Journalism

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Courses - September 2025

Level 1

Course details

College Reading & Writing Skills
COMM1085

Description: This course introduces students to the reading, writing, and critical thinking skills needed for academic and workplace success. Students will analyse a variety of texts and apply the steps of planning, writing, and revising to produce writing that meets the expectations of selected audiences and purposes. The course prepares students for college-level writing tasks, research, and documentation by asking them to produce clear, informed, and purposeful documents relevant to both academic and professional contexts.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

Foundations in Presentation Skills - Media
COMM1837

Description:

This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop and hone their presentation skills on a variety of media platforms. Both individual and group work will be utilized in the development of visual and verbal presentations. Students will develop ideas to present content using diverse communication and performance skills for a wide variety of formats as well as develop skills in conveying and pitching their creative ideas to others.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

Conestoga 101
CON0101

Description: This self-directed course focuses on introducing new students to the supports, services, and opportunities available at Conestoga College. By the end of this course, students will understand the academic expectations of the Conestoga learning environment, as well as the supports available to ensure their academic success. Students will also be able to identify on-campus services that support their health and wellness, and explore ways to get actively involved in the Conestoga community through co-curricular learning opportunities.
  • Hours: 1
  • Credits: 0
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

Media Tools and Technology I
MDIA1010

Description: Media Tools and Technology I orients students with video cameras and various grip equipment. Students will learn lighting techniques at an introductory level and how to capture audio and video elements to tell a visual story. Students will also learn effective media file management.
  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

Introduction to Media
MDIA1100

Description: Through a series of guest speakers, this course introduces students to educational pathways, career options, and professional expectations within the media industry. They will develop a short-term career plan to assist with future educational and career pathways. Students will also learn about how continuously evolving advancements and trends are impacting the industry.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

Introduction to Audio and Video Editing
MDIA1110

Description: This course introduces students to audio and video editing technology for the creation of audio and video stories. They will learn industry-standard workflows to produce creative content utilizing raw audio and video gathered in previous courses. Students will also learn how to apply text and graphic elements to a video story.
  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

Social Media and Digital Marketing
MKT1495

Description: This course will provide students with an overview of the distinction between social media marketing and digital marketing as specific tools designed to reach consumers and influence their attitudes and behaviour. Additionally, students will also be exposed to emerging and trending tools reflective of the evolving nature of online marketing communications. Students will explore topics including navigational structure, keywords, content generation and management, customer relationship tracking, real-time and proximity marketing, and partnership marketing. The ethics of social media and digital marketing will also be evaluated so that students understand the essentiality of individual and organizational responsibility and accountability for online content.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

Level 2

Course details

Writing for Media Basics
COMM1645

Description: Writing for Media Basics focuses on the impact of effective writing on career development in the media and communication fields. Specific areas that will be explored include advertising, audio and video broadcasting, and journalism. Students will learn to apply different strategies and distinctive writing styles in order to create, develop and write copy for differing audiences. Students will also come to understand the importance of personal integrity and professional ethics in the context of content generation.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

Digital Imaging and Visual Literacy
MDIA1020

Description: In this introduction to digital imaging, students will learn fundamental camera operation with a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera. Focus, composition and exposure will form the groundwork that will combine with other technical aspects to provide students with a strong foundation of practical imaging skills. The interrelations of technique and aesthetics will be emphasized. Students will achieve an introductory skill level for the application of photographic images related to other concurrent courses. This course will provide photo opportunities to contribute to the development of their portfolio.
  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

Media Tools and Technology II
MDIA1040

Description: This course is a continuation of Media Tools & Technology I. Students will advance their working knowledge of audio and video software through projects focused on creative storytelling for a variety of audiences. Students will plan and execute a video shoot including interviews, b-roll, sound bites, and on-camera elements. They will also learn how to create and use motion graphics to convey information in a multimedia project.
  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites: MDIA1010
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

The Art of Storytelling
MDIA1095

Description: This course forms the basis for further studies in media programs, providing students with the opportunity to craft and deliver their own stories. The art of storytelling is a fundamental component of media and communications; media students will draw on these experiences throughout their future academic and professional careers. Students will learn and follow a formalized process for storytelling projects and practice a variety of story structures and formats. They will produce a final project utilizing the media of their choice.
  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

Introduction to Web Platforms
MDIA1120

Description: In this course, students will create and design their own website using a web builder. This website will serve as a showcase for their personal projects and digital content developed in concurrent courses. Accessibility, web standards and user interface principles will also be covered.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

Creative Thinking and Content Generation
MDIA1130

Description: This course will explore the theories associated with fostering creativity, the development of ideas, and taking them through from concept to completion. Students will gain experience using idea development tools such as brainstorming, idea mapping and lateral thinking to assist them in producing an extensive body of work. They will learn ideation processes and appropriate use of media to leverage in concurrent courses and future creative practice.
  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

