Course

20801274 Journalism Practicum 4
Course Information
Description
Journalism Practicum 4 is the capstone journalism practicum course. It offers “managerial” experiences in journalism and/or strategic communications. In addition to the skills learned and practiced in Practicums 1, 2 and 3, students of Journalism Practicum 4 will take on more managerial tasks related to their practicum work. Students must spend at least 72 hours working as a journalist for a local news media outlet (may be The Clarion), or as a digital content creator for a local company or non-profit organization.
Total Credits
2
Course Competencies (Course Outcomes)
  1. Secure and maintain a professional practicum placement
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Products (Media appointment proposal, resume/CV, and cover letter)
    Criteria
    Explore media listings and ads, internships
    Analyze potential partner organization platforms, audiences, and coverage
    Revise or create a resume or CV as specified by the instructor
    Identify references
    Create a cover letter as specified by the instructor
    Conduct interview for internships
    Explore the mission, vision, and value of the organization
    Recognize the intended audience and audience expectations

  2. Demonstrate leadership and management skills within a journalism or communications organization
    Assessment Strategies
    Self Assessment, Presentation
    Criteria
    Projects or assignments are coordinated according to instructor guidelines and organization's practices
    Demonstrate effective editorial decision making
    Evaluate organization's communication processes

  3. Create a portfolio of practicum work

  4. Explore expectations of media partner for the practicum experience
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill Demonstration, Presentation
    Criteria
    Attend regular meetings of the media partner
    Explore budgeting and finance of the media
    Identify hours and logistical details of the internship
    Set goals and deadlines
    Examine the role of management and editorial control
    Examine ownership in news coverage and community engagement

  5. Report on practicum progress
    Assessment Strategies
    Presentation
    Criteria
    Presentation reviews supervisor evaluation
    Presentation includes summary of practicum experience
    Presentation includes feedback from media partner and practicum instructor
    Identify industry-relevant skills (AI, social media, multimedia storytelling, fact-checking, ethics) used during the practicum

  6. Represent Madison College professionally in workplace and community settings
    Assessment Strategies
    Presentation, Portfolio
    Criteria
    Articulate the role of a media organization partnership at a community college
    Oral presentation includes elements specified by the instructor
    Portfolio includes products and accomplishments achieved during time with media partner

  7. Evaluate the practicum experience and present recommendations for future students
    Assessment Strategies
    Self Assessment, Presentation
    Criteria
    Evaluation includes elements specified by the instructor
    Presentation includes an audience of the campus community
    Presentation includes elements specified by the instructor
    Predict future trends in journalism

This Outline is under development.