Instructor: Elizabeth Ortiz
Required Texts: Always bring your textbook to class.
¨
News Writing And Reporting
For Today’s Media, Itule & Anderson
¨
“All the President’s Men” by
Woodward and Bernstein
Important Websites and Additional suggested
materials for class:
¨
Morning Call web site www.mcall.com
¨
New York Times web
site www.nytimes.com
¨
A
binder for organizing handouts and keeping notes on readings and class
discussions.
¨
A
Portfolio Binder (see syllabus for description)
¨
One
floppy disk for saving in-class assignments
¨
Stenographers
note-taking pad or reporters notebook
Journalists
must keep up with the news. Reading local and national newspapers is a crucial
component of every reporter’s job. As students strive to develop their media
writing skills, they must be informed about local, state, national and
international events. Students are required to read the major stories
featured in the Morning Call and to
keep up with national news (via newspaper, television, radio or web sites).
There will be 5 in-class quizzes on major news stories and important writing
techniques.
Additional Texts and
Supplies that may be helpful for class:
¨
Associated Press Stylebook, latest edition
¨
The Elements of Style, Strunk & White
This
course is an introduction to the theory and practice of journalism. Students analyze, critique and write stories
for print journalism. Contemporary
issues in journalism are discussed and debated. Students also learn techniques of newsgathering within a socially
responsible and ethical framework.
Course
Objectives and Outcomes:
At
the conclusion of this course, students should be able to:
1. Organize and structure news
stories and other journalistic pieces coherently and effectively
2. Acquire information competently
and responsibly
3. Present information with
clarity, objectivity, accuracy, and thoroughness
4. Present opinions with clarity
and substantiation
5. Quote, paraphrase, and summarize
accurately and appropriately
6. Present copy in accordance with
current style criteria
7. Demonstrate understanding of the
principles relating to libel and journalistic ethics
In this course, students will develop the basic skills
needed to become effective writers in communications-oriented professions.
Course
Format:
This
course will employ a combination of lectures, discussions and newsroom
simulation.
Student
Assessment/Evaluation:
Students will write four news articles, complete
in-class newsroom simulation assignments, present oral reports on news coverage
and take unannounced news and style quizzes.
They will also read an account of one of the most difficult and
intriguing writing and reporting incidents.
Grades will be based on the timely and thorough completion of assignments — the quality of writing, the depth of research and interviewing, and adherence to deadlines. The following list of assignments will be discussed in more detail in class:
Story #1 (300-400 words)
Attend and write
a summary of events on the lecture by Angus Kress Gillespie, Ph.D. on
September 11 at
7:00 p.m. (during class time) in Samuels Theatre. Your story should be interesting and
draw from the highlights of the lecture.
It is also important that you get quotes from the lecturer and from
those in attendance. After the lecture,
you will return to class to start putting your ideas together. The story is short, so it is
important that you follow guidelines we discuss in class in order to make the
story clear, concise and interesting.
It is important to use quotes in this story as well as all necessary
attributions.
(Dr. Gillespie, professor of American studies at Rutgers
University and World Trade Center Historian will deliver and educational
presentation entitled "Twin Towers, 1973-2001: The Life and Death of New
York City's World Trade Center." Gillespie's 1999 book, "Twin Towers:
The Life of New York City's World Trade Center," chronicles the history of
the skyscrapers.)
Story #2 - Feature story on a campus event or local
event (450-550 words)
This story will feature a local event that would be of interest to the community. It will be important to describe the event to the readers as vividly as possible and to get quotes from those in attendance or others that may be relevant to the story. Again, this is a short story so it is important to be concise and interesting. As with all stories, be sure that your lead grabs the reader and makes them want to continue reading.
Review of local arts event (i.e. local artist’s
show, opening, play etc.) (600-700
words)
This story should summarize a local arts event. The topic for your story can be a local theater’s presentation of Hamlet, or it can be about a local festival or any other topic that would be appropriate and interesting. This story should incorporate quotes and attributions. Make the story interesting and really grasp the feeling of the event and portray that to the reader.
Final Story- To be determined by student (750-850 words)
This story has no specific topic, but the topic must be discussed and approved with the instructor. Please begin to think about this story and all stories as soon as possible. Make sure you have the resources to write a story BEFORE you begin the story. Feel free to ask questions at any time about any story topics or ideas. We will discuss all story ideas in class, but it is also important that you talk with me to discuss story topics. Do not procrastinate in picking topics for your story.
Why are the writing assignments rather vague when
discussing the topic of the story?
