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Home » Departments & Programs » Departments & Programs » Journalism

Journalism Program

Journalism at Emory emphasizes writing, reporting and critical thinking. The skills of newspaper and electronic journalism go hand-in-hand with study in the liberal arts and sciences. The result is journalists who make a difference!

Journalism co-majors or minors learn the craft of researching, interviewing, reporting and writing news. They develop an understanding of press issues and build a technical foundation. Students advance and refine that know-how in professional internships.

Journalism at Emory is a special selection program. Every semester students can apply for admission to the Program.

The Journalism Program also offers the opportunity to study specialty writing and reporting. Interdisciplinary classes in science writing, economics and business reporting, arts criticism, international media, and race and ethnic relations are open to students from all disciplines. Most Journalism courses fulfill the post-freshman writing requirement. These courses focus on writing for the general public.

Faculty

Chair/Director
Hank Klibanoff
P6460769
James M Cox Jr Professor

Education

  • MA, Northwestern University,
  • BA, Washington University,

Department

  • Journalism, Core Faculty
Director of Undergraduate Studies
Hank Klibanoff
P6460769
James M Cox Jr Professor

Education

  • MA, Northwestern University,
  • BA, Washington University,

Department

  • Journalism, Core Faculty
Core Faculty
David Armstrong
P1197238
Senior Lecturer

Education

  • Ph.D, University of Texas at Austin,
  • MA, University of Texas at Austin,
  • BA, UCLA,

Department

  • Journalism, Core Faculty
Hank Klibanoff
P6460769
James M Cox Jr Professor

Education

  • MA, Northwestern University,
  • BA, Washington University,

Department

  • Journalism, Core Faculty
Sissel McCarthy
P0750501
Lecturer

Education

  • MA, Columbia University,
  • BA, Dartmouth College,

Department

  • Journalism, Core Faculty
Sheila Tefft
P1131348
Senior Lecturer

Education

  • BA, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 1974
  • MSc, London School of Economics and Political Science, 1977

Department

  • Journalism, Core Faculty

Courses

Journalism 100-Level Courses
JRNL 190: Freshman Seminar: Journalism
General Information
Credit Hours
3
GERs
FSEM
Variable GER
None
Pre-Requisites
None
Co-Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None
Course Description

Contact Hour Information
Course Type
Lecture
Weekly Contact Minutes
150
Scheduled Related Component
Select Scheduled related component
Weekly Contact Minutes in Related Component
Select contact time
Additional Course Plus Component
Select other structured components
Journalism 200-Level Courses
JRNL 201: News Reporting And Writing
General Information
Credit Hours
3
GERs
None
Variable GER
None
Pre-Requisites
None
Co-Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None
Course Description

This is a writing workshop designed to teach specific skills-reporting, interviewing, editing, hard news, and feature writing. The instructor will critique, edit, and evaluate students' work intensively.

Contact Hour Information
Course Type
Lecture
Weekly Contact Minutes
150
JRNL 201W: News Reporting And Writing
General Information
Credit Hours
4
GERs
WRT
Variable GER
None
Pre-Requisites
None
Co-Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None
Course Description

This is a writing workshop designed to teach specific skills-reporting, interviewing, editing, hard news, and feature writing. The instructor will critique, edit, and evaluate students' work intensively.

Contact Hour Information
Course Type
Lecture
Weekly Contact Minutes
150
Writing Requirement
Yes
JRNL 250: African Amer Images in Media
General Information
Credit Hours
3
GERs
None
Variable GER
None
Pre-Requisites
None
Co-Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
AAS 250: African Amer Images in Media
Course Description

Contact Hour Information
Course Type
Lecture
Weekly Contact Minutes
150
JRNL 260: News Literacy in a Digital Age
General Information
Credit Hours
3
GERs
HSC
Variable GER
None
Pre-Requisites
None
Co-Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None
Course Description

This course helps students become more discriminating consumers of news and gives them the tools to determine which news sources are reliable and the difference between news and opinion.

Contact Hour Information
Course Type
Lecture
Weekly Contact Minutes
150
JRNL 260W: News Literacy in a Digital Age
General Information
Credit Hours
4
GERs
HSCW
Variable GER
None
Pre-Requisites
None
Co-Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None
Course Description

This course helps students become more discriminating consumers of news and gives them the tools to determine which news sources are reliable and the difference between news and opinion.

Contact Hour Information
Course Type
Lecture
Weekly Contact Minutes
150
Writing Requirement
Yes
Journalism 300-Level Courses
JRNL 301: Adv News Reporting & Writing
General Information
Credit Hours
3
GERs
None
Variable GER
None
Pre-Requisites
None
Co-Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None
Course Description

This course introduces students to the skills of multi-media storytelling. Students will become beat reporters and learn how to report and write the same story in print and podcast form.

