JMC 2033

Writing for Mass Media is a gateway into Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Oklahoma. This challenging three hour course is taught by Kathryn Jenson White on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 10:30 to 11:20 with different lab sections meeting throughout the week. One of the most interesting aspects of this course is the difficulty which is not a hidden fact. From the first day students are informed that all of the horror stories haunting JMC 2033 are true, it is a challenging course and requires a great deal of effort and time. Students are allowed to miss four lectures and four labs, however, a fifth absence in either will result in failing the course. Students are asked to not use laptop or other forms of electronics in class, a rule followed very strictly, students found in violation will be asked to leave and will be given an absence for the day. The purpose of this class is to teach students the fundamentals of professional writing and specific writings styles for different areas of media. By the end of the course students should have improved information gathering, critical thinking, and writing skills, as well as to increased media literacy, developed understanding of profession knowledge bases for all media areas, and a more defined professional interest. Quizzes are given at the beginning of every class forcing students to study if they want a final grade of “C” or better, which is required in order to continue classes in Gaylord College. Each class also begins with "Daily Dish" which allows students to keep up with media related news.