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Journalism

The newspaper business and a growing number of related fields place a premium on clear, concise, accurate writing. The Journalism program emphasizes this skill and other fundamentals while recognizing the importance of new technology.

Learners use state of-the-art computers and software to lay out and paginate their work into a credible newspaper. They are also introduced to the rudiments of newspaper news and feature photography. Using readily available community resources, they learn the craft of news gathering, from interviewing to covering meetings and demonstrations. Journalism students participate in two on-the-job placements and should budget for this expense. The first-year placement lasts four weeks and the second placement lasts six weeks. Sites may be located off-Island resulting in possible additional travel and/or accommodation costs. In addition to on-the-job training, students produce their own weekly newspaper, The Surveyor, published 9 times per year. The Surveyor can be seen online here. They also produce a daily newspaper, Front Page News, for several weeks each year.

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Courses

List of Courses

Journalism Courses

print full list with descriptions

Take the following course(s), minimum grade: 60%

Ethics and the Media

This course introduces students to the fundamental building blocks and processes of applying ethical standards and frameworks as required as part of newspaper reporting and presentation, and concentrating specifically on the role and responsibilities of the journalist. Using the case study approach, the development of problem-solving techniques is applied to the various ethical issues reporters can expect to face in their work.

Hours: 45
Course Code: JRNL-1000

Basic Newswriting

This course introduces students to the basic tools required to write a good news story including the writing structure most commonly used by reporters. From the lead,(first paragraph), often the most difficult part of the story to write, to the support paragraphs that follow, students will learn to present information that quickly answers the "5Ws and How" in a way that maintains reader interest. Students will learn about the importance of accuracy, spelling and grammar, style, note-taking, quotes and paraphrasing, and writing in a clear and concise manner.

Hours: 45
Course Code: JRNL-1010

Politics and the Media

This course is an introduction to Canadian politics as it applies to the media. Students will develop an understanding of the concepts and principles that govern the relationship between the media and government at various levels. Students will learn how our lives are intimately influenced by the politics. The course provides a framework to enhance the student's ability to analyze and report on how the political system works.

Hours: 45
Course Code: JRNL-1020

Basic Reporting

This course introduces students to the basic components of newspaper reporting. Students will learn how to formulate ideas and, through research and interviews, how to gather the material needed to report the news. Students will learn how to take and defend their notes and to maintain a list of contacts. Additionally, students will learn to report using colour and balance and how to humanize their stories by focusing on individuals rather than numbers or groups. This course is designed to help students overcome roadblocks that could prevent them from meeting deadlines.

Hours: 45
Course Code: JRNL-1030

Newspaper I

This practice-based course introduces students to the fundamental building blocks and processes of newspaper reporting and presentation, concentrating specifically on the basic elements, variables and principles of news gathering. Using the project approach, the development of problem-solving techniques is also applied to the various technical skills. Students produce a daily newspaper during the winter term of their first year. Students are exposed to the professional standards, routines and demands of a news-gathering organization through the application of their skills and abilities.

Hours: 90
Course Code: JRNL-1040

Internship I

Internships offering On-the-Job-Training (OJT) is an essential part of student learning. The OJT provides an opportunity to demonstrate and build on the skills acquired during formal instruction. Students are exposed to the professional standards, routines and demands of an organization and are expected to add value through the application of their skills and abilities. The OJT is a wonderful opportunity for students to gain confidence and to experience their chosen career in a real-work setting.

Hours: 45
Course Code: JRNL-1050

Law and the Media

This course is an introduction to Canadian law as it applies to the media. Students will develop an understanding of the legal concepts and principles that govern the relationship between the media, the courts and the public. Students will learn how our lives are intimately influenced by the law. The course will also enhance the student's ability to anticipate and avoid many common legal problems before they arise by learning the mechanics of how the justice system works.

Hours: 45
Course Code: JRNL-1060

Advanced Newswriting

Building on the learning in Basic Newswriting, this course takes the student from the essential elements of a news story to the building blocks and structures that are frequently used in advanced newswriting. Students will learn to present the 5Ws and how using various structures designed to make stories more engaging to readers. Utilizing these structures, students will learn to show people doing things, to let their subjects talk, and to allow action, dialogue and anecdotes to carry the piece. Additionally, students will learn to find and write about people who are directly involved in a story and people who will feel the consequences of an action, event or situation to bring the story to life.

Hours: 45
Course Code: JRNL-1070

Manipulation and the Media

This course is an introduction to manipulation of the media by interest groups. Students will develop an understanding of the relationship between the media, interest groups and the public. Students will learn how our lives are intimately influenced by manipulation of messages designed to reach the public. The course will also enhance the student's ability to anticipate and avoid many of the common tactics used by interest groups seeking to manipulate the media.

