èßäapp¹ÙÍø

Media Studies/Mass Communications

Mass Communications

Students learn foundational skills preparing them to write articles to be published in the online version of The Cardinal Times (and possibly the print version as well.) Students will learn how to think critically about various forms of media, the ethics of journalism, what makes a story worth telling (news values), how to cover a story, how to interview sources, and how to write various kinds of journalism, including but not limited to: breaking news, investigative stories, profiles, editorials, think pieces, sports coverage, and arts and culture stories. Students will also learn how to revise and edit, use digital and social media, and work as a team.

For students who choose to go on, these foundational skills will prepare them to take Advanced Mass Communications where they will work on Lincoln’s newspaper, . Students will also be prepared to join Lincoln’s yearbook, The Cardinal.

Journalism 1-2 (Broadcast Journalism)

The Broadcast journalism class will produce Cardinal Times media productions (videos and podcasts) to be published on www.cardinaltimes.org and promoted using Cardinal Times social media. The class will focus on skills needed for in front of camera work as well as production (writing, reporting, designing, producing, and editing content.) Students will learn about the rights and responsibilities of student journalists as well as the legal and ethical aspects of media production. Students will work independently and collaboratively and may apply for leadership roles.

Journalism 3-4 (Broadcast Journalism)

This is the second year of a two-year sequence. The Broadcast journalism class will produce Cardinal Times media productions (videos and podcasts) to be published on www.cardinaltimes.org and promoted using Cardinal Times social media. The class will focus on skills needed for in front of camera work as well as production (writing, reporting, designing, producing, and editing content.) Students will learn about the rights and responsibilities of student journalists as well as the legal and ethical aspects of media production. Students will work independently and collaboratively and may apply for leadership roles.

Advanced Mass Communications 1-2 / 3-4 / 5-6

Students who have previously completed Mass Communications are eligible to take Advanced Mass Communications (1-6). In this hands-on course, students will produce high quality journalism and will be provided a real world experience in regularly writing and publishing on a deadline. Students will join a staff and have the opportunity to specialize in writing about sports, music, politics, fashion, health, or other topics of their choice, as well as the opportunity to specialize in photography, design, writing, or marketing. 

Advanced Communications students work primarily on the newspaper, . They will have the opportunity to work collaboratively in teams as well as the opportunity to take on leadership roles, such as section editor or editor-in-chief. In addition, juniors and seniors will complete a job shadow.

Yearbook 1-2 / 3-4 / 5-6

This class is responsible for creating the Lincoln Cardinal Yearbook. Students will broaden their knowledge of design, graphics applications, and photography. They will create and publish entire yearbook and will be responsible for specific pages.  In addition, students will learn the processes, purposes,  ethics and responsibilities of  journalism. 

This course requires a basic knowledge of computer operations; it also requires self-motivation, ethics, interest in digital media and an ability to work well in groups. Because of print deadlines, a full-year commitment is also required (you cannot drop the class once pages have been assigned).  

Juniors and seniors must complete a job shadow during the first or second semester.