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Journalism

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The newspaper business and a growing number of related fields place a premium on clear, concise, accurate writing based on the timely collection of information. The Journalism program emphasizes these skills while recognizing the importance of new technology and the growing use of broadcast reporting techniques on websites.

Learners use state of-the-art equipment and software to produce their work. They are introduced to the basics of print and broadcast newsgathering and presentation, including feature photography. Using readily available community resources, they learn the craft of newsgathering, from interviewing to covering meetings and demonstrations. Journalism students participate in two on-the-job internships, one each year, and should budget for this expense. Each internship lasts four weeks. Sites may be located off-Island, resulting in possible additional travel and/or accommodation costs. In addition to internship training, students produce a daily newspaper - Front Page News, and their work, in print and broadcast, appears on the program's news website.

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Courses

List of Courses

Journalism Courses

print full list with descriptions

Take the following course(s), minimum grade: 60%

Ethics and the Media

This course introduces students to the fundamental building blocks and processes of applying ethical standards and frameworks as required as part of newspaper reporting and presentation, and concentrating specifically on the role and responsibilities of the journalist. Using the case study approach, the development of problem-solving techniques is applied to the various ethical issues reporters can expect to face in their work.

Hours: 45
Course Code: JRNL-1000
Detailed Course Outline: JRNL-1000 Ethics and the Media
Academic Year: 2011-2012

Basic Newswriting

This course introduces students to the basic tools required to write a good news story including the writing structure most commonly used by reporters. From the lead,(first paragraph), often the most difficult part of the story to write, to the support paragraphs that follow, students will learn to present information that quickly answers the "5Ws and How" in a way that maintains reader interest. Students will learn about the importance of accuracy, spelling and grammar, style, note-taking, quotes and paraphrasing, and writing in a clear and concise manner.

Hours: 45
Course Code: JRNL-1010
Detailed Course Outline: JRNL-1010 Basic Newswriting
Academic Year: 2011-2012

Politics and the Media

This course is an introduction to Canadian politics as it applies to the media. Students will develop an understanding of the concepts and principles that govern the relationship between the media and government at various levels. Students will learn how our lives are intimately influenced by the politics. The course provides a framework to enhance the student's ability to analyze and report on how the political system works.

Hours: 45
Course Code: JRNL-1020
Detailed Course Outline: JRNL-1020 Politics and the Media
Academic Year: 2011-2012

Basic Reporting

This course introduces students to the basic components of newspaper reporting. Students will learn how to formulate ideas and, through research and interviews, how to gather the material needed to report the news. Students will learn how to take and defend their notes and to maintain a list of contacts. Additionally, students will learn to report using colour and balance and how to humanize their stories by focusing on individuals rather than numbers or groups. This course is designed to help students overcome roadblocks that could prevent them from meeting deadlines.

Hours: 45
Course Code: JRNL-1030
Detailed Course Outline: JRNL-1030 Basic Reporting
Academic Year: 2011-2012

Newspaper I

This practice-based course introduces students to the fundamental building blocks and processes of newspaper reporting and presentation, concentrating specifically on the basic elements, variables and principles of news gathering. Using the project approach, the development of problem-solving techniques is also applied to the various technical skills. Students produce a daily newspaper during the winter term of their first year. Students are exposed to the professional standards, routines and demands of a news-gathering organization through the application of their skills and abilities.

Hours: 90
Course Code: JRNL-1040
Detailed Course Outline: JRNL-1040 Newspaper I
Academic Year: 2011-2012

Internship I

Internships offering On-the-Job-Training (OJT) is an essential part of student learning. The OJT provides an opportunity to demonstrate and build on the skills acquired during formal instruction. Students are exposed to the professional standards, routines and demands of an organization and are expected to add value through the application of their skills and abilities. The OJT is a wonderful opportunity for students to gain confidence and to experience their chosen career in a real-work setting.

