Certificate of Achievement (Transcripted): Writing for Media

Below is a sample academic plan that shows you how you can complete your Certificate in a timely manner. Your path may look different depending on your circumstances?for example, if you attend part-time, choose to take Intersession or Summer courses, or have earned prior credit (Credit for Prior Learning, Dual Enrollment, Transfer Credit). You are required to meet with a counselor to set up a comprehensive education plan that is tailored to your individual circumstances and goals.

The Certificate in Writing for Media is designed to provide students fundamental skills and strategies to report and write effectively in a 21st-century information environment. Students gain experience evaluating, gathering, and presenting information through words across multiple media platforms under newsroom conditions.

Define and execute information gathering strategies

Apply writing differences for a variety of platforms and audiences

Read and write critically on both a literal and symbolic level

Program Map

GE General Education Course
M Major Course
E Elective Course
SI Summer/Intersession Course *
* Course is appropriate for Summer and Intersession, which are accelerated terms.

Getting Started

Comprehensive Education Plan: You are required to meet with a counselor for a comprehensive educational plan that is tailored to your individual circumstances and goals. Please schedule an appointment with a counselor in your first semester.

First Semester

7 units
JAMS 121
Reporting and Writing the News
An introduction to evaluating, gathering, and writing news across multiple platforms under newsroom conditions. Includes role of the journalist in a multi-media environment and the legal and ethical issues related to reporting. Writing experiences include: web-based and multi-media reporting, interviewing techniques, research methods, application of media law, writing under deadline and use of AP Style.
    ENGL C1000
    Academic Reading and Writing
    In this course, students receive instruction in academic reading and writing, including writing processes, effective use of language, analytical thinking, and the foundations of academic research. Formerly: ENGL 101 - Freshman Composition.
    • Prerequisite: Placement as determined by college's multiple measures assessment process.
    Plan 1: 1A. English Composition
    Plan 2: 1A. English Composition

    Second Semester

    10 units
    JAMS 222
    Writing Across Media
    For writing students seeking a better understanding of and experience crafting non-fictional prose genres focusing on narrative storytelling techniques for web, multimedia and print. Emphasizes critical thinking and integration of writing skills across media formats.
    • Prerequisite: ENGL C1000
    • Prerequisite: ENGL C1000H
    • Prerequisite: JAMS 121
    • Prerequisite: CMSD 121
    JAMS 105
    Mass Media and Society
    Exploration of mass communication and the interrelationships of media with society including history, structure and trends in a digital age. Examines major media forms, theories and effects in our information-conscious culture.
      Plan 1: 3B. Humanities
      Plan 2: 4. Social and Behavioral Sciences
      ENGL 102
      Literature and Composition
      A second semester course in composition and literature that uses literature to develop critical thinking skills with extensive readings selected from the four major genres.
      • Prerequisite: ENGL C1000
      • Prerequisite: ENGL C1000H
      Plan 1: 1B. Oral Communication and Critical Thinking
      Plan 1: 3B. Humanities
      Plan 2: 1B. Critical Thinking and Composition
      Plan 2: 3B. Humanities