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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? Maybe you'd like to direct the whole show? Whatever aspect of television you're interested in, you'll learn it in JOUR 440.

The year-long class meets twice for lab and once for lecture each week. JOUR 440 is the stepping-stone to JOUR 445, in which students apply what they have learned to actually put on a live, on-air broadcast. Expect to spend about $60 in lab fees.

How often does the class meet?
Timetable Selection

What do you learn?
Students get hands-on experience working with camera, sound, and lighting equipment. They also learn technical and floor directing, editing, planning and producing skills.

What kinds of projects do you do?
Projects include a "Man on the Street" interview, a voiceover, two to three packages, and a news break project.

Are there any exams?
There are no sit-down, written exams but there are proficiency tests in audio and directing.

How do I do well in the class?
Students say they rarely had to stay the entire lab time (labs are two and three hours long) but it is imperative that you attend.

From the students mouths:
"It wasn't too bad, if you got your stuff taken care of it was fairly easy. But I had Jay (Rosenstein) and I would say people in Mitch's (Kazel) section would disagree."
-John Funteas, broadcast

“I would say the class isn't difficult per say, it's just very detail-oriented. You have to pay attention to detail and be very precise in your editing, in your video. Everything has to be very high quality.
-Amara Enyia, broadcast

"Just make sure you get everything done a couple days before the due date because you never know what could happen as far as equipment breaking down."
-John Funteas, 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

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

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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