Undergraduate Courses

JAMS 101 Introduction to Mass Media: 3 cr. Undergraduate.
Overview of mass media from the printing press to the internet. Focus on media technologies, industries, content, and critical approaches.; Prerequisites: none.; General Education Requirements: SS; Last Taught: Spring 2024, Fall 2023, Spring 2023, Fall 2022.
JAMS 111 Gender and the Media: 3 cr. Undergraduate.
How gender representations in popular media inform and construct our understandings of the world; gender in popular culture, including new media; critical analysis of representations.; Prerequisites: none.; General Education Requirements: HU; Course Rules: No credit for students with credit in JAMS 460.; Last Taught: Spring 2024, Fall 2023, Spring 2023, Fall 2022.
JAMS 113 Internet Culture: 3 cr. Undergraduate.
Social, cultural, and historical dimensions of the Internet.; Prerequisites: none.; General Education Requirements: HU; Course Rules: DAC 113 and JAMS 113 are jointly offered and count as repeats of one another.; Last Taught: Spring 2024, Fall 2023, Summer 2023, Spring 2023.
JAMS 116 Journalism, Documentary, and Democracy: 3 cr. Undergraduate.
The role of journalism and documentary in democracy examined through a variety of media products.; Prerequisites: none.; Last Taught: Fall 2016, Summer 2015, Summer 2014, Fall 2012.
JAMS 192 First-Year Seminar:: 3 cr. Undergraduate.
The specific topics are announced in the Schedule of Classes each time the class is offered.; Prerequisites: none.; General Education Requirements: HU; Course Rules: Open only to freshmen. Students may earn cr in just one L&S First-Year Sem (course numbers 192, 193, 194).; Last Taught: Fall 2015, Fall 2014, Fall 2013, Fall 2007.
JAMS 193 First-Year Seminar:: 3 cr. Undergraduate.
Specific topics announced in Schedule of Classes each time course is offered.; Prerequisites: none.; General Education Requirements: SS; Course Rules: Open only to freshmen. Students may earn cr in just one L&S First-Year Sem (course numbers 192, 193, 194).
JAMS 199 Independent Study: 1-3 cr. Undergraduate.
For further information, consult dept chair.; Prerequisites: 2.5 GPA; consent of instructor, department chair, and Assistant Dean for Student Academic Services.; Course Rules: May be retaken to 6 cr max.; Last Taught: Spring 2011, Summer 2008, Spring 2008, Spring 2006.
JAMS 201 Media Writing: 3 cr. Undergraduate.
Techniques and strategies for writing that can communicate effectively with media audiences; emphasizes innovation and creativity within the constraints of good grammar and style.; Prerequisites: satisfaction of OWC-A GER; General Education Requirements: OWCB; Last Taught: Spring 2024, Fall 2023, Spring 2023, Fall 2022.
JAMS 204 News Writing: 3 cr. Undergraduate.
Principles of journalistic writing.; Prerequisites: a grade of C or better in JAMS 101(P) and JAMS 201(P).; Last Taught: Spring 2024, Fall 2023, Spring 2023, Fall 2022.
JAMS 207 Introduction to Advertising and Public Relations: 3 cr. Undergraduate.
A practical approach to developing, implementing, and evaluating advertising and public relations strategies.; Prerequisites: C or better in JAMS 101(P) and JAMS 201(P).; Last Taught: Spring 2024, Fall 2023, Spring 2023, Fall 2022.
JAMS 212 Introduction to Corporate Communication: 3 cr. Undergraduate.
The profession of corporate communication; focus on the variety of mass communication strategies in the field.; Prerequisites: none.; Last Taught: Fall 2017, Fall 2016, Fall 2015, Fall 2014.
JAMS 214 Advertising in American Society: 3 cr. Undergraduate.
A critical survey of advertising's development and current practices as well as its impact on knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors.; Prerequisites: none.; General Education Requirements: HU; Last Taught: Summer 2024, Fall 2022, UWinteriM 2020, Fall 2019.