Hours: 45
Course Code: JRNL-1050
Detailed Course Outline: JRNL-1050 Internship I
Academic Year: 2011-2012

Law and the Media

This course is an introduction to Canadian law as it applies to the media. Students will develop an understanding of the legal concepts and principles that govern the relationship between the media, the courts and the public. Students will learn how our lives are intimately influenced by the law. The course will also enhance the student's ability to anticipate and avoid many common legal problems before they arise by learning the mechanics of how the justice system works.

Hours: 45
Course Code: JRNL-1060
Detailed Course Outline: JRNL-1060 Law and the Media
Academic Year: 2011-2012

Advanced Newswriting

Building on the learning in Basic Newswriting, this course takes the student from the essential elements of a news story to the building blocks and structures that are frequently used in advanced newswriting. Students will learn to present the 5Ws and how using various structures designed to make stories more engaging to readers. Utilizing these structures, students will learn to show people doing things, to let their subjects talk, and to allow action, dialogue and anecdotes to carry the piece. Additionally, students will learn to find and write about people who are directly involved in a story and people who will feel the consequences of an action, event or situation to bring the story to life.

Hours: 45
Course Code: JRNL-1070
Detailed Course Outline: JRNL-1070 Advanced Newswriting
Academic Year: 2011-2012

Manipulation and the Media

This course is an introduction to manipulation of the media by interest groups. Students will develop an understanding of the relationship between the media, interest groups and the public. Students will learn how our lives are intimately influenced by manipulation of messages designed to reach the public. The course will also enhance the student's ability to anticipate and avoid many of the common tactics used by interest groups seeking to manipulate the media.

Hours: 45
Course Code: JRNL-1080
Detailed Course Outline: JRNL-1080 Manipulation and the Media
Academic Year: 2011-2012

Science and the Media

This course is an introduction to the relationship between the world of science and the media. Students will develop an understanding of the concepts and principles that govern the relationship. Students will learn how their lives are intimately influenced by science. This course provides a framework to enhance the student's ability to analyze and report on how the science world works. Using the case study approach, the development of problem-solving techniques is applied to the various issues reporters can expect to face in their work.

Hours: 45
Course Code: JRNL-1090
Detailed Course Outline: JRNL-1090 Science and the Media
Academic Year: 2011-2012

Newspaper II

This practice-based course builds on the knowledge gained in Newspaper I. Students use advanced techniques and processes in newspaper reporting and presentation, concentrating specifically on the various elements, variables and principles of news gathering. Using the project approach, the development of problem-solving techniques is also applied to the various technical skills. Students produce a daily newspaper during the fall term of their second year. Students are exposed to the professional standards, routines and demands of a news-gathering organization through the application of their skills and abilities.

Hours: 90
Course Code: JRNL-1100
Detailed Course Outline: JRNL-1100 Newspaper II
Academic Year: 2011-2012

Newspaper Layout and Design

Newspaper layout involves manipulation of stories, photographs, graphics and standing elements in an allotted news hole on a page after news decisions have been made. This course introduces students to the fundamental building blocks and processes of newspaper design. They will learn how to lay out pages electronically, a process called pagination, and they will learn many of the trade terms used in newspapers. As well, students will learn about font styles, headline sizes, news hole, editing photographs and a myriad of other details which set each newspaper apart.

Hours: 45
Course Code: JRNL-1110
Detailed Course Outline: JRNL-1110 Newspaper Layout and Design
Academic Year: 2011-2012

Newspaper Photography

Newspaper photography involves the ability to first recognize, and then to shoot a variety of photographs in a way that helps tell readers a story. In this course students learn how to use a digital camera and how to take newspaper photographs in a variety of settings. Students will also learn how to enhance their photographs using electronic software in a way that will not distort or fundamentally change the image.

Hours: 45
Course Code: JRNL-1120
Detailed Course Outline: JRNL-1120 Newspaper Photography
Academic Year: 2011-2012

Internship II

Internship opportunities offering On-the-Job-Training (OJT) is an essential part of student learning. The OJT provides an opportunity to demonstrate and build on the skills acquired during formal instruction. Students are exposed to the professional standards, routines and demands of an organization and are expected to add value through the application of their skills and abilities. Students will be expected to assume the duties normally expected of an entry-level person in a similar position with appropriate supervision. The OJT is a wonderful opportunity for students to gain confidence and to experience their chosen career in a real-work setting.

