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History buffs, this is your class. From the muckrakers to Watergate, JOUR 405 explores all things related to the birth and evolution of journalism in this country. Taught by Professor Louis Liebovich, JOUR 405 is a more traditional course in that every class is similar: the professor lectures while the students take notes.

Students who have taken JOUR 405 stress the importance of attending class regularly, listening attentively and taking a lot of notes.

When does it meet?
Timetable Selection

What are the projects and tests like?
For this class, it's all about exams. There are no papers or projects. There are three exams comprised of multiple choice and essay questions.

When can I take it?
Whenever you like. It doesn't have to be taken in sequence with any other classes, but some students recommend taking JOUR 405 in a separate semester from JOUR 411: Law and Communications, which is a class similar in format.

From the student's mouth:
“(Liebovich) takes attendance randomly. I've noticed if he sees there's not a lot of people here, he'll take attendance.”
-Joe Coughlin, news-editorial

“Make sure you kind of keep up with the reading. Listen to (Liebovich). Take copious notes. Ask questions because sometimes he'll be going a mile a minute.”
-Ann Hier, broadcast

“(Liebovich) gives a lot of good notes, so if you don't read the books carefully you can always refer back to your notes.”
-Katie Gruszkowska, news-editorial

“(Liebovich) can be a really tough grader. He's looking for dates and times. Know everything in detail and be able to not just regurgitate it but kind of analyze it, too.”
-Ann Hier, broadcast

J. 200: Introduction to Journalism

Whether your journalistic dreams lie in print or broadcast, this is first course you take here at U of I on your path to a degree in journalism. This class is a prerequisite for all journalism majors.

J. 400: Reporting I

So, you want to be a journalist, huh? Reporting I is the first core class that prepares students for what life might be like as a reporter. Students discover how many hours are invested in front of a computer monitor in lab as they learn about the inverted pyramid, news writing skills and how to write concise leads.

J. 405: History of Journalism

J. 411: Law and Communication

Law is one class in which you must stay awake. Professor Steven Helle is known for his Socratic method of teaching-that is, if you are not prepared, watch out. You might be caught answering questions on last week's court-case readings!

J. 415: Reporting II

Have an ulcer? Is your hair graying yet? If not, then you probably haven't taken JOUR 415 yet. This class has many students tossing and turning before they even enroll in it. But don't worry, the experience you gain makes all your worries worthwhile.

J. 420: News Editing

What is a gerund? Can you spot dangling modifiers? Passive voice? Although much of what you'll learn in JOUR 420 sounds like a repeat of what you should have learned the first time around in grammar school, the techniques you learn will help you become both a better writer and a better editor.

J. 425: Graphics and Design

Feel like you haven't spent enough quality time in Gregory Hall's Beschloss Lab? JOUR 425 will take care of that problem. By the end of the semester, you'll agree with the rest of the JOUR 425 veterans: The white walls are enough to drive you nuts, but at least the chairs are comfortable.

J. 435: Radio Journalism

According to broadcast graduate student Jasmine Scott, JOUR 435 is not hard, it's just a lot of work. Specifically, it's a lot of work done in five-hour blocks with small classes, so take advantage of the class time and get hands-on experience with your teacher.

J. 440: Television Journalism I

Do you want to be a news anchor for a major news network? Or would you rather stay behind the scenes and work the camera? Or maybe you'd like to direct the whole show? Whatever aspect of television you're interested in, you'll learn it in JOUR 440.

J. 445: Television Journalism II

Turn to channel 7 on Urbana cable at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and you just might catch JOURN 445 students broadcasting a live half-hour newscast. Students are in charge of every aspect of the newscast, which they put together on the same day it airs.

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