Journalism
JRNAL-110 Mass Media of Communication 3 units SC • 54 hours lecture per term • Recommended: Eligibility for ENGL 122 or equivalent
JRNAL-160 Writing the Feature Story 3 units SC • 54 hours lecture per term • Recommended: ENGL 118 or equivalent • Formerly JRNAL 150
This course introduces students to the major mass media and their impact on American life. Students explore their history, how they are structured, who controls them and how they influence individual and social values. Topics include First Amendment rights and responsibilities, techniques of persuasion and propaganda, the blurred line between entertainment and news, the role of journalists in war time, issues of credibility and trust and the impact of the “new media” - digital technology and the Internet - on the traditional forms of mass communication. The course emphasizes critical thinking and analysis of the images and sounds that so powerfully shape the public mind. CSU, UC
This course introduces students to the research, writing and marketing skills needed to write feature stories for newspapers, magazines and the Internet. Topics include interviewing and storytelling strategies; the writing process, including how to conquer writer’s block; finding your voice; focusing a story; self-editing techniques; writing effective query letters; and using the Internet as a tool and potential publishing medium. Students are encouraged to set their own goals, be it to explore new types of writing, produce stories for the student newspaper or break into the publishing world. CSU
JRNAL-120 Basic Newspaper Techniques
JRNAL-298 Independent Study
3 units SC • 54 hours lecture per term • Recommended: ENGL 118 or equivalent
This course introduces students to journalism reporting and writing, including generating story ideas, developing sources, conducting interviews, doing online research, taking accurate notes, observing detail and exercising news judgment. The course also covers sensitivity to multicultural issues and explores libel laws and media ethics. Students will learn how to write strong lead sentences, how to organize their findings into lively and informative stories, and how to write and revise their work on deadline. On occasion, their work will be published in the college newspaper, The Inquirer. CSU
JRNAL-126 Newspaper Production Laboratory 1-3 units SC • May be repeated three times • Variable hours • Recommended: ENGL 118 or equivalent • Note: This is an open entry/open exit course
This laboratory course introduces students to real-world experience as editors and staff members of The Inquirer, a student-run newspaper that is often recognized for General Excellence by the Journalism Association of Community Colleges. Students are responsible for all aspects of production, including assigning, researching and writing stories; taking photographs; cartooning; soliciting advertisements; designing pages on networked terminals; and working with a local printer. Staff writers learn basic and advanced reporting techniques, as well as how to write strong leads, organize their stories and write and revise on deadline. Photographers and graphic artists learn digital darkroom skills. Editors and staff members must exercise news judgment, adhere to the highest ethical principles and be vigilant about accuracy. They also exercise their First Amendment responsibilities by allowing The Inquirer’s opinion pages to serve as a community forum for the diverse views of the DVC community. This is an open entry/open exit course. CSU 258
PROGRAMs and courses
.5-3 units SC • May be repeated three times • Variable hours • Note: Students must submit an acceptable educational contract to department and Instruction office; topics must extend beyond courses offered.
An opportunity for advanced students to study special interests under the direction of the faculty. CSU
Learning skills – LRNSK Counseling Division Terry Armstrong, Dean Counseling Center 111 925-685-1230 ext. 2288
Possible career opportunities
Diablo Valley College’s learning skills course offerings provide support to students with disabilities who are pursuing their academic and career objectives. Courses are designed to determine students’ eligibility for services, and to enhance student success in academic and career coursework.
LRNSK-049
Learning Skills Eligibility Assessment
.5 unit P/NP • Non degree applicable • 6 hours lecture/9 hours laboratory by arrangement per term • Note: For more information, see Disability Support Services counselor
A course designed to provide assessment for learning disability services eligibility, as well as instruction in study skill strategies, and academic accommodations. Through
Diablo Valley College
Catalog 2010-2011