Journalism
The Canadian Association of Journalists description of the profession states, in part, that journalism is the act of combining evidence-based research and verification with the creative act of storytelling. Journalism is a rapidly evolving field, incorporating new technologies to gather and provide information, to interact with communities and individuals, to dig deeply into the political and the personal, and to hold power to account.
See the Journalism and Communication department site here: http://www.kpu.ca/arts/journalism
Who Studies Journalism?
Students who enjoy the study and practice of journalism are curious. They want to deeply explore things that are important to them, and to learn how to use many media and communication tools – including writing, interactive graphics, audio, video, and photography – to make a positive difference in the world.
Their interests are extremely varied. Some keenly follow politics and world events, others are devoted to sports or music or their own communities. Still others simply want to know more about people, and to capture their experiences through journalism.
They share a desire to contribute to society through storytelling.
Department's website: kpu.ca/arts/journalism
The Journalism program prepares graduates for such positions as multimedia reporters, photojournalists, editors, researchers, and freelance writers in traditional and emerging journalism-related businesses. Our graduates also work as communications professionals in a variety of settings, including media relations, corporate communications, and public relations with private industry, government, and NGOs. Other graduates have started their own online magazines or other media businesses. Our program provides students with transferable skills that are valuable in many professions, such as working in a multimedia environment, conducting relevant research, and communicating clearly in a wide range of formats – including writing, audio, video, photography, and interactive graphics. KPU's Journalism program celebrates a high rate of employment for its graduates.
Registration in some course sections is restricted to students in particular programs. See Timetables - kpu.ca/registration/timetables - for current section information.
Visit the BC Transfer Guide - bctransferguide.ca - for information about course transfer in B.C.
JRNL 1160 3 credits
Introduction to Journalism
Students will explore how journalism fits in a media landscape that includes both traditional mainstream news sources and alternative information sources such as social networking, YouTube, Twitter and blogs. They will also explore reporting by citizen journalists. Students will explore the ramifications of economic and technological change in the industry. They will also study its impact on journalists and journalism, citizens, human rights, community and democracy.
Level: UG
JRNL 1220 3 credits
Citizen Journalism
Students will explore citizen journalism, in which members of the public play an active role in researching and disseminating news and information. They will explore the investigative techniques commonly employed by professional journalists, including but not limited to court searches, property searches and Freedom of Information requests. Students will learn how to use many of these techniques to find information important to themselves and their communities. They will discover how tools such as blogging and search-engine optimization can be used to share this information with the larger community. They will learn how to write clearly and concisely. Students will also learn aspects of media law that are relevant to citizen journalism.
Level: UG
JRNL 2120 3 credits
Storytelling: Writing for Journalism
Students will be introduced to and practice journalistic writing, which is a distinct style of writing. In this class, students will learn the fundamental skills of news writing and reporting, including conducting interviews, covering news events, analyzing source documents and writing clearly and concisely. They will use the Canadian Press Style guide, which is the standard for journalistic writing in Canada.
Level: UG
JRNL 2230 3 credits
Multimedia Storytelling
Students will explore the types of multimedia journalism and other non-fiction storytelling made possible by inexpensive hardware and software tools, and the ability to easily publish on the internet and through social media. They will explore the role of audio, video and interactivity in creating rich, immersive stories, through profiles, event coverage, journalistic storytelling and other modes. Students will learn storytelling and technical skills needed to create and publish effective stories of their own.
Level: UG
JRNL 2240 3 credits
Beyond the News: Feature Writing
Students will practice and develop feature writing skills in subject areas including, but not limited to, health and science, education, sports, entertainment, fashion and lifestyles, and opinion writing. Students will explore the evolving mediascape, which includes traditional media and new-media competitors, and examine differences in writing styles and presentation. They will examine the potential for accessing and providing in-depth information in specialist and niche areas, analyze publications, and develop and publish traditional or non-traditional feature stories.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): JRNL 2120
JRNL 2360 3 credits
Photojournalism
Students will explore a range of visual storytelling techniques and technologies, with an emphasis on still photography for print and online publications, and for social media storytelling. They will gain practical experience while capturing subjects in a variety of lighting conditions and locations, requiring different techniques. Students will learn visual imaging software and the principles of visual journalism design and publishing. Note: Students are required to have camera capable of full manual operation for this course. Specifications will be provided by the department. NOTE: Students may earn credit for only one of JRNL 2360 or JRNL 3160.
