FUNDAMENTALS OF JOURNALISM (JOUR 1033)

Fundamentals of Journalism

JOUR 1033 Syllabus

Rev. 8/08

Instructor: Carol E. Rachal

Class: Section I: Tues: 9:30 – 10:50 a.m.
Section II: Tues: 2 - 3:20 p.m.
                            Kimpel 205

Lab: Tuesday-Friday, various times

Office Hours: MWF: 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. or by appointment
   Office: Kimpel 116B
   Phone: 479-575-3113
   E-mail: crachal@uark.edu

Web Page: http://comp.uark.edu/~crachal

Course Description: This course will provide grammar instruction for journalists and will emphasize the fundamentals of writing clearly. The course is an introduction to basic journalistic style and is a prerequisite for all advanced journalism courses, including Jour 2013 (News I), Jour 2032 and 2031L (Broadcast News I) and Jour 4143 (PR Writing).

Learning Objectives

Students will develop the ability to write quickly, accurately, clearly, concisely and grammatically, on deadline, on any topic, amid typical workplace distractions.
Students will develop the skill to order facts in a story in a way that enhances understanding.
Students will develop the ability to use journalistic style in a consistent and accurate manner.
Students will develop an understanding of the diverse nature of sources and information that go into news stories. They will learn to attribute each fact accurately in a news story while maintaining an interesting writing style.
Students will learn to use numbers in news stories in an understandable and accurate manner.
Students will develop skills in editing stories for style and grammar.
Students will develop listening skills necessary in all journalistic pursuits and will learn the importance of following directions precisely.
Students will develop skills in time management and task planning and will apply them to meeting deadlines.

REQUIRED TEXTS and READINGS:

1. Associated Press Stylebook and Libel Manual (2005 or newer)

2. Media Writer's Handbook: A Guide to Common Writing and Editing Problems, by George T. Arnold, 4th edition

3.A jump drive on which to save your lab work. They are available at the bookstore or at any office supply store. They must be USB drives and a recommended brand is Sandisk. Lexar is not recommended.

4. Local, state and national newspapers, available at news stands and the Arkansas Union information desk, or on display at the Journalism Department and Mullins Library. They are also online.

LAB: The lab will consist of writing a story from a fact sheet that is provided for you. The focus will be on correct grammar and journalistic style. Each lab will include the initial exercise and the revision. The total value of each exercise is 30 points (20 pts. for the exercise and 10 pts. for the revision). Revisions are required as part of the writing exercise – they are NOT optional.

GRADING: Students are required to earn at least a “C” in Jour 1033 before taking subsequent writing courses. Grades will be awarded as follows: 100 – 90 = A; 89 – 80 = B; 79 – 70 = C; 69 – 60 = D; Below 60 = F.

Note: If you are having difficulty with any of the material, please contact me immediately.
Do not wait until the end of the semester. Also, your success in class is directly related to attendance. You will miss valuable information if you are not present.

Missing an exam: To make up an exam for full credit, you must:
•    Call or send me an e-mail me before the time the class meets.
•    You may need to present a doctor’s note or an obituary before a makeup exam is permitted.
•    If you expect to miss an exam because of an official school activity, you must present a letter from the faculty sponsor on letterhead ahead of time.

What your grade will be based on:

Four exams (Three exams and a final worth 100 pts each)	400
Lab Writing	350
A total of 11 exercises with required revisions and a final worth 50 points: (The lowest lab grade will be dropped, excluding the final).
(20 points for lab exercise, 10 points for revision)
Homework, in-class assignments, quizzes and extra credit	170
Seven homework assignments at 10 pts. each = 70
Seven in-class assignments at 10 pts each = 70
Three quizzes at 10 pts each = 30

In addition, 30 extra credit points are possible on exams and quizzes

ALL WORK DONE OUTSIDE CLASS MUST BE TYPED.

Use 12-point Times as your font. Do not print on both sides of a sheet of paper.

HOMEWORK IS NOT ACCEPTED UNLESS YOU ARE IN CLASS.

DO NOT SCHEDULE DOCTOR'S APPOINTMENTS OR OTHER APPOINTMENTS DURING CLASS TIME

CLASS WEATHER POLICY: If the university is closed, we will not have class. As long as the UA is up and running, class will be in session. If I decide to call off class for whatever reason, I will notify the journalism office, which you can call at 479-575-3601. I will also notify you via e-mail.

If you miss class because of weather, the absence will be counted as an unexcused absence. However, if your grade will be adversely affected by your absence, I will hear your appeal provided you contact me in person or by telephone before noon that day.

THE WRITING CENTER: The WC, located in Kimpel 315, is a student service run by the English Department. It is designed to help students with their writing. I am happy to help you in any way I can, but I am a part-time instructor and my time is limited. Phone 479-575-6747 for information.

CENTER FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: Please contact the Center for Educational Access (CEA) at
479-575-3104, if you are a student with special needs who requires extra time for completing assignments/exams or special equipment. I will be happy to accommodate you any way I can.

Additional FOJ resources