International Journalism Program

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College of Arts and Sciences

The International Journalism Program is an interdisciplinary program that combines a major in either French or Spanish with a minor in Journalism. Another minor in a second language (French, German or Spanish) is recommended if the student enters language courses at the advanced level (3100 or higher) in the freshman year. Six credits in language, literature, culture, communication or journalism courses taken abroad in the target language are required for non-native speakers. Non-native speakers of English are required to complete a minor in English (if they are native speakers of Spanish or French).

The International Journalism Program prepares the student not only for a challenging and exciting career track but also for global citizenship: language studies cultivate cultural sensitivity in the student, and journalism studies train one to communicate with those of diverse backgrounds on a variety of issues.

Courses:

In the modern language, courses will be taken as listed for the “Major Field of Concentration” on the following pages. The Senior Capstone must include an oral presentation as well as a written component. Topics such as how journalism is practiced in other countries as well as the rights of American journalists in other countries may be investigated. In general, ethical and legal aspects of the profession are covered in all journalism courses taught at Rockhurst University, but some aspects of these concerns as they apply to specific settings may be researched for the presentation. The oral component of the senior capstone for the language major must be presented in the target language (French or Spanish).

Prerequisites for studies in journalism are:

AR 1400 - Basic Photography (3)
or
JN 3450 - Photojournalism (3)
JN 2000 - Introduction to Journalism (3)

Upper Division Requirements:

For the journalism program, four upper-division courses must be selected from the following:

CT 4890 - Seminar in Mass Media (3)
JN 3000 Advanced Reporting
JN 3030 - Feature Writing (3)
JN 3050 - Editing and Design (3)
JN 4170 - Principles of Advertising (3)

Note:

Prior to entering the journalism program, the student must submit a writing sample to the journalism program director. If the sample does not reflect college-level proficiency, the student should not enter the program until mastery is achieved.

Exceptional students may be recommended for internships, which will give the student experience in journalism in a work setting; possibilities for gaining experience include settings such as TV news bureaus in Paris, bilingual regional newspapers or radio stations. Senior Capstone presentations may be based on the internship experience.

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