School of Journalism and Communication
(Faculty of Public Affairs)
4309 Richcraft Hall
613-520-7404
http://carleton.ca/sjc
This section presents the requirements for programs in:
Program Requirements
Journalism
B.J. Honours (20.0 credits)
A. Credits Included in the Major CGPA (8.0 credits) | ||
1. 1.0 credit in: | 1.0 | |
JOUR 1001 [0.5] | Foundations of Journalism: Journalism in Context | |
JOUR 1002 [0.5] | Foundations of Journalism: Journalism in Practice | |
2. 2.0 credits in: | 2.0 | |
JOUR 2201 [1.0] | Fundamentals of Reporting | |
JOUR 2202 [0.5] | Digital Journalism Toolkit | |
JOUR 2501 [0.5] | Media Law | |
3. 2.5 credits in: | 2.5 | |
JOUR 3207 [0.5] | Audio Journalism | |
JOUR 3208 [0.5] | Video Journalism | |
JOUR 3225 [0.5] | Reporting in Depth | |
JOUR 3235 [0.5] | Digital Journalism | |
JOUR 3300 [0.5] | Media Ethics in a Digital World ( ) | |
4. 0.5 credit in: | 0.5 | |
JOUR 4001 [0.5] | Journalism Now - and Next | |
5. 1.0 credit from: | 1.0 | |
JOUR 4204 [0.5] | The Newsroom – Advanced Multimedia Workshop | |
JOUR 4205 [0.5] | The Newsroom – Advanced Local News Workshop | |
JOUR 4206 [0.5] | The Newsroom – Advanced Audio Workshop | |
JOUR 4207 [0.5] | The Newsroom – Advanced Video Workshop | |
JOUR 4208 [0.5] | Professional Practices: Specialized Media | |
6. 1.0 credit from: | 1.0 | |
JOUR 4201 [1.0] | Specialized Journalism: Politics and Government | |
JOUR 4300 [0.5] | Specialized Journalism: Special Topics | |
JOUR 4301 [0.5] | Specialized Journalism: Business and the markets | |
JOUR 4302 [0.5] | Specialized Journalism: Business and Canadian Society | |
JOUR 4303 [0.5] | Specialized Journalism: Health and Science | |
JOUR 4304 [0.5] | Specialized Journalism: Environment and Science | |
JOUR 4305 [0.5] | Specialized Journalism: Canada and the U.S. | |
JOUR 4306 [0.5] | Specialized Journalism: Canada and the World | |
JOUR 4308 [0.5] | Specialized Journalism: Sports and Sport Culture | |
JOUR 4309 [0.5] | Specialized Journalism: Arts and Culture | |
JOUR 4310 [0.5] | Specialized Journalism: Justice and the Law | |
JOUR 4311 [0.5] | Specialized Journalism: Justices and Journalists | |
JOUR 4312 [0.5] | Specialized Journalism: Social Issues | |
B. Credits Not Included in the Major CGPA (12.0 credits) | ||
7. 4.0 credits must be taken in a field other than journalism, with at least 1.0 of these credits at the 3000-level or higher | 4.0 | |
8. 1.0 credit from: | 1.0 | |
HIST 1300 [1.0] | The Making of Canada | |
HIST 2301 [0.5] | Canadian Political History | |
HIST 2304 [1.0] | Social and Cultural History of Canada | |
HIST 2311 [0.5] | Environmental History of Canada | |
INDG 1011 [0.5] | Introduction to Indigenous-Settler Encounters | |
9. 7.0 credits in free electives. Free elective credits may include JOUR courses in the 43XX series. | 7.0 | |
Total Credits | 20.0 |
Note: No more than two of JOUR 4204, JOUR 4205, JOUR 4206,JOUR 4207 and JOUR 4208 may be used to fulfil requirements for the degree. No course from this list may be taken more than once and two courses from this list may not be taken simultaneously.
Bachelor of Journalism
Combined Honours
Bachelor of Journalism students may take Combined Honours programs in which Journalism is combined with another discipline. Students may choose a Combined Honours program in Journalism and Communication and Media Studies, or from Combined Honours programs offered within the B.A. The Journalism requirements for the Combined Honours program are normally the same as those for the Bachelor of Journalism with Honours listed above. The requirements of the other discipline are the same as those listed for the B.A. Combined Honours program in that discipline. Students are advised to consult the Combined Honours entry of their second discipline in this calendar for details. Combined Honours programs in Journalism and other disciplines are available only to students registered in Journalism.
