Department of Journalism
Kimpel 116
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR 72701
479-575-3601
E-MAIL CONTACTS:
Patsy Watkins, Department Chair
Carol Rachal, Alumni contact
how to apply
latest news
professional journalism organizations
society of prof. journalists (spj)
natl assoc of black journalists (nabj)
natl press photographers assoc.
(nppa)
american society of newspaper editors (asne)
Editorial/News (Print) Sequence
The News/Editorial (Print) Journalism sequence prepares graduates for careers as writers, reporters and editors. The emphasis is on accuracy and comprehensiveness in reporting, and on clarity and precision in writing. Emphasis is also placed on research and investigative skills, adaptable to all media, as well as other journalism-related fields. Students learn news judgment as well as responsibility to their audience and to professional ethical standards.
Journalism students are encouraged to work on the Arkansas Traveler, the student newspaper, or the campus yearbook, the Razorback, and should write for other campus publications. Professional experience is considered essential. Internships are available.
Photojournalism students work with digitized images in the computer lab.
Required courses for this sequence:
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| JOUR 2013 | News Reporting I |
| JOUR 3013 | Editing |
| JOUR 3633 | Media Law |
| JOUR 2123 | Feature Writing |
| JOUR 3023, 3020L | News Reporting II* |
| Four Upper-level | Students are also required to take four upper-level journalism electives. |
*Magazine students may substitute with JOUR 4553 Magazine Editing and Production.
Recommended courses:
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| JOUR 3333 | Ethics |
| JOUR 3163 | Sports Journalism |
| JOUR 4043 | Government and the Media |
| JOUR 2332, 2331L | Photojournalism I |
| JOUR 3083, 3080L | Photojournalism II |
| JOUR 3723 | Advertising Principles |
| JOUR 3743 | Public Relations Principles |
Journalism Core Courses:
A minimum of 33 semester hours in journalism is required, including:
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| JOUR 1023 | Media and Society |
| JOUR 1033 | Fundamentals of Journalism |
| JOUR 3633 | Media Law |
| JOUR 498V (optional) | Journalism Writing Requirement |
A minimum grade of C is required in all journalism courses that serve as prerequisites for advanced journalism courses. In certain cases, a minimum grade of B is required. Also required is ENGL 2013. Students must select a sequence when they enter the department.
Faculty
Prof. Gerald Jordan
575-6306, Professor Jordan's E-mail
Associate professor, print journalism. B.A. in journalism, University of Arkansas, 1970; MSJ, Northwestern University, 1971. Nieman Fellow, Harvard, 1982. Jordan joined the department in 1995, from The Philadelphia Inquirer, where he was a Washington correspondent. He became an assigning editor for The Inquirer in 1989 and worked in the suburbs and on the City Desk before he was named North Zone editor, with responsibility for a two-county edition which reached about 110,000 readers. He has also worked for The Kansas City Star, and The Boston Globe. Among his other assignments have been features and sports, editorial writing and TV and radio critic.
Prof. Hoyt Purvis
575-5969, Professor Purvis' E-mail
Professor, journalism. Director of Fulbright Institute of International Relations. B.A. and M.J., University of Texas. Worked as reporter for the Houston Chronicle, author and editor of a number of books and articles. Press secretary and special assistant to Senator J. William Fulbright, foreign and defense policy adviser to Senate Majority Leader Robert Byrd. Research interests: international media, media and government/politics, cable and media technology. Joined the University of Arkansas in 1982.
Prof. Katherine Shurlds
575-6305, Professor Shurlds' E-mail, Professor Shurlds' Web site
Instructor, print journalism. Specialties include communications law and journalistic style and usage, but has also taught photojournalism, television documentary, editing for print and public relations campaigns. B.S. in journalism, Arkansas State University, 1969;M.A. in journalism, University of Mississippi, 1986; J.D., University of Arkansas School of Law, 1994. Licensed attorney in the state of Arkansas. Worked as newspaper reporter, photographer and editor for several Arkansas, Tennessee and Missouri newspapers and manager of public access television center. Taught UA journalism in 1990-91 and since 1994.
Prof. Eric Gorder
575-2450, 575-7682, Mr. Gorder's E-mail
Adjunct instructor, photojournalism. B.A. anthropology, M.Ed. in educational technology, University of Arkansas. Worked in archaeology in Arkansas and Texas and became interested in documentary film and video. Worked in location management in feature films, and helped establish Public Access and Government Access Television in Fayetteville and Little Rock. Worked in public relations (photographer and video producer) for City Manager's Office in Little Rock, and as photography and video manager for Mass Merchandisers in Harrison. Recruited by UA Computer Services Department to establish MultiMedia Resource Center in 1991. Taught Radio and Television production at Capital City Junior College in Little Rock and Photography at North Arkansas Community College, Harrison, before coming to worked at the U of A. Serves as director of UA MultiMedia Resource Center.
Prof. Bret Schulte
575-6659, Professor Schulte's E-mail
Assistant professor, print and multimedia journalism. B.A. in English literature, University of Nebraska – Lincoln, 1999; M.F.A. in nonfiction creative writing, George Mason University, 2004. Reporter, associate editor at U.S. News & World Report, 2004 - 2008, covering a number of inside-Washington policy battles and politics, including President George Bush’s 2004 reelection campaign. Northwest Style editor and writer, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, 1999-2001. Schulte has also been an intern and freelancer at The Washington Post, and he has worked in the media office of Sen. Tom Harkin and for the Mayor’s Office on Latino Affairs in Washington, D.C. Schulte joined the University of Arkansas in 2008.