This first year seminar will introduce students to the traditions and expectations of the Journalism Department, as well as resources and opportunities that will help them as they move through the major. Through workshops and exercises, students will meet faculty, get to know campus media and career services staff, learn about the writing and academic expectations of the program. Open to Journalism majors and SBS exploratory track students.

Today’s journalism student will most likely spend spend at least part of his or her career not as an employee, but as an entrepreneur or independent freelancer. This course will examine the Gig Economy, how it works for people with journalism skills, and how to find and create opportunities. Students develop new skills they’ll need to succeed in their fields of interest. These might include: idea strategizing and development, marketing and audience development through social media, time and business management. Students will learn about how they can transfer their journalistic skills, and nuts and bolts like how to find clients, what to charge for your work, and how to manage your small business as a writer. Two major projects will include a case study of an independent, profit-making journalistic websites, and the development of a site of their own, from concept to business plan. Several other shorter projects will also be required. Attendance in the classroom is required.