Major Requirements
Students must complete the communication and journalism (CJN) core requirements and the requirements of a concentration in the Department of Communication and Journalism in one of the following areas: advertising, communication studies, film, media, broadcast journalism, print journalism, and public relations. All CJN majors require a minimum of 12 courses (48 credits) of CJN coursework.
In addition, all CJN students must also complete the general requirements for their chosen undergraduate degree:
All students majoring in communication and journalism must have their program of study approved by an advisor from the department each semester prior to registering for classes.
Department Core Requirements
All CJN majors must take the following core courses:
-
CJN-101 Introduction to Communication
Prerequisites:
CJN Majors Only
Credits:
4.00
Description:
An introduction to the discipline addressing social science, humanities and practical art approaches to the study of communication. Students investigate the broad themes and foundational concepts which unify the discipline in order to understand the diverse fields, functions and purposes of communication. Normally offered every semester.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
-
CJN-103 Presentations Skills
Credits:
4.00
Description:
The development, delivery of oral presentations. Students develop skills in oral and physical delivery, organization, persuasion, critical thinking and use of support media.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
-
CJN-405 Communication Theory
Prerequisites:
Senior Standing;CJN majors only
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Senior standing; CJN majors only. An interdisciplinary examination of the development of communication theories from the classical tradition to the modern perspectives of rhetoricians, scientist, psychologist, sociologists, philosophers and others. Normally offered every semester.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
Concentrations
General Information
- All CJN major concentrations require 12 courses (48 credits) of coursework within the department.
- All CJN major concentrations consist of the CJN Department Core of three courses (12 credits) and at least seven courses (28 credits) within the specialized concentration.
- All freshman CJN majors must take CJN 101 Introduction to Communication and CJN 103 Presentation Skills during their first year.
- Transfer students must take CJN 101 Introduction to Communication and CJN 103 Presentation Skills during their first year or have equivalent transfer courses.
- CJN majors may not double-count concentration requirements toward fulfilling core requirements for the BSJ, BS and BA degrees.
Advertising Concentration
(12 courses; 48 credits)
CJN Core Requirements (3):
-
CJN-101 Introduction to Communication
Prerequisites:
CJN Majors Only
Credits:
4.00
Description:
An introduction to the discipline addressing social science, humanities and practical art approaches to the study of communication. Students investigate the broad themes and foundational concepts which unify the discipline in order to understand the diverse fields, functions and purposes of communication. Normally offered every semester.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
-
CJN-103 Presentations Skills
Credits:
4.00
Description:
The development, delivery of oral presentations. Students develop skills in oral and physical delivery, organization, persuasion, critical thinking and use of support media.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
-
CJN-405 Communication Theory
Prerequisites:
Senior Standing;CJN majors only
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Senior standing; CJN majors only. An interdisciplinary examination of the development of communication theories from the classical tradition to the modern perspectives of rhetoricians, scientist, psychologist, sociologists, philosophers and others. Normally offered every semester.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
Advertising Requirements (9):
-
CJN-247 Design Lab
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Computer applications for Advertising and communication design. Using various graphical editing and design programs, students learn the theory and practice of design for layout, logos, and graphic elements in communication.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
-
CJN-257 Advertising
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Theoretical and practical applications of communication are considered in terms of advertising strategies and campaigns for media.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
-
CJN-277 Public Relations
Credits:
4.00
Description:
The basic principle techniques and processes of public relations are examined. Issues, trends, opportunities, and problems faced by the practitioner and impacting the organization are analyzed.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
-
CJN-297 New Media New Markets
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Explores current trends in advertising and public relations. Examines new media choices in cable, direct response and the internet and their impact on these professions. Includes an analysis of new markets in Generation X, Generation Y, the international, and ethnic communities.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
-
CJN-347 Media Planning
Prerequisites:
CJN 257
Credits:
4.00
Description:
The planning and purchasing of advertising space and time. The course examines media costs, budgets, and media strategy for different audiences and markets. Normally offered yearly.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
-
CJN-359 Advertising Copy
Prerequisites:
CJN 257
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Continuation of Advertising, with special emphasis on practical advertising and advertising campaigns. Normally offered every semester.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
-
CJN-437 Ad Campaigns
Prerequisites:
CJN 359, CJN 257, CJN 247
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Principles of advertising campaigns. Students design, plan and produce a national advertising campaign for a client as members of a simulated agency team. Normally offered yearly.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
-
CJN-503 Experiential Learning in Communication
Prerequisites:
16 Hrs of CJN coursework or CJN Advisor consent
Credits:
1.00-12.00
Description:
Internships, practicum, and independent study experiences in Communication are available prior to the start of each semester. Normally offered every semester. ECR
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
Type:
Expanded Classroom Requirement
Select one of the following courses:
-
CJN-383 Online Advertising
Prerequisites:
CJN-257;
Credits:
4.00
Description:
All forms of online advertising are explored, including paid search, with a focus on building a brand online.
