Certificate of Achievement (Transcripted): Multimedia Journalism

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 Multimedia Journalism is designed to provide students fundamental skills and practical strategies to effectively produce news in a 21st-century information environment. Students apply writing, editing, photographic, video, design, and multimedia skills in a working newsroom, building a portfolio of multimedia production work through SAC’s nationally recognized student media channels el Don and eldonnews.org

Apply the basic principles of journalism such as accuracy, fairness, and public service

Practice the principles of communicating clearly through print, digital, and visual media

Apply current tools and technologies appropriate for the communications professions

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.
    JAMS 123A
    Multimedia News Production
    A production-based course designed around a functioning media organization, providing students practical training in print, digital, web-based and social media through work as members of the campus news magazine el Don, its website eldonnews.org and other el Don platforms. Students utilize a digital media laboratory to gain practical experience in a variety of disciplines, including writing, editing, design, photography, audio, visual, multimedia and emerging technologies. Arranged laboratory hours (TBA) 7 hours per week.

      Second Semester

      9 units
      JAMS 123B
      Intermediate Multimedia News Production
      An intermediate-level production-based course designed around a functioning media organization, providing students practical training in print, digital, web-based and social media reporting and publishing through work as members of the campus news magazine el Don, its website eldonnews.org and other el Don platforms. Students utilize a digital laboratory to gain practical experience in a variety of disciplines, including writing, editing, design, photography, audio, visual, multimedia and emerging technologies. Completion of JAMS 123A is required. Arranged laboratory hours (TBA) 7 hours per week.
      • Prerequisite: JAMS 123A
      JAMS 201
      Visual Reporting
      This course stresses how to perceive and select visual images through work with a digital camera, a computer, and related digital media and graphics software. Students learn the application and manipulation of images in digital form by focusing on telling stories through pictures and informational graphics. Students serve as visual reporters for campus media.
        JAMS 102
        Multimedia Storytelling
        Explores alternative story forms by combining text, still photographs, video clips, audio, graphics and interactivity to tell stories in the most compelling and informative way. Focuses on using a variety of media to tell different parts of a story for presentation in digital and online platforms.