Level: UG
JRNL 2370 3 credits
Podcasting and Audio Storytelling
Students will learn the fundamentals of telling true stories using audio. Effective use of recording, editing and publishing tools will be taught, alongside planning, reporting, structuring, writing and editing skills, and ethics. Students will study, produce, and publish audio stories in styles including professional-level broadcast and podcasts.
Level: UG
JRNL 3165 3 credits
Data Visualization
Students will learn how to use data visualization techniques to present information in interesting and compelling ways, including interactive maps and graphics. They will explore the principles of data visualization, learn the strengths and weaknesses of various chart types, and create charts that convey information as clearly as possible. They will learn how to use spreadsheets to find interesting patterns in their data and how to turn that data into engaging online tools. They will also learn how to obtain raw data from open-data portals and other sources. Note: Students may earn credit for only one of JRNL 3165 or JRNL 4165.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): 30 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher
JRNL 3170 3 credits
Narrative Nonfiction
Students will learn about the art of narrative nonfiction, which marries strong journalism with literary technique to produce compelling stories. Students will analyze published narrative nonfiction, such as magazine articles, books, and personal essays. They will develop their voices as narrative nonfiction writers by practicing the art of this type of journalism.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): 45 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher, including JRNL 2120
JRNL 3175 3 credits
News Reporting
Students will learn reporting techniques and strategies necessary to work as a journalist today, including how to cover city council, school board, police, court cases and more. Students will report breaking news from the field. They will also analyze examples of local reporting to apply what they’ve learned in class with real-life examples.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): 45 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher, including JRNL 2120
Attribute: ARTS
JRNL 3180 3 credits
Sports Journalism
Students will explore the full range of sports journalism, analyzing how sports reporters operate across the platforms of print, broadcast, online and social media. They will examine and create a wide range of sports journalism, including but not limited to game coverage and features, sports beat coverage, long-form sports storytelling and in-depth sports packages using text, images, video and interactivity. Students will also analyze the history, contemporary issues and ethics of sports journalism.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): 45 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher, including JRNL 2120
JRNL 3260 3 credits
The Future of News
Students will explore the economics of existing and emerging media. They will also explore the implications and opportunities for journalists working in traditional and new media. They will learn skills, techniques and technologies needed for developing a professional reputation and personal brand. Students will learn the organizational, business and personal skills needed for freelance employment, and for leading or working as a team member with media start-up companies.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): 45 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher.
Attribute: ARTS
JRNL 3270 3 credits
Video Journalism
Students will expand their visual storytelling skills with an emphasis on filming, editing and producing video. They will explore the legal and ethical aspects of video storytelling and consider its role in public discourse. They will learn how to apply basic visual storytelling skills to video, and the role images, sound, music and text play in video storytelling. Students will learn video-editing skills using professional-level software and will produce a long-form video documentary.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): JRNL 2360
Attribute: ARTS
JRNL 3370 3 credits
Audio Documentary
Students will expand their audio storytelling skills while working throughout the semester, as part of a production team, to produce a long-form audio story. They will explore the legal and ethical aspects of storytelling and consider its role in public discourse. They will further develop technical skills in capturing and editing audio.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): JRNL 2370
Attribute: ARTS
JRNL 4141 3 credits
Work Experience
Students will work for 120 hours, or equivalent, as journalists in one or more media businesses or organizations. They will further their personal and professional development, integrating knowledge and skills acquired from the Journalism curriculum in the context of their practical experience. They will investigate potential job markets through the work-experience placements they choose, such as freelance work, job shadowing and fixed-term placements. They will develop their journalistic skills in areas of interest to build contacts and create networks that will help them in their careers. NOTE: Placements must be approved by the department. NOTE: Students must be registered in the Bachelor of Journalism and have a minimum GPA of 3.3. NOTE: Equivalency to 120 hours is determined by the department based on work produced in a project- based placement or placements.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): 90 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher, including 18 credits from courses in JRNL at the 3000 level or higher.