Term:
Occasional
-
CJN-389 Social Media
Prerequisites:
CJN-257;
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Social media sites such as Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter are examined from a cultural and critical perspective. The use of social media for community formation, social presence, identity building and social activism are considered. The roles of advertising, public relations and branding are examined.
Term:
Occasional
Honors Course
-
CJN-457 Integrated Marketing Communication
Prerequisites:
Take CJN 277, CJN 257, and CJN 247.
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Examines the integration of advertising, promotion, public relations and marketing communication in the strategic communication process.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
Public Relations Concentration
(12 courses; 48 credits)
CJN Core Requirements (3):
-
CJN-101 Introduction to Communication
Prerequisites:
CJN Majors Only
Credits:
4.00
Description:
An introduction to the discipline addressing social science, humanities and practical art approaches to the study of communication. Students investigate the broad themes and foundational concepts which unify the discipline in order to understand the diverse fields, functions and purposes of communication. Normally offered every semester.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
-
CJN-103 Presentations Skills
Credits:
4.00
Description:
The development, delivery of oral presentations. Students develop skills in oral and physical delivery, organization, persuasion, critical thinking and use of support media.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
-
CJN-405 Communication Theory
Prerequisites:
Senior Standing;CJN majors only
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Senior standing; CJN majors only. An interdisciplinary examination of the development of communication theories from the classical tradition to the modern perspectives of rhetoricians, scientist, psychologist, sociologists, philosophers and others. Normally offered every semester.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
Public Relations Requirements (9):
-
CJN-112 Journalism I
Credits:
4.00
Description:
An introductory news writing course designed to teach both the writing style used by journalists and basic techniques used for gathering and presenting information for general publication. The course emphasizes fundamental writing and reporting skills such as interviews, finding sources, and choosing essential facts. Students will also be introduced to feature news writing and be assigned to develop and write basic stories drawn from real-life situations.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
-
CJN-247 Design Lab
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Computer applications for Advertising and communication design. Using various graphical editing and design programs, students learn the theory and practice of design for layout, logos, and graphic elements in communication.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
-
CJN-257 Advertising
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Theoretical and practical applications of communication are considered in terms of advertising strategies and campaigns for media.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
-
CJN-277 Public Relations
Credits:
4.00
Description:
The basic principle techniques and processes of public relations are examined. Issues, trends, opportunities, and problems faced by the practitioner and impacting the organization are analyzed.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
-
CJN-377 Public Relations II: Strategic Research and Writing for PR
Prerequisites:
CJN-277;
Credits:
4.00
Description:
An applied course that focuses on Public Relations research methods, the development of persuasive messages, and the selection, development and editing of appropriate materials used to communication with an organizations stakeholders.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
-
CJN-378 Event Planning and Promotion
Prerequisites:
CJN 277
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Examines how conferences are built, promoted, managed, and assessed, with particular emphasis on nonprofit conventions, trade shows, and volunteer organizations. Specific issues analyzed include facilities planning and contracts, legal issues, volunteer management, budgeting, marketing, and planner/staff communication.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
-
CJN-477 Public Relations II
Prerequisites:
CJN 277, 377 AND Senior Standing.
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Examines case students and typical public relations problems experienced by profit and not-for-profit organizations. The course provides students with an opportunity to demonstrate their mastery of the skills, techniques, and knowledge of public relations by creating a comprehensive campaign for an actual client. Fulfills ECR requirement.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
Type:
Expanded Classroom Requirement
Select two of the following courses:
-
CJN-297 New Media New Markets
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Explores current trends in advertising and public relations. Examines new media choices in cable, direct response and the internet and their impact on these professions. Includes an analysis of new markets in Generation X, Generation Y, the international, and ethnic communities.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
-
CJN-317 Copy Editing
Prerequisites:
CJN 112 or CJN 113
Credits:
4.00
Description:
A study of the fundamentals of copy editing, newspaper typography, and makeup.
Term:
Offered Spring Term
-
CJN-335 Persuasion
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Analysis of persuasive techniques particularly those used by communicators in their attempt to gain public acceptance.
Term:
Occasional
-
CJN-355 Media Production
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Practical exposure to methods of production and production equipment of the media. Students are introduced to basic theoretical concepts, such as three-point lighting and white balancing, and apply those to their productions. Students create a variety of non-fiction videos in teams and/or by themselves.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
Type:
Expanded Classroom Requirement
-
CJN-375 Organizational Communication
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Historical development of the theory of organizations, examination of information flow, network analysis, communication overload and underload, corporate culture, superior-subordinate communications, organizational effectiveness and change processes. Normally offered yearly.
Type:
Social Science
-
CJN-387 Media Relations
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Examines the relationships among the public and private sector organizations and the media. The course focuses on issues management, the role of public relations and the perspective of media professionals in the discussion of public issues. Normally offered alternate years.
