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Journalism

Overview Degrees/Certificates Courses

Degrees Offered

A.A.-T. in Journalism
A.A. in Journalism

Dean Brian Rickel
Department Chair Adam Wadenius
Phone (916) 691-7171
Email wadenia@crc.losrios.edu

Associate Degrees for Transfer

A.A.-T. in Journalism

The Journalism AA-T degree offers students the opportunity to take courses in media theories, news writing and reporting, and writing for publication, which readies them for the courses that offer hands-on experience at the award-winning, student-produced publications: The Connection, a biweekly print newspaper, and www.thecrcconnection.com, the daily online news outlet.

The Journalism AA-T degree is for students who have a goal of transferring to the California State University to attain a Bachelor of Arts or Science in Journalism for the purpose of becoming journalism or communications professionals. Some students pursuing this degree may plan to minor in journalism at a CSU. Lower-division requirements for the major and minor in Journalism may be completed through the Journalism AA-T degree.

The Journalism AA-T degree may be obtained by completing a total of 60 transferable semester units with a minimum 2.0 GPA, to include the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC); students must also earn a grade of C or better (or "P" if taken pass/no pass) in all the courses for the major as described in the Required Program. Upon successful completion of the degree requirements, students will be guaranteed admission to the CSU system with junior status and will not have to repeat lower division coursework. Students are encouraged to meet with a counselor to develop their educational plans as degree options and general education requirements vary for each university.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2025

Degree Requirements

Course Code	Course Title	Units
CORE COURSES:
JOUR 310	Mass Media and Society (3)	3
or RTVF 300	Mass Media and Society (3)
JOUR 300	Newswriting and Reporting	3
JOUR 410	College Media Production I	3
ELECTIVE LIST A - at least 1 course from the following:
A minimum of 3 units from the following:		3
JOUR 351	Public Relations Writing and Media Techniques (3)
JOUR 411	College Media Production II (3)
ELECTIVE LIST B - at least 2 courses from the following:
A minimum of 6 units from the following:		6
JOUR 320	Race and Gender in the Media (3)
COMM 311	Argumentation and Debate (3)
COMM 363	Introduction to Communication Theory (3)
ECON 302	Principles of Macroeconomics (3)
or ECON 304	Principles of Microeconomics (3)
ENGL C1001	Critical Thinking and Writing (3)
PHOTO 302	Beginning Digital Photography (3)
POLS C1000	American Government and Politics (3)
or POLS C1000H	American Government and Politics - Honors (3)
or HONOR 367	Introduction to Government: United States – Honors (3)
POLS 302	Comparative Politics (3)
STAT C1000E	Introduction to Statistics (4)
or STAT C1000H	Introduction to Statistics - Honors (4)
or HONOR 393	Introduction to Probability and Statistics - Honors (4)
Total Units:		18

The Associate in Arts in Journalism for Transfer (AA-T) degree may be obtained by completion of 60 transferable, semester units with a minimum 2.0 GPA, including (a) the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program, and (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) Requirement.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

Write clear and concise stories that adhere to journalistic conventions.
Conduct research and evaluate information using appropriate methods.
Demonstrate an understanding of basic news and feature writing in print, broadcast, and on-line media.
Evaluate their own work and that of others for accuracy, fairness, appropriate style, and grammatical correctness.
Produce news and feature articles, photographs, and/or multimedia packages for publication in a newspaper or on-line publication.
Understand and apply the principles of the First Amendment and other laws appropriate to professional practice.
Apply ethical principles in pursuit of truth, accuracy, fairness, and diversity.
Identify and explain the processes, elements, history, theory, and effects of modern mass media in society.

Career Information

The AA-T degree in Journalism can provide students with the foundational knowledge necessary for transfer to a 4-year Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree program. Career opportunities for students who have earned BS or BA degrees in Journalism include but are not limited to: news reporter, news editor, broadcast news writer, broadcast news producer, online news editor, online news producer, advertising copy writer, public relations representative. Some careers may require additional training. NOTE TO TRANSFER STUDENTS: The Associate Degree for Transfer program is designed for students who plan to transfer to a campus of the California State University (CSU). Other than the required core, the courses you choose to complete this degree will depend to some extent on the selected CSU for transfer. In addition, some Cal-GETC requirements can also be completed using courses required for this associate degree for transfer major (known as “double-counting”). Meeting with a counselor to determine the most appropriate course choices will facilitate efficient completion of your transfer requirements. For students wishing to transfer to other universities (UC System, private, or out-of-state), the Associate Degree for Transfer may not provide adequate preparation for upper-division transfer admissions; it is critical that you meet with a CRC counselor to select and plan the courses for the major, as programs vary widely in terms of the required preparation.

