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Journalism 1 & 2 Mastery. Malcolm Galdwell says it takes 10,000 hours to master a skill. By the time you’ve worked on The Talon, you may feel like you’re nearly there! Students in Journalism 1 & 2 have already taken the introductory course, and they will now work toward mastery of skills with the additional objectives of developing leadership and taking an active roll in editorial decision-making for the The Talon staff. Yes, we still operate on the “Learn one, Do one, Teach one” model, and you will keep a portfolio (and possibly prep for Student Journalist of the Year contest), but you will also specialize in a specific area of interest in which you will be our expert, a Master with one or more apprentices assigned to you at any given time. As always, Mrs. Swann will guide you and offer resources and instruction. With hard work and experience, you will be able to become an editor of the top student

newspaper in SC.

So…What’s the Scoop on Beginning Journalism?

The Beginning Journalism course offers fundamentals in gathering information, journalistic writing, understanding and applying journalism standards and newspaper principles. The class may attend a conference and participate in competitions – The Talon was named the top newspaper in the state last year, and we plan to keep our All-State rating and our title!

Much of class time will be spent in the writing lab. Students may contribute to The Talon newspaper print or online. Modes of instruction include instruction from the instructor, Mrs. Beth Swann, and mentoring by advanced students, participating in discussions, critiquing and editing work, locating and interviewing sources, writing and revising stories based on student-conducted interviews and research. Students will keep a portfolio of their work.

Learn one, Do one, Teach one is our modus operandi. You’ll become an apprentice of sorts (or in Jedi lingo, a Padawan) working toward mastery. You can choose your main area of expertise, but you will be required to learn the basics of reporting, writing, as well photography, AP Style rules, and basics of design. In this College Prep course, you’re more than merely a student. ✎

Supplies: 3-ring binder 2” notebook paper dividers pencil, pens & reporter’s notepad. Flash drive optional.

Policy: Meet all deadlines. One letter grade off for each day late (two-day max). No food or drinks in the classroom or computer lab.

Contact Info: I am available by appointment before and after school for help. You may reach me via my school email address: swanne@fortmillschools.org

T H E T A L O N

Nation Ford High School • Beth Swann, Instructor J

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Expectations for Students:

Discipline Policy: I expect each student in Introduction to Journalism to contribute to a positive learning environment. Like any organization or business, morale and cooperation are critical to success and the happiness of the staff. Students are expected to show RESPECT to fellow students, your teacher, your classroom and materials, and yourself. Follow procedures such as raising your hand instead of calling out, staying on task, refraining from unnecessary socializing, signing in and out of class, putting away equipment, etc. Every student as the right to learn, so if you choose to be disruptive, disrespectful, or exhibit inappropriate behavior, it will be addressed as follows:

•Verbal Warning • •1 on 1 conference the outside classroom • & possible email or phone call to parent

• •Lunch Detention &/or Held after School • •TIMEOUT/ISS (followed up by referral)

This is high school and mature, responsible behavior is expected. Repeat offenders will not be given warnings. They will have to learn self-control or they must leave the classroom.

Beginning Journalism Classroom Norms Here’s what we need from you so that all students can be successful.

Give me your best, and we’ll have an awesome semester.

Serving as a member of the newspaper staff is a privilege and a responsibility. Students are expected to produce publications of the highest ethical and quality standards. Students who demonstrate a strong work ethic and maturity will get the most opportunities and freedom throughout the course. Furthermore: ✎ You are expected to get to class on time with all your materials as instructed. You will always need notebook, paper, and writing utensils.

✎ Come to class prepared. Count on a current event quiz every Friday. You’ll scored on a point system.

✎ Listen respectfully to me and to your classmates. Journalists – and all good writers – are good listeners.

✎ We’ll be discussing some controversial subjects. Everyone is entitled to an opinion. Unlike the talking heads on TV, we will engage in civil, intelligent debates.

✎ Work independently and cooperatively, adhering to the publication policies.

✎ Complete tasks on time. DEADLINES are critical in the news business (and my classroom). Late work is penalized one grade per day. If you have no extension ahead of time, then by day 3, no credit. Make-up work ASAP – we still have deadlines, and quizzes or tests must be within 5 days.

✎ You must be where you are supposed to be, doing what you are supposed to be doing at all times. To leave class, you must have a pass, emergency pass (3/grading period) for nurse or bathroom, or press pass for journalism business. You must have permission first, and you will also sign out and back in when we are in the lab.

✎ No food or drinks other than water in a closed container to be kept in your backpack. No electronic devices while in class unless it is for journalistic purposes – and you must permission. The school policy applies.

