Brand New Term

David R.

March 30, 2010 - 3:23 PM

Starting classes again is never fun, but considering that spring break was only one week long, I still feel like I am in school mode. I am taking four classes this term for a total of 16 credits. I was thinking about only taking 12 credits given that spring term tends to be the one in which most students like to relax, but I figured if I take one extra class then that is just one more class that I won't have to take during my senior year. To continue on in the public relations sequence through the journalism school, I am taking J452 and J453. These classes focus on public relations planning and strategic writing. J452 is a continuation of J440, in which students gain experience creating real life public relations documents, like news releases, media advisories etc. Today I had my first class for J452 and my professor informed us that the class will be more geared towards punctuation and grammar. As I let out a sigh with the rest of the class, I realized that this isn't necessarily a bad thing. Grammar and punctuation aren't exactly two of the most popular aspects of journalism, but knowing both is an absolute must for a success in this field. Not knowing the basic building blocks of writing is one way to find frustration when trying to make it in this career.

As I have mentioned before I am also minoring in business. After taking marketing last term, I only have two more classes to take to complete the minor. I am currently enrolled in BA 316, which is the management class for the minor sequence. I have enjoyed all of the business classes I have taken and I am sure I will enjoy this one as well. I have never take a class that deals with business management so I am rather excited. I personally feel that public relations and business have many similar qualities, so I feel that a minor in this field is a perfect complement to my major.

The last class that I am taking this term is sociology 204. I have taken two sociology classes before and I find it to be a very interesting subject. Before the break my advisor informed me that I need more credits for the College of Arts and Sciences requirement. Sociology falls into this category so I figured I would just take another class. I have always been very interested in social sciences and the study of greater society, in terms of class, race, gender etc. The professor for this class, Chuck Hunt, is the same professor that I had for sociology 207 during the fall term of my sophomore year. He is one of the best professors I have had at Oregon, which is another reason that I decided to enroll in this class.

It has been pretty rainy for these first few days back. The sun hasn't come out yet but I still have faith. It looks like I might have to keep my rain jacket at hand for a little while longer.