Contact Hour Information
Course Type
Lecture
Weekly Contact Minutes
150
JRNL 301W: Adv News Reporting & Writing
General Information
Credit Hours
4
GERs
WRT
Variable GER
None
Pre-Requisites
None
Co-Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None
Course Description

This course introduces students to the skills of multi-media storytelling. Students will become beat reporters and learn how to report and write the same story in print and podcast form.

Contact Hour Information
Course Type
Lecture
Weekly Contact Minutes
150
Writing Requirement
Yes
JRNL 305: Communication Law
General Information
Credit Hours
3
GERs
None
Variable GER
None
Pre-Requisites
None
Co-Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None
Course Description

This course provides a basic constitutional law background for journalism students. In addition to a study of fundamental free speech issues, the course covers defamation, privacy, fair trial/free press, reporter\'s privilege, commercial speech, and pornography. Students are expected to read and to analyze major Supreme Court decisions.

Contact Hour Information
Course Type
Lecture
Weekly Contact Minutes
150
Scheduled Related Component
Select Scheduled related component
Weekly Contact Minutes in Related Component
Select contact time
Additional Course Plus Component
Select other structured components
JRNL 310: Magazine Writing
General Information
Credit Hours
3
GERs
None
Variable GER
None
Pre-Requisites
None
Co-Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None
Course Description

Contact Hour Information
Course Type
Lecture
Weekly Contact Minutes
150
JRNL 310W: Magazine Writing
General Information
Credit Hours
4
GERs
WRT
Variable GER
None
Pre-Requisites
None
Co-Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None
Course Description

Contact Hour Information
Course Type
Lecture
Weekly Contact Minutes
150
Writing Requirement
Yes
JRNL 311: Electronic Media
General Information
Credit Hours
3
GERs
None
Variable GER
None
Pre-Requisites
None
Co-Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None
Course Description

The Internet has changed journalism radically, both from the perspective of the newsgatherer and the news consumer. This class examines ways in which technology is changing the journalism landscape, from the twenty-four-hour news cycle to ethics, to digital content acquisition and distribution. Students produce web content with an eye toward the impact of convergence on the business of journalism.

Contact Hour Information
Course Type
Lecture
Weekly Contact Minutes
150
Scheduled Related Component
Select Scheduled related component
Weekly Contact Minutes in Related Component
Select contact time
Additional Course Plus Component
Select other structured components
JRNL 320: Feature Writing
General Information
Credit Hours
3
GERs
None
Variable GER
None
Pre-Requisites
None
Co-Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None
Course Description

Contact Hour Information
Course Type
Lecture
Weekly Contact Minutes
150
JRNL 340: Arts Writing & Criticism
General Information
Credit Hours
3
GERs
HAP
Variable GER
None
Pre-Requisites
None
Co-Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
DANC 340: Arts Writing & Criticism
THEA 340: Arts Writing & Criticism
Course Description

This course will be conducted as a professional workshop. During the semester students will be required to produce a series of critical articles covering a wide spectrum of fields from music to books, to dance, to theater and the visual arts. Class sessions and assignments will be devoted to nurturing the requisite skills needed to become a successful reviewer or critic. The seminar will include talks by faculty from Journalism, Dance, Music and Theater Studies, as well as visiting professional critics.

Contact Hour Information
Course Type
Lecture
Weekly Contact Minutes
150
JRNL 340W: Arts Writing & Criticism
General Information
Credit Hours
4
GERs
HAPW
Variable GER
None
Pre-Requisites
None
Co-Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
DANC 340W: Arts Writing & Criticism
THEA 340W: Arts Writing & Criticism
Course Description

This course will be conducted as a professional workshop. During the semester students will be required to produce a series of critical articles covering a wide spectrum of fields from music to books, to dance, to theater and the visual arts. Class sessions and assignments will be devoted to nurturing the requisite skills needed to become a successful reviewer or critic. The seminar will include talks by faculty from Journalism, Dance, Music and Theater Studies, as well as visiting professional critics.

Contact Hour Information
Course Type
Lecture
Weekly Contact Minutes
150
Writing Requirement
Yes
JRNL 350: Covering Ethnic Communities
General Information
Credit Hours
3
GERs
HSC
Variable GER
None
Pre-Requisites
None
Co-Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None
Course Description

This course focuses on news coverage of ethnic and new immigrant communities in the United States, with a particular focus on Atlanta. Students explore the history of the ethnic press and report and write articles about Atlanta\'s ethnic communities.