Bachelor of Arts
Combined Honours
Upon application procedures described below, students combining Journalism with another discipline may elect to graduate with the degree Bachelor of Arts (Combined Honours) in lieu of the Bachelor of Journalism (Combined Honours). The Journalism requirements for this degree are the same as those for the Bachelor of Journalism with Honours listed above. The requirements of the other discipline are the same as those listed for the Combined Honours program in the other discipline. Students are advised to consult the Combined Honours entry of their second discipline in this calendar for details. All students who elect to receive the Bachelor of Arts (Combined Honours) must (i) write the Honours Research Essay, if required, in the other discipline and (ii) must transfer to the Bachelor of Arts Honours program as a Combined Honours student. Students who are not required to present an Honours Research Essay by the other discipline, but who prefer to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts (Combined Honours), must also transfer to the Bachelor of Arts Honours program. Such students must request an Internal Degree Transfer in their final term and at least 60 days before the completion of the final courses required for their degree to assure their graduation at the next convocation.
Combined Honours programs in Journalism and other disciplines are available only to students registered in Journalism.
Journalism
B.J. Combined Honours (20.0 credits)
A. Credits Included in the Journalism CGPA (8.0 credits) | ||
1. 1.0 credit in: | 1.0 | |
JOUR 1001 [0.5] | Foundations of Journalism: Journalism in Context | |
JOUR 1002 [0.5] | Foundations of Journalism: Journalism in Practice | |
2. 2.0 credits in: | 2.0 | |
JOUR 2201 [1.0] | Fundamentals of Reporting | |
JOUR 2202 [0.5] | Digital Journalism Toolkit | |
JOUR 2501 [0.5] | Media Law | |
3. 2.5 credits in: | 2.5 | |
JOUR 3207 [0.5] | Audio Journalism | |
JOUR 3208 [0.5] | Video Journalism | |
JOUR 3225 [0.5] | Reporting in Depth | |
JOUR 3235 [0.5] | Digital Journalism | |
JOUR 3300 [0.5] | Media Ethics in a Digital World | |
4. 0.5 credit in: | 0.5 | |
JOUR 4001 [0.5] | Journalism Now - and Next | |
5. 1.0 credit from: | 1.0 | |
JOUR 4204 [0.5] | The Newsroom – Advanced Multimedia Workshop | |
JOUR 4205 [0.5] | The Newsroom – Advanced Local News Workshop | |
JOUR 4206 [0.5] | The Newsroom – Advanced Audio Workshop | |
JOUR 4207 [0.5] | The Newsroom – Advanced Video Workshop | |
JOUR 4208 [0.5] | Professional Practices: Specialized Media | |
6. 1.0 credit from: | 1.0 | |
JOUR 4201 [1.0] | Specialized Journalism: Politics and Government | |
JOUR 4300 [0.5] | Specialized Journalism: Special Topics | |
JOUR 4301 [0.5] | Specialized Journalism: Business and the markets | |
JOUR 4302 [0.5] | Specialized Journalism: Business and Canadian Society | |
JOUR 4303 [0.5] | Specialized Journalism: Health and Science | |
JOUR 4304 [0.5] | Specialized Journalism: Environment and Science | |
JOUR 4305 [0.5] | Specialized Journalism: Canada and the U.S. | |
JOUR 4306 [0.5] | Specialized Journalism: Canada and the World | |
JOUR 4308 [0.5] | Specialized Journalism: Sports and Sport Culture | |
JOUR 4309 [0.5] | Specialized Journalism: Arts and Culture | |
JOUR 4310 [0.5] | Specialized Journalism: Justice and the Law | |
JOUR 4311 [0.5] | Specialized Journalism: Justices and Journalists | |
JOUR 4312 [0.5] | Specialized Journalism: Social Issues | |
B. Additional Requirements (12.0 credits) | 12.0 | |
7. 1.0 credit from: | ||
HIST 1300 [1.0] | The Making of Canada | |
HIST 2301 [0.5] | Canadian Political History | |
HIST 2304 [1.0] | Social and Cultural History of Canada | |
HIST 2311 [0.5] | Environmental History of Canada | |
INDG 1011 [0.5] | Introduction to Indigenous-Settler Encounters | |
8. The requirements from the other discipline, including where required an honours research essay | ||
9. Sufficient free electives to make 20.0 credits for the whole program | ||
Total Credits | 20.0 |
Note: Item 7 above may be satisfied by courses simultaneously fulfilling requirements of the other discipline.
