Journalism, Visual Communication Concentration, B.S.
Journalism and Strategic Media
615-898-2814
Leslie Haines, program coordinator
Leslie.Haines@mtsu.edu
Visual Communication involves all the elements of visual communication, from traditional typography to digitized design for newsletters, newspapers, magazines, and the Web. The concentration's emphasis is information design, including print and interactive media that deliver information, opinion, and entertainment via printed online and digital media ranging from informational graphics, brochures, books, magazines, and newspapers to production in various multimedia forms, including the Internet.
Students should check the prerequisites for each course.
Academic Map
Following is a printable, suggested four-year schedule of courses:
Journalism, Visual Communication, B.S., Academic Map
Degree Requirements
| General Education | 41 hours |
| Major Requirements | 47 hours* |
| Auxiliary Courses | 9 hours |
| Minor | 15-18 hours |
| Electives | 5-11 hours |
| TOTAL | 120 hours |
*This program requires courses that can also fulfill requirements of the General Education curriculum. If program requirements are also used to fulfill General Education requirements, the number of elective hours will increase.
General Education (41 hours)
General Education requirements (shown in curricular listings below) include courses in Communication, History, Humanities and/or Fine Arts, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Social/Behavioral Sciences.
The following course required by the program meets General Education requirements:
Major Requirements (47 hours)
School of Journalism and Strategic Media Core (14 hours)
EMC 1020 - American Media and Social Institutions
3 credit hours
(Same as JOUR 1020/RIM 1020.)
The power of the mass media and its effect on social institutions and practices. Develops skills of qualitative and quantitative social science research in the area of mass communication processes; examines media as social, cultural, and economic institutions that shape the values of American society, its political dialogues, its social practices, and institutions.
JOUR 1020 - American Media and Social Institutions
3 credit hours
(Same as EMC 1020/RIM 1020.) The power of the mass media and its effect on social institutions and practices. Develops skills of qualitative and quantitative social science research in the area of mass communication processes; examines media as social, cultural, and economic institutions that shape the values of American society, its political dialogues, its social practices, and institutions.
RIM 1020 - American Media and Social Institutions
3 credit hours
(Same as EMC 1020/JOUR 1020.) The power of the mass media and its effect on social institutions and practices. Develops skills of qualitative and quantitative social science research in the area of mass communication processes; examines media as social, cultural, and economic institutions that shape the values of American society, its political dialogues, its social practices, and institutions.
(may be counted in General Education)
JOUR 2710 - Media Writing
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020 or equivalents. Theory and practice of writing for print and electronic media according to the techniques, styles, and formats of various media. Laboratory required.
JOUR 2720 - Digital Media Skills
3 credit hours
Professional skills necessary to create digital platform stories that integrate audio, photo, video, and text.
JOUR 4880 - Professional Development
1 credit hour
Prerequisite: Senior status. Issues faced by graduates upon entering the professional world or graduate school. Topics include preparation of the professional portfolio, the resume and cover letter, post-graduate study, and professional advancement. Should be completed by majors in the School of Journalism in either of their last two semesters prior to graduation.
EMC 4250 - Mass Media Law
3 credit hours
(Same as JOUR 4250.) Prerequisites: EMC 1020; junior standing. Examines legal guarantees and restrictions on the flow of information using the case study method. Focuses on libel, privacy, obscenity, and the special restrictions placed on advertising, broadcasting, cable television, and the Internet.
JOUR 4250 - Mass Media Law
3 credit hours
(Same as EMC 4250.) Prerequisites: JOUR 1020 and JOUR 2710; junior standing. Examination of legal guarantees and restrictions on the flow of information using the case study method. Focus on libel, privacy, obscenity, and the special restrictions placed on advertising, broadcasting, cable TV, and the Internet.