✎ Clean up after yourself and adhere to school rules, including those for electronic devices.

✎ Do your best. We publish any quality piece you create.

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Headlines, Bylines, Deadlines & More: What You’ll Learn & Master in Journalism

As of today, you are a junior journalist – before you know it, you’ll be blogging or or going under cover for an investigative report. Check it out:

• Mass Communication Theory, History of Journalism Effects of mass media, and the history of journalism– significant events that have given mass media, especially newspapers, the importance they hold in our society. • Press Law: Freedom and Responsibility Comprehend and discuss aspects of freedom of the press and its limits in both daily and school newspapers and other mass media. • The News Function Recognize and gather news for stories, identify parts and purposes of a newspaper, and understand the hierarchy and work process of a newspaper staff. • News Writing Practice the techniques of covering and writing news leads and news stories, and practice using a word processor to set up copy correctly. • Editing & Style Use proper editing marks and style rules. See how broadcast journalism differs from print, and tape your own show.

• The Art of Interviewing Study and practice the art of interviewing sources, and recognize legitimate sources in the professional press. •Feature Writing Evaluate all types of features and to write feature leads and stories. • Op/Ed Writing & Special Columns Study and write editorials for class and The Talon. Read, discuss and evaluate different types of

special columns. Practice by imitating the style of a favorite columnist. • Sports Writing Cover sports events and write advance, coverage and follow-up stories, and features. • Headline & Cutline Writing Write headlines and cutlines, using a variety of typestyles. • Layout & Design Design pages through computerized techniques. • Photo Journalism Introductory photography and computerized techniques. • Business & Advertising Understand the financial management of a newspaper. Design work. Sell one ad.

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Making the Grade Journalism Students Are Typically at the Top

Plan on at least one field trip and perhaps guest speakers in class. Mature and respectful behavior will be required. FYI: Journalism students typically have the highest SAT scores

in the U.S. College scholarships may be available for journalism students.

EVALUATION (GRADES) YOU ARE ENCOURAGED TO CHOOSE A PARTICULAR AREA OF INTEREST TO MASTER

AND THEN MENTOR OTHER STUDENTS. LEARN ONE! DO ONE! TEACH ONE!

MINOR ASSIGNMENTS/ASSESSMENTS Homework, Current Events, Warm up activities, Classroom Activities, Note-taking

MAJOR ASSIGNMENTS/ASSESSMENTS

Quizzes/Tests on vocabulary, current events, unit objectives Articles/Projects, 1 ad sale, Service project with staff

Electronic Portfolio Final Exam = 10% of semester grade

Should you complete the minimum requirements, you will be expected to go above and beyond: work is still due every week, and you may be acting as an apprentice or a master of any given area (ie photography), in which case you are either moving toward mastery OR assisting your own apprentice. All Intro students will serve as an apprentice until they master a set of skills, then they, too will take on an apprentice. J1&2 students are expected to master at least editing/AP style, design, headline, cutline writing MINIMUM Requirements for Your Portfolio:

6 photos with cutlines and arranged in a professional-looking layout (magazine/yearbook style) 3 news stories (includes sports) 3 features (includes sports) 2 op/ed (or 1 op/ed and 1 review or column) 1 layout (single or double-truck) 2 examples of infographics (you may collaborate with an artist on this) 2 Man-on-the-Street sidebars 3 Edits (proof read a story using copy editing marks and AP style rules) 1 Ad sale (you may design it as well, but include a copy of the ad even if you are not the designer) 1 PR project (ie help set up Twitter acct. or send a tweet, add to FB, make a flier/poster/banner, etc.) 2 Power Points, Prezi’s, or videos: “Get to Know Me” and “First Five” (If time allows, a video either behind or in front of the camera for broadcast news)

Each week, an article/project is DUE by Friday. You’ll write for The Talon (both online & print) and for your portfolio. Top-notch work (as determined by editors and adviser) will be published. All students should have work in The Talon. You will complete a weekly worksheet (keep up each day) and turn it in with hard copies of your work attached (ie. notes, photos, articles, etc.) each Friday. You will keep all completed worksheets and hardcopies in your folder in the newsroom/computer lab. All notes for unit studies must be hand-written. You will have a test or project (sometimes both) per unit, in which case you can take notes home, if desired, until you complete the test. You’ll keep the projects on the Z-drive in your folder and will put them together in a portfolio that is due at the end of the semester before the final exam. You must have an ELECTRONIC portfolio to turn in for this course -- which will be helpful for job applications, college scholarship applications, and contests.