1997-98 UAF Catalog

Course Descriptions


Degrees and Programs Index


Journalism-Broadcasting

JB 101 (3 Credits) Fall
Introduction to Mass Communications (3+0) h
History and principles of mass communications and the role of information media in American society. Introduction to professional aspects of mass communications, including print and broadcast. Also available via Independent Learning.


JB 102 (3 Credits) Spring
Introduction to Broadcasting (3+0) h
Principles of broadcasting as they relate to the people of the United States, including history, government involvement, and social effects.


JB 105 (3 Credits) Spring
History of the Cinema (3+0) h
History and development of the medium of film in the United States and abroad during the last 100 years. Content will vary each semester. Materials fee: $25.00. Also available via Independent Learning.


JB 201 (3 Credits) As Demand Warrants
Writing for the Media (3+0) h
Basic journalism writing, including information gathering, grammar, word use and style, news story structure, interviewing techniques, headline writing, and writing for broadcast news. Emphasis on student mastery of clear, concise writing. Available via audioconferencing. (Prerequisite: ENGL 111X or instructor permission.)


JB 203 (3 Credits) Fall, Spring
Basic Photography (2+3) h
Photography fundamentals, including use of an adjustable camera, film and exposure techniques, filters, flash techniques, and an introduction to color. Darkroom procedures including black and white film processing and printing, photograph design and composition. Students must have use of an adjustable camera. Laboratory fee: $40.00.


JB 215 (3 Credits) Fall, Spring
Audio Production (2+3)
Sound production for radio, television, film, and stage amplifications. Emphasis on writing, recording, control room techniques, and editing. Laboratory fee: $25.00.


JB 217 (3 Credits) Spring
Introduction to the Study of Film (2+2) h
(Same as ENGL 217) An appreciation course designed to introduce the student to the various forms of cinematic art with special emphasis on humanistic and artistic aspects. (Prerequisite: ENGL 111X.)


JB 240 (3 Credits) Spring
International Communications (3+0) h
Historical development of different mass communication systems around the globe. The relationship between press philosophies and their practical implementation. Mass communication systems of selected countries as representative examples of generalized systems.


JB 301W (4 Credits) Fall, Spring
News Reporting and Writing (2+4) h
Finding and getting the story, writing the lead, developing story structure, writing on deadline, editing copy, writing headlines and captions, cropping and sizing pictures, and writing for broadcast news. Laboratory fee: $25.00. (Prerequisites: ENGL 111 and ENGL 211, 213 or 311, junior standing or instructor permission.)


JB 308 (3 Credits) Fall
Film and TV Criticism (3+0) h
Theoretical approaches to viewing, analyzing and evaluating film and television program content. Laboratory fee: $25.00.


JB 311W (3 Credits) Fall, Spring
Magazine Article Writing (2+1) h
Writing articles for publication. Students repeating the course limited to six credits. Laboratory fee: $25.00. (Prerequisite: JB 301 or permission of instructor.)


JB 320 (3 Credits) Spring
Journalism in Perspective (3+0) h
Present problems and trends in mass communication with emphasis on historical development, including survey of world press coverage and problems. (Prerequisite: Junior standing.)


JB 323 (3 Credits) Fall
Publication Editing (3+0)
Publication management and editing: content selection, design, editorial responsibility, and economics of publishing. Laboratory fee: $25.00. (Prerequisite: Junior standing.)


JB 324 (3 Credits) Spring
Typography and Publication Design (2+2) Typography, layout, and design, coupled with a study of the methods of printing production. Materials fee: $25.00. (Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.)


JB 326O (3 Credits) Spring
Principles of Advertising (3+0)
(Same as BA 326) Advertising including strategy, media use, creation and production of advertisements and measurement of advertising effectiveness. (Prerequisite: Junior standing.)


JB 340 (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Mass Media and Society (3+0) s
Focus is on the role and significance of the mass media in modern society. Course examines relationship between mass media, business and government. Also development of mass communication theory and research, and growing role of the Internet. (Next offered: 1997-98.)


JB 368 (3 Credits) As Demand Warrants
Topics in American Film History (3+0)
(Same as HIST 368)
An in-depth study of American film and how it shapes and warps popular perceptions of America's past. A historical contrast according to Hollywood with the views and interpretations of historians. Content will vary depending on the specific genre or period of focus, such as World War II, the Vietnam War, the Great Depression, the Cold War, and development of the west, etc. (Prerequisites: HIST 131 or 132, JB 217 or 308, or permission of instructor.)


