JMS 220 WRITING FOR MASS MEDIA
SYLLABUS & CALENDAR
SPRING 2014
Prof. Garcia & Dr. Schmitz Weiss – Section 4 Sched # TBD
M 10-10:50 Lecture: PSFA 325
M 8-9:40 Bilingual Lab: PSFA 374
W 8-9:40 Bilingual Lab: PSFA 374
Dr. Schmitz Weiss Office: PSFA 346
Office Hours: MW 9-10 a.m. or by appt.
Phone: 619.594.3504
Email: aschmitz@mail.sdsu.edu
Prof. Aida Garcia Office: PSFA 311
Office Hours: W 10-11:30 a.m.
Email: sd.aidagarcia@gmail.com
NOTE: Please read this syllabus carefully and by accepting this document, you
acknowledge that it serves as a social contract regarding expected obligations and
responsibilities in this course.
Bilingual Lab
For those students enrolled in this section of 220, this is a pilot program by the School of
Journalism and Media Studies. The bilingual lab will be co-instructed by Prof. Aida Garcia and Dr.
Schmitz Weiss. You will be asked to complete the same class work as the monolingual 220 labs,
but your classwork will be completed in Spanish as instructed. Students who are enrolled in the
bilingual lab will also be graded based on the same class criteria and grading scale as the
monolingual labs. If you have any questions at all about the lab and your progress in the lab,
please don’t hesitate to talk with Prof. Aida Garcia and Dr. Schmitz Weiss. Your feedback and
input on this course are particularly important as the School seeks to establish the bilingual lab as
an ongoing option for JMS 220. Therefore, from time to time, you will be asked to complete formal
assessments of the bilingual lab and your experience in it.
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing; ability to type; Proof of completion of prerequisites required.
Course Catalog Description:
Introduction to writing techniques for mass media. Laboratory practice in informational and
persuasive writing, evaluation, and judgment.
Course website: This course has a website on blackboard. Please visit it often as
announcements and related course materials will be posted on the site throughout the semester:
http://blackboard.sdsu.edu
Objectives
This course will help you:
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Write correctly, accurately, and appropriately for a variety of media platforms (broadcast,
online print, etc.), which includes appropriate use of AP style, cultural nuances, etc.
Write news stories that appropriately integrate journalistic principles of objectivity,
diversity, balance, and fairness.
Interview sources professionally and effectively, which includes using the appropriate
language, tone, questions, style, etc.
Gather and evaluate information critically, and compile and present information effectively
for various audiences, taking into consideration audience needs, abilities, and
demographics.
Comprehend journalism ethics and how journalists apply ethical practices in their daily
work, with consideration for cultural differences in ethical standards.
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JMS 220 WRITING FOR MASS MEDIA
SYLLABUS & CALENDAR
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SPRING 2014
Identify different types of news events (e.g., trauma, disaster, political) and articulate how
journalists should appropriately cover them.
Detect when and how to use social/digital media tools when writing for a variety of media
platforms.
Distinguish among various kinds of media writing careers and the kind of work they entail.
Required Materials (Available at the campus bookstore and online bookstores)
The Associated Press Stylebook and Briefing on Media Law. (2013). Basic Books.
Or online version available via subscription: http://www.apstylebook.com/ OR
http://www.manualdeestiloap.com/
Brooks, B., Kennedy, G., Moen, D., Ranly, D. (2014). News Reporting and Writing, 11th Edition.
The Missouri Group. Boston, MA: Bedford/St. Martin’s.
Brooks, B., Kennedy, G., Moen, D., Ranly, D. (2014). Workbook for News Reporting and Writing,
11th Edition. The Missouri Group. Boston, MA: Bedford/St. Martin’s.
LarRocque, P. (2003). The Book on Writing, The Ultimate Guide to Writing Well. Portland, OR:
Marion Street Press.
ParSCORE (Required Purchase): There will be exams and quizzes in this class that will require
the use of ParSCORE test forms. Please purchase several (estimate 10-20) ParScore Test
Forms (F289-PAR-L) from the campus bookstore. Bring them to each class – as you never know
when a pop quiz may arise during the semester.
Supplies and Equipment
 Students should have access to an email account and Blackboard because
communication and information about the course will be sent via these methods.
 Purchase of ParScore Forms (F289-PAR-L) is required in this course since there will be
exams throughout the semester that will use the form.
 You will need headphones that you can plug into the computer in order to view videos
during most lab sessions.
 You will need to create a Twitter account for this class and create a list of news
organizations/individuals you will follow during the semester.
 You will need to create a blog for this class (using Wordpress.com) to document your
writing experiences during the semester.
 You should have a flash drive for storing your writing assignments for this class.
 Other supplies are to be determined and will be discussed during the semester. Please
see the course site on Blackboard often.
