Online Class: Journalism 101

Immerse yourself in this comprehensive journalism course that offers a historical perspective and practical newsgathering skills, enhancing your narrative crafting abilities for diverse media formats. It underscores the ethical obligations of journalists and empowers you to discern newsworthy content, culminating in expertise in investigative reporting.
$95.00
no certificate
- OR -
$120.00
with CEU Certificate*
Start Right Now!
$120.00 (with CEU Certificate)
Taking multiple courses? Save with our platinum program.
 
  • 15
    Lessons
  • 18
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 39
    Students
    have taken this course
  • 14
    Hours
    average time
  • 1.4
    CEUs
 
 
 

Course Description

Unlock the World of Journalism: A Comprehensive Online Course

Embark on an immersive journey into the pulsating heart of journalism with this comprehensive online course. This curriculum is meticulously crafted to provide learners with a panoramic view of journalism, charting its evolution from ancient times to the dynamic digital age.

The course unfolds with an insightful glance into the roots of journalism, tracing the very first instances of news dissemination to the burgeoning newspaper industry, especially its significance during pivotal moments in U.S history post the Revolutionary War. This historic backdrop not only contextualizes the importance of journalism but also underscores its ever-evolving nature.

Essential skills are at the forefront of this course. Beyond mere theory, students are equipped with pragmatic newsgathering techniques, honing their proficiency in crafting compelling narratives for both print and other media formats. Dive deep into the quintessential tools of the trade, from mastering the art of the inverted pyramid to sharpening one's notetaking prowess.

Recognizing the importance of impeccable language in this profession, students can revisit the fundamentals of grammar and punctuation. More than just about constructing sentences, journalism is about responsibility. Hence, dedicated modules delve into the ethical considerations and legal ramifications that every budding journalist must be cognizant of.

Discover the nuances of discerning newsworthiness, guiding you on how to sift through the mundane to unearth stories that resonate. The course culminates in a deep dive into the world of investigative journalism, a realm where tenacity meets depth. Learn how to select subjects that warrant a deeper probe and how to navigate the intricacies of such comprehensive reports.

In an era where information is omnipresent, the role of a journalist transcends mere reporting. This course reiterates the solemn duty journalists owe to their profession and the broader society. From spotlighting injustices to celebrating triumphs, journalists shape narratives and perceptions.

Engage, inform, and inspire. This course doesn't just train you to become a journalist—it empowers you to become a storyteller, a beacon of truth in a world inundated with stories waiting to be told. Join us and redefine your understanding of journalism.

Courses Frequently Bought Together:
  • Completely Online
  • Self-Paced
  • Printable Lessons
  • Full HD Video  
  • 6 Months to Complete
  • 24/7 Availability
  • Start Anytime
  • PC & Mac Compatible
  • Android & iOS Friendly
  • Accredited CEUs
Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider
 
 

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:
4.77 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(959 votes)

Lesson 1. The Journey of Journalism

Investigative journalism remains a powerful force capable of effecting social change, highlighted by cases like the Watergate scandal, underscoring journalism’s role in democracy. As the field embraces evolving formats and multidisciplinary skills, it faces the dual challenge of maintaining ethical standards while adapting to technological advancements. 10 Total Points
  • Lesson 1 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Reasons for Taking this Course
  • Complete Assignment: Why this Course?
  • Assessment: Exam 1

Lesson 2. Crafting Narratives: The Art and Ethics of Journalism

Aspiring journalists embark on a journey to master storytelling, balancing factual accuracy with engaging narratives while navigating the ever-evolving media landscape. Despite historic underrepresentation, efforts for inclusive reporting continue, recognizing diverse voices' value in enriching comprehensive news coverage. 10 Total Points
  • Lesson 2 Video
  • Assessment: Exam 2

