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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY
COURSE CODE: "JRN 221"
COURSE NAME: "Introduction to News Reporting and Writing"
SEMESTER & YEAR:
Spring 2015
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SYLLABUS
INSTRUCTOR:
Judy Bachrach
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS:
MW 10:00 AM 11:15 AM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS:
45
CREDITS:
3
PREREQUISITES:
Prerequisite: EN 110 with a grade of C or above
OFFICE HOURS:
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COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course is an introduction to journalistic writing and news gathering. You will learn the structure and style for news, investigative, and feature stories, interviewing techniques for quotation and attribution, as well as the basics of communications law, especially libel (and how to avoid it!). We will also consider some underlying legal, political and philosophical issues that underlie journalism in all its forms.
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SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
This will be a course that will teach you how to write, edit, and report clearly, concisely -- using instincts, intellect, and often as not, your sense of humor. You will be introduced (if you haven't been already!) to the intent of the Founding Fathers when they wrote the First Amendment -- what you may (and may not) do within the confines of that amendment -- and the nature of journalism today, as opposed to the 18th century.
Of special interest in this course: How Julian Assange and Edward Snowden changed journalism. Forever!
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LEARNING OUTCOMES:
You will all become, sooner or later, careful, interested, curious and clear writers. I promise you that.
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TEXTBOOK:
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REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
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GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
| Assignment | Guidelines | Weight |
| 4 assignments | These will include profiles, investigative stories, hard news stories, and a feature story | 40 % |
| Participation | | 30% |
| Investigation reports | | 30% |
-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the cours
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.
-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Journalism is all about showing up. If you don't show up there's no story. If you are sick, you will need a doctor's note. So although I am easy about many things, showing up for class is a must -- and showing up on time is also essential. More than 2 unexcused absences mean that you will not get a grade higher than a B. All work must be handed in on time, unless once again, the student is ill.
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ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic
dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred.
In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment,
may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of
academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student
who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from
the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation
to the President, who will make the final decision.
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STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap.
Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning
of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.
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SCHEDULE
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The schedule will be done week by week depending on news.
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