Unit 1:
News Writing Basics in 2020
(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 “deadline” day on F. We will complete unit-specific writing and editing (and later, research) exercises on studio days.
The week’s major assignment for the week will be handed out during Friday’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 2020, 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:
Published: Issue #1
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 additional opportunities to revise in Week 4 if necessary (for things like AP style, etc.), without penalties. Your life will be easier if you take time to polish pieces as much as possible now.