📱Social Media and Journalism

What do you learn in Social Media and Journalism

You'll explore how social media platforms have revolutionized news gathering and distribution. The course covers digital storytelling techniques, audience engagement strategies, and ethical considerations in the age of viral content. You'll also learn about social media analytics, personal branding for journalists, and the impact of user-generated content on traditional journalism.

Is Social Media and Journalism hard?

It's not typically considered a super tough course, but it can be challenging in its own way. The material isn't rocket science, but keeping up with the ever-changing social media landscape can be tricky. You'll need to stay on top of current trends and be willing to experiment with different platforms. The workload can be hefty, with lots of hands-on projects and real-time assignments.

Tips for taking Social Media and Journalism in college

1. Use Fiveable Study Guides to help you cram for exams and quizzes 🌶️
2. Stay active on various social media platforms to get firsthand experience
3. Follow prominent journalists and news outlets on social media to observe their strategies
4. Practice live-tweeting events or creating Instagram stories for news coverage
5. Experiment with video content creation for platforms like TikTok or YouTube
6. Keep a pulse on trending hashtags and viral content
7. Watch documentaries like "The Social Dilemma" for insights into social media's impact
8. Read "Journalism, Fake News & Disinformation" by UNESCO for a deeper understanding of digital media ethics

Common pre-requisites for Social Media and Journalism

1. Introduction to Journalism: This course covers the basics of news writing, reporting, and media ethics. You'll learn the fundamental skills needed for a career in journalism.

2. Digital Media Fundamentals: This class introduces you to various digital media tools and technologies. You'll get hands-on experience with content creation software and web publishing platforms.

Classes similar to Social Media and Journalism

1. Digital Storytelling: This course focuses on creating compelling narratives using various digital tools. You'll learn how to craft engaging stories across multiple platforms, from blogs to podcasts.

2. Data Journalism: Here, you'll dive into the world of data-driven reporting. The course teaches you how to find, analyze, and visualize data to tell powerful stories.

3. Multimedia Journalism: This class combines various media forms to create immersive news experiences. You'll work with audio, video, and interactive elements to produce rich, engaging content.

4. Online News Production: In this course, you'll learn the ins and outs of running a digital news outlet. It covers everything from content management systems to SEO strategies for news websites.

Majors related to Social Media and Journalism

1. Journalism: Focuses on gathering, verifying, analyzing, and presenting news and information. Students learn reporting techniques, media ethics, and various forms of storytelling.

2. Digital Media: Explores the creation and distribution of content across digital platforms. Students study web design, video production, social media strategy, and interactive storytelling.

3. Communications: Examines how information is exchanged in various contexts. Students learn about mass media, public relations, interpersonal communication, and media effects on society.

4. Marketing: Concentrates on promoting products, services, or ideas to target audiences. Students study consumer behavior, market research, branding strategies, and digital marketing techniques.

What can you do with a degree in Social Media and Journalism?

1. Social Media Manager: Develops and implements social media strategies for organizations. They create content, manage online communities, and analyze engagement metrics to improve digital presence.

2. Digital Content Producer: Creates multimedia content for various digital platforms. They write articles, produce videos, design graphics, and develop interactive features for news websites and social media.

3. Digital Marketing Specialist: Plans and executes digital marketing campaigns across various channels. They use social media, email marketing, and content marketing to promote brands and engage target audiences.

4. Online Community Manager: Builds and maintains online communities for brands or organizations. They moderate discussions, create engagement strategies, and act as a liaison between the community and the organization.

Social Media and Journalism FAQs

1. How much coding do I need to know for this course? You don't need to be a programming whiz, but basic HTML and CSS knowledge can be helpful. The course focuses more on content creation and strategy than technical skills.

2. Can I use my personal social media accounts for class projects? It depends on your professor's guidelines. Some may encourage using personal accounts for hands-on experience, while others might prefer you create separate accounts for coursework.

3. Will this course help me become an influencer? While the course isn't designed specifically for influencer marketing, you'll learn valuable skills in building an online presence. These skills can be applied to personal branding and audience engagement.