Lesson 3. Journalistic Integrity: Balancing Public Interest and Privacy

In journalism, ethical dilemmas such as source confidentiality and privacy intrusion underpin the industry's integrity, constantly testing journalists' obligation to protect sources while informing the public. As societal values evolve, journalists must employ ethical frameworks like virtue and deontological ethics to navigate these challenges, equipping themselves for ethical decision-making in a changing landscape. 10 Total Points
  • Lesson 3 Video
  • Assessment: Exam 3

Lesson 4. Editing the Narrative: Understanding Libel, Privacy, and Ethical Challenges

The First Amendment champions free expression while courts maintain an ongoing balancing act between freedom and responsibility, particularly in the digital realm. Journalists today face legal nuances regarding libel, privacy, and intellectual property, necessitating vigilance in their quest to inform the public. 10 Total Points
  • Lesson 4 Video
  • Assessment: Exam 4

Lesson 5. Deciphering News Values: Through the Journalist's Lens

Audience engagement in journalism today fosters significant dialogue, where journalists and readers connect through feedback and social platforms, enriching stories with personal contributions that ensure accountability and community connection. The transition to new mediums allows journalists to enhance storytelling and reach broader audiences, blending podcasts, videos, and interactive elements to adapt to the digital age. 10 Total Points
  • Lesson 5 Video
  • Assessment: Exam 5

Lesson 6. Unearthing Hidden Narratives: A Journalist's Guide to Capturing Real-World Stories

The internet, a vast resource for journalists, necessitates diligent fact-checking despite its convenience in information access. Utilizing digital tools for multimedia storytelling enhances comprehension and engagement, ensuring insightful and creative dissemination of critical issues like global climate change. 10 Total Points
  • Lesson 6 Video
  • Assessment: Exam 6

Lesson 7. Harnessing Research: Driving Compelling Journalistic Stories

Writing, intertwined with continuous research, stands as a lifelong pursuit requiring both creativity and discipline, fueled by evolving personal rituals. By harnessing varied influences, writers refine their craft, producing informed narratives that elevate public understanding. 9 Total Points
  • Lesson 7 Video
  • Assessment: Exam 7

Lesson 8. Enhancing Journalism through Active Listening & Keen Observation

Observation and listening are multifaceted skills that require active participation from journalists to authenticate their storytelling. By being fully present, journalists can experience the world with heightened awareness and weave narratives that capture the complexity of human experiences. 49 Total Points
  • Lesson 8 Video
  • Assessment: Exam 8
  • Assessment: MidTerm

Lesson 9. Interviewing Essentials for Aspiring Journalists

Journalism thrives on the foundation of well-executed interviews and detailed note-taking. These elements are crucial in crafting stories that engage audiences and uphold the tenets of accountability and transparency. 10 Total Points
  • Lesson 9 Video
  • Assessment: Exam 9

Lesson 10. Shaping Narratives: Writing with Purpose

Clarity and engagement are the pillars of effective news writing, achieved through robust grammar and a distinctive writing style that reflect the journalist's unique voice. Embracing these elements enables journalists to craft narratives that inform, captivate, and inspire change in society. 10 Total Points
  • Lesson 10 Video
  • Assessment: Exam 10

Lesson 11. Structuring News: From Leads to Conclusions

Aspiring journalists learn the art of crafting engaging and informative news stories, building on ethical and legal foundations and mastering the crafting of compelling leads. This lesson emphasizes the importance of using the inverted pyramid structure, honing skills for precision, and finding clarity amid the complexities of modern journalism. 10 Total Points
  • Lesson 11 Video
  • Assessment: Exam 11

Lesson 12. Building Impactful News Stories: A Journalist's Guide

Understanding journalistic structures like the inverted pyramid or narrative form is crucial for delivering compelling news. This lesson establishes how these frameworks function as indispensable tools in crafting stories that resonate with the reader's natural curiosity. 10 Total Points
  • Lesson 12 Video
  • Assessment: Exam 12

