Course Contents and Objectives
   Reporters know there are two main ways to becoming accomplished writers: read good journalism and practice writing. We will do both in this course. We will read newspapers and textbooks while writing our own news stories.
   You can expect to write just about every day. We will begin with some elementary exercises to acquaint you with journalism's conventions and end with your producing full-blown stories about actual events happening on campus.
  

Method of Instruction
 You will write many news stories, many of which will be discussed in class. All of the in-class assignments must be completed on the computers that are provided.
   The midterm and final will be based on material from class discussions and online articles. All homework must be typed or word processed.
   You must prepare two longer (2-3 pages, double-spaced, each) articles. You must also complete the assigned reading by the required date. Pop quizzes are always a possibility.
   A final exam will cover all material discussed in the class including these readings.

Required Textbooks

  Associated Press Stylebook and Libel Manual.

Attendance and Grading
   Regular attendance is expected. A good portion of your grade will result from in-class assignments.
   Assignments must be handed in at the designated time. There can be no make-ups for missed exercises or tests. Late assignments will result in a penalty of one lowered grade if turned in by the next class. No papers will be accepted after the date of the final exam (see Schedule of Classes).
   All papers will be judged by the standards for acceptability for publication in a professional newspaper.
   Be forewarned: I use all letter grades, from "A" to "F" with all the pluses and minuses in between.

   Grades will be based on the following:

In-class Assignments        40%
Two Stories (each)              15%
Midterm and Final (each)   15%