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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
(Faculty of Public Affairs)

Journalism (JOUR) Courses

JOUR 1001 [0.5 credit]
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.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Precludes additional credit for JOUR 1000.
Prerequisite(s): for Journalism Honours students only.
Lectures and discussion three hours a week.

JOUR 1002 [0.5 credit]
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.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Precludes additional credit for JOUR 1000.
Prerequisite(s): for Journalism Honours students only.
Lectures and discussion three hours a week.

JOUR 1003 [0.5 credit]
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.
Prerequisite(s): This course is not open to Journalism majors.
Lecture three hours a week.

JOUR 2106 [0.5 credit]
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.
Also listed as FILM 2106.
Precludes additional credit for JOUR 2105, FILM 2105.
Prerequisite(s): FILM 1101 or FILM 1120, or second-year standing, or permission of the Discipline.
Lecture and screening three hours a week, lecture one hour a week.

JOUR 2201 [1.0 credit]
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.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Prerequisite(s): for second-year Honours Journalism students and students who transfer into the program.
Lectures, discussion and practicum six hours a week.

JOUR 2202 [0.5 credit]
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.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Prerequisite(s): for second-year Honours Journalism students and students who transfer into the program. Students must be enrolled in this course concurrently with JOUR 2201.
Lectures and lab three hours a week.

JOUR 2501 [0.5 credit]
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.
Also listed as COMS 2501, MPAD 2501.
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.

JOUR 3105 [0.5 credit]
Questions of Documentary Practice

Theoretical implications of documentary film and documentary television practice.
Also listed as FILM 3105.
Prerequisite(s): 1.0 credit in Film Studies at the 2000-level, or permission of the School.


JOUR 3207 [0.5 credit]
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.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Prerequisite(s): JOUR 2201, JOUR 2202, and JOUR 2501 with a grade of C or higher in each.
Lectures and labs six hours a week.

JOUR 3208 [0.5 credit]
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.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Prerequisite(s): JOUR 2201, JOUR 2202, and JOUR 2501 with a grade of C or higher in each.
Lectures and labs six hours a week.

JOUR 3225 [0.5 credit]
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.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Precludes additional credit for JOUR 3205 (no longer offered).
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.

JOUR 3235 [0.5 credit]
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.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Precludes additional credit for JOUR 3205 (no longer offered).
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.

JOUR 3300 [0.5 credit]
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.
Also listed as MPAD 3300.
Precludes additional credit for JOUR 3215 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): JOUR 2201, JOUR 2202, and JOUR 2501 with a grade of C or higher in each.
Lectures three hours a week.

JOUR 3400 [0.5 credit]
Selected Topic in Journalism

Examination of a topic in journalism not covered in depth in other courses.
Prerequisite(s): third-year standing in the Bachelor of Journalism or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Seminar three hours a week.

JOUR 3401 [0.5 credit]
Selected Topic in Journalism

Examination of a topic in journalism not covered in depth in other courses.
Prerequisite(s): third-year standing in the Bachelor of Journalism or permission of the School of Journalism and Communication.
Seminar three hours a week.

JOUR 3407 [0.5 credit]
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.
Also listed as COMS 3407.
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.

JOUR 4001 [0.5 credit]
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.
Also listed as MPAD 4001.
Precludes additional credit for JOUR 4000 (no longer offered).
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.

JOUR 4003 [0.5 credit]
The Digital Hub: Advanced Multimedia

A workshop designed to give students instruction in digital reporting and publishing as they produce stories from across the city and beyond.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Prerequisite(s): JOUR 3235 with a grade of C or higher and fourth-year standing in B.J. Hons.
Also offered at the graduate level, with different requirements, as JOUR 5003, for which additional credit is precluded.
Workshops averaging eight hours a week.

JOUR 4004 [0.5 credit]
The Digital Hub: Advanced Audio

A workshop designed to give students instruction in audio journalism as they produce stories from across the city and beyond.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Precludes additional credit for JOUR 4206 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): JOUR 3207 with a grade of C or higher and fourth-year standing in B.J. Hons.
Also offered at the graduate level, with different requirements, as JOUR 5004, for which additional credit is precluded.
Workshops averaging eight hours per week.

