Journalism JOUR

JOUR-21 Introduction to Mass Communications

Units

3

Hours

54 lecture total

Transfers to

CSU, UC (with credit limitation)

C-ID

JOUR 100

Grading: Pass/No Pass Option

UC transfer limit – maximum credit 3 units between JOUR 21 and SOC 15

This course provides a survey of mass media as a social institution, and covers newspapers, magazines, radio, television, motion pictures, books, the internet, and emerging technologies. Students will study the historical development of mass communication, explore major theories of media effects, and analyze the role of media in shaping individual behavior, group interaction, and cultural identity. Emphasis is placed on social science perspectives and methods of inquiry used in media studies, including audience research and content analysis. Topics include legal and ethical responsibilities, media literacy, issues of diversity and representation, and the influence of media on social, cultural, political, and global contexts. Students will research and analyze current media phenomena and produce a term project reflecting their discoveries. This course may be offered in a distance education format.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

JOUR-27 Newswriting and Reporting

Units

3

Hours

54 lecture total (when offered in the distance education format, hours will total 162)

Advisory

Ability to type 25 wpm; Essay-writing skills and eligibility to enroll in a transfer-level English Composition course, or English Placement Level 6 or higher

Transfers to

CSU

C-ID

JOUR 110

Grading: Pass/No Pass Option

This course provides an introduction to gathering, synthesizing /organizing, and writing news in journalistic style across multiple platforms. It includes the role of the journalist and related legal and ethical issues. Students will report and write based on their original interviews and research to produce news content. Experiences may include covering speeches, meetings, and other events, writing under deadline, and use of AP Style. This course may be offered in a distance education format.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

JOUR-29 Photojournalism

Units

3

Hours

54 lecture total (when offered in the distance education format, hours will total 162)

Transfers to

CSU

Note: Students are urged to furnish own camera

This course covers the theory and skills needed in the practice of photography for the print media, including college publications and publicity. The program will employ professionally recognized picture-taking techniques and digital imaging procedures. This course may be offered in a distance education format.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.