JOUR 460

SENIOR PROJECT PRACTICAL

Catalog Description

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor; Journalism majors only.

Selection and completion of a project under faculty supervision. Projects typical of problems which graduates must solve in their fields of employment. Project results are presented in a formal report. Minimum 90 hours total time.

Required Background and Experience

Journalism students should register for the senior project after they have completed 135 units, Senior standing. Second quarter of senior year is recommended. In addition to this, students should have some practical experience in the area they wish to address.

Expected Outcomes

Any practical projects must include sections that demonstrate an academic knowledge of the subject matter and the methods to be employed, criteria for estimations regarding quality assessment, and evaluation. The project should be divided into sections that would allow for an understanding of the skills, the criteria for success, the project, and student assessment.

Sources

Reference materials include, textbooks, professional manuals, journal articles and instruction manuals. Individual interviews are acceptable provided that documentation is included in a separate appendix. Taperecorded interviews must be transcribed for this section.

Minimum Student Production

For a practical senior project, a minimum of four sections must be presented along with documentation of sources (bibliography and appendices). These sections are as follow;

Introduction

This section should include a well-developed presentation of the desired goals of the project along with a clear presentation of the form of the final project.

Academic Review

This section reviews the current relevant thinking directly related to the specific project and establishes clear criteria for meeting the goals set forth in the introduction. This section should answer the question of what makes a quality project.

The Project

The actual project should be presented in its completed form.

Evaluation/Conclusions

This section addresses the questions regarding what was learned and what the student would do differently in light of the experience.

Expanded Description of Content and Method

Prior to enrollment in the course, students should consult with members of the faculty to formulate a specific proposal for a project. This proposal could serve as the basis for the first two sections of the final formal presentation. Discussions should focus on the desired project, the student’s experience and capabilities to complete the project, and possible sources. A completed proposal will include a concise description of the project and a list of source materials and individuals.

As soon as possible after enrolling for the senior project, students should present their advisers with this proposal along with a timeline for completion of sections of the project.

Methods of Evaluating Outcomes

The final presentation of academic materials and project will be reviewed by the adviser and the student as a discussion that should focus on the goals and the student’s ability to meet the goals set, the academic understanding of principles directly related to the project and the student’s ability to assess the work, its value and his/her performance.

The advisor will evaluate the overall project’s completeness with respect to the student’s criteria for success, and an estimation of the student’s understanding of the academic principles covered.