Journalism I Syllabus
Mr. Clark
(847) 658-2500
This term of journalism is dedicated to broadcast news. During this time, you will be responsible for three projects:
- 1. Network News - watch any of the nightly news programs: 60 Minutes, Dateline, 20/20, 48 Hours, or PrimeTime. Make a presentation to the class on any one segment from any of these news programs. Your presentation must be typed and turned into the teacher. In it you will explain:
- a. what was NOT covered;
- b. whether or not you see bias and who it favors;
- c. what was well-covered and why;
- d. how the presentation helped or hurt the story;
- e. your opinion of the writing.
- 2. DJ - you will be a pop/rock radio show DJ. On a cassette tape, you will record your voice in five minutes of tape, accompanied by a few seconds of tunes. Your show must be typed and turned into the teacher. You may include, but are not limited to any of the following:
- a. the weather;
- b. news on a group whose music you just played;
- c. current events around town;
- d. traffic reports;
- e. any personality quips you feel comfortable using.
- 3. Broadcast News - You will make a video tape of a news broadcast with your group of four. One of you will be the anchor, one will be a partner, one will be a reporter giving local news, possibly on location, and one will be the sports reporter. You must dress appropriately. Your script must be written individually and turned in with your video. In it you will include:
- a. news;
- b. features;
- c. sports;
- d. transitions between articles;
- e. appropriate dress;
- f. obvious attention to detail.
Classroom Procedures/Policies
*Tardy policy-students must be seated in their assigned seat with all of their materials when the bell rings.
*Students must always have their textbooks and other required class materials. Students will lose daily participation points if they are unprepared for class.
*Food is not allowed in the classroom. Please eat before or after class.
*Beverages are allowed in the classroom. However, if they become a distraction, they will be prohibited.
*Students must respect themselves, others, their classroom environment, and learning.
Consequences for noncompliance with classroom expectations may include:
- Name written on the board-teacher/student conference for 2 minutes
immediately after class
- Check mark next to name on board-teacher/student conference for 4 minutes after immediately after class and parent notification
- 2nd Check mark next to name on board-detention and parent notification
- Referral to Student Services and parent notification
*Some rule infractions will result in immediate referral to Student Services
Homework
Expect daily homework assignments that will be awarded points. Students are responsible for knowing what the assignments are and for completing them. Work will be accepted ONE day late and for a maximum of half-credit only. Any work handed in after that will receive no credit.
Make Up Work
Students are allowed two days to make up work for every one day missed due to an excused absence. The student is responsible for obtaining any missed assignments and any class notes from the teacher. Students are not allowed to make up work missed due to an unexcused absence.
Grading Scale
Grading may include homework assignments, journals, warm-up exercises, daily oral
participation, projects, papers, quizzes, and tests. Each assignment will be assigned a maximum point value, against which the assignment will be evaluated.
Parents can view their student's respective performance through Infinite Campus. For user instructions, please visit www.d300.org.
Extra Help
I will be available in the English Office to assist students before and after school, during 2nd block, and during flex (5th block) in Room 237. I will gladly help you with your class work, so please contact me when you need any assistance.
Cellular Telephones & Personal Audio Devices (iPods)
School policy prohibits the use of cellular telephones in school, including their use for text messages. The 1st and 2nd offense result in a Saturday detention and the 3rd offense results in an out of school suspension. Additionally, personal audio devices are not allowed in this class. Consequences include a detention for 1st offense and a referral to Student Services for the 2nd and 3rd offenses. To avoid the temptation, students should not bring either item to class at any time.