UIS
Graduate and Undergraduate Catalog
Academic
Year 2004 - 2005
PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORTING
Master of Arts
Faculty Charles N. Wheeler III
Adjunct Faculty Bill Wheelhouse
Contact: (217) 206-7494
wheeler.charles@uis.edu or www.uis.edu/publicaffairsreporting/
The public affairs reporting program is designed for the student
who wishes to specialize in news coverage of governmental
affairs. A primary goal is for graduates to obtain employment in
which
they can report or interpret governmental activity for the
population at large. The objectives of the year-long program
are to graduate
men and women who are able not only to understand and interpret
public affairs but also to communicate with the clarity,
accuracy, and speed demanded of deadline reporters of the highest
rank.
The
program directs students to an investigation of the interactions
between the news media and society and the news media and
government and encourages students to expand the knowledge of such
interaction
through research and experimentation. Program faculty also
expect that each graduate, whatever the skill level upon
entering the
program, be proficient in reporting, editing, and writing
at graduation. The unique nature of the program is derived from
the simultaneous
pursuit of various goals; none is considered paramount.
Entrance Requirements
The program is open only to students who have completed the
baccalaureate degree. Students are selected primarily on
the basis of writing
ability, interest in government and public affairs, potential
for a career in journalism, and academic record.
The deadline for filing applications with the program director
is April 1. Application forms may be obtained by contacting
the program office. Applicants must submit samples of
their written
work, a narrative statement on why they feel qualified
and want to enroll in the program, and three references.
Applicants
are
required to take a literacy/competency and writing test
and are interviewed by the PAR Admissions Committee,
comprised of faculty
and journalists.
Advising
The program director serves as principal adviser for
PAR students, although special advising requests may
be referred
to other
faculty members with particular expertise. After students
are accepted
into the program, they should contact their advisers
for an appointment before initial registration.
Grading Policy
PAR students must receive a grade of B or better in
any required course to receive credit toward the
degree.
Program Requirements
The master of arts in public affairs reporting requires
40 hours of graduate-level course work. In the
fall semester, students
enroll in two required courses: PAR 501 Advanced
Public Affairs
Reporting
(six hours) and PAR 405 Illinois Government and
Politics (four hours). Students choose other courses after
consultation with
their advisers.
During the spring semester, students begin an internship
with an experienced professional journalist covering
state government
and
the Illinois General Assembly. This internship
(12 credit hours) includes a weekly seminar.
PAR 503
Legislative Issues (two
hours) is also required in this semester. After
consultation with the
adviser, a student registers for other courses
to maintain a full course load.
Students participate in the second phase of the
internship (four credit hours) during the summer
term (until
July 1). This internship
period is considerably more intense, as it
coincides with the conclusion of the legislative session.
During the six-month
internship, students
receive a monthly stipend and tuition waiver.
Before graduation, students must complete a
master's project, including preparation of
a formal research
paper on some
phase of the media,
state government, or public affairs, followed
by development of one or more magazine-length
articles
or radio/TV
documentary programs.
Required Courses
PAR 405 Illinois Government and Politics
4 Hrs.
PAR 501 Advanced Public Affairs Reporting
6 Hrs.
PAR 503 Legislative Issues 2 Hrs.
PAR 504 Internship I 12 Hrs.
PAR 505 Internship II 4 Hrs.
Electives 12 Hrs.
Total 40 Hrs.
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