JOUR 3580 - MC Practicum
1 to 3 credit hours
(1 credit hour)(1 credit hour) OR
dotslash:(1 credit hour) OR
title:(1 credit hour)
(1 credit hour) OR
JOUR 3580 - MC Practicum
1 to 3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Junior standing; permission of instructor. Practical experience in an on-campus mass communication setting. Note: Total credit for practicum and internship courses cannot exceed 3 credits. Pass/Fail.
JOUR 4000 - MC Internship
1 to 3 credit hours
(1 credit hour)(1 credit hour)
dotslash:(1 credit hour)
title:(1 credit hour)
(1 credit hour)
JOUR 4000 - MC Internship
1 to 3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Upper-division standing; permission of the internship coordinator. Advanced students gain practical experience in a professional setting. Note: Total credit for internship and practicum courses cannot exceed 3 credits. Pass/Fail.
Writing/Design Requirements (9 hours)
JOUR 3450 - Editing
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: JOUR 3090 with minimum grade of C. Theory and practice in the art of copy editing, including editing, language skills, newspaper style, news judgment, headline writing, photo editing, cutline writing, and page design.
VCOM 2950 - Visual Communication Applications
3 credit hours
Introduces industry-standard graphics applications used for print, Web, and digital publication; discusses typography, design, and color theory; overview of publication procedures. Combined lecture/lab.
JOUR 3090 - Reporting
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: JOUR 2710. Theory and practice of basic journalism skills, including content gathering, storytelling, evaluating, writing, and processing of news.
JOUR 3530 - Feature Writing
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: JOUR 2710 or permission of instructor. Theory and practice of writing feature stories for newspapers and magazines. Assignments in writing for professional publications as well as the student newspaper.
Conceptual Requirements (9 hours)
VCOM 2010 - Introduction to Visual Communication
3 credit hours
Overview of concepts for effective visual communication; the role of visual elements and design practices in a cultural, historical, and political context; basic typography and design, electronic and digital composition and reproduction, and technological aspects of design and production.
Choose two:
ADV 3020 - Principles of Advertising
3 credit hours
Overview of advertising principles and practices including the role of advertising in society and the marketplace, consumer behavior, advertising media, budgeting and planning, and the creation and production of advertising messages.
ADV 3060 - Issues in Advertising: Sexuality and Gender
3 credit hours
Explores use of sexuality and gender portrayals in print, broadcast, outdoor, and online and new forms of advertising from various theoretical perspectives and using actual cases.
JOUR 2800 - Journalism and Media Topics
1 to 3 credit hours
Examines a specific topic in the field of journalism or media. Variable credit. Topic and available academic credit will be announced prior to scheduling of the class. May include Study Abroad; Study Abroad fees may apply.
JOUR 3050 - Principles of Health Communication
3 credit hours
Introduces students to fundamental issues in Health Communication. The development of health communication, the role of interpersonal communication in health care, the design and challenges of public health campaigns, intended and unintended health messages in news and popular media, the structure of health care organization, and key ethical issues in creating and disseminating health messages to diverse audiences.
JOUR 3650 - Free Expression, Mass Media, and the American Public
3 credit hours
(Same as EMC 3650/RIM 3650.) A general introduction to the issues surrounding free expression and its relationship to mass media in contemporary America. Comprehensive analysis of the history, philosophies, cases, and controls associated with freedom of expression.
JOUR 4510 - Media History and Culture
3 credit hours
Viewing history as the study of change across time, examines "new media" from different periods (symbols, writing, printing, telecommunications, Internet) and their role in shaping journalism and media content historically. Includes discussion of alternative media, including the Black Press and Woman Suffrage Press.
JOUR 4210 - Mass Communication and Society
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Junior standing. Theories of the process of mass communication, how media affect society, the evolution within a social and cultural context, ethical and social dimensions. Extensive reading in theory, history, and research. Media-content emphasis varies depending on instructor's expertise.
JOUR 4240 - Television, Culture, and History
3 credit hours
Examines television as a cultural product, communication tool, "mirror on the world," and as an agent for social change. Explores censorship, sponsorship, ethics, and the impact of context on content. Focuses on role that television has had and continues to have on constructing notions of gender, race, class, and difference.
