Welcome to J417

Sample Leads

Pieces for consideration during lecture.

Readings Now Posted

The ASME readings list is available. Be sure to check it out each week.

Let's Roll

Welcome to the 2009 staff of J417, Magazines. I'm delighted to be working with each and every one of you. I'd appreciate it if you could check out the syllabus and read it before you come to class (don't worry about printing it, as I'll have copies for you). Also, I'll be asking you to give me your preferences for positions on the magazine staff during our first class. You can get a headstart by reading through the position description grid, which describes responsibilities, the preferences sheet you'll fill out and the overall org chart for the class.

Again, those items are:

See you Thursday in 2111 Vilas.

Course Information

J417 takes an integrated, in-depth approach to magazine management, writing, editing and design. It covers the magazine industry from both the editorial and business ends, bringing together journalism and strategic communication students. Participants in the course should be prepared to take an open-minded approach, as they are expected to understand all facets of the industry while also applying extra focus and effort in their particular areas of interest.

Goals

Through work in this course, students should develop:

knowledge of magazine history, operations and effects
finesse in working in small and large groups to produce superior work
comfort with intense deadline pressure
time management skills and the ability to analyze and complete multiple tasks
ability to develop clean, clear and engaging magazine articles, designs and support pieces
research skills
familiarity with print layout and Web editing software, ranging from minimal to extensive depending upon your interests
finely tuned critical thinking skills