Writing For Media
MCOM102
Fall 2010
T-TH-12:30-1:45
Instructor: Ms. Gloria D. Brogdon
Office: #3 Trustee Hall
Hours: T 9:00-1:00
R 1:00-5:00
Also available by appointment
Phone: 405-514-3248
e-mail:gbrogdon@claflin.edu
e-mail: gdbrogdon@gmail.com
(Syllabus Created by Dr. Jullian Williams)
Course Description
In this course, students will learn the principles and techniques of writing for the mass media. Due to media convergence, it is important to write effectively for various audiences. Changes in technology require that students understand how to communicate skillfully across multiple platforms, including the internet.
Course Objective
The objective of this course is to develop proficiency in writing for multimedia. A professor once said that the writing process is like learning to ride a bicycle: it takes practice. Therefore, exercises, assignments, and diagnostic tests will be conducted with the intent of skill level of students over time. It is important that students also be familiar with differing styles and formats, policy issues, ethics, and legal issues involved in the effective presentation of written material.
Required Textbook: Stovall, J.G. 2009). 7th Edition. Boston: Allyn and Bacon.
Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:
· assess their level of improvement in basic grammar and style from the beginning of this course to the end
Method of Measurement:
Students will be given an AP Language Skills pretest and posttest
· demonstrate their proficiency in writing mechanics, clarity and conciseness across multiple media formats
Method of Measurement:
Students will be produce accurate news, Web, advertising and other materials through regular class exercises and assignments
· demonstrate proficiency in writing including basic grammar and style
Method of Measurement:
Students will be given regular writing exercises and assignments including
an AP Language Skills pretest and posttest
· demonstrate their knowledge of concepts, terms, and other material taken from lectures, textbook material, discussions and handouts from class. Students will be given a midterm exam
· create a comprehensive project which reflects an understanding of material covered throughout the semester
Method of Measurement:
Students will develop a final project
Grading Formula:
Participation (includes attendance) 5%
Pretest-posttest 5%
Exercises/assignments 60%
Midterm 10%
Final Project 20%
____
100%
Instructional Methods and Technology Strategies
This course is taught at a writing lab at Claflin University. Course material will be presented in the form of lectures, class discussions, and presentations. Some class periods will be used to work on special assignments. Assignments are expected to be typewritten and turned in on time. Students must respect deadlines in the same way they would in a professional arena. Failure to meet deadlines will result in a zero or loss of points. If a personal matter arises which would prevent your turning in an assignment on time, you must provide appropriate documentation.
Classroom Etiquette
Claflin University is a center of higher education. Therefore, when you enter the classroom, you are expected to act like an adult. Students must be considerate of others and refrain from disruptive activity. This includes loud talking during lecture, rude comments, and coming and going out of class during lecture. Computer activity must be restricted to material related to this course.
Honor Code
Claflin University students are to abide by a Code of Honor which is designed to provide an environment where academy integrity is maintained. The following is a quote from the university’s policy statement:
“Claflin University prohibits all forms of academic or scholarly dishonesty, including written or oral examinations, term and research papers or theses, modes of creative expression, and computer-based work. Scholarly dishonesty includes, lying, cheating, plagiarism, collusion, and the falsification or misrepresentation of experimental data.”
Plagiarism is defined as submitting the work or ideas of another as one’s own. It is regarded as theft, and is a serious offense. Those who are found guilty of plagiarism are subject to suspension from Claflin.
Disabilities Note
Claflin University adheres to all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and guidelines with respect to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. If you have a disability that may require assistance or accommodations, or if you have questions related to any accommodations for testing, please contact the Student Supports Services office. Students should also speak with this instructor in a timely manner to arrange for appropriate accommodations.
Schedule Reading
Aug. 23 Orientation
Aug. 25 Overview of Course
Aug. 27 Importance of grammar, punctuation, and spelling
Aug. 30 Skills Pretest
Sept. 1 What is good writing? Chapter 1
Writing Assignment
Sept. 3 Writing With Clarity Chapter 2
Go over Assignment
Creating Your Blog
Sept. 6 Labor Day
Sept. 8 Parts of Speech Chapter 2
Sept. 10 Basic Tools of Writing
Writing Assignment
Sept. 13 Basic Tools of Writing (continued) Chapter 2
Sept. 15 Writing For An Audience Chapter 4
Conventions and Practices
Sept. 17 Writing for Broadcast News Chapter 5
Writing Assignment
Sept. 20 Broadcast Newswriting (continued) Chapter 5
Writing With Unity
Sept. 22 Broadcast and the Podcast Chapter 6
Creating a Podcast
Sept. 24 Interviewing
Podcast Assignment
Sept. 27 Writing for the Web Chapter 7
Content and format
Sept. 29 Writing For the Web (continued) Chapter 8
October 1 Writing For the Web (continued) Chapter 8
Writing Assignment
Oct. 4 The TV News Blog
Oct. 6 The TV News Blog (continued)
News Assignment
Oct. 8 News Blog Assignment Due
Oct. 11 Midterm Review
Oct. 13 Midterm
Oct. 15 Editing and Rewriting
Oct. 18 Fall Break
Oct. 20 Style and Script Formats
Oct. 22 Feature Writing Chapter 9
Oct. 25 Entertainment/Sports News
Writing Assignment
Oct. 27 Writing Advertising Copy
Oct. 29 Advertising and the Audience
Nov. 1 Print v. Broadcast Ads
Nov. 3 Writing Accuracy
Writing Assignment
Nov. 3 The Visual Element
Nov. 5 Sight, Sound and Motion
Nov. 8 The Power of Photography
Nov. 10 Visual Cues
Nov. 12 Writing for Public Relations
Nov. 15 Internal and External Publics
Nov. 17 Press Releases
Nov. 19 Word Precision
Writing Assignment
Nov. 22 Communication Law and Ethics
Nov. 24-26 Thanksgiving Holiday
Nov. 29 Ethics Review
Dec. 1 Posttest
Dec. 3 Last day of classes: Review of Final Project
No comments:
Post a Comment