Contact Hour Information
Course Type
Lecture
Weekly Contact Minutes
150
JRNL 350W: Covering Ethnic Communities
General Information
Credit Hours
4
GERs
HSCW
Variable GER
None
Pre-Requisites
None
Co-Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None
Course Description

This course focuses on news coverage of ethnic and new immigrant communities in the United States, with a particular focus on Atlanta. Students explore the history of the ethnic press and report and write articles about Atlanta's ethnic communities.

Contact Hour Information
Course Type
Lecture
Weekly Contact Minutes
150
Writing Requirement
Yes
JRNL 360: Money
General Information
Credit Hours
4
GERs
None
Variable GER
None
Pre-Requisites
None
Co-Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None
Course Description

Contact Hour Information
Course Type
Lecture and Related Component
Weekly Contact Minutes
150
Scheduled Related Component
Supplemental instruction or problem set session
Weekly Contact Minutes in Related Component
50 - 90
JRNL 360W: Money
General Information
Credit Hours
5
GERs
WRT
Variable GER
None
Pre-Requisites
None
Co-Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None
Course Description

Contact Hour Information
Course Type
Lecture and Related Component
Weekly Contact Minutes
150
Scheduled Related Component
Supplemental instruction or problem set session
Weekly Contact Minutes in Related Component
50 - 90
Writing Requirement
Yes
JRNL 375: Reporting on Religion
General Information
Credit Hours
4
GERs
HSC
Variable GER
None
Pre-Requisites
None
Co-Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
REL 375: Reporting on Religion
Course Description

Religion, a centerpiece of American public life, is shaping cultural and political discourse as never before. Students will have the opportunity to report on faith-based issues and debates, explore Atlanta's diverse religious landscape, and write news, features and opinion for the general public.

Contact Hour Information
Course Type
Lecture and Related Component
Weekly Contact Minutes
150
Scheduled Related Component
Supplemental instruction or problem set session
Weekly Contact Minutes in Related Component
50 - 90
JRNL 375W: Reporting on Religion
General Information
Credit Hours
5
GERs
HSCW
Variable GER
None
Pre-Requisites
None
Co-Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
REL 375W: Reporting on Religion
Course Description

Religion, a centerpiece of American public life, is shaping cultural and political discourse as never before. Students will have the opportunity to report on faith-based issues and debates, explore Atlanta's diverse religious landscape, and write news, features and opinion for the general public.

Contact Hour Information
Course Type
Lecture and Related Component
Weekly Contact Minutes
150
Scheduled Related Component
Supplemental instruction or problem set session
Weekly Contact Minutes in Related Component
50 - 90
Writing Requirement
Yes
JRNL 380: Health & Science Writing
General Information
Credit Hours
3
GERs
HAP
Variable GER
None
Pre-Requisites
None
Co-Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None
Course Description

This course is designed to help students develop a science writing beat and will teach them how to write the many forms of science writing including a news story, op-ed and feature pieces.

Contact Hour Information
Course Type
Lecture
Weekly Contact Minutes
150
JRNL 380W: Health & Science Writing
General Information
Credit Hours
4
GERs
HAPW
Variable GER
None
Pre-Requisites
None
Co-Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None
Course Description

This course is designed to help students develop a science writing beat and will teach them how to write the many forms of science writing including a news story, op-ed and feature pieces.

Contact Hour Information
Course Type
Lecture
Weekly Contact Minutes
150
Writing Requirement
Yes
Journalism 400-Level Courses
JRNL 420: Precision Journalism
General Information
Credit Hours
3
GERs
None
Variable GER
None
Pre-Requisites
None
Co-Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None
Course Description

This course teaches students how to use computer skills in daily reporting. Students develop story ideas and produce a written project through use of the Internet, public documents and spreadsheet and database software.

Contact Hour Information
Course Type
Lecture
Weekly Contact Minutes
150
JRNL 430: Journalism History and Ethics
General Information
Credit Hours
3
GERs
HAP
Variable GER
None
Pre-Requisites
None
Co-Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None
Course Description

This course helps students learn how to make ethical decisions about accuracy and fairness, conflict of interest, deception, source/reporter relationships, privacy, and other journalistic issues. These problems are studied in the context of journalism history and the development of the modern press.

Contact Hour Information
Course Type
Lecture
Weekly Contact Minutes
150
JRNL 430W: Journalism History and Ethics
General Information
Credit Hours
4
GERs
HAPW
Variable GER
None
Pre-Requisites
None
Co-Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None
Course Description

This course helps students learn how to make ethical decisions about accuracy and fairness, conflict of interest, deception, source/reporter relationships, privacy, and other journalistic issues. These problems are studied in the context of journalism history and the development of the modern press.