Associate Degrees

A.A. in Journalism

The Journalism program is designed to train students in the writing, reporting and critical thinking skills required for jobs in the news media or for transfer to a journalism program at a four-year institution.

Highlights include:
* Hands-on experience publishing the college's award-winning newspaper, The Connection. The newspaper showcases students' work in writing, photography, editing, graphic illustration and publication design
* Hands-on experience producing the newspaper's award-winning website. The website allows students to publish breaking news, showcase photo galleries, and post audio and video clips to accompany stories.
* Instruction and practice in desktop publishing, digital photography and graphics applications in the department's Macintosh laboratory or in the campus PC computer laboratory
* Opportunities to attend state journalism conferences, compete for awards in writing, photography, editing and graphic art, and qualify for scholarships
* Opportunities for internships at newspapers, magazines, websites, broadcast television stations, and in public relations firms

Note to Transfer Students:
If you are interested in transferring to a four-year college or university to pursue a bachelor’s degree in this major, it is critical that you meet with a CRC counselor to select and plan the courses for your major. Schools vary widely in terms of the required preparation. The courses that CRC requires for an Associate’s degree in this major may be different from the requirements needed for the Bachelor’s degree.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2025

Degree Requirements

Course Code	Course Title	Units
JOUR 310	Mass Media and Society (3)	3
JOUR 300	Newswriting and Reporting	3
JOUR 404	Editing and Production	3
JOUR 410	College Media Production I	3
PHOTO 301	Beginning Photography (3)	3
or PHOTO 302	Beginning Digital Photography (3)
A minimum of 9 units from the following:		9
CISC 305	Introduction to the Internet (1)
CISC 306	Introduction to Web Page Creation (1)
JOUR 330	Computer Familiarization (2)
or CISC 302	Computer Familiarization (2)
JOUR 320	Race and Gender in the Media (3)
JOUR 340	Writing for Publication (3)
PHOTO 400	Digital Imaging (3)
JOUR 301	Advanced Newswriting and Reporting (3)
Total Units:		24

The Journalism Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus the local CRC General Education Requirement, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See CRC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

PSLO 1: Write clear and concise stories that adhere to journalistic conventions.
PSLO 2: Conduct research and evaluate information using appropriate methods.
PSLO 3: Demonstrate an understanding of basic news and feature writing in print, broadcast, and on-line media.
PSLO 4: Evaluate their own work and that of others for accuracy, fairness, appropriate style, and grammatical correctness.
PSLO 5: Produce news and feature articles, photographs, and/or multimedia packages for publication in a newspaper or on-line publication.
PSLO 6: Understand and apply the principles of the First Amendment and other laws appropriate to professional practice.
PSLO 7: Apply ethical principles in pursuit of truth, accuracy, fairness, and diversity.
PSLO 8: Identify and explain the processes, elements, history, theory, and effects of modern mass media in society.
PSLO 9: Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamentals of mass media theories, concepts, and practices as they relate to gender, ethnicity, and class constructs.

Career Information

Career Options Journalist; Newspaper Reporter; Magazine Editor; Editor; Columnist; Desktop Publishing Specialist; Public Information Officer; Web Writer/Editor/Producer; Script Writer; Copy Writer; Broadcast News Writer; Broadcast News Producer. Some career options may require more than two years of college study. Classes beyond the associate degree may be required to fulfill some career options or for preparation for transfer to a university program.

Journalism (JOUR) Courses

JOUR 299 Experimental Offering in Journalism

Units:0.5 - 4
Prerequisite:None.
Catalog Date:August 1, 2025

This is the experimental courses description.

JOUR 300 Newswriting and Reporting

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:Eligibility for ENGL C1000 (formerly known as ENGWR 300).
Transferable:CSU
C-ID:C-ID JOUR 110
Catalog Date:August 1, 2025

This is an introductory course in basic news writing and reporting. This course concentrates on fundamental writing techniques for mass media. This course also emphasizes the legal and ethical responsibilities of the news media with critical analysis of current news reporting practices.

JOUR 301 Advanced Newswriting and Reporting

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:JOUR 300 with a grade of "C" or better
Advisory:ENGL C1000
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2025

This course focuses on interpretive news writing with emphasis on public affairs, specialized reporting, mastery of fundamental reporting techniques, an introduction to feature and editorial writing, and an introduction to the tools of multimedia reporting.

