M = Journalism

Journalism

S = Objectives

The Brandeis University Journalism Program examines the place of the media in the American experience. The program offers students a unique, liberal-arts approach to the study of journalism. A diverse faculty of scholars and journalism professionals teach students about the role of the media in domestic and international affairs and train students in the skills necessary for the accomplished practice of journalism. In class and in professional environments, students wrestle with the challenges and responsibilities of communicating the essence of world events and issues in print and broadcast journalism.

The program is part of the University's larger effort to train students to be critical thinkers and forceful writers. It is not a nuts-and-bolts communication program; rather it features a strong liberal arts curriculum that grounds students in an academic subject area and gives them the tools to translate and transmit knowledge to a general audience.

In the core courses and electives, students study the history and organization of media institutions; examine the ethical responsibilities of media practitioners; analyze the relationships among the media and other American social, political, and corporate institutions; and learn the reporting, writing, and editing skills needed by the print and broadcast media.

S = How to Become a Program Member

This program is open to all Brandeis undergraduates, subject to limitations on appropriate class size. Students who complete the requirements of the program receive journalism certificates and notations on their transcripts.

S = Committee

Susan Moeller, Director

(American Studies)

Jeffrey Abramson

(Politics)

John Burt

(English and American Literature)

John Carroll

(American Studies)

Jacob Cohen

(American Studies)

Thomas Doherty

(American Studies)

Gordon Fellman

(Sociology)

Andrew Hahn

(Heller School)

Morton Keller

(History)

Martin Levin

(Politics)

Robert Maeda

(Fine Arts)

Eileen McNamara

(American Studies)

Richard Parmentier

(Anthropology)

Peter Petri

(Economics and Graduate School of Economics and International Finance)

Stephen Whitfield

(American Studies)

S = Requirements for the Program

Students are expected to complete a minimum of six courses from the following options:

A. Core Courses: Students will be required to take (at least) two out of the following three core courses: AMST 137b (Journalism in Modern America), AMST 138b (Reporting Contemporary America), and AMST 15a (Writing for the Media).

B. Students will be required to complete one of the three following options: Internship (students serve in an outside internship while concurrently taking JOUR 92a (Contemporary Media: Internship and Analysis)); Senior Writing Project (students write a one-semester long paper as an independent study in the Journalism Program--JOUR 98a or b); or Honors Thesis (students write an honors thesis in their department of concentration that is on a topic relating to the media).

C. Students will be required to take three electives from the following five special areas of study, no more than two in any one department: Contemporary Affairs and the Media; Analytical and Research Methods; History, Principles, and Practice; Communications Theory; or Politics, Law, and Ethics. Students are strongly encouraged to choose their electives from different groups. Not every course will be offered every year.

S = Courses of Instruction

JOUR 92a Contemporary Media: Internship and Analysis

Prerequisite: AMST 15a, 137b, or 138b. Signature of the instructor required.

This course brings together students who are independently engaged in various media internships and provides an opportunity for them to exchange their experiences with other students and to discuss and analyze related readings. Students who choose to satisfy the journalism minor's internship option must take this course. Usually offered every semester.

Ms. Moeller

JOUR 98a Independent Study