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This is an archived copy of the 2019-2020 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://calendar.carleton.ca.

School of Journalism and Communication
4312 River Building
613-520-2600 Ext. 7403
http://carleton.ca/sjc

This section presents the requirements for programs in:

Program Requirements

M. Journalism (10.0 credits)

Requirements:
First Year
Candidates admitted to Year One of the Master of Journalism program must complete the following courses before proceeding to the second year of study:
1.  4.0 credits in:4.0
JOUR 5000 [0.5]
Journalism and Society I
JOUR 5200 [1.0]
Introduction to Reporting
JOUR 5202 [1.0]
Broadcast Journalism Laboratory
JOUR 5206 [0.5]
Reporting Methods
JOUR 5401 [0.5]
Journalism Law
JOUR 5706 [0.5]
Professional Practices
2.  1.0 credit in approved electives1.0
Year One M.Journalism candidates may be considered for advanced standing in certain of the required courses listed above, but in such cases will be required to replace waived courses with approved options.
Second Year 5.0
Students entering second year choose to complete their degree with an emphasis on either professional practice or journalism studies.
Second Year - Professional Practice Completion Pathway
Those choosing the professional practice completion pathway will each select a primary media area of interest; those selecting a text-based option will take JOUR 5700, and those selecting audio or video will take JOUR 5702.
Students will complete a Master's Research Project (MRP JOUR 5908) in a format consistent with their primary media area of interest and will enrol in a corresponding Advanced Journalism course. In addition, they will take one other Advanced Journalism course, two specialized "beat" journalism courses and 1.0 credits of approved electives. The course of studies is as follows:
3.  1.0 credit in:
JOUR 5908 [1.0]
M.Journalism Research Project (See Note, below)
4.  1.0 credit from:
JOUR 5700 [1.0]
Print Journalism
JOUR 5702 [1.0]
Broadcast Journalism
5.  1.0 credit from:
JOUR 5003 [0.5]
Advanced Journalism: Multimedia
JOUR 5004 [0.5]
Advanced Journalism: Audio
JOUR 5005 [0.5]
Advanced Journalism: Video
6.  1.0 credit from:
JOUR 5300 [0.5]
The Beat: Special Topics
JOUR 5301 [0.5]
The Beat: Advanced Business Journalism - Markets
JOUR 5302 [0.5]
The Beat: Advanced Business Journalism - Canadian Society
JOUR 5303 [0.5]
The Beat: Advanced Science Journalism - Health
JOUR 5304 [0.5]
The Beat: Advanced Science Journalism - Environment
JOUR 5306 [0.5]
The Beat: Advanced International Journalism - The World
JOUR 5308 [0.5]
The Beat: Advanced Sports Journalism
JOUR 5309 [0.5]
The Beat: Advanced Arts Journalism
JOUR 5310 [0.5]
The Beat: Advanced Legal Journalism - The Law
JOUR 5311 [0.5]
The Beat: Advanced Legal Journalism - The Supreme Court
JOUR 5315 [0.5]
The Beat: Advanced International Journalism - The U.S.
7.  1.0 credit in approved electives
Note: under special circumstances, and with the School's approval, a student pursuing the professional practice completion pathway could replace JOUR 5908 and 1.0 credit of approved courses above with a 2.0 credit M.J. Thesis, JOUR 5909.
Second Year - Journalism Studies Completion Pathway
Students choosing the journalism studies completion pathway must complete the following:
3.  0.5 credit in:
JOUR 5500 [0.5]
Journalism and Society II
4.  2.5 credits in electives related to the study of the media, chosen in consultation with the Supervisor of Graduate Studies. JOUR 5000 is required if admitted directly to Year Two. Students who completed this course in first year will substitute an approved Journalism replacement option.
5.  2.0 credits in:
JOUR 5909 [2.0]
M.Journalism Thesis
Total Credits10.0

Note: As a condition for graduation, all students in both completion options are required to have a minimum of four months of practical experience in the media, and a working knowledge of a second language, preferably French. For qualified applicants, the School may deem the requirement(s) to have been met.

