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Certificate of Achievement
Mass Communications/Print Media Specialization

The Mass Communications: Print Media Specialization Certificate is designed to provide a general technical background which will enable the student to make intelligent and realistic career decisions in mass communications; to provide a broad background which will afford the currently employed student an opportunity for upward mobility or career advancement; to provide a program to meet both the entry-level and skill upgrading needs of the local mass-communication industry.

Please contact the Student Success Team for this program if you have any questions.

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Sample Education Plan

This sample education plan for the 2023-2024 catalog year represents one possible pathway through the program. Each university (UC, CSU, private, and others) has their own transfer requirements; please see a counselor to create an education plan that is customized to meet your needs. Additional course descriptions may be found in the College Catalog.
CourseUnitsTypically Offered
1st Semester
JOUR 110 - Digital Photojournalism IM3.0
JOUR 110 - Digital Photojournalism I (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: CSU

This course provides an introduction the process of taking photographs using digital cameras, digital video cameras, and digital printing devices. Photocomposition, printing and scanning techniques using Photoshop for the use of publication, and other computer skills related to contemporary photojournalism will also be addressed. Assignments may include work for college publications. This class is recommended for students majoring in journalism or photography. Lab hours are required in addition to scheduled lecture hours.

JOUR 120 - Communications Reporting and WritingM3.0
JOUR 120 - Communications Reporting and Writing (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

The course is an introduction to the writing and editing techniques used in the newspaper industry, with an emphasis on gathering information and the principles of clarity and conciseness. Students will use computers during class and lab times. This course is intended for students who are pursuing the Associate of Science Degree/Certificate of Achievement in Mass Communications with either Mass Media or Print Media Specializations.

JOUR 241 - Newspaper Production IM4.0
JOUR 241 - Newspaper Production I (4.0 units)

Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or eligibility for college composition.
Advisory:It is advised that students be able to read college-level texts.
Transfers to: CSU

This course is for students who want to learn production and management techniques for newspaper production. Students participate in every facet of developing a newspaper for the college community by serving as staff writers, staff photographers, editors, and layout personnel. During the semester, students publish the college newspaper, El Paisano, by having weekly assignments for different sections of the paper, including News, Features, Arts and Entertainment, Opinion, Advertising and Sports. In addition, students may be tasked with taking photographs for special Focus pages. Editors are responsible for designing their sections of the newspaper on days designated by publication deadlines by using Quark Express and Photoshop.

Total Semester Units:10.0 
2nd Semester
JOUR 220 - Advanced Reporting and WritingM3.0
JOUR 220 - Advanced Reporting and Writing (3.0 units)

Prerequisite: JOUR 120
Transfers to: UC,CSU

This course provides students with advanced instruction in explanatory and investigative journalism, covering public affairs, police, courts, school boards, and city boards. Students study methods of preparing material intended for publication in print and online editions of newspapers. The course incorporates the study of editing principles, style, and design to meet journalism industry expectations.

JOUR 242 - Digital Newspaper Production IM4.0
JOUR 242 - Digital Newspaper Production I (4.0 units)

Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or eligibility for college composition and to read college-level texts.
Advisory: JOUR 241
Transfers to: CSU

This course is for students who want to learn production and management techniques of online newspaper publication. During the semester, students participate in every facet of developing and gathering the news for the online edition of El Paisano by taking on daily and weekly assignments for different sections of the newspaper, including News, Features, Arts and Entertainment, Opinion, Advertising, and Sports. In addition, students may be tasked with taking photographs for special online slide shows and developing and producing online radio podcasts, video news, and feature programs. Appointed editors distribute assignments to staff personnel during the semester and help with the development of each member of the class to produce viable online news.

JOUR 147 - Broadcast NewsM3.0
JOUR 147 - Broadcast News (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: CSU

This course is for students interested in broadcasting for television. Students learn the principles and techniques of broadcast news with special reference to the gathering and writing of news for television, script writing, and interviewing; and the procedures and techniques of presenting the news for broadcast. This course covers law and ethics; producing news packages; live-to-tape packages; and live shots including SOT/VO, producing, and directing. Students will have the opportunity to produce the “Rio News” weekly segments for the El Paisano digital newspaper.

Total Semester Units:10.0 
Summer 1
JOUR 230 - Magazine ProductionM3.0
JOUR 230 - Magazine Production (3.0 units)

Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or eligibility for college composition.
Advisory: JOUR 110
Transfers to: CSU

This course involves writing news, news and profile features, and commentary as well as taking and editing photographs for publication in La Cima, the college magazine. Students learn copy editing, layout/computer design, Photoshop, digital photography, and advertising fundamentals through the process of writing, editing, and laying out the college magazine.

JOUR 231 - Digital Magazine ProductionM3.0
JOUR 231 - Digital Magazine Production (3.0 units)

Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures) or eligibility for college composition.
Advisory: GDSN 172, JOUR 110, JOUR 120
Transfers to: CSU

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of magazine writing, production, and editing. Students learn the methods, techniques, and procedures of magazine publication using software (e.g., InDesign) to layout magazine content by participating in the pre- and post-production of La Cima, the college magazine. Students learn how to develop story ideas and content, write stories, take photographs, prepare for publication, and design pages. Class lectures include subjects like magazine preparation, production, organization, structure, and operation. At the conclusion of the course, students will have participated in the total development and production of a magazine(s) that will be published online and printed, thereby mastering the use of design layout, illustration, and ensuring page layouts are well-balanced.

