Multimedia Sequence
Overview
The multimedia area of study aspires to be a leading proponent of scholarly research, teaching and service activities related to the impact of new and emerging electronic media on individuals, organizations, industries and society as a whole, particularly as it relates to the practice of journalism.
The multimedia area of study encourages faculty and student participation in research projects that examine the uses and the impact of new and emerging media.
The area of study encourages students, faculty, citizens and members of allied professions to generate and participate in discussions intended to raise awareness and understanding of the existing and potential impact of online journalism. This is accomplished through regular undergraduate and graduate courses, independent studies, lectures, and presentations by internal and external new media experts and professionals.
The convergence of new media and journalism impacts both the lives of individuals and the careers of allied professionals. Where possible, this area of study strives to identify and promote internal and external sources of funding, or otherwise support new media inquiries for pro-social, innovative applications of new media, particularly in relation to the practice of journalism.
This program does not anticipate that our faculty or students will design, engineer or develop new hardware or software intended for new media applications. Rather, we focus on utilizing existing hardware and software to create or further develop innovative new media applications.
Facilities
The Macintosh lab is primarily geared for the School of Journalism's digital pre-press classes. These computers have publishing and layout software such as Quark, Adobe InDesign and Pagemaker; and photo and design programs such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. Word processing and database work is done through Microsoft Office 2001.
Multimedia software is available through Macromedia's suite of tools, which includes Dreamweaver, Flash, iMovie, Final Cut Pro and Fireworks. Students' Internet needs (Web browsing, FTP, news and e-mail) are also met. Laser printing can be provided in both color and black and white. Files can be saved via a zip disk or CD.These lab computers are open only to registered students of the School of Journalism during class and TA hours.
Major Multimedia Courses
J331. Web Publishing
Advanced skills in Web design and in publishing multimedia content. Emphasis on collaborative work in creating an ongoing Web information product. Three lecture hours and three laboratory hours a week for one semester. Journalism 331 and 352 (Topic 11: Multimedia Publishing) may not both be counted. Prerequisite: Journalism 310, 315 and 320D with a grade of at least C in each; a score of at least 45 on the College of Communication Grammar, Spelling and Punctuation Test; a score of at least 29 on the School of Journalism Word Processing Test; and consent of instructor.
J334. Multimedia Journalism
Review of online reporting techniques, advanced multimedia skills and current issues in new media. Three lecture hours and three laboratory hours a week for one semester. Journalism 334 and 352 (Topic 10: Online Journalism) may not both be counted. Prerequisite: Journalism 310, 315 and 320D with a grade of at least C in each; a score of at least 45 on the College of Communication Grammar, Spelling and Punctuation Test; a score of at least 29 on the School of Journalism Word Processing Test; and consent of instructor.
J336. Visual Design
The history, design and production of media materials. Topics include design principle, visual perception, typography, manipulation of images and photographs, printing processes and color reproduction, and page design for print. Three lecture hours and two laboratory hours a week for one semester. Journalism 324K and 336 may not both be counted. Prerequisite: Journalism 310 and 315 with a grade of at least C in each; a score of at least 45 on the College of Communication Grammar, Spelling and Punctuation Test; and a score of at least 29 on the School of Journalism Word Processing Test.
Other Recommended Courses
J331K. Projects in Professional Experience (Internships)
Internships to be arranged by student and approved by instructor. Offered on the pass/fail basis only. May be taken only once. Journalism 321K and 331K may not both be counted. Prerequisite: Journalism 310, 315 and 320D with a grade of at least C in each; a score of at least 45 on the College of Communication Grammar, Spelling and Punctuation Test; a score of at least 29 on the School of Journalism Word Processing Test; and consent of instructor. Each student must also have earned a grade of at least C in the following course or courses appropriate to his or her area of concentration: broadcast news - Journalism 322D; print journalism - Journalism 320D; photojournalism - Journalism 325; or, for students with approval to complete a multimedia internship - Journalism 320D.
J330. News Editing
Advanced editing for news media. Emphasis on news judgment, language use and print editing as well as skills necessary for the collaborative production of multimedia news. Three lecture hours and four laboratory hours a week for one semester. Journalism 314 and 330 may not both be counted. Prerequisite: Journalism 310, 315 and 320D with a grade of at least C in each; a score of at least 45 on the College of Communication Grammar, Spelling and Punctuation Test; and a score of at least 29 on the School of Journalism Word Processing Test.
J338. Computer-Assisted Reporting
Study of computer-assisted journalism, including electronic document retrieval and manipulation, spreadsheet and database management, and Internet skills. Collaborative work on major investigative projects. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Journalism 338 and 352 (Topic 5: Computer-Assisted Reporting) may not both be counted. Prerequisite: Journalism 310, 315 and 320D with a grade of at least C in each; a score of at least 45 on the College of Communication Grammar, Spelling and Punctuation Test; a score of at least 29 on the School of Journalism Word Processing Test; and consent of instructor.
J347S. Magazine Management
Study of the business of launching and maintaining successful publications. Journalism 347S and 352 (Topic 3: Magazine Management) may not both be counted. Three lecture hours hours and two laboratory hours a week for one semester. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing; a major in journalism; a score of at least 45 on the College of Communication Grammar, Spelling and Punctuation Test; a score of at least 29 on the School of Journalism Word Processing Test; and Journalism 327 and/or 336 also strongly recommended as prerequisites.
J377D. Print Design
Advanced print design and layout. Graphics techniques and production processes; planning content and format of newspapers and magazines. Three lecture hours and two laboratory hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Journalism 324, 349T (Topic 6: Print Design), 375, 376D, 377D. Prerequisite: Journalism 330 and 336 with a grade of at least a C in each.
Internships and Jobs
Students will garner the skills to seek entry-level employment in a wide variety of new media endeavors and/or related operations. Such positions may include, but are not limited to, Web page/site designer, Webmaster, Web page/site editor, information architect, interface designer, graphic designer, art director, multimedia editor, online news producer or visual journalist. Students develop a set of basic, hands-on skills useful for working with existing and emerging media technologies, along with critical thinking, writing and reporting skills necessary to effectively address the wide variety of challenges they can expect to encounter in the professional world.
Contact information
George Sylvie, area head, CMA A5.150G, 512-471-1783.