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Communication: Journalism - B.A. Degree

Department of Communication 
Office: 311 McEwen Hall

(716) 673-4729

Roslin Smith, Chairperson

Email: Communication.Department@fredonia.edu

Website: https://www.fredonia.edu/academics/colleges-schools/college-liberal-arts-sciences/communication

Emphasizes the theory and practice of all forms of journalism including print, electronic, and Internet. An interdisciplinary approach will prepare critical thinkers and reflective practitioners. Research, writing, production, and analysis are all stressed. The program balances the teaching and learning of the practical skills needed in the profession with intellectual, historical, theoretical, and analytic foundations necessary for good journalists.  Please note:  at least 12 credit hours must be taken at Fredonia. 

Major Requirements

 

Communication Core:

COMM 101Fundamentals of Communication

3
COMM 105Public Speaking

3
COMM 199Communication Orientation

1
Total Credit Hours:7

Major Core Courses:

COMM 130Foundations in Journalism

3
COMM 230News Gathering

3
COMM 231Storytelling: Words, Images, Sound

3
COMM 232Critical Analysis of Journalism

3
COMM 420Communication Law and Ethics

3
COMM 440Journalism Convergence Capstone

3
 
COMM 395Radio News and Podcasting

4
and
COMM 345Broadcast Writing and Presentation

3
 
or
 
COMM 346Editing and Design

3
and
COMM 347Social Media Practicum

3
Total Credit Hours:24-25

One course from each of the following three categories:

Experiential Courses:

Short-term study abroad
COMM 480Communication Internship

1-15
COMM 470Fredonia Radio Systems/WNYF/Leader Practicum

3
Total Credit Hours:1

Theory Courses:

COMM 301Group Communication

3
COMM 302Rhetoric and Criticism

3
COMM 313Political Communication

3
COMM 323Research Methods

3
COMM 330Fake News! Media Literacy and Mis/Disinformation in a Democratic Society

3
COMM 359Special Topics in Communication

1-3
COMM 362Nonverbal Communication

3
COMM 385International Media

3
COMM 460Organizational Communication

3
COMM 465Intercultural Communication

3
Total Credit Hours:3

Non-Journalism Electives:

 
COMM 111Web Design

1
COMM 112Desktop Video

1
COMM 113Flash

1
COMM 114Electronic Darkroom

1
COMM 115Advanced Electronic Darkroom

1
COMM 116Desktop Publishing

1
COMM 118Desktop Audio

1
COMM 244Introduction to Social Media

3
COMM 251Audio Production I

3
COMM 254Video Field Production

3
COMM 255Studio Production

3
COMM 312Multimedia Integration

3
COMM 459Special Topics in Communication

1-3
WRTG 366Opinion in Journalism

3
Total Credit Hours:3

NOTE:  COMM 111-116 and COMM 118: 3 mini courses. Only three credit hours may be from the one-credit mini-courses (COMM 111-116).

Selected Topics in Journalism:

COMM 315Selected Topics in Journalism

3
Total Credit Hours:6

NOTE:

  • COMM 315 is to be taken twice, with different topics, for a total of 6 credit hours.
  • Specialty topics will include Governmental Affairs Reporting, Arts Journalism, Sports Journalism, Investigative Journalism, and others depending on demand and availability of staff.

Total Credit Hours: 44-47