Name: Pat Gordon

Office Number: FAB 2121

Office Telephone Number: 817.272.0732

Email Address:

Office Hours: Tuesday & Thursday 8 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Course Number, Section Number, and Course Title: Media Writing 1345-001

Time and Place of Class Meetings: WebCt

Time and Place of Class Meetings: TR10 a.m. – 11:50 a.m. FAB 411a

Description of Course Content:

  • Basic media writing: common grammar problems; writing leads;
  • Research and interviewing skills
  • Reporting and writing for various styles, including news, features, profiles, broadcast, Web, public relations and advertising
  • Copy editing
  • Libel, ethics and responsible journalism

Student Learning Outcomes:

  • Comprehend the concepts, ideas and foundation of Freedom of Speech and Press, including an understanding of the role media play in today’s society.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of media law and ethics—specifically, truth, accuracy and fairness—as well as the role of diversity and interculturalism within sources and the newsroom.
  • Conduct research while using ethical and legal principles to produce quality work.
  • Understand the theories and principles of reporting and writing for media, including the presentation of information—images, graphics, visual communication and the written word.
  • Be current with today’s news and information disseminated through various media—both local and national.
  • Utilize creative, critical and independent thinking to interview sources, conduct research and write unbiased media stories.
  • Comprehend fundamental numerical and statistical concepts and utilize them in the writing and reporting of articles as well as being familiar with basic technology and software.
  • Apply basic Associated Press style and utilize correct grammar when reporting and writing articles, as well as being comfortable with editing stories utilizing journalistic style, ethics and principles.
  • Understand and be able to produce quality journalistic stories, specifically news, feature and opinion-editorials, while working under deadlines.
  • Critically evaluate their own work and the works of others utilizing the principles of accuracy, fairness, clarity, style and grammatical correctness.

Grading Policy:

(1)Weekly Quizzes…………..…10 percent

(2)Short writing assignments…..30 percent

(3)Public Relations project…….15 percent Due: Dec. 5

(4)Broadcast project……….…..10 percent Due: Nov. 7

(5)Mid-term feature story…..….15 percent Due: Oct. 21

(6)Two major exams………..….20 percent. Oct 21 & Dec. 14

Requirements: none

Required Textbooks and Other Course Materials:

Required: Writing for the Mass Media by Stovall (7th ed)

Required: 2009The Associated Press Stylebook

Required: When Words Collide, 6th edition, Kessler & McDonald

Descriptions of major assignments and examinations with due dates:

Major Tests: Oct 21Dec 14

Mid-Term Feature story due Oct 21

Major Broadcast news scripts due Nov 7

Public Relations media kit due Dec 14

Possible Bonus: If you do well in this course, you should also be able to find work in some of the professions it targets. If, before this class ends, you can get a major news story or feature published or broadcast via professional media with a circulation or broadcast reach beyond 2,500, you grade will be raised one whole letter. However this offer does not stand if you target media where you are already employed.

Communication Department Writing Lab: This writing lab is located in FAB257 on Tuesday & Thursday from 2 p.m. -5 p.m. and Wednesday from 9 a.m.-noon. You may stop by during these hours for help on grammar, spelling, punctuation and AP Style as well as other writing problems. I will give 5 points extra credit for each 30 minute session on relevant assignments.

Course Grading:

(7)Quizzes on AP style and grammar will count for 10 percent of your grade.

(8)Numerous short writing assignments will count for 30 percent of your grade.

(9)One public relations project will make up 15 percent of your grade. Due:

(10)One broadcast project will count for 10 percent of your grade.

(11)Midterm feature writing assignments for 15 percent of your grade.

(12)There will be two major exams. They will count for 20 percent of your grade.

Work turned in late without prior notice will have one grade level deducted from the final grade. I will be glad to discuss first rough drafts with you, as would most editors.

Points will be deducted for each A.P. style, spelling and grammatical error.

Grading will be based on 10 percent increments:

90 percent and above = A80 percent to 89 percent =B

70 percent to 79 percent = C60 to 69 percent = D

Professional standards will be used to grade writing assignments:

A if writing is publishableB if work is publishable with a bit more effort

C if writing shows promiseD if works lacks effort and/or understanding

CD or Floppy Disk: Be careful to save your computer work as you go. The excuse that you lost everything because your computer failed does not work here. Back up your work.

Attendance Policy: Although you will not be attending a classroom for this class, you are still expected to turn assignments in when they are due. If you have an excused “absence,” you are still responsible for assignments missed, so notify me by the class mail so that I can re-open that assignment for your submission of late work. All make up work is due within a week of the excused “absence,” unless extra time is granted. If you did not have a valid reason for not turning your work in on time, you still may submit it but that assignment will be counted late and receive a grade letter deduction.

