COURSE SYLLABUS FORMAT
Southeast Missouri State University
Department of
Title of Course:
Mass Media
Strategic Writing
Course No.
MC331
Revision
New
2011
I. Catalog Description and Credit Hours of Course:
Strategic content, composition and distribution of news releases, feature articles, opinion-editorial pieces,
public service announcements, annual reports and pitchbooks. (3)
II.
Prerequisite (s): Completion of 30 credit hours, including a “C” or higher in MC 101.
III.
Purposes or Objective of the Course:
The Department of Mass Media at Southeast Missouri State University holds accreditation in mass
communication from the Accrediting Council for Education in Journalism and Mass Communications
(ACEJMC) and Certification in Education for Public Relations (CEPR). We embrace the values and
competencies of ACEJMC and CEPR.
The five key values are (1) freedom of speech and press; (2) history of communications; (3) diversity in
a global society; (4) application of theories in communications; and (5) legal and ethical issues in pursuit of
truth, accuracy, fairness and diversity.
The six key competencies are (1) critical, creative and independent thinking; (2) correct and clear
writing; (3) appropriate use of research and evaluation; (4) application of basic numerical and statistical
concepts; (5) appropriate application of tools and technologies for the communications professions; and (6)
critical evaluation of work for accuracy, fairness and clarity.
This course focuses on the correct and clear writing. Emphasis is also placed on application of theories
in communications; critical, creative and independent thinking; appropriate application of tools and
technologies for the communications professions; and critical evaluation of work for accuracy, fairness and
clarity.
A. To develop skills in creating strategically appropriate story angles.
B. To develop skills in appropriate structure and style for various types of writing.
C. To develop skills in appropriate channels for distribution of strategic communications.
D. To develop skills in composing client pitchbooks.
IV.
Expectations of Students:
A. Attend and participate in all class sessions.
B. Complete all readings and other assignments on time.
V. Course Content or Outline (Indicate number of class hours per unit or section):
A. Writing basics:
Week 01 – grammar
Week 02 – punctuation
Week 03 – styles and formats of writing for public relations
B. Media communications:
Week 04 – news release angles
Week 05 – news releases
Week 06 – pitch letters
Week 07 – public service announcement angles
Week 08 – public service announcements
Week 09 – query letters
Week 10 – feature article angles
Week 11 – feature articles
Week 12 – opinion-editorial pieces
C. Client communications:
Week 13 – business correspondence
Week 14 – annual reports
Week 15 - pitchbooks
VI. Textbook(s) and/or Other Required Materials or Equipment:
Associated Press Stylebook. Additional readings to be determined.
VII. Basis for Student Evaluation:
05% Week 01-05 participation
05% Week 06-10 participation
05% Week 11-15 participation
10% news releases and pitches
10% PSAs and pitches
10% features and queries
10% opinion-editorial pieces
10% Week 05 exam
15% Week 10 exam
20% Final exam
A 92%
B 78%
C 66%
D 54%