Syllabus

Course Title

Journalism I

Course Instructor

Suzanne Brown

suzanne_brown@gilbertschools.net

480-507-0519 ext. 2123

Course Description

Students will gain a broader understanding of the writing process as it pertains to journalism. Topics to be addressed include determining news, gathering/interviewing, newswriting, and editing and revision. The student also will study the First Amendment, media law, and ethics.

Student Learning Objectives

At the completion of the course, students will be able to understand and apply: (1) the role of the media in a democracy; (2) the legal restrictions of media law; (3) ethical decision-making skills; (4) news; (5) gathering; and (6) basic news writing. Time permitting, students will also be exposed to (7) basic design, including photojournalism, graphics and cartooning; (8) advertising; and (9) an exploration of journalism-related careers.

Book and Materials

Most books and materials will be provided in class. Students must bring a binder with loose leaf paper or a notebook and pencil/pen to every class.

Movies

Absence of Malice. Columbia Pictures, ©1981. Rating: PG

All the President’s Men. Warner Brothers, Inc., ©1976. Rating: PG

Shattered Glass. Lions Gate Home Entertainment, ©2003. Rating: PG-13.

The Truman Show. Paramount Pictures. ©1998. Rating: PG.

These movies may be shown in class and their content is appropriate according to school guidelines.

Standards for Assessment

Students will be assessed according to weekly writing assignments, quizzes, projects, class discussions, presentations, and other activities. Students who satisfactorily meet established course objectives and standards will be deemed proficient. While I have designed the course so that there are many opportunities for students to demonstrate their proficiency, the success of each student’s learning experience will be determined by the student’s own actions. I will provide the guidance, support, resources, and an essential learning community in which students can thrive; students must provide hard work, accountability, and a willingness to think critically about complex topics.

Students will be assessed with a variety of methods in the following areas:

(1) ACTIVITIES — Throughout each unit of learning, activities (for example: projects, presentations, assignments and worksheets) will be selected by students and/or assigned by me and turned in for evaluation. The majority of students’ grades will be from this area.

(2) WRITING — Students will write, revise and edit several types of stories. Rubrics will be used to assess writing.

(3) TESTS/QUIZZES

Grading Policy

90-100=A

80-89=B

70-79=C

60-69=D

60 or below=F

• Missing/late will be accepted with no penalty until the end of the 8th week of the block. While missing, work will be recorded in Infinite Campus with a failing grade of 50%. The grade may change upon submission and grading. Please note: 50% most often indicates the assignment was not submitted.

• Plagiarism/cheating will result in a failing grade with no option to make up

Classroom Expectations

I expect full respect for everyone in the classroom – students as well as myself. This includes an understanding that when someone is talking, all others are actively listening.

• Electronic devices such as cell phones must be turned off and stored in the supplied location during class time. Use of Bluetooth headphones and smartwatches is forbidden. Any electronic device that is out during class will result in disciplinary action.

• Absolutely no food is allowed in the classroom. Water is allowed in sealable bottles.

• Any work that is plagiarized, including being copied from another student, will receive a zero without an option to re-do the assignment.

• Missing/late work is accepted without penalty until the end of the eighth week of the block.