JOUR 4660 - Scientific Approaches to Media
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Junior standing. Provides a critical overview of the historical, intellectual, and theoretical foundations of scientific inquiry with specific emphasis on quantitative research methods. Introduces major theories and methods of scientific inquiry in the field of communication including psychological and sociological perspectives, survey research, content analysis, experiments, observational research, and statistical analysis. Explores audience analysis, media effects, message testing, campaign evaluation, political communication, public opinion, and new media technologies.
JOUR 4700 - Mass Media and National Security
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Junior/Senior standing or permission of instructor. Examines the role of the mass media in maintaining national security. Topics include history, legal, and operational concerns from both media and the government perspectives. Discusses the tension between maintaining national security and American traditions of civil liberties and the role of both the media and government in these discussions.
JOUR 4780 - Media and Markets
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Junior standing. Approaches to understanding media audiences. Examines tensions between the business and public functions of media, and social and ethical conflicts related to media marketing.
JOUR 4790 - Global News and World Media Cultures
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Junior standing. Systems and philosophies associated with gathering international news and news coverage in different regions. Looks at global communication systems and ownership; examines how cultures shape news and the role of the individual in reporting news internationally. Includes discussion of development issues and role of global advertising and public relations.
VCOM 3810 - History of Visual Communication
3 credit hours
Explores various creative and critical dialogues between principles and practices, movements and paradigms, art, science, and technology relating specifically to journalism and visual media from the printed to the digital.
JOUR 4820 - Race, Gender, and Class in Media
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing or permission of instructor. Critical examination of diversity in mass communication with particular emphasis on media representations of race, gender, and class. Also examines audience interpretations of media texts.
JOUR 4850 - Ethics and Mass Communication
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Junior standing. Examination of ethical concerns of media practitioners illuminated by study of selected current ethical issues and an overview of the cultural and philosophical basis of socially responsive mass media.
- Approved School of Journalism and Strategic Media elective 3 credit hours
Professional (9 hours)
VCOM 3920 - Information Web Design
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: VCOM 2950. Introduces software, design principles, and technology used for communicating concepts, information, and narratives through websites and digital media. Overview of social, political, copyright, and ethical issues involving websites, digital, and social media. Combined lecture/lab.
VCOM 3930 - Visual Storytelling for Journalism
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: JOUR 2710, VCOM 2010, and VCOM 2950 or permission of instructor. Design process and production methods for communicating concepts, information, and narratives through the use of visual elements in print, Web, and digital media. Develops skill sets of typographic language and design, photography selection and use, illustration techniques and intermediate layout design for the purpose of visual storytelling in the form of such projects as editorial layout in digital and print formats, ad campaigns, and logo design. Combined lecture/lab.
VCOM 3950 - Digital Storytelling for Journalism
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: VCOM 3920 and VCOM 3930. Advanced practice in communicating concepts, information, and narratives through the use of websites and digital media. Topics include contemporary practices and use of code and software for online and digital media production, combined with in-depth discussion of social, political, copyright, and ethical issues pertaining to websites and digital and social media. Combined lecture/lab.
Senior Courses (6 hours)
VCOM 4010 - Information Design
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: VCOM 3930. Principles and practices of publication design and production with emphasis on newsletters, magazines, newspapers, and contemporary formats; use of traditional and electronic information services as a resource; selection and use of photographs and illustrations for publication; preparation of design for print, electronic, or multimedia publication.
VCOM 4180 - Senior Portfolio
3 credit hours
Prerequisites:VCOM 3920, VCOM 3930, and VCOM 3950. Capstone class in the VCOM concentration. Students revise and create print and digital designs for the purpose of professional portfolio presentation. Professional topics are discussed, including creative strategies, legal and copyright issues and client relations.