Total Semester Units:6.0 
3rd Semester
JOUR 242 - Digital Newspaper Production IM4.0
JOUR 242 - Digital Newspaper Production I (4.0 units)

Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or eligibility for college composition and to read college-level texts.
Advisory: JOUR 241
Transfers to: CSU

This course is for students who want to learn production and management techniques of online newspaper publication. During the semester, students participate in every facet of developing and gathering the news for the online edition of El Paisano by taking on daily and weekly assignments for different sections of the newspaper, including News, Features, Arts and Entertainment, Opinion, Advertising, and Sports. In addition, students may be tasked with taking photographs for special online slide shows and developing and producing online radio podcasts, video news, and feature programs. Appointed editors distribute assignments to staff personnel during the semester and help with the development of each member of the class to produce viable online news.

MSCM 128 - Mass Media in Modern SocietyM3.0
MSCM 128 - Mass Media in Modern Society (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college level-texts.
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: MSCM 103 or MSCM 128)

This course in mass media surveys the history, format, laws, and significant contributors in American mass communications. Through projects and readings, students research and discuss such issues as free press, fair trial, foreign communications systems, and the relationship between free media and a democratic society.

Total Semester Units:7.0 
4th Semester
Select one: JOUR 290 / RDIO 290 M1.0
JOUR 290 - Cooperative Work Experience/Internship for Journalism Related Fields (1.0 units)

Prerequisite: JOUR 120, JOUR 241, ENGL 101
Transfers to: CSU

This course supports and reinforces on-the-job training in journalism related fields under supervision of a college instructor and is facilitated by the use of learning objectives. The student will be working in a skilled or professional level assignment in an area of journalism related fields and will meet performance objectives related to instruction that are above and beyond the conditions of regular employment. This course is intended for students whose intended job is related to the field of journalism and have completed or enrolled in the appropriate coursework. Contact the CWE office regarding re-enrollment procedures.

Student Unpaid Internship:
1 Unit/60 hours; 2 Units/120 hours;
3 Units/180 hours; 4 Units/240 hours
Student Paid Internship:
1 Unit/75 hours; 2 Units/150 hours;
3 Units/225 hours; 4 Units/300 hours.

RDIO 290 - Cooperative Work Experience/Internship for Radio Related Fields (1.0 units)

Prerequisite: RDIO 104
Transfers to: CSU

This course supports and reinforces on-the-job training in radio related fields under supervision of a college instructor and is facilitated by the use of learning objectives. The student will be working in a skilled or professional level assignment in an area of radio related fields and will meet performance objectives related to instruction that are above and beyond the conditions of regular employment. This course is intended for students whose intended job is related to the field of radio and have completed or enrolled in the appropriate coursework. "Contact the CWE office regarding re-enrollment procedures".

Student Unpaid Internship:
1 Unit/60 hours; 2 Units/120 hours;
3 Units/180 hours; 4 Units/240 hours
Student Paid Internship:
1 Unit/75 hours; 2 Units/150 hours;
3 Units/225 hours; 4 Units/300 hours.

JOUR 243 - Newspaper Production IIM4.0
JOUR 243 - Newspaper Production II (4.0 units)

Prerequisite: JOUR 241
Advisory:JOUR 120
Transfers to: CSU

This course is for students who want to continue to learn production and management techniques for newspaper production and earn their degree in either journalism and/or mass communications with a specialization in print media. Students write, produce, layout pages, copy edit, sell advertisements, and design pages and advertisements using InDesign, Photoshop, and other editing software for the college newspaper, El Paisano. Students also acquire production skills in formatting and file conversions for print media. Students are expected to serve in leadership roles and cover on- and off-campus news.

Total Semester Units:5.0 
Total Units for Mass Communications/Print Media Specialization COA program 38.0 
Notes:
AP exams and courses taken outside of Rio Hondo College may fulfill general education and/or major requirements. Please check with a counselor.
Legend:
M Major course; course may also meet a general education requirement
Advising Sheet:
Click or tap here to open the program's advising sheet.

Program Learning Outcomes

1

Students gather information, write, and edit copy for use in the print school newspaper that demonstrates an understanding of the rights and responsibilities of the student press to the community it serves.


2

Students will be able to gather information, write, and edit copy for use in the print school newspaper that demonstrates an understanding of the rights and responsibilities of the student press to the community it serves.


3

Students will write a general interest article or story to be published in the college magazine for a student audience.


4

Students will take press photos, print the photos, and prepare the composition of the photos for publication.


5

Students will write a news story that demonstrates effective interviewing and note-taking techniques.


About RHC

Rio Hondo College, serving the communities of El Monte, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, South El Monte, and Whittier for over 50 years.

Contact

Rio Hondo College
3600 Workman Mill Road
Whittier, CA 90601

Phone: (562) 692-0921
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