The Loras College Journalism Minor is the perfect complement to just about any major. Students learn to write, produce and create news content that has real impact upon an audience’s understanding of their community and the world. Students will explore the role of media in society and the essence of journalistic storytelling in this hands-on program.
Requirements for the minor in Journalism:
A minimum of a C is required in L.COM-131. A minimum grade of C+ is required in L.COM-225. A 2.25 cumulative grade point average is required in all other courses submitted for the minor.
| Req | Course | Cr’s |
| 1 | L.COM-131: Introduction to Mass Communication | 3 |
| 2 | L.COM-158: Introduction to Television Production | 3 |
| 3 | L.COM-225: Media Writing | 3 |
| 4 | L.COM-280: News Analysis | 3 |
| 5 | L.COM-305: Media Convergence | 3 |
| 6 | L.COM-492: Journalism Practicum | 1 |
| Select one from Req 7 | ||
| 7 | L.COM-202: PR Writing | 3 |
| 7 | L.COM-264: Desktop Publishing | 3 |
| 20 total required credits | ||
L.COM-131: Introduction to Mass Communication
A wide-ranging survey of the history, functions, effects, social issues and ethical responsibilities of the media. Includes theory grounded in mass communication. A minimum grade of C is required for students majoring in media studies or public relations. 3 credits.
L.COM-158: Introduction to Television Production
A study of the basic techniques and methods of effective television broadcasting, programming, production, and studio operations. 3 credits.
L.COM-225: Media Writing
Emphasis on format, style, and writing techniques in radio, print, web and television. Practice in the development and scripting of news stories, commercials, and PSAs. For media studies majors or minors, the division requires a minimumgrade of C+ in this course. Prerequisite: L.LIB-105 or L.ENG-111; Prerequisite or Corequisite: L.COM-131. 3 credits.
L.COM-280: News Analysis
An examination of the selection, content, and delivery of print and broadcast news on the local and national levels. Students will engage a variety of news sources in order to analyze their methods of presentation and structure and in order to gain a greater understanding of the media’s role in determining what news is. L.COM-158 can be taken prior to L.COM-280 or concurrent with L.COM-158. 3 credits.
L.COM-305: Media Convergence
An examination of the methodologies, trends, and practices of social media technology in journalistic mediums. Extensive work in application of those technologies for mobile journalists. Prerequisite: L.COM-131. 3 credits.
L.COM-492: Journalism Practicum
Hands on experience with The Lorian or MyDuhawk.com converged website. Journalism minors must take two semesters; one semester with The Lorian and one semester with MyDuhawk.com. Instructor approval required. 1 credit.
L.COM-202: PR Writing
A fundamental skills course in writing, editing and designing materials for use in public relations. For students majoring in public relation, the program requires a minimum grade of B- in this course. Prerequisite or concurrent: L.LIB-105 or ENG 111. 3 credits.
L.COM-264: Desktop Publishing
Principles and theories of design and layout used in developing a variety of publications. Includes typography, graphics, and copy fitting. Emphasizes computer-assisted publishing based on page layout and graphics programs. Students must demonstrate computer competency. Open only to public relations majors and minors. 3 credits.
Craig Schaefer, MA
Division of Communication and Fine Arts Chair
Professor of Media Studies
Director of TV Studio
563.588.7385 | Craig.Schaefer@loras.edu
Professor Schaefer specializes in creative video production and broadcast journalism. He is an award-winning documentary filmmaker and commercial director. He currently serves on the board of directors for the Iowa College Media Association and the Iowa Broadcast News Association.
Paul Kohl, Ph.D.
Professor of Media Studies
563.588.7233 | Paul.Kohl@loras.edu
Dr. Kohl earned his Ph.D. from the University of Utah and specializes in Film Studies, Media Criticism, Media Writing and Popular Culture. He has been published in various popular-culture texts and journals, and is a member of the Popular Culture Association and the Midwest Popular Culture Association. Dr. Kohl has been teaching at Loras since 1995.
Mark Mederson
Assistant Professor of Media Studies
563.588.7960 | mark.mederson@loras.edu
Professor Mederson is a doctoral candidate at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication. He specializes in media production, journalism, digital storytelling and media history. Mark’s doctoral research focuses on U.S. media coverage of the sport of boxing, historically, with an emphasis on the presentation of African-Americans and the collective memory. He earned his M.A. in journalism and mass communication from Texas State University. His thesis examined the use of web cameras for prison visitation. He received his B.A. in telecommunications from the University of Kentucky. Mark worked in the television and film industry for more than 25 years before returning to school. He worked as a television sports reporter and anchor for several years and also produced a number of award-winning documentary films.
Seth Myers, M.F.A
Associate Professor of Media Studies
563.588.7940 | Seth.Myers@loras.edu
Professor Meyers received his MFA from the San Francisco Art Institute in 2003. He specializes in experimental video, motion graphics, digital imaging and digital design. Meyers’ body of work ranges from single- and multi-channel video works, large-scale video installations, digital photography and short experimental films. His award-winning work has been exhibited and screened internationally, and has been recognized in national and international art publications.
Craig Schaefer, M.A., Chair
craig.schaefer@loras.edu
563.588.7385