Journalism Course Syllabus

Mrs. Colwell, Room A1 Computer Lab

bethanieg.colwell@cms.k12.nc.us
Why Journalism?
Journalism is more than a class it is a real world business! You have an obligation to your classmates, teachers,
and community to produce several publications. By joining this class you assume responsibility for meeting these
obligations. Following the first nine weeks, this class will run very similarly to a real world newspaper, each with
specific roles and responsibilities to fulfill. You will be treated as professional adults, and will be expected to be
hard working, cooperative, and a professional member of the Journalism staff.

Course Objectives:
To develop reading skills in analyzing informational texts.
To develop writing skills in a clear, concise, and colorful way.
To develop journalistic skills in researching, interviewing, editing, photography, layout, and design.
To develop computer skills in word processing, desktop publishing, and photo management.
To develop cooperative learning skills, practicing respect, responsibility, communication, and cooperation.
Examples of Class Activities:
Reading, writing, hands-on activities, drawing pictures and diagrams, taking photos and other
activities to learn about journalism, journalistic writing, photography and photojournalism, layout and
design, desktop publishing, digital photo manipulation, and other topics.
Using various software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, desktop publishing, photo
manipulation, and more.
Going on assignment around campus to take pictures, interview people, conduct surveys and pools,
conduct research, and other duties as assigned.
Lunchtime, after school, and evening work attending sports games and other school events as reporters
and photographers.
Required Materials:
Composition Notebook. This will be used as your reporters notebook.
Optional Materials:
A digital camera. This is by no means a requirement, but if you have a digital camera, you may use it for
your journalism assignments. *The Journalism program at Southwest Middle School is not responsible for
lost, stolen, or damaged personal property.
A computer with internet access at home. If your family has a computer at home with word processing
softward, it can help you with your articles and other writing assignments. If you have internet acces, then
we can use Edmodo and email as an effective mean of communication.
Communication:

Primarily, you will communicate with Mrs. Colwell and your classmates using Edmodo, an online
networking site similar to Facebook. On this site, we will be able to share thoughts, documents, even
conduct surveys to include in our paper. The same rules of respect and conduct are expected online as in
the classroom. We will log on together in the lab, but need your parents consent. This form is due signed
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by Wednesday, September 4 .
Do not be afraid to ask questions! I am here to help you in everyway that I can.
Homework and Deadlines:
Students will walk through the writing process during class. Four to five class days will be allotted for each
major writing assignment. If you are off task during class, the assignment will become homework.
Completing all publications by their deadline is the extremely important! Whatever it takes for you to
complete your assignments before the deadline, you are expected to do so.
Attending sports games and other school events as reporters, and working overtime to complete all
assignments before each publication deadline.

Parent/guardian signature will be required on consent forms and progress reports and other papers sent
home.
Since not everyone has a computer at home, no computer-based homework is ever assigned. However,
additional practice or work time on a computer, as needed by individual students may be necessary.
Journalism is more than a class it is a real world business with absolute deadlines that we much meet.
Students who miss their publication deadlines will not get fired, his or her grade will be lowered and lose
class privileges (such as their Press Pass to go on assignments around campus).
It is the responsibility of the student to find out what work has been missed. Students have three days to
complete make-up assignments, with a loss of 10% each day after.
Late work will be accepted on assignments for partial credit, as stated above. Some assignments, such as
the published paper assignments, must be completed and turned in by the due date in order for your work
to be published.
Assessment and Grading:
Various paper-and-pencil and computer based in-class assignments.
Successful on-time completion of reporting, including writing and editing of articles/layouts of various
publications.
Grading scale:
A= 93-100
B= 85-92
C= 77-84
D= 70-76
F= Below 70
Extra credit opportunities are always available, but students must already have completed the regular
assignments before they are eligible for extra credit. Students who put in a lot of extra time reporting on
and/or photographing school events, working to meet deadlines, or other tasks, will receive extra credits for
their extra efforts. Hard work will not go unnoticed!

Course Expectations and Rules

Core Principles:
RESPECT to yourself, other people, and property.
Accept RESPONSIBILITY for your work, your decisions, and your actions.
COMMUNICATE what you think, feel, want, and need. Dont be afraid to ask for help!
Work COOPERATIVELY with your classmates.
Be PREPARED and FOCUSED. Socialize on your own time.
STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE in all you do. Work hard, play fair, be kind.
Rules:
Follow all school rules.
Be in your seat, with all materials ready when the bell rings.
Stay focused on the lesson and the work you need to complete. Do not distract others.
Listen attentively to whomever is speaking.
Work cooperatively in whatever group you are assigned. If you have an issue with a group member, talk to
me privately.
Save the food and drink for the lunchroom. No snacks or beverages in the lab.

Consequences:
Sudents who do not follow the rules and procedures of Mrs. Colwells classroom and the Journalism program
will face some or all of the following consequences, in sequential order:
st
1 offense Verbal warning
nd
2 offense Silent lunch
rd
3 offense Call home, loss of Press Pass
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4 offense After school detention or in school suspension
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5 offense Administrative referral, possible parent conference, possible behavior contract
Severe infractions, such as fighting, will be immediately referred to the school administration.