Lesson 13. Essential Skills: Mastering Expository Writing

Expository writing's art is in its clarity, focusing purely on factual dissemination devoid of emotional influence, and the lesson highlights how this skill is indispensable in both personal and professional contexts. Learn the structured approach to constructing an expository essay, ensuring your writing is logical and informative. 10 Total Points
  • Lesson 13 Video
  • Assessment: Exam 13

Lesson 14. Journalistic Skills Across Media: A Modern Writer's Toolbox

For broadcast journalists, crafting concise narratives that cut through everyday noise is crucial to resonate with multitasking audiences. Online writers, in contrast, blend engaging narratives with strategic SEO and multimedia elements to entice digitally-engaged readers. 10 Total Points
  • Lesson 14 Video
  • Assessment: Exam 14

Lesson 15. In-Depth Reporting: Unraveling Complex Narratives

Digital platforms have revolutionized journalism, enabling real-time reporting and audience engagement. Despite technological advances, the core values of empathy, accuracy, and ethical reporting remain vital to connect and educate audiences meaningfully. 45 Total Points
  • Lesson 15 Video
  • Lesson discussions: End of Course Poll; Course Comments; Reasons for Taking this Course
  • Assessment: Exam 15
  • Assessment: The Final Exam
223
Total Course Points
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Describe the history of journalism.
  • Define what journalism means.
  • Describe journalism and ethics.
  • Describe journalism and the law.
  • Determine what is news what is not news.
  • Describe methods for ferreting out newsworthy stories in the real world.
  • Determine research skills and fact checking.
  • Describe basic skills of reporting - listening and observing.
  • Describe basic skills of reporting - interviewing and note taking.
  • Describe grammar and style rules of news writing.
  • Demonstrate structuring and crafting the news story.
  • Demonstrate expository writing.
  • Describe writing for broadcast news and online resources.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 

Additional Course Information

Online CEU Certificate
  • Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
  • Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
  • Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
  • View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
  • Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media
Document Your CEUs on Your Resume
 
Course Title: Journalism 101
Course Number: 9770565
Lessons Rating: 4.77 / 5 Stars (959 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: Available across all 50 U.S. states, this course includes key regions such as California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. The course is also open in major English-speaking countries, including Australia, Canada, the UK, and Ireland.
Last Updated: January 2024
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Class
CEU Value: 1.4 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.
Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams
Instructor: Dana Kristan
Syllabus: View Syllabus
Course Fee: $120.00 U.S. dollars

Choose Your Subscription Plan

Course Only
One Course
No Certificate / No CEUs
$95
for 6 months
 
Add to Cart
Billed once
This course only
Includes certificate X
Includes CEUs X
Self-paced Yes
Instructor support Yes
Time to complete 6 months
No. of courses 1 course
Certificate Course
One Course
Certificate & CEUs
$120
for 6 months
 
Add to Cart
Billed once
This course only
Includes certificate Yes
Includes CEUs Yes
Self-paced Yes
Instructor support Yes
Time to complete 6 months
No. of courses 1 course
Platinum Yearly
ALL COURSES
Certificates & CEUs
$189
per year
 
Start Now
Billed once
Includes all 600+ courses
Includes certificate Yes
Includes CEUs Yes
Self-paced Yes
Instructor support Yes
Time to complete 12 Months
No. of courses 600+
Platinum 2 Years
ALL COURSES
Certificates & CEUs
$299
for 2 years
You save $79.00!
Start Now
Billed once
Includes all 600+ courses
Includes certificate Yes
Includes CEUs Yes
Self-paced Yes
Instructor support Yes
Time to complete 24 Months
No. of courses 600+
 

Student Testimonials

  • "I thought it was very helpful and thorough. I got a lot of useful information and was definitely challenged as well as informed by the curriculum." -- David E.
  • "I really enjoyed taking this course. It has helped me tremendously in what I'm looking to do." -- Mildred S.
  • "I appreciated the different types of writing." -- Anna J.
  • "Thank you. The full course was very useful." -- Stephanie W.
  • "The instructor was terrific, and gave praise and criticism as warranted." -- Peggy B.

Related Courses