Journalism (JOUR) Courses
Foundations of Journalism: Journalism in Context
This course charts a history of the fourth estate in the West from the invention of the printing press to the ascendance of networked digital communication, focusing on the political, economic and technological contexts that have shaped the news media as institutions and industries.
Prerequisite(s): for Journalism Honours students only.
Lectures and discussion three hours a week.
Foundations of Journalism: Journalism in Practice
The course introduces students to the concepts, issues and challenges in the contemporary Canadian media environment that will shape their professional role as practicing journalists. It will also provide students with an initial opportunity to practice some basic journalistic skills.
Prerequisite(s): for Journalism Honours students only.
Lectures and discussion three hours a week.
Discovering Journalism: Traditional Tales to Tweets
Journalism’s evolving role as creator of communities and guardian of democracy; some of its greatest scoops and worst misdeeds. From ancient news-sharing instincts to 21st-century expression in blogs, tweets and investigative masterpieces, this course surveys the ethical, political and economic contexts of journalism.
Lecture three hours a week.
The Documentary
Examination of the work of individual film makers, of documentary styles and of organizations and institutions in the context of the history of documentary film making, including documentaries made for television. Non-fiction films other than documentaries may be considered.
Precludes additional credit for JOUR 2105 (FILM 2105).
Prerequisite(s): FILM 1000 or permission of the School.
Lectures and screening two hours, two days a week.
Fundamentals of Reporting
Introduction to the techniques journalists use to gather information quickly, accurately and ethically, and to present reports and features in clear, engaging ways. Newsroom exercises provide experience in reporting, writing, editing and using digital tools, including photography and social media.
Lectures, discussion and practicum six hours a week.
Digital Journalism Toolkit
An introduction to the digital tools and social media journalists use to gather, verify and present material to audiences. Lab exercises provide experience producing photographs, audio, and video for journalistic storytelling and the use of social media tools and platforms for reporting and publishing.
Lectures and lab three hours a week.
Media Law
A survey of laws that affect the Canadian media. Specific areas include the development of freedom of expression, the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and statutory and common law limitations on freedoms of the press, including publication bans, libel and contempt of court.
Precludes additional credit for COMM 2501 [no longer offered].
Prerequisite(s): JOUR 1001, JOUR 1002, JOUR 1003, or COMS 1000, or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication, or registration in the Communication Information Technology Policy specialization area of the Bachelor of Public Affairs and Policy Management.
Lectures and discussion three hours a week.
Questions of Documentary Practice
Theoretical implications of documentary film and documentary television practice.
Prerequisite(s): 1.0 credit in Film Studies at the 2000-level, or permission of the School.
Audio Journalism
In this workshop students will build on the principles and practices of audio journalism to produce stories and audio in various formats suitable for radio and digital publication. Note: JOUR 3207 and JOUR 3208 may not be taken in the same term.
Lectures and labs six hours a week.
Video Journalism
In this workshop students will build on the principles and practices of video journalism to produce stories and video in various formats suitable for television and digital publication. Note: JOUR 3207 and JOUR 3208 may not be taken in the same term.
Lectures and labs six hours a week.
Reporting in Depth
Long-form journalistic writing skills development; techniques for thorough investigation of timely public issues. Study of outstanding feature and investigative writing examples. Students will pursue their own reporting projects.
Prerequisite(s): JOUR 2201, JOUR 2202, and JOUR 2501 with a grade of C or higher in each.
Lectures and practicum three hours a week.
Digital Journalism
Further development of digital journalism skills. Students will produce journalism for online audiences using formats including written and spoken language, still and moving images.