JOUR 4005 [0.5 credit]
The Digital Hub: Advanced Video

A workshop designed to give students instruction in video journalism as they produce stories from across the city and beyond.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Precludes additional credit for JOUR 4207 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): JOUR 3208 with a grade of C or higher and fourth-year standing in B.J. Hons.
Also offered at the graduate level, with different requirements, as JOUR 5005, for which additional credit is precluded.
Workshops averaging eight hours a week.

JOUR 4100 [0.5 credit]
Special Topic

Examination of a topic in journalism not covered in depth in other courses. Seminar three hours a week.
Seminar three hours a week.

JOUR 4101 [0.5 credit]
Special Topic

An examination of a topic in journalism not covered in depth in other courses. Topics may vary from year to year.
Seminar three hours a week.

JOUR 4300 [0.5 credit]
Specialized Journalism: Special Topic

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.
Also listed as MPAD 4300.
Prerequisite(s): JOUR 3225 with a grade of C or higher and fourth-year standing in B.J. Hons. or permission of the School.
Also offered at the graduate level, with different requirements, as JOUR 5300, for which additional credit is precluded.
Lectures, discussion and seminars three hours a week.

JOUR 4301 [0.5 credit]
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.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Prerequisite(s): JOUR 3225 with a grade of C or higher and fourth-year standing in B.J. Hons. or permission of the School.
Also offered at the graduate level, with different requirements, as JOUR 5301, for which additional credit is precluded.
Lectures, discussion and seminars three hours a week.

JOUR 4302 [0.5 credit]
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.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Prerequisite(s): JOUR 3225 with a grade of C or higher and fourth-year standing in B.J. Hons. or permission of the School.
Also offered at the graduate level, with different requirements, as JOUR 5302, for which additional credit is precluded.
Lectures, discussion and seminars three hours a week.

JOUR 4303 [0.5 credit]
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.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Prerequisite(s): JOUR 3225 with a grade of C or higher and fourth-year standing in B.J. Hons. or permission of the School.
Also offered at the graduate level, with different requirements, as JOUR 5303, for which additional credit is precluded.
Lectures, discussion and seminars three hours a week.

JOUR 4304 [0.5 credit]
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.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Prerequisite(s): JOUR 3225 with a grade of C or higher and fourth-year standing in B.J. Hons. or permission of the School.
Also offered at the graduate level, with different requirements, as JOUR 5304, for which additional credit is precluded.
Lectures, discussion and seminars three hours a week.

JOUR 4305 [0.5 credit]
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.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Prerequisite(s): JOUR 3225 with a grade of C or higher and fourth-year standing in B.J. Hons. or permission of the School.
Also offered at the graduate level, with different requirements, as JOUR 5315, for which additional credit is precluded.
Lectures, discussion and seminars three hours a week.

JOUR 4306 [0.5 credit]
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.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Prerequisite(s): JOUR 3225 with a grade of C or higher and fourth-year standing in B.J. Hons. or permission of the School.
Also offered at the graduate level, with different requirements, as JOUR 5306, for which additional credit is precluded.
Lectures, discussion and seminars three hours a week.

JOUR 4308 [0.5 credit]
Specialized Journalism: Sports and Sport Culture

Workshop equipping students with the skills to move beyond the clichés of sports writing and live event coverage. Emphasis on explanatory/analytical reporting; production of an extended work of journalism.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Prerequisite(s): JOUR 3225 with a grade of C or higher and fourth-year standing in B.J. Honours or permission of the School.
Also offered at the graduate level, with different requirements, as JOUR 5308, for which additional credit is precluded.
Lectures, discussion and seminars three hours a week.

JOUR 4309 [0.5 credit]
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.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Prerequisite(s): JOUR 3225 with a grade of C or higher and fourth-year standing in B.J. Honours or permission of the School.
Also offered at the graduate level, with different requirements, as JOUR 5309, for which additional credit is precluded.
Lectures, discussion and seminars three hours a week.

JOUR 4310 [0.5 credit]
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.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Prerequisite(s): JOUR 3225 with a grade of C or higher and fourth-year standing in B.J. Honours or permission of the School.
Also offered at the graduate level, with different requirements, as JOUR 5310, for which additional credit is precluded.
Lectures, discussion and seminars three hours a week.