Auxiliary Major Requirements (9 hours)
ART 1610 - Two-Dimensional Design
3 credit hours
The principles and techniques of design and their application to two-dimensional art forms. Six-hour studio course. TBR Common Course: ART 1340
ART 1620 - Drawing I
3 credit hours
Develops observational drawing skills and a formal drawing vocabulary; introduces various drawing materials. Six-hour studio course. TBR Common Course: ART 1045
CSCI 1150 - Computer Orientation
3 credit hours
A general introduction to computers with an emphasis on personal computing, database, word processing, presentation graphics, spreadsheets, and Internet tools. Does not count for Computer Science major or minor.
Minor (15-18 hours)
- Selected from outside the School of Journalism and Strategic Media and the Department of Media Arts with advisor approval.
Electives (5-11 hours)
- Students in the School of Journalism and Strategic Media (SOJSM) must complete 72 hours of approved coursework from outside SOJSM or Media Arts courses. Students must select at least nine hours of liberal arts/social sciences (beyond General Education); at least six hours of liberal arts/social science electives must come from courses at the 3000-level or higher.
Curriculum: Journalism, Visual Communication Concentration
Curricular listings include General Education requirements in Communication, History, Humanities and/or Fine Arts, Mathematic, Natural Sciences, and Social/Behavioral Sciences categories.
Majors must have a C (2.00) or better in all Media and Entertainment courses.
Freshman
ART 1610 - Two-Dimensional Design
3 credit hours
The principles and techniques of design and their application to two-dimensional art forms. Six-hour studio course. TBR Common Course: ART 1340
ENGL 1010 - Expository Writing
3 credit hours
The first General Education English course. Emphasis on learning to adapt composing processes to a variety of expository and analytic writing assignments. Minimum grade of C- required to meet degree requirements.
ENGL 1020 - Research and Argumentative Writing
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: ENGL 1010. The second General Education English course. Emphasis on analytic and argumentative writing and on locating, organizing, and using library resource materials in the writing. Minimum grade of C- required to meet degree requirements.
COMM 2200 - Fundamentals of Communication
3 credit hours
Introduces principles and processes of effective public oral communication including researching, critical thinking, organizing, presenting, listening, and using appropriate language. Counts as part of the General Education Communication requirement. TBR Common Course: COMM 2025
JOUR 1020 - American Media and Social Institutions
3 credit hours
(Same as EMC 1020/RIM 1020.) The power of the mass media and its effect on social institutions and practices. Develops skills of qualitative and quantitative social science research in the area of mass communication processes; examines media as social, cultural, and economic institutions that shape the values of American society, its political dialogues, its social practices, and institutions.
EMC 1020 - American Media and Social Institutions
3 credit hours
(Same as JOUR 1020/RIM 1020.)
The power of the mass media and its effect on social institutions and practices. Develops skills of qualitative and quantitative social science research in the area of mass communication processes; examines media as social, cultural, and economic institutions that shape the values of American society, its political dialogues, its social practices, and institutions.
RIM 1020 - American Media and Social Institutions
3 credit hours
(Same as EMC 1020/JOUR 1020.) The power of the mass media and its effect on social institutions and practices. Develops skills of qualitative and quantitative social science research in the area of mass communication processes; examines media as social, cultural, and economic institutions that shape the values of American society, its political dialogues, its social practices, and institutions.
HIST 2010 - Survey of United States History I
3 credit hours
Survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects. Discusses the era from the beginning to 1877. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement. HIST 2010 is NOT a prerequisite for HIST 2020. TBR Common Course: HIST 2010
HIST 2020 - Survey of United States History II
3 credit hours
Survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects. Discusses the era from 1877 to the present. May be used to satisfy one part of the the General Education History requirement. HIST 2010 is NOT a prerequisite for HIST 2020. TBR Common Course: HIST 2020
HIST 2030 - Tennessee History
3 credit hours
The role of the state in the development of the nation. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement. TBR Common Course: HIST 2030
HIST 2040 - Survey African American History I
3 credit hours
The role of African Americans in establishing and shaping the American nation. Covers their historical development and contributions to American art, music, literature, and religion. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement.
