INSTRUCTIONAL GOALS

This class will study the techniques, history and purpose of past and present media. We will cover writing for newspapers, magazines, online, television and radio.

At the end of this course, you will

• Be able to write many different kinds of articles
• Understand the history and purpose of the media

NEEDS AND RESOURCES

Required Background

To successfully complete this course, you must

·         complete a final research paper and have an average of 65 or above for four quarters of work.

Required Materials

·         Text book: Telling the Story: Writing for print broadcast and online media

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

 Classroom Behavior:

·         This class is run like a college level class. Nothing is tolerated. I have never had a problem in this class and never expect to have a problem.

·         Be on time to class. Being late interrupts the class. It is not only rude to be late, (without a pass) but then you have to catch up on what has been assigned. Do not come late to my class!

·         Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. Please behave properly in the classroom. Everyone will get a chance to speak. Raise your hand and wait to be called on. Multiple Disruptions will result in detentions.

·         Do not come into the classroom looking like you walked through a hurricane. I will make sure you keep to the uniform code.

·          If you act properly, I guarantee you will enjoy this class and actually learn something in the process.

Make up work

Anything missed while you were absent has to be made up. For homework, quizzes and tests you have one day after you return to school to make it up.

Example: If a student was absent on Monday and misses a test they have until the end of the school day on Wednesday to earn a make-up grade.

Cheating and plagiarizing

Both of these acts will result in zeros on the project or test. Neither of these will be tolerated in the classroom. They will earn you more trouble than it is worth. Cheating on tests and quizzes may earn you a trip to the Dean. Plagiarizing will earn you many calls and unpleasant visits to people you rather not have mad at you. I have the Internet. I can tell when you have written a piece yourself or copied it. I have tried all the tricks and failed them all miserably. Bottom line:

Do not cheat or plagiarize!

No excuses

Please be a man about things and tell the truth. I am not a soothsayer and will not sit and decide if you are telling the truth. I will not listen to any excuses. If it is a valid excuse the chances are that I already know before you tell me.

Grades

All of your grades will come from tests, quizzes, papers, projects and homework. All the grades will be averaged in together and that is how you get a grade for the marking period.  You are in charge of your own learning at this level. I will not force you to take notes. You have to pay attention. Your homework is still important.

My Promises

• If you act like grown ups and gentlemen you will be treated like grown ups and gentlemen.
• I will treat every student the same. No one will get special favors.
• I will try to make this class as fun and as enjoyable as I can, while at the same time giving you the education you deserve.