-
CJN-389 Social Media
Prerequisites:
CJN-257;
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Social media sites such as Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter are examined from a cultural and critical perspective. The use of social media for community formation, social presence, identity building and social activism are considered. The roles of advertising, public relations and branding are examined.
Term:
Occasional
Communication Studies Concentration
(12 courses; 48 credits)
CJN Core Requirements (3):
-
CJN-101 Introduction to Communication
Prerequisites:
CJN Majors Only
Credits:
4.00
Description:
An introduction to the discipline addressing social science, humanities and practical art approaches to the study of communication. Students investigate the broad themes and foundational concepts which unify the discipline in order to understand the diverse fields, functions and purposes of communication. Normally offered every semester.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
-
CJN-103 Presentations Skills
Credits:
4.00
Description:
The development, delivery of oral presentations. Students develop skills in oral and physical delivery, organization, persuasion, critical thinking and use of support media.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
-
CJN-405 Communication Theory
Prerequisites:
Senior Standing;CJN majors only
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Senior standing; CJN majors only. An interdisciplinary examination of the development of communication theories from the classical tradition to the modern perspectives of rhetoricians, scientist, psychologist, sociologists, philosophers and others. Normally offered every semester.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
Communication Studies Requirements (9):
-
CJN-235 Argument & Advocacy
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Modern applications of argument in political, social and legal situations. Emphasis on development of arguments, analysis, use of evidence and delivery of oral and written assignments. Normally offered every semester.
Term:
Occasional
Or
-
CJN-275 Advanced Public Speaking
Prerequisites:
CJN 103 or CJN 177
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Intensive training in public speaking techniques employing a variety of speaking situations.
Term:
Occasional
-
CJN-215 Interpersonal Communication
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Analysis of communication behavior in individual and group environments. Topics include conflict, leadership, common communication difficulties, communication roles and reflective thinking.
Term:
Occasional
-
CJN-216 Intercultural Communication
Credits:
4.00
Description:
An examination of the communication variations and cultural viewpoints and their impact on cross-cultural communication. A special emphasis is placed on rituals and message patterns in non-Western cultures. Cultural Diversity B
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
Type:
Cultural Diversity Opt B
-
CJN-265 Small Group & Team Communication
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Analysis of the concepts and theories of communication in small groups and teams. Improvement of problem-solving, decision-making, analysis and evaluation skills in the team environment. The study and practice of merging trends in team dialogue, team learning, team development and leadership.
Term:
Occasional
-
CJN-335 Persuasion
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Analysis of persuasive techniques particularly those used by communicators in their attempt to gain public acceptance.
Term:
Occasional
-
CJN-375 Organizational Communication
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Historical development of the theory of organizations, examination of information flow, network analysis, communication overload and underload, corporate culture, superior-subordinate communications, organizational effectiveness and change processes. Normally offered yearly.
Type:
Social Science
-
CJN-485 Rhetoric of Protest & Reform
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Examines the persuasive strategies of social reform movements with special emphasis on the civil rights, womens rights, and gay rights movements in the United States. Normally offered yearly. Cultural Diversity A
Term:
Occasional
Type:
Cultural Diversity Opt A,Humanities & History
Or
CJN 489 Political Communication
Select two other CJN courses, one of which must fulfill the ECR
Broadcast Journalism Concentration
(12 courses; 48 credits)
CJN Core Requirements (3):
-
CJN-101 Introduction to Communication
Prerequisites:
CJN Majors Only
Credits:
4.00
Description:
An introduction to the discipline addressing social science, humanities and practical art approaches to the study of communication. Students investigate the broad themes and foundational concepts which unify the discipline in order to understand the diverse fields, functions and purposes of communication. Normally offered every semester.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
-
CJN-103 Presentations Skills
Credits:
4.00
Description:
The development, delivery of oral presentations. Students develop skills in oral and physical delivery, organization, persuasion, critical thinking and use of support media.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
-
CJN-405 Communication Theory
Prerequisites:
Senior Standing;CJN majors only
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Senior standing; CJN majors only. An interdisciplinary examination of the development of communication theories from the classical tradition to the modern perspectives of rhetoricians, scientist, psychologist, sociologists, philosophers and others. Normally offered every semester.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
Broadcast Journalism Requirements (9):
Select one of the following courses:
-
CJN-483 Suffolk TV News
Prerequisites:
Take CJN 253 CJN 355 and either CJN 353 or CJN 361 or instructors consent.
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Students write, direct, crew, edit and serve as talent in producing the CJN Departments weekly news program aired on Boston Cable Access. Cannot be taken concurrently with CJN 361 or CJN 353.
Term:
Offered Spring Term
Type:
Expanded Classroom Requirement
-
CJN-490 Temple Street Project
Prerequisites:
CJN-253. CJN-355
Credits:
4.00- 8.00
Description:
Students write, direct, crew, edit and serve as talent in producing the Departments magazine- format television program aired on Boston Cable Access. Normally offered every semester.