NOTE: HIST 2040 is not a prerequisite for HIST 2050.
HIST 2050 - Survey African American History II
3 credit hours
The role of African Americans in shaping the American nation and creating a twentieth-century racial identity. Covers their historical development and examines their contributions to American art, music, literature, and religion. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement.
- Elective 3 credit hours
- Humanities and/or Fine Arts (2 rubrics) 6 credit hours
- Mathematics 3 credit hours
Subtotal: 30 Hours
Sophomore
ENGL 2020 - Themes in Literature and Culture
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020. Traces a specific theme or idea through a number of literary texts that reflect different historical and cultural contexts. Subject will vary.
ENGL 2030 - The Experience of Literature
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020. The reading of a variety of literary types which illuminate themes and experiences common to human existence.
HUM 2610 - World Literatures
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020. Representative works of French, German, and Hispanic authors in English translation. No foreign-language proficiency required. Carries General Education credit.
HIST 2010 - Survey of United States History I
3 credit hours
Survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects. Discusses the era from the beginning to 1877. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement. HIST 2010 is NOT a prerequisite for HIST 2020. TBR Common Course: HIST 2010
HIST 2020 - Survey of United States History II
3 credit hours
Survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects. Discusses the era from 1877 to the present. May be used to satisfy one part of the the General Education History requirement. HIST 2010 is NOT a prerequisite for HIST 2020. TBR Common Course: HIST 2020
HIST 2030 - Tennessee History
3 credit hours
The role of the state in the development of the nation. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement. TBR Common Course: HIST 2030
HIST 2040 - Survey African American History I
3 credit hours
The role of African Americans in establishing and shaping the American nation. Covers their historical development and contributions to American art, music, literature, and religion. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement.
NOTE: HIST 2040 is not a prerequisite for HIST 2050.
HIST 2050 - Survey African American History II
3 credit hours
The role of African Americans in shaping the American nation and creating a twentieth-century racial identity. Covers their historical development and examines their contributions to American art, music, literature, and religion. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement.
ART 1620 - Drawing I
3 credit hours
Develops observational drawing skills and a formal drawing vocabulary; introduces various drawing materials. Six-hour studio course. TBR Common Course: ART 1045
CSCI 1150 - Computer Orientation
3 credit hours
A general introduction to computers with an emphasis on personal computing, database, word processing, presentation graphics, spreadsheets, and Internet tools. Does not count for Computer Science major or minor.
JOUR 2710 - Media Writing
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020 or equivalents. Theory and practice of writing for print and electronic media according to the techniques, styles, and formats of various media. Laboratory required.
JOUR 2720 - Digital Media Skills
3 credit hours
Professional skills necessary to create digital platform stories that integrate audio, photo, video, and text.
VCOM 2010 - Introduction to Visual Communication
3 credit hours
Overview of concepts for effective visual communication; the role of visual elements and design practices in a cultural, historical, and political context; basic typography and design, electronic and digital composition and reproduction, and technological aspects of design and production.
VCOM 2950 - Visual Communication Applications
3 credit hours
Introduces industry-standard graphics applications used for print, Web, and digital publication; discusses typography, design, and color theory; overview of publication procedures. Combined lecture/lab.
- Natural Sciences 4 credit hours
JOUR 3090 - Reporting
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: JOUR 2710. Theory and practice of basic journalism skills, including content gathering, storytelling, evaluating, writing, and processing of news.
JOUR 3530 - Feature Writing
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: JOUR 2710 or permission of instructor. Theory and practice of writing feature stories for newspapers and magazines. Assignments in writing for professional publications as well as the student newspaper.