Prerequisite(s): JOUR 2201, JOUR 2202, and JOUR 2501 with a grade of C or higher in each.
Lectures and labs three hours a week.
Media Ethics in a Digital World
Ethical issues related to production and dissemination of news and other forms of content as they relate to digital environments. Different approaches to ethical decision-making and their application in contemporary settings.
Prerequisite(s): JOUR 2201, JOUR 2202, and JOUR 2501 with a grade of C or higher in each.
Lectures three hours a week.
Comparative Media Studies
The comparative study of one or more media organizations and/or types of media content with reference to their operation, audiences, and impacts.
Precludes additional credit for COMM 3407 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): third-year standing in B.J. Hons. or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Lectures three hours a week.
Journalism Now - and Next
Changes occurring in the media, in the public’s relationship with the media and how journalists and news organizations respond. Practical issues and challenges in the professional life of a journalist.
Prerequisite(s): for fourth-year Honours Journalism students and students who have fourth-year standing in the Bachelor of Public Affairs and Policy Management and who are registered in the Strategic Public Opinion concentration.
Lectures and discussion three hours a week.
Special Topic
Examination of a topic in journalism not covered in depth in other courses. Seminar three hours a week.
Special Topic
An examination of a topic in journalism not covered in depth in other courses. Topics may vary from year to year.
Specialized Journalism: Politics and Government
In-depth exploration of Canada's government, public policy and politics; parliamentary debate and committee hearings. Explanatory/analytical reporting; production of an extended work of journalism.
Lectures, discussion and seminars three hours a week.
The Newsroom – Advanced Multimedia Workshop
A workshop course designed to give students instruction in online reporting and publishing. No more than two of JOUR 4204, JOUR 4205, JOUR 4206, JOUR 4207 and JOUR 4208 may be taken and they may not be taken simultaneously. JOUR 4204 may not be repeated.
Workshops averaging eight hours per week.
The Newsroom – Advanced Local News Workshop
A workshop course designed to give students instruction in community newspaper and online publishing. No more than two of JOUR 4204, JOUR 4205, JOUR 4206, JOUR 4207 and JOUR 4208 may be taken and cannot be taken simultaneously. JOUR 4205 may not be repeated.
Workshops averaging eight hours a week.
The Newsroom – Advanced Audio Workshop
A workshop designed to give students instruction in radio news and current affairs. Note: no more than two of JOUR 4204, JOUR 4205, JOUR 4206, JOUR 4207, and JOUR 4208 may be taken and cannot be taken simultaneously. JOUR 4206 may not be repeated.
Workshops averaging eight hours a week.
The Newsroom – Advanced Video Workshop
A workshop designed to give students instruction in video news and current affairs. Note: no more than two of JOUR 4204, JOUR 4205, JOUR 4206, JOUR 4207 and JOUR 4208 may be taken and cannot be taken simultaneously. JOUR 4207 may not be repeated.
Workshops averaging eight hours a week.
Professional Practices: Specialized Media
A workshop course designed to give students instruction in a specialized area such as video documentary, magazine writing, strategic communication, and data journalism. Not all specialties will be offered each year.
Lecture and practicum two hours a week.
Specialized Journalism: Special Topics
Examination of a topic not covered in depth in other specialized journalism courses. Topics may vary from year to year. Emphasis on explanatory/analytical reporting, culminating in an extended work of journalism.
Prerequisite(s): fourth-year standing in B.J. Hons. or permission of the School.
Lectures, discussion and seminars three hours a week.
Specialized Journalism: Business and the markets
Core skills development for business journalism: reading financial documents, covering activities of corporations, functioning of stock and other markets, trade policy and the broader economy, focus on contemporary business news and local publicly-traded companies. Emphasis on explanatory/analytical reporting, production of an extended work of journalism.
Lectures, discussion and seminars three hours a week.
Specialized Journalism: Business and Canadian Society
The intersection between business and public policy, from climate change to taxation, pensions, labour and corporate social responsibility. What business does and how the media covers it. Emphasis on explanatory/analytical reporting, production of a related data project as an extended work of journalism.
Lectures, discussion and seminars three hours a week.
Specialized Journalism: Health and Science
The culture of health science research and major trends; key challenges confronting researchers and health science journalists around the world. Emphasis on explanatory/analytical reporting, production of an extended work of journalism.
