Syllabus Newswriting

Ms. Sara R. Murphy

– for student use

– for parent use

Hale Iluna (J-102)

NOTE: This is a technology heavy class and requires each student to comfortable using Google. Each student will have to learn how to use the following programs: InDesign and Adobe Photoshop. A requirement of this class is delivering issues. This requires students to walk to various parts of campus.

Course Description:

In this class we will be covering the Common Core Standards in informational reading and writing, combining the fields of Journalism and Newswriting. These skills will be learned through several different types of literary non-fiction literature, writing, and publication methods. Here is a brief overview of the skills to be touched upon throughout the year.

Course Outline:

We will be focusing on specific skills in reading, analytical writing, and publication.

  1. First Quarter – Class introduction, Adobe Photoshop tutorials, InDesign turtorials, examine and apply the code of conduct from the Society of Professional Journalists’ Code of Ethics, interviewing skills, and at least twopublished issues of Ka Leo Luna.
  2. Second Quarter – Work on writing skills, drafting, image creation and design, and complete at least two issues.
  3. Third Quarter – Work on writing skills, drafting, image creation and design, and complete three complete issues.
  4. Fourth Quarter – Work on writing skills, drafting, image creation and design, and complete three complete issues.

This is a general outline and is subject to change due to class schedule and student needs. Please check class webpage regularly for schedule changes and supporting materials.

Ongoing Assignments and Homework:

Major Projects and Articles: Major papers, articles, or quizzes test the knowledge of the standards directly so they are worth more. During second semester this grade will be based on the work done for Ka Leo Luna.

Here is the grading breakdown:

  • Articles and Fillers= 30%
  • Classwork (activities and assignments done in class) = 25%
  • Meeting Deadlines = 25%
  • Participation = 20%

Grading: The class is based on the traditional scale 90-100 A, 80-89 B, 70-79 C, 60-69 D, 59 and less F. Since this a year long class all quarter grades will be factored into the final grade for the year.

Technology Use in the Classroom

As 21st century learners, technology is vital part of what is done in the classroom. Students are expected to keep track of their own usernames and passwords (the teacher does NOT have access to most student information).

When an assignment calls for the use of a computer I will give students class time to work on the assignment. With this being said, if the student does not finish the assignment nor does not use class time well it is their responsibility to find the time to complete the assignment out of class. Also, if students show that they are not able to use technology in a responsible way then they will lose class time computer privileges. This includes but is not limited to: vandalism of computers or laptops, being on unapproved websites, or using school resources to partake in any form of cyber bullying.

Students will be expected to use their school Google accounts to communicate with me as well as completing assignments through Google Docs. No work done on a personal, non-school issued, email will be accepted.

Attendance and Tardies:

It is imperative that you ATTEND CLASS! Attending class is the best way to assure you will pass! Class cutting will result in a referral without the opportunity to make up missed work.

The teacher will follow all school policies on class absences and tardies. When a student is late for class they will have to sign in with classroom teacher before they are allowed to enter class.

If a student is out on an excused absence (sickness, doctor’s appointment, pre-arranged field trip, etc.) it is THE STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY to get the missed work BEFORE OR AFTER SCHOOL or at LUNCH or LUNCH RECESS! The teacher cannot and will not stop the flow of class for students who missed work.

Late work policy:

Due to the fact that this class produces a timebound publication no late work will be accepted. This will result in a failing grade for that assignment.

Plagiarism:

Plagiarism is any time a student copies from a friend, book, or the internet and tries to turn that work as their own. It is outlined in more detail in the Lahainaluna High School planner/handbook on page eighteen. In the world of Journalism plagiarism is not tolerated in any form. If work is published that is not yours and no credit is given to the original author you will receive a 0 on that assignment and you will not be able to participate in the next issue, giving you a 0 on that assignment as well. If plagiarism is a problem for a student, the teacher will call the parent/guardian to explain why the student is failing assignments.