Covering the Legislature
JOUR 432
INSTRUCTOR
Dennis Swibold
406.243-2230 (work)
406.239.2101 (cell)
Dennis.swibold@umontana.edu
CLASS MEETINGS
Tuesdays and Thursdays
2:10-3:30 p.m., DAH 210
For after-hours access to Don
Anderson Hall, complete and
submit this form online:
http://jour.umt.edu/afterhours/. Complete only one request form per semester – be sure to list all courses you are
taking. A door code will be assigned and provided to you via email. This request will also
activate your Griz Card for the outside door and, if needed, Room 101. Codes will remain active
until the last day of the semester.
PREREQUISITES
JOUR 331 Public Affairs Reporting or consent of instructor
COURSE OBJECTIVES
The course offers an introduction to the role and functions of Montana’s biennial Legislature
and a practical opportunity to cover its deliberations for a network of Montana news
organizations and a course website. Depending on their individual skills and experience,
students will produce and edit stories, photos and graphics for publication and broadcast. By
the course’s end, successful students should have a solid understanding of the issues and
personalities that drive Montana legislative politics and the clips and credits to prove it.
DIVERSITY
We will examine how the Legislature – and legislative coverage – reflects the interests of
Montana’s minority communities, especially its Native American population. Our coverage will
pay particular attention to the workings of the Legislature’s Native American Caucus.
WHAT WE WON’T DO
This is not a class in political punditry or advocacy. We will not promote a particular candidate,
ideology or party. This isn’t a course in opinion writing.
HOW WE’LL WORK
This class will run like a newsroom. I’m your editor; you’re my reporters. Over the first several
weeks, we’ll discuss how the Montana Legislature works; how to find, understand and track
legislation; and how to find appropriate sources to bring context and perspective to the issues.
Beyond that, we will plan, assign and execute stories, graphics, audio reports and website
features. Unless otherwise notified, we’ll meet at the appointed class periods every week. Once
I get an idea of your different skills and interests, we will get down to work. Got a laptop? Bring
it to class.
FIELD TRIPS
We will schedule two class reporting trips to Helena. Attendance is required. Stay tuned for
details.
GRADES
We will produce print and audio stories for newspapers, radio stations and the web. Some of
you will also edit copy, take pictures, produce news graphics and design the course website.
Everyone will contribute to the coverage. You can expect a minimum of five assignments over
the semester.
You will be graded on every assignment. An “A” report (graphic, photo editing assignment)
must be accurate, compelling, timely, fair and in need of virtually no additional editing. A “B”
effort requires additional reporting or editing. A “C” effort is one that requires significant
revision. A “D” effort is one that is inaccurate, thinly reported, unfair or dull. You’ll get an “F”
for the assignments you fail to deliver by the agreed-upon deadline.
Final course grades will be based largely (80 percent) on an average of all of your assignments
and on your participation in the class (20 percent.) I’ll take attendance and note your
contributions to the class discussions.
PLAGIARISM WARNING
Plagiarism is representing another's work as your own. In my book that includes writing a story
based someone else's reporting, including a classmate’s notes. Students who plagiarize may fail
this course or be suspended. The solution is simple: Do your own work, and attribute your
sources.
ACADEMIC HONESTY
All students must practice academic honesty. Academic misconduct is subject to an academic
penalty by the course instructor and/or a disciplinary sanction by the University. All students
need to be familiar with the Student Conduct Code. The Code is available for review online at
http://www.umt.edu/SA/VPSA/index.cfm/page/1321.
NO DOUBLE-DIPPING
You may not submit for this course any assignment that has previously been, or will be,
submitted for another class. To do so will result in an “F” for the assignment and could result in
an “F” for the course.
ACCOMMODATIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
This course is accessible to and usable by otherwise qualified students with disabilities. To
request reasonable program modifications, please consult with the instructor during the first
week of classes. Disability Services for Students will assist the instructor and student in the
accommodation process. For more information, visit the Disability Services website at
http://www.umt.edu/dss/
SELECTED RESOURCES
Your success will depend in part on your staying abreast of Montana legislative news. Pay
particular attention to legislative coverage produced by the Lee State Bureau, Montana’s
Associated Bureau, Montana Public Radio and Montana PBS. We will also monitor some
Montana bloggers.
On the web:
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Montana Legislature: http://leg.mt.gov/css/default.asp
Montana Constitution: http://data.opi.mt.gov/bills/mca_toc/Constition.htm
Montana Code Annotated: http://data.opi.mt.gov/bills/mca_toc/index.htm
National Conference of State Legislatures: http://www.ncsl.org/
National Institute on Money in State Politics: http://www.followthemoney.org/
The Legislative Process: http://leg.mt.gov/css/About-the-Legislature/LawmakingProcess/Default.asp
Commissioner of Political Practices (lobbyist disclosure):
http://politicalpractices.mt.gov/default.mcpx
Legislative Glossary: http://leg.mt.gov/css/About-the-Legislature/glossary.asp
Legislative Fiscal Division: http://leg.mt.gov/css/fiscal/default.asp
Media Guide:
http://leg.mt.gov/css/Publications/News%20Releases/covering%20legislature.asp