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BA(Hons) Journalism — Visual Journalism

Western Washington University, United States
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Course Overview

This course focuses on the practical application of visual journalism principles, including photography, video production, and multimedia storytelling. Students will learn how to use visual media to convey information, tell stories, and evoke emotions, while also exploring ethical considerations and best practices in visual journalism. By the end of the course, students will have created a portfolio of visual journalism pieces that demonstrate their skills and knowledge in this field.

Additional Information

This course is part of the Journalism program at Western Washington University and is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of visual journalism principles and practices. The course will cover topics such as lighting, composition, and storytelling, as well as the legal and ethical considerations of visual journalism. Students will also learn how to use industry-standard software and equipment to create high-quality visual content.

Discover Your Passion for Visual Journalism at Western Washington University

Western Washington University offers a unique and comprehensive Journalism program that provides students with a well-rounded education in the field. The university's location in Bellingham, Washington, offers easy access to a diverse range of storytelling opportunities, from mountains and forests to coastlines and cities. With experienced instructors and state-of-the-art facilities, Western Washington University provides the perfect environment for students to develop their skills and pursue their passions in visual journalism.

Why You Should Study This Course

Journalism is the work of supplying content, primarily news, for the ever-expanding world of mass media. Journalists are responsible for gathering information, analyzing and editing it for a mass audience, and dispensing it using some form of media platform. Increasingly the methods of distribution have become more complex, but the basic mission of a journalist remains the same: to serve the public by finding, defining, writing and editing information.

Today’s journalist may be found on traditional publications such as newspapers and magazines, broadcast outlets and specialized publications. They may utilize online delivery or other forms of electronic communication. Trained journalists may use their skills in the expanding field of public relations, working to serve as a bridge between those with a message to communicate and the journalist who seeks information.

Why Consider the Public Relations Sequence of the Journalism Major?

Journalism majors pursue theoretical and practical communication studies in a liberal arts setting. Students of journalism gain practical experience on Western’s award-winning student media, and majors additionally take field internships with newspapers, magazines, broadcast stations, public relations agencies and other professional organizations.

Courses in the public relations sequence follow the news/editorial emphasis, adding communication skills important for careers in this rapidly growing field.

General Eligibility

Academic Requirements for freshman students:

The admission requirements for undergraduate courses are given as follows:

  • Completed application form

  • Academic Transcripts(certified english translations if necessary)

  • Relevant High school degree/Grade Report/Certificates

  • SAT or ACT Scores (Optional)

  • A cumulative GPA of 2.5

  • Personal Statement or essay

  • One letter of recommendation

  • List of extracurricular activities(if any)

  • Portfolio

What You'll Study

1 Course Modules

❑ ❑ JOUR 190 - Introduction to Mass Media Credits: 5

❑ JOUR 207 - Newswriting Credits: 4

❑ JOUR 305 - Photojournalism Credits: 4

❑ JOUR 307 - Reporting Credits: 5

❑ JOUR 309 - Editing Credits: 5

❑ JOUR 346 - Introduction to Visual Journalism Credits: 5

❑ JOUR 350 - Mass Media Law Credits: 5

❑ JOUR 351 - Mass Media Ethics Credits: 4

❑ JOUR 370 - Digital Media in Journalism Credits: 5

❑ JOUR 430 - Field Internship Credits: 6

❑ JOUR 446 - Advanced Visual Journalism Credits: 5

❑ JOUR 480 - Senior Seminar Credits: 5

❑ One course from:

ART 109 - Visual Dialogue Credits: 3

DSGN 211 - Foundations of Visual Communication Credits: 3

❑ Two quarters on publication staff:

One course from list (a):

JOUR 214 - The Front Staff Credits: 4

JOUR 314 - The Front Staff Credits: 4

JOUR 414 - The Front Staff Credits: 4

One from list (b):

JOUR 321 - Klipsun Staff Credits: 4

JOUR 421 - Klipsun Staff Credits: 4

❑ One additional from list (a) or (b), or:

ENVS 413 - The Planet Staff Credits: 4

ENVS 414 - Editing the Planet Credits: 5

JOUR 330 - Principles of Public Relations Credits: 4

JOUR 404 - Feature Writing Credits: 4

JOUR 415 - The Front Editorship Credits: 5

JOUR 422 - Klipsun Editorship Credits: 5

❑ 12 upper-division credits in another academic area, under departmental advisement

Language Requirement

  • IELTS6.5
  • TOEFL93
  • PTE65
  • Duolingo89

Minimun IELTS Score 6.5 overall.

Ready to get started?

For any enquiries or further details, please don't hesitate to contact us. Let's take the next step in your academic journey together.

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