Course Offerings

Fall 2023▲

See complete information about these courses in the course offerings database. For more information about a specific course, including course type, schedule and location, click on its title.

Introduction to Mass Communications

JOUR 101 - Macary, Jared

This course serves as a gateway for both majors and non-majors to examine the role that the mass media play in society. The course examines the pervasiveness of mass media in our lives, and the history and roles of different media and their societal functions, processes, and effects. Students learn to tell the difference between fact and opinion and examine the links among theory, research and professional experience, while analyzing the ethics, methods, and motivations of the media and the expectations of their audiences. We discuss how media cover diversity issues and evaluate the policies and freedoms that guide and shape the mass media and the news media in the United States. Students complete the course as better informed consumers and interpreters of mass media and their messages.

Introduction to Mass Communications

JOUR 101 - Walters, Patrick

This course serves as a gateway for both majors and non-majors to examine the role that the mass media play in society. The course examines the pervasiveness of mass media in our lives, and the history and roles of different media and their societal functions, processes, and effects. Students learn to tell the difference between fact and opinion and examine the links among theory, research and professional experience, while analyzing the ethics, methods, and motivations of the media and the expectations of their audiences. We discuss how media cover diversity issues and evaluate the policies and freedoms that guide and shape the mass media and the news media in the United States. Students complete the course as better informed consumers and interpreters of mass media and their messages.

Broadcast-Announcing Practicum

JOUR 162 - Finch, Kevin D.

Students learn the skills required to effectively anchor news, weather, or sports on the weekly Rockbridge Report newscast, which appears on a local cable access channel.

FS: First-Year Seminar: How We See The Poor: The Media's Lens On Poverty

JOUR 180B - Colon, Aly A.

This course is about how we see poverty. What images come to mind? What judgments arise from such depictions?  How does the media’s views influence how we think about it?  We will study portrayals of poverty, class and material inequality. Most of it will focus on the United States. Depictions of poverty will appear in print/broadcast journalism, nonfiction books, documentary film, and movies.  By including some social science literature, we will deepen our understanding of the conceptual frames through which poverty has been understood and explained. We will also study how the news media captures the poor.

FS: First-Year Seminar: Who’s Sorry Now? Apologies and the Media

JOUR 180C - Dewey, Lisa A. (Ady)

We all make mistakes, but not all of us have to face the consequences of those mistakes on the public stage like celebrities, athletes, politicians, and corporate leaders. Apologies, or the lack thereof, can break a career or can cause an incident to pass by with a mere ripple. The determining factor is how the words play out in the media – if the apology is perceived as perfunctory or heartfelt. We will consider apologies from different lenses, such as journalists and public relations/brand consultants, and across media, including social, video, and print. In this course, you are invited to question apologies that have been made, to evaluate the effects of the words, and to weigh in on when apologies matter. 

Introduction to News Writing

JOUR 201 - Locy, Toni R.

Students are taught the principles and techniques of information gathering and news writing, with emphasis on fulfilling the role of the news media in a democratic society. Extensive laboratory work enables students to prepare assignments for online and other digital media, while stressing accuracy, clarity and skepticism in reporting and writing.

Introduction to Digital Journalism

JOUR 202 - Walters, Patrick

Concepts and practices of news gathering and presentation in a multimedia, interactive environment. Combines classroom instruction with a converged news media lab in which students contribute to a website, television newscast, and newspaper. The laboratory requirement is limited to three sessions during the term, as arranged with the instructor.

Fundamentals of Audio Production and Vocal Development

JOUR 208 - Cross, Steve

An introduction into the fundamentals of audio production, the history of audio recording, podcasting, and the development of one's individual vocal persona to create effective and compelling audio for public consumption. Nearly all audio and video production has one thing in common: an audio track. Through the use of the most commonly used audio software, students will learn the fundamentals of producing compelling single and multi-track audio recordings.Students will also learn the use of one's voice as a tool in effective storytelling, news delivery, and hosting behind a microphone. The course will require the practice of announcing with vocal pronunciation and expression, and the development of an individual vocal persona, through vocal breathing, control skills, and microphone technique.

Public Relations Writing

JOUR 227 - Macary, Jared

A writing course to teach the many forms of persuasive writing used by public relations practitioners to reach diverse audiences. Through frequent writing assignments and revisions, students master the art of press releases, media pitches, media alerts, features, public service announcements, newsletters, press kits, backgrounders, and coverage memos for appropriate media outlets. Students are exposed to social media and video skills as well as writing.

