Special Topics & Pop-up Classes

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We are committed to infusing the curriculum with the latest trending topics and emerging media. By incorporating insights from industry experts, we ensure our students are prepared for the ever-evolving landscape of journalism and mass communications—check out our latest special topics and pop-up courses.

ADPR 151.P01 | 3 credits

Introduction to Advertising and Public Relations

online | 1/2-1/17

Fundamental concepts and processes underlying integrated marketing communications in a global marketplace. The discipline's historical roots and current role of professionals.

Faculty: TBD

OPEN TO ALL UNL STUDENTS

social media graphic

JOMC 392.P01 | 1 credit | P/NP

The "Reel" Deal: Instagram for Storytelling

online | 1/2-1/17

1 billion people use Instagram across the globe each and every month, spending an average of 30 minutes per day. In this course, students will take a deep dive into the Instagram platform researching best practices, ethics and learning the ins and out of how to create and measure content. You will learn and create content for the grid, stories, IGTV, reels, Instagram live and eCommerce to best leverage the platform to accomplish strategic communication goals.

Faculty: Tyler Thomas

OPEN TO ALL UNL STUDENTS

person holding phone and looking at Instagram

JOMC 292.P01 | 1 credit | p/np

How To Get Your Drone License

online | 1/2-1/17

This is a pop up course where students learn how to prepare for the FAA test to receive credentials to operate a drone license. This new, unique skill has helped students get hired because they had a drone license where other applicants didn't. The course will give students the knowledge and skills needed to conquer the hardest parts of the Federal Aviation Administration’s drone license examination.

Drones are becoming a very useful tool in newsrooms to report on stories large and small. They're becoming a common element in video production environments, agriculture, construction, law enforcement and search and rescue, among others. But if you want to fly a drone for your job, you've got to get an FAA license first. While it isn't hard, it does require work on your part. It takes knowing the materials, which aren't the most straightforward you'll find. It helps to have a guide. That's what this class is all about.

Faculty: TBD

OPEN TO ALL UNL STUDENTS

people looking at a drone

JOMC 492/892.P01 | 1 credit

Branding Yourself in Today’s Market

online | 1/2-1/17

This online asynchronous pop-up course will explore strategies in better understanding how to brand yourself in today's ever-changing market. One of the best ways to articulate your skills, experience, knowledge, and overall worth in today’s competitive job market is to create a personal brand that helps you stand out in the crowd. Learn how to formulate your own value proposition and convey your knowledge, skills, and abilities to prospective employers. This course will leverage relevant social media platforms and other online portfolio tools to help you reframe how you approach your personal brand.

Faculty: TBD

OPEN TO ALL UNL STUDENTS

build your brand graphic

JOMC 292.P02 | 1 credit | p/np

Travel Writing

online | 1/2-1/17

Have you ever wanted to travel for a living? What if you could do it for free? Learn how to pitch, write and publish travel stories to print and online publications, plus the ins and outs of working with tourism bureaus and PR companies to schedule FAM trips. Course will include instruction on both writing and networking within the industry.

Faculty: TBD

OPEN TO ALL UNL STUDENTS

person on laptop

JOMC 392.P02 | 1 credit | p/np

Player Branding for Esports Content Creators

online | 1/2-1/17

Faculty: Ryan Tan

OPEN TO ALL UNL STUDENTS

esports players posing for photo

Pop-up Classes

Pop-up classes are short, one-credit-hour courses designed to allow students to dive into emerging industry trends and gain skills to prepare them for future careers. Pop-up classes are open to all UNL students and are Pass/No Pass.

JOMC 292.791 | 1 CREDIT | P/NP

The Super Bowl of Advertising

ONLINE | 1/21-2/16

The Super Bowl is the most viewed, most anticipated, most expensive and most influential venue in the world for advertisers. Many people watch it just for the ads. Since Super Bowl I in 1967, the cost of a 30-second spot increased from $40,000 to $7 million in 2024. It is the place for advertisers to showcase their best work to 800+ million viewers around the world and continues to be of unrelenting interest to advertising, marketing, and branding professionals everywhere.

