Carl Cockrill- JMC Overview

When I enrolled in Writing for Mass Media, I wanted to find out as much information about the class as I could. I researched the instructor and as many student reviews as I could. What I found were several horror stories.

The class instructor, Kathryn Jenson White, confirmed these stories as mostly true. Aside from the negatives about the course, White focused on the positives and what we, the students, would gain through hard work and the willingness to learn. In lecture, we will learn the fundamentals of media writing, then utilize what we learn in lab.

The media profession is a fast-paced, demanding business. This fact was made evident during the explanation of class rules and expectations on the first day. One of the first rules to hit home was attendance. Arriving every day and on time are critical. As a journalist, we are expected to be there when the news happens.

Some things to gain through this course are a better understanding of the language we use, critical thinking, and improved writing skills.

A very important attribute of a media profession is the ability to work under a deadline. This course will offer this plus much more. It will also help the student define personal style and interest. However, the single most important characteristic a journalist can have is integrity. Integrity defines who you are and whether or not you can be trusted.

If I were given a choice, I would much rather talk to someone I can trust and not worry about whether or not rumors are being spread about me.