Because of the varying schedules of the class members, it is important that there be some flexibility in the topics for each story. It would be easy to assign students to on-campus events, but it would not be easy for all students to attend those events. The last page of this syllabus gives the student a number of ideas for story topics and students are also encouraged to talk to the instructor to help with story ideas.
Quizzes
Will be throughout the semester. There will be 6 quizzes total and the lowest score will be dropped. The grade for the “All the President’s Men” quiz will not be dropped, even if it is the lowest score.
In-class newsroom assignments
These assignments will be given out in class and you will have a certain amount of time to complete the assignment and turn it in to the instructor. There will be 6 in-class assignments.
“Best of” Clippings
In addition to the above, you will choose "best of” clippings from
local media. Every other week you will select a different type of article from
a different publication, analyze it, evaluate it, and share it with the class.
These articles will serve as models for your own writing. These articles and
typed analysis (1 page) will be due on the Thursday of each week.
EXTRA CREDIT: The last clipping will be due on Thursday December 11 and will be for 2% extra credit.
Writing Portfolio:
Your writing portfolio should include all of your
in-class assignments, quizzes, “best of” clipping and summaries as well as your
stories and all rewrites. Your portfolio
should be in a 3-ring binder and please remember that part of your
participation grade is your portfolio.
News articles will be graded as follows:
A—an exceptional article that is accurate,
demonstrates creativity, and superior research and writing skills and could be
published without editing.
B—an engaging article that is accurate, demonstrates
good research and writing skills and could be published with little or no
editing.
C—an average article that is accurate, researched
and could be published with some editing
D—an article that is inaccurate and/or requires more
research and significant editing.
F—an article that is inaccurate, insufficiently
researched and in need of major revision.
|
Assignment |
Value |
Points |
Due |
|
Dr.
Gillespie
story (300
words) |
5
percent |
50 |
September
18 |
|
Campus
or Local Event (450 words) |
10
percent |
100 |
October
9 |
|
All
the President’s Men reaction |
5
percent |
50 |
October
23 |
|
Local
Arts Story (600 words) |
15
percent |
150 |
November
6 |
|
Self
designed story (750 words) |
20
percent |
200 |
December
11 |
|
“Best
of” news clippings |
10
percent |
100 |
Approx.
every other week |
|
6
news and style quizzes (lowest dropped) |
10
percent |
100 |
See
syllabus |
|
6
in-class assignments (lowest dropped) |
15
percent |
150 |
See
syllabus |
|
Participation
and Portfolio |
10
percent |
100 |
Every
day |
As
you can see, there is no final exam on the schedule. If class participation is high throughout the course, students
will not be required to take a final exam, but if it appears through lack of
discussion that students are not keeping up with their readings, a final exam
will be administered during the designated final exam time.
The
following is the grading scale for this course:
|
A |
=
100-93 |
C |
=
76-74 |
|
A- |
=
92-90 |
C- |
=
73-70 |
|
B+ |
=
89-87 |
D+ |
=
69-67 |
|
B |
=
86-84 |
D |
=
66-64 |
|
B- |
=
83-80 |
D- |
=
63-60 |
|
C+ |
=
79-77 |
F |
=
59 and below |
Participation/Attendance:
Participation
is mandatory. Participation means taking an active role in class discussions
and projects and possibly providing constructive criticism of your classmates’
work. In-class assignments and discussions are central to this course.
Students will earn up to 100 points for participation. Obviously you can’t
participate if you do not attend class. There
will be no make-ups for missed quizzes and other in-class assignments. Extended
absences due to illness or a family emergency will be excused only with
notification from the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs. I
realize that we all have busy lives outside of school but because we only meet
one night a week, it is important to be present every class session.
Rewrite Policy:
Journalists
have to write under tight deadlines. Many in-class assignments will be given
under similar time constraints, but students
will be allowed to rewrite any in-class assignment that has been handed in by
the deadline. Rewrites must be submitted with a copy of the original graded
assignment and must be handed in within one week after the assignment is
graded. Students will also have the opportunity to rewrite one of the first
three news stories. This rewrite will be due on December 11. The rewrite grade will be an average of the
original grade and the new grade. For
example, if you receive a 70% initially, and then receive a 90%, your final
grade for the assignment will be an 80%.
Deadlines:
Deadlines
are part of journalism! Part of learning about the media is learning how to
cope with deadline pressure. Work handed in after the deadline without prior
approval will be marked down 10 points for each day that it is late. The best
way to make a deadline is to finish work before it is due. Reporting takes
time—don’t procrastinate.