JAMS 231 Publication Design: 3 cr. Undergraduate.
Principles of print layout and design.; Prerequisites: none.; Last Taught: Spring 2024, Fall 2023, Spring 2023, Fall 2022.
JAMS 232 Photojournalism: 3 cr. Undergraduate.
The history of photography and the practice of photojournalism, including aesthetic, conceptual, and technical developments. Digital production and distribution.; Prerequisites: soph st.; Last Taught: Spring 2020, Summer 2015, Summer 2014, Summer 2013.
JAMS 262 Principles of Media Studies: 3 cr. Undergraduate.
Central issues and concerns in the field of media studies. Cultural study of media industries and production practices. Analysis of media texts and audiences.; Prerequisites: C or better in JAMS 101(P) and JAMS 201(P).; Last Taught: Fall 2023, Fall 2022, Fall 2021, Spring 2021.
JAMS 280 Selected Topics in Mass Communication:: 3 cr. Undergraduate.
Selected topics not addressed in regularly-approved courses.; Prerequisites: soph st; add'l prereqs, if any, announced in the Schedule of Classes.; Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in topic to 6 cr max.; Last Taught: Summer 2017, Spring 2017, Spring 2016, Spring 2015.
JAMS 289 Internship in Journalism and Media Communication, Lower Division: 1-6 cr. Undergraduate.
Application of basic principles of journalism and media communication in a business, organizational, educational, political, or other appropriate setting.; Prerequisites: GPA of at least 2.5; a grade of C or better in JAMS 204(P), JAMS 207(P), or JAMS 262(P); declared JAMS major or minor; and consent of the department internship committee.; Course Rules: Students earn one academic credit per 40 hours of internship placement. Does not count toward JAMS major or minor. Cr/no cr only. May be retaken to 6 cr max.; Last Taught: Fall 2023, Fall 2022, Summer 2018, Fall 2017.
JAMS 296 UROP Apprenticeship: 1-3 cr. Undergraduate.
Undergraduate research participation in a project developed with a supervising member of the faculty or staff.; Prerequisites: acceptance into UROP; prior or conc reg in UROP seminar.; Last Taught: Spring 2011, Fall 2010, Fall 2009, Spring 2009.
JAMS 297 Study Abroad:: 1-12 cr. Undergraduate.
Designed to enroll students in UWM sponsored program before course work level, content and credits are determined and/or in specially prepared program course work.; Prerequisites: acceptance for Study Abroad Program.; Course Rules: May be retaken with change in topic.; Last Taught: Spring 2024, Fall 2023, Spring 2023, Spring 2022.
JAMS 299 Ad Hoc:: 1-6 cr. Undergraduate.
Course created expressly for offering in a specified enrollment period. Requires only dept & assoc dean approval. In exceptional circumstances, can be offered in one add'l sem.; Prerequisites: none; add'l prereqs may be assigned to specific topic.; Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in topic.; Last Taught: Spring 2013, Fall 2012, Spring 2008, Fall 2007.
JAMS 302 Introduction To Video Storytelling: 3 cr. Undergraduate.
Introduction to video producing, recording, and editing of visual stories.; Prerequisites: grade of C or better in JAMS 201(P).; Course Rules: Counts as a repeat of JAMS 380 with the same topic.; Last Taught: Spring 2024, Fall 2023, Spring 2023, Fall 2022.
JAMS 304 News Literacy: 3 cr. Undergraduate.
Assessing the quality and trustworthiness of news sources and analyzing coverage of current events using investigative tools, fact checking and critical thinking skills.; Prerequisites: none.; Course Rules: Not open for credit to students with credit in JAMS 356.; Last Taught: Fall 2023, Summer 2023, Spring 2023, Summer 2022.
JAMS 306 Feature and Magazine Article Writing:: 3 cr. Undergraduate.
