Journalism 417, Magazines and Magazine Editing, serves as a 400-level skills course for students in both the journalism and strategic communication tracks. The course prerequisites are J335 or J345. (If you plan to take one of these courses in fall, you may still apply for the class, but all those with pre-reqs completed will be considered first.)
The course takes a universal approach to magazine publishing, writing, editing and design. In addition to other assignments, J417 students will work professionally to produce a magazine in print, online and mobile formats. J417 is applicable to journalism and strategic communication because it covers editorial and design functions, as well as the business, advertising and public relations activities inherent in producing a quality magazine. See the online version of the most recent issue. Print copies are available in the J-School main office. It’s also available as an iBook.
Each student should come away from the course with portfolio material in his or her area of interest, as well as individual written pieces and the magazine overall. (Printing of the final magazine is dependent on available funds.)
Because the course is designed to cover a variety of instruction and the magazine staff must be diverse enough to cover all the needs listed above, we will manage admissions, rather than opening up registration first come, first served. We will admit students to the course by balancing their career interests, seniority, experience, interest and fit for the following positions:
Editorial Team:
- Editor (1)
- Managing Editor (1)
- Lead Writers (3)
- Copy Editors (2)
Business Team:
- Marketing Director (1)
- Marketing Representatives (2)
- Public Relations Manager (1)
Design Team:
- Art Director (1)
- Print Production Editor (1)
- Production Associates (2)
- Photographer (1)
Digital Team:
- Digital Editor (1)
- Digital Associates (3)
- Videographer (1)
Details on each are available in last semester’s position grid. The videographer is a new position and will provide video assistance on various stories, as well as working on a centerpiece multimedia package.
Students admitted to the class generally will be assigned to either their first or second choice when the class begins.
If you are interested in applying for admission to the course, please submit an application. Please note that applications for some positions require upload of a writing or design sample.
All applications are due by noon Monday, March 31. We will notify all interested students about the final roster for the course by 5 p.m. April 7. (Because J417 is an authorization-only course, admission will not affect your registering for another 400-level course within the J-School.)