Introduction to Journalism
Ms. Schwinn, Blocks 5 & 6, Room 200
Introduction
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Schedule:
Block
 Block
 Block
 Block
 Block
 Block
 Block
 Block
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1 – Yearbook
2 – Newspaper
3 – Yearbook
4 – PhoJo
5 – Introduction to Journalism (J1)
6 – Introduction to Journalism (J1)
7/8 – Plan
9/10 – I & E
Class Objectives
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Study the history of American journalism.
Study and understand the legal issues that
face both student and professional
journalists. (Law and Ethics)
Use interviewing skills, organize notes, and
gather news for writing.
Demonstrate the ability to write in a variety
of journalistic forms—including straight
news, features, sports, captions, headlines,
etc.
Class Objectives
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Learn and experiment with current trends in
scholastic journalism in terms of writing style
and design.
Identify and use Associated Press news style
in writing and editing articles.
Understand the steps in production of both a
yearbook and newspaper.
Demonstrate the ability to take well
proportioned and clear pictures to be used in
publications.
Supplies Needed
You will need a 3-ring notebook with
dividers (by Friday/Monday)
 Other supplies needed throughout the
year for special projects include:
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Access to a camera for the photo unit
 Posterboard, magazines for projects
 Access to a computer for completing final
drafts (you may use the journalism
computers or the writing center).
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Why take J1?
You want to be a member of the
Emporia High Newspaper (the Echo),
the Emporia High Yearbook (the ReEcho), or a member of the
photography/ad staff.
 You are interested in a career in
journalism and want the basics.
Online Poll
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Will I automatically be
on a staff next year?
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Yes, if you:
Turn in all homework on time and show
that you are responsible
 Fill out an application and get references
 Be willing to go above and beyond the
basic requirements.
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No, if you:
Treat this class as an “easy” class
 Make a habit of not turning in assignments
on time or are absent on a regular basis.
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Textbooks
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Journalism Today
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We will use this textbook in class only.
The Radical Write
 The Newspaper Designer’s Handbook
 The Associated Press Stylebook and the
E-High Publications Stylebook
 Other supplemental materials,
computer sites, movies.
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Grading Scale
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100-90 A
89-80 B
79-70 C
69-60 D
59 i F
You will be evaluated through quizzes,
questions from the book, worksheets,
projects, tests, interviews, story
assignments, design assignments, and
semester finals.
Make-Up Work
No late daily work will be
accepted. Assignments are due at
the beginning of class.
 With an excused absence (for sporting
events, illness, etc.) you will have the
opportunity for make up.
 If the absence is unexcused, the grade
is recorded as a zero.
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