Communication Division

Journalism

Although the information below is excerpted from the Seaver catalogue, this is not an official binding document. To view the actual catalog visit http://seaver.pepperdine.edu/academics/catalog/

Journalism Major

At Pepperdine we believe society can’t survive without ethically trained, conscientious and fair professionals helping citizens learn the news they need to know in order to vote and participate in their communities, churches and civic groups. Our students will learn the best of newsgathering and how the news can be distributed through newspapers, magazines, television, the Internet and wireless devices. At Pepperdine, we think our students will help design solutions to the challenges facing commercial journalism today so both the profession and our graduates thrive in the future. A Pepperdine journalism degree also provides a solid foundation for those considering a career in law, teaching and numerous other endeavors.

Mission Statement

The journalism major at Seaver College prepares students to serve as leaders in the communication of news and information to diverse audiences, so as to strengthen humanity’s pursuit of fairness, justice and freedom. The major provides a Christian education environment stressing Purpose (enlightening the public through ethical communication); Service (promoting democracy by exposing corruption and helping alleviate social, political and cultural challenges); and Leadership (excelling in a manner that honors God and the cause of justice).

Student Learning Outcomes

A Journalism major who graduates from Pepperdine can:

1. Explain the role of the free press in a democratic society, apply the principles and laws of free speech, identify the key events history of journalism, and identify the trends of the current media landscape and of the journalism industry.

2. Conduct relevant research, identify and interview sources for news articles, evaluate source credibility, and present the resulting news stories in a clear and concise fashion using a variety of words, images and sound.

3. Collaborate with respect for others and make ethical choices in the production, management, funding and promotion of media messages.

4. Recognize insensitivity, disrespect and injustice and to develop practices to respect and include minority voices and perspectives.

Course Requirements

The journalism major is designed to give all students a broad interdisciplinary introduction to the media and their place in a free society. In addition, each student completes a sequence of courses intended to develop practical skills related to a potential career area. The program offers students laboratory production experience appropriate to their interest area in the campus Student Publications Office, as well as opportunities to gain initial training in a professional environment.

Freshman-Year Program

The journalism major should enroll in the regular freshman program, including COM 200, ENG 101, ENG 102, and COM 180 (formerly SPE 180). Students planning to study in Europe during their sophomore year should be sure to complete these courses, COM 205 and JOUR 241 during their freshman year.