Select two of the following courses:
-
CJN-255 Introduction to Media
Credits:
4.00
Description:
An introduction to the role of media in contemporary society, focusing on medias influence on cultural, political, and ideological processes. An examination of the historical contexts within which newspapers, radio, television and new media technologies developed and how audiences interact with and influence the use of media.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
Type:
Social Science
-
CJN-287 Media Criticism
Prerequisites:
CJN-255
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Critical examination of various mass media including film, television, radio, music, newspapers and magazines. Theories of media criticism discussed and applied to specific media or media products.
Term:
Offered Spring Term
Type:
Social Science
-
CJN-361 Television News Producing
Prerequisites:
CJN 253 and CJN 355
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Students produce news segments, series, and/or specials leading to broadcast quality products. Emphasis will be on the pacing, timing, and flow of newscasts, as well as pre-production, teases (script and on-camera) and the issues of an audience and professional ethics. Cannot be taken concurrently with CJN 483
Term:
Alternates Fall & Spring
-
CJN-403 Issues in Journalism
Prerequisites:
CJN-112
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Each time this course is offered it examines a different in Journalism, such as Social Justice Journalism, Electronic Journalism, Ethics, Political Journalism, and International Journalism. Normally offered yearly.
Term:
Offered Spring Term
-
CJN-455 Advanced Media Production
Prerequisites:
CJN 355
Credits:
4.00
Description:
The course focus is on specialized production techniques including advanced lighting, sound recording, cinematography and editing techniques. Students work in teams to create a variety of fiction productions.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
-
CJN-480 Documentary Film Production
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Students analyze contemporary documentaries and study documentary history and theory. Working in teams, students also produce, write, direct, crew, and edit documentary shorts.
Term:
Occasional
Print Journalism Concentration
(12 courses; 48 credits)
CJN Core Requirements (3):
-
CJN-101 Introduction to Communication
Prerequisites:
CJN Majors Only
Credits:
4.00
Description:
An introduction to the discipline addressing social science, humanities and practical art approaches to the study of communication. Students investigate the broad themes and foundational concepts which unify the discipline in order to understand the diverse fields, functions and purposes of communication. Normally offered every semester.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
-
CJN-103 Presentations Skills
Credits:
4.00
Description:
The development, delivery of oral presentations. Students develop skills in oral and physical delivery, organization, persuasion, critical thinking and use of support media.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
-
CJN-405 Communication Theory
Prerequisites:
Senior Standing;CJN majors only
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Senior standing; CJN majors only. An interdisciplinary examination of the development of communication theories from the classical tradition to the modern perspectives of rhetoricians, scientist, psychologist, sociologists, philosophers and others. Normally offered every semester.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
Print Journalism Requirements (9):
-
CJN-112 Journalism I
Credits:
4.00
Description:
An introductory news writing course designed to teach both the writing style used by journalists and basic techniques used for gathering and presenting information for general publication. The course emphasizes fundamental writing and reporting skills such as interviews, finding sources, and choosing essential facts. Students will also be introduced to feature news writing and be assigned to develop and write basic stories drawn from real-life situations.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
-
CJN-212 Journalism II
Prerequisites:
CJN 112
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Modern reporting techniques are examined and applied to writing of full-length news and feature news stories, with an emphasis on investigative journalism. The course includes an introduction to and an analysis of alternative or new journalism, combined with the survey of journalistic styles and standards as they evolved in the American and International Press over the last century.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
-
CJN-239 Media Law
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Explores the legal rights, responsibilities, and constraints on the media, and media professionals. Special focus on defamation, copyright, obscenity, broadcast regulation and media-related tort law.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
-
CJN-313 Advanced Reporting
Prerequisites:
Take CJN-112 and CJN-212;
Credits:
4.00
Description:
The principles and techniques of advanced news and investigative reporting are studied and applied. Students develop, organize, and write detailed news and news-feature stories based on original research. Each student is assigned a real-life news beat or news project to work on throughout the semester.
Term:
Occasional
-
CJN-317 Copy Editing
Prerequisites:
CJN 112 or CJN 113
Credits:
4.00
Description:
A study of the fundamentals of copy editing, newspaper typography, and makeup.
Term:
Offered Spring Term
-
CJN-343 Advanced Feature Writing
Prerequisites:
Take CJN-112 and CJN-212;
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Emphasizes in-depth development of articles in the style of narrative journalism for magazines and other publications. Normally offered yearly.
