Department

Department of Media, Communications, and Journalism

Katherine Adams, Chair
McKee Fisk Building, Room 236
559.278.2087
FAX: 559.278.4995
www.fresnostate.edu/mcj/

Degrees and Programs Offered

BA in Mass Communication & Journalism - Advertising Option, B.A.
BA in Mass Communication & Journalism - Public Relations Option, B.A.
BA in Mass Communication & Journalism - Multimedia Production Option, B.A.
BA in Mass Communication and Journalism - Broadcast Journalism Option, B.A.
BA in Mass Communication and Journalism - Print Journalism Option, B.A.
MN in Media Arts, Minor
MN in Mass Communication & Journalism, Minor

Contemplating a vibrant career in media, communications or journalism? Check out the MCJ Department. An exciting array of options awaits students, including  advertising, broadcast journalism, multimedia production, print journalism, and public relations.

Graduates of the MCJ Department work for many of America’s leading print and digital news outlets, radio and television stations, broadcast and film production companies, advertising agencies, public relations firms, corporations, government agencies, and community-based organizations.

Advertising. Ready to grab the attention of your audience? The department’s advertising students regularly finish with top honors in regional and national competitions sponsored by the American Advertising Federation. Graduates in advertising are working for such agencies as J. Walter Thompson, Chiat/Day, Publicis and Hal Riney, and Foote, Cone, and Belding.

Broadcast journalism. Broadcast journalism students learn the importance of producing responsible news coverage while maintaining strong ethical standards. Our program’s core focuses on teaching the principles of storytelling through video, audio, and powerful writing. Our students learn through their experiences, which include producing multimedia content for television, radio, and digital platforms in English and Spanish. Their award-winning weekly newscast, Fresno State Focus, is a collaborative effort between students in the broadcast and multimedia options. Broadcast journalism graduates are now reporters, producers, and anchors at local and national radio and television stations. They also work at network outlets including ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, ESPN, Telemundo, Univision, NPR, and PBS. Other alumni have embarked on careers at technology and social media companies including Google, Amazon, Facebook, and Banjo.

Multimedia production. Have a story to tell? Multimedia production students are creative storytellers who communicate through writing, photography, video, audio, and the web. Graduates in multimedia production are on all the staffs at local television stations and multiple production companies. Some are working on network television shows such as Survivor.

Print journalism. The written word remains one of the most powerful forms of human communication, both in physical publications and on the web. Print journalism graduates are working for leading news outlets, including The New York Times, USA Today, The Los Angeles Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Fresno Bee, and other major publications. Alumni have also embarked on literary careers and include award-winning non-fiction authors.  The Collegian, Fresno State’s award-winning student-run news organization, serves as a key laboratory classroom and allows students to get hands-on experience covering local news.

Public relations. Want to use strategic communication to help an organization succeed? PR alumni from the MCJ Department are working all over the globe — running their own firms and working for top agencies, corporations, government agencies, and community-based organizations. Examples of employers include American Airlines, Google, Facebook, Twitter, FleishmanHillard, Salvation Army, Valley Children’s Hospital, Coca Cola, and Orbitz.

Affiliations

The MCJ department is a member of the Broadcast Education Association and the California Newspaper Publishers Association. Student organizations include chapters of the American Advertising Federation, the Radio and Television Digital News Association, The California College Media Association, Kappa Tau Alpha (a national journalism scholarship society), and the Public Relations Student Society of America.  

Facilities

Students in the MCJ department get hands-on experience in a professional television studio with high definition multi-cam capabilities. Other laboratory experiences include digital research and writing; field video production; still photography; photo, video, and audio editing; and publication design with the Adobe Creative Suite.

The campus student-run news organization, The Collegian, serves as a laboratory classroom, as do the department’s two regularly-scheduled television programs: Fresno State Focus (news) and Fresno State Serves (public affairs). Students also collaborate with the campus public radio station 90.7 KFSR.

Through a partnership with the Community Media Access Collaborative (CMAC), student-produced television and remote-truck programming can be viewed on local cable channels in Fresno and surrounding areas and is also streamed online. Additionally, the department’s Multimedia Production Service produces video and photography projects for numerous clients and provides students practical experience in media production.

Courses

Media, Comm and Journalism

MCJ 1. Mass Communication and Society

Prerequisite: GE Foundation A2 for students in English college-readiness Category III and IV. Examines the political, economic, cultural, and behavioral impacts of mass media in national and international contexts. Analyzes the historical factors that have shaped the structures, practices, and products of mass media industries, and assesses contemporary trends in media-society relations. G.E. Breadth D3.

