Journalism: News is Power
Course Credit: 1 full elective credit (.5 each semester)
Instructor: Priscilla Lizasuain (Miss. L)
Office Hours: Mon-Thurs 3:20-4:15 or by appointment in room 203
Contact Information: plizasuain@cps.edu
or 773-507-1701 (feel free to call or text)
Course Description:
Every day we read and hear news in newspapers, on TV, on Facebook, on our phones, and in the hallways. But
who gets to decide what news is and what information you receive? In this class, YOU get to decide what news
is. In this course, you will discover what our readership wants and then work on delivering a well-rounded,
informative, and professional newspaper issue several times throughout the year. It is now your job to show
case our accomplishments, investigate important issues, and help us grow as a school. Working on our
newspaper will not only help you become better writers, and improve your communication skills, but it will
also help you gain access to better academic and job opportunities in the future.
In addition, this year we will have an even greater emphasis on photography because we will be responsible
for taking all of the pictures for SOJO’s yearbook.
At the end of the school year, you will be able to put together a professional portfolio that includes articles
and photos that have been published in our newspaper. This portfolio is the ideal way to show off your
communication and critical thinking skills to future colleges, employers, and organization. Remember, not
everyone can say they are published writers. Being published is a great accomplishment, and it will help set
you apart from your future competition.
Course Objectives:
1. Students in this course will be able to identify and analyze an article’s message, as well as explain how
those messages might be important to their everyday lives.
2. Students in this course will become strong writers and communicators, boosting their appeal to both
future employers and colleges.
3. Students in this course will work independently as well as on teams in order to meet deadlines and to
produce a professional (in appearance and content), informative, and engaging newspaper.
Course Website:
www.sojoenglish.weebly.com
Some assignments, such as reflections and responses, will be posted to this website under the blog tab for this specific
class. There will also be occasional surveys, polls, quizzes, and extra credit opportunities that will be accessed through
this website. In addition, you will also be able to download and print important handouts and worksheets.
Required Materials: (All students MUST be Prompt & Prepared)
Loose-leaf paper (college ruled)
Binder or folder
Pencils/Pens
Colored pencils/scissors/glue
Camera (optional)
flashdrive (optional)
Texts
Local Newspaper-It is strongly suggested that you subscribe to a local newspaper, as you will be required to
bring in a newspaper at least once a week.
Streisel, Jim. High School Journalism: A Practical Guide. McFarland & Company, Inc: Jefferson, North Carolina:
2007.
Ferguson, Donald L. Journalism Today Workbook. National Textbook Company: Lincolnwood, Illinois: 1998.
Scope and Sequence
Assessments/Major Assignment
Sept=News is Power
Oct= Asking the right questions
Nov= Advantages & Limitations of Freedom of Speech
Dec=Uncovering the Truth: Commitment to Truth &
Facts
Jan-Feb= Identifying Biases in the reviews
March=Propaganda in Media
Hard News article (labelled)
Interview transcript, Article for SOJO newspaper
Editorial, Photo Scrap book
Personality Profile Research Project with Reflection,
Create your own newspaper layout
Write a review, post a review to an online blog
Analysis Essay on Propaganda
Article/Piece for SOJO newspaper
News Maps: Making Connections Project, Youtube news
report
Article/Piece for SOJO newspaper
Portfolio
Article/piece for senior edition of newspaper
April-May= News in Community, City, & World
May-June Digital Media: The Internet is Taking
Over!!!
Learning Targets:
As highlighted in Common Core State Standards for ENGLISH LANGUAGE ART S & Literacy, (RI: 11-12.1, 11-12.2, 11-12.7
W: 11-12.1, 11-12.2, 11-12.4, 11-12.5, 11-12.6, 11-12.8, 11-12.9 and in the College Readiness Standards (20-23: Main
ideas, Supporting Details, Generalization & Conclusions, and 9-10 Writing Expressing Judgments, Focusing on the Topic
Developing a Position) our learning targets include being able to identify and analyze main ideas, cite specific evidence
to support our claims, and gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, assessing
strengths and limitations of each source in terms of the task, purpose, and audience. We will meet these targets through
the use of the following strategies: the 5 Ws, Inverted Pyramid, Plot Diagrams, and other strategies.
Class Rules and Culture
You are THE boss! How many privileges and freedoms your class enjoys relies ENTIRELY on you and your classmates. As a
class, we will work together to achieve personal and group success. We will work individually, in groups, and as teams.
Any action taken to create division with gender, race, sexual orientation or any pieces of our identity will NOT be
tolerated.
We will also speak and listen respectfully to others. We will show love, care and respect for our voices and our bodies
through our physical presence, our words, and our actions. We will respond in ways that value the contributions of
others.
As a class, we will decide how our class should run so that we each have the best learning experience possible.
Attendance and Participation
An A requires classroom participation, which includes listening respectfully, participating in class discussions, taking
notes, and completing in class assignments.
Every day, you will come to class, get your World Literature folder, and complete a bell-ringer. Bell-ringers are simply
and easy ways to maintain and even improve your grades, so don’t throw these points away.
Also, BE ON TIME – You must have your folder and be in your seat and starting the bell-ringer when the bell rings.
Remember, our school policy states that every three tardies equals a detention. Since you are preparing to go to college
or get a good job, it is essential that you get the most out of each and every class and are working from the very
beginning of class until the very end. Doing your work, being on time, and doing your best is an excellent way to ensure
you are prepared for college, work, and beyond.
Grade Interventions
It is essential for students to complete all assignments on time. Every three weeks, we will begin Mandatory Academic
Support for all students receiving below a 70% to ensure everyone is doing their best. If students fail to attend their
Mandatory Academic Support session (to be scheduled with Miss. L), they will receive a detention that must be served
with Miss. L.
Grading and Homework Policy
*ALL students MUST produce material and MUST contribute to the newspaper. You CANNOT pass the class
without contributing to the newspaper.
Category
Classwork and Homework
(in class assignments, journals,
etc.)
Class participation and
bell-ringers
Quizzes
Summative Assessments
Tests and essays
Percentage
35%
Grading Scale
A= 90-100%
B= 80-89%
10%
C= 70-79%
15%
40%
D= 60-69%
F= 0-59
Major Assignments (essays, tests, and projects):
o For late major assignments, a letter grade will be removed for EACH day the assignment is late.
In-class assignments, bell-ringers, and quizzes:
o For all other late assignments, I reserve the right to take off points in accordance to how late
the assignment is (taking into consideration specific circumstances and situations).
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SYLLABUS: RECEIVED, READ, and UNDERSTOOD
Read, sign, and return this portion of the syllabus by Tuesday, September 9th,, 2014.
In order to succeed in this class, you have to show up every day, work your hardest, and complete all of your work. You
also have to respect yourself, others, and your environment. Please be aware that you are responsible for your choices
and your education. As your teacher, I am here for you and, with your help, I will work hard to help you have a
successful and productive school year. With that in mind, you must keep the lines of communication open and let me
know whenever you have questions or need help understanding something. Please sign below to show that you have
read this syllabus and understand our commitment to each other and to your education.
Student’s Printed Name _________________________________________________________________
Signature of Student: ___________________________________________________________________
Date: _____________________________
Your parents or guardians play vital roles in your life and in your education. They are our greatest allies and one of our
most important sources of support. With this is mind, it is important for them to be aware of A) who your teachers are,
and B) what they can expect from each class you are taking. Please have them read this syllabus and sign below.
Signature of Parent or Guardian:
___________________________________________________________________
Date: ____________________