Explore the Media Landscape with Intro to Journalism
In the whirlwind of spring registration, many PVCC students wonder what classes to enroll in. Those looking to hone their writing skills and explore the world of journalism might want to consider ENG 121, Introduction to Journalism. Dr. Tamara Whyte, professor of English, will teach the course again for the Spring semester, offering students an engaging, hands-on approach to journalistic writing.
Whyte, who holds a Ph.D. in English, has taught journalism at PVCC since fall 2014. In an interview, Whyte said the class provides “a general understanding of journalistic writing as well as how to write and create good prose.” Students have the opportunity to craft their own articles and even see them published. The course also creates a chance to build a portfolio, a valuable asset for those looking to go into the field.
“It’s not a lecture class,” Whyte said. “There are students who are disappointed because they expect me to talk about journalism,” she countered, “I think it is more important to do journalism.” Students will have the opportunity to be published and help design The Forum’s regular papers.
The class serves as a transfer credit for news writing at many Virginia universities, making it a good option for students planning to continue their education in communications, English, or related fields.
It’s not just for aspiring journalists. Whyte said that “anyone who wants to write can get a lot from the class” and that the course is also valuable “for anyone who wants to understand how journalism works in today’s media landscape.”
“It’s not a political class for all that it’s a civic engagement class,” Whyte said. Alongside its incorporation of current events into class time, it also fulfills the civic engagement graduation requirement.
Whyte’s own experiences as a journalism student influence much of the class. “I try to take the best of the things I learned and boil them down,” she said. Roughly one day is spent on each semester-long class Whyte took throughout her studies, for example, media law.
Whether your goal is to improve your writing, learn to appreciate the profession of journalism, or transfer credits to a four-year program, Intro to Journalism at PVCC offers an enriching and practical experience.The class will meet twice weekly in the spring semester. For more details, visit PVCC’s course catalog, or The Forum’s website. The class will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:20-3:40 p.m. in room M160, in the Main Building.