JOUR 310 Mass Media and Society

Same As:RTVF 300
Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:Local GE L4 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 4 (effective Fall 2025)
C-ID:C-ID JOUR 100
Catalog Date:August 1, 2025

Survey of the mass media: history, philosophy, structure and trends, as well as theories which help to explain effects and the importance of mass communications as a social institution. Exploration of economics, technology, law, ethics, and social issues, including cultural and ethnic diversity. This course is the same as RTVF 300, and only one may be taken for credit. (C-ID JOUR 100)

JOUR 320 Race and Gender in the Media

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:Local GE L4 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 4 (effective Fall 2025)
Catalog Date:August 1, 2025

This course examines the roles of ethnic minorities and women in American society as depicted, documented and distorted in the mass media. Students will study ethnic, racial and gender issues in mass media content, development, policy, and professions, including media stereotypes, contributions of diverse groups to the media and mass communications as an agent of social change.

JOUR 330 Computer Familiarization

Same As:CISC 302
Units:2
Hours:36 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:BUSTEC 302
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2025

This is an introductory course to provide general knowledge on how computers work, computer terminology and the impact of computers on society and the work environment. Beginning level hands-on instruction using an operating system, word processing software, spreadsheet software, database software, email and the Internet will be emphasized. Students will be reading and interpreting written and oral instructions of a technical nature. This course is the same as CISC 302, and only one may be taken for credit. See "Cross-Listed Courses" in the catalog.

JOUR 335 Introduction to Desktop Publishing

Same As:CISA 330
Units:2
Hours:27 hours LEC; 27 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:CISC 302, CISC 310, or JOUR 330
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2025

This course will cover the introductory elements of desktop publishing. The course is taught in three modules with a project attached to each module. The course covers hardware and software, elements of design, computer graphics, text composition, page layout, and integration of text and graphics. Projects may include, but are not limited to: business cards, stationary, logos, covers, flyers, brochures, newsletters. Students may receive two units credit for each topic offered. Consult the class schedule for specific topics. Recommended courses: CISA 305; ARCH 330 or ART 320; and CISA 340. This course is the same as CISA 330. This course under either name, may be taken a total of four times for credit on different topics. See "Cross-Listed Courses" in the catalog.

JOUR 336 Intermediate Desktop Publishing

Same As:CISA 331
Units:2
Hours:27 hours LEC; 27 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2025

This course builds upon previous desktop publishing software concepts and study. Topics include working with color, applying styles, importing and linking graphics, tabs and tables, and working with transparency effects. It also covers producing long documents and book features, output and exporting to PDF format, and creating interactive documents for online use. This course is the same as CISA 331, and only one may be taken for credit.

JOUR 340 Writing for Publication

Same As:ENGWR 330
Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:ENGL C1000, ENGL C1000H, HONOR 375, or JOUR 300 with a grade of "C" or better
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2025

This is an introductory course in writing nonfiction for publication. Emphasis will be on developing magazine articles that sell; finding ideas; analyzing magazines; writing query letters; researching and interviewing; organizing, writing and illustrating articles. Individual and class criticism of student work will be featured. This course is the same as ENGWR 330, and only one may be taken for credit.

JOUR 351 Public Relations Writing and Media Techniques

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU
C-ID:C-ID JOUR 150
Catalog Date:August 1, 2025

This course is a study of the practice of public relations (PR); planning PR campaigns; preparing promotional messages for newspapers, magazines, radio, television, and online; using public relations techniques in business, education, entertainment, social service and other fields.

JOUR 404 Editing and Production

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Corequisite:JOUR 420 or 421
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2025

This course includes instruction and practice in editing and designing newspapers, magazines, technical reports, and online publications. Topics include copy editing, headline writing, photo editing, page make-up and design, and production methods. Editorial writing, press ethics, and press law are also discussed.

JOUR 410 College Media Production I

Units:3
Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
Prerequisite:Eligibility for ENGL C1000 (formerly known as ENGWR 300).
Advisory:Completion of or concurrent enrollment in one of the following: JOUR 300 or PHOTO 302.
Transferable:CSU
C-ID:C-ID JOUR 130
Catalog Date:August 1, 2025

This course focuses on writing and producing student news media, using the school news website The Connection at www.thecrcconnection.com as a practical laboratory that produces journalistic stories for distribution to a college-wide audience. Students will work primarily in one of the following areas: researching, writing, and editing articles for the publication; taking photographs and creating graphic illustrations; developing multimedia stories; or designing web pages. Ethical and legal aspects of communication are also covered.