Term:
Occasional
-
CJN-503 Experiential Learning in Communication
Prerequisites:
16 Hrs of CJN coursework or CJN Advisor consent
Credits:
1.00-12.00
Description:
Internships, practicum, and independent study experiences in Communication are available prior to the start of each semester. Normally offered every semester. ECR
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
Type:
Expanded Classroom Requirement
Select two of the following courses:
-
CJN-L218 Photojournalism
Credits:
4.00
Description:
An introduction to the role of photography in the journalistic process. A discussion of photography as communication and a survey of the history of photography.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
Type:
Humanities & History
-
CJN-253 Broadcast Journalism
Prerequisites:
Take CJN-112;
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Introduces students to newswriting, production and performance techniques for radio and television. Students write, produce, and perform new packages as part of the course.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
-
CJN-403 Issues in Journalism
Prerequisites:
CJN-112
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Each time this course is offered it examines a different in Journalism, such as Social Justice Journalism, Electronic Journalism, Ethics, Political Journalism, and International Journalism. Normally offered yearly.
Term:
Offered Spring Term
-
CJN-415 Review Writing
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Analysis and critique of movies, theater, music, art and food. Normally offered every semester.
Term:
Offered Fall Term
Film Concentration
(12 courses; 48 credits)
CJN Core Requirements (3):
-
CJN-101 Introduction to Communication
Prerequisites:
CJN Majors Only
Credits:
4.00
Description:
An introduction to the discipline addressing social science, humanities and practical art approaches to the study of communication. Students investigate the broad themes and foundational concepts which unify the discipline in order to understand the diverse fields, functions and purposes of communication. Normally offered every semester.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
-
CJN-103 Presentations Skills
Credits:
4.00
Description:
The development, delivery of oral presentations. Students develop skills in oral and physical delivery, organization, persuasion, critical thinking and use of support media.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
-
CJN-405 Communication Theory
Prerequisites:
Senior Standing;CJN majors only
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Senior standing; CJN majors only. An interdisciplinary examination of the development of communication theories from the classical tradition to the modern perspectives of rhetoricians, scientist, psychologist, sociologists, philosophers and others. Normally offered every semester.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
Film Courses (9):
-
CJN-288 Film Language: From Silents to Citizen Kane
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Film history from 1895 - 1940. An introduction to the language and technology of cinema as developed by pioneering filmmakers, and a basic discussion of aesthetics and criticism of film. Key films from the silent era through Orson Welles Citizen Kane.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
-
CJN-291 Film Studies: the Modern Era
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Film history from 1940 until 1970. Includes an emphasis on film aesthetics, criticism, and history from World War II through the end of the Hollywood studio system; from film noir to Italian Neo-Realism to the French New Wave.
Term:
Offered Spring Term
Type:
Humanities & History
-
CJN-355 Media Production
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Practical exposure to methods of production and production equipment of the media. Students are introduced to basic theoretical concepts, such as three-point lighting and white balancing, and apply those to their productions. Students create a variety of non-fiction videos in teams and/or by themselves.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
Type:
Expanded Classroom Requirement
-
CJN-366 Great Film Directors
Credits:
4.00
Description:
An in-depth look at the films of one great film director, either American or foreign, demonstrating how the filmmaker develops his/her themes over the course of a career. As there is a different director each time, this course can be taken for credit more than once. (But will only count once towards the Major)
Term:
Occasional
Type:
Humanities & History
-
CJN-455 Advanced Media Production
Prerequisites:
CJN 355
Credits:
4.00
Description:
The course focus is on specialized production techniques including advanced lighting, sound recording, cinematography and editing techniques. Students work in teams to create a variety of fiction productions.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
-
CJN-466 Seminar in Film
Prerequisites:
Take CJN-288 CJN-291 and CJN-355;
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Course merges theoretical and practical film studies approaches. Students revisit concepts learned in previous classes and apply them to advanced film analysis. Analysis incl. (re)creation of important film scenes or concepts, such as Eisensteins five types of montage. (Capstone course, prereq. 288, 291, 355)
Term:
Occasional
Select one of the following courses:
-
CJN-325 World Cinema
Credits:
4.00
Description:
This course examines films from cultures around the globe, including masterpieces of cinema from European, Asian, South American, and African nations. (Films are often subtitled.)
Term:
Occasional
Type:
Humanities & History
-
CJN-465 Film and Society
Credits:
4.00
Description:
The study of the relationship between film and society. The course features filmmakers who emphasize political, historical, racial, gender, and other important social issues. Normally offered yearly. Revised Description A study of how cinema reflects, and reflects on, the values of the society in which it is produced. The course features films and filmmakers who emphasize political and social issues dealing with race, gender, sexuality, and other important concerns.
Term:
Occasional
-
CJN-493 Special Topics in Film
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Specialized courses in film theory, history, criticism and genre. Normally offered yearly.
Term:
Occasional
Select two of the following courses:
-
CJN-365 American Cinema
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Trends in Hollywood and American independent cinema from 1970 onwards, including maverick directors, Hollywood blockbusters, and, when possible, class visits by New England-based filmmakers.
Term:
Occasional
-
CJN-290 Women in Struggle on Film
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Problems of women at work and at war, in love, marriage and pregnancy, as seen in Hollywood films, both old and new, and in documentaries. The roles of women are examined historically, psychologically, sociologically, and cinematically. Normally offered yearly.