Using interviews, analysis and/or observation to produce feature and profile stories.; Prerequisites: jr st; declared JAMS major/minor or English major.; Course Rules: May not be retaken for cr.; Last Taught: Spring 2021, Fall 2020, Spring 2020, Fall 2019.
JAMS 307 Persuasive Media Writing and Production:: 3 cr. Undergraduate.
Writing, design, and production of persuasive media elements through individual and group work and skills-based activities.; Prerequisites: declared JAMS major/minor; grade of C or better in JAMS 207(P).; Course Rules: May not be retaken for cr.; Last Taught: Spring 2024, Fall 2023, Spring 2023, Fall 2022.
JAMS 317 Design for Advertising: 3 cr. Undergraduate.
Basic principles of design and typesetting will be utilized to create and design a variety of individual ad types and ad campaigns.; Prerequisites: declared JAMS major or minor, and a grade of C or better in JAMS 204, JAMS 207, or JAMS 262.; Course Rules: Counts as a repeat of JAMS 380 with similar topic.
JAMS 320 News Reporting: 3 cr. Undergraduate.
Reporting in a newsroom setting using digital distribution tools to reach audiences.; Prerequisites: JAMS major or minor and a grade of C or better in JAMS 204(P).; Last Taught: Spring 2024, Fall 2023, Spring 2023, Fall 2022.
JAMS 325 Audio Storytelling: 3 cr. Undergraduate.
Analysis of audio storytelling techniques and impact; audio storytelling production.; Prerequisites: jr st.; Course Rules: Counts as repeat of JAMS 380 w/similar topic.; Last Taught: Spring 2024, Fall 2023, Spring 2023, Fall 2022.
JAMS 332 Introduction to Digital Documentary: 3 cr. Undergraduate.
Analyzing, filming and editing a quality documentary for client use, broadcast television, or film festival entry.; Prerequisites: junior standing and a grade of C or better in JAMS 302(P).; Last Taught: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022, Spring 2021.
JAMS 336 Media Graphics: 3 cr. Undergraduate.
Production and analysis of mass media graphics, photographs, and illustrations.; Prerequisites: junior standing; JAMS major/minor or Digital Arts and Culture (DAC) status; grade of C or better in ART 118(P) or JAMS 113(P).; Course Rules: DAC 336 and JAMS 336 are jointly offered and count as repeats of one another.; Last Taught: Spring 2024, Fall 2023, Spring 2023, Fall 2022.
JAMS 342 Television News Reporting: 3 cr. Undergraduate.
Reporting, writing, and editing television news, including field camera operation and video editing.; Prerequisites: declared JAMS major or minor; grade of C or better in JAMS 302(P).; Last Taught: Fall 2023, Spring 2023, Fall 2022, Spring 2022.
JAMS 370 Introduction to Social Media and Search Engine Optimization: 3 cr. Undergraduate.
Principles of professional social media management and content creation; search engine optimization for online media.; Prerequisites: junior standing.; Course Rules: Counts as repeat of JAMS 380 with similar topic, including 'Professional Social Media & Online Audience Growth'.; Last Taught: Summer 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023, Summer 2023.
JAMS 380 Special Topics in Journalism, Advertising, and Media Studies:: 3 cr. Undergraduate.
Special topics not addressed in regularly-approved courses.; Prerequisites: junior standing; additional prerequisites announced in the Schedule of Classes.; Course Rules: May be retaken with change in topic to 9 cr max.; Last Taught: Spring 2024, Fall 2023, Summer 2023, Spring 2023.
JAMS 399 On-Campus Internship: 3 cr. Undergraduate.
Professional internship in journalism, public relations, advertising, or other media.; Prerequisites: GPA of 2.5 or higher; a grade of C or better in JAMS 204(P), JAMS 207(P), or JAMS 262(P); declared JAMS major or minor; and consent of department internship committee.; Course Rules: Students earn one academic credit per 40 hours of internship placement. May be retaken to 6 cr max in combination with JAMS 600.; Last Taught: Summer 2024, Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Fall 2022.
