250 Words Over JMC 203

Christie Latimer
JMC 2033-019
January 25, 2010


JMC 2033, also known as Writing for Mass Media is designed to help students develop mass media writing skills. According to the syllabus, the goals of the course include helping students to enhance media literacy skills, and assisting them in understanding specific conventions of writing for multimedia outlets.
Passing the class is a prerequisite for entering the Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication. In order to enroll in JMC 2033, students must have previously passed JMC 1013, Introduction to Mass Communication. The class is split into two parts, namely a lab section and a lecture section. Both sections contribute equally in determining students' final grades.
The lecture section, taught by Kathryn Jenson White, focuses on specific concepts and skills neccessary for thinking and performing as a professional communicator. As stated in the syllabus, the lecture includes instruction over critical thinking, cultural sensitivity, ethical judgment, and diversity. Practice with media literacy skills and core values of professional behavior are also key in the lecture curriculum. To check students' comprehension of the material, most lectures begin with a ten minute quiz.
The content taught in the lecture is then practiced in the lab. There are several different labs, consisting of around fifteen students. Each lab is taught by a different writing professional. The lab instructor assists the students' writing process by focusing heavily on correct grammar, careful revision, and proper editing. Students will also be taught the basics of reporting, interviewing, and other forms of information gathering.