Curriculum
The minor in journalism consists of four required courses and two electives for a total of 18 credits, with additional opportunities to participate in campus media and intern at local news organizations.

REQUIRED Courses

MCA 10100: Introduction to Media Studies
This survey course aims to acquaint students with the various mass media and support industries. In the first half of the semester, students look at newspapers, magazines, radio, TV, film, advertising, and public relations from an historic, technological, economic, and social perspective. In the second half of the semester, they focus on more general issues, such as who owns the media, the media’s effect on audience, and laws governing the media.

MCA 23300: Introduction to Journalism
This course introduces students to the basics of reporting and writing for the print and broadcast media. A hands-on course, students learn the rigors of journalism through covering stories. Guest speakers from newsrooms across the city regularly address the class. Prereq.:  MCA 10100 or permission from the instructor. 3 hr./wk.; 3 cr.

MCA 33300: Reporting and Writing
Instruction and practice in the basic techniques of reporting, including, interviewing and public affairs research, and writing news for mass audiences. It includes discussions on libel, freedom of information, fairness, and balance. Assignments involve real people and events. Prereq.: MCA 23300 or permission of the instructor. 3 hr./wk.; 3 cr.

MCA 34100: Radio Journalism
This is a basic course in radio reporting and production. Students learn to write for the ear and incorporate the creative uses of sound in telling a news story. Production techniques are an integral part of the course. Students receive actual onair experience in the news department of WHCR, the college’s community radio station. Prereq.: MCA 23300 or permission of the instructor. 3 hr./wk.; 3 cr.

Electives

Select two from the following list.  Note: No more than six credits that fulfill a students' major requirements may also be applied toward the minor.

MCA 10500: Introduction to Media Production
This course introduces the fundamental elements of video production and is the “gateway” into the B.F.A. program in film and video. Projects produced in this course are used to evaluate a student’s candidacy into the program. Using digital video cameras, students learn basic organizational, writing, camera, and editing skills through short group and individual exercises and projects. Visual storytelling and narrative structure in fictional and non-fictional forms are emphasized. Prereq.: Eng. 11000. 3 hr./wk.; 3 cr.

Political Science 21700: Mass Media and Politics
The political questions raised by the growth, methods and technology of the mass media. Includes exploration of alternative theories of communication; the development of special media-oriented social roles and events; and the relationship between mass communication, symbolic politics, and political behavior at both the individual and societal level. (W) 3 hr./wk.; 3 cr.

Political Science 32200: Freedom of Expression Seminar
An advanced seminar examining the provisions of the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution that deal with freedom of expression from historical, theoretical, and doctrinal perspectives. Considers freedom of expression in the light of competing values such as equality and privacy. (W) 3 hr./wk.; 3 cr.

English 23000: Writing Workshop in Prose
Emphasis on development of a prose style appropriate to a given disciplinary or work-world context. Prereq. Eng. 21000. May be repeated for credit when focus varies. 3 HR./WK., PLUS CONF.; 3 CR.

History 37500: The Mass Media in Recent American History

Sociology 27400: Urban Politics and Policy
This course examines the changing U.S. city with a focus on New York City. Beginning with an overview of U.S. urban politics and policy, we explore the impact of economic, political, demographic and social trends on our cities; then examine several contested policy issues—housing, economic development, education and/or welfare. How and why have national problems become identified as “urban” problems? Is the city a viable problem-solving unit? What are the respective roles of public and private sectors? We will address these questions through critical reading, discussion and writing. 3 HR./WK.; 3 CR.

Sociology 25000: Theory of Mass Culture and Mass Communications
The character of mass society in comparison with earlier forms. “High” culture and “pop” culture and the mass media of communications. Social effects of the mass media and the problem of public control. 3 HR./WK.; 3 CR.

MCA 40100: Ethics and Values in Communication
A senior seminar in the moral issues of communications, professional ethics. Materials are presented through films, literature, and readings in philosophy and social  commentary, directed discussions.

MCA 29900: Internship in Communications I
Introductory supervised experience. Assignment in entry-level position of employment. Prereq.: Permission of the Department and acceptance into Internship Program. 1-6 cr.

MCA 39900: Internship in Communications II
A more advanced supervised assignment. Prereq.: Permission of the Department and successful completion of 29900. 1-6 cr.

MCA 49900: Internship in Communications III
Advanced supervised assignment. Prereq.: Permission of the Department and successful completion of 29900 and 39900. 1-6 cr.

MCA 31600:  Radio Station
An advanced practicum at WHCR Harlem Community Radio. Prereq.: Permission of the department and successful completion of MCA 441.  3 cr.

Professional Practice

Student Media
City College’s campus publications and radio and television stations serve as both laboratories and outlets for student journalism. Write for The Campus, produce programs for WHCR FM, Harlem Community Radio, or SAME TV.