Classroom Protocol:
The
instructor fully supports the Cedar Crest College Honor Code and the Classroom
Protocol code as stated in the Customs Book.
“Appropriate
classroom behavior is implicit in the Cedar Crest Honor Code. Such behavior is
defined and guided by complete protection for the rights of all students and
faculty to a courteous, respectful classroom environment. That environment is
free from distractions such as late arrivals, early departures, inappropriate
conversations and any other behaviors that might disrupt instruction and/or
compromise students’ access to their Cedar Crest College education.”
Plagiarism:
Deliberate or accidental, plagiarism is a serious
academic and professional offense and a violation of the spirit of the Cedar
Crest Honor Code philosophy. Depending on the severity of the offense,
penalties for plagiarism will range from the assignment of an “F” for the
article or work, to the assignment of an “F” for the course. All cases of
plagiarism will be reported to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean
of Faculty. Under certain circumstances, acts of plagiarism may result in
suspension or expulsion from the College.
Learning Disabilities:
Students with documented disabilities who may need
academic accommodations should discuss these needs with their professors during
the first two weeks of class. Students with disabilities who wish to request
accommodations should contact the Advising Center.
On-line component to the
course:
It is important
with all of our writings that we get others’ opinions on what to clarify, what
needs work, as well as what works well in our writing. Throughout this class we will be sharing our
stories with each other though on-line discussion. Most of the discussion will take place in class during class
time. Students will be asked to post
their story to the webpage before class begins and at a designated point in the
class, each student will evaluate other student’s work.
We will discuss the on-line component in further
detail as we start to use the program.
I believe that you will find this portion of the class very
helpful. Each student will have a login
“name” which is your student ID number, and your default password will be
“CCC.” After the initial login, you
will be able to change your password and other contact information.
Again, detailed instruction of how to use this easy
on-line component will be discussed in class.
Students can find the login page at http://www.cedarcrestonline.net
In-class critiques using
e-companion:
On a day that a story is due, students are asked to post a complete draft of their story to our website. When students arrive in class, they will read other student’s papers as well as get and incorporate feedback into their own story. At the end of class, the stories will be due. The final story should then be printed and handed in as well as posted on the website.
Please label each item posted according to the guidelines below:
Lead for Story #1
Outline for Story #1
Draft for Story #1
Final Story #1
Schedule Of Readings and Assignments
(Instructor
reserves the right to make changes to the syllabus.)
ü
Overview
of Course & Grading Policy
ü
In-class
Review of Pertinent Web Sites
ü
Anatomy
of a Newsroom/Newspaper
ü
What
is Journalism? What makes news?
ü
Qualities
of Good Writing
ü
Discuss
E-college component of class
Assignments for next class:
ü First
“best of” clipping next Thursday.
Please choose an article with a good LEAD.
ü Bring
in lead for story #1 (the ecompanion system is not yet running so we will bring
in paper copies of your lead. Please
bring in 5-6 copies of lead.)
September 4, 2003: The
Basics
ü Review
of “best of”
ü Qualities
of good writing, cont.
ü The
beginning of a news story
ü Organization
of a news story
Reading
for today’s class from text book:
ü
Chapter 1: Today’s Media
ü
Chapter 2: Ingredients of News
ü Chapter 3: Qualities of Good
Writing
In-class assignment: Writing a summary lead
QUIZ
Assignment for next class:
ü Bring
in outline for story #1 (if the ecompanion system is running, you should post
your outline online, if not bring in paper copies of your outline. Please bring in 5-6 copies of outline.)
September 11, 2003:
Revisiting a Tragedy
Reading
for today’s class from text book:
ü
Chapter
5: Special Leads
ü
Chapter
6 Organizing a News Story
During class time, we will be
attending a timely lecture in Samuels Theatre.
You will then write a story about the lecture using quotes from both the
lecturer and guests at the lecture.
After the lecture, you must return to class to put together a draft of
your story.
Lecture: Angus Kress Gillespie,
Ph.D.
7:00 p.m. - Samuels Theatre
Dr. Gillespie, professor of American studies at Rutgers University and
World Trade Center Historian will deliver and educational presentation entitled
"Twin Towers, 1973-2001: The Life and Death of New York City's World Trade
Center." Gillespie's 1999 book, "Twin Towers: The Life of New York
City's World Trade Center," chronicles the history of the skyscrapers.
Assignments for
next class:
ü 1st
story draft due on Thursday:
ü “Best
of” clipping: Please choose an article that uses quotes and attributions well.