M. Journalism
with Specialization in African Studies (10.0 credits)

Requirements:
First Year
Candidates admitted to Year One of the Master of Journalism program must complete the following courses before proceeding to the second year of study:
1. 0.5 credit in:0.5
AFRI 5000 [0.5]
African Studies as a Discipline: Historical and Current Perspectives
2. 0.0 credit in:0.0
AFRI 5800 [0.0]
Scholarly Preparation in African Studies
3. 4.0 credits in:4.0
JOUR 5000 [0.5]
Journalism and Society I (see note below)
JOUR 5200 [1.0]
Introduction to Reporting
JOUR 5202 [1.0]
Broadcast Journalism Laboratory
JOUR 5206 [0.5]
Reporting Methods
JOUR 5401 [0.5]
Journalism Law
JOUR 5706 [0.5]
Professional Practices (see note below)
4.  0.5 credit in approved African Studies elective0.5
Year One M.J. candidates may be considered for advanced standing in certain of the required courses listed above, but in such cases will be required to replace waived courses with approved options.
Note: course deliverables for JOUR 5000 and JOUR 5706 must be on an approved African Studies theme.
Second Year5.0
Students entering second year choose to complete their degree with an emphasis on either professional practice or journalism studies.
Second Year - Professional Practice Completion Option
Those choosing the professional practice completion option will each select a primary media area of interest. Those selecting a text-based option will take JOUR 5700, and those selecting audio or video will take JOUR 5702.
Students will complete a Master's Research Project (JOUR 5908) in a format consistent with their primary media area of interest and will enrol in a corresponding Advanced Journalism course. In addition, they will take one other Advanced Reporting course, two specialized "beat" journalism courses and 1.0 credits of approved electives. The course of studies is as follows:
3. 1.0 credit in:
JOUR 5908 [1.0]
M.Journalism Research Project
4. 1.0 credit from:
JOUR 5700 [1.0]
Print Journalism
JOUR 5702 [1.0]
Broadcast Journalism
5. 1.0 credit from:
JOUR 5003 [0.5]
Advanced Journalism: Multimedia
JOUR 5004 [0.5]
Advanced Journalism: Audio
JOUR 5005 [0.5]
Advanced Journalism: Video
6. 1.0 credit from:
JOUR 5300 [0.5]
The Beat: Special Topics
JOUR 5301 [0.5]
The Beat: Advanced Business Journalism - Markets
JOUR 5302 [0.5]
The Beat: Advanced Business Journalism - Canadian Society
JOUR 5303 [0.5]
The Beat: Advanced Science Journalism - Health
JOUR 5304 [0.5]
The Beat: Advanced Science Journalism - Environment
JOUR 5306 [0.5]
The Beat: Advanced International Journalism - The World
JOUR 5308 [0.5]
The Beat: Advanced Sports Journalism
JOUR 5309 [0.5]
The Beat: Advanced Arts Journalism
JOUR 5310 [0.5]
The Beat: Advanced Legal Journalism - The Law
JOUR 5311 [0.5]
The Beat: Advanced Legal Journalism - The Supreme Court
JOUR 5315 [0.5]
The Beat: Advanced International Journalism - The U.S.
7. 1.0 credit in electives related to the study of the media, chosen in consultation with the Supervisor of Graduate Studies.
Note: under special circumstances, and with the School's approval, a student could replace JOUR 5908 and 1.0 credit of approved courses with a 2.0-credit thesis, JOUR 5909.
Second Year - Journalism Studies Completion Option
Students choosing the journalism studies completion with specialization in African Studies must complete the following:
3.  0.5 credit in:
JOUR 5500 [0.5]
Journalism and Society II
4.  2.5 credits in electives related to the study of the media, chosen in consultation with the Supervisor of Graduate Studies. JOUR 5000 Journalism and Society I required if admitted directly to Year Two. Students who completed this course in first year will substitute an approved Journalism replacement option.
5.  2.0 credits in:
JOUR 5909 [2.0]
M.Journalism Thesis (in the specialization)
Total Credits10.0

Note: As a condition for graduation, all students in both completion options are required to have a minimum of four months of practical experience in the media, and a working knowledge of a second language, preferably French. For qualified applicants, the School may deem the requirement(s) to have been met.

Journalism (JOUR) Courses

JOUR 5000 [0.5 credit]
Journalism and Society I

An introduction to analysis of the news media in Western society, considering classical arguments and contemporary trends in the scholarly assessment of journalism practice.

JOUR 5003 [0.5 credit]
Advanced Journalism: Multimedia

Designed to enhance storytelling, reporting and editing skills through the production of a digital publication.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Precludes additional credit for JOUR 5704 (no longer offered), JOUR 5705 (no longer offered), JOUR 5701 (no longer offered).
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as JOUR 4003, for which additional credit is precluded.

JOUR 5004 [0.5 credit]
Advanced Journalism: Audio

Designed to enhance audio storytelling and reporting/producing skills through the production of a weekly program.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Precludes additional credit for JOUR 5707 (no longer offered), JOUR 5703 (no longer offered).
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as JOUR 4004, for which additional credit is precluded.
Workshops averaging eight hours a week.

JOUR 5005 [0.5 credit]
Advanced Journalism: Video

Designed to enhance video storytelling skills through the production of a series of mini-documentaries for a digital program.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Precludes additional credit for JOUR 5708 (no longer offered), JOUR 5703 (no longer offered).
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as JOUR 4005, for which additional credit is precluded.
Workshop averaging eight hours a week.

