Journalism Syllabus

Journalism I

 Welcome to Journalism I, the course that produces the world famous, award winning, Olympia High School Torch!  I know you are all in here to write for the school paper and have tons of ideas on how to make the already fabulous Torch, even better.

 There are a few things we need to cover first for a variety of reasons, hence the distribution of the journalism textbook, Journalism Today.  This course is arranged in two sections.  First this semester is a study of basic newspaper writing (including news, features, headline and editorial writing) out of the textbook.  Newspaper writing is completely different from any essay writing done in previous English courses. 

Grades

Mrs. Hapgood follows the school’s standard grading scale policy.

94-100 A

86-93 B

77-85 C

70-76 D

 

Tests and Quizzes

There will be quizzes covering material learned in the textbook, class activities, readings and lectures.  There will be one midterm over the book and lecture material and a cumulative 15% final at the end of the semester. 

 

Web Site Reporting

            The Torch offers the unique opportunity for all students to publish their writing in two formats.  One is the traditional student newspaper; the other is publishing news articles to the Olympia District web site.  Once students have studied news writing, students will choose a “beat” to cover.  A beat is a source that the reporter contacts regularly to look for stories and events to cover; this type of news reporting allows the reporter to build a base of knowledge and familiarity about a specific area (such as football or FFA) and then write expertly about it.  Students are required to write one beat every two weeks all semester—even during Torch production—for 50 points each.  All beat articles must be emailed to Mrs. H by the assigned deadline along with a photo that illustrates the story.  There will be several lessons on photography as well to prepare for this assignment.

 

The Torch

Once students have mastered the basics of Journalism, production will begin.   Students will brainstorm, write, create, illustrate, photography, design, edit, publish and distribute 2 issues of The Torch.   This class is awesome because students create the look and content of each issue in its entirety! (with the helpful advice and guidance of Mrs. H, of course!)

 

Job Assignment

            Once The Torch is in production, everyone in class will be assigned a specific job.  These jobs range from Editor in Chief to photographer to page editor.  There is something for everyone!  Students will turn in three job choices and Mrs. H will put together a staff list based on everyone’s talents and abilities.  Regardless of the assigned job, everyone in class is a reporter and writer! 

 

Participation

Remember that The Torch is a group production.  Daily participation and attendance is crucial.  During each production period, 100 points is given for completing assigned jobs.  Students must be busy on Torch business during the production process—failure to work on Torch assignments or production will result in the loss of points. 

Story Assignments

Every production period, students will have three stories to complete—each is worth 50 points.  Deadlines are crucial here. 

In order to receive credit, stories must have appropriate subject matter and be turned in on time.  Stories also must be turned in with a cover sheet.  All stories are to be typed and saved on student X drives.  A printed out copy must be given to Mrs. H with attached coversheet for revising. 

Stories are assigned during a group session—students will be able to choose the stories that they want to write—it is rare that a story will be assigned to a specific reporter.

 

Welcome to the Torch staff!  I love teaching this course and am always excited to see what each new staff brings to the long tradition of this school paper.

 

Questions?

 

Please email or chat with Mrs. Hapgood:

 

Amanda.hapgood@olympia.org