Journalism Syllabus

Syllabus

Journalism

Hour: 3rd

Teacher Name: Ms. Amber Fontenot

Room Number: 332

Email address: Amber.Fontenot@ocsi.org

Blog address: http://ocsi-humanities.blogspot.com

School Phone Number: 958-3000

The best time for parents to call me is: from 3-5 PM

Course Description: Journalism is a writing course in which students will gather information using a variety of research methods, then present information in formats such as news stories, features, reviews, columns, editorials, survey stories, sports stories, and yearbook copy. Students will also read and emulate professional examples from online news sources, critically evaluate media messages, implement ethical journalism practices, and edit pieces to follow the conventions of written English (grammar, usage, mechanics). This course will help you to become a better writer and communicator, a better thinker, and a more critical consumer of media.

Course Objectives:

• Students will compile, synthesize, produce, and disseminate information using technology.
• Students will identify and evaluate parts of stories (e.g. lead, body, conclusion, quote).
• Students will model appropriate journalistic writing that is focused and coherent, using a variety of organizational strategies.
• Students will listen for bias and/or authority to evaluate the reliability of sources, identify and interpret a source’s message and intent, and accurately record direct and indirect quotations.
• Students will legally and ethically gather information from a variety of sources, using one source to check another.
• Students will use persuasive language and techniques appropriately: distinguish fact from opinion; recognize a source’s authority, special interest, propaganda, and bias.
• Students will use editing strategies and journalistic style rules to correct grammatical, spelling, and style errors (e.g., punctuation, capitalization, sentence structure), use word processing programs to prepare and edit text, and apply specialized vocabulary appropriately (e.g. sports, technology).

Class Text:

Introduction to Journalism

Materials you should bring to class every day:

- Two notebooks

- Loose-leaf paper

- A folder for handouts; a folder for your final portfolio

- Pens, pencils, erasers, highlighters

Grading:

Writing assignments and projects 50%

News stories, features, reviews, columns, editorials, sports stories, yearbook copy, etc.

Summative quizzes 30%

May include topics such as grammar and mechanics, terminology, background information, editing symbols, and writing.

Daily assignments 10%

Homework assignments and classwork.

Class participation and notebook 10%

Participation includes on-task work during individual and group work time, peer reviews, demonstrating engagement in class activities by asking and answering questions, commenting during class discussions, etc. The notebook grade will include items such as bellwork, freewrites, writing prompts, etc.

Portfolio Final Exam Grade (10%)

A portfolio containing pieces selected from your work during the course, revisions, and a reflection assignment.

Expectations:

- Come to class with a positive attitude and be ready to learn and to write.

- Be in your seat and working when the bell rings; begin bellwork immediately at the beginning of class.

- Assignments are expected to be turned in on time; 10% or one letter grade will be deducted per day from writing assignments handed in late, at the teacher’s discretion.

- Maximize your use of class time by taking notes, participating in discussions, participating in peer review exercises, and by writing.

• Writing assignments must be submitted typed and in hardcopy. On some occasions, you may be asked to print multiple copies for the purpose of peer review.
• Revision and editing will be a major focus of the class; major assignments will not be given a grade until they have been revised at least once. Your willingness to revise, not just the quality of your writing, will be taken into consideration for your grade on the assignment.
• Save all you work. You will be compiling a portfolio throughout the school year to track and evaluate your progress.

Class Rules:

- Respect: Respect each other, your teacher, and all school rules.

- Expectations: Come with an open mind and a positive attitude; be ready to explore, create, and ask questions.

- Materials: Come to class prepared—you should have all necessary materials and assignments when the bell rings.

Approximate Class Schedule:

The schedule below is estimated, and may be adjusted based on class needs, at the teacher’s discretion, at any point throughout the year.

Semester 1:

Week 1: Introduction to journalism

Weeks 2-3: Journalism conventions and ethics

Weeks 4-5: Sports stories

Weeks 6-7: Information gathering; evaluating sources

Weeks 8-9: News stories

Weeks 10-11: Analyzing media messages

Weeks 12-13: Yearbook copy

Weeks 14-15: Features (part 1)

Week 16: Portfolio

Semester 2:

Weeks 1-3: Interviews

Weeks 4-6: Features (part 2)

Weeks 7-9: Field research and reports

Weeks 10-12: Persuasive writing and editorials

Weeks 13-15: Reviews

Week 16: Portfolio