Journalism Course Syllabus\\

Ms. Redaja

School Year 1999-2000

Welcome students!  My name is Miss Redaja.  You may also call me Miss R. or Ma’am.  No, the millennium does not start at 2000.  It starts at 2001. Why journalism? Students who take journalism are usually students who are students in a career as a news reporter.  This class is a good start, but as with other classes, should not be the sole determinant of what a reporter does.  Journalism is not only for reporters.  It’s for freelance writers who want their pictures to serve a better purpose than just being  a piece of art; it’s for future talk show hosts who want their audience to know more than just rumors; it’s for the average individual who is merely curious as to what a reporter does.

What will you need? -Black or blue and red ink pens -Pencils -Filler Paper -Note Pad for reporting purposes -Notebook exclusively for journals (preferably Composition notebooks) -Camera (optional) -Recorder (optional)

What I expect from you? If you do all your assignments and turn them in on time, then you should have no problem passing my class.  There are some rules I expect you to follow. This class has four general rules:  1.  Come to class prepared!  2.  Give respect and get respect.  3.  Know the school rules and observe them.  4.  Know the New Splash guidelines by heart and adhere to them.

What happens if a rule is broken? If a rule is broken, the following procedures will be followed: 1st offense--Verbal warning 2nd offense--Offense will be documented 3rd offense--Lunch detention 4th offense--Disciplinary Referral

Assignments/Make-up:

-Turn assignments in on time.  If you are absent, it is your responsibility to make- up any work you have missed.  There is a calendar of assignments on the bulletin board.  All make-up quizzes and tests to be held during lunch, before or after school.  It is your responsibility to make arrangements with me.

-Every Monday you are expected to turn in one grammar assignment.  Your task is to look through newspapers, magazines or other media forms and find errors in spelling, punctuation, sentence structure, etc.

-Every day a “Word of the Day” is announced over the intercom.  It is your responsibility to listen and take notes. -Beginning August 20, you will have biweekly tests on the lessons we’ve covered and the word of the day.

-Your article assignments will be considered homework.  When you are in class, you are expected to do the lessons for that day.  I will not give you a pass to make an appointment for an interview.  The only time I will give you a pass to interview an individual is if you bring a note verifying that first period is this person’s best time to be interviewed.

What if you don’t understand the assignment? If you don’t understand the assignment, raise your hand and ask questions.  You may also talk to me after class during break or lunch, if you wish.

Will I be using my own money for this class? You may have to, especially if you choose to accompany your article with pictures.  Journalism will reimburse you for your costs, though.  All you need to do is provide a legitimate receipt.  If you do use your personal equipment, however, they are solely your responsibility and Journalism will not cover the cost for repairs or replacements.

What about selling newspapers? Our first issue is scheduled to appear by the end of September, if not, sooner. For every issue we print, you will have a quota of 10 copies.  The money you collect from newspaper sales should be submitted no later than one week after issue is released.  If you fail to meet your quota, then you must surrender all unsold copies.  The money is your responsibility.

Attendance: If you are not in your seat  by the time the tardy bell rings, you will be considered tardy.  Attendance requirements should be found in your student handbook.  Look over them carefully.

Corridor Pass: Corridor passes will not be given to use the phone, go to your locker or visit friends in other classes.