Journalism

Faculty List
  • M. Mahtani, B.A. (Dalhousie), Ph.D. (London), Associate Professor
  • Jeffrey Dvorkin, B.A. Hon. (Alberta), M.A.(Toronto), M. Phil. (London), Lecturer

Journalism Programs


SPECIALIST (JOINT) PROGRAM IN JOURNALISM (ARTS)

Program Supervisor:  J. Dvorkin (416-208-2919) Email: journalism@utsc.utoronto.ca
This program may be taken in fulfillment of the requirements of a four-year (20-credit) Honours B.A. Degree and requires four to five years to complete. In addition to completing the requirements for the degree, students who intend to qualify for a diploma from Centennial College must undertake one additional semester in a field placement and complete a short non-credit course on journalism career management at Centennial.
Courses are taught at both U of T Scarborough and at Centennial College (East York campus). Centennial courses are taken in the third and fourth years of the program. Students must be registered on a full-time basis while at Centennial College. This may include evenings and weekends.
Students must maintain a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 2.0 or higher to remain in the program.

Guidelines for 1st year course selection
Students intending to complete the program should include the following in their first year course selection:
MDSA02H3 and JOUA01H3 & JOUA02H3 and HUMA01H3 & other courses of interest.

www.utsc.utoronto.ca/~humdiv/prg_jo.html

Note:  Many of the new media courses codes have changed from MDS to JOU.  See course descriptions.

Program Admission
Limited enrolment. Applicants must fill out a joint program application form, which is available online at www.utsc.utoronto.ca/jtprogs

Program Requirements

  1. MDSA02H3 History of Media and Technology
    JOUA01H3  & JOUA02H3 Introduction to Journalism I & II
    HUMA01H3 Exploring Key Questions in Humanities
  2. JOUB24H3 Journalism in the Age of New Media
    JOUB01H3 Covering Immigration and Transnational Issues
    JOUB02H3 Critical Journalism
    JOUB39H3 Fundamentals of Journalistic Writing
    HUMA02H3 Inquiry and Reasoning in the Humanities
  3. Two full credits at the C or D-level, of which at least 1.0 credit is at the D-level.
  4. Courses that satisfy the requirements of one Minor Program. Note: Courses used to meet this requirement may also be applied to Requirements a) through c).
  5. Journalism Group I - students will be eligible to enrol in these courses after successfully completing at least 10 full credits at the University of Toronto Scarborough (or permission of the Program Supervisor), including MDSA02H3, JOUA01H3, JOUA02H3, JOUB24H3, JOUB01H3, JOUB02H3, JOUB39H3, HUMA01H3, HUMA02H3.
    *JOUA06H3 Journalism Law and Ethics
    *JOUB11H3 News Reporting
    *JOUB14H3 Journalism Design
    *JOUB18H3 Imaging: Photography for Journalists
  6. Journalism Group II - students will be eligible to enrol in these courses after successfully completing Group I above.
    *JOUB03H3 Magazine/Freelance Journalism
    *JOUB05H3 Advanced Interviewing Techniques
    *JOUB10H3 News Laboratory I
    *JOUB17H3 Radio News
    *JOUB20H3 Multiplatform Journalism
  7. Journalism Group III - students will be eligible to enrol in these courses after successfully completing Group II
    above.
    *JOUC13H3 Beat Reporting
    *JOUC16Y3 News Laboratory II
    *JOUC17H3 Television News

* A minimum grade of C- is required in these particular courses to pass and maintain standing in the program.

Completion of 15-week field placement and Career Management course are also required to qualify for the diploma from Centennial College. The field placement enables prospective graduates to practise and develop the skills required to work professionally and effectively in journalistic environments. Through individual work and as members of teams, students contribute to the publication of journalistic content within various formats and media platforms.

Journalism Courses


JOUA01H3    Introduction to Journalism I

An introduction to the social, historical, philosophical, and practical contexts of the media.  The course will examine various types of media and the role of the journalist.  Students will be introduced to story forms and journalistic skills.  Media coverage of current issues will be discussed.  This course is open only to students in the Journalism Joint Program.
Exclusion: (MDSA21H3)
Breadth Requirement: Arts, Literature & Language

JOUA02H3    Introduction to Journalism II

A continuation of JOUA01H3.  The course is open only to students in the Journalism Joint Program.
Prerequisite: (MDSA21H3) or JOUA01H3
Exclusion: (MDSA22H3)
Breadth Requirement: Arts, Literature & Language

JOUA06H3    Journalism Law and Ethics

An examination of the key legal and ethical issues facing Canadian journalists, with an emphasis on the practical: what a journalist needs to know to avoid legal problems and develop strategies for handling ethical challenges. This course is taught at Centennial College and is open only to students in the Journalism Joint Program.
Prerequisite: 10 credits including [(MDSA21H3) or JOUA01H3], [(MDSA22H3) or JOUA02H3], [(MDSB26H3) or JOUB01H3], [(MDSB27H3) or JOUB02H3], (HUMB11H3).
Corequisite: JOUB11H3 & JOUB14H3 & JOUB18H3
Exclusion: (MDSB04H3)
Breadth Requirement: History, Philosophy & Cultural Studies