Lectures, discussion and seminars three hours a week.
Specialized Journalism: Environment and Science
Major trends and research culture in climate and environmental sciences, focusing on key global concerns. Issues facing researchers and journalists. Focus on explanatory/analytical reporting; production of an extended work of journalism.
Lectures, discussion and seminars three hours a week.
Specialized Journalism: Canada and the U.S.
Exploration of the unique issues in Canada-U.S. relations, from diplomacy to trade. Emphasis on explanatory/analytical reporting. Production of an extended work of journalism.
Lectures, discussion and seminars three hours a week.
Specialized Journalism: Canada and the World
Diplomacy, war, terrorism, migration, the international economy, development and other issues of interest to journalists who want to write about Canada and international affairs. Emphasis on explanatory/analytical reporting, production of an extended work of journalism.
Lectures, discussion and seminars three hours a week.
Specialized Journalism: Sports and Sport Culture
The world of sports and sports culture; evolution of sports writing and development of sports journalism as a genre. Emphasis on explanatory/analytical reporting, culminating in the production of an extended work of journalism.
Lectures, discussion and seminars three hours a week.
Specialized Journalism: Arts and Culture
Students are introduced to arts and culture journalism, exploring issues and trends that are key to understanding and covering the arts and related cultural policy in Canada. Emphasis on explanatory/analytical reporting, culminating in an extended work of journalism.
Lectures, discussion and seminars three hours a week.
Specialized Journalism: Justice and the Law
Areas of law that journalists may encounter along with a practical explanation of how law works. Students gain the language and tools needed to successfully analyze and write about legal issues. Emphasis on explanatory/analytical reporting; production of an extended work of journalism.
Lectures, discussion and seminars three hours a week.
Specialized Journalism: Justices and Journalists
Examination of the Supreme Court of Canada, and the role of journalists in covering it. Students gain insight into the court’s role in the making and shaping of Canada. Emphasis on explanatory/analytical reporting; production of an extended work of journalism.
Lectures, discussion and seminars three hours a week.
Specialized Journalism: Social Issues
How economic and political trends affect social policy in Canada and abroad. The human face of policies that are usually viewed as complex and bureaucratic. Emphasis on explanatory/analytical reporting and writing an extended work of journalism.
Lectures, discussion and seminars three hours a week.
Covering Gender and Diversity
How social concepts of gender and diversity influence journalism. Theoretical and textual analysis. Historical and contemporary case studies from mainstream and alternative media exploring journalistic expression, professional practices, status and expectations, and cultural representations.
Prerequisite(s): third- or fourth-year standing in B.J. Hons. or permission of the School.
Seminar three hours a week.
Journalism and Conflict
For as long as there has been conflict between peoples, there have been those who bear witness and recount their observations. This course examines journalism and conflict with an emphasis on journalistic perspectives but also through discussion of interdisciplinary literature and academic research.
Seminar three hours a week.
Honours Tutorial
Students analyze some major achievements in contemporary journalism, through individual or group research. Students also have the opportunity to acquire background and experience in the managerial aspects and production of print and broadcast journalism.
Summer session: some of the courses listed in this Calendar are offered during the summer. Hours and scheduling for summer session courses will differ significantly from those reported in the fall/winter Calendar. To determine the scheduling and hours for summer session classes, consult the class schedule at central.carleton.ca
Not all courses listed are offered in a given year. For an up-to-date statement of course offerings for the current session and to determine the term of offering, consult the class schedule at central.carleton.ca
Regulations (B.J.)
In addition to the program requirements described here, students must satisfy the University regulations including the process of Academic Performance Evaluation.
Students should consult with the School when planning their program and selecting courses.
Note: students who already hold an undergraduate degree in another field are not eligible to apply for the B.J. (Honours) program. These students should consult the information on the Master of Journalism or the Master of Arts in Communication in the Graduate Calendar.
Graduation Requirements
In addition to the graduation requirements of the Faculty, a candidate for the degree of Bachelor of Journalism with Honours must have:
- a Major CGPA of at least 6.50,
- a minimum grade of C in each of the 2000-level and above JOUR courses required in the Major;
- an Overall CGPA of at least 6.50, and
- the recommendation of the School of Journalism and Communication for graduation.
