Journalism classes at RU include:
COMS 104 – News writing — Instruction and practice in basic writing for print and electronic media. Includes introduction to writing fundamentals, writing for news media, and use of expository, narrative descriptive and persuasive approaches This is a core course required of all Media Studies majors in the journalism concentration.
COMS 204 – News reporting — Prerequisites: COMS 104 or permission of instructor. Practice in advanced-level reporting and feature writing. The course requires submission of all stories for possible media distribution (e.g., The Tartan and NRV News). Advanced discussion of ethics, morality, law and responsibility, as well as an examination of national and international media issues.
COMS 304 – Electronic News Gathering — Prerequisites: COMS 104 and COMS 130, or permission of instructor. Instruction and practice in news reporting for electronic media (for example, television, radio, cable, web). Introduction to various formats and professional standards. Includes newsgathering from participants, experts, libraries and online sources. Emphasis placed on campus news and beat coverage. Discussion of national and international issues when reporting in the different media.
COMS 404 – Specialized reporting — Prerequisites: COMS 104, COMS 204, COMS 130, and COMS 330, or permission of instructor. Strategies for computer assisted reporting, practice in gathering information from first-person participants and expert sources, and experience in writing investigative and exploratory articles and/or documentary scripts. The course concentrates on several themes evident in journalism today, including diversity reporting, community journalism, financial reporting, reporting for the web, international issues and others.
COMS 407 — Science and Environmental Writing — (Elective) — COMS 130, COMS 330, and COMS 104, or permission of instructor. Principles and practice of writing for scientific, educational and environmental publications; advanced reporting in public affairs and investigative journalism. Application of theories and models to advanced writing.
COMS 481 – Journalism portfolio — Prerequisites: COMS 104, COMS 130, COMS 204, COMS 146 or COMS 236, COMS 304, COMS 330, or permission of instructor. Provides specific, directed activity for completion and evaluation of portfolio and resume material for advanced students in journalism.
COMS 498 – Independent Study — COMS 130, COMS 330 or permission of instructor. No more than six hours of Independent Study may be taken toward graduation. May be taken for honors credit with permission of the Honors Program. May be taken for letter grade or pass/fail. Independent Study course proposals must be approved by the School of Communication Curriculum Committee prior to the deadline for adding courses, during the term in which the study is to be undertaken.