JB 371O (3 Credits) Fall, Spring
Digital Photography and Pixel Painting (1+4)
(Same as ART 371)
An introduction to the world of digital imaging with applications in fine and commercial art. It is expected that students will become competent at creating real-looking images of impossible subjects as well as detecting their creation by others. The varied ethical issues engendered by this expertise will be addressed in depth. Students will be required to gain proficiency in visual design for electronic and print publication. Materials fee: $75.00. (Prerequisites: Mac or Windows 95 experience with graphic applications and one college level studio art course.)


JB 380O (3 Credits) Fall
Women, Minorities and the Media (3+0) h
(Same as WMS 380)
Examination of how women and minorities are portrayed in the mass media, the employment of women and minorities in the media, as well as how accurately the media reflects our society demographically. Presented from a feminist, multi-culturalist perspective using a broad feminist analysis encompassing issues of gender as well as class, race, age, and sexual orientation. (Prerequisite: Junior standing.)


JB 389 (3 Credits) Fall
Internet and Electronic Resources (3+0)
(Same as LS 389)
Introduction to the Internet, its access techniques, its resources, and the principles and skills necessary for using electronic resources. Resources will include OPACs, on-line databases, electronic journals, and information content databases. Students will be expected to have basic skills in library research, computer literacy and/or journalism. Materials fee: $25.00. (Prerequisites: LS 100X, LS 101X or permission of instructor.)


JB 400 (1-3 Credits) Fall, Spring
Media Practicum (1+6)
Practical training in print or electronic communication. Participation at an approved publication or broadcast station required. (Prerequisite: Senior standing or permission of instructor.)


JB 402 (3 Credits) Fall
Advanced Photography (2+3) h
Continuation of JB 203. Emphasis on continuing development of photographic skills by application of basic technical skills to a variety of areas of photography. Laboratory fee: $40. (Prerequisite: JB 203 or instructor permission.)


JB 403 (3 Credits) As Demand Warrants
Color Photography (2+3) h
Techniques of exposing and printing color negatives. Color theory in photography, Advanced electronic flash techniques and studio work. Laboratory fee: $50. (Prerequisite: JB 203 or instructor permission.)


JB 404 (3 Credits) Fall
Photojournalism (2+3) h
Fundamentals of visual communication through photography; issues and techniques of modern photojournalism; news, features, sports, and the photo essay assignments as encountered at a daily newspaper; preparation of photographs for publication. Students must have basic 35mm camera equipment. Laboratory fee: $40. (Prerequisite: JB 203 or instructor permission.)


JB 405 (3 Credits) Alternate Years
Advanced Photography Seminar (2+3)
(Same as JB 605)
Advanced discussion of photojournalism and photographic topics. Topics range from the photographic essay to the history of photography and working in series. Weekly classroom meetings supplemented by field, studio, and darkroom sessions. Laboratory fee: $40.00. (Prerequisite: Completion of two or more of JB 402, JB 403, JB 404 and instructor permission.)


JB 407 (3 Credits) Alternate Year
Broadcasting Programming (3+0)
Programming practices at radio and TV stations, networks, cable companies and relationship of the practices with sales, audience, and government. (Prerequisites: JB 215 and JB 451 or permission of instructor. Next offered: Fall 1997.)


JB 408 (3 Credits) Alternate Year
Media Management (3+0)
Overview of media management, including management theories, media competition, media research, regulatory issues of concern to managers, organizational planning, and future trends in media. Case studies in practical problem solving techniques. (Prerequisites: Senior standing or permission of instructor. Next offered: Spring 1998.)


JB 411W (3 Credits) Alternate Year
Advanced Writing for Publication (3+0) h
Writing advanced prose for publication in books or magazines. May be repeated for credit with permission of instructor. Laboratory fee: $25.00. (Prerequisite: JB 311 or permission of instructor. Next offered: Fall 1996.)


JB 413 (3 Credits) Fall
Mass Media Law and Regulation (3+0) s
Common law, statutory law and administrative law that affects the mass media, including libel, copyright, access to the media, constitutional problems, privacy, shield laws, and broadcast regulations. (Prerequisite: JB 301 or permission of instructor.)


JB 424 (3 Credits) Alternate Year
Magazine Production (2+3)
Writing, photography, editing, design, layout, advertising, and circulation through the editing and publication of a magazine under journalism faculty supervision. Materials fee: $25.00. (Prerequisite: JB 301. Next offered: Spring 1998.)


JB 433 (3 Credits) Fall
Public Relations (3+0) h
Techniques, causes and consequences of influencing public opinion; propaganda, mass communication and public relations as instruments of economic, political, and social change. (Prerequisite: JB 301 or permission of instructor.)


