Hank Nuwer’s UAF Journalism F101X students but not the general public
CRN 32162 JOUR F101X-903 Media and Culture
3 credits. Spring 2025
Professor Hank Nuwer, M.A. New Mexico Highlands University.; Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters, State University of New York (SUNY), Buffalo State University
Note regarding texts: Because I am a working journalist/biographer/Cordova Times staffer and get sidetracked by outside unsolicited calls, I prefer not to use texts and phone calls. I’ll keep a list of student phone numbers for emergency contact only (example, weather emergency).
Office Hours Tuesday & Thursday, 3:45 – 5 p.m.: 512D Gruening;
Course meets 1/13 to 5/3/2025 Tuesday & Thursday, 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Gruening 401.
Description: History and principles of mass communications and the role of information media in American society. Introduction to professional aspects of mass communication, including print and broadcast.
Course Readings and Materials
Required:
Introduction to Mass communication (2024 Edition only) by Stanley Baran
Twice-weekly readings of Alaska and national news assigned each Tuesday and Thursday. Breaking news sand selected reading materials will also be assigned at discretion of instructor.
Required source for Associated Press national news: https://apnews.com/
Required Canvas: Occasional Use of Canvas and Hank Nuwer’s professional database reporting page.
Required Technology: Regular access to a computer and internet required to take quizzes, exams and to download online readings. Access to Canvas is required. Course tip: Do not attempt to complete this course solely by phone. Some material will fail to display or to upload.
Recommended only for on-your-own reading: Access to McGraw Hill Connect
Recommended: Fairbanks Daily News-Miner subscription or read in UAF library
Student Learning Outcomes:
Students completing JOUR F101X will:
Develop strong media literacy skills and an appreciation for accurate, investigative reporting.
Understand the workings of different media in society.
Foster an awareness of current events.
Compare and critique news articles in a cultural and historical context.
Expectations for Student Effort:
This course requires you to devote 10 to 12 hours per week. Work from home or residence hall is required in addition to classroom work and lectures.
Evaluation:
The instructor’s evaluation of your work includes mastery of content and demonstration of your newly acquired knowledge of class content. Proper spelling, usage, and grammar are essential.
JOUR 101X Grading Breakdown
Midterm and Final Combined: 30 percent
Discussion: 20 percent
Quizzes: 25 percents
Assignments, regular or extra-credit work at instructor’s discretion: 25 percent
Keeping Up with All Course Work: All journalism courses involve hard deadlines. If you have extenuating circumstances, contact me prior to missing class or an assignment. Because exams and quizzes are graded immediately by instructor, missing either may result in a grade of 0 for that evaluation.
Format: Coursework will be assigned