Contact Hour Information
Course Type
Lecture
Weekly Contact Minutes
150
Writing Requirement
Yes
JRNL 450: News Video
General Information
Credit Hours
6
GERs
None
Variable GER
None
Pre-Requisites
None
Co-Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None
Course Description

This class will teach students to produce a broadcast news story from start to finish. Skills taught will include shooting with a GL2 camera, live interviewing and standups, reporting, writing and editing your story using Final Cut Express. Due to the technical skills required to produce broadcast quality stories, students are required to attend two five hours labs a week. I propose 6 credit hours for this course (3 for class and 3 for lab)given the class/lab time and the time required to shoot video outside of class each week.

Contact Hour Information
Course Type
Lecture and Related Component
Weekly Contact Minutes
150
Scheduled Related Component
Lab
Weekly Contact Minutes in Related Component
350 - 400
Additional Course Plus Component
Weekly contact in lab= 600 minutes (10 hours). No appropriate option given
JRNL 488: Topics In Journalism:
General Information
Credit Hours
3
GERs
None
Variable GER
None
Pre-Requisites
None
Co-Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None
Course Description

Fall, spring. Various issues of importance to journalism practitioners including such topics as journalism law, science journalism, or new media.

Contact Hour Information
Course Type
Lecture
Weekly Contact Minutes
150
JRNL 488W: Topics In Journalism:
General Information
Credit Hours
4
GERs
WRT
Variable GER
None
Pre-Requisites
None
Co-Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None
Course Description

Fall, spring. Various issues of importance to journalism practitioners including such topics as journalism law, science journalism, or new media.

Contact Hour Information
Course Type
Lecture
Weekly Contact Minutes
150
Writing Requirement
Yes
JRNL 490: Internship Practicum
General Information
Credit Hours
2
GERs
None
Variable GER
None
Pre-Requisites
None
Co-Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None
Course Description

Contact Hour Information
Course Type
Experiential
Weekly Contact Minutes
50
Scheduled Related Component
Community engaged learning
Weekly Contact Minutes in Related Component
50 - 90
JRNL 495A: Honors
General Information
Credit Hours
4
GERs
None
Variable GER
None
Pre-Requisites
None
Co-Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None
Course Description

Fall, spring. Credit, eight hours. Students may focus on an honors thesis involving independent scholarly research or a print, broadcast, or online news project.

Contact Hour Information
Course Type
Lecture
Weekly Contact Minutes
200
JRNL 495B: Honors
General Information
Credit Hours
1 - 8
GERs
None
Variable GER
None
Pre-Requisites
None
Co-Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None
Course Description

Fall, spring. Credit, eight hours. Students may focus on an honors thesis involving independent scholarly research or a print, broadcast, or online news project.

Contact Hour Information
Course Type
Independent Honors research
Weekly Contact Minutes
variable
JRNL 495BW: Honors
General Information
Credit Hours
1 - 8
GERs
WRT
Variable GER
None
Pre-Requisites
None
Co-Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None
Course Description

Fall, spring. Credit, eight hours. Students may focus on an honors thesis involving independent scholarly research or a print, broadcast, or online news project.

Contact Hour Information
Course Type
Independent Honors research
Weekly Contact Minutes
variable
Writing Requirement
Yes
JRNL 496: Internship In Journalism
General Information
Credit Hours
6
GERs
None
Variable GER
None
Pre-Requisites
None
Co-Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None
Course Description

Students report and write for a newspaper, magazine, broadcast outlet or online news site for the equivalent of ten weeks (for credit of four semester hours). The requirement may be met by several shorter internships totaling ten weeks.

Contact Hour Information
Course Type
Experiential
Weekly Contact Minutes
50
Weekly Contact Minutes in Related Component
350 - 400
Additional Course Plus Component
Time spent in Internship - 350 minutes per week.
JRNL 497R: Independent Study
General Information
Credit Hours
3
GERs
None
Variable GER
None
Pre-Requisites
None
Co-Requisites
None
Cross-Listed
None
Course Description

Contact Hour Information
Course Type
Lecture
Weekly Contact Minutes
150

Honors Program

Journalism co-majors with a 3.5 cumulative grade point average may apply during their junior year to graduate with honors in journalism. To receive honors, the student must successfully complete the co-major requirements listed above and a journalistic project or journalism research paper. 

For more information, see Honors Program | Academic Policies & Regulations.

Internship

An internship that provides professional experience, contacts and work samples—clippings, resume tapes or weblinks--is key to studying journalism and building a career. Editors expect aspiring journalists to have at least one internship and usually more during college.

As the news business evolves, many new journalists will likely work in different media during the course of a career. The best preparations for a news career are strong writing and familiarity with the challenges and needs of various media.Internships are valuable opportunities to grow. A successful internship and a strong recommendation creates a standout among the many job seekers in journalism.