Term:
Offered Fall Term
Type:
Humanities & History
-
CJN-293 Hong Kong Cinema
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Conducted in a seminar format, we examine the film texts of Wong Kar-wai, Andrew Lau/Alan Mak by focusing on issues such a colonization/decolonization, transnational political economy and global Hollywood, the Greater Chinese Dynasty, diaspora, and postmodern aesthetics.
Term:
Occasional
Type:
Cultural Diversity Opt B
-
CJN-287 Media Criticism
Prerequisites:
CJN-255
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Critical examination of various mass media including film, television, radio, music, newspapers and magazines. Theories of media criticism discussed and applied to specific media or media products.
Term:
Offered Spring Term
Type:
Social Science
-
CJN-381 Business of Media
Prerequisites:
CJN-255
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Explores how media in the 21st century are managed. Students learn contemporary trends in media regulation, ownership structures, programming strategies, audience measurement, and global business tactics. Students apply these concepts by running a media firm simulation. Normally offered yearly
Term:
Occasional
Media Concentration
(12 courses; 48 credits)
CJN Core Requirements (3):
-
CJN-101 Introduction to Communication
Prerequisites:
CJN Majors Only
Credits:
4.00
Description:
An introduction to the discipline addressing social science, humanities and practical art approaches to the study of communication. Students investigate the broad themes and foundational concepts which unify the discipline in order to understand the diverse fields, functions and purposes of communication. Normally offered every semester.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
-
CJN-103 Presentations Skills
Credits:
4.00
Description:
The development, delivery of oral presentations. Students develop skills in oral and physical delivery, organization, persuasion, critical thinking and use of support media.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
-
CJN-405 Communication Theory
Prerequisites:
Senior Standing;CJN majors only
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Senior standing; CJN majors only. An interdisciplinary examination of the development of communication theories from the classical tradition to the modern perspectives of rhetoricians, scientist, psychologist, sociologists, philosophers and others. Normally offered every semester.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
Media Courses (9):
-
CJN-255 Introduction to Media
Credits:
4.00
Description:
An introduction to the role of media in contemporary society, focusing on medias influence on cultural, political, and ideological processes. An examination of the historical contexts within which newspapers, radio, television and new media technologies developed and how audiences interact with and influence the use of media.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
Type:
Social Science
-
CJN-287 Media Criticism
Prerequisites:
CJN-255
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Critical examination of various mass media including film, television, radio, music, newspapers and magazines. Theories of media criticism discussed and applied to specific media or media products.
Term:
Offered Spring Term
Type:
Social Science
-
CJN-355 Media Production
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Practical exposure to methods of production and production equipment of the media. Students are introduced to basic theoretical concepts, such as three-point lighting and white balancing, and apply those to their productions. Students create a variety of non-fiction videos in teams and/or by themselves.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
Type:
Expanded Classroom Requirement
-
CJN-381 Business of Media
Prerequisites:
CJN-255
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Explores how media in the 21st century are managed. Students learn contemporary trends in media regulation, ownership structures, programming strategies, audience measurement, and global business tactics. Students apply these concepts by running a media firm simulation. Normally offered yearly
Term:
Occasional
-
CJN-400 Media Effects & Audiences
Prerequisites:
Prerequisite: CJN-255
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Explores the theoretical and practical research on major issues in the media from a social scientific perspective. Examines the effects that sexual and violent media content, stereotyping, political messages, communication technologies, advertising and marketing have on audiences. Students acquire quantitative method skills such as survey, experiment and content analysis. Normally offered yearly.
Term:
Offered Fall Term
Type:
Social Science
-
CJN-421 Media Seminar
Prerequisites:
Take CJN-255;CJN Majors with Senior Standing
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Conducted in an interactive and intensive seminar format, students examine special media topics by leading class discussion and engaging in original research. Possible topics include, but a not limited to: women, gender and communication technologies; media and social movements; topics in cultural studies; media and democracy; media and community; and participatory media culture. Normally offered yearly.
Term:
Offered Spring Term
-
CJN-455 Advanced Media Production
Prerequisites:
CJN 355
Credits:
4.00
Description:
The course focus is on specialized production techniques including advanced lighting, sound recording, cinematography and editing techniques. Students work in teams to create a variety of fiction productions.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
Select two of the following courses:
-
CJN-239 Media Law
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Explores the legal rights, responsibilities, and constraints on the media, and media professionals. Special focus on defamation, copyright, obscenity, broadcast regulation and media-related tort law.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
-
CJN-285 Media and Pop Culture I
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Examines the influence of media upon contemporary society. Television, radio, film and print formats are discussed in terms of their persuasive impact on American mass culture. Focus is on the period 1950-1970.