September 18: Making it
interesting
ü In-class
critiques of story 1
ü Review
of “best of”
ü Post
Final Story #1 by 9:30pm
Reading for
today’s class from text book:
ü
Chapter
8 Quotations and Attribution
ü
Appendix
A: Principles of Ethical Conduct for Newsrooms
ü
Appendix
B: Associated Press Stylebook pages 441-443
Assignment for next class:
ü Post
lead for Story #2
ü Review
of “best of”
ü Discuss
story 2 ideas and critique leads
Reading for today’s class from text book:
ü
Chapter
10 Interviewing
ü
Chapter
11 Computer Assisted Reporting and
Research
ü
Chapter
12 Surveys
ü
Appendix
B: Associated Press Style Rules pages 444-446
QUIZ
Assignments for next class:
ü Please
post Outline for Story #2
ü “Best
of” clipping: Please choose an article that was based on a speech or press
conference or that seems to be written from a news release from another
institution.
ü Review
of “best of”
Reading for today’s class from textbook:
ü
Chapter
13 Obituaries
ü
Chapter
14 News Releases
ü
Chapter
15 Speeches and Press Conferences
ü
Appendix
B: Associated Press Style Rules pages 447-449
In-class assignment: Writing a story from a press release
QUIZ
Assignments for next class:
ü Please
post Draft of Story #2
October 9: News Beats
ü Post
Final Story #2 by 9:30pm
Reading for today’s class from textbook:
ü
Chapter
16 Weather and Disasters
ü
Chapter
19 City Government
ü
Chapter
20 Covering Police and Fire Departments
ü
Appendix
B: Associated Press Style Rules pages 450-452
Assignments for
next class:
ü “Best
of” clipping: Please choose an article from the feature or sports section.
ü Post
lead for story #3
October 16 : Court Reporting
and “Soft” News
Guest speaker:
Editor
ü Review
of “best of”
ü Work
on 3rd Story
Reading for today’s
class from textbook:
ü
Chapter
9 Features
ü
Chapter
24 Business News and Other Specialties
ü Appendix B: Associated Press
Style Rules pages 453-456
In-class assignment: Writing a feature article – changed…
Assignments due
for next class:
ü Be
sure to have completed reading “All the President’s Men” – There will be a quiz
next class.
ü Also,
please bring in a 2-3 page reaction to the book that includes what journalists
can learn from the accounts of Woodward and Bernstein.
October 23: Investigative
reporting
ü Writing
exercise/QUIZ on “All the President’s Men”
ü View: All the President’s Men
Reading for today’s class from textbook:
ü
Chapter
23: In-Depth and Investigative Reporting
Assignments for next class:
ü “Best
of” clipping: Please choose an article
from a news website with a corresponding news program. (i.e. ABCnews.com, or
CNN.com)
ü Please
post Outline for Story #3
October 30 : Broadcast News
Review of “best of”
Video: “Local News”
Reading for today’s class from textbook:
Chapter
17 Broadcast Writing
QUIZ
Assignment for next class:
ü Please
post draft of Story #3
Post Final Story #3 by 9:30pm
Review of “best of”
Video: on Media Law
Reading for today’s class from textbook:
Chapter
25 Law
Assignment for next class:
ü Please
post lead for Story #4
ü “Best
of” clipping: Please bring in an
article from any news source that covers marginalized groups in society OR that
talks about the ethics involved in reporting.
November 13: Responsible
Reporting
Review of “best of”
Readings for today’s class from textbook:
Chapter
18 Multicultural Reporting
Chapter
26 Ethics and Fairness: Responsibility to
Society
In-class assignment: Ethics
QUIZ
Assignment for next class:
ü
Please post outline of Story #4
November 20: Issues facing
journalists today
Video: “Fear and Favor in the Newsroom”
Assignment for next class:
ü Please
post draft of Story #4
Thursday, December 4th:
Review of “best of”
Last Class
Work on final story in-class and in-class critiques.
Please bring all necessary
materials to class to work on story.
Assignments for
December 11:
ü Final
Story due.
ü LAST
“best of” clipping due. This clipping
is for extra credit. Please
choose your article from a source that you enjoy reading. This source should be credible and follow
all of the guidelines that we have discussed in this class. If the article is well written and your
response is well thought out, you will receive 2% added onto your final grade. (SUGGESTION: DO THIS EXTRA CREDIT!)
Thursday, December
11th:
Final Story and Portfolio due in Lydia’s office in
Hartzel Hall by 12noon.
Your writing portfolio should include all of your
in-class assignments, quizzes, “best of” clipping and summaries as well as your
stories and all rewrites. Your
portfolio should be in a 3-ring binder and please remember that part of your
participation grade is your portfolio.