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
GE Area: D3

MCJ 5. Grammar for Media and Communication Professionals

Application of basic language skills to media writing and Editing. Recommended for all majors.

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

MCJ 10. Media Writing

Prerequisites: pass Department Qualification Exam. Study and practice in the basics of good writing. Emphases will be placed upon grammar, factual accuracy, clarity, conciseness, media styles, fairness, human interest, and writing to length and deadline. (2 lecture, 2 lab hours)

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

MCJ 17. Photojournalism

Introduction to the theory and practice of photojournalism. Study of the characteristics and role of the journalistic photograph in news communications. Lectures and laboratory Practical experiences in the use of digital still cameras and basic digital production techniques. (2 lecture, 2 lab hours)

Units: 3

MCJ 30. Introduction to Multimedia Production

Fundamentals of multimedia production. Exploration of cross media production theories and techniques. Emphasis on digital storytelling using text, graphics, audio, video, and the Web. (2 lecture, 2 lab hours).

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

MCJ 102W. Reporting

Prerequisites: pass Department Qualification Exam, MCJ 10. To be taken no sooner than the term in which 60 units of coursework are completed. Analysis of news sources; techniques of interviewing applied to specific reporting situations; coverage of campus and community functions in the preparation of articles for the media. Meets the upper-division writing skills requirement for graduation. (2 lecture, 2 lab hours)

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

MCJ 104. Editing of Publications

Prerequisites: pass Department Qualification Exam (DQE), MCJ 10, 70 units completed or permission of instructor. Preparation of copy, headlines, and photos for newspapers and other publications; advanced concepts of grammar and style; legal and ethical issues of publications; basic publications layout and graphic design. (2 lecture, 2 lab hours)

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

MCJ 105. News Practicum

Prerequisites: MCJ 10, MCJ 30, or permission of instructor. Practice in editorial leadership, writing and editing development of multimedia content, and Campus newspaper production techniques. Department newspaper used for laboratory purposes. (1 lecture, 4 lab hours)

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

MCJ 106. Publication Design

Survey, design, and editing of specialized publications such as newsletters, brochures, and other materials for editorial, advertising, and public relations purposes. Emphasis on computerized production techniques. (2 lecture, 2 lab hours)

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

MCJ 108. In-Depth Reporting

Prerequisites: pass Department Qualification Exam, MCJ 10, MCJ 102W, ENGL 5B or ENGL 10, and 70 units completed or permission of instructor. Advanced reporting for the media with emphasis on community journalism. Capstone course. (2 lecture, 2 lab hours)

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

MCJ 110. Scriptwriting

Prerequisites: MCJ 10, 30. Theory and practice of story development and scriptwriting for fiction and non-fiction film and video, including narrative film, documentary, business and sponsored video. Explores research, message/story structure, communication goals, planning and execution of written media materials for a target audience. (2 lecture, 2 lab hours)

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

MCJ 112. Audio Production

Prerequisite: MCJ 30. Introduction to the art of audio storytelling and basic digital audio production techniques. Design and execution of audio-based projects. (2 lecture, 2 lab hours)

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall

MCJ 113. Studio Video Production

Prerequisite: MCJ 30. Television studio production principles and techniques. Design and execution of multi-camera video productions. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours)

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall

MCJ 115. Field Video Production

Prerequisite: MCJ 30. Field video production and post-production principles and techniques in visual storytelling to include single-camera filmmaking, pre-production planning, production execution, post-production, and digital distribution techniques. (2 lecture, 2 lab hours)

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall

MCJ 116. Advanced Video Production

Prerequisites: MCJ 30, MCJ 113 and MCJ 115 or equivalents, with B or better. Advanced study of field and studio production. Exploration of narrative and non-fiction visual storytelling using single and multi-camera approaches. Advanced instruction in directing, lighting, sound, camera operation and post-production. Projects are intended for public distribution. (1 lecture, 4 lab hours)

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall

MCJ 118S. Corporate and Nonprofit Media Projects

Prerequisites: MCJ 30 and MCJ 115. Advanced study of the planning, organization, and execution of media production techniques for informational and educational communications projects for corporations and nonprofits; a service learning approach provides practical experience working in production teams with clients. (2 lecture, 2 lab hours)

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Spring

MCJ 120. Multimedia Production Studio Practicum

Prerequisites: MCJ 30. Supervised professional practice in producing media for clients and operation of media production facilities. Provides experience in production planning and management, field and studio production, post-production, and providing production services and technical assistance to students, faculty, and members of the public. 1-3 units, repeatable up to 6 units maximum.