In this class, we will take a look at the history of Super Bowl advertising, examine the game-changing ads that became part of the cultural zeitgeist, and discuss many of the hits, misses and buzz-generating campaigns throughout the years. And because the class takes place during Super Bowl LIX, we’ll stay on top of the industry hype leading up to the game, do a post-game analysis of the winners and losers, and try to answer the question, “Is it really worth $7 million for just 30-seconds or is it nothing more than a flex on the part of clients and agencies with big budgets and even bigger egos?”

Faculty: Brian Hubbard

OPEN TO ALL UNL STUDENTS

super bowl graphic

JOMC 392 | 1 CREDIT | P/NP

Becoming a Freelance Photographer

IN PERSON | Dates/Times TBD

Faculty: TBD

OPEN TO ALL UNL STUDENTS

person looking at camera

JOMC 392.791 | 1 CREDIT | P/NP

The "Reel" Deal-Instagram for Storytelling

ONLINE | Dates TBD

1 billion people use Instagram across the globe each and every month, spending an average of 30 minutes per day. In this course, students will take a deep dive into the Instagram platform researching best practices, ethics and learning the ins and out of how to create and measure content. You will learn and create content for the grid, stories, IGTV, reels, Instagram live and eCommerce to best leverage the platform to accomplish strategic communication goals.

Faculty: Tyler Thomas

OPEN TO ALL UNL STUDENTS

person holding phone and looking at Instagram

JOMC 492/892.791 | 1 CREDIT | P/NP

Branding Yourself in Today's Market

ONLINE | Dates TBD

This online asynchronous pop-up course will explore strategies in better understanding how to brand yourself in today's ever-changing market. One of the best ways to articulate your skills, experience, knowledge, and overall worth in today’s competitive job market is to create a personal brand that helps you stand out in the crowd. Learn how to formulate your own value proposition and convey your knowledge, skills, and abilities to prospective employers. This course will leverage relevant social media platforms and other online portfolio tools to help you reframe how you approach your personal brand.

Faculty: Frauke Hachtmann

OPEN TO ALL UNL STUDENTS

build your brand graphic

JOMC 392.951 | 1 CREDIT | P/NP

Advertising and Marketing in Healthcare

Web Conferencing | Dates/Times TBD

What's the difference between advertising and marketing? Learn how to differentiate between these similar fields and their important impacts on the healthcare field in this online synchronous pop-up course. This session will analyze various healthcare communications case studies to learn how different areas of the medical field approach advertising and marketing and study how to effectively communicate and connect with patients. The course will wrap up with students creating and presenting healthcare advertising or marketing campaigns focused on a medical topic of their choice.

Faculty: Abby Meyer

OPEN TO ALL UNL STUDENTS

people gathered around laptop

Special Topics Classes

Special topic classes are new or emerging classes offered for three credit hours during a regular academic session - fall, spring or summer semesters.

ADPR 491/891.001 | 3 credits

Digital Motion Graphics

in person | R 5:30-8:20 pm

Creating digital motion graphics and animation using compositing and animation software. Covers project creation, techniques, workflow management, and related post-production work.

Faculty: TBD

OPEN TO ALL UNL STUDENTS

person looking at computer screen

SPMC 291.700 | 3 CREDITS

Intro to Esports

ONLINE

Learn about all aspects of Esports as an industry and the many opportunities for participation in colleges and careers. Students will be immersed in experiences where they will develop skills used in the Esports industry. Students can explore the area of streaming content in the areas of broadcasting as reporters, casting live or recorded matches, live or recorded game analysis of a match, among other options determined by the students. Students will develop communication skills, understand Esports strategies and tactics, and implement production components for Esports events.

Faculty: Ryan Tan

OPEN TO ALL UNL STUDENTS

group of esports players smiling

JOMC 491/891.001 | 3 credits

AI + CoJMC = ?

IN PERSON | TR 12:30-1:45 pm

AI went from science fiction to current fact with breathtaking speed. Soon, you'll have AI plugged into every tool you use, from the software you use every day to the phone in your pocket. Journalism and communications are only starting to grapple with this. This class, the first of its kind at CoJMC, will explore three areas:

  1. What is AI, how does it work, what is it good and bad at?
  2. How can you use current public AI tools to be a better writer, reporter and human?
  3. How can you use AI to solve real problems that actual news organizations have?