Level 3

Course details

Freelancing and Career Development
ENTR2075

Description: In this course students target a path for their career, as they work towards their dream job. Conducting a job search and promoting your skills while navigating both contract, full-time and freelance work options can be daunting. In this course students are given the tools needed to navigate today's work environment. Students review pitching ideas, pricing and valuing their own work. They also establish a personal brand that extends through, social media, professional platforms and their own website.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Advanced Digital Design
JRN1140

Description: Students in this course learn advanced techniques for the building of newspaper, website and magazine pages, as well as management of multimedia assets in the digital environment. The course prepares students to work efficiently on a digital news site and to publish journalistic work online and in print.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

News Development
JRN2095

Description: This course builds students’ skills in developing news stories, from ideation to follow-up and the pursuit of new angles within existing news stories. Students learn to develop news stories across a spectrum of digital delivery platforms.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

News Lab
JRN2116

Description:

In this course, students move news stories from idea through development to audience-ready presentation using a broad range of digital storytelling tools, distribution methods and a dynamic website with a defined target audience. Emphasis is placed on the creation of high-quality digital output that meets the expectations of news-industry employers, as well as audience. Cross-platform storytelling experience helps students become agile digital storytellers who develop their stories against firm deadlines. Social media comes into play as tools for, sourcing, collecting ad publishing news stories.

  • Hours: 84
  • Credits: 5
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Feature Reporting
JRN2205

Description: In this course, students are introduced to the art of feature creation for reporting in linear and non-linear formats. Students will learn to develop story ideas and create feature-length stories using a variety of styles and techniques.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: JRN1180 OR JRN1185 OR MDIA1020
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Safety in the Workplace
OHS1320

Description: This course focuses on developing awareness and skills for the student to safely manage and conduct him or herself within a variety of employment settings. Through the units of the course, participants will have the opportunity to enhance their understanding and knowledge of general Health and Safety guidelines, including WHMIS, Fire Safety and Workplace Violence. The unit on Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act will instruct the student on the requirements for Accessible Customer Service and Integrated Accessibility Standard Regulations. General information on Safe Driving, Privacy of Information and Hand Washing will be addressed as well. The course also provides participants with critical information regarding their insurance coverage (WSIB or other) while employed. As well as guidelines to follow in the event of an injury. Participants will receive a printable Record of Completion upon successful conclusion of this course, in order to demonstrate awareness of safe working practices to their employers.
  • Hours: 14
  • Credits: 1
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Level 4

Course details

Field Placement (Journalism)
FPLT2210

Description: This course facilitates a placement experience with a company/agency which has been approved by the program. Students will take an active role in securing a placement by practising employability skills learned through preparatory courses. Engaging in the work environment of a professionally relevant company/agency will allow students to apply their education and skills contributing to their mutual benefit. Appropriate workplace behaviour and etiquette is expected as students use this opportunity to expand their network of industry contacts and effectively market their personal brand. Through this experience, students can cultivate confidence, escalate awareness of industry practices, add to their resume & portfolio, and contribute to their own career success.
  • Hours: 80
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: JRN1165 OR MKT1495 AND OHS1320
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

Long-form Reporting
JRN2235

Description: Students in this course are introduced to long-form story reporting and production. They are required to produce in-depth, multimedia reports that take the form of magazine articles, radio and television documentaries or online packages.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: JRN2200 OR JRN2205
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

Advanced News Lab
JRN2241

Description:

As an extension of News Lab, this course focuses on the production of news and feature stories using a broad range of digital storytelling tools, distribution methods and a dynamic website with a defined target audience. Students produce multimedia news stories, features, columns and opinion pieces for the Spoke website, prepare live and pre-recorded reports for CJIQ-FM, produce video stories suitable for a TV news magazine, and respond to audience feedback to their journalism. Again, social media come into play as tools for sourcing, developing and publishing stories.

  • Hours: 112
  • Credits: 6
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Story Development
JRN2255

Description: This course further builds students’ skills in developing news and feature stories with multiple components. Students develop informative, provocative or compelling news and feature reports that have links to topical news stories, suitable for delivery across a spectrum of digital platforms.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: JRN2090 OR JRN2095
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Please note:

Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs are based on the most recent available data through the Conestoga Campus Store.

Program outcomes

  1. Report on stories in an accurate, detailed, balanced, professional, and timely manner.
  2. Apply computer and technical skills to designated production and research functions in journalism.
  3. Function both independently and as a member of editorial and/or production teams.
  4. Analyze knowledge from communities, current events and public affairs, and history to interpret and express the context for designated journalism publications and/or productions.
  5. Develop strategies for personal and professional development.
  6. Comply with relevant Canadian legislation, standards, and the principles and practices of journalism.
  7. Write and edit content for the designated media platforms.
  8. Publish and/or broadcast content for the designated media platforms.
  9. Apply production skills and use production equipment in the preparation and distribution of content for the designated media platforms.