Beat Reporting

JOUR 258 - Swasy, Alecia

Using the community as the laboratory, students develop competence in the principles and techniques of reporting and writing news for online, broadcast and social media in a democratic society. Working on assigned beats, students learn source development, news judgment, information gathering, news presentation and time management. Work is published and aired on the Rockbridge Report website and newscast.

The Framing of Race in Mass Media

JOUR 268 - Colon, Aly A.

This course examines how the news media cover race and ethnicity. How accurate is the portrayal of racial and ethnic groups? How do news media deal with clichés, ignorance and fear when it comes to differences? Do they offer a comprehensive and contextual view? The course highlights some of the best examples of reporting on race and ethnicity and how such reporting delves into the complexity of culture that can educate and surprise.

Principles of Public Relations

JOUR 273 - Macary, Jared

This class focuses on understanding what public relations is and what those who practice public relations do. Students examine the origins of public relations, the nature and role of public relations, the major influences that affect organizational behavior, the ethics of public relations, and the professional development of public-relations professionals. Emphasis is placed on the planning, writing, and management functions, working with media and developing effective public-relations strategies.

Covering Courts and the Law

JOUR 280 - Locy, Toni R.

Courthouses make the best beats by providing a window on what is important to the American people. This course introduces students to the U.S. court system, its players, language and impact on the public at large. Students learn how to identify newsworthy legal stories, read court documents, and make sense of them in order to write clear, compelling, fair and accurate news stories for mass audiences.

Law and Communications

JOUR 301 - Abah, Adedayo O. (Dayo)

An examination of the development of First Amendment jurisprudence, the law of defamation, privacy, access, free press-fair trial, journalists' privilege, obscenity and pornography. The case study approach is used, but the emphasis is on the principles that underlie the landmark cases. This course can serve as an introduction to and preparation for further studies in communications law and/or the legal system in general.

Communication Theory and Research Methods

JOUR 330 - Dewey, Lisa A. (Ady)

An examination of the major bodies of communication theory within a media framework and the process of conducting research within that framework. Regarding theory, we cover both social/behavioral and cultural/critical perspectives and their historical development. Regarding methods, we cover both the general process of forming and measuring a research question or hypothesis in communication research as well as the particulars of some of the central methods of communication research.

Ethics of Journalism

JOUR 344 - Colon, Aly A.

A study of the moral issues arising from the practice of modern journalism and communications. Includes examination of philosophical and theoretical foundations of ethics, the place and role of journalism in the larger society, and moral choices in the newsroom. Topics include: First Amendment freedoms, privacy, confidentiality of sources, conflicts of interest, cooperation with law enforcement, free press/fair trial, photojournalism, and issues of accountability.

Producing for Broadcast and Online Media

JOUR 362 - Finch, Kevin D.

Preparation for leadership roles in electronic media. Extensive work in decision-making and management in the newsroom through television news producing and Internet content construction.

Financial News

JOUR 371 - Swasy, Alecia

Required for the business journalism sequence and appropriate as an elective for journalism, strategic communication, and business administration majors. Reporting and writing techniques for journalists who cover Wall Street and publicly-traded companies. Students learn reporting fundamentals of financial statements, researching corporate documents, and data analysis using the Bloomberg terminal, and how to write industry analysis and narratives.

News Internship

JOUR 451 - Bartlett, Sarah A.

Professional service, arranged and supervised individually, with newspapers, radio and television stations, online news sites, or other news media or business institutions, as appropriate.

Communications Internship

JOUR 461 - Bartlett, Sarah A.

Professional service, arranged and supervised individually, in public relations, advertising, corporate communications, or other mass media-related businesses, as appropriate.

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Spring 2023▲

See complete information about these courses in the course offerings database. For more information about a specific course, including course type, schedule and location, click on its title.

Landmark First Amendment Cases and Their Implications for Speech in the 21st Century

JOUR 245 - Abah, Adedayo O. (Dayo)

Over the years, the courts have clarified when and how speech can, and cannot, be restricted by the government. This course helps you to understand the 1st amendment in context and the different forms of expressions that have helped shaped the 1st Amendment jurisprudence. For example, understanding why true threats and obscenity are not protected speech but provocative or offensive political opinions, and sometimes, hate speech is a protected category of speech. The course also focuses on the use of speech rights by diverse groups of people to achieve justice and equality .

Cross-Cultural Documentary Filmmaking

JOUR 266 - Finch, Kevin D.

