COMM380: Journalism (multi-platform)
Spring 2011 – Christopher Johnson – HH243, 344-7742, cjohnson@blc.edu
OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to (Communication Major Learning Goals):
1. Produce news stories across multiple platforms - print, online, video, radio, mobile - that uphold journalistic principles and engage audiences (have insight into audiences and how they can be reached and affected by various kinds of messages through various media)
2. Write clearly, concisely and according the Associated Press Style Book (can write and speak with precision and power)
3. Perform newsgathering interviews for multiple platforms - print, video, radio – professionally and ethically (are well-informed about the world and know how to obtain needed information)
4. Perform the duties of the photojournalist for both print and video media (are familiar with the technology so important to communication today)
5. Submit through written exercises and forum posts thoughtful, reasoned evaluations regarding the role of technology in journalists’ professional lives and in the worldwide digital revolution (have insight into audiences and how they can be reached and affected by various kinds of messages through various media, are knowledgeable about the communication field and its associated industries)
Specifically the student will engage in these exercises to support and provide evidence of meeting the course learning objectives. They will be assessed according their completion of the following (learning objective):
Evaluating various reporting projects produced by news professionals (1,2,3,5)
Planning and producing reporting projects that include written and visual components (1,2,3,4)
Create reporting packages that use current software programs and digital technology (1,4,5)
Apply social media tools in the reporting and distribution processes of their projects (5)
Work directly with reporters from the Mankato Free Press to produce online stories in video format (1,2,3,4,5)
Complete regular writing assignments and meet with the professor at least once every three weeks for individual writing critique (1,2,5)
Keep a writing portfolio of all stories submitted for the class and complete a final critique with the professor during finals weeks (1,2,3,4)
TEXTBOOK AND MATERIALS:
Keeping up with readings is vital to you success in this course. Readings will be manageable as there will not be a tremendous amount of reading outside the textbook. I urge everyone to own their own textbook and keep up with readings. Many readings will be provided online through Campus Web and copies of the textbooks used are available for use within the BLC Studios.
Required textbook:
Instructor provided texts/links using Campus Web
The Associated Press Stylebook 2009 (Associated Press Stylebook and Briefing on Media Law) – ISBN 0465012620
Recommended textbooks (used for lectures/available in the BLC Studio):
News Reporting and Writing – ISBN 0312618115
The Elements of Journalism: What Newspeople Should Know and the Public Should Expect, Completely Updated and Revised – ISBN 0307346706
Broadcast News Writing, Reporting, and Producing – ISBN 0240811836
Required materials:
Each student will be required to provide their own media for creating DVDs as well as provide a portfolio.
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The core purpose of the multiplatform journalism course is, like many other journalism courses, to foster students’ storytelling and critical-thinking skills and make them better journalists. Whereas other classes may focus on building these skills in the context of a print or broadcast newsroom, the multiplatform journalism class teaches these skills across platforms—students will learn how to use audio, video, and photos with text to tell stories and how to evaluate when it is appropriate to use these tools, as well as why it is important to consider the impact of these technologies on the communication process.
ASSIGNMENTS:
The student will be assigned readings, quizzes, writing and exercises to enhance the understanding of journalism topics covered and to develop skills in writing, production, teamwork, listening and performance. The instructor will present and explain the processes and theories involved but it is the student’s responsibility to learn the material and demonstrate proficiency in subject matter.
You will be graded based upon your achievements relative to completing assignments through process and professionalism. Your grade will be based on the following factors:
Quizzes, writing quizzes and forum posting (20%): There will be occasional writing and news quizzes. The quiz will most often cover readings assigned but may contain questions from lectures. At times quizzes will include timed writing exercises where the student will be required to complete a news story for given information. Students who read the assignments and pay attention in class should do well on these quizzes. Short writing quizzes will require that you follow proper AP Style. You will be allowed to use the AP Style Book for your quizzes provided you bring it to class. You will NOT be allowed to use another student’s AP Style Book for these writing exercises.
Writing Assignments (30%): There will be frequent in class writing assignments the student is required to turn in. These will be evaluated in two separate categories: writing style, ability and effectiveness and proper AP style. It will not be possible for the student to get an A on a writing assignment in which they have miss-spelled a name. Larger writing assignments will be worth more points. The entire score of the writing category will count for 30% of the grade.
Midterm Exam (10%): The midterm exam will take place on March 5, 2011. It will be a story writing/producing exercise.
Free Press Reporting and Professional Activity (25%): While final details are still being explored, your participation in reporting for the Free Press will be evaluated. Specific requirements will be spelled out as the first assignments begin. Additionally reporting opportunities for other organizations may present itself and will be graded in this category.
Class participation, professionalism, final portfolio(5%): Attendance is expected. Excessive absences may affect your grade. More important is active class participations and the presentation of your final portfolio. The manner you carry out assignments will affect your grade as will the type of projects you work on. This includes teamwork, willingness to help others, and engaging in discussions.
Final Assignment (10%): You will complete a final writing/producing assignment. This should represent your best reporting and will be feature length produced for both print and online video.
Extra Credit: At times special projects and assignments will arise. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in as many productions as possible. When extra projects are taken on the instructor reserves the right to award certain extra credit points for participation.
INSTRUCTOR AVAILIABILTY:
I am here to assist you in anyway I can. If you have questions, please stop by my office or send me an e-mail. You can reach me by e-mailing cjohnson@blc.edu or by phone in my office at 344-7742 or in the studio at 344-7743. There is also a message board outside my office or you may leave messages with the communication division secretary. I hold office hours Monday-Friday from 10:30am-noon and Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30-5pm unless I am away on a production.
STUDIO HOURS:
Sunday: 1pm-midnight
Monday – Thursday: 7:30am-midnight
Friday: 7:30am-5pm
Saturday: 1pm-5pm