JAMS 407 Media Planning: 3 cr. Undergraduate.
Exploration and analysis of advertising media buying and planning.; Prerequisites: junior standing; a grade of C or better in JAMS 207(P); or consent of instructor.; Last Taught: Fall 2023, Spring 2023, Fall 2022, Spring 2022.
JAMS 417 Branding and Campaign Analysis: 3 cr. Undergraduate.
Discuss how good brand management helps create effective campaigns in advertising and public relations.; Prerequisites: JAMS major or minor and a grade of C or better in JAMS 204(P), JAM 207(P), or JAMS 262(P).; Course Rules: May not be retaken for credit; counts as a repeat of JAMS 380 with similar topic.
JAMS 450 Race and Ethnicity in the Media: 3 cr. Undergraduate.
How popular media representations of race inform understandings of past and contemporary society; race in popular culture, especially new media; critical analysis of media content and forms.; Prerequisites: jr st.; Course Rules: Counts as repeat of JMC 660 w/similar topic.; Last Taught: UWinteriM 2018, UWinteriM 2017, UWinteriM 2016, UWinteriM 2015.
JAMS 460 History of Mass Media: 3 cr. Undergraduate.
Evolution of mass media in the United States; how technological, cultural, political and economic changes have affected the media.; Prerequisites: jr st.; Last Taught: Spring 2020, Spring 2019, Spring 2018, Spring 2017.
JAMS 461 Media Ethics: 3 cr. Undergraduate.
Practical application of ethical principles to controversies in print and broadcast journalism, advertising, public relations, and new technologies of mass communication.; Prerequisites: junior standing.; General Education Requirements: HU; Course Rules: Previously JAMS 361.; Last Taught: Spring 2024, Fall 2023, Spring 2023, Fall 2022.
JAMS 481 Topics in Social Media:: 3 cr. Undergraduate.
Topics examining social media's use, influence and/or development.; Prerequisites: May be retaken w/chg in topic to 6 cr max. Prereq. jr st. Not open for cr to students w/ cr in JAMS 380 w/ similar topic.; Last Taught: Spring 2020, Fall 2019, Spring 2019, Fall 2018.
JAMS 489 Internship in Journalism and Media Communication, Upper Division: 1-6 cr. Undergraduate.
Application of basic principles of journalism and media communication in a business, organizational, educational, political, or other appropriate setting.; Prerequisites: GPA of 2.5 or higher; a grade of C or better in JAMS 307(P), JAMS 320(P), or JAMS 562(P); declared JAMS major or minor; and consent of department internship committee.; Course Rules: Students earn one academic credit per 40 hours of internship placement. A three-credit internship, therefore, requires the student to complete at least 120 hours. Does not count toward JAMS major or minor. Cr/no cr only. May be retaken to 6 cr max.; Last Taught: Summer 2024, Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Fall 2022.
JAMS 497 Study Abroad:: 1-12 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Designed to enroll students in UWM sponsored program before course work level, content and credits are determined and/or in specially prepared program course work.; Prerequisites: junior standing and acceptance for Study Abroad Program.; Course Rules: May be retaken with change in topic.; Last Taught: Spring 2024, Fall 2023.
JAMS 497G Study Abroad:: 1-12 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Designed to enroll students in UWM sponsored program before course work level, content and credits are determined and/or in specially prepared program course work.; Prerequisites: junior standing and acceptance for Study Abroad Program.; Course Rules: May be retaken with change in topic.; Last Taught: Spring 2024, Fall 2023.
JAMS 499 Ad Hoc:: 1-6 cr. Undergraduate.
Course created expressly for offering in a specified enrollment period. Requires only dept & assoc dean approval. In exceptional circumstances, can be offered in one add'l sem.; Prerequisites: jr st; add'l prereqs may be assigned to specific topic.; Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in topic.; Last Taught: Summer 1999, Fall 1998, Spring 1998, Spring 1995.
