Journalism
Cynthia Simoneau
CHAIRPERSON
Morrill 202
(203) 392-5800 – Fax (203) 392-5809
simoneauc1@SouthernCT.edu
Department Secretary: (203) 392-5800
Jerry Dunklee, Professor
Joanne (Jodie) Gil, Assistant Professor
Frank Harris III, Professor
Cynthia Simoneau, Associate Professor
Vern Williams, Assistant Professor
MAJOR IN JOURNALISM
In a changing news media landscape, this much remains true: People still want to know what is going on in the world and local community around them. The basic skills of reporting and writing remain unchanged. What has changed are the expectations for journalists. SCSU's Journalism Department recognizes that the new news media requires more than a journalist who specializes in one medium such as newspaper, television or magazines. The new news media requires a multimedia journalist capable of producing a full package of news via text, video, audio, still photos and graphics. The Journalism Department's curriculum is geared toward providing students with a full range of the knowledge, tools and skills they will need to be successful in the field in this new news media landscape. Students who major in journalism at Southern have the option of studying for the B.A. or the B.S. degree. Both major programs offer the broad liberal arts background necessary for careers in the media and in allied fields, such as business and public service, and for further study in law or graduate school. The B.A. degree emphasizes writing and reporting, technical, and web-centric skills, and related studies in the liberal arts. The B.S. degree program, in addition to writing, reporting, technical and web-centric skills, includes videography, photography and internships. Both programs include a capstone course that requires a project and portfolio. Students may apply to the Journalism Department for acceptance as majors as freshmen or at any point throughout their academic career. Those who apply after beginning their classes at Southern must have a 2.0 minimum GPA.
Participation in a student activity involving the media, such as the student newspaper or the campus radio or television stations, is recommended beginning in the freshman year. This experience provides practical applications for academic studies and helps prepare students for internships.
Journalism Internship
Journalism students in the B.S. degree program are required to complete an internship. Internships are optional electives in the B.A. degree program. Application for internships are planned by the student and the student's adviser and internship coordinator at the place of the internship. Most media agencies throughout the region have accepted journalism interns from the university.
Cognate Courses
The journalism department requires all students explore a secondary area of study through a cognate or minor, to meet the needs for professional preparation. The cognate courses, which are selected from other University departments, offer students the opportunity to broaden their liberal arts base and acquire specialized skills in areas such as photojournalism, television technology, and film studies. Cognate courses also prepare students for specialized writing in areas such as environmental science, urban studies, politics, economics, and theatre. Students may also develop a cognate to supplement journalism courses in preparation for careers in newswriting, editing and publishing, public relations, and specialized reporting.
The department offers the following: