STANDARDS WITH OBJECTIVES FOR JOURNALISM
o STANDARD 1: Reading for information and understanding
  ~Student journalists will internalize writing process from pre-writing to publication by
    • accessing a variety of print and non-print sources, extracting relevant information and concepts from them 
    • combining this new information with prior knowledge
o STANDARD 2: Reading for critical analysis and evaluation
 ~Student journalists will capture readers’ attention through topic, lead, headlines, design, and art by
    • developing a critical stance as to the accuracy, relevance, quality and merit of a text and the ideas and information that it conveys
o STANDARD 3: Range and versatility in writing and speaking
 ~Student journalists will identify purpose and audience for selecting article type by
    • selecting appropriate article type and news value for her/his purpose, making effective use of the conventions for that article type
    • using the appropriate format to communicate his/her position on information, issues, or ideas
o STANDARD 4: Collaboration and reflection
 ~Student journalists will produce quality written pieces ready for publication, assembling them into a portfolio by
    • assessing his/her own work using the established publishing criteria
    • describing the process used to produce the work, including collaboration
    • recognizing achievements and setting specific, realistic goals for improvement and/or further story development
    • working with other class members to mirror a real world editorial board
o STANDARD 5: Mechanics and conventions of speech and print
 ~Student journalists will use technology to gather and present information by
    • applying rules of grammar, spelling, capitalization, punctuation, citation, and other conventions to written/spoken work
    • using appropriate technology tools and organization frameworks for written/spoken work
    • adhering to the established Journalist Ethical and Legal Codes of Conduct

This course aims to take students back to the basics of journalism, with a focus on understanding the purpose of a free press and its true responsibility, as well as identifying evolving threats to the system. Through writing their own articles and learning journalism basics, students will gain insight into the challenges faced by journalists today, and how to spot bias and demand verified and corroborated facts. Emphasizing the importance of verified facts and independent thought, the courses promote critical thinking and media literacy.

Mr. LeCara has extensive experience in journalism education, having created a middle school newspaper program, served as a journalism teacher, and advised newspaper clubs in both middle and high school settings. He also has personal experience as a student editor in both high school and college.

Homework Offered
HOME ASSIGNMENTS
o Session 01 Home Assignment: View Unit 1 Film; Vocabulary Exercise (due S3)
o Session 02 Home Assignment: Beat Sheet A & B for “Local” news story; Vocabulary Exercise (due S3)
o Session 03 Home Assignment: Review First Amendment for S5 Recitation; Beat Sheet C-E; Six Steps Response/Reflection 
o Session 04 Home Assignment: Work on “Local” Rough Draft; Primary Sources Due S5; Primary Source Interview Due S6; Secondary Source Due S7; “Local” Rough Draft Due S7
o Session  05 Home Assignment: Primary Source Interview Due S6; Secondary Source Due S7; “Local” Rough Draft Due S7
o Session 06 Home Assignment: Secondary Source Due S7; “Local” Rough Draft Due S7; Review Vocab
o Session 07 Home Assignment: Work on Edits for “Local” Final Draft; Review
o Session 08 Home Assignment: Work on Edits for “Local” Final Draft; Review
o Session 09 Home Assignment: Work on Edits for “Local” Final Draft; Review
o Session 10 Home Assignment: n/a
2 - 4 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
Learner progress will be assessed by/through:
   --timely completion of assignments, including journals, drafts, and assessment
   --session engagement with instructor and peers
   --sharing of work and ideas

OPTIONAL GRADING.  STUDENTS WILL RECEIVE A GRADE BASED ON THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:
25%: Community Role
            • Participation and cooperation
            • Group/Peer collaboration/editing
            • Round table discussions
30%: Classwork
            • Notes and/or annotations
            • Journal responses
            • Drafts
45%: Assessments
           • Final Drafts
           • Projects
Grades Offered