Term:
Offered Fall Term
Type:
Social Science
-
CJN-288 Film Language: From Silents to Citizen Kane
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Film history from 1895 - 1940. An introduction to the language and technology of cinema as developed by pioneering filmmakers, and a basic discussion of aesthetics and criticism of film. Key films from the silent era through Orson Welles Citizen Kane.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
-
CJN-290 Women in Struggle on Film
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Problems of women at work and at war, in love, marriage and pregnancy, as seen in Hollywood films, both old and new, and in documentaries. The roles of women are examined historically, psychologically, sociologically, and cinematically. Normally offered yearly.
Term:
Offered Fall Term
Type:
Humanities & History
-
CJN-291 Film Studies: the Modern Era
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Film history from 1940 until 1970. Includes an emphasis on film aesthetics, criticism, and history from World War II through the end of the Hollywood studio system; from film noir to Italian Neo-Realism to the French New Wave.
Term:
Offered Spring Term
Type:
Humanities & History
-
CJN-293 Hong Kong Cinema
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Conducted in a seminar format, we examine the film texts of Wong Kar-wai, Andrew Lau/Alan Mak by focusing on issues such a colonization/decolonization, transnational political economy and global Hollywood, the Greater Chinese Dynasty, diaspora, and postmodern aesthetics.
Term:
Occasional
Type:
Cultural Diversity Opt B
-
CJN-325 World Cinema
Credits:
4.00
Description:
This course examines films from cultures around the globe, including masterpieces of cinema from European, Asian, South American, and African nations. (Films are often subtitled.)
Term:
Occasional
Type:
Humanities & History
-
CJN-356 TV Studio Production
Credits:
4.00
Description:
This course provides students with a hands-on introduction to the process of planning, preparing, producing, and evaluating studio productions. Students are exposed to the elements and terminology of a multi-camera studio with live switching, audio mixing and studio lighting. Students produce interviews, PSAs, and a live variety/talk show.
Term:
Occasional
-
CJN-357 Post Production
Credits:
4.00
Description:
An exploration into the activities that wrap up the creation of films and television programs. Students create and add motion-graphics and visual effects to edited programs, generating output for videotape, the web, and DVD platforms.
Term:
Occasional
-
CJN-358 Family Communication
Credits:
4.00
Description:
This course will look at different family structures using communication concepts and theories as a focus to glance at family life. Communication issues will include the creation of meaning and identity through storytelling, rules and roles, conflict, power, intimacy, and then glance at challenges to the family unit. Students will need to understand their own family issues so that they can glance across the street to neighbors differing viewpoints, so that we can broaden to begin to understand families from different cultures. We will accomplish this by examining both fictional and real families portrayed in television, movies, documentaries, as well as in fiction and non-fiction writing. Final projects will be a paper and presentation about a specific family communication concept applied to a specific family unit.
Term:
Occasional
-
CJN-366 Great Film Directors
Credits:
4.00
Description:
An in-depth look at the films of one great film director, either American or foreign, demonstrating how the filmmaker develops his/her themes over the course of a career. As there is a different director each time, this course can be taken for credit more than once. (But will only count once towards the Major)
Term:
Occasional
Type:
Humanities & History
-
CJN-385 Globalization of Media and Telecommunications
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Explores the development of global media and telecommunication corporations and technologies and the influence these transnational organizations and technologies bear on regional and nation-state communication policy, global and local culture, and the world economy. Cultural Diversity B ECR
Term:
Offered Spring Term
Type:
Cultural Diversity Opt B,Expanded Classroom Requirement
-
CJN-390 Screenwriting
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Students learn the basic principles of writing a short film for the screen by closely examining professional scripts and one-act films, and then creating, step-by-step, their own one-act screenplay so that it could be ready for production.
Term:
Offered Spring Term
-
CJN-465 Film and Society
Credits:
4.00
Description:
The study of the relationship between film and society. The course features filmmakers who emphasize political, historical, racial, gender, and other important social issues. Normally offered yearly. Revised Description A study of how cinema reflects, and reflects on, the values of the society in which it is produced. The course features films and filmmakers who emphasize political and social issues dealing with race, gender, sexuality, and other important concerns.
Term:
Occasional
-
CJN-480 Documentary Film Production
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Students analyze contemporary documentaries and study documentary history and theory. Working in teams, students also produce, write, direct, crew, and edit documentary shorts.
Term:
Occasional
-
CJN-481 Making the Short Film
Credits:
4.00
Description:
This advanced class works together as a crew for the creation of a short narrative film shot in HD video. Under the direction of the professor students learn the process of making professional-quality work. Each student will be responsible for various crew positions during pre-production and the shooting of the film.
Term:
Occasional
-
CJN-483 Suffolk TV News
Prerequisites:
Take CJN 253 CJN 355 and either CJN 353 or CJN 361 or instructors consent.
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Students write, direct, crew, edit and serve as talent in producing the CJN Departments weekly news program aired on Boston Cable Access. Cannot be taken concurrently with CJN 361 or CJN 353.