Attribute: ARTS
JRNL 4180 3 credits
Advanced Sports Journalism
Students will deepen their sports journalism reporting skills, while exploring sports journalism as a profession. They will interview local professional sports journalists and attend and cover large- scale sports events alongside them. They will also explore the differences and similarities in coverage when sports stories move beyond the sports page and into wider public interest, by discussing and covering issues such as: concussion in sports; the relationship between sports and racism; and issues of sexism in sports and sports journalism.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): 60 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher, including ENGL 1100 and JRNL 3180
Attribute: ARTS
JRNL 4190 3 credits
Directed Study Honours I - Research
Students working under the supervision of a faculty member will identify a topic for their honours thesis and undertake a research program that includes an extensive reading list developed by the student and faculty supervisor. They will design an outline for their thesis project.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): JRNL 3200
Attribute: ARTS
JRNL 4240 3 credits
Social Issues Journalism
Students will analyze social-issues journalism, do research and write social-issues journalism on subjects of their choice. They will learn, and draw on, the traditions of social-issues journalism, a long-established branch of journalism that ranges from the work of early social commentators such as Charles Dickens to today's investigative reporters. Students will combine narrative writing and investigative reporting to cover important issues by issuing readers an invitation to work for change.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): 45 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher, including JRNL 2120
JRNL 4250 3 credits
Politics and Journalism
Students will produce political journalism by conducting in-depth research and interviews using a variety of sources. They will also explore issues such as the watchdog role of journalism in a democracy and the relationship among politicians, bureaucrats, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and journalists. Students will learn the importance of political journalism to democracy.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): 45 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher, including JRNL 2120
JRNL 4260 3 credits
Computer Coding for Journalists
Students will be exposed to, and work in several programming and scripting languages, including, but not limited to HTML, CSS and JavaScript. These programs are used to create visually rich, interactive apps, websites and webpages. They will apply a range of skills to create and publish interactives; and also, design, develop and deploy applications. NOTE: This is a hands-on course, which requires basic computer literacy; previous knowledge of computer and website programming is not required.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): 45 credits from courses at the 1100-level or higher, including JRNL 2230 and JRNL 2240.
Attribute: ARTS
JRNL 4270 3 credits
Advanced Storytelling
Students will work as a newsroom team during the semester to report and produce stories for a single-theme on-line publication (a story package). Students will develop the initial concept and identify stories using the full-range of storytelling methods (narrative text, visualized data, video, audio, photography, etc.). They will also learn or deepen skills in story planning, storytelling, story presentation and interactivity. They will produce a final project that will be a rich and interactive website on the assigned topic.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): All of (a) JRNL 2120, and (b) 9 credits from courses in JRNL at the 2000 level or higher, including 3 credits from courses in JRNL at the 3000 level or higher.
Attribute: ARTS
JRNL 4290 3 credits
Honours Thesis
Students working under the supervision of a faculty member will write an honours thesis based on the research and outline completed in Journalism 4190. Students will engage in an extensive process of draft-writing and revisions to produce the final thesis.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): JRNL 4190
Attribute: ARTS
JRNL 4295 3 credits
Journalism Honours Seminar
Students will explore contemporary mass communication and journalism issues and research strategies. They will examine advanced methodological approaches to mass communications and journalism research though critical evaluation and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of a variety of research methods. This course is mandatory for those students registered in the Bachelor of Applied Journalism Honours Degree.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Bachelor of Applied Journalism
Attribute: ARTS
JRNL 4900 3 credits
Special Topics
The content of this course varies each time it is offered, giving students the opportunity to deeply explore different aspects of journalism. That exploration could involve analyzing journalism’s role in an important current issue, experimenting with a specific type of storytelling equipment or technology, or developing reporting skills. Students may take this course more than once on different topics. Note: This course may require students to attend events outside of campus.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): JRNL 2120
Attribute: ARTS
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