JAMS 500 Advanced Integrated Reporting: 3 cr. Undergraduate.
Advanced reporting and writing in an integrated newsroom setting.; Prerequisites: junior standing; declared JAMS major or minor; a grade of C or better in JAMS 320(P).; Last Taught: Fall 2023, Spring 2023, Spring 2022, Spring 2021.
JAMS 502 Specialized Reporting:: 3 cr. Undergraduate.
Overview of the problems and challenges of specialized reporting in an area such as social science, science, the humanities and the arts.; Prerequisites: jr st; declared JAMS major or minor; grade of C or better in JAMS 320(P).; Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in topic to 9 cr max. Not open for cr to student w/cr in JAMS 602 w/similar topic.; Last Taught: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Fall 2022, Spring 2022.
JAMS 504 Critical and Opinion Writing: 3 cr. Undergraduate.
Opinion, column and review writing for multiple platforms.; Prerequisites: junior standing.; Last Taught: Summer 2022, Summer 2021, Fall 2019, Spring 2019.
JAMS 505 Research for Advertising and Public Relations: 3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Development of market and audience research strategies through hands-on projects.; Prerequisites: junior standing; a grade of C or better in JAMS 207(P); or consent of instructor.; Last Taught: Spring 2024, Fall 2023.
JAMS 505G Research for Advertising and Public Relations: 3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Development of market and audience research strategies through hands-on projects.; Prerequisites: junior standing; a grade of C or better in JAMS 207(P); or consent of instructor.; Last Taught: Spring 2024, Fall 2023.
JAMS 524 Advertising and Public Relations Campaigns: 3 cr. Undergraduate.
Advanced course in advertising and public relations; emphasis on applying integrated practices and principles.; Prerequisites: jr st; grade of C or better in JAMS 222(P), 224(P), or 307(P); declared JAMS major or minor.; Last Taught: Spring 2024, Fall 2023, Spring 2023, Fall 2022.
JAMS 559 Freedom of Expression in the Digital Age: 3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
First Amendment, copyright, privacy, libel, and other legal issues in contemporary news, media, persuasive communication, and social communication.; Prerequisites: jr st.; Last Taught: Spring 2024, Spring 2023.
JAMS 559G Freedom of Expression in the Digital Age: 3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
First Amendment, copyright, privacy, libel, and other legal issues in contemporary news, media, persuasive communication, and social communication.; Prerequisites: jr st.; Last Taught: Spring 2024, Spring 2023.
JAMS 562 Media Studies and Culture: 3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Mass media and the production of culture; media industries, content, and audiences; focus on contemporary issues.; Prerequisites: jr st; grade of C or better in JAMS 262(P).; Last Taught: Spring 2024, Spring 2023.
JAMS 562G Media Studies and Culture: 3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Mass media and the production of culture; media industries, content, and audiences; focus on contemporary issues.; Prerequisites: jr st; grade of C or better in JAMS 262(P).; Last Taught: Spring 2024, Spring 2023.
JAMS 600 Off-Campus Internship: 3 cr. Undergraduate.
Professional internship in journalism, public relations, advertising, or other media.; Prerequisites: GPA of 2.5 or greater; a grade of C or better in JAMS 307(P), JAMS 320(P), or JAMS 562(P); declared JAMS major or minor; and consent of department internship committee.; Course Rules: Students earn one academic credit per 40 hours of internship placement. May be retaken to 6 cr max in combination with JAMS 399.; Last Taught: Summer 2024, Spring 2024.
JAMS 600G Off-Campus Internship: 3 cr. Undergraduate.
Professional internship in journalism, public relations, advertising, or other media.; Prerequisites: GPA of 2.5 or greater; a grade of C or better in JAMS 307(P), JAMS 320(P), or JAMS 562(P); declared JAMS major or minor; and consent of department internship committee.; Course Rules: Students earn one academic credit per 40 hours of internship placement. May be retaken to 6 cr max in combination with JAMS 399.; Last Taught: Summer 2024, Spring 2024.