Drop Policy: It is the responsibility of the student to process the official class drop and add forms. Faculty cannot drop students from class. Students need to go to his/her "major" department to drop a class. If you are a Communication major, then go to the Communication Department.

The last drop rate for the fall semester is Friday, Nov. 3, which occurs at the end of the tenth week of class. Students are allowed to drop until 5 p.m. CST on that date.

Americans With Disabilities Act: The University of Texas at Arlington is on record as being committed to both the spirit and letter of federal equal opportunity legislation; reference Public Law 92-112 - The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended. With the passage of federal legislation entitled Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), pursuant to section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, there is renewed focus on providing this population with the same opportunities enjoyed by all citizens.

As a faculty member, I am required by law to provide "reasonable accommodations" to students with disabilities, so as not to discriminate on the basis of that disability. Student responsibility primarily rests with informing faculty of their need for accommodation and in providing authorized documentation through designated administrative channels. Information regarding specific diagnostic criteria and policies for obtaining academic accommodations can be found at Also, you may visit the Office for Students with Disabilities in room 102 of University Hall or call them at (817) 272-3364.

Academic Integrity: It is the philosophy of The University of Texas at Arlington that academic dishonesty is a completely unacceptable mode of conduct and will not be tolerated in any form. All persons involved in academic dishonesty will be disciplined in accordance with University regulations and procedures. Discipline may include suspension or expulsion from the University.

"Scholastic dishonesty includes but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, collusion, the submission for credit of any work or materials that are attributable in whole or in part to another person, taking an examination for another person, any act designed to give unfair advantage to a student or the attempt to commit such acts." (Regents’ Rules and Regulations, Series 50101, Section 2.2)

Student Support Services Available:The University of Texas at Arlington supports a variety of student success programs to help you connect with the University and achieve academic success. These programs include learning assistance, developmental education, advising and mentoring, admission and transition, and federally funded programs. Students requiring assistance academically, personally, or socially should contact the Office of Student Success Programs at 817-272-6107 for more information and appropriate referrals.

Final Review Week: A period of five class days prior to the first day of final examinations in the long sessions shall be designated as Final Review Week. The purpose of this week is to allow students sufficient time to prepare for final examinations. During this week, there shall be no scheduled activities such as required field trips or performances; and no instructor shall assign any themes, research problems or exercises of similar scope that have a completion date during or following this week unless specified in the class syllabi. During Final Review Week, an instructor shall not give any examinations constituting 10% or more of the final grade, except makeup tests and laboratory examinations. In addition, no instructor shall give any portion of the final examination during Final Review Week. Classes are held as scheduled during this week and lectures and presentations may be given.

Librarian to Contact: Rafia Mirza ()

E-Culture Policy: The University of Texas at Arlington has adopted the University email address as an official means of communication with students. Through the use of email, UT-Arlington is able to provide students with relevant and timely information, designed to facilitate student success. In particular, important information concerning registration, financial aid, payment of bills, and graduation may be sent to students through email.

All students are assigned an email account and information about activating and using it is available at New students (first semester at UTA) are able to activate their email account 24 hours after registering for courses. There is no additional charge to students for using this account, and it remains active as long as a student is enrolled at UT-Arlington. Students are responsible for checking their email regularly.

Make-up Exam Policy: You may makeup all assignments except current event quizzes. However, unless you have an excused absence, the assignment will receive a letter grade lower than you made. All makeup work is due no later than a week after the due date.

Grade Grievance Policy: See Catalog

Americans with Disabilities Act: If you need accommodation for a disability, please inform me at the beginning of the semester and provide authorized documentation. All reasonable accommodations will be made to provide accessibility and assure no discrimination on the basis of disability.

Academic and Dishonesty: It is the philosophy of this university that academic dishonesty is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated. All persons involved in academic dishonesty will be disciplined in accordance with university regulations and procedures. Discipline may include suspension or expulsion from the University. According to the Regents’ Rules and Regulations, Part One, Chapter VI, Section 3, Subsection 3.2, Subdivision 3.22, “Scholastic dishonesty includes but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, collusion, the submission for credit of any work or materials that are attributable in whole or in part to another person, taking an examination for another person, any act to give unfair advantage to a student or the attempt to commit such acts.”

Students are also expected to abide by copyright laws. Complaints about academic dishonest are referred to the office of Judicial Affairs. Check out its Web site at if you have questions

Student Support Services Available: The University of Texas at Arlington supports a variety of student success programs to help you connect with the school and achieve academic success. These programs include learning assistance, development education, advising and mentoring, admission and transition, and federally funded programs. Students requiring assistance academically, personally, or socially should contact the Office of Student Success Programs at 817-272-6107 for more information and appropriate referrals. Also remember that the UTA library has a terrific help desk.

