Welcome to Advanced Writing – Journalism (J1), one of the few classes offered at South in which students are expected to get published and are actually given
      an outlet to do just that: in the The Paw Print, your student newspaper, published by students, about issues and topics that students themselves have chosen to
      write about.  In other words, this is a class for students who are intellectually curious and have strong opinions, who are able to listen honestly to both sides of an       issue and report about it, and who may be, right now, either good writers or bad writers but who want to learn how to write better.

    Curriculum

    In J1, you will learn the ropes of newspaper publishing: its background and history; the elements of interviewing; news, feature, sports, and editorial writing;    
    photography, design and layout, and advertising. Expect to spend a significant amount of time outside of class working on projects. Expect to spend a
    significant amount of time writing.

    Particularly for the fall semester, we will cover the following topics:

• History and Background of American Media (Aug-Sept)
• Interviewing (Sept)
• News Writing (Oct)
• AP Style and Current Event Speeches (Nov)
• Feature Writing (Nov-Dec)
• Advertising (Jan)

    Materials

    You need several materials for this class.

• Journalism Today. This is your textbook, which I will provide.

    Grading

    Journalism is a deadline oriented profession. Homework, projects, and papers must be turned in on time.  

• Class Participation. Participation grades will regularly be given for in class work, reading, and writing.

• Homework. Homework turned in one day late will only receive 50% credit. Homework that is late two days: 25%. After two days, no credit will be given.
• Major Projects/Stories. Late projects and papers receive 10% off per day. 

    Objectives:

·             Students learn basic journalistic writing techniques

·                Students learn the importance of meeting deadlines and working as a part of a news team.

·         .  Students stay current with issues and trends by reading and discussing news.

·              Students discuss journalistic ethics and the responsibilities of the news media.

·            Students interview sources then write and rewrite features, sports, and news stories as well as editorial and opinion pieces for assessment. Some JI pieces may be  
        published in the school newspaper.

·           Students attempt to sell and possibly create advertisements.

·           Students take news photographs and create graphic designs.

·           Students take news photographs and create graphic designs.

·           Students design the newspaper in second semester.

    Daily Supplies:   

    3 Ring Binder
    Highlighters  
    2 Notebooks (college rule)
    Writing Utensils
    Newspaper subscription

    Tips for Succeeding in this Course:

ü      Do your homework (reading, writing, thinking)

ü         Complete each assignment on time. Remember: Deadline oriented profession!

ü      Come prepared to class.  Be responsible! (pens, notebooks, binder, etc.)

ü         Participate in class by always sharing your ideas.  I welcome different points of view!

ü      Never hesitate to ask questions.

ü      Come to class with a POSITIVE ATTITUDE and willingness to learn.  (Remember: the sunlight cannot come through if the shades are shut)

ü      Do not throw ANYTHING away!  Materials will be needed for your cumulative final exams each semester.

* In addition, participation and involvement is an integral component of this course.  Please become comfortable sharing your thoughts and comments with your fellow classmates.  Most of your homework/participation grade is based off of your effort to do so.