JOUR 411 College Media Production II

Units:3
Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
Prerequisite:JOUR 410 with a grade of "C" or better
Advisory:Completion of or concurrent enrollment in one of the following: JOUR 300 or PHOTO 302.
Transferable:CSU
C-ID:C-ID JOUR 131
Catalog Date:August 1, 2025

This course builds on experience gained in Journalism 410. During this second-semester course, students focus on intermediate writing and production skills, using the school news website The Connection at www.thecrcconnection.com as a practical laboratory that produces journalistic stories for distribution to a college-wide audience. Students will work in at least two of the following areas: researching, writing, and editing articles for the student news publication; taking photographs and creating graphic illustrations; developing multimedia stories; or designing web pages. Ethical and legal aspects of communication are also covered.

JOUR 412 College Media Production III

Units:3
Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
Prerequisite:JOUR 300 and 411 with grades of "C" or better
Corequisite:JOUR 422
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2025

This course builds on the experience gained in Journalism 411. During this third-semester course, students focus on advanced intermediate writing and production skills, using the school news website The Connection at www.thecrcconnection.com as a practical laboratory that produces journalistic stories for distribution to a college-wide audience. Students will work in at least three of the following areas: researching, writing, and editing articles for the two publications; taking photographs and creating graphic illustrations; developing multimedia stories; or designing pages. Ethical and legal aspects of communication are also covered.

JOUR 413 College Media Production IV

Units:3
Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
Prerequisite:JOUR 412 with a grade of "C" or better
Corequisite:JOUR 423
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2025

This course builds on the experience gained in Journalism 412. During this fourth-semester course, students focus on advanced writing and production skills, using the school newspaper The Connection and its online companion www.thecrcconnection.com, as a practical laboratory. Students will produce work in each of the following areas: researching, writing, and editing advanced and in-depth articles for the two publications; taking photographs and creating graphic illustrations; developing multimedia stories; and designing pages. Ethical and legal aspects of communication and media leadership/management are also covered and students should serve in leadership roles.

JOUR 420 College Media Production Lab I

Units:0.5 - 3
Hours:27 - 162 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Corequisite:JOUR 404 and 410
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2025

This lab course helps students improve their writing, editing, photography, design, and computer skills as an addition to their enrollment in College Media Production I (JOUR 410) and/or Editing and Production (JOUR 404).

JOUR 421 College Media Production Lab II

Units:0.5 - 3
Hours:27 - 162 hours LAB
Prerequisite:JOUR 420 with a grade of "C" or better
Corequisite:JOUR 411
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2025

This lab course helps students build on skills gained in Journalism 410 and 420. During this second-semester course, students will continue to improve their skills in at least two of the following areas: writing, editing, photography, design, and web production skills as an addition to their enrollment in College Media Production II (JOUR 411).

JOUR 422 College Media Production Lab III

Units:0.5 - 3
Hours:27 - 162 hours LAB
Prerequisite:JOUR 421 with a grade of "C" or better
Corequisite:JOUR 412
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2025

This lab course helps students build on skills gained in Journalism 411 and 421. During this third-semester course, students will continue to improve their skills in at least three of the following areas: writing, editing, photography, design, and web production skills as an addition to their enrollment in College Media Production III (JOUR 412).

JOUR 423 College Media Production Lab IV

Units:0.5 - 3
Hours:27 - 162 hours LAB
Prerequisite:JOUR 422 with a grade of "C" or better
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2025

This lab course helps students build on skills gained in Journalism 412 and 422. During this fourth-semester course, students will continue to improve their skills in at least four of the following areas: writing, editing, photography, design, and web production skills as an addition to their enrollment in College Media Production IV (JOUR 413).

JOUR 495 Independent Studies in Journalism

Units:1 - 3
Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2025

An independent studies project involves an individual student or small group of students in study, research, or activities beyond the scope of regularly offered courses. See the current catalog section of "Special Studies" for full details of Independent Studies.

JOUR 498 Work Experience in Journalism

Units:0.5 - 4
Hours:27 - 216 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Enrollment Limitation:Students must be in a paid or unpaid internship, volunteer position or job related to career goals in Journalism.
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2025

This course provides students with opportunities to develop marketable skills in preparation for employment in their major field of study or advancement within their career. It is designed for students interested in work experience and/or internships in transfer level degree occupational programs. Course content includes understanding the application of education to the workforce; completion of required forms which document the student's progress and hours spent at the work site; and developing workplace skills and competencies. Appropriate level learning objectives are established by the student and the employer. During the semester, the student is required to participate in a weekly orientation and complete 27 hours of related work experience for 0.5 unit. An additional 27 hours of related work experience is required for each additional 0.5 units. Students may take up to 16 units total across all Work Experience course offerings. This course may be taken up to four times when there are new or expanded learning objectives. Only one Work Experience course may be taken per semester.

JOUR 499 Experimental Offering in Journalism

Units:0.5 - 4
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2025

This is the experimental courses description.