Units: 1-3, Repeatable up to 6 units
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

MCJ 124. Broadcast and Online News Writing

Prerequisites: pass Department Qualification Exam, MCJ 10, MCJ 102W. Gathering, writing, and editing news for distribution via the broadcast and online news media. (2 lecture, 2 lab hours)

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

MCJ 126. Media Performance

Prerequisites: pass Department Qualification Exam; DRAMA 22, COMM 3, or COMM 8 or equivalents; and permission of instructor; MCJ 113 recommended. Exploration of the basic theories and techniques of media performance involved in announcing, hosting, reporting, and narrating of audio and visual programming. Emphasis on vocal and visual aspects of performance and preparation of material for media presentation. (2 lecture, 2 lab hours)

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall

MCJ 128. TV/Multimedia News Reporting and Production

Prerequisites: MCJ 30, MCJ 124, MCJ 126 and MCJ 115 or permission of instructor. Practical experience in multiplatform news producing, reporting, and anchoring intended for broadcast, cable and/or online distribution. Lecture and lab experiences focus on all aspects of production of weekly news and public affairs programs including news editorial, field video, multimedia, online, and TV studio production. Capstone course. (1 lecture, 6 lab hours)

Units: 3, Repeatable up to 6 units
Course Typically Offered: Spring

MCJ 131S. Online Media Design

Prerequisites: MCJ 30, MCJ 106 and MCJ 115, or permission of instructor. Fundamentals of multimedia storytelling and online media design. Production of multimedia packages for online distribution that incorporate text, graphics, images, audio, and video. A service learning approach provides practical experience working in production teams with Community Benefit Organizations (CBOs) (see Community Engagement and Service Learning in the General Catalog). (2 lecture, 2 lab hours)

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Spring

MCJ 142. Advertising Procedures

Overview of all aspects of the field of advertising. Study of history, agent-client relationships, media, relationship to the behavioral sciences, production of copy and layouts, and advertising legislation and responsibility.

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

MCJ 143. Advertising Sales

Prerequisite: MCJ 142. Advertising sales, account service, and account management for today's competitive marketplace; practical experience selling, creating, and producing advertisements for campus media operations. Practical experience working with "real world" clients. (2 lecture, 2 lab hours)

Units: 3, Repeatable up to 6 units
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

MCJ 144. Advertising Copy Writing

Prerequisites: pass Department Qualification Exam, MCJ 10, MCJ 142. Develops print and broadcast copy writing for magazine, direct mail, outdoor, newspaper, radio, television, and new advertising media. Examines the role of the copy writer, creative strategies, research target marketing, copy styles,a nd laws regulating advertising.

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Spring

MCJ 146. Advertising Media

Prerequisite: MCJ 142. Media planning and buying for advertising media. Evaluating and selecting media to meet specific marketing and communication goals; designing specific media plans and making buys in various media.

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

MCJ 148. Advertising Campaigns

Prerequisites: MCJ 142 and MCJ 144 or MCJ 146. Background, research, planning, and preparation of a national and local advertising campaign as advertising agency with client-agency set-up; marketing plan and creative execution. (2 lecture, 2 lab hours)

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

MCJ 152S. Fundamentals of Public Relations

Fundamentals of the public relations field ? its principles, ethical values, and methods; as well as its application in business, non-profit, education, and other areas. No previous courses or qualifying exams are required.

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

MCJ 157. Public Relations Agency Practicum

Prerequisite: MCJ 152S. This course will provide students with an in-depth and hands-on exploration into the creation of public relations products for "real world" clients and the management of a public relations agency.

Units: 3, Repeatable up to 6 units
Course Typically Offered: Fall

MCJ 158S. Public Relations Writing

Prerequisites: MCJ 10, MCJ 152S. Writing and creating messages tailored to multiple audiences via a range of media; including traditional and social media, as well as organizational media such as websites. Includes real world writing for service-learning clients. (2 lecture, 2 lab hours)

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

MCJ 159S. Public Relations Cases and Campaigns

Prerequisites: MCJ 10, MCJ 152S, MCJ 158S. Public relations teams plan public relations campaigns for service-learning clients. Covers use of research, setting measurable objectives, identifying key publics, defining strategies, setting budgets, and evaluating results. Analyses and application of recent cases to solve public relations problems.

