Communications and Journalism

This interactive class gives students the skills to not only navigate and assess traditional and contemporary modes of mass media, but also to create their own forms through the class web log and FivePoints Zine. We frame our class in media literacy and discuss how the media influences public opinion and culture.

Students create a class blog and update it daily. They shape its direction and create all content. In the context of both online and print journalism, students discuss the role of the journalist. What are the responsibilities and ethics surrounding these forms of mass media? How do the opportunities of the Internet, world-wide audience and immediate access shape these responsibilities? Our students learn about the actions and consequences of providing content, and how to share opinions, information and entertainment in a responsible and appropriate format.

Throughout the course, students also create a magazine from the ground up. Working hands-on with concept, design, layout and content. Students print the magazine and distribute it at the end of the session. It is a great take-home for all the students!