JOUB01H3    Covering Immigration and Transnational Issues

An examination of Canadian coverage of immigration and transnational issues.  With the shift in Canada's demographics, media outlets are struggling to adapt to new realities.  We will explore how media frame the public policy debate on immigration, multiculturalism, diaspora communities, and transnational issues which link Canada to the developing world.  This course is open only to students in the Journalism Joint Program.
Prerequisite: HUMA01H3 & (MDSA21H) or JOUA01H3 & (MDSA22H3) or JOUA02H3
Exclusion: (MDSB26H3)
Breadth Requirement: Arts, Literature & Language

JOUB02H3    Critical Journalism

The course examines the representation of race, gender, class and power in the media, traditional journalistic practices and newsroom culture. It will prepare students who wish to work in a media-related industry with a critical perspective towards understanding the marginalization of particular groups in the media.  The course is open only to students in the Journalism Joint Program.
Prerequisite: 4.0 credits including HUMA01H3 & [(MDSA21H3) or JOUA01H3] & [(MDSA22H3) or JOUA02H3].
Exclusion: (MDSB27H3)
Breadth Requirement: Arts, Literature & Language

JOUB03H3    Magazine/Freelance Journalism

An introduction to developing and selling quality magazine stories for multiplatform publication. Students learn techniques for both successful freelancing and magazine staff work. Students learn the importance of finding market niches, winning assignments, and carrying them out professionally. Assignments include producing source materials, a query letter and a feature-length story.  This course is taught at Centennial College and is open only to students in the Journalism Joint Program.
Prerequisite: 12 credits, including JOUA06H3 & JOUB11H3 & JOUB14H3 & JOUB18H3
Corequisite: JOUB05H3 & JOUB10H3 & JOUB17H3 & JOUB20H3
Breadth Requirement: Arts, Literature & Language

JOUB05H3    Advanced Interviewing Techniques

An advanced course that helps students to polish their interviewing techniques and correct weaknesses in their interviewing style. Students analyze recorded interviews, role-play, critique student interviews and conduct research. This is as much a "people" skills course as it is a course in learning how to ask the right questions.
This course is taught at Centennial College and is open only to students in the Journalism Joint Program.
Prerequisite: 12 credits, including JOUA06H3 & JOUB11H3 & JOUB14H3 & JOUB18H3
Corequisite: JOUB03H3 & JOUB10H3 & JOUB17H3 & JOUB20H3
Breadth Requirement: Arts, Literature & Language

JOUB10H3    News Laboratory I

Practical experience on "The Observer", an online and printed community newspaper serving Malvern, Highland Creek and West Hill and produced by journalism students. The work includes research, field reporting, writing, photography, page design and audio/video website production. This intensive course requires a large time commitment that may include evenings and weekends. This course is taught at Centennial College and is open only to students in the Journalism Joint Program.
Prerequisite: 12 credits, including JOUA06H3 & JOUB11H3 & JOUB14H3 & JOUB18H3
Corequisite: JOUB03H3 & JOUB05H3 & JOUB17H3 & JOUB20H3
Breadth Requirement: Arts, Literature & Language

JOUB11H3    News Reporting

Practice in journalistic reporting and writing, starting with a simple news story and proceeding to feature and profile writing and coverage of municipal affairs. Class discussions focus on critical analysis of professional publications. Guest professional journalists discuss their experience and current issues in journalism. This course is taught at Centennial College and is open only to students in the Journalism Joint Program.
Prerequisite: 10 credits including [(MDSA21H3) or JOUA01H3], [(MDSA22H3) or JOUA02H3], [(MDSB26H3) or JOUB01H3], [(MDSB27H3) or JOUB02H3], (HUMB11H3).
Corequisite: JOUA06H3 & JOUB14H3 & JOUB18H3
Breadth Requirement: Arts, Literature & Language

JOUB14H3    Journalism Design

This course introduces the principles of design and electronic publishing. Students develop skills to produce multiplatform layouts, including broadsheet, tabloid and website formats, in preparation for experience on the print and online "Observer". Students will use InDesign to produce attractively designed journalistic layouts that reflect sound news judgment.  This course is at Centennial College and is open only to students in the Journalism Joint Program.
Prerequisite: 10 credits including [(MDSA21H3) or JOUA01H3], [(MDSA22H3) or JOUA02H3], [(MDSB26H3) or JOUB01H3], [(MDSB27H3) or JOUB02H3], (HUMB11H3).
Corequisite: JOUA06H3 & JOUB11H3 & JOUB18H3
Breadth Requirement: Arts, Literature & Language

