Journalism I

Rocky Mountain High School

Room 341
Mrs. Amy White, amwhite@psdschools.org
Ms. Meg Strauss, mstrauss@psdschools.org
Available: 1st period and lunch
Course Description:
Students will learn to examine professional news reporting and to write journalistically. The
fundamentals of news gathering, interviewing, reporting, and news writing are all learned as a
basis for newspaper production. This course is a prerequisite for Journalism II and reporting for
The Highlighter. Students will be introduced to the practices and skills of convergence media.
Objectives:
Students will:

 Become a knowledgeable consumer of news through exposure to a variety of media

 Understand the power of all forms of media and how they influence society
 Understand and practice the laws that govern the student press
 Understand freedom of the press and define the school media rights and limitations
 Understand the basic cornerstones of media content: truth, objectivity, and accuracy
 Consider news judgement in determining relevance for consumers
 Identify statements of fact or opinion, verify the identification and learn appropriate use
 Define journalistic writing styles and identify them in content
 Become familiar with feature writing and storytelling techniques
 Understand news elements and formulate story ideas for specific audiences
 Understand the parts of a story and how to research, write, and revise for publication
 Identify and use appropriate sources
 Conduct an effective interview to provide information for a story
 Develop journalistic writing and editing skills of accuracy, clarity, and brevity
 Write logically developed news, feature, persuasive pieces with strong introductions,
supporting evidence, and effective conclusions
 Understand the need for deadlines and learn time management strategies
 Develop skills in working effectively within a hierarchy of peers and adults
 Demonstrate critical thinking skills of analysis, synthesis, and evaluation to create media
content
 Understand use of graphics and typography in designing publications for print or the
web
 Utilize multi-media tools to effectively tell stories
 Demonstrate creativity in producing an authentic media product
 Develop familiarity with careers in media and communications
Requirements:

 Work diligently on all assignments, always doing the best work possible.
 Complete all assignments on time. Late work in unacceptable. You will receive one late
pass per quarter to use if needed. Any other late work will not be accepted. Deadlines are
very important in journalism.
 Undivided attention and cooperation in class
 Minimal homework, but expect outside class time for interviews, research, and projects
 For class discussions, be prepared to participate, make observations, and both ask and
answer questions
 Some quizzes and presentations
 Journalist research paper
 Podcasting episode
 Photojournalism assignment
 Variety of writing assignments- expect to write nearly every day!
 Keep a portfolio of all your writing assignments.
Attendance/Tardies:
It’s difficult to learn if you’re not in class. Please plan to be in class every day, on time. If you
should need to be absent, I will keep a clipboard will all the assignments and handouts for each
class period. You are responsible for any missed work. However, I am happy to clarify any
assignments, but I will not hunt you down and give you missing work. I give instructions at the
beginning of the class period, if you’re late, you’ll miss them. Please be on time. You have one
day for every one day of an excused absence to make up your work.
Behavior Guidelines:

 Bring paper, pen/pencil, and your laptop to every class; be prepared to work and to
learn.
 Respect me, the classroom, supplies, computers, and your fellow classmates.
 Always be unfailing polite to anyone you interview or use for research. You are a
representative of RMHS and me.
 Do your best.
 Do what’s right.
 Treat others the way you’d like to be treated.
This is one of my most favorite classes. I hope you love it, too! I’m looking forward to working
with you and having a great semester.
I understand the policies in the preceding Journalism I course outline. I understand the
makeup and late policies and the need to communicate with Mrs. White and Ms.
Strauss. I understand I can reach Mrs. White or Ms. Strauss through email, after school,
at lunch, or during their planning period (1st). I approve of my student reading the
newspaper and do not require any alternate texts.

Parent/Guardian Signature Date

Parent/Guardian e-mail address: ____________________________

_______________________________ __________
Student Signature Date

Student e-mail address: ___________________________________

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I understand the policies in the preceding Journalism I course outline. I understand the
makeup and late policies and the need to communicate with Mrs. White and Ms.
Strauss. I understand I can reach Mrs. White or Ms. Strauss through email, after school,
at lunch, or during their planning period (1st). I approve of my student reading the
newspaper and do not require any alternate texts.

Parent/Guardian Signature Date

Parent/Guardian e-mail address: ____________________________

_______________________________ __________
Student Signature Date

Student e-mail address: ___________________________________