JAMS 614 Seminar in Media and Public Opinion: 3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Preparation to be critical consumer of polls and media coverage of them; theories and findings regarding propaganda and media influence on public opinion.; Prerequisites: jr st.; Last Taught: Fall 2023.
JAMS 614G Seminar in Media and Public Opinion: 3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Preparation to be critical consumer of polls and media coverage of them; theories and findings regarding propaganda and media influence on public opinion.; Prerequisites: jr st.; Last Taught: Fall 2023.
JAMS 615 Seminar in Media and Politics: 3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
How news media cover politics; role of traditional and new media in political campaigns; political content and effects of entertainment media and documentaries.; Prerequisites: jr st.; Last Taught: Fall 2022, Fall 2020.
JAMS 615G Seminar in Media and Politics: 3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
How news media cover politics; role of traditional and new media in political campaigns; political content and effects of entertainment media and documentaries.; Prerequisites: jr st.; Last Taught: Fall 2022, Fall 2020.
JAMS 616 Seminar in Sports, Media, and Society: 3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Lens of sports to explore the ways we know what we know about how media operate in a society and asks students to produce research adding to that knowledge.; Prerequisites: junior standing and JAMS major or minor; or graduate standing.; Course Rules: Counts as a repeat of JAMS 660 with similar topic.; Last Taught: Fall 2023.
JAMS 616G Seminar in Sports, Media, and Society: 3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Lens of sports to explore the ways we know what we know about how media operate in a society and asks students to produce research adding to that knowledge.; Prerequisites: junior standing and JAMS major or minor; or graduate standing.; Course Rules: Counts as a repeat of JAMS 660 with similar topic.; Last Taught: Fall 2023.
JAMS 620 Seminar in Global Media: 3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Economic, regulatory, and cultural characteristics of national and global mass media.; Prerequisites: jr st.; Last Taught: Spring 2024, Fall 2023.
JAMS 620G Seminar in Global Media: 3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Economic, regulatory, and cultural characteristics of national and global mass media.; Prerequisites: jr st.; Last Taught: Spring 2024, Fall 2023.
JAMS 660 Seminar in Contemporary Issues in Media Studies:: 3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Research-oriented approaches to theoretical and social issues in mass communication.; Prerequisites: junior standing.; Course Rules: May be retaken with change in topic to 6 cr max.; Last Taught: Spring 2024, Fall 2023.
JAMS 660G Seminar in Contemporary Issues in Media Studies:: 3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Research-oriented approaches to theoretical and social issues in mass communication.; Prerequisites: junior standing.; Course Rules: May be retaken with change in topic to 6 cr max.; Last Taught: Spring 2024, Fall 2023.
JAMS 661 Seminar in Media Communication and Society:: 3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Topics related to the mass media; the research process; development of a seminar paper based on original research.; Prerequisites: junior standing; additional prerequisites, if any, announced in the Schedule of Classes.; Course Rules: May be retaken with change in topic to 6 cr max.; Last Taught: Spring 2024, Spring 2023.
JAMS 661G Seminar in Media Communication and Society:: 3 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Topics related to the mass media; the research process; development of a seminar paper based on original research.; Prerequisites: junior standing; additional prerequisites, if any, announced in the Schedule of Classes.; Course Rules: May be retaken with change in topic to 6 cr max.; Last Taught: Spring 2024, Spring 2023.
JAMS 699 Advanced Independent Study: 1-6 cr. Undergraduate.
For further information, consult dept chair.; Prerequisites: jr st, 2.0 GPA, consent of instructor, department chair, and Assistant Dean for Student Academic Services.; Course Rules: May be retaken with change in topic to 6 cr max.; Last Taught: Spring 2020, Fall 2019, Spring 2019, Fall 2018.