Hours: 45
Course Code: JRNL-1080

Science and the Media

This course is an introduction to the relationship between the world of science and the media. Students will develop an understanding of the concepts and principles that govern the relationship. Students will learn how their lives are intimately influenced by science. This course provides a framework to enhance the student's ability to analyze and report on how the science world works. Using the case study approach, the development of problem-solving techniques is applied to the various issues reporters can expect to face in their work.

Hours: 45
Course Code: JRNL-1090

Newspaper II

This practice-based course builds on the knowledge gained in Newspaper I. Students use advanced techniques and processes in newspaper reporting and presentation, concentrating specifically on the various elements, variables and principles of news gathering. Using the project approach, the development of problem-solving techniques is also applied to the various technical skills. Students produce a daily newspaper during the fall term of their second year. Students are exposed to the professional standards, routines and demands of a news-gathering organization through the application of their skills and abilities.

Hours: 90
Course Code: JRNL-1100

Newspaper Layout and Design

Newspaper layout involves manipulation of stories, photographs, graphics and standing elements in an allotted news hole on a page after news decisions have been made. This course introduces students to the fundamental building blocks and processes of newspaper design. They will learn how to lay out pages electronically, a process called pagination, and they will learn many of the trade terms used in newspapers. As well, students will learn about font styles, headline sizes, news hole, editing photographs and a myriad of other details which set each newspaper apart.

Hours: 45
Course Code: JRNL-1110

Newspaper Photography

Newspaper photography involves the ability to first recognize, and then to shoot a variety of photographs in a way that helps tell readers a story. In this course students learn how to use a digital camera and how to take newspaper photographs in a variety of settings. Students will also learn how to enhance their photographs using electronic software in a way that will not distort or fundamentally change the image.

Hours: 45
Course Code: JRNL-1120

Internship II

Hours: 90
Course Code: JRNL-1130

Feature Writing

Utilizing known story structures, students will learn to show people doing things, to let their subjects talk, and to allow action, and dialogue anecdotes to carry the piece. Additionally, students will learn to find and write about people who are directly involved in the story and about people who will feel the consequences of an action, event or situation to bring the story to life.

Hours: 45
Course Code: JRNL-1140

Advanced Reporting

Building on the skills obtained in Basic Reporting, students will learn how to develop stories from statistical and financial data. They will learn how to report on breaking events and how to report from the scene. Students will also learn to present stories using a multi-media format. Because not all information is readily available and accessible, students will learn how to use freedom of information legislations to secure information that may lead to exclusive stories. This course will also help students overcome roadblocks stemming from media manipulation.

Hours: 45
Course Code: JRNL-1150

Beat Reporting

Newspaper reporters may limit their coverage of news and events to one specialty area, or beat. In this course, students will choose one beat from a wide variety of issues and news events they have already reported on. Then they will specialize in this area, reading and learning about their beat and becoming familiar with its jargon, cultivating sources, covering events and writing stories. This course should enable students to not only cover several different beats but also become "experts" in their chosen beat.

Hours: 45
Course Code: JRNL-1160

Program Facts
Start Date:	September
Length:	2 years
Location:	Charlottetown
Credential Issued:	Diploma, Newspaper Reporter

Graduate Opportunities

Graduates find employment in:

daily or weekly newspapers
public relations
information services

Admission Requirements

Grade 12 or equivalent with credits at or above the general level
Academic grade 11 or 12 English (minimum 65%)
The Journalism program requires that students entering the program supply a digital camera, or place an order through a group purchase within the program during the first semester. Contact the Journalism Department for further specifications on an appropriate digital camera.
Applicants are asked to outline previous work experience and additional education on the back of the application form.

Tuition & Fees

Tuition
Year 1	$3,250
Year 2	$3,250
View a full breakdown of ALL required costs for this program.

Articulation Agreements

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What is Articulation?

An articulation agreement is when a school recognizes your education at Holland College and gives you credit or advanced standing at their institution.

University of Prince Edward Island
Holland College and the University of Prince Edward Island offer a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Print Journalism. Students complete their first year at the University of Prince Edward Island, then complete two years in the Holland College Journalism program and the final year at the University of Prince Edward Island graduating with a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Print Journalism.

Royal Roads University
Graduates of Holland College's Journalism Diploma Program-Newspaper Reporter Profile who meet Royal Roads University entrance requirements, may enter into the third year of the Bachelor of Arts in Professional Communication Degree Program.

University of New Brunswick - Saint John
Graduates receive up to 2 years of credit towards a Bachelor of Applied Management.

Athabasca University
Graduates receive 60 credits toward Bachelor of Professional Arts - Communication Studies degree.

Contact

If you have any questions concerning the program, contact:

Rick MacLean
Wayne Young
Media & Communications Office (902) 629-4206

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