Journalism classes at Harvard Extension

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by HikaruBr, Jul 6, 2009.

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  1. HikaruBr

    HikaruBr Member

    Well, I've decided to go for it and try to enroll in the ALM in Journalism at Harvard. That would be a great addition to my MFA and my IMC certificate.

    So, my question is:

    Have anyone here taken any of the Journalism classes from Harvard Extension?

    I'd like to have some idea about the load of work for each class and to see if it's too crazy too take 3 at the same time.
     
  2. AUTiger00

    AUTiger00 New Member

    I am beginning the ALM-Government program this Fall, but my roommate is actually doing the journalism program (started last Fall). He attempted to take three classes his first semester and that didn't turn out to well (he was working about 30 hours a week at the time and his life was a living hell for five months). Since then he has taken two classes per term which seems to be much more manageable. Also keep in mind that you have to complete an internship for the journalism track which means you won't be able to work full-time (the internships take place during normal business hours).
    I hope this info helps.
     
  3. HikaruBr

    HikaruBr Member

    Thanks for the info.

    Could you ask you roommate about the Graduate Proseminar in Journalism?

    I'd like to know if it's better to take this class as the first one or as the third one (in the three required for admission).
     
  4. AUTiger00

    AUTiger00 New Member

    Take it first, but take it stand alone. According to my roomate, the proseminar is "an ungodly amount of work" (I've actually heard this from several HES students). If you don't plan on working you might be able to balance one additional class with the proseminar.

    My roommate also advised that you do the Capstone track as opposed to the Thesis track (I believe journalism is one of the few programs that provides the option to choose, most of the programs you have to complete a thesis for). According to him, the Capstone track makes completion of the program a bit quicker since you don't have to deal with creating a thesis proposal, getting it approved, writing the thesis, having it returned for corrections, submitting it again, having it returned again and then having to submit it a final time, a process that can take upwards of two years.
     
  5. HikaruBr

    HikaruBr Member

    Ow, that's a priceless information! Thanks very much again.

    I had the impression that it was the other way around, as the Capstone track has more mandatory credits (2 extra electives) it would take more time. Good to know.

    The thing is, I'm living here in the USA as a full time student - I'm waiting for a authorization to work, but meanwhile I'm not authorized to work.

    But although I'm not working I'm finishing my MFA and taking classes at UC Berkeley extension (all on campus) so I'll have to really use my time managing skills to pursue this ALM from Harvard.
     
  6. AUTiger00

    AUTiger00 New Member

    With HES not issuing visas for international students anymore have you thought about how you will complete the internship component? With the internship being done during normal business hours, how will you manage to work full-time to meet your work visa requirements and complete the internship?
     
  7. HikaruBr

    HikaruBr Member

    I have a F1 Student Visa and I'm waiting for a work authorization to work by economic hardship. If they authorized me, I won't have any problem to do the internship.

    If they don't give me authorization, I think it will still be ok, because I'll have two option:

    1)I can take one or two internships (in any media, entertainment, etc.. company) as part of my Motion Pictures & TV program. So I could do a internship with a broadcast news station (that's possible, I've just checked with the ALM director by email) for both my MFA and my ALM.

    2)After I graduating from my MFA, I'm allowed to stay here one year working (it's called OPT - Optional Practical Training). I could do the internship during this time if I get a job with a more flexible schedule (something doable considering my field of work - media/digital arts/entertainment - where is common more flexible working schedules)
     
  8. AUTiger00

    AUTiger00 New Member

    That's great. It sounds like you have it all worked out. Let me know when you make it to Cambridge and look out for my roommate. His name's Casey, he's 6'4" and speaks with a heavy southern drawl....he's a hard guy to miss.
     
  9. cookderosa

    cookderosa Resident Chef


    Yes, you'd be freakin' insane.
     
  10. HikaruBr

    HikaruBr Member

    I'll probably be at Cambridge in the January term and the following summer - so I'll try to contact your friend then.

    My main challenge will be the fact that one of the Core classes (there are 4 of them) is only offered in the fall.

