JMC 2033 Overview

Journalism and Mass Communication (JMC) 2033, titled Writing for (Multi) Mass Media, is one of two introductory classes required for entrance into the Gaylord College of Journalism at the University of Oklahoma. To be granted access to this class it is necessary to pass both the Language Skills Test (LST) and the Academic Integrity Test (AIT), information about these tests can be accessed on the Gaylord College website under the perspective student tab. The class is a prerequisite for all five Gaylord College majors: advertising, broadcasting and electronic media, journalism, professional writing, and public relations. It is designed to introduce students to journalistic writing through a lecture section and a more hands on writing laboratory section.

Professor of JMC 2033, Kathryn Jenson White, states in her syllabus: "It's a class about using words to achieve professional goals..." This class is designed to equip the student with a basic and underlying knowledge of all journalistic forms and medias which may confront them in the world today. The basic goal being practice of writing and scrutinizing the language as a tool for expressing a message. Through exploration of all media forms each specific major that is offered receives some specific attention. This gives a brief glimpse to each student of the field in which they have expressed interest.

Also, to add an increased reality to the class all writing has a simulated audience and each paper/assignment is treated as if it had a real journalistic deadline. Each laboratory is equip with a computer leaning experience and an editor-in-chief there to help improve, edit and instruct each student. Each portion (lecture and lab) is worth 50 percent of the total grade but only three hours of credit are given for the combined classes.