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All successful newspapers are ceaselessly querulous and bellicose. They never defend anyone or anything if they can help it; if the job is forced on them, they tackle it by denouncing someone or something else.
~H. L. Mencken (1880 - 1956)

 
Journalism largely consists of saying 'Lord Jones is Dead' to people who never knew that Lord Jones was alive.
~G. K. Chesterton (1874 - 1936)

I read no newspaper now but Ritchie's, and in that chiefly the advertisements, for they contain the only truths to be relied on in a newspaper.
~Thomas Jefferson (1743 - 1826), Letter to Nathaniel Macon, January 12, 1819
right arrowCourse Outline
Course Introduction to Print and Online Media
Credits
3 Semester Hours
Prerequisites
Engl 2100
School
College of Arts and Sciences
Department
Department of Languages, Literature and Philosophy
Meetings
This Course is a Hybrid Course: 1/2 F2F, 1/2 Online
Catalog Description
Techniques of modern journalism; emphasis on news writing fundamentals, history and ethics of journalism, basic news writing skills. Prerequisite: Each student must attain at least one of the following prior to enrolling: (a) a score of at least 380 SAT Verbal and 40 or above on the TSWE (Test of Standard Written English) or 20 on the verbal section of the ACT; or (b) a passing score on the Compass in English and in reading; or (c) exit learning support English and learning support reading successfully. A composition course focusing on skills required for effective writing in a variety of contexts, with emphasis on exposition, analysis, and argumentation, and also including introductory use of a variety of research skills.

right arrowCourse Goals

The field of journalism has a long history of freedom in America. The framers of the U.S. Constitution felt so strongly about the need for, and value of a free and open press that they placed it first among the Amendments: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

In this course, we will study the reasons why the privilege of the press is so important to a representative republic such as ours, and how profoundly the loss of citizen's trust in this institution can affect our ability to protect our personal and political freedoms. We will also study and practice the basic fundamentals of news writing and reporting.

There will be three major areas you will work in this semester. First, you will study and discuss ideas from our textbook, newspaper articles, and online resources pertaining to the freedom of the press. Second, you will write three stories for the student newspaper, The Inkwell. And third, you will keep a weekly online journal (blog) where you will practice critical writing about the mainstream media.

right arrow Course Outcomes
  • To think critically about news context/content
  • To show thoughtful and in-depth knowledge of the history and importance of print and online media
  • To learn and practice the basic elements of news writing/editing
  • To understand beats and their value and application in news writing (meetings, speeches, police, courts, disasters, tragedies, features, editorials, etc.)
  • To understand the legal and ethical considerations of journalism
  • To learn and practice the basic research and Associated Press documentation skills

arrowCourse Requirements

1) Attendance is required and necessary. More than four absences are grounds for failure. There will be times in the semester when you really need the days off, so don’t miss class without good reason. If you know you are going to miss a class, let me know. Missed assignments will not be excused because of absences. Athletes: any special arrangements for athletes must be made with the professor at least two weeks prior to the event. Do not come late to meetings. If you arrive more than 10 minutes late, for any reason, you will be marked as absent. Likewise for leaving meetings early. You will be credited with an absent if you are tardy three times. Late attendance and absences will affect your participation grade. If you miss more than three meetings, you will drop one grade point for every day missed beyond three.
2) 3 articles

3) News Critique blog
3) Final Portfolio w/Self-assessment
6) Participation in editing and proofing sessions.
7)
Thoughtful, active and responsible participation in the process, including contact with writing resources.
You are expected to be prepared for every meeting. This means completing all reading and writing assignments on time. Failure to do so will greatly affect your participation grade.

 

Late articles or drafts are not acceptable and you will receive zero credit for them without prior permission, and even then under only extreme circumstances or emergency conditions.



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