JB 440 (3 Credits) Fall
Ethics and Reporting in the Far North (3+0)
(Same as JB 640 and NORS 640)
Historical overview of media coverage of the northern frontier with focus on journalistic ethics. Comparison made to media climate in third world countries. Requires an essay on journalism ethics as related to the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States for 600 level.


JB 444W (3 Credits) Alternate Year
Advanced News Reporting (2+2) h
Advanced reporting of news with emphasis on public affairs. Develops sophisticated news judgment, writing and investigative reporting skills for print and electronic media. Laboratory fee: $25.00. (Prerequisites: JB 301, junior standing or permission of instructor. Next offered: Spring 1997.)


JB 451O (3 Credits) Fall
Television Production (2+4)
Television production, floor directing, audio, camera, staging, lighting, and switching. Materials fee: $40.00. (Prerequisite: JB 215 or permission of instructor.)


JB 452W (3 Credits) Fall
Radio and Television News Writing (3+0)
Overview of radio and television news writing. Emphasis on intensive news writing practice, including interviewing techniques, ethical issues and current controversies, structure of television and radio news operations, and electronic reporting experiences. (Prerequisite: JB 301 or instructor permission.)


JB 453 (3 Credits) Spring
Electronic Newsgathering (2+2)
Electronic news gathering, electronic field production using remote videotape equipment. Scriptwriting, budgets, location sound recording, interview techniques, editing, videography, and other aspects of field production. Materials fee: $40.00. (Prerequisites: JB 451, 452.)


JB 454 (3 Credits) Fall
Advanced TV News Production (1+6)
In-depth experience with television news production including electronic newsgathering. Emphasis on producing broadcast quality news footage and packages. Materials fee: $40.00. (Prerequisites: JB 451, 452 and 453.)


JB 460 (3 Credits) As Demand Warrants
History of German Film (3+0) h
(Same as GER 460)
In-depth study of a representative selection of films from the 1920's to the present, taught in English and German (films will be in German with English subtitles). Students of German will have a special discussion session in German and will do reading and writing in German. (Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of instructor.)


JB 471O (3 Credits) Spring
Two and Three Dimensional Computer Design (1+4)
(Same as ART 471)
An introduction to the world of 2 and 3 dimensional computer design and typography with applications in fine and commercial art. It is expected that the students will become competent at creating 2 and 3 dimensional objects. Students will be required to gain proficiency in visual design for electronic and print publication. Animation of the various components of a 3-D model will be introduced. Materials fee: $75.00. (Prerequisites: Mac or Windows 95 experience with graphic applications, and one college level studio art course.)


JB 472O (3 Credits) Spring
Visualization and Animation (1+4)
(Same as ART 472)
An introduction to visualization and animation with applications in fine and commercial art and science. Students will produce a series of three dimensional animation projects which will introduce them to the tools and concepts used by animation and visualization professionals. Materials fee: $75.00. (Prerequisites: ART 471 or equivalent, plus UNIX experience.)


JB 484 (3 Credits) Spring
Multi Media Theory and Practice (2+3) h
(Same as JB 684, ART 484 and ART 684)
Study of theory and techniques needed to produce multi media with a special project for a university or community agency as the required final. For the purpose of this course multi media is defined as computer based, user-driven products with audio, visual and text components and also video or film where appropriate. Materials fee: $75.00. (Prerequisites: Understanding of computer graphics (programs like Illustrator, Freehand, etc.) plus some mastery of a specialty like writing, art or television production.)


JB 486 (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Media Literacy (3+0)
(Same as ED 486)
Media literacy promotes the critical thinking skills that empower people to make independent judgments and informed decisions in response to information conveyed through the channels of mass communications. Emphasis on the role of teachers in developing young students into critical viewers, listeners, and readers of media. (Prerequisite: Junior standing. Next offered: 1998-99.)


JB 586 (3 Credits) As Demand Warrants
Teaching Broadcast Journalism (3+1)
An intensive 10-day seminar in teaching broadcasting for middle and high school teachers and advanced students. Provides hands-on technical training as well as insight into the business, public relations, legal and ethical aspects of broadcasting. (Prerequisites: Permission of instructor.)


JB 601 (3 credits) Alternate Years
Communication Methodologies (3+0)
(Same as COMM 601)
Communication 601 is a required core course for the Master's Degree in Professional Communication. The student will be introduced to the range of methodologies that are used to produce both practical and theoretic knowledge in the discipline. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches to knowledge building will be addressed. Students will learn the relationships between scientific questions, appropriate selection of methodology, and types of knowledge products.


