A Class to Gain Experience

Writing for the Mass Media, JMC 2033, is a course within the Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communications. It is a 2000 level (sophomore) course taken after or with Intro to Mass Communication, JMC 1013. The Language Skills Test (LST) must also be passed in order to enroll in JMC 2033. Writing for the Mass Media is defined in the college course book as an "Introduction to the various styles of writing used in broadcast and electronic media including narrative, promotional, news and documentary."

Writing for the Mass Media is a two-part class. There is a lecture two days a week as well as a lab two days a week. The lecture is where all students enrolled in the course meet to learn styles and information about what things they will need to use in lab. The lecture may have more than 150 students any given semester. All quizzes and exams are given in lecture. The lab is comprised of smaller amounts of students, usually 15, and is where the application begins. Students can expect to do a wide range of lab assignments including blogging, reporting, brochure publishing, and many other journalistic projects that tie together the Mass Communication family. It is expressed in the class that it is very important for the students to learn a wide range of skills because the Media industry is rapidly evolving and professionals with multiple skills are more valuable.

Now to the nitty-gritty. Writing for the Mass Media is a very time consuming class. A grade of at least a "C" is required to pass the class. Students should be prepared to work on many projects with strict deadlines. There are strict attendance policies due to the importance of the information, but reward is often shown to those who show up everyday. Currently, there are four required texts, but they are reasonably priced and could serve the student after the course. There are many rumors on campus that JMC 2033 is a weed-out class. Whether that is true or not, students can find satisfaction at the end of the semester, when finals are finished and grades are posted, in knowing that they worked hard and survived!