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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

All students must complete the Communication Core and choose either Print & Online Journalism Track or Broadcast Journalism Track.

The department requires all students to declare and complete a minor or a semester studying abroad. The minor must be officially recognized by the offering department and be chosen in consultation with a Communication advisor. Students electing the study abroad option are required to complete a complimentary course at Fredonia chosen in consultation with their advisor. 

Students who have dual majors with both majors inside the Communication department are still required to have a minor outside the department or meet the criteria for the study abroad option. A second major outside the Communication department will also satisfy this requirement.

A grade of C or better is required for a course to satisfy a major requirement.

Communication Core:

COMM 101Fundamentals of Communication

3
COMM 105Public Speaking

3
COMM 199Communication Orientation

1
Total Credit Hours:7

PRINT & ONLINE JOURNALISM TRACK

Major Core Courses:

COMM 130Foundations in Journalism

3
COMM 230News Gathering

3
COMM 231Storytelling: Words, Images, Sound

3
COMM 332Critical 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 470Fredonia Radio Systems/WNYF/Leader Practicum

3
COMM 480Communication Internship

1-15
Total Credit Hours:1

Theory Courses:

COMM 301Group Communication

3
COMM 302Rhetoric and Criticism

3
COMM 313Political Communication

3
COMM 323Research Methods

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 of these mini courses may be completed to earn the three elective credits.

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.

BROADCAST JOURNALISM TRACK

Major Core Courses:

COMM 130Foundations in Journalism

3
COMM 155Rhetoric of Vision and Sound

3
COMM 200Electronic Media Writing

3
COMM 230News Gathering

3
COMM 231Storytelling: Words, Images, Sound

3
COMM 332Critical Analysis of Journalism

3
COMM 420Communication Law and Ethics

3
Total Credit Hours:21

TV Broadcasting Specializations:

COMM 251Audio Production I

3
COMM 254Video Field Production

3
COMM 255Studio Production

3
COMM 307History of Television

3
COMM 366Postproduction

3
Total Credit Hours:15

Capstone Courses:

COMM 358Television News

4
COMM 401Television Studio Production II

4
Total Credit Hours:8

Electives:

 
COMM 308Documentary History and Criticism

3
COMM 315Selected Topics in Journalism

3
COMM 345Broadcast Writing and Presentation

3
COMM 347Social Media Practicum

3
COMM 395Radio News and Podcasting

4
COMM 470Fredonia Radio Systems/WNYF/Leader Practicum

3
Total Credit Hours:6-7
 

Total Credit Hours: 44-58