Faculty: Matt Waite

OPEN TO ALL UNL STUDENTS

computer with graphic hovering above it

SPMC 391.001 | 3 CREDITS

Television Sports Reporting

in person | TR 9:30-10:45 A.M.

Faculty: TBD

Suggested prerequisites: JOMC 131-134, all core courses required within your CoJMC major(s)

image of football coach and cell phone on tripod

JOUR 491/891.001 | 3 credits

Investigative Depth Reporting

in person | TR 11:00 am-12:15 pm

In Spring 2025, the College of Journalism and Mass Communications' award-winning Depth Reporting program will focus on the mass incarceration issue that plagues most states, including Nebraska. An energetic team of passionate writers, photographers and videographers will research, analyze and dig into this topic and report on stories about those affected by this issue to elevate their stories, hold public officials accountable and explain the crisis.

Faculty: Chris Graves and Linda White

Learn more and apply
reflection of prison bars

ADPR 491/891.791 | 3 credits

Crisis Response Advertising

online | March 24 – May 16

Advertising and consumer brands have long played important societal roles during complex crises, navigating a marketplace complicated by economic pressures, social unrest, and political polarization. New research suggests that complex crises often create a new marketplace in which highly engaged and mission-driven consumer brands can not only survive but thrive.

Faculty: Frauke Hachtmann

OPEN TO ALL UNL STUDENTS

two laptops and a person writing on a piece of paper

Pop-up Classes

Pop-up classes are short, one-credit-hour courses designed to allow students to dive into emerging industry trends and gain skills to prepare them for future careers. Pop-up classes are open to all UNL students and are Pass/No Pass.

JOMC 492/892.791 | 1 CREDIT | P/NP

Branding Yourself in Today's Market

ONLINE 8/26-9/13

This online asynchronous pop-up course will explore strategies in better understanding how to brand yourself in today's ever-changing market. One of the best ways to articulate your skills, experience, knowledge, and overall worth in today’s competitive job market is to create a personal brand that helps you stand out in the crowd. Learn how to formulate your own value proposition and convey your knowledge, skills, and abilities to prospective employers. This course will leverage relevant social media platforms and other online portfolio tools to help you reframe how you approach your personal brand.

Faculty: Frauke Hachtmann

OPEN TO ALL UNL STUDENTS

Printing blocks that spell "Build your personal brand"

JOMC 292.951 | 1 CREDIT | P/NP

Media Sales & Account Management

IN PERSON | 11/9-11/10 | 10 A.M.-6 P.M.

The pop-up will explore the world of media sales and account management. The fast-paced session will touch on everything from the skill set needed to succeed in the world of media sales and account management to developing and presenting a multimedia plan for a local business.

Faculty: David Thiemann

OPEN TO ALL UNL STUDENTS

fingers pointing at laptop computer screen

JOMC 392.791 | 1 CREDIT | P/NP

The "Reel" Deal-Instagram for Storytelling

ONLINE 10/7-11/8

1 billion people use Instagram across the globe each and every month, spending an average of 30 minutes per day. 500 million people use Instagram stories every day and nearly 50% of people have visited a website to make a purchase after seeing a product or service. In the U.S., 26% of people aged 18 to 24 have recently used Instagram specifically to access coronavirus news. The platform provides countless opportunities for brands, businesses and organizations, from non-profits and for profits to large news organizations to tell stories and connect a message with a consumer. In this course, students will take a deep dive into the Instagram platform researching best practices, ethics and learning the ins and out of how to create and measure content. Students will learn and create content for the grid, stories, IGTV, reels, Instagram live and eCommerce to best leverage the platform to accomplish strategic communication goals.

Faculty: Tyler Thomas

OPEN TO ALL UNL STUDENTS

hand holding cell phone in front of tall buildings

ADPR 483/883.951 | 1 CREDIT | P/NP

Portfolio Development

IN PERSON | R 10/10-11/7 | 5:30-8:20 P.M.

Need to dial in your portfolio? In this course you will learn how to improve your work and execute a variety of pieces that demonstrate experience in the form of a portfolio. Explore strategies to brand yourself using a portfolio to showcase the very best of your skills. You'll leverage relevant digital tools and media platforms to present your work to potential employers and clients.