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Spring

MCJ 163. Media As Pop Culture

A consideration of the media as part of popular cultural through study of program forms and social influences.

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

MCJ 164. Applied Media Research

Introduces various mass communication research methods. Emphasis on learning elements involved in the study of planning, designing, and executing mass communication research.

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

MCJ 172. Media Law

Study of federal and state laws and regulations that apply to the media, covering such topics as freedom of information, libel, right to privacy, fair trial-free press, copyright, obscenity and indecency, advertising regulation, and broadcast law and regulation, and broadcast law and regulation.

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

MCJ 173. Media Ethics

Study of ethical choices in the context of the political, social, and economic structure of U.S. communications systems. Also emphasizes applying traditional ethical theories to current media issues and problems.

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

MCJ 174. History of Mass Media

Historical background of American media from colonial to modern times.

Units: 3

MCJ 175. Multicultural Mass Communication and Media Stereotypes

Prerequisites: G. E. Foundation and Breadth Area D. Explores psychological, social, economic, institutional, and political factors related to media stereotypes. Analyzes specific media stereotypes involving gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, age, and physical conditions; looks at their behavioral and cultural effects. reviews strategies for improving media portrayals. Multicultural/International M/I.

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

MCJ 176. International Mass Communication

Assesses complex international forces shaping global media. Examines ways mass media of North American countries and other nations affect international relations. Focuses on impacts of international news flows, role of media in national development, effects of transnational entertainment, and advertising content. Multicultural/International M/I.

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

MCJ 177T. Media Topics

Prerequisite: upper-division standing. Topics explore various aspects of the relationships between media and society in national and international arenas.

Units: 3, Repeatable up to 6 units

MCJ 177T. Data Journalism

This course will provide students with the tools needed to find data, show them how to distinguish good data from misleading data, and teach them how to properly use data in their reporting and writing.

Units: 3

MCJ 177T. Global Campus Network

Prerequisites: MCJ 10 with B or better. Analysis of international news sources; coverage of international stories through a partnership with students at universities in Canada, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

Units: 3

MCJ 177T. Radio News and Podcasting

Prerequisites: MCJ 10, MCJ 102W recommended. Intermediate broadcast news reporting and writing with an emphasis on audio. Laboratory goal: air-worthy stories for broadcast distribution on campus radio station.

Units: 3

MCJ 177T. News Producing for TV and Web

Prerequisites: MCJ 10 and MCJ 124

Units: 3

MCJ 177T. Fresno State Focus Crew

Beginning broadcast news studio production course. Instruction on operation of TV news production equipment.

Units: 1

MCJ 177T. Journalism Career Portfolio

Prerequistes: MCJ 30, MCJ115, MCJ 124, MCJ 126. Must be taken concurrently with MCJ 128. Preparation and presentation of professional media work through development of a career portfolio, resume, and creatively packaged work samples.

Units: 1

MCJ 177T. Political Communication

Special topics course covering political communication through multiple media channels. Focuses on the roles of advertising, journalism, and public relations in shaping political discourse. Lecture.

Units: 3

MCJ 177T. Anti-Semitism from the Medieval to Modern World

Examination and critical analysis of anti-Semitic thought and ideology from the medieval world to the present day. Studies the origins and effects of anti-Semitic views and writings in a wider context.

Units: 3, Repeatable up to 9 units

MCJ 177T. Learning to Write to specific film formats for Motion Pictures

Students will learn professional techniques for writing Motion Pictures. Students will learn the correct film formats, character development, plot and story development and a specific technique for outlining a film for submission to agents, producers and film companies.

Units: 3, Repeatable up to 9 units

MCJ 178. New Media Technologies

Prerequisites: G.E. Foundation and Breadth Area D. Addresses the social, political, economic, and philosophical implications of new digital media, as well as the corporate, government, and institutional forces that have shaped the new digital media landscape. Particular attention is given to uses of the technologies and the dynamic relationship linking technology, culture, and social change. G.E. Integration ID.

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
GE Area: ID

MCJ 179. Cineculture

Explores a wide range of socio-cultural-political topics through a series of film and lectures. Emphasis on critical analysis of diverse cultures as they are represented in film. Students develop a global awareness and understanding of cultural diversity. Multicultural/International M/I.

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

MCJ 190. Independent Study

See Academic Placement -- Independent Study. Approved for RP grading.

Units: 1-3, Repeatable up to 6 units
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

MCJ 191. Internship

Prerequisites: permission of instructor. Applied practical experience in an appropriate media outlet, recording studio, production company, advertising agency, or public relations firm with on-the-job and faculty supervision/instruction. Conferences and reports required.

