JOUR 1100 - Writing News for Publication

Credit Hours: 3.00

Prerequisites: None

Focuses on the elements of news story writing and reporting. Student learns to write spot news and feature stories, interview newsmakers, and gather information. Student writing will be suitable for publication, formatted in Word documents and presented in Associated Press (AP) style.

Contact Hours: 3
Billable Contact Hours: 3

OUTCOMES AND OBJECTIVES
Outcome 1: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to gather information for news story writing and reporting.

Objectives:

Conduct comprehensive research (including online research) necessary for writing news stories that focus on community, campus news, and local events.
Interview individuals providing information for news stories.
Take reporter’s notes.

Outcome 2: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to produce news stories suitable for publication.

Objectives:

Using a computer, produce news stories (for a total of approximately 4,000-plus words during the semester).
Use correct grammar, punctuation, spelling and sentence structure.
Correctly and accurately quote sources, including authoritative sources.
Write news stories that are accurate and unbiased.
Create summary leads which could include anecdotal leads, scenic leads, and leads with flair.
Practice writing attention-getting leads to draw in readers.
Organize stories in an inverted pyramid format, as well as adhere to other techniques recognized by professional journalist.
Format stories in a manner that is conducive to The Associated Press Stylebook.
Develop a story that is timely, factual, and reader-friendly for an audience.
Using a computer, write and submit an assigned article in a format designed to contribute to contemporary layout and design practices.

Outcome 3: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to edit and ‘coach’ other writers through copy editing.

Objectives:

Recognize the editor’s significant role in maintaining a quality publication.
Given written news stories of other students, edit and provide feedback for improvement.

COMMON DEGREE OUTCOMES
(Bulleted outcomes apply to the course)

1. The graduate can integrate the knowledge and technological skills necessary to be a successful learner.

2. The graduate can demonstrate how to think competently.

The graduate can demonstrate how to employ mathematical knowledge.

4. The graduate can demonstrate how to communicate competently.

5. The graduate is sensitive to issues relating to a diverse, global society.

COURSE CONTENT OUTLINE

Introduction to Journalism
Writing Exercise/Warm-up
The Role of Journalism
Serving Your Country/Letters from Home
Storytelling/Inverted Pyramid
Lab Work/”What’s your Story?”
Interviewing
Student Interview #1
Student Interview Presentations
Student Interview #2
Discuss “Prominent Person” Story
How to Write an Attention-Grabbing Lead
Group Work
Student Profile Due
Research/Finding Sources
Library Tour
Copy Editing
Prominent Person Story Due
Lab work/Finding Web Sources
Covering Meetings
Briefing for Guest Speaker
Guest Speaker Interview
Copy Editing
Guest Speaker Story Due
Beat Reporting
Editorial Writing
Fact vs. Opinion
Student Meetings
Movie Screening
Town Meeting Story
Writing for Other Media
Copy Editing
Briefing for Teleconference
Movie Review Due
Teleconference Interview
Copy Editing
Teleconference Story Due
Copy Editing
Beat Story Due
Guest Speaker
Design and Layout (for Print and Web)

Primary Faculty
Masters, Marie
Secondary Faculty

Associate Dean
Ternullo, Annette
Dean
Pritchett, Marie

Official Course Syllabus - Macomb Community College, 14500 E 12 Mile Road, Warren, MI 48088