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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.

When does the class meet?
Timetable Selection

Are there any tests?
The Spring 2004 class had no midterm or final, but a 15-page paper instead. Previous classes had a final based on the lectures and readings. Be prepared for both scenarios.

What are the assignments like?
This varies from one lab instructor to the next. In the past, one section had four five to 10 page in-depth articles, a 23-page three part series and two op/ed columns. Another section was responsible for writing six, 1,500 word in-depth stories. So be prepared for either of those scenarios.

What are the professors' teaching styles?
Again, this varies depending on the instructor. In general, expect professors to treat this class as if it's a professional and realistic journalistic experience, with strict expectations for deadlines and content. They expect students to treat each article as if it would be published in a real newspaper. Also, they will be VERY honest in criticism and grading.

What do you learn?
JOUR 415 is one of the most fundamental and essential core classes because it places you in a real world setting. You choose a beat, develop story ideas, find sources and conduct interviews. Students get a taste of what enterprise reporting is like.

How much out of class time is required?
This class requires extensive out of class work. Expect to conduct interviews at all hours, especially in the early mornings. You may have to skip other classes for interviews, so try to take JOUR 415 with a light class load.

What classes should I not take when taking JOUR 415?
You don't want to take classes that require heavy lab hours like JOUR 425: Graphics and Design and JOUR 465: Photojournalism.

What should I not do in this class?
If you make up sources, procrastinate, or miss deadlines, you will struggle to pass the class. It is very important to take advantage of the first month of the semester you are given to build your source list and research your beat. Do not wait until the last minute to write your articles because you need time to step away in order to edit them properly.

Are there quizzes?
Some sections give news quizzes.

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

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.

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

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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