Basic techniques of reportage, from researching to writing to editing. Emphasis on writing for newspapers, though other print and broadcast media also will be examined. Written assignments may include news stories, book and movie reviews, interviews, human interest stories, feature articles, and editorials. (Also listed as Media Studies 125.) (2A) Offered each fall.

This introductory-level course examines the art and practice of nonfiction video production, focusing specifically on the process of making documentaries. Students acquire basic audio and video production skills—videography, video editing, lighting, sound recording, and sound design—and will apply these skills in the creation of their own, original nonfiction video projects. Students will also examine some of the legal and ethical issues that directors of documentary typically encounter, as well as some of the social and political roles that documentaries play within our society. (2A) (Also listed as Media Studies 155.)

A survey of writing modes associated with print journalism, with primary emphasis on magazine feature writing. Assignments may include profiles, personal essays, travel articles, interviews, biographies, reviews, satire, and extended feature articles with a research component. (Also listed as Media Studies 225.) (2A) Offered each spring. Prerequisite: Journalism 125/Media Studies 125 is recommended.

This course is an editing workshop aimed at selecting manuscripts for publication in the Beloit Fiction Journal, an established national literary magazine. Students will read and critically assess unpublished manuscripts submitted by writers from all over the world. They will also participate in various facets of literary magazine production. (Also listed as English 228.) English majors should register for English 228. Offered each fall. Prerequisite: junior standing or consent of instructor.

This course examines the video essay, an emerging form of digital art and academic discourse, which has lately come into its own as a powerful new mode of media expression. First and foremost, it explores ways in which the literary essay—a form that dates back centuries, if not millennia—has come to inform various cinematic and videographic impulses. It provides students an opportunity to develop skills as writers, video makers, and cultural critics. (2A) (Also listed as Media Studies 251 and English 224.) Offered every other year.

These courses focus on media and other facets of popular culture, examining specific texts and artifacts. Topics may include print media, digital media and culture, film, television, stage, history of the book, or the graphic novel. Offered every other year. Prerequisite: one of English 190, Comparative Literature 190, Journalism 125, Media Studies 125, Performing and Applied Arts 221, or Theatre and Dance 202; or consent of instructor.

Seminar for advanced study of a topic or topics in journalism, with a strong reading and research component. Topics and texts vary with instructor. Courses include Documentary Literature, Arts Journalism, Women in Journalism, Investigative Journalism, and others. Offered occasionally. Prerequisite: varies with instructor and topic.

Many scientists and researchers across the globe now agree that the Anthropocene—the word proposed to describe a new geological epoch defined by the earth-shaping consequences of human activity—has arrived. This course explores the media landscape of the Anthropocene, focusing on various ways in which filmmakers, podcasters, and other digital storytellers are attempting to make sense of the challenges that humans face during this moment of profound geological and ecological change. In addition to examining the work of others, students are required to produce their own digital media projects, using a variety of audio, video, and web-based production tools. (2A) (Also listed as Environmental Studies 260/Media Studies 350.) Offered every other year. Prerequisite: junior or senior standing or permission of instructor.

Prerequisite: sophomore standing.

Work with faculty in classroom instruction. Graded credit/no credit.