MEDIA WRITING -- COMM 3231
Fall 2010
Instructor: Paul McGrath
Contact info: 281-283-3366 (Humanities office), 713-220-6101 (Chronicle), 832-418-0734 (cell)
Email:
Office: Suite 2121, Bayou
Hours: 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or after class as needed. Otherwise, contact me by phone or email
University Emergency hot line: 281-283-2221
Writing Center: SSB 2105, 281-283-2950
Course meeting schedule: B-3615, Mondays 11:30 a.m. to 2:20 p.m.
Course description: Writing for the media will introduce students to media theory, ethics, news gathering, writing, editing and style. The course content includes news identification, audience analysis, basic news writing forms and AP style for a converging marketplace. Throughout the course, students will write and design applicable media pieces.
Every form of mass communication presently in use, whether delivered to the public aurally, visually or in combination, must be written during an early step of the communication process. Putting a story into written form is the job of professional communicators, whether they work in media outlets or public relations.
Course outcomes
· Understand the basics of news identification and newsgathering for various audiences
· Knowledge of media theory and ethics
· Develop an appreciation for current events and being informed
· Organize information into an appropriate form for various media
· Use a style consistent with the medium that assists the audience in better understanding the information provided
· Write clear, accurate and engaging copy that would be usable for the targeted medium
Required texts
Inside Reporting: A practical guide to the craft of journalism (2007). Harrower, McGraw-Hill
Associated Press Stylebook & Briefing on Media Law (current version). New York: Perseus Publishing
Suggested texts
Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary, The Word by the Associated Press, The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. (available online), Words on Words by John B. Bremner, When Words Collide by Lauren Kessler and Duncan McDonald.
Tests & Assignments (2,000 possible pts; divide overall score by 20)
Ø One final exam that covers readings and lectures (300 points)
Ø Ten current events quizzes (200 points)
Ø Six AP style quizzes (100 points each)
Ø Seven or more story assignments (100 points each)
Ø Major written assignment: news / feature profile (200 points; double story grade)
Ø Extra credit will be available to boost the final exam, story and AP scores
Grading: Grading of tests and assignments is done on a points system: an A+ is a 99, an A is a 95, an A- is a 91, etc. All assignments must be typed and presented in standard professional formats using assignment guidelines. Be sure to thoroughly edit your work — do not turn in rough drafts for grading. All work will be graded for format (please double space), content, context, style, grammar, facts, punctuation and spelling. Use of word processing to facilitate revisions is strongly advised. Do your own work; university policies regarding plagiarism will be rigidly enforced. It is the student’s responsibility to keep up with readings, assignments, tests, classes and grades. One class day will be designated as “bonus points day” and provide 3 free points on the final. Extra credit story assignments will also be available. UH-CL uses the plus / minus step grading scale (except for A+)
Incompletes: A grade of “I” is given only in cases of documented emergency or special circumstances late in the semester, provided that you have been making satisfactory (passing) progress. A grade contract must be completed. Please contact Ann Hinojosa for “Incomplete” contracts in Student Advising.
Americans with Disabilities Policy Statement
The Americans with Disabilities ACT (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation. Please see your instructor or faculty adviser to learn what services are provided by the university.
Academic Dishonesty
We expect all class members to comply with UH-CL policies regarding scholastic dishonesty and other issues outlined in the official student rules. As a professional in any communication field, plagiarism harms the credibility of the profession as a whole. Plagiarism of any sort could result in a 0 for the assignment and other sanctions. Cheating on news quizzes will not be tolerated.
Absences and Late Work
Tests and class assignments can be made up with a university-excused absence only and must be arranged within three days of the absence. See the official student rules for clarification of excused absences. According to communications program policy, late assignments lose 10% of their grade value for every day the assignment is late. Students with more than three unexcused absences will suffer grade penalties.