Journalism Course Descriptions
MDS 1130. Basic Newswriting (3). Prerequisite: MDS 1500. An introduction to the journalistic field focusing on the structure, purpose and function of news, from story inception to completion. Students will also be exposed to ethics and legal limitations and rights of the journalist. Typing skills required.
MDS 1450. Introduction to Audio and Video Production (3). An introductory course in the basics of audio and video production employing both lecture and practical experience. Emphasis will include gaining an overview of the major pieces of audio and video production equipment and their operation, the specific functions of the production personnel, and becoming familiar with the language of television production.
MDS 1500. Mass Media and Society (3). This course serves as an introduction to mass media, including radio, television, film, and newspapers. It is designed to lead the student to basic media literacy by exploring the evolution of mass media and their effects on society--politically, economically, and socially.
MDS 1900. Journalism Practicum I (3). Prerequisite: MDS 1130. This is a laboratory course with instruction from Professionals-in-Residence and Belmont faculty in topics that include: Editing and Design for Print, Responsible News Selection, Online Research and Reporting, Photography and Economics of Print Media.
MDS 2140. Broadcast News Reporting (3). A course designed to teach students the common practices in radio and television news. Emphasis will be on broadcast writing, production, and performance.
MDS 2200. Visual Journalism (3). This course offers an introduction to nonfiction storytelling in multiple visual media, including photojournalism, news videography, and media graphics. Students will receive training in conceptualizing stories, information gathering, camera work, editing, and presentation strategies for print/electronic media.
MDS 2210. Feature Writing (3). Prerequisite: MDS 1130 or approval of instructor. This course provides a study of the practical techniques of researching and developing feature stories for newspapers and periodicals. Students will also be instructed in methods and procedures for freelancing feature articles for publication.
MDS 2300. The Business of News (3). A study and analysis of current and emerging issues in the news industry from both practical and theoretical perspectives.
MDS 2900. Journalism Practicum II (3). Prerequisite: MDS 1900.This is a laboratory course with instruction from Professionals-in-Residence and Belmont faculty in topics that include: Audio and Sound Control, Producing and Directing, Writing for Broadcast, Videography and Special Effects, Economics of Broadcast/Telecommunications.
MDS 3100. Covering Diverse Populations (3). This course will encourage students to utilize their critical thinking skills as they learn about stereotypes, perceptions bias, and prejudice. They will analyze different populations and how those groups are represented on the news and in the media including but not limited to television, radio, newspapers, Internet, cable and satellite. Further, students will begin to address their own attitudes and feelings based on their experience and exposure to different people, cultures and beliefs.
MDS 3300. Media Research Methods (3). Prerequisite: MTH 1150.This course provides an introduction to methodological approaches to the study of media. Qualitative and quantitative methodologies will be introduced. The class emphasizes learning and applying research skills to scientifically evaluate messages, media and audiences. Each student executes a research project. Gen. Ed. Designation: EL (R - Undergraduate Research)
MDS 3600. Journalism as Literature (3). This course will explore literary journalism and examine some of the foremost works of the genre. In addition to their literary value, the selection of books provides a cursory social history of the United States.
MDS 3700. TV, Vietnam, Watergate & the News (3).Three significant events of the 20th Century have had tremendous impact on the news industry today. This course will examine how the advent of television, America's involvement in Vietnam, and the Watergate scandal have transformed the news business--for better for for worse. In particular, we will examine the news media's role as a watchdog on government, and how that function impacts American democracy.
MDS 3900. Journalism Practicum III (3). Prerequisite: MDS 2900.This is a laboratory course with instruction from Professionals-in-Residence and Belmont faculty in topics that include: Digital Imaging. Website Production, Information Theory, Interactive Media, Online Journalism, The Internet and Global Society, Economics of New Media.
MDS 3970. Journalism Workshop (1-3). Students who work on the news-editorial staff of campus student media may receive from 1 to 3 hours per semester credit. The criteria for credit is established by the faculty advisor to the publication, online or broadcast operation. No more than 6 hours of credit may be applied toward a major and no more than 3 hours toward a journalism minor.
MDS 4100. Communication Law (3). Prerequisite: MDS 1130 or MDS 2600. Examines governmental regulations affecting news media, advertising, radio broadcasting and telecasting, and the direct effects of such regulations upon management and daily operations.
MDS 4110. Media Ethics (3). Prerequisite: MDS 1130 or MDS 2600. A study of the social ethic for mass communication, establishing a system of checks and balances to measure fair and truthful news and diversified entertainment. Course work involves case study analysis to help understand the roles of the communicator and the audience as individual and group.
MDS 4900. Journalism Internship (3-6). On-the-job training in a communication organization. Student assignments will be consistent with vocational objectives. Normally taken during senior year. May be taken up to six hours in student's major. Permission of instructor is required for 6-credit-hour internship.
