Journalism
13 courses · Rio Hondo College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
JOUR 110 Digital Photojournalism I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Advisory
- It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides an introduction the process of taking photographs using digital cameras, digital video cameras, and digital printing devices. Photocomposition, printing and scanning techniques using Photoshop for the use of publication, and other computer skills related to contemporary photojournalism will also be addressed. Assignments may include work for college publications. This class is recommended for students majoring in journalism or photography. Lab hours are required in addition to scheduled lecture hours.
JOUR 115 Writing for TV and Film
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Advisory
- It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and be able to read college-level texts.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course introduces students to writing for film and electronic media. The course emphasizes formatting scripts properly, including fundamental technical, conceptual, and stylistic issues related to writing fictional and nonfictional scripts for informational and entertainment purposes in film and electronic media. A writing evaluation component is a significant course requirement.
JOUR 120 Communications Reporting and Writing
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Advisory
- It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- JOUR 110
The course is an introduction to the writing and editing techniques used in the newspaper industry, with emphasis placed on gathering information and the principles of clarity and conciseness. Students use computers during class and lab times. The course is intended for students who are pursuing the Associate of Science Degree/Certificate of Achievement in Mass Communications with either Mass Media or Print Media Specializations.
JOUR 147 Broadcast News
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Advisory
- It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is intended for students interested in broadcasting for television. Students learn the principles and techniques of broadcast news, including gathering and writing news for television, script writing and interviewing, and the procedures and techniques of presenting the news for broadcast. This course covers law and ethics, producing news packages, live-to-tape packages, and live shots, including voiceover-to-sound (VO/SOT), producing, and directing. In the course, students have the opportunity to produce the “Río News” weekly segments for the El Paisano digital newspaper.
JOUR 220 Advanced Reporting and Writing
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Prerequisite
- JOUR 120
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course provides students with advanced instruction in explanatory and investigative journalism, covering public affairs, police, courts, school boards, and city boards. Students study methods of preparing material intended for publication in print and online editions of newspapers. The course incorporates the study of editing principles, style, and design to meet journalism industry expectations.
JOUR 230 Magazine Production
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Advisory
- JOUR 110
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course involves writing news, news and profile features, and commentary as well as taking and editing photographs for publication in La Cima, the college magazine. Students learn copy editing, layout/computer design, Photoshop, digital photography, and advertising fundamentals through the process of writing, editing, and laying out the college magazine.
JOUR 231 Digital Magazine Production
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Advisory
- GDSN 172, JOUR 110, JOUR 120
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of magazine writing, production, and editing. Students learn the methods, techniques, and procedures of magazine publication using software (e.g., InDesign) to layout magazine content by participating in the pre- and post-production of La Cima, the college magazine. Students learn how to develop story ideas and content, write stories, take photographs, prepare for publication, and design pages. Class lectures include subjects like magazine preparation, production, organization, structure, and operation. At the conclusion of the course, students will have participated in the total development and production of a magazine(s) that will be published online and printed, thereby mastering the use of design layout, illustration, and ensuring page layouts are well-balanced.
JOUR 241 Newspaper Production I
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 108 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- JOUR 130
This course is for students who want to learn production and management techniques for newspaper production. Students participate in every facet of developing a newspaper for the college community by serving as staff writers, staff photographers, editors, and layout personnel. During the semester, students publish the college newspaper, El Paisano, by having weekly assignments for different sections of the paper, including News, Features, Arts and Entertainment, Opinion, Advertising and Sports. In addition, students may be tasked with taking photographs for special Focus pages. Editors are responsible for designing their sections of the newspaper on days designated by publication deadlines by using In Design and Photoshop.
JOUR 242 Digital Newspaper Production I
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 108 Lab
- Advisory
- JOUR 241
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- JOUR 130
This course is for students who want to learn production and management techniques of online newspaper publication. Students participate in every facet of developing and gathering the news for the online edition of El Paisano by taking on daily and weekly assignments for different sections of the newspaper, including News, Features, Arts and Entertainment, Opinion, Advertising, and Sports. In addition, students may be tasked with taking photographs for special online slide shows and developing and producing online radio podcasts, video news, and feature programs. Appointed editors distribute assignments to staff personnel during the semester and help with the development of each member of the class to produce viable online news.
JOUR 243 Newspaper Production II
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 108 Lab
- Prerequisite
- JOUR 241
- Advisory
- JOUR 120
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- JOUR 131
This course is for students who want to continue to learn production and management techniques for newspaper production and earn their degree in either journalism and/or mass communications with a specialization in print media. Students write, produce, layout pages, copy edit, sell advertisements, and design pages and advertisements using InDesign, Photoshop, and other editing software for the college newspaper, El Paisano. Students also acquire production skills in formatting and file conversions for print media. Students are expected to serve in leadership roles and cover on- and off-campus news.
JOUR 244 Digital Newspaper Production II
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 108 Lab
- Prerequisite
- JOUR 242
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- JOUR 131
This course is for students interested in improving their journalistic skill sets, and/or furthering their journalism career in the digital realm. Students work hands on with the variety of media platforms used to publish El Paisano Online (www.elpaisanoonline.com). Students produce content for all online aspects of the digital newspaper, including podcasting, broadcasting, news segments, and writing for a mass audience while implementing the video component of all stories. At the conclusion of the course, students will have learned the concept of immediacy for online news while keeping the reader engaged.
JOUR 290 Work Experience Education/Internship for Journalism-Related Fields
- Units
- 1-4
- Hours
- 3 Lecture, 54-216 Lab
- Prerequisite
- JOUR 120, JOUR 241, ENGL C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course supports and reinforces on-the-job training in business and industrial establishments under the supervision of a college instructor. Training is informed by learning objectives. Students work in a skilled or professional-level assignment in their area of vocational interest, and meet performance objectives related to instruction that are above and beyond the conditions of regular employment. This course is intended for students whose job is related to the field of journalism and have completed or enrolled in the appropriate coursework. The course may be taken once and repeated for a maximum of 16 units. Contact the Work Experience Education Office regarding re-enrollment procedures.
JOUR 299 Directed Study: Journalism
- Units
- 1-3
- Hours
- 54-162 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is for students who are able to assume responsibility for independent work and prepare written or oral reports and/or appropriate projects. To enroll in an independent/directed study course, students must possess a 2.5 overall grade point average, and a 3.0 grade point average in the discipline of study being requested, or receive an exception from the instructor. Independent/directed studies may be developed from any topic that arises from or is related to a course of study that will result in developing depth and breadth in that subject area. Students are expected to meet on a regular basis with their faculty sponsor and to submit a final report or project. Student progress will be evaluated at regular intervals. Academic standards for independent/directed Studies will be the same as standards for other courses. Units are awarded in accordance to Title 5 regulations, with one (1) unit of credit awarded for 54 hours of directed study, six (6) hours of which must be with an instructor. The instructor is responsible for monitoring student progress through the semester. Students may take directed study courses for a maximum of three (3) units within a discipline, and may not accumulate more than a total of nine (9) units college wide.