OBJECTIVES and ASSIGNMENTS:
Newswriting is a nuts and bolts course in journalistic writing. This class stresses the
mastery of basic newswriting skills through reading assignments, lectures, exercises,
writing assignments and quizzes. Topics to be covered include the inverted pyramid story
structure, lead writing, use of quotations and sourcing, effective writing and editing,
legal and ethical concerns, and information gathering skills including interviewing and
the use of printed sources.
Journalists generally must operate on a deadline. In the profession, missing
assignments can cost you your job. Here, if you miss an in-class writing exercise or an
assigned article is not completed by the due date, your grade will be affected.
Journalists are well-informed news consumers; I recommend that you get in the habit of
reading a daily newspaper. Quizzes will be given occasionally to see if you are keeping up
with current events.
A visit to The Bulletin is planned for mid/late October. In addition, students
are encouraged to submit their work to COCC’s newspaper, The Broadside. Extra
credit will be received for any article published in The Broadside or The
Source.
REQUIRED TEXTS: Rich’s Writing and Reporting News 3rd ed.
Donohue’s WR 230 CoursePack
OPTIONAL TEXT: When Words Collide, 4th ed.
OTHER MATERIALS:
(see packet for detailed assignments)
Late exercises may or may not be accepted: it depends on the assignment. Articles that
are not received by 2pm on the date due will not receive above a "C" grade. All
assigned articles should be word processed, edited and proofread and emailed to me before
class begins. (I also want a printed copy.) Up to 3 stories may be revised (within 1 week)
to improve your grade.
Please see me as soon as possible if you have any questions about this
syllabus. Good luck and enjoy the course.
