Trouble with Diversity

Do I have trouble using race/gender sensitive terms? I think that answer begins with a discussion on language. As we all know language is a means of communication passed down culturally. More importantly however, is that individual words, individual terms are to be used in given contexts. Those contexts and which words are appropriate are learned from society.

This is a primary reason why myself and many others may have trouble being politically correct. We often use terms like “mailman” without thinking about it because we have grown up using those terms. In an age of equality, where we have evolved and sought to be more sensitive to women and minorities, we can not be careless with our words. If we are to have a world where everyone is treated equally, and we want that notion of equality to extends to our language, then the time is now. The time for equality begins with out next sentence.

JMC 2033 Description

Michael McLaughlin

Lab 18  

The Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication is offering a course this semester entitled “Writing for Mass Media.” Writing for Mass Media is designed to help student become better professional writers.

The course is taught by Dr. Elanie Steyn, professor of Journalism. Dr. Steyn earned her Masters Degree at City University in London. She then went on to receive her doctorate at North-West University at Potchefstroom Campus. Dr. Steyn has read papers for 30 national and international publications. She contributed chapters of national and international textbooks and has been published in various peer reviewed journals. 

The course is half lecture and half lab. Dr. Steyn lectures the class Tuesdays and Thursdays 10:30 to 11:20. The lecture hall has almost 100 students. The class is split into sections of 15-25 students for labs. While lectures focus on introducing writing theories, lab professors coach new media writers to apply them during lab exercises.

The workload for the class is considered writing intensive by college advisors. Students must complete 25 writing assignments during the 30 lab sessions. Lectures begin everyday with quizzes over grammar rules and reading assignments.

Students enrolling in the class need to have completed Introduction to Journalism and Mass Communication, JMC 1113, and pass the Language Skills Test. The Language Skills Test is administered in the Student Services Center Gaylord Hall room 2520.

The course material for JMC 2033 includes four books: The AP Stylebook (2010), Media Writer's Handbook (5th Edition), Writing for the Mass Media (7th Edition), and New Directions in Diversity. The course materials cost $129.78 before tax.

Sources for this article are listed below:

Information regarding course material: bkstr.com

Information regarding Dr. Elanie Steyn: ou.edu

Information regarding course description: JMC 2033 Syllabus