Summer Term Course Descriptions

A person's hands holding up a camera with the UW Marching Band on the preview screen.

JOURN 150: Introduction to Sports Communication

Instructor: TBD
Online only: June 17 – Aug. 11
Prerequisite: Open to all undergraduate students

Satisfies the “Survey Course” requirement for the Certificate in Sports Communication

This class explores the central activities and concepts related to various communication professions involved in the realm of sports. These activities include sports journalism, sports broadcasting, sports marketing communications and sports public relations. We also consider major social issues that impinge upon these professions including how sports and media intersect with concerns associated with race and gender. We conclude with an exploration of strategies that students can put into place now and in the future to build careers in sports communications and beyond.

Hands holding a phone being used to live stream a video on Facebook. In the background, Professor Eric Wilcots is out of focus.

JOURN 175: Media Fluency in a Digital Age

Instructor: TBD
Online only: May 20 – June 16
Prerequisite: Open to all undergraduate students

Satisfies the “Core” requirement for the Digital Studies Certificate

The digital media landscape is rapidly evolving, and it has major ramifications on how we view and interact with political, social and economic landscapes. In this course, we will become more fluent in digital media by examining current and emerging media and the issues and opportunities surrounding it, while producing and consuming digital media content. Being “digitally fluent” is considered a key 21st Century skill. So what does it mean to be fluent in digital media? It goes way beyond putting a “snap” on your Story or posting to Facebook. It’s a matter of knowing which medium is best given what you want to say – and who you want to converse with! In this class, we will critically examine and engage with this media landscape. We will analyze how digital media content is created and digested by various audiences across social, political, and economic environments.

Journalism students working on iPads and computers

JOURN 335: Principles and Practices of Reporting

Instructor: TBD
Online only: June 17 – Aug. 11
Prerequisite: JOURN 202 or graduate/professional standing

Satisfies 50% graduate coursework requirement for Reporting and Multimedia Journalism track

In this class, we will explore basic reporting for print and electronic media. We will bring together technical and conceptual skills by creating a variety of print, audio, and web-based news stories on a current public issue.

Students in a Digital Media Strategies class taught by Debra Pierce, faculty associate in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, make presentations on their solutions to real-world business communication problems to a panel.

JOURN 345: Principles and Practice of Strategic Communication

Instructor: Pete Long
Online only: June 17 – Aug. 11
Prerequisite: JOURN 202 or graduate/professional standing

Satisfies 50% graduate coursework requirement for Strategic Communication track

This class is an introduction to strategic communication for students interested in advertising, public relations, health communications, and political campaigns.

Bucky Badger fires a T Shirt cannon into the crowd at Camp Randall Stadium

JOURN 350: Sports Marketing Communications

Instructor: Douglas McLeod
Online only: May 20 – June 16
Prerequisite: JOURN 150 or JOURN 202

Satisfies the “Skills Course” requirement for the Certificate in Sports Communication

This class explores various activities related to the promotion domain of sports marketing including marketing research, sports branding, image management, advertising promotion, event promotion, sports sponsorships, community relations, advertising promotion and social media marketing. As we examine each of these activities, we will focus on the marketing communications associated with each.

A student takes notes on a laptop computer.

JOURN 411: Multimedia Design

Instructor: TBD
Online only: June 17 – Aug. 11
Prerequisites: J335, J345 or graduate/professional standing

Satisfies 50% “Advanced” graduate coursework requirement

This class examines visual communication and graphic design in multimedia contexts. We will understand design and production techniques to relay creative messages through print and digital media. We will also explore design theory and techniques, as well as the effects and ethics of visual media messages.

Bucky Badger high fives students at a UW-Madison football game

JOURN 450: Sports Reporting and Writing

Instructor: TBD
Online only: June 17 – July 14
Prerequisites: JOURN 150

Satisfies the “Skills Course” requirement for the Certificate in Sports Communication

This class covers the core skills and issues of communicating about sports to a mass audience in a changing media landscape, as well as advice and support in starting a sports communication career including access to professionals in the field. Students will utilize professional, historical and theoretical perspectives to gain proficiency in disseminating information about sports-related events and topics for informative and strategic purposes, while developing a sense of the role of sport in contemporary society.

The anchors of ESPN College Game Day sit behind a desk with Bascom Hall in the background.

JOURN 651: Sports Controversies and Communication Professions

Instructor: TBD
Online only: July 15 – Aug. 11
Prerequisite: JOURN 150, JOURN 162, JOURN 201 or junior standing

Satisfies the “Social Impacts” requirement for the Certificate in Sports Communication

This course explores of a number of prominent controversies that pervade the realm of sports and engage the activities of sports communication professionals (such as sports journalists, broadcasters, marketers and public relations specialists). As we discuss the issues involved in these controversies, we will pay special attention to the way they leave a mark upon professional practices.

Questions about enrollment, eligibility requirements or class content?

Contact the instructor listed in the course description, or SJMC Undergraduate Advisor Sandra Kubat at sandra.kubat@wisc.edu.