JOUR 5200 [1.0 credit]
Introduction to Reporting

A laboratory course in basic reporting and editing techniques and introduction to multimedia reporting, followed by application in print and multimedia.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity


JOUR 5202 [1.0 credit]
Broadcast Journalism Laboratory

A laboratory course in reporting and editing in the broadcast media.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity

JOUR 5206 [0.5 credit]
Reporting Methods

Topics covered will range from interviewing and observation skills to conducting a title search, lodging an access to information request and interpreting data.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity

JOUR 5208 [0.5 credit]
Public Affairs Reporting

A course devoted to understanding selected political, economic and social issues, and to analytical reporting on timely issues under professional conditions.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity

JOUR 5300 [0.5 credit]
The Beat: Special Topics

Advanced reporting in a specialized subject area. Topics may vary from year to year. Emphasis on subject exploration from a journalistic perspective. Involves the production of in-depth journalism.
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as JOUR 4300, for which additional credit is precluded.
Seminar three hours a week.

JOUR 5301 [0.5 credit]
The Beat: Advanced Business Journalism - Markets

The fundamentals of business journalism, including corporate structures, the markets, trade policy, contemporary business news and local publicly-traded companies. Emphasis on advanced subject exploration from a journalistic perspective. Involves the production of in-depth journalism.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as JOUR 4301, for which additional credit is precluded.
Seminar three hours a week.

JOUR 5302 [0.5 credit]
The Beat: Advanced Business Journalism - Canadian Society

How business affects every aspect of public policy, from climate change to corporate social responsibility. What business does and how the media covers it. Emphasis on advanced subject exploration from a journalistic perspective. Involves the production of in-depth journalism.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as JOUR 4302, for which additional credit is precluded.
Seminars three hours a week.

JOUR 5303 [0.5 credit]
The Beat: Advanced Science Journalism - Health

How health science research permeates everyday life. Global challenges confronting researchers and health science journalists. Emphasis on advanced subject exploration from a journalistic perspective. Involves the production of in-depth journalism.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as JOUR 4303, for which additional credit is precluded.
Seminars three hours a week.

JOUR 5304 [0.5 credit]
The Beat: Advanced Science Journalism - Environment

Analysis of global trends and research culture in climate and environmental sciences. Challenges confronting researchers and journalists. Emphasis on advanced subject exploration from a journalistic perspective. Involves the production of in-depth journalism.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as JOUR 4304, for which additional credit is precluded.
Seminars three hours a week.

JOUR 5306 [0.5 credit]
The Beat: Advanced International Journalism - The World

Canada’s role in the world as shaped by diplomacy, war, terrorism, migration, the international economy and development. Emphasis on advanced subject exploration from a journalistic perspective. Involves the production of in-depth journalism.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as JOUR 4306, for which additional credit is precluded.
Seminars three hours a week.

JOUR 5308 [0.5 credit]
The Beat: Advanced Sports Journalism

Beyond game scores—analysis of the culture of sports and evolution of sports reportage and writing. Emphasis on advanced subject exploration from a journalistic perspective. Involves the production of in-depth journalism.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as JOUR 4308, for which additional credit is precluded.
Seminars three hours a week.

JOUR 5309 [0.5 credit]
The Beat: Advanced Arts Journalism

An introduction to the crucial issues and trends necessary for reporters covering the arts and related cultural policy in Canada. Emphasis on advanced subject exploration from a journalistic perspective. Involves the production of in-depth journalism.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as JOUR 4309, for which additional credit is precluded.
Seminars three hours a week.

JOUR 5310 [0.5 credit]
The Beat: Advanced Legal Journalism - The Law

Building on basic media law through a practical exploration of how law works, and how to cover courts and write about legal issues. Emphasis on advanced subject exploration from a journalistic perspective. Involves the production of in-depth journalism.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as JOUR 4310, for which additional credit is precluded.
Seminars three hours a week.

JOUR 5311 [0.5 credit]
The Beat: Advanced Legal Journalism - The Supreme Court

Insight into the Supreme Court of Canada, and its role in the making and shaping of Canada. The relationship between the justices and journalists. Emphasis on advanced subject exploration from a journalistic perspective. Involves the production of in-depth journalism.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as JOUR 4311, for which additional credit is precluded.
Seminars three hours a week.

JOUR 5315 [0.5 credit]
The Beat: Advanced International Journalism - The U.S.

Fundamentals of the unique issues governing Canada-U.S. relations, from diplomacy to trade. Emphasis on advanced subject exploration from a journalistic perspective. Involves the production of in-depth journalism.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as JOUR 4305, for which additional credit is precluded.
Seminars three hours a week.

