Course Offerings

Winter 2025▲

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

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

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

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 - Dewey, Ady

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, Podcasting 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.

Sports Journalism

JOUR 210 - Miller, John

A seminar surveying, analyzing, and critiquing local, regional, national and international converged sports reporting and writing by working sports journalists. In addition, students read and analyze several longer pieces by working journalists, and write extensively. Students also are assigned to report on local high school and college sports.

Reporting on Local Communities

JOUR 258 - Walters, Patrick

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.

Topics in Journalism and Mass Communication: Video Production

JOUR 295O - Perez, Nich

This hands-on production course is designed to introduce students to moving images and sound as an effective platform for creative storytelling and contemporary art practice. Students will learn and apply the skills, theories, and techniques used in film and video, participating in all aspects of media production, including gathering and developing ideas, writing preproduction materials, cinematography and lighting, sound design, editing, and screening. Students will be exposed to and research a range of media makers to understand and apply cinematic concepts, techniques, and related forms.

Topics in Journalism and Mass Communications: Media, Sports and Power

JOUR 295P - Miller, John

This course will examine media, sports and society and explore their social values and norms as they relate to race, gender, sexuality and images. It will also explore the roles that sports have played in the development of media and society, both in the US and globally, and consider such issues as the socialization of sports, racism, sexism, professionalism, nationalism and amateurism.

Humanities Topics in Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies: Girls, Gays, and Theys: Feminist and Queer Media Studies

JOUR 295Q - Grover, Kate

Whether as producers, consumers, or critics, “girls, gays, and theys” have a unique relationship with media. In this class, we’ll explore how people of marginalized genders and sexualities make sense of their media environments and use media to contest the boundaries of what’s “normal.” As an introduction to feminist and queer media studies, this course will also examine how various forms of media—including film, television, popular music, print journalism, advertising, and digital media—facilitate, reflect, and challenge social constructions of identity (gender, race, sexuality, etc.). Students in this class will build analysis and literacy skills necessary to be critical participants in 21st century media cultures. 

Law and Communications

JOUR 301 - Abah, 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.

Health and Environmental Communication

JOUR 331 - Macary, Jared

This course introduces students to theoretical concepts in and practical applications ofhealth and environmental communication, which are presented as distinct yet entwined fields ofstudy and professional opportunity. As core skill developed, students learn and understand a)overlapping political, economic, and socio-cultural discourses related to health and theenvironment across cultures; b) the implications of these discourses on a variety of outcomes forhumans, non-humans, and the planet; and c) job opportunities to make a difference as strategiccommunicators and journalists. As highlight, students will assume the positionality of stakeholdergroups in dedicated class sessions to advocate for particular health and environmental outcomeswhile negotiating and resisting those by other groups.

Leading Public Relations Campaigns

JOUR 334 - Macary, Jared

In this course – the most advanced stratcomm degree track – students are assigned to a team of peers and work exclusively with on community client over the term. Looking beyond the grounds of the university, students regard themselves as public relations professionals; they mobilize critical thinking, project management, teamwork, and creative strategy to deliver an original research campaign that meets client needs. In addition to navigating all phases of a PR campaign, students routinely practice verbalcommunication, advancing their presentation skills.

The Documentary

JOUR 338 - Finch, Kevin

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

Media Ethics

JOUR 345 - Dewey, Ady

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

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.

Investigative Reporting

JOUR 356 - Locy, Toni

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.

Producing for Live TV and the Web

JOUR 362 - Finch, Kevin

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 - Dobbins, Heather

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 - Dobbins, Heather

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

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Fall 2024▲

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 - Dewey, Ady

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

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 - Locy, Toni

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 - Dewey, Ady

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, Podcasting 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.

Social Media: Principles and Practice

JOUR 220 - Coddington, Mark

In this course, students dive deep into social media, learning how to use it as thoughtful and ethical professionals, and examining its growing roles in society, politics, identity, and relationships. Students get hands-on experience in producing news for social media by running a multi-platform social news service. They also learn how to plan a strategic social media campaign, how to use metrics to analyze social media effectiveness, and how to use social media in reporting.

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.

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

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, 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 - Coddington, Mark

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 - Swasy, Alecia

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

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.

News Internship

JOUR 451 - Bartlett, Sarah

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 - Dobbins, Heather / Bartlett, Sarah

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

Communications Internship

JOUR 462 - Bartlett, Sarah

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 2024▲

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.

Photojournalism

JOUR 153 - Macary, Jared

This course introduces the professional practice of photojournalism, which lies at the intersection of journalism and visual communication. The course emphasizes visual theory and journalistic ethics alongside extensive hands-on practice. Practice involves technical training in the use of digital single-lens reflex cameras as opposed to smartphone camera technology. Students will complete activities on campus and, in the third week, visit Washington, D.C., to apply what they've learned. At the end of the D.C. visit, students will also complete a strenuous hike of Old Rag Mountain to photograph nature. Original imagery from travel will be presented to the W&L community during the final week of the course.

Topics in Journalism and Mass Communications: Winning Time at ESPN: Sports Media in Today's Competitive World

JOUR 295M - Miller, John

Sports is a central part of the America culture, touching nearly aspect of life. ESPN, undisputed worldwide leader in sports culture, is a principal player in that world, from coverage of every major sports league, to unique narrative storytelling with its Emmy-winning 30 for 30 documentary series, to its creation of the college football playoffs. Because of sports’ multibillion-dollar reach into the media world, there are lessons to be learned about the strategic and global reach of sports and the implications in everyday American life.

In-depth Reporting

JOUR 356 - Walters, Patrick / Locy, Toni

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.

Media Management & Entrepreneurship

JOUR 377 - Swasy, Alecia

An examination of trends and challenges in media management, including a close examination of industry economics, changing reader and viewer habits, revenue and profit pressures, and labor and management issues unique to the news profession. Appropriate for non-majors.

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