Course Syllabus

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JOURNALISM I

 

Journalism I is a preparatory course for FHS publications staffs (BLAZER and TRAIL classes.) It is designed to give the student insight into the world of journalism (specifically, print media) and prepare him/her for involvement with the student newspaper and yearbook. A student must receive at least a “B” in Journalism I to be considered for publications staff.

 

COURSE UNITS – Time Frames are subject to change

1) News Literacy & Gathering --- (2 weeks)

2) Lead Writing (Summary/AP and Novelty) (1 week)

3) Photography (1 week/throughout)

4) News Writing (2 weeks)

5) Feature Writing (1 week)

6) Interview Story Writing --- (1 week)

7) Editorial/ Column Writing --- (2 weeks)

8) Layout Design --- (2 weeks/throughout)

9) Advertising --- (1 weeks)

10) Freedom of the Press/Libel Law (includes group reports) --- (2 weeks)

11) May Blazer production (3 weeks)

 

NEWS QUIZ INFORMATION

We will have a News/Current Event Quiz every FRIDAY (or the LAST day of the week). Reading news publications either in print or online will help students prepare for the quiz. This is a very important facet of our Journalism I class. Proper completion of this assignment has many positive aspects. A few of those include:

  1. a) Instructional Reading
  • You will be reading material that has been written by professional journalists - news writing varies greatly from that which is learned in most of your English classes.
  1. b) Local, National and International News Awareness
  • In order to be successful journalists, you must understand local, state, national, and world happenings, and be aware of the impact each has on your readers.
  1. c) Required Reading/Reading Retention
  • Most people do not read as much, and as often, as they should. This assignment will require you to read and successfully retain what you have read.

 

SPELLING TESTS

We will have weekly spelling tests over commonly misspelled words. These tests will include five words. A list of words will be provided.

 

PHOTO ASSIGNMENTS

Each student is required to take two pictures weekly. The first of these pictures is any school related photo. Some categories include, but aren’t limited to, sports, clubs, classes (with permission), work, dances, pep rallies, etc. The second photo is a detailed photo on a weekly topic. We will develop these as a class.

Course Summary:

Date Details Due