Grading
Exams/Quizzes –
Writing Assignments (includes Portfolio) Participation/Class Activities Total
Grading scale
90-100
80-89
70-79
60-69
Below 60
30%
40%
30%
100%
A
B
C
D
F
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JMS 220 WRITING FOR MASS MEDIA
SYLLABUS & CALENDAR
SPRING 2014
If at any time during the semester you are concerned with your progress in the course, please
make an appointment to see me or stop by during my office hours. If you miss class for some
reason, it is your responsibility to find out what you missed.
Deadlines
In this class, deadlines are firm. There is the expectation that you will manage your time
accordingly and complete all assignments on time. The classroom is the newsroom. I am your
professor but also your newsroom editor. No late assignments will be accepted under any
circumstances. If an assignment is not turned in on time a zero will be assigned. Treat deadlines
as you would in the real world as they have real world implications. You would not miss a
business meeting you are leading or not turn in a story to your editor when it is due or forget to
turn in a report to your boss - would you? The same goes for this class – all deadlines are
strictly enforced.
Guest Speakers
Throughout the semester we will have guest speakers come to the class. For each visit, you will
be required to jot down a few questions you would like to ask the speaker and bring those
questions on the day of class. More details soon on this during the semester.
Exams (worth 300 pts each)
There will be three exams in this course. Exam dates are provided in the course calendar. There
will be no makeup exams. Showing up late to the exam by 5-10 minutes late will result in a 20point deduction on your exam automatically. Showing up late to the exam beyond 10 minutes will
result in 40-point deduction on your exam automatically. Make sure to show up on time!
The exams will contain information from the lectures and readings. Exams will be comprised of
mutiple choice questions and a written portion. For the written portion of the exam, you will be
asked to turn in your answers in Spanish. Make sure you take notes during our class lectures as
the notes can help you in studying for the exams. Details on the exams will be provided
throughout the semester. Exams will be taken using the ParScore Test Forms (F289-PAR-L).
Please make sure to bring a #2 pencil for each exam along with the test form. Failure to bring the
right form will result in your exam not being graded. Exams will not be graded unless you include
your name, bubble in your RED ID and the appropriate exam number and version information on
your ParScore Form.
News Quizzes & AP Style Quizzes (worth 40 pts each)
In an effort to help you understand journalism, you will have two kinds of quizzes, a news quiz
and AP Style quiz. These quizzes will be presented in English. The news quiz focuses on current
news events (local, national and international) so you can become an informed news consumer
and journalist. The other quiz will cover Associated Press writing style (AP) so you can become
proficient in the AP style of writing used in journalism in the United States today.
In addition to following the news in your own way (TV, print, radio, online, etc.) you will be
required to set up a Twitter account with a Twitter news list to help you to stay on top of the news.
There will be no makeup quizzes, so attendance to each class is crucial, as you never know
when a quiz may come up! Quizzes are always given at the beginning of class – so do show up
on time! Quizzes will be taken using the Blackboard system.
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JMS 220 WRITING FOR MASS MEDIA
SYLLABUS & CALENDAR
SPRING 2014
Story Assignments (points vary)
There will be several story assignments throughout the semester. No late story assignments will
be accepted. All deadlines are to be respected. These assignments will be completed in Spanish
unless stated otherwise by the instructor.
The premise of the story assignment is to demonstrate your writing skills based on what has been
covered in the course. See course calendar for specific assignments.
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Grading criteria for these story assignments will be based on: information (how clear you
presented the information), organization (if it is well laid out and flows well), AP style is
adhered to, and grammar/spelling/punctuation are perfect.
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Randomly assigned throughout semester.
Class Assignments (points vary)
There will be several class assignments throughout the semester. The premise of the class
assignment is to demonstrate your use of specific techniques on writing for mass media. These
assignments will usually be due during class unless otherwise instructed. These assignments will
be completed in Spanish unless stated otherwise by the instructor.
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Grading for these class assignments will be determined based on how well you complete
the specific tasks required for the assignment.
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Randomly assigned throughout semester.
Blog Posts (check mark given for each post)
For this class, you will be required to have a blog through wordpress.com. Your blog will serve as
a place for you to post ideas you are thinking about for the class, to make comments about class
lectures/discussion, and also a place for you to reflect on your writing during this class. The blog
posts will serve as a form of memos to your editor. You will be required to make blog posts as
instructed in the course calendar on specific due dates. You will not be graded on your blog posts
but will receive a check mark for each post, but failure to do one will result in a 25-point deduction
for each blog post missed. These blog posts should be written prior to the class meeting or lab.
These blog posts are to be written in Spanish and English.
