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 stills 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
  1. Identify a media or nonprofit partner
    Assessment Strategies
    Exploring media listings and ads
    Reviewing potential partner organization platforms, audiences and coverage
    Revising or creating a resume or CV
    Creating a portfolio of relevant examples of journalism
    Identifying references
    Creating a boiler plate cover letter
    Criteria
    Examine the role of the video journalist in society
    Examine the role of the audio journalist in society
    Discover video story ideas
    Discover audio story ideas
    Identify media or nonprofit partners
    Conduct interview for internships
    Land internship with media or nonprofit organization

  2. Explore expectations of media partner for the practicum experience
    Assessment Strategies
    Touring and meeting staff and leadership
    Identifying hours and logistical details of the internship
    Setting goals and understanding deadlines
    Sharing the partnership parameters with Practicum instructor

  3. Explore management of the media enterprise
    Assessment Strategies
    Exploring the mission, vision and value of the organization
    Touring the organization
    Recognizing the intended audience and audience expectations
    Attending regular meetings of the media partner
    Exploring budgeting and finance of the media
    Understanding roles and responsibilities in the media
    Criteria
    Follow management principles
    Examine the role of management and editorial control and ownership in news coverage and community engagement

  4. Report on challenges and opportunities at the media partnership
    Assessment Strategies
    Completing bi-weekly discussions
    Engaging with peers in response to bi-weekly discussion
    Completing a self-assessment
    Reviewing the supervisor assessment
    Presenting a portfolio to a campus group of practicum products
    Attending four meeting with the Practicum instructor
    Criteria
    Examine what is working well and what needs improvement at the media organization
    Examine staffing and management levels
    Explore opportunities for positions / openings in the organizations

  5. Be a student ambassador for Madison College
    Assessment Strategies
    Providing a presentation about the media partnership
    Completing a self-assessment
    Reviewing the media partner evaluation
    Writing a thank you letter to the organization
    Maintaining a connection via social media (Linked In or other)
    Criteria
    Articulate the role of a media organization partnership at a community college
    Give oral presentations to small and large groups at Madison College outlining the real world experience and value of networking and connections
    Uphold the values of The Clarion as being known for a quality organization where students can engage in real-world writing and journalism

  6. Provide guidance to help inform future Practicum opportunities
    Assessment Strategies
    Completing an evaluation
    Presenting to a campus community
    Criteria
    Share an understanding of where journalism is going
    Articulate the emphasis on digital first storytelling — Newsrooms now prioritize mobile, social, and multimedia formats
    Report on experience in audience centered reporting — Journalists must understand who they serve and how those communities consume information
    Hone data and verification skills — With misinformation rising, verification and data literacy are more essential than ever
    Explore AI assisted workflows — AI won’t replace journalists, but journalists who use AI will replace those who don’t

This Outline is under development.