Bomb Threats: If anyone calls in a bomb threat, be aware that UTA will attempt to trace the phone call and prosecute all responsible parties. Every effort will be made to avoid cancellation of presentations/tests caused by the bomb threat. Unannounced alternative sites will be available for these classes. Your instructor will make you aware of alternate class sites in the event that your classroom is not available.

Feel Free to Contact Me: When you e-mail me be sure to use the WebCt class mail instead of my UTA e-mail; when you phone, if you leave a message, be sure to include the class as well as your name and phone number.

Format for Assignments: Be sure to slug each assignment with your name, your class and title of the assignment.

Jour 1345

CALENDAR OF ASSIGNMENTS DUE Fall 2011

Session 1: Introduction and AP Style
Textbook Reading
Writing for the Mass Media (Stovall) Chapter 3
Download and study “Introduction and AP Style" (Under Associated Press Stylebook)
August 26, 2011 / Job Application Assignment*
August 26, 2011 / Editing Marks Quiz (Under Quizzes/Other quizzes)
August 26, 2011 / AP Practice Quiz (Under Quizzes)
Session 2: What Is News?
Textbook Reading
  • Writing for the Mass Media (Stovall) Chapters 4, 5, 6

August 28 , 2011 / News Values Practice (In Course Content)
August 28 , 2011 / News Summary Leads Practice (In Course Content)
August 28, 2011 / Story #1 Inverted Pyramid Assignment
August 28 , 2011 / AP Test #1 (Under Quizzes)
September 4, 2011 / Story #2 Crime
September 4, 2011 / AP Test #2
September 11 , 2011 / Story #3 Speech Story
September 11, 2011 / AP Test #3
Session 3: Interviewing
Textbook Reading
Writing for the Mass Media (Stovall) review Chapter 4
September 18, 2011 / Feature Reaction Story
September 18, 2011 / AP Test #4
Session 4: Feature Writing
Textbook Reading
  • None

September 22, 2011 / Brainstorming Ideas (Under Written Assignments, Session 4)
September 25, 2011 / Feature Personality Profile
September 25, 2011 / AP Test #5
September 29, 2011 / Feature Rough Draft for Midterm
Session 5: Research
Textbook Reading
  • None

October 2, 2011 / Research Records/Library
October 2, 2011 / AP Test #6
October 9, 2011 / Midterm Exam
October 9, 2011 / Midterm Feature
Session 6: Professional Writing
Textbook Reading
  • Writing for the Mass Media (Stovall) Chapter 2
  • When Words Collide, Chapters 2, 6, 10, and 12

October 13, 2011 / Readability Assignment
October 13, 2011 / Grammar Test (Under Quizzes/Practice Exercises)
October 13, 2011 / Readability Practice 1 (Book 4.3) (Under Quizzes/Practice)
October 13, 2011 / Readability Practice 2 (Book 4.4) (Under Quizzes/Practice)
October 13, 2011 / Readability Test (Book 4.7) (Under Quizzes/Other Quizzes)
Session 7: Web Writing and Utilization
October 16, 2011 / Textbook Reading
  • Writing for the Mass Media (Stovall) Chapters 7 & 8
  • The Associated Press Stylebook: pp. 125-133

October 16, 2011 / Web Assignment (Five sections)
October 16, 2011 / AP Test #7
Session 8: Public Relations
Textbook Reading:
Writing for the Mass Media (Stovall) Chapter 17
October 23, 2011 / Submit by e-mail: Name of organization or business that you plan on doing your public relations campaign for and your major project press kit.
October 23, 2011 / PR Press Release
October 23, 2011 / AP Test #8A
October 27, 2011 / PR Campaign
Session 9: Writing for Broadcast
Textbook Reading
  • Writing for the Mass Media (Stovall) Chapter 9

October 30, 2011 / Broadcast Radio News
November 6, 2011 / Broadcast News Show
November 6, 2011 / AP Test #9
Session 10: Advertising
Textbook Reading:
  • Writing for the Mass Media (Stovall) Chapter 10

November 13, 2011 / Analyzing Ads
November 20, 2011 / AD #2 Designing a Major Campaign
November 20, 2011 / AP Quiz #10
November 24,1911 / Press Kit Rough Draft
Session 11: Law and Ethics
Textbook Reading:
  • Writing for the Mass Media (Stovall) Chapter 12
  • AP Stylebook , “Briefing on Media Law

November 27, 2011 / Ethics Discussion (See Section 11, Making Ethical Decisions)
November 27, 2011 / Law Quiz (Under Other Quizzes)
November 27, 2021 / Trade Mark Practice (Under Session 11, Intellectual Property Law)
Session 12: Work Habits and Finding Work
Textbook Reading:
  • None

December 4, 2011 / Work Habits (4 Sections)
December 4, 2011 / AP Quiz #11
December 4, 2021 / Press Kit Completed
December 15 / Final Exam