Blog Portfolio (worth 200 points)
At the end of the semester, you will review all your past class/story assignments and write a
reflective essay on your writing and how your writing has changed over the semester and post
this to your blog. You will receive further instruction on the format of this essay.
Participation
In this class, participation will be counted based on your involvement in assignments and class
activities. You may be called on in class, so always be prepared to talk and contribute thoughtfully
and critically about the readings and class work. We will have class activities throughout the
semester, so your participation will be required. Attendance is important in this course and will be
taken in each class. Those who have perfect or near perfect attendance (less than three
absences) will receive extra points toward their final grade. Excused absences will not be
accepted, an absence is an absence. So it is to your benefit to come to all classes.
Students with Disabilities
If you are a student with a disability and believe you will need accommodations for this class, it is
your responsibility to contact Student Disability Services at (619) 594-6473. To avoid any delay
in the receipt of your accommodations, you should contact Student Disability Services as soon as
possible. Please note that accommodations are not retroactive, and that I cannot
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JMS 220 WRITING FOR MASS MEDIA
SYLLABUS & CALENDAR
SPRING 2014
provide accommodations based upon disability until I have received an accommodation letter
from Student Disability Services. Your cooperation is appreciated.
If you have any form of learning, physical or other disability, please let the instructor know as
soon as possible so that your learning needs can be discussed and met appropriately.
Academic Dishonesty - Plagiarism and Cheating
The University adheres to a strict policy regarding cheating and plagiarism. These activities will
not be tolerated in this class. Become familiar with the policy
(http://www.sa.sdsu.edu/srr/conduct1.html). Any cheating or plagiarism will result in failing this
class and a disciplinary review by Student Affairs.
Examples of Plagiarism include but are not limited to:
 Using sources verbatim or paraphrasing without giving proper attribution (this can include
phrases, sentences, paragraphs and/or pages of work)
 Copying and pasting work from an online or offline source directly and calling it your own
 Using information you find from an online or offline source without giving the author credit
 Replacing words or phrases from another source and inserting your own words or
phrases
 Submitting a piece of work you did for one class to another class
If you have questions on what is plagiarism, please consult the policy
(http://www.sa.sdsu.edu/srr/cheating-plagiarism.html) and Understanding Plagiarism,
Paraphrasing and Citing Sources Tutorial here: http://library.sdsu.edu/guides/tutorial.php?id=28
Class Conduct
1. Please turn off your cell phones or silence them during class. Do not take calls during
class – you will be asked to leave the classroom if you do so.
2. Please don’t chat with others while class is going on – this includes in person and via text
messaging.
3. Become familiar with the University’s Student Conduct Code:
(http://www.sa.sdsu.edu/srr/conduct1.html) and be respectful of your classmates.
4. Please arrive to class on time and do not leave early – this is disruptive to your
colleagues and the learning process.
5. The readings need to be completed before class in order that you may participate. Don’t
come to class unprepared.
6. Be prepared for pop quizzes at any time in the semester by staying on top of current
news events and reading assignments. These quizzes will not be made up.
Time Management Tip
In this course, it is in your best interest to stay on top of the readings and lectures as well as be
aware of major due dates for exams and thought papers. No grievances will be made for late
thought papers. No grievances will be made for missing a class or showing up late when a pop
quiz or exam was given. If you have questions, please contact me anytime. Ask questions – all
questions are good questions!
Studying Tip
In this course, you will be asked to review several readings, attend lectures and take notes during
class. Make sure you always take notes during class. In preparation for the exams, it can be
helpful to create outlines of the major themes discussed in the class and then provide examples
below each theme to help with your understanding and synthesis of the material covered in class.
Consider getting a study buddy in this class to help you in preparation for reviewing the materials
before exams. If you have questions, please contact me anytime. Ask questions – all questions
are good questions!
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JMS 220 WRITING FOR MASS MEDIA
SYLLABUS & CALENDAR
SPRING 2014
Tentative Schedule (Subject to Change)
Readings next to class lecture title are to be completed prior to class.
Reading Key: L (The Book on Writing); N (News Reporting and Writing);
BB (See Blackboard for the reading)
MODULE 1 – THE FUNDAMENTALS
Introductions/ What is News?
W Lab: Jan 22
M Lab: Jan 27
M Lecture:
Jan 27
W Lab: Jan. 29
M Lab: Feb. 3
Lab Assignments
Lecture: Introduction to Syllabus/ What is
News (N1) (meet in PSFA 358)
No Lab.