JB 605 (3 Credits) Alternate Years
Advanced Photography Seminar (2+3)
(Same as JB 405)
Advanced discussion of photojournalism and photographic topics with field, studio, and darkroom sessions. Topics will range from the photographic essay to the history of photography and working in series. Weekly classroom meeting will be supplemented by field, studio, and darkroom sessions. Materials fee: $40.00. (Prerequisites: Completion of two or more of JB 402, JB 403, JB 404 and permission of the instructor.)


JB 611 (3 Credits) Spring
Advanced Writing for Publication (3+3)
An intensive writing course focused on producing books and in-depth magazine features. Emphasis will be on writing, editing, and research. The business and legal aspects of becoming an author will also be covered. Materials fee: $25.00. (Prerequisites: JB 311 or JB 301 or comparable upper division English courses or permission of instructor.)


JB 613 (3 Credits) Alternate Years
Advanced Mass Media Law & Regulation (3+0)
Seminar on current issues, legal opinions, and legislative actions which directly affect the mass media. Special emphasis on technological evolution, corporate growth, and deregulation of administrative media law. (Prerequisites: JB 413. May be taken concurrently with permission of instructor.)


JB 623 (3 Credits) Fall
Advanced Editing for Professionals (3+0)
A case study approach to contemplating and resolving clashes over such day-to-day newsroom concerns as naming crime victims, attracting a larger readership, squelching errors, eliminating sexist language, and fending off libel suits while holding authorities accountable for their actions. (Prerequisites: Graduate or upper-class standing.)


JB 625 (3 Credits) Alternate Years
Communication Theory (3+0)
(Same as COMM 625)
Communication 625 is a required course for the Master's Degree in Professional Communication. The course is designed to acquaint students with both the historical evolution of the discipline against the backdrop of the evolution of the social sciences and with the theoretical perspectives of knowledge-building that have marked that disciplinary evolution. Students will learn the contextual interconnectedness of philosophy and theory. Finally, Communication Theory will also make the essential connections between theoretical perspectives and their professional uses.


JB 633 (3 Credits) Alternate Years
Public Relations Theory and Practice (3+0)
Course examines theory, practice, and research in public relations. Emphasis on public relations in business, industry, government institutions, and nonprofit organizations, as well as the role of public relations in American mass media. (Prerequisites: Graduate standing and in some cases special permission by instructor.)


JB 640 (3 Credits) Fall
Ethics and Reporting in the Far North (3+0)
(Same as JB 440 and NORS 640)
Historical overview of media coverage of the northern frontier with focus on journalistic ethics. Comparison made to media climate in third world countries.


JB 641 (3 Credits) Alternate Years
Comparative Media Studies (3+0)
Historical development of different mass communication systems around the globe. The relationship between press philosophies and their practical implementation. Mass communication systems of selected countries as representative examples of generalized systems. (Prerequisites: Graduate standing, JB 601, and JB 625.)


JB 680 (3 Credits) Fall
Diversity and Media (3+0)
Examination of how women and minorities are portrayed in the mass media, the employment of women and minorities in the media, as well as how accurately the media reflects our society demographically. Presented from a feminist, multicultural perspective using a broad feminist analysis encompassing issues of gender as well as class, race, age, and sexual orientation. (Prerequisites: Graduate standing, JB 625, and JB 601.)


JB 684 (3 Credits) Spring
Multi Media Theory and Practice (3+3)
(Same as JB 484, ART 484 and ART 684)
Study of theory and techniques needed to produce multi media with a special project for some university or community agency as the required final. Industry is still debating the definition of multi media but for the purpose of this course we define it as computer based, user-driven products with audio, visual, and text components and also video or film where appropriate. Materials fee: $75.00. (Prerequisites: Understanding of computer graphics [programs like Illustrator, Freehand, Etc.] plus some mastery of a specialty like writing, art, or television production.)


JB 685 (3 Credits) Independent Learning Program
Publishing, Production and Theory
Writing, editing, and production techniques for high school publication. Topics: desktop publishing, basic and electronic photography, advertising management and legal liabilities. Examination of value of First Amendment to a democratic government. Requires access to a computer. UA computer network provides network to other teachers. (Prerequisites: Certified teacher or permission of instructor.)


JB 699 (3 Credits) Fall and Spring
Thesis (0+0)
(Same as COMM 699)
Every candidate for the Master's Degree in Professional Communication will complete a thesis project. The requirement consists of an original piece of Communication research directed by a member of the graduate faculty in the Communication Department. The completed and accepted thesis will be presented in an appropriate public forum.