🎙️Honors Journalism

What do you learn in Journalism

Journalism covers the basics of news reporting, writing, and media ethics. You'll learn how to craft compelling stories, conduct interviews, and fact-check sources. The class dives into different types of journalism like investigative, broadcast, and digital. You'll also explore the role of journalism in society and how to navigate the ever-changing media landscape.

Is Journalism hard?

Journalism can be challenging, but it's not impossible. The trickiest part is often meeting deadlines and finding interesting angles for stories. You'll need to be comfortable talking to strangers and asking tough questions. Writing clearly and concisely takes practice, and fact-checking can be tedious. But if you're curious and enjoy storytelling, you'll probably find it more exciting than difficult.

Tips for taking Journalism in high school

1. Use Fiveable Study Guides to help you cram 🌶️
2. Read newspapers and news websites daily to stay informed
3. Practice writing in inverted pyramid style for news articles
4. Learn AP style guide basics for consistent writing
5. Start a blog or contribute to school paper for hands-on experience
6. Watch documentaries like "All the President's Men" or "Spotlight" for inspiration
7. Develop a thick skin for feedback and criticism on your writing
8. Keep a notebook handy for story ideas and interesting quotes

Common pre-requisites for Journalism

English Composition: This class focuses on developing strong writing skills and crafting clear, concise prose. It's essential for journalism as it helps you communicate effectively in various formats.

Public Speaking: In this course, you'll learn how to deliver speeches and presentations confidently. It's great for journalism because it helps with interviewing skills and potential broadcast work.

Classes similar to Journalism

Creative Writing: This class explores different forms of writing like fiction, poetry, and personal essays. It helps develop your unique voice and storytelling abilities.

Media Studies: Here you'll analyze various forms of media and their impact on society. It's a great complement to journalism, offering insights into how media shapes public opinion.

Digital Photography: Learn the basics of composition, lighting, and photo editing. It's useful for photojournalism and creating visually appealing content for digital platforms.

Debate: This class sharpens your critical thinking and argumentation skills. It's helpful for journalists who need to ask tough questions and analyze complex issues.

Majors related to Journalism

Communications: Focuses on various forms of media and how information is shared. Students learn about public relations, advertising, and mass communication theories.

English: Emphasizes literature analysis and writing skills. English majors often have strong critical thinking abilities and can craft compelling narratives.

Political Science: Explores government systems, political theories, and current events. It's great for aspiring political journalists or those interested in covering policy issues.

Media Studies: Examines the role of media in society and its cultural impact. Students learn about film, television, digital media, and their production processes.

What can you do with a degree in Journalism?

News Reporter: Gathers information, conducts interviews, and writes stories for print, online, or broadcast media. They often specialize in specific beats like politics, sports, or entertainment.

Public Relations Specialist: Manages the public image of organizations or individuals. They write press releases, organize events, and handle media relations.

Content Creator: Produces written, visual, or audio content for various platforms. They might work for digital media companies, brands, or as freelancers creating engaging stories.

Social Media Manager: Develops and implements social media strategies for businesses or organizations. They create content, engage with followers, and analyze metrics to improve online presence.

Journalism FAQs

How important is technology in modern journalism? Technology is crucial in today's journalism landscape. You'll need to be comfortable with digital tools for research, writing, and multimedia storytelling.

Can I specialize in a specific type of journalism? Absolutely! Many journalists focus on areas like sports, politics, or entertainment. Your high school class will give you a taste of different specialties.

Is objectivity still important in journalism? Objectivity remains a key principle, but there's ongoing debate about its role. You'll learn about balancing fairness with the need to provide context and analysis.