JOUR 4311 [0.5 credit]
Specialized Journalism: Justice and Journalists

Examination of the Supreme Court of Canada, and the role of journalists in covering it. Students attend hearings and 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.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Prerequisite(s): JOUR 3225 with a grade of C or higher and fourth-year standing in B.J. Honours or permission of the School.
Also offered at the graduate level, with different requirements, as JOUR 5311, for which additional credit is precluded.
Lectures, discussion and seminars three hours a week.

JOUR 4400 [0.5 credit]
Professional Skills: Special Topic

Examination of a topic in journalism not covered in depth in other courses.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Prerequisite(s): third- or fourth-year standing in B.J. Honours or permission of the School.
Seminar three hours a week.

JOUR 4401 [0.5 credit]
Professional Skills: Data Storytelling

Instruction in telling stories from data. Focus on searching for, analyzing and mapping data, turning numbers into powerful narratives.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Precludes additional credit for JOUR 4208 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): JOUR 3225 with a grade of C or higher and fourth-year standing.
Also offered at the graduate level, with different requirements, as JOUR 5508, for which additional credit is precluded.
Lecture and practicum three hours a week.

JOUR 4402 [0.5 credit]
Professional Skills: Longform Writing

Instruction in longform story production. Focus on researching and writing, including the art and craft of writing for magazines.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Precludes additional credit for JOUR 4208 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): JOUR 3225 with a grade of C or higher and fourth-year standing.
Lecture and practicum three hours a week.

JOUR 4403 [0.5 credit]
Professional Skills: Strategic Communication

Workshop pairing student teams with non-profit groups that are in need of strategic communication advice. Instruction in planning and implementation.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Precludes additional credit for JOUR 4208 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): JOUR 3225 with a grade of C or higher and fourth-year standing.
Also offered at the graduate level, with different requirements, as JOUR 5508, for which additional credit is precluded.
Lecture and practicum three hours a week.

JOUR 4404 [0.5 credit]
Professional Skills: Freelancing for Media Professionals

Workshop preparing students to compete in a market that values the skills and mindset of entrepreneurial media workers.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Prerequisite(s): JOUR 3225 with a grade of C or higher and fourth-year standing.
Lecture and practicum three hours a week.

JOUR 4500 [0.5 credit]
Investigating Journalism: Special Topic

Examination of a topic in journalism not covered in depth in other courses.
Prerequisite(s): third- or fourth-year standing in B.J. Honours or permission of the School.
Seminar three hours a week.

JOUR 4501 [0.5 credit]
Investigating Journalism: Gender, Identity and Inequality

How social concepts of gender, identity and inequality 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.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Precludes additional credit for JOUR 4307 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): third- or fourth-year standing in B.J. Hons. or permission of the School.
Seminar three hours a week.

JOUR 4502 [0.5 credit]
Investigating Journalism: 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.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Prerequisite(s): fourth-year B.J. Honours standing, or permission of the School.
Seminar three hours a week.

JOUR 4503 [0.5 credit]
Investigating Journalism: Journalism, Indigenous Peoples and Canada

Students will explore how journalism in Canada has been associated with colonialism, be challenged to confront misrepresentation in the news media, and learn to consider new strategies and ethical frameworks for covering Indigenous peoples in the era of reconciliation.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Prerequisite(s): third-or fourth-year B.J. Honours standing, or permission of the School.
Seminar three hours a week.

JOUR 4504 [0.5 credit]
Investigating Journalism: The Media and International Development

A critical examination of the use of journalism as an instrument of international development, historically and currently. To what extent have these efforts been successful? On what grounds are they justified? In what regard have they been instruments of propaganda?.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Prerequisite(s): third- or fourth-year B.J. Honours standing, or permission of the School.
Seminar three hours a week.

JOUR 4505 [1.0 credit]
Investigating Journalism: The Power and Politics of 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.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Precludes additional credit for JOUR 4201 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): JOUR 3225 with a grade of C or higher and fourth-year B.J. Honours standing, or permission of the School.
Seminar three hours a week.

JOUR 4900 [1.0 credit]
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.
Prerequisite(s): fourth-year B.J. (Honours) standing.


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