Changing Media Landscape/Emerging
Media (N2, N3, L5)
Finding Information for Stories
Lab: News Activity
Finding Information lecture (N6, BB)
Lab: News Activity
Lab Activity Assignment
Twitter Account Due
Lab Activity Assignment
Storytelling/Writing Styles Part 1
M Lecture:
Feb. 3
Lecture: Inverted Pyramid Writing Styles
(N9, N10, L1, L20-21)
W Lab: Feb. 5
M Lab: Feb. 10
Lab: News Activity
Lab: News Activity
M Lecture:
Feb. 10
W Lab: Feb 12
Storytelling/Writing Styles Part 2
Lecture: Alternatives to Inverted Pyramid
(N11, L13, L23)
Lab: News Activity
M Lab: Feb. 17
Lab Activity Assignment
AP Style Quiz
Lab Activity Assignment
M Lecture:
Feb. 17
Lab: News Activity
Ethics & Media Law
Lecture: Ethics and Media Law (N21,
N22, L7-L8, BB)
W Lab: Feb. 19
Lab: News Activity
M Lab: Feb. 24
Exam 1
Blog Due.
News Quiz
Lab Activity Assignment
Lab Activity Assignment
AP Style Quiz
Blog Post Due
Lab Activity Assignment
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JMS 220 WRITING FOR MASS MEDIA
SYLLABUS & CALENDAR
SPRING 2014
MODULE 2 – MEDIA WRITING BASICS
M Lecture:
Feb. 24
W Lab: Feb. 26
M Lab: Mar 3
Newsroom: Covering a Beat and
Interviewing Techniques
Guest Speaker: Joanne Faryon,
iNewsource
Lab: Covering a Beat (N5, N14, L9, BB)
Lab: Newsroom Activity
M Lecture:
Mar 3
Lecture: Interviewing (N4, L24, BB)
Lab: Newsroom Activity
Newsroom: Dealing with Traumatic
Events
Lecture: Defining Trauma, How to Cover
It and How to Handle It (BB)
W Lab: Mar 5
M Lab: Mar 10
Lab: Newsroom Activity
Lab: Newsroom Activity
M Lecture:
Mar 10
W Lab: Mar 12
M Lab: Mar 17
M Lecture:
Mar. 17
W Lab: Mar 19
M Lab: Mar 24
M Lecture:
Mar 24
W Lab: Mar 26
Week of Mar 31
News Quiz
Blog Post Due
Lab Activity Assignment
Lab Activity Assignment
Lab Activity Assignment
AP Style Quiz
Fast Feedback Assignment
Lab Activity Assignment
Newsroom: Crime and Courts
Lecture: Covering Crime Beat and More
(N16, L12)
Lab: Newsroom Activity
Lab: Newsroom Activity
Newsroom: Obituaries and Life
Stories
Lecture: Covering Life and Death (N16)
Lab: Newsroom Activity
Lab: Newsroom Activity
Newsroom: Speeches, Conferences
and Meetings
Lecture: Speeches and more (N15, L10)
Exam 2
SPRING BREAK – NO CLASSES
7
Blog Post Due.
Lab Activity Assignment
AP Style Quiz
Blog Post Due
Lab Activity Assignment
News Quiz
JMS 220 WRITING FOR MASS MEDIA
SYLLABUS & CALENDAR
SPRING 2014
MODULE 3 : WRITING ACROSS PLATFORMS/STYLES
M Lab: Apr 14
Newsroom: Writing for Television and
Radio
No lab
Guest Speaker: Yanula Ramirez,
Univisio
Lab: Writing for TV and Radio (N13, L17,
L19) Newsroom Activity
Lab: Newsroom Activity
M Lecture: Apr
14
Newsroom: Writing for the Digital
Platform
Lecture: Writing for the Digital Platform
(N12, BB)
W Lab: Apr 16
Lab: Newsroom Activity
M Lab: Apr 21
Lab: Newsroom Activity
M Lab: Apr 7
M Lecture:
Apr 7
W Lab: Apr 9
M Lecture:
Apr 28
W Lab:
Apr 30
M Lab: May 5
M Lecture:
May 5
W Lab: May 7
Lab: Newsroom Activity
Newsroom: Persuasive Writing Part 2
Lecture: Writing: Ads (BB)
AP Style Quiz
Lab Activity Assignment
Lab Activity Assignment
Blog Post Due.
Lab Activity Assignment
Lab: Newsroom Activity
Lab: Work on blog portfolio essay
Blog Portfolio Work Week
Exam Review
Lab: Work on blog portfolio essay
FINALS WEEK
Friday, May 9
AP Style Quiz
Lab Activity Assignment
Blog Post Due.
Lab Activity Assignment
News Quiz
Lab Activity Assignment
New Newsroom: Persuasive Writing Part 1
M Lecture:
Lecture: Writing PR Releases (N7, N20)
Apr 21
W Lab: Apr 23
Lab: Newsroom Activity
M Lab: Apr 28
Lab Activity Assignment
8-10 a.m.
Final Exam in respective labs
8
Blog Portfolio Essay Due.