Units: 1-3, Repeatable up to 6 units
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

MCJ 203. Mass Media Industry and Issues

(Core) Examination of the ownership structure, economics, content, and effects of mass media. Contemporary media controversies are examined from both societal and industry points of view. Papers required. (Formerly MCOM 203)

Units: 3

MCJ 204. Introduction to Mass Comm Graduate Studies

Introduces students to the field of mass communication. Discussion includes an overview of various research methods in the field, the process and production of research proposals, and the process of planning a program of study. Emphasizes a scholarly style of writing.

Units: 3

MCJ 205. Mass Communication Theory

This course examines the history and development of prominent mass communication theories and their application in the field of mass communication research.

Units: 3

MCJ 206. Quantitative Methods in Mass Communication

Introduction in quantitative research designs and statistical procedures. Areas of examination include various statistical tests used in mass communication research, criteria for evaluating scientific research, and computer assisted (SPSS) statistical procedures. Students will design and complete a research project.

Units: 3

MCJ 207. Qualitative Methods in Mass Communication

This course examines various qualitative methods used in mass communication research, such as historical analysis, legal research, cultural analysis, content analysis, and participant/observer analysis. Students will design and complete a research project.

Units: 3

MCJ 214. Media Technology and Systems

Seminar in emerging communications media. Technological developments, corporate and governmental policies, and the sociopolitical implications of current and projected applications. (Formerly MCOM 214)

Units: 3

MCJ 215. Media Ethics and Regulation

Seminar in the law and ethics of mass communication, with emphasis on current social and ethical controversies and the impact of regulatory trends on media professionals. (Formerly MCOM 215)

Units: 3

MCJ 216. Global Media and International Relations

Focus on mass communication and international relations by examining global flow and impact of news, entertainment content, transnational advertising, and information technologies. Issues discussed in the context of international mass communication theory and research. (Formerly MCOM 216)

Units: 3

MCJ 240T. Seminar in Media Industry Practices and Management

Exploration of current challenges and advanced practices in the media or management in a particular media-related industry: advertising, broadcasting, public relations, journalism, Internet. (Formerly MCOM 240T)

Units: 3, Repeatable up to 9 units

MCJ 240T. Cultural Criticism of Media

An introduction to the analysis and interpretation of media texts. The student will learn theories and methodologies to understand and explain the cultural significance of mass media texts within a mass-media-saturated society.

Units: 3, Repeatable up to 9 units

MCJ 290. Independent Study

See Academic Placement - Independent Study. Approved for RP grading. (Formerly MCOM 290)

Units: 1-3, Repeatable up to 6 units

MCJ 298. Project

Prerequisites: permission of instructor; see Criteria for Thesis and Project. Completion of a significant project appropriate to the student's area of specialization. A written report and a presentation to the faculty are required. Approved for RP grading. One or two semesters, depending upon project complexity. (Formerly MCOM 298)

Units: 6

MCJ 298C. Project Continuation

Pre-requisite: Project MCJ 298. For continuous enrollment while completing the project. May enroll twice with department approval. Additional enrollments must be approved by the Dean of Graduate Studies.

Units: 0

MCJ 299. Thesis

Prerequisite: See Criteria for Thesis and Project. Preparation, completion, and submission of an acceptable thesis for the master's degree. Presentation to the faculty is required. Approved for RP grading. (Formerly MCOM 299)

Units: 6

MCJ 299C. Thesis Continuation

Pre-requisite: Thesis 298. For continuous enrollment while completing the thesis. May enroll twice with department approval. Additional enrollments must be approved by the Dean of Graduate Studies.

Units: 0

MCJ 429T. Filmmaking

Units: 3

MCJ 629T. 35MM Filmmkng

Units: 3

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Requirements

Mass Communication and Journalism Minor Requirements

Required (6 units)
MCJ 1, 10

Minimum Electives (12 units)
Any four or more courses selected with the advice and consent of a member of the departmental faculty

Minimum Total (18 units)

Note: The Mass Communication and Journalism Minor also requires a 2.0 GPA and 6 upper-division units in residence.

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Faculty

MCJ faculty members have substantial professional experience and maintain close ties with the professional communities in their disciplines. Numerous faculty have been recognized nationally for their research, scholarship, and creative works. All faculty members serve as career and academic advisors.

For faculty phone numbers and e-mail, see the campus directory.

For more on the faculty, see the faculty pages.
The faculty pages are updated by the department or program.