Unit 1:
News Writing Basics in 2022
(Foundations)
This unit sets up foundational ideals and practices for contemporary news writing, from style basics to revisiting where and how reporting is taking place today. We’ll also begin to establish the pattern of our course, with “content” days on MW “studio” days on TTh, and unit wrap-up days on F. (This pattern shifts in Week 4 to accommodate final assignments.)
On studio days, we will complete unit-specific writing and editing (and later, research) work.
Each week’s major assignment will generally be handed out during Thursday’s class time. You will have time to work in news writing/editing teams during class, with final submission deadlines of 11:59 p.m. that night.
By the end of Unit 1, students should be able to:
Speak with entry-level substance on the state of news writing in 2022, the identity of quality regional publications, and the basics of news writing.
Complete simple (short/regional-interest), publishable news pieces according to AP guidelines.
Files:
Reminder: Major Assignments submitted late receive a 1-time, automatic 20% penalty, per the syllabus (see p. 3, “Late Work”). Assignments submitted but failing to meet the minimum guidelines will be counted late—as in, you can revise and resubmit, with that 20% penalty attached to your grade.
There will be opportunities to make revisions to Major Assignments 1-3 (for things like AP style, etc.).