Getting To Know the New JMC 2033

More than just a "writing class," JMC 2033 is a gateway to the rapidly evolving world of mass media. Professor Kathryn Jenson White has retooled the course to reflect the blurring lines between media careers. Quoting the syllabus, "You must do away with what we call a 'silo' mentality. You can't call yourself just a print journalist or just an advertising copywriter." This cross-disciplinary approach takes every media career and distills it to its most basic element: Words.

The lecture class, in conjunction with labs, provides students with the tools they need to succeed in their work beyond JMC 2033. Concepts are introduced in lecture by the professor and then put into practical use in the lab by the lab instructors. Media writing can be difficult for students who are only used to academic writing, but lectures, lab exercises, and use of the Associated Press Style Book all help students learn media writing skills. Quoting the syllabus, "You have had 12 years to understand the conventions of academic writing. You have one semester to understand the conventions of media writing before stepping into your major classes."

Besides sharpening students' media writing skills, JMC 2033 also seeks to build their media literacy by observing several different media outlets. The syllabus lays out how the student “will become a more conscientious and critical consumer of the media by learning how(...)media practitioners think and act." In addition, instructors emphasize awareness of diversity in students' intended audience and the ethical principals required by their chosen field.

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Source: JMC 2033 Fall 2009 Course Syllabus by Professor Kathryn Jenson White