JOUB17H3    Radio News

The basics of radio journalism, including news, sports and entertainment reporting, interviewing, broadcast writing, performance and studio techniques. Students use digital audio recorders and handheld microphones to produce live-to-air (via Internet) newscasts and podcasts that are posted on the college's podcast web page. Stories are edited on digital audio software.  This course is taught at Centennial College and is open only to students in the Journalism Joint Program.
Prerequisite: 12 credits, including JOUA06H3 & JOUB11H3 & JOUB14H3 & JOUB18H3
Corequisite: JOUB03H3 & JOUB05H3 & JOUB10H3 & JOUB20H3
Breadth Requirement: Arts, Literature & Language

JOUB18H3    Imaging: Photography for Journalists

An introduction to the basic concepts of photography and a deeper examination of the principles of photojournalism. Students create photo stories using a range of equipment (portable, battery-operated flash equipment, digital cameras, etc.) and learn how to edit images for publication, either in print or in Web form.  This course is taught at Centennial College and is open only to students in the Journalism Joint Program.
Prerequisite: 10 credits including [(MDSA21H3) or JOUA01H3], [(MDSA22H3) or JOUA02H3], [(MDSB26H3) or JOUB01H3], [(MDSB27H3) or JOUB02H3], (HUMB11H3).
Corequisite: JOUA06H3 & JOUB11H3 & JOUB14H3
Breadth Requirement: Arts, Literature & Language

JOUB20H3    Multiplatform Journalism

This course focuses on design and writing for multiplatform presentations of editorial content. Instruction includes gathering, editing and uploading text, audio and video for display on websites and mobile handheld devices. Students learn the mechanics of news website construction and maintenance and protocols for storytelling in a digital milieu.  This course is taught at Centennial College and is open only to students in the Journalism Joint Program.
Prerequisite: 12 credits, including JOUA06H3, JOUB11H3, JOUB14H3 & JOUB18H3
Corequisite: JOUB03H3, JOUB05H3, JOUB10H3 & JOUB17H3
Breadth Requirement: Arts, Literature & Language

JOUB24H3    Journalism in the Age of New Media

Journalism is undergoing a revolutionary change. Old trusted formats are falling away and young people are consuming, producing, exchanging, and absorbing news in a different way. The course will help students critically analyze new media models and give them the road map they will need to negotiate and work in New Media.  This course is open only to students in the Journalism Joint  Program.
Exclusion: (MDSB24H3)

JOUB39H3    Fundamentals of Journalistic Writing

An overview of the standard rules and techniques of journalistic writing. The course examines the basics of good writing style including words and structures most likely to cause problems for writers. Students will develop their writing skills through assignments designed to help them conceive, develop, and produce works of journalism.  This course is open only to students in the Journalism Joint Program.
Prerequisite: [(MDSA21H3) or JOUA01H3] & [(MDSA22H3) or JOUA02H3] & HUMA01H3.
Exclusion: (MDSB39H3)
Breadth Requirement: Arts, Literature & Language

JOUC13H3    Beat Reporting

Student teams select a "beat", conduct research, and prepare a proposal. Each student researches and writes five stories. Each team publishes a niche magazine and designs an accompanying website, using multi-media skills of writing, photography, audio and video. The time commitment for this advanced course may include evenings and weekends.  This course is taught at Centennial College and is open only to students in the  Journalism Joint Program.
Prerequisite: 14.5 credits, including JOUB03H3, JOUB05H3, JOUB10H3, JOUB17H3 & [(JOUB09H3) or JOUB20H3]
Corequisite: JOUC16Y3 & JOUC17H3
Breadth Requirement: Arts, Literature & Language

JOUC16Y3    News Laboratory II

Students play more senior roles to produce content for the online and print editions of "The Observer". Participants attend staff meetings during class time, and research and write stories outside class. This intensive course requires a large time commitment that may include evenings and weekends.  This course is taught at Centennial College and is open only to students in the Journalism Joint Program.
Prerequisite: 14.5 credits, including JOUB03H3 & JOUB05H3 & JOUB10H3 & JOUB17H3 & [(JOUB09H3) or JOUB20H3]
Corequisite: JOUC13H3 & JOUC17H3
Breadth Requirement: Arts, Literature & Language

JOUC17H3    Television News

This course focuses on video journalism skills for a multi-platform environment. Whether covering stories for traditional television news or a website, students learn how to shoot, edit and produce editorial content. Students also staff a live-to-air news program where they anchor as well as work behind the scenes.  This course is taught at Centennial College and is open only to students in the Journalism Joint Program.
Prerequisite: 14.5 credits, including JOUB03H3 & JOUB05H3 & JOUB10H3 & JOUB17H3 & [(JOUB09H3) or JOUB20H3]
Corequisite: JOUC13H3 & JOUC16Y3
Breadth Requirement: Arts, Literature & Language

Media Studies

MDSA02H3 History of Media and Technology
See the Media Studies section of this Calendar for full course descriptions.