JOUR 5401 [0.5 credit]
Journalism Law

This course prepares journalists to function comfortably within the legal and ethical guidelines governing their occupation. Topics include: contempt of court; free press, fair trial; revealing of sources; civil defamation; obscenity; privacy; government secrecy.

JOUR 5500 [0.5 credit]
Journalism and Society II

A critical examination of the conduct of the news media, exploring the social, political and economic contexts in which the media work and assessing the consequences of journalism practice for contemporary society.
Prerequisite(s): JOUR 5000 or permission of the School.

JOUR 5508 [0.5 credit]
Professional Practices: Specialized Media

A workshop course designed to give students instruction in specialized areas such as video documentary and magazine writing. Not all specialties will be offered each year.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity

JOUR 5700 [1.0 credit]
Print Journalism

Students will explore and apply advanced journalistic principles and practices through a combination of readings, discussion and reporting in specific areas.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity

JOUR 5702 [1.0 credit]
Broadcast Journalism

A seminar combining critical analysis of broadcast journalism and practical skill development in broadcast reporting, writing and production.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity

JOUR 5706 [0.5 credit]
Professional Practices

Students examine current journalism practices in a critical and analytical way, and explore ways of producing thorough and investigative journalism in print, broadcast and multimedia. Guest speakers share their expertise and skills.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity

JOUR 5800 [0.5 credit]
Survey Methods for Journalists

An examination of basic research design and data collection with emphasis on problems of interpretation.

JOUR 5808 [0.5 credit]
Directed Readings

Students, working under faculty direction, will undertake an intensive reading schedule in order to pursue a subject area of particular interest.

JOUR 5809 [0.5 credit]
Directed Research

Students, working under faculty direction, will develop and undertake a research project in order to pursue a subject area of particular interest.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity

JOUR 5900 [1.0 credit]
Directed Studies

Reading and research tutorials.

JOUR 5901 [0.5 credit]
Directed Studies

Reading and research tutorials.

JOUR 5908 [1.0 credit]
M.Journalism Research Project

The student will complete a substantial piece of public affairs journalism; or a research project on the media; or a document that makes a major contribution to journalism education. The format of the MRP will be determined by the stream of study.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity

JOUR 5909 [2.0 credits]
M.Journalism Thesis

To fulfil the requirements of this 2.0-credit thesis course, students must produce a major piece of journalistic research or complete an academic thesis in the area of journalism studies.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity

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

See the General Regulations section of this Calendar.

Admission

M. Journalism

The School of Journalism and Communication provides two points of entry into the Master of Journalism program  – Year One or Year Two.

Most applicants will be admitted to Year One of the two-year M.Journalism program; however, some may qualify for admission to Year Two. A committee chaired by the Supervisor of Graduate Studies will determine the admissibility of each applicant.

For admission to Year One of the M.Journalism program, applicants must hold an honour's bachelor's degree or the equivalent, with, normally, B+ or better in the honours subject and B- or higher overall.

A limited number of spaces will be made available for direct admission to Year Two of the  M. Journalism program. Students must normally possess one of the following qualifications to be considered for this admission option:

  • a B.Journalism (Honours) or the equivalent;
  • a degree in another discipline from a recognized university plus at least five years of professional experience in journalism;
  • substantial  professional journalism experience of a high standard.

Note: Students with prior journalistic experience or credentials who are admitted directly into Year Two will normally pursue the Journalism Studies completion option, or a path of coursework selected in consultation with the Supervisor of Graduate Studies, which will include a thesis or master's research project, as appropriate.

Admission will be selective. Admission will not be guaranteed to all who meet the published minimum requirements, as there are many more qualified applicants each year than there are available spaces.

Proficiency in English is necessary to pursue graduate studies at Carleton University. Journalism demands higher levels of competence in English than specified in the general regulations of the graduate calendar.

All applicants whose first language is not English must satisfy this requirement by meeting one of the following criteria:

  1. An official overall score of 70 on the Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) Assessment; or
  2. An official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 600 on the paper-based test (PBT), or an overall score of 100 on the Internet-based test (IBT) with a minimum score in each component of:  writing 25; speaking 25; reading 25; and listening 25; or
  3. An official overall international English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 7.0 with a minimum of 7.0 in each band score; or
  4. Official certification (transcripts) to indicate that they have completed an undergraduate or graduate degree within the past three years in a university in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom or any other country in which the primary language is English, and where the language of instruction in the relevant education institution was exclusively English.

The Faculty of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs reserves the right to require further documentation or additional testing if it deems it is necessary to demonstrate the required level of English language proficiency.

M. Journalism with Specialization in African Studies

Information about admission to the M. Journalism with Specialization in African Studies can be found at carleton.ca/africanstudies/graduate-studies/admissions