The United States is a melting pot of nationalities and cultures. As people move to the U.S. from other countries they go through cross-cultural adaptation, and identity becomes an issue for everyone. Students in this course work in three-person teams to produce five-minute documentaries on cross-cultural adaptation by an ethnic community in our region or by selected international students at Washington and Lee. Students are expected to immerse themselves in learning about the home countries and current communities of their subjects. The course includes instruction in the techniques of documentary film-making, allowing students to develop their writing, storytelling, shooting and editing skills.

Topics in Journalism and Mass Communications: Podcasting

JOUR 295G - Coddington, Mark A.

Podcasting is one of the most dynamic and fastest-growing formats in the contemporary media environment. In this course, students will get hands-on experience producing their own podcast, learning the process of developing one from forming an idea, strategic planning, and information gathering to recording, editing, and delivery. Along the way, we’ll learn about the contours of the podcasting industry, listen to exemplary podcasts across genres, and talk to expert podcasters about their work.

Topics in Journalism and Mass Communications: Corporate Communications

JOUR 295H - Swasy, Alecia

Corporate Communications: Learn how the pros communicate with shareholders, potential investors, government officials and the media. Guest speakers include top Investor Relations advisors and Wall Street Journal reporters, among others.  

Topics in Journalism and Mass Communications: Damage Control in the Digital Age/Digital Communication for Brand Building

JOUR 295I - Laventure, Alisha

In-depth Reporting

JOUR 356 - Locy, Toni R.

The principles and techniques of developing and creating enterprising, heavily researched journalistic work for the mass media. Students produce in-depth work that they showcase on a website. Extensive group work is required.

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Winter 2023▲

See complete information about these courses in the course offerings database. For more information about a specific course, including course type, schedule and location, click on its title.

Introduction to Mass Communications

JOUR 101 - Finch, Kevin D.

This course serves as a gateway for both majors and non-majors to examine the role that the mass media play in society. The course examines the pervasiveness of mass media in our lives, and the history and roles of different media and their societal functions, processes, and effects. Students learn to tell the difference between fact and opinion and examine the links among theory, research and professional experience, while analyzing the ethics, methods, and motivations of the media and the expectations of their audiences. We discuss how media cover diversity issues and evaluate the policies and freedoms that guide and shape the mass media and the news media in the United States. Students complete the course as better informed consumers and interpreters of mass media and their messages.

Introduction to Mass Communications

JOUR 101 - Macary, Jared

This course serves as a gateway for both majors and non-majors to examine the role that the mass media play in society. The course examines the pervasiveness of mass media in our lives, and the history and roles of different media and their societal functions, processes, and effects. Students learn to tell the difference between fact and opinion and examine the links among theory, research and professional experience, while analyzing the ethics, methods, and motivations of the media and the expectations of their audiences. We discuss how media cover diversity issues and evaluate the policies and freedoms that guide and shape the mass media and the news media in the United States. Students complete the course as better informed consumers and interpreters of mass media and their messages.

Broadcast-Announcing Practicum

JOUR 162 - Finch, Kevin D.

Students learn the skills required to effectively anchor news, weather, or sports on the weekly Rockbridge Report newscast, which appears on a local cable access channel.

Introduction to News Writing

JOUR 201 - Coddington, Mark A.

Students are taught the principles and techniques of information gathering and news writing, with emphasis on fulfilling the role of the news media in a democratic society. Extensive laboratory work enables students to prepare assignments for online and other digital media, while stressing accuracy, clarity and skepticism in reporting and writing.

Introduction to News Writing

JOUR 201 - Walters, Patrick

Students are taught the principles and techniques of information gathering and news writing, with emphasis on fulfilling the role of the news media in a democratic society. Extensive laboratory work enables students to prepare assignments for online and other digital media, while stressing accuracy, clarity and skepticism in reporting and writing.

Introduction to Digital Journalism

JOUR 202 - Coddington, Mark A.

Concepts and practices of news gathering and presentation in a multimedia, interactive environment. Combines classroom instruction with a converged news media lab in which students contribute to a website, television newscast, and newspaper. The laboratory requirement is limited to three sessions during the term, as arranged with the instructor.

Fundamentals of Audio Production and Vocal Development

JOUR 208 - Cross, Steve

An introduction into the fundamentals of audio production, the history of audio recording, podcasting, and the development of one's individual vocal persona to create effective and compelling audio for public consumption. Nearly all audio and video production has one thing in common: an audio track. Through the use of the most commonly used audio software, students will learn the fundamentals of producing compelling single and multi-track audio recordings.Students will also learn the use of one's voice as a tool in effective storytelling, news delivery, and hosting behind a microphone. The course will require the practice of announcing with vocal pronunciation and expression, and the development of an individual vocal persona, through vocal breathing, control skills, and microphone technique.