    I'll have to ask authorization from my current school to take the fall as my vacation term (because of the Visa rules) or I'll have to do some crazy thing like commute to the other side of the USA every week by plane.
     
  11. HikaruBr

    HikaruBr Member

    Nice, direct to the point...lol
    What about two classes per term? Still insane?
     
  12. cookderosa

    cookderosa Resident Chef

    >>

    That's your call. Go to the website and start reading the syllabus for the class you are looking at....then see if you can find 2 that work. If one is a proseminar, you might want to take it alone. If you want a 4.0 you should be prepared to do ALL the work. I'm not doing journalism, but I'm sure it has a lot of writing LOL. You can probably get an idea of the volume of output expected in the syllabus.
    Beyond output....
    Confession time. Honest to goodness, I was surprised that Harvard actually expected (required) me to know the material assigned. My last class didn't hand hold- even the suggested reading was on my exams. (I guess that's why it was suggested) Every page of every text book, every link, every journal article, every lecture, every handout. Everything was fair game on the very heavily weighted exams. It wasn't "you better study," they were too cool for that :) They just posted a link and moved on. It was up to the student to a) notice b) pursue.
    I'll be going to 2 classes per term now that my feet are wet.
     
  13. HikaruBr

    HikaruBr Member

    Thanks again for the suggestion - I've totally forgotten that I could read the syllabus of the past semesters. I just did that and now I have a pretty good grasp of what is ahead of me.

    It's a lot of work, but I think two is doable - specially if it's two classes without exams (like the proseminar and some electives, like Ethics). I don't really mind the writing - my undergrad is from one of the top schools in Brazil and there the educational system is inspired by the french one and other european countries. The result is that I'm used to MUCH more writing than is normal here in the USA (more like what is expected in a UK school). I do feel a little unsure because English is not my first language but I'll see what I can do.

    I know that my current alma mater, Academy of Art is no Harvard in academic terms (although has a good reputation in the Art field) but I've never had problems with my theory and writing intensive classes here (all A or B+).

    Let's see if I can keep that up with a top dog like Harvard.
     
  14. cookderosa

    cookderosa Resident Chef

    Much success to you!
     
  15. TCord1964

    TCord1964 New Member

    There is a residency requirement for this, right? In other words, at least one or more of these courses must be taken on campus? I don't think Harvard Ex has any totally DL programs.
     
  16. AUTiger00

    AUTiger00 New Member

    That's right. The majority of your classes for the ALM have to be taken in residence. People get creative, travel up to Cambridge one day a week, move to Boston for the summer terms, etc.
     
  17. cookderosa

    cookderosa Resident Chef

    >>

    HES is very considerate at scheduling. The classes are all in pre-determined time slots (there are only 3), and always in the evening. So, you can plan your 2 classes per term on a Monday (or any) night for example. This means, you could travel to Cambridge- sit for class- then go home. If your home airport does a direct flight, and you are willing to pay the $$, you could do this program REALLY at a distance and never live there- never even spend the night. From my home airport, I can get a round trip ticket to Boston then home for around $99, so WORST case, is I would have to shell out $1200 for a semester.
    It's worth mentioning, that EVEN IF you are taking your HES classes online, you still have to come to campus for your mid term and final exams if you live in the region specified- no exceptions. I think it includes about 6 or 7 states.
     
  18. HikaruBr

    HikaruBr Member

    Actually that's my plan to complete the only Journalism Core class that is not offered online or in the summer/january terms - I plan to fly to Cambridge once a week to take this class and any other one offered in the same day.

    I did the math and I'll have to shell out a lot more than you - almost 5k in air tickets for this semester.

    But you now what? That's the price of just ONE class in the other colleges of Harvard or any other university in the same level.

    So I think is worth the price to complete a Harvard masters. It'll be only for one semester anyway.

    The exam on campus rule doesn't apply to me as I live in San Francisco - it only applies for people living in New England.
     
  19. cookderosa

    cookderosa Resident Chef

    >>

    Clearly you are a resourceful, motivated person. You'll do great!
     
  20. seopositive2

    seopositive2 member

    Best of luck I am with you.
     

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