic. Includes perspectives on media's role as an information and entertainment source, as an agenda setter, as a persuasive agent, and as a mode of creative and artistic expression. A readings and discussion course open to majors and non-majors. Prerequisite: Junior standing or above.

JMC 585   Specialized Journalism/Radio-Television
Credit hours:   1 to 3         Semesters offered: Fall Spring Summer
Directed individual study. Can be a journalistic effort in areas such as science, sports, government, religion, graphics, etc. or a project in radio or television such as a major production or series, an extensive research project on paper or other approved project. Prerequisite: permission of instructor; written approved proposal required prior to registration.

JMC 586   Special Topics
Credit hours:   3         Semesters offered:
Seminar for seniors, graduate students concerning a current topic affecting the mass media. Prerequisites: Permission of instructor; senior or graduate level standing.

JMC 590   Mass Communication Law
Credit hours:   3         Semesters offered: Fall Spring
The law as it affects journalism and broadcasting. History and background of the freedom of the press and broadcast industries with emphasis on First Amendment and FCC regulations, including such areas as seditious libel, libel, obscenity, privacy, copyright, advertising, and the Fairness Doctrine. Primarily a lecture and reading course. Prerequisites: JMC 168; JMC 330.

JMC 593   Editorial and Critical Writing
Credit hours:   3         Semesters offered:
A writing course in editorials and the editorial page, personal column, and critical reviews of plays, TV shows, books, and movies. Prerequisites: JMC 168; ENG 101; JMC 194; JMC 330 or permission of instructor.

JMC 596   Internship in Advertising, Journalism, Public Relations & Radio-TV
Credit hours:   3         Semesters offered: Fall
Course for advanced students in journalism and radio-TV who have completed a minimum of eight weeks as an intern with the media or a public relations or advertising agency. Case studies are prepared by the students on their work experience. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.

JMC 597   Public Affairs Reporting
Credit hours:   3         Semesters offered: Spring
Project-based advanced techniques of specialized reporting, emphasizing community-based journalism and civic journalism. Includes overview of issues concerning multiculturalism, journalistic ethics and legal concerns. Prerequisites: JMC 397 or JMC 466.

JMC 599   American Mass Media
Credit hours:   3         Semesters offered:
Guided independent study in the structure of the mass media in the United States and the impact of American media content on audiences. Graded pass/fail. Prerequisite: consent of graduate coordinator.

JMC 600   Seminar in International Mass Communication
Credit hours:   3         Semesters offered:
Analysis of theories and research in international mass communication. Focus on transnational information flow and the role of media in facilitating international knowledge and understanding.

JMC 601   Seminar in Media, Culture, Race and Gender
Credit hours:   3         Semesters offered:
An analysis of theories and research in mass media influences on images of culture, race and gender in our society. Focus on the role of news, entertainment and advertising media in the construction and perpetuation of systemic views about members of these particular groups. Prerequisites: graduate standing and the permission of the instructor.

JMC 602   Seminar in Advertising
Credit hours:   3         Semesters offered:
An in-depth study of the profession of advertising, with a focus on contemporary issues, problems, and challenges; guided discussion and analysis of case studies. Prerequisite: graduate standing; enrollment is limited, with preference to JMC graduate students.

JMC 603   Seminar in Public Relations
Credit hours:   3         Semesters offered:
An in-depth study of the profession of public relations with a focus on contemporary issues, problems, and challenges using guided discussion and analysis of case studies. Prerequisite: graduate standing; enrollment is limited, with preference to JMC graduate students.

JMC 630   Theories of Mass Communications
Credit hours:   3         Semesters offered: Fall
The communications process in terms of definitions, characteristics, models, language, and non-verbal elements, with a particular emphasis on such empirical effects as selective attention, perception and retention, functions, uses and gratifications, agenda-setting, aggressive behavior due to violent content, and effects of advertising on children.

JMC 648   Media Economics
Credit hours:   3         Semesters offered: Spring
Basic principles of markets and economics and how they apply to media industries. Topics include ownership, convergence, regulation, market forces, and technological forces.

JMC 660   Methods of Communications Research
Credit hours:   3         Semesters offered: Spring
The research process in mass communication including survey, experimental, and archival. Students will become familiar with the philosophy and techniques of social science research, data collection methods, sampling procedures, and statistical analysis. Students will also conduct a research project.

JMC 668   Critical Analysis of Mass Media
Credit hours:   3         Semesters offered:
In-depth examination of the cultural and social functions of mass media, both print and electronic. Includes perspectives on media's role as an information and entertainment source, as an agenda setter, as a persuasive agent, and as a mode of creative and artistic expression. A readings and discussion course open to majors and non-majors. Prerequisite: Junior standing or above.

JMC 670   Philosophical and Ethical Concepts of the Mass Media
Credit hours:   3         Semesters offered: Fall
Lecture and seminar course in concepts of the role of mass media in society. Philosophical background to include legal and ethical issues.

JMC 677   Directed Individual Study
Credit hours:   3         Semesters offered: Fall Spring
A course designed to allow student pursuit of individual interest. Proposal must be approved by the graduate faculty instructor prior to registering for the course.

JMC 690   Comprehensive Project in Mass Communications
Credit hours:   3         Semesters offered:
Capstone of the mass communications degree. An individual independent research, creative, or professional project, designed by the student under the direction of the graduate coordinator and one other JMC faculty member. Prerequisites: proposal submitted to and approved by the graduate coordinator by October 15 for spring enrollment--March 15 for summer or fall enrollment; completion of 21 hours in the program; JMC 630 and JMC 660

The Department of Journalism and Mass Communications reserves the right to change its course offerings for each semester.