Journalism Courses

JRN 100

Introduction to Journalism and Democracy

An introduction to how journalists do their work and their role in democratic development. Press freedom in a global context, including the relationship of journalism to fundamental human rights. Critical examination of journalism within shifting centres of media power.

JRN 200

Introduction to Digital News Writing

Students learn the process of generating, pitching, researching, writing, editing, and publishing stories for printed and on-line publications. With a weekly lab, this course focuses on fundamentals and principles for gathering, assembling, and producing accurate, timely news stories with headlines, photographs, cut lines, and social media according to Canadian Press style.
***Prerequisite: JRN 100.***
*Note: Students may only receive credit for one of JRN 200 or JRN 300.*

JRN 201

Introduction to Broadcast and Digital Journalism

An introduction to short-form broadcast and multimedia journalism. Students will write, film, and edit multimedia news content focused on daily events and issues of public importance. They will be exposed to expectations of professional newsrooms with an emphasis on daily deadlines, news judgement, and multitasking across platforms.
***Prerequisite: JRN 100.***
*Note: Students may only receive credit for one of JRN 201 or JRN 301.*

JRN 202

Investigative Journalism

The history and social role of investigative journalism. Students will explore investigative tools and techniques, including accessing public information, approaching and interviewing hostile sources, computer assisted reporting, online resources, ethical pitfalls, journalistic numeracy, avoiding legal problems, ensuring accuracy, fact-checking, and security.
***Prerequisite: JRN 100.***
*Note: Students may only receive credit for one of JRN 202 and JRN 307.*

JRN 215

International Communication and Media

Students will study the role of media in the processes of globalization and development, with a focus on learning journalistic skills and practices accepted in and by the media of different countries, as well as on reporting world events and issues in media outside Canada.
*Note: Students may only receive credit for one of JRN 215 or JRN 415.*

JRN 305

Intermediate News Writing

A continuation of the study of the production of daily news stories for printed and on-line publications. The course provides an increased focus on social media, deadlines, Canadian Press style, accuracy and relevance with a weekly lab designed to augment stories with visuals, photojournalism and social media.
***Prerequisite: JRN 200.***

JRN 306

Digital/Broadcast Story Studio

Existing and emerging storytelling technologies are utilized to produce investigative projects and community focused feature stories. Students’ stories explore issues through the consequences on the human and seek accountability. Students build immersive story experiences for the audience through innovative applications of imagery, text and graphics in service to the narrative.
***Prerequisite: JRN 201.***

JRN 308

Journalism Topics: Investigating key issues in journalism and society

This course examines several key issues for working journalists, spotlighting the importance of critical media literacy and social responsibility in professional practice. From propaganda techniques to crime scares and self-censorship, the course explores the myriad ways journalism casts light on, fails to illuminate or may exacerbate social problems.
***Prerequisite: JRN 100 and completion of 30 credit hours.***

JRN 312

Photojournalism

A detailed examination of the photojournalist’s role in the news gathering process. A focus on communicating through digital imagery and the power of visual storytelling, with an emphasis on practical techniques and ethical image editing.
***Prerequisite: JRN 100 and completion of 30 credit hours.***

JRN 320

Advanced Digital News Writing

This course focuses on production if in-depth reporting of news, feature writing, and photojournalism. Students will also write opinion pieces and pursue topics of interest while monitoring media coverage of current affairs.
***Prerequisite: JRN 200.*** *Note: Students may only receive credit for one of JRN 320 or JRN 401.*

JRN 321

Advanced Broadcast and Digital Journalism

This course builds on previous radio skills. Students will produce radio shows for audiences in collaboration with Regina Community Radio, current affairs long stories. Students will also be introduced to digital radio components through making individual podcasts and placing them on the web with the use of RRS technology.
***Prerequisite: JRN 201.***
*Note: Students may only receive credit for one of JRN 321 or JRN 402.*

JRN 330

Mass Communication: Theory and Practice

This course is designed to introduce basic tenets of communications theory and practice, both exploring key theories such as agenda-setting and framing, and exploring basic principles of journalistic ethics, research, and interviewing. It will also consider forms of communication practice beyond journalism such as public relations and address contemporary communicative threats to democratic societies such as misinformation.
***Prerequisite: JRN 100.***

JRN 400

Internship

Internship is a term served in the field in a work/study capacity. Students select prospective internships and are interviewed for placements in news and/or communications; however, final decisions on placements are at the discretion of the School. Students must accept placements as assigned.
***Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of JRN 100, JRN 200, JRN 201, JRN 202 (or INCA 391AA), JRN 320 or JRN 321, and JRN 330.***
*Note: Internships are offered in the Spring/Summer or Fall term.*

JRN 411

Documentary Theory and Production

Students explore the human condition while producing creative, in-depth and compelling stories. The course examines historical and contemporary documentary perspectives and includes the practical elements of documentary making. Students will produce a substantive documentary while experimenting with multiple forms of media, form, content and personal points of view.
***Prerequisite: JRN 201 and JRN 306, or permission of the Department Head.***

JRN 413

Magazine Writing and Literary Journalism

An intensive writing seminar/workshop with a focus on developing the creative voice and applying literary techniques to journalistic writing while maintaining accuracy and meeting deadlines. A detailed examination of the roots of New Journalism, creative non-fiction, literary journalism, self-directed journalism and the freelance environment.
***Prerequisite: JRN 200 and JRN 305.***

JRN 417

Specialized Reporting

An advanced course focusing on an examination of one form of Beat Reporting. The focus may include: sports, arts, science, religion, aboriginal affairs, medicine, business, environment, education, labour, and/or lifestyle reporting.
*** Prerequisite: Completion of 60 credit hours or permission of Department Head. ***

JRN 480AC

The Journalist's Role in Reconciliation

Students will look at the role Journalists can play in Reconciliation, as well as explore how perspectives can often be lost even when all the right characters are included in the story. The goal of the course will be to gain an understanding of the different forms of reconciliation, the history that lead us to this need for this reconciliation, and learn how the inclusion of Indigenous perspectives in all stories is essential.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 60 credit hours and permission from the Department Head.***

JRN 480AD

Advanced Contemporary Issues in Journalism Studies

This course explores selected topics in the field of contemporary journalism studies. We’ll focus on how journalism casts light on social problems, fails to illuminate them, or may even exacerbate those problems. This year’s course places particular emphasis on the culture of fear, backlash populism, and the Trump moment.
***Prerequiste: Completion of 60 credit hours and admission to the School of Journalism.***

JRN 482

Indigenous People and the Press

This course investigates the fairness, accuracy and inclusion of Indigenous representations in the media. Topics range from under-representation and under-reporting of Indigenous issues, media cultural imperialism, negative stereotypes, and reporting challenges and alternatives.
***Prerequisite: Completion of 30 credit hours.***
*Note: Formerly numbered JRN 480AB. Students may receive credit for only one of JRN 480AB or JRN 482.*
*Note: Students who complete this course may not also take JRN 882 for credit in a graduate program.*