Prohibited Courses
Courses below the 1000-level may not be used for credit in Journalism programs.
Academic Performance Evaluation
Bachelor of Journalism
Students in the Bachelor of Journalism are subject to the standard Academic Performance Evaluation (APE) process with the following additions and amendments:
- Promotion into the second year of the Journalism program requires the successful completion of 4.0 credits, including JOUR 1001 and JOUR 1002, by the end of the winter session of the student’s first year.
- Students are in Good Standing at the first APE if they have a Major CGPA of at least 7.0 and an Overall CGPA of at least 7.0.
- Students who do not achieve Good Standing but who have a Major CGPA of at least 6.0 and an Overall CGPA of at least 6.0 are on Academic Warning. Those on Academic Warning must complete the following 2.0 credits of Journalism courses by the end of the winter session of the student’s second year, with a minimum final grade of C in each: JOUR 2201, JOUR 2202, JOUR 2501. (Note that the minimum average in these courses should be higher as the major CGPA must be 6.5 or above by the next APE to be eligible for continuation in the Bachelor of Journalism.) Students who do not meet this requirement must leave the program with the status Continue in Alternate (CA) or the status Dismissed from Program (DP).
- Students who do not achieve Good Standing and who have a Major CGPA of less than 6.0 or an Overall CGPA of less than 6.0 are required to leave the program with the status Continue in Alternate (CA) or the status Dismissed from Program (DP).
- Students are in Good Standing at any subsequent APE if they have a Major CGPA of at least 6.5 and an Overall CGPA of at least 6.5.
- Students who do not receive Good Standing at any subsequent Academic Performance Evaluation will be required to withdraw from the program with the status Continue in Alternate (CA) or the status Dismissed from Program (DP).
Transfer into Second Year of B.J.
The School maintains a number of places in second year for students who wish to transfer from Carleton or elsewhere. Normally, offers are made to students with an overall CGPA equivalent to 10.00 (A-) or better. Continuation in Good Standing at subsequent Academic Performance Evaluations requires a Major CGPA of 6.50 and an Overall CGPA of at least 6.5.
Transfer from B.J. to B.J. Hum.
A student who has completed the first year of the B.J. in Good Standing may apply to transfer into the second year of the B.J. Hum. and will be accepted at the discretion of the School of Journalism and the College of Humanities, and must normally have an overall CGPA of 10.00 (A-) or higher. Transfers into higher years will not be considered.
General Prerequisites
1. Students may continue into 3000-level Journalism production courses JOUR 3207, JOUR 3208, JOUR 3225, JOUR 3235 if they attain a minimum grade of C in each of the following: JOUR 2201, JOUR 2202 and JOUR 2501.
2. Students may continue into the 4000-level Journalism production courses JOUR 4204, JOUR 4205, JOUR 4206, JOUR 4207 and JOUR 4208 if they attain a minimum grade of C in each of the following: JOUR 3207, JOUR 3208, JOUR 3225, JOUR 3235.
Admissions Information
Admission Requirements are for the 2017-2018 year only, and are based on the Ontario High School System. Holding the minimum admission requirements only establishes eligibility for consideration. The cut-off averages for admission may be considerably higher than the minimum. See also the General Admission and Procedures section of this Calendar. An overall average of at least 70% is normally required to be considered for admission. Some programs may also require specific course prerequisites and prerequisite averages and/or supplementary admission portfolios. Higher averages are required for admission to programs for which the demand for places by qualified applicants exceeds the number of places available. The overall average required for admission is determined each year on a program by program basis. Consult admissions.carleton.ca for further details.
Degree
• B.J. (Honours)
Admission Requirements
First Year
The Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent including a minimum of six 4U or M courses. The six 4U or M courses must include 4U English.
Note: Students who already hold an undergraduate degree in another field are not eligible to apply for the B.J. (Honours) program. These students should consult the information on the Master of Journalism or the Master of Arts in Communication in the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research Calendar.
Advanced Standing
The School also maintains a number of places in second year for students who wish to transfer from Carleton or elsewhere. Normally, offers are made to students with an overall CGPA of 10.00 (A-) or higher.