Term:
Offered Spring Term
Type:
Expanded Classroom Requirement
-
CJN-490 Temple Street Project
Prerequisites:
CJN-253. CJN-355
Credits:
4.00- 8.00
Description:
Students write, direct, crew, edit and serve as talent in producing the Departments magazine- format television program aired on Boston Cable Access. Normally offered every semester.
-
CJN-503 Experiential Learning in Communication
Prerequisites:
16 Hrs of CJN coursework or CJN Advisor consent
Credits:
1.00-12.00
Description:
Internships, practicum, and independent study experiences in Communication are available prior to the start of each semester. Normally offered every semester. ECR
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
Type:
Expanded Classroom Requirement
-
CJN-506 Honors Seminar
Prerequisites:
Senior CJN majors with an overall cumulative grade point average of 3.0, and a major GPA of 3.4
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Senior CJN majors meeting requirements for Departmental Honors are invited to participate in this seminar, which entails research and presentation of an approved research topic. Prerequisites: Senior CJN majors with an overall cumulative GPA of 3.0, and a major GPA of 3.4. 1 term; 4 credits. Normally offered yearly.
Term:
Offered Spring Term
Specialization in Media Production
4 Courses; 16 Credits
*The specialization in media production is open only to CJN majors in the media and film concentrations. Additional prerequisite: CJN 355.
Production Strategies and Skills – Select two of the following courses:
-
CJN-356 TV Studio Production
Credits:
4.00
Description:
This course provides students with a hands-on introduction to the process of planning, preparing, producing, and evaluating studio productions. Students are exposed to the elements and terminology of a multi-camera studio with live switching, audio mixing and studio lighting. Students produce interviews, PSAs, and a live variety/talk show.
Term:
Occasional
-
CJN-357 Post Production
Credits:
4.00
Description:
An exploration into the activities that wrap up the creation of films and television programs. Students create and add motion-graphics and visual effects to edited programs, generating output for videotape, the web, and DVD platforms.
Term:
Occasional
-
CJN-358 Family Communication
Credits:
4.00
Description:
This course will look at different family structures using communication concepts and theories as a focus to glance at family life. Communication issues will include the creation of meaning and identity through storytelling, rules and roles, conflict, power, intimacy, and then glance at challenges to the family unit. Students will need to understand their own family issues so that they can glance across the street to neighbors differing viewpoints, so that we can broaden to begin to understand families from different cultures. We will accomplish this by examining both fictional and real families portrayed in television, movies, documentaries, as well as in fiction and non-fiction writing. Final projects will be a paper and presentation about a specific family communication concept applied to a specific family unit.
Term:
Occasional
-
CJN-390 Screenwriting
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Students learn the basic principles of writing a short film for the screen by closely examining professional scripts and one-act films, and then creating, step-by-step, their own one-act screenplay so that it could be ready for production.
Term:
Offered Spring Term
Production Practica – Select two of the following courses:
-
CJN-480 Documentary Film Production
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Students analyze contemporary documentaries and study documentary history and theory. Working in teams, students also produce, write, direct, crew, and edit documentary shorts.
Term:
Occasional
-
CJN-481 Making the Short Film
Credits:
4.00
Description:
This advanced class works together as a crew for the creation of a short narrative film shot in HD video. Under the direction of the professor students learn the process of making professional-quality work. Each student will be responsible for various crew positions during pre-production and the shooting of the film.
Term:
Occasional
-
CJN-483 Suffolk TV News
Prerequisites:
Take CJN 253 CJN 355 and either CJN 353 or CJN 361 or instructors consent.
Credits:
4.00
Description:
Students write, direct, crew, edit and serve as talent in producing the CJN Departments weekly news program aired on Boston Cable Access. Cannot be taken concurrently with CJN 361 or CJN 353.
Term:
Offered Spring Term
Type:
Expanded Classroom Requirement
-
CJN-490 Temple Street Project
Prerequisites:
CJN-253. CJN-355
Credits:
4.00- 8.00
Description:
Students write, direct, crew, edit and serve as talent in producing the Departments magazine- format television program aired on Boston Cable Access. Normally offered every semester.
Internships & Co-Curricular Activities
Internships and Practica enable qualified CJN majors and minors to gain practical experience within their concentrations. Students work in paid and unpaid positions while earning elective academic credits. These courses meet the ECR requirement of the College of Arts and Sciences.
Click here to view a PDF containing course information, FAQ, and the CJN 503/CJN 505 approval form.
Honors
Majors in the department who have completed 20 credits of CJN coursework, who have a CJN average of 3.4 or higher and who have an overall cumulative average of 3.0 or higher may enroll in CJN 506 Honors Seminar. Completion of Honors Seminar with a grade of “B+” or better entitles the student to departmental honors and membership in Lambda Pi Eta, the national communication honorary society. For further details contact the department chair.
Minor Requirements
Requirements for the Minor
Students selecting a CJN minor must complete 5 courses (20 credits) of CJN coursework, including four courses from one of the concentrations and one CJN elective.
