» Recommended Classes for First-Year Broadcast Journalism and Documentary Majors

Here are the classes that we recommend you take during your first year as a Broadcast Journalism and Documentary major at Chapman. 

For your first semester, we recommend taking 12-15 credits (most classes are 3 credits; those with labs are 4). You must be enrolled in 12 credits to be considered a full-time status student. The recommended courses below will put you at 15 credits per semester (fall and spring). 

Introductory Math Requirement

First year students must either waive or complete Math 100/L (Learning and Studying Mathematics for Understanding I, with a required lab component) in their first semester. For more information, visit our Math Placement webpage. 

General Education Classes 

You can choose a General Education (GE) class from any GE category – it’s your choice. In general, the following GE areas are recommended to begin/complete during your first year:

  • GE Language Study (strongly recommended)
  • GE Written Inquiry
  • GE Quantitative Inquiry

You may be able to fulfill some of your GE requirements with classes from your major.

You can learn more about general education on our General Education: How it Works page.

Fall Semester

BRJL 103 - Broadcast News I 
Credits: 3

DOC 116 - Introduction to Television Production: Location 
Credits: 3

FFC 100C - First Year Foundations: Story
Credits: 3

Note: All first-year students at Chapman have to take First-Year Foundations (FFC 100) in their first year of enrollment. It is recommended you enroll in this class in the first semester as a larger number of course sections and topics are available in the Fall semester. 

GE Class
Credits: 3

GE Class
Credits: 3

Spring Semester

BRJL 232 - Electronic Cinematography for Broadcast Journalism and Documentary
Credits: 3

FTV 130 - Introduction to Visual Storytelling
Credits: 3

TWP 114/114L - Introduction to Television Production: Studio
Credits: 3

Note: TWP 114/114L is an optional course for the first year. It is offered every semester. There are VERY limited spots available for TWP 114/114L for the fall 2022 semester. If you don't get into this class, fill in schedule with your GE classes. Do not worry, it is fine to take this course at a later date. TWP 114L is the "lab" component of TWP 114 lecture.

Any GE class/minor exploration
Credits: 3

Any GE class/minor exploration
Credits: 3