Introduction to Journalism
English elective: Introduction to Journalism
New Town High School
2009-2010 (One semester course)

Instructor: Ms. Anderson
Contact: www.msanderson.net
               Elizabeth.Anderson@sendit.nodak.edu

Grading scale: standard, see student handbook

Classroom expectations: see student handbook and classroom contract

Scope: The basic principles of journalism, including reporting and newswriting,
commentary,  photojournalism, graphic design and basic audio/visual
technology used in journalism

Instructor’s Goals:
  • Students will become familiar with the history of journalism and its civic
    significance in society
  • Students will understand the basic rules of AP style writing
  • Students will become competent and confident in conducting interviews
    and doing research for reporting
  • Students will become familiar with desktop publishing software and the
    layout of newspaper pages
  • Students will be able to critically examine the modern media        

Please note that the following schedule is subject to change
throughout the year. Units may be shortened or lengthened and
projects/assignments may be added, removed or altered based on the
needs and interests of each group of students.

Quarter 1:

Week 1: Introductions, classroom contract, History of Journalism, civic
responsibility: presentation, notes, etc.

Week 2: Journalism ethics: presentation
    Video: All the President's Men, complete study guide and contribute to
class discussion about reporting techniques and the civic duties of journalists

Week 3: Structure of a newspaper staff; types of stories

Week 4: Reporting simulation

Week 5: Finding story ideas, reporting and research

Week 6: Organizing and writing a news story

Week 7: Photojournalism

Week 8: Photojournalism

Week 9: Desktop publishing software: mock up pages

Quarter 2:

Week 1: Press law and ethics

Week 2: Advertising: sales and design

Week 3: Graphic design - using InDesign to layout ads

Week 4: Press law and ethics

Week 5: Finding story ideas, reporting and organizing

Week 6: Prepare submissions (stories and photos)

Week 7: Periodical publications: creating a magazine using the content
produced through the class

Week 8: Periodical publications: creating a magazine using the content
produced through the class

Week 9: Broadcast news