Subtotal: 31 Hours
Junior
JOUR 3450 - Editing
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: JOUR 3090 with minimum grade of C. Theory and practice in the art of copy editing, including editing, language skills, newspaper style, news judgment, headline writing, photo editing, cutline writing, and page design.
VCOM 3920 - Information Web Design
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: VCOM 2950. Introduces software, design principles, and technology used for communicating concepts, information, and narratives through websites and digital media. Overview of social, political, copyright, and ethical issues involving websites, digital, and social media. Combined lecture/lab.
VCOM 3930 - Visual Storytelling for Journalism
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: JOUR 2710, VCOM 2010, and VCOM 2950 or permission of instructor. Design process and production methods for communicating concepts, information, and narratives through the use of visual elements in print, Web, and digital media. Develops skill sets of typographic language and design, photography selection and use, illustration techniques and intermediate layout design for the purpose of visual storytelling in the form of such projects as editorial layout in digital and print formats, ad campaigns, and logo design. Combined lecture/lab.
VCOM 3950 - Digital Storytelling for Journalism
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: VCOM 3920 and VCOM 3930. Advanced practice in communicating concepts, information, and narratives through the use of websites and digital media. Topics include contemporary practices and use of code and software for online and digital media production, combined with in-depth discussion of social, political, copyright, and ethical issues pertaining to websites and digital and social media. Combined lecture/lab.
- Minor courses 9 credit hours
- Elective course 3 credit hours
- Social/Behavioral Sciences 3 credit hours
- Natural Sciences 4 credit hours
Subtotal: 31 Hours
Senior
JOUR 3580 - MC Practicum
1 to 3 credit hours
(1 credit hour required) OR(1 credit hour required) OR
dotslash:(1 credit hour required) OR
title:(1 credit hour required) OR
(1 credit hour required) OR
JOUR 3580 - MC Practicum
1 to 3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Junior standing; permission of instructor. Practical experience in an on-campus mass communication setting. Note: Total credit for practicum and internship courses cannot exceed 3 credits. Pass/Fail.
JOUR 4000 - MC Internship
1 to 3 credit hours
(1 credit hour required)(1 credit hour required)
dotslash:(1 credit hour required)
title:(1 credit hour required)
(1 credit hour required)
JOUR 4000 - MC Internship
1 to 3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Upper-division standing; permission of the internship coordinator. Advanced students gain practical experience in a professional setting. Note: Total credit for internship and practicum courses cannot exceed 3 credits. Pass/Fail.
JOUR 4250 - Mass Media Law
3 credit hours
(Same as EMC 4250.) Prerequisites: JOUR 1020 and JOUR 2710; junior standing. Examination of legal guarantees and restrictions on the flow of information using the case study method. Focus on libel, privacy, obscenity, and the special restrictions placed on advertising, broadcasting, cable TV, and the Internet.
JOUR 4880 - Professional Development
1 credit hour
Prerequisite: Senior status. Issues faced by graduates upon entering the professional world or graduate school. Topics include preparation of the professional portfolio, the resume and cover letter, post-graduate study, and professional advancement. Should be completed by majors in the School of Journalism in either of their last two semesters prior to graduation.
VCOM 4010 - Information Design
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: VCOM 3930. Principles and practices of publication design and production with emphasis on newsletters, magazines, newspapers, and contemporary formats; use of traditional and electronic information services as a resource; selection and use of photographs and illustrations for publication; preparation of design for print, electronic, or multimedia publication.
VCOM 4180 - Senior Portfolio
3 credit hours
Prerequisites:VCOM 3920, VCOM 3930, and VCOM 3950. Capstone class in the VCOM concentration. Students revise and create print and digital designs for the purpose of professional portfolio presentation. Professional topics are discussed, including creative strategies, legal and copyright issues and client relations.
- Elective course 2 credit hours
- JOUR conceptual requirement 6 credit hours
- Minor courses 6 credit hours
- Minor/elective course 3 credit hours
Subtotal: 28 Hours