Hours: 45
Course Code: JRNL-1135
Detailed Course Outline: JRNL-1135 Internship II
Academic Year: 2011-2012

Feature Writing

Utilizing known story structures, students will learn to show people doing things, to let their subjects talk, and to allow action, and dialogue anecdotes to carry the piece. Additionally, students will learn to find and write about people who are directly involved in the story and about people who will feel the consequences of an action, event or situation to bring the story to life.

Hours: 45
Course Code: JRNL-1140
Detailed Course Outline: JRNL-1140 Feature Writing
Academic Year: 2011-2012

Advanced Reporting

Building on the skills obtained in Basic Reporting, students will learn how to develop stories from statistical and financial data. They will learn how to report on breaking events and how to report from the scene. Students will also learn to present stories using a multi-media format. Because not all information is readily available and accessible, students will learn how to use freedom of information legislations to secure information that may lead to exclusive stories. This course will also help students overcome roadblocks stemming from media manipulation.

Hours: 45
Course Code: JRNL-1150
Detailed Course Outline: JRNL-1150 Advanced Reporting
Academic Year: 2011-2012

Beat Reporting

Newspaper reporters may limit their coverage of news and events to one specialty area, or beat. In this course, students will choose one beat from a wide variety of issues and news events they have already reported on. Then they will specialize in this area, reading and learning about their beat and becoming familiar with its jargon, cultivating sources, covering events and writing stories. This course should enable students to not only cover several different beats but also become "experts" in their chosen beat.

Hours: 45
Course Code: JRNL-1160
Detailed Course Outline: JRNL-1160 Beat Reporting
Academic Year: 2011-2012

Broadcast Journalism I

Journalists must be competent using many different mediums. Broadcast Journalism builds on journalism skills of researching, reporting and interviewing and applies them to video news production. As students develop their planning, storyboarding, and writing skills, students will enhance their technical ability using multimedia equipment and software.

Hours: 45
Course Code: JRNL-1170
Detailed Course Outline: JRNL-1170 Broadcast Journalism I
Academic Year: 2011-2012

Optional courses

Broadcast Journalism II

Broadcast Journalism II builds on the skills learned in Broadcast Journalism I. Students will enhance their proficiency with both the editorial and technical components of broadcast media by producing an original current affairs documentary.

Hours: 45
Course Code: JRNL-1180
Detailed Course Outline: JRNL-1180 Broadcast Journalism II
Academic Year: 2011-2012

Program Facts
Start Date:	September
Length:	2 years
Location:	Charlottetown
Credential Issued:	Diploma, Newspaper Reporter

Graduate Opportunities

Graduates find employment in:

daily or weekly newspapers
public relations
information services
radio and television
US Federal Student Aid - Gainful Employment Disclosure

Admission Requirements

Grade 12 or equivalent with credits at or above the general level
Academic grade 11 or 12 English (minimum 65%)
The Journalism program suggests students entering the program buy a digital camera, however, some higher-end equipment is provided. Digital video equipment is supplied for the broadcast journalism courses.
Resumé including work and volunteer experience with applicable dates, membership in groups, associations or athletics, awards and distinctions, and any other information about yourself relevant to the program.

Tuition & Fees

Tuition
Year 1	$3,250
Year 2	$3,250
View a full breakdown of costs and booklist for this program.

Articulation Agreements

Athabasca University
2 years of credit toward a Bachelor of Professional Arts in Communication Studies.
University of Prince Edward Island
Students complete their first year at UPEI, then complete two years at Holland College, and complete final year at UPEI, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Print Journalism degree.
Griffith University Australia
Graduates may complete Bachelor of Communication or Bachelor of Journalism degree in 1.5 years.

We have 5 agreements for this Holland College program. For a complete listing, see our Degree Pathways page.

Contact

If you have any questions concerning the program, contact:

Rick MacLean
Wayne Young
Media & Communications Office (902) 629-4206

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