On the last page of your portfolio please type a
brief description of how you feel you benefited from the class and what would
have helped you more.
Please also indicate what you believe your
“participation” grade should be. Please
explain your reasons for the grade.
This will help during grading to remind me of your contributions to the
class.
Student groups
for the purpose of peer writing evaluations
August/September October November/December
Group 1 Group 1 Group 1
Arbushites, Amy Arbushites, Amy Misiura, Linda
Brabant, Jessica Misiura, Linda Brabant, Jessica
Geary, Christine Solt, Stacey Strong, Rose
Masarath, Parveen Kistner, Jamie Stransky, Michelle
Extra Class Member 1 Tchomakova, Iva Extra Class Member 2
Group 2 Group 2 Group 2
Misiura, Linda Brabant, Jessica Arbushites, Amy
Morgan, Cheryl Morgan, Cheryl Tchomakova, Iva
Orobono, Cynthia Steiner, Kaitlin Steiner, Kaitlin
Pereira, Beatriz Meyers, Jessica Gizerian, Jennifer
Extra Class Member 2 Extra Class Member 1 Pereira, Beatriz
Group 3 Group 3 Group 3
Solt, Stacey Geary, Christine Solt, Stacey
Steiner, Kaitlin Orobono, Cynthia Meyers, Jessica
Strong, Rose Strong, Rose Rubertelli, Nicole
Gizerian, Jennifer Rubertelli, Nicole Extra Class Member 3
Extra Class Member 3 Extra Class Member 2 Orobono, Cynthia
Group 4 Group 4 Group 4
Kistner, Jamie Masarath, Parveen Kistner, Jamie
Meyers, Jessica Pereira, Beatriz Extra Class Member 1
Rubertelli, Nicole Gizerian, Jennifer Morgan, Cheryl
Stransky, Michelle Stransky, Michelle Geary, Christine
Tchomakova,
Iva Extra Class Member 3 Masarath,
Parveen
Story Ideas:
August 5 - September 21, 2003
Exhibit: An Eye for the City – Italian Photography
& the Image of the Contemporary City
(Wed-Sun); Zoellner Arts Center – Bethlehem; (610) 7LU-ARTS
Through October 31, 2003
Miles of Mules
A public art project featuring 300 painted and decorated fiberglass mules,
located along the heritage cooridor between Luzerne and Bucks Counties.
Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor; (610) 923-3548
September 1-30, 2003
American Revolutionary War Exhibit and Artifacts
18th Century artifacts, history presentations and exhibits will be held with
living history, displaying the Revolution's meaning and importance. Fri and Sat
10am to 5pm. Sun noon to 5pm.
1753 Bachmann Publick House – Easton; (610) 258-1612
September 1 - October 12, 2003
Gallery Exhibit: Victor Davson
Cedar Crest College - Allentown; (610) 606-4666 x3666
September 2 - December 12, 2003
Exhibit: Strike Up the Bands
(closed major holidays) History of bands in Lehigh County a display detailing
the oldest civilian band in America, The Allentown Band. Old Courthouse - Allentown; (610) 435-1074
September 18-21, 2003
Butterfly Festival $
Learn about the monarch butterfly and how they migrate, during this seventh
annual festival. There will be activities, displays and presentations.
Game Preserve – Schnecksville; (610) 799-4171
September 26-28, 2003
Celtic Classic Highland Games & Festival
A three day celebration of celtic music, with highland athletics, bagpipe
bands, dancing, vendors and crafters. A great day for the family! Hours are 5
p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
on Sunday.
Historic Bethlehem; (610) 868-9599; celticfest@fast.net
Find
additional info at: http://www.lehighvalleypa.org/cgi-bin/calendar.pl
http://allentownpa.org/thingstodo.htm
; http://bethlehempa.org/events/;
http://www.easton-pa.org/
Places in the Lehigh Valley where you can find
interesting events, people and products:
Allentown
Art Museum, Baum School of Art, Burnside Plantation, Colonial Industrial
Quarter, Goundie House, Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts, MCS Gallery,
Moravian Museum, Open Space Gallery, The Banana Factory, Williams Center Gallery,
Zoellner Arts Center AND
The
Allentown Symphony Orchestra, The Bach Choir, Celtic Classic Highland Games
& Festival, Civic Theatre of Allentown, Concours d'Elegance, Pennsylvania Playhouse
Pennsylvania
Shakespeare Festival, State Theatre in Easton, & the Touchstone Theater