Faculty: Mitch Benes

Prerequisites: JOMC 101, JOMC 130-134, ADPR 151, ADPR 221, and ADPR 283

Computer with screen full of pictures

JOMC 492/892.951 | 1 CREDIT | P/NP

FISU World University Games Media Communication

ONLINE | R 8-9:15 A.M. | 9/26-12/12

Get real-world sports media experience by learning from sport industry experts and leading academics from around the globe about current issues related to global sports media events. The course meets weekly in live Zoom sessions with opportunities to interact and network with speakers representing diverse countries. The college has been invited to be the exclusive North American partner to the FISU World University Games held in Germany in July 2025. Students will have the opportunity to apply to work at the Games in one of three roles: reporter, photographer, or commentator. The selected student will receive training from mentors and join the ranks of the world's media covering the Games next summer. FISU will pay for this student's travel and accommodations.

Faculty: Frauke Hachtmann

OPEN TO ALL UNL STUDENTS

FISU World University Games Logo

Special Topics Classes

Special topic classes are new or emerging classes offered for three credit hours during a regular academic session - fall, spring or summer semesters.

JOMC 391.001 | 3 CREDITS

Healthy Notions or Fakery Potions: Health Topics in the Media

TR 9:30-10:45 A.M.

Students should take this course to increase critical thinking skills regarding topics that affect people at different stages of their life. By developing critical thinking skills towards health topics, students would learn to be more aware of industry practices and how these practices influence the way audiences view themselves individually and within societal norms. Also, students would have the opportunity to discuss sensitive topics and learn how to communicate about these topics within a public forum.

Faculty: Sharon Baldinelli

OPEN TO ALL UNL STUDENTS

Health in Media stock photo

SPMC 291.700 | 3 CREDITS

Intro to Esports

ONLINE

Learn about all aspects of Esports as an industry and the many opportunities for participation in colleges and careers. Students will be immersed in experiences where they will develop skills used in the Esports industry. Students can explore the area of streaming content in the areas of broadcasting as reporters, casting live or recorded matches, live or recorded game analysis of a match, among other options determined by the students. Students will develop communication skills, understand Esports strategies and tactics, and implement production components for Esports events.

Faculty: Ahman Green

OPEN TO ALL UNL STUDENTS

Gaming setup

SPMC 391.001 | 3 CREDITS | IN PERSON

Sports Betting and the Media

TR 12:30-1:45 P.M.

This course will explore a myriad of approaches to the quickly spreading legalization of sports betting in the United States. Course topics include exploration of legal issues, foreign countries’ approaches to sports betting, ethical advertising and promotion of sports betting, media management’s relationship with sports books and professional sports leagues, review of past sports betting scandals, and critical observation of journalists’ current approaches to covering sports betting in the U.S.

Faculty: Brian Petrotta

OPEN TO ALL UNL STUDENTS

Sporting games on big screens

SPMC 391.002 | 3 CREDITS

Sports Broadcasting

TR 9:30-10:45 A.M.

Sports Broadcasting examines many areas of electronic sports media including production of sportscasts, play-by-play broadcasts and documentaries, interviews, podcasting, show hosting and producing, sports media history, hardware and equipment, sports sales and careers (on the air and behind the scenes). This course is designed to help introduce you to the various components of a career covering sports in the electronic media. It also examines current issues in sportscasting, ethical considerations and inclusive opportunities in the field.

Faculty: Bill Doleman

This section is for ADPR/SPMC/JOUR majors only. BRDC majors should enroll in BRDC 375.001

Prerequisites: JOMC 101, JOMC 130-134, JOUR 200A with a C or higher; ADPR 151, ADPR 221, ADPR 283 or BRDC 227, BRDC 269, BRDC 260 or SPMC 150, 250 or JOUR 200B with a C or higher

Telivision sports reporting a soccer game

JOUR 491.951 | 1 CREDIT

Global Eyewitness

MINI SESSION: 10/28-12/20

Students in Global Eyewitness will be a part of the college's award-winning program during the 2024-2025 academic year. Through Global Eyewitness, you will have the opportunity to travel and develop compelling stories from all parts of the world by connecting problems with possibilities. You will embrace the ethical obligation to boldly tell the story of the diversity and magnitude of the human experience. *Over the 2025 winter break you will travel to Vietnam.

Faculty: Chris Graves and Shoun Hill

Learn More
students sitting on a boat while one takes a picture from her camera

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