Introduction to Journalism

Course Syllabus—Fall 2010

Ms. Kiernan

“I became a journalist to come as close as possible to the heart of the world.”   Henry R. Luce

Course Objective:

        This course is designed as an introduction to the field of journalism. We will work in both a classroom and a newsroom atmosphere as you learn to read, observe, research, take notes, interview, and write as a journalist.

Course Concepts:

        Some of the topics that will be covered include, but are not limited to:

• The history of journalism
• Types of media
• Analyzing a newspaper
• What makes a news story
• How to gather/organize information
• Composing hard news stories, features, reviews, editorials, satire, sports journalism, and photojournalism
• Leads and headlines
• News ethics
• Editing
• Grammar

Required Materials:

• A spiral notebook with at least two sections
• A pocket folder
• A flash drive

Rules and Disciplinary Action:

• Be on time.

• Be prepared.                                        
• Be respectful.

If any of these rules are not followed, the following steps will be taken:

• Verbal warning
• Phone call home
• Phone call home + referral

Portfolio:  

This will be a collection of the work you did this semester, and will show your progress and growth in writing.  You should save every draft of your articles to help with your reflections (part of the portfolio in which you will be asked to reflect upon and critique your own writing.)  More details about the portfolio will be given during the 2nd marking period.

Professional Integrity:

Plagiarism, or passing off someone else’s work as your own, is a serious violation of academic and professional journalistic ethics. Any incident of plagiarism will result in severe disciplinary action. If you plagiarize, you will fail the assignment and possibly the course, in addition to facing other disciplinary action.

Grading Policy:

• Writing Assignments: 30%
• Portfolio: 20%
• Quizzes/Grammar in writing: 15%
• Classwork/Participation: 15%
• Blog: 10%
• Homework: 10%

Technology Information:

        Assignments, homework, and any important information will be posted on my journalism blog at: http://hsejournalism.blogspot.com. You, too, will be making a blog for this course. In order to do so, you will need a valid e-mail address.  

        It is also suggested that you create a GoogleDocs account. If you do not have a flash drive, GoogleDocs is an efficient way to save and transport work between school and home. You can set up this account at www.docs.google.com.

Student/Parent Agreement:

I have read this contract and agree to follow these guidelines to the best of my abilities.

Student Signature: _________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature: _________________________________________

Contact #1: __________________________________________

I prefer to be contacted by:         Phone                E-mail          (circle one)

Contact Info: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Contact #2: ___________________________________________

I prefer to be contacted by :         Phone                E-mail                (circle one)

Contact Info: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Thank you, and I look forward to a great semester!