Public Relations Writing

JOUR 227 - Macary, Jared

A writing course to teach the many forms of persuasive writing used by public relations practitioners to reach diverse audiences. Through frequent writing assignments and revisions, students master the art of press releases, media pitches, media alerts, features, public service announcements, newsletters, press kits, backgrounders, and coverage memos for appropriate media outlets. Students are exposed to social media and video skills as well as writing.

Breaking News Reporting

JOUR 236 - Walters, Patrick

Breaking news is the fastest growing segment of journalism today, with the 24-hour news cycle dictating that stories evolve by minutes and hours, not days. This is where the journalism industry is seeing growth, and the ability to cover and write breaking news quickly is one of the most important skills in journalism today. In this course, students will build on the basic skills they learned in JOUR 201. The course will focus on developing the skills to report on planned and unplanned breaking news events and produce news content for all platforms, including social media, radio, TV, podcasts and online sources.

Beat Reporting

JOUR 258 - Locy, Toni R.

Using the community as the laboratory, students develop competence in the principles and techniques of reporting and writing news for online, broadcast and social media in a democratic society. Working on assigned beats, students learn source development, news judgment, information gathering, news presentation and time management. Work is published and aired on the Rockbridge Report website and newscast.

Law and Communications

JOUR 301 - Abah, Adedayo O. (Dayo)

An examination of the development of First Amendment jurisprudence, the law of defamation, privacy, access, free press-fair trial, journalists' privilege, obscenity and pornography. The case study approach is used, but the emphasis is on the principles that underlie the landmark cases. This course can serve as an introduction to and preparation for further studies in communications law and/or the legal system in general.

Crisis Communications

JOUR 325 - Abah, Adedayo O. (Dayo)

A case-study approach to current methods of forecasting problems and responding effectively to crises and consequences in the public and private sectors. Topics include identifying and communicating effectively with stakeholders during crises, effective media-relations strategies during emergencies, building an effective crisis-response plan, regaining public credibility following a crisis, and avoiding public relations mistakes during litigation.

The Documentary

JOUR 338 - Finch, Kevin D.

A critical study of the documentary in film and television, with analysis of prominent directors and genres.

Multimedia Storytelling Design

JOUR 341 - / Locy, Toni R.

Have you ever wondered how news organizations put together their Pulitzer Prize-winning interactive stories? This course introduces students to tools that help them imagine, design, and create powerful interactive features with audio, video, graphics, and words on the cutting edge of journalism and mass communications. Students learn web design and programming skills using HTML CSS and JavaScript. This course is for students with little or no coding experience but who want to know how they did that.

Media Ethics

JOUR 345 - Colon, Aly A.

This course enables students to explore ethical challenges that arise within the various communication practices of contemporary media: journalism, public relations, advertising, documentary film, blogging and fictional programming. The course offers a grounding in moral reasoning and an understanding of professional ethics as an evolving response to changing social and industrial conditions in the media industries.

Editing for Print and Online Media

JOUR 351 - Locy, Toni R.

The principles and techniques of editing copy for digital and print media, with emphasis on clarity of thought, legal and moral responsibilities, and effective communication. Classroom work and assignments includes production of publications for both journalism and strategic communication majors, using InDesign, among other applications and software.

Producing for Broadcast and Online Media

JOUR 362 - Finch, Kevin D.

Preparation for leadership roles in electronic media. Extensive work in decision-making and management in the newsroom through television news producing and Internet content construction.

Reporting on the Economy

JOUR 372 - Swasy, Alecia

Reporting and writing techniques used by journalists who cover global economics. Students learn basics of the reporting and analysis of Federal Reserve reports, economic indicators, and data via the Bloomberg terminal and other resources. Writing emphasizes storytelling about people behind the numbers of the wealth and wage gaps, consumer trends, and worker issues in the global supply chain.

News Internship

JOUR 451 - Abah, Adedayo O. (Dayo)

Professional service, arranged and supervised individually, with newspapers, radio and television stations, online news sites, or other news media or business institutions, as appropriate.

Communications Internship

JOUR 461 - Abah, Adedayo O. (Dayo)

Professional service, arranged and supervised individually, in public relations, advertising, corporate communications, or other mass media-related businesses, as appropriate.

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