GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY / SPRING SEMESTER 2004
INSTRUCTOR: Steve Klein
This class meets in Room 336 Innovation Hall

ESSENTIALS:

This class meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays over a total of 15 weeks and 28 sessions beginning Tuesday January 20 and concluding Thursday April 29 (with the exception of March 9 and 11 during Spring Break) from 9 to 10:15 a.m. in 336 Innovation Hall. There is no final exam.

OUR CONTRACT: This syllabus represents an agreement (or contract) between the student and the instructor. By remaining enrolled in this course, each student is accepting the policies and guidelines covered in this syllabus.

KEY DATES:

• First day of the Spring Semester: Jan. 20
• Last day to drop classes with NO tuition liability: Feb. 3
• Last day to drop classes with NO academic liability: Feb. 20
• Spring Break: March 7-14
  
• Last day of Spring Semester classes: Monday May 3
  For the full Spring Semester schedule, see: http://registrar.gmu.edu/acadcal04b.html

IMPORTANT NOTE: Students who do not confirm their registration by attendance at the first class meeting are subject to being dropped at the discretion of the department and instructor. Students must not assume that the department will automatically initiate a drop for not attending class. Students who register for courses they do not attend are themselves responsible for dropping the class. If you miss the first class, you must contact me with your intention to remain registered or you will be dropped for a waitlisted student.

HOW TO CONTACT MR. KLEIN:

    GMU office: Thompson Hall, room 219-B
    Office phone: 703-993-2199
    GMU e-mail: sklein1@gmu.edu
    Web page: http://mason.gmu.edu/~sklein1/
    Office hours: Tuesday and Thursday, noon-1 p.m.; Wednesday, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; or by appointment
    To leave work: Use my mailbox in the COMM office, 212 Thompson Hall.

COURSE PREREQUISITES:

• Comm303 (Writing Across the Media)
• 40 wpm keyboard skills
• You must be able to use Microsoft Word and be comfortable using portable media (a floppy or Zip disk).
• You must have online access (on campus and/or at home) and know how to browse the Internet (do you Google?).

• You must be able to access Townhall.

PURPOSE OF THIS COURSE:

This 3-credit writing course is unlike anything you've done in high school or college composition courses. For example, we use Associated Press (AP) style, not APA or MLA style. This course is a step up from Comm303. You may experience some confusion and frustration at first, but it will get better if your apply yourself, consistently consult your AP Stylebook, and read the newspaper regularly.

Newswriting is one of the most utilitarian styles of writing you can learn once you get the knack of it. Even if you have no interest in becoming a journalist, this style of writing is a basic skill for all communication professionals. Even if you eventually decide to get out of the communication field entirely, this course still provides you with important critical skills. Not only does news style help you organize your writing, it helps you organize your thinking and decide what is really important about your subject.

COMM 351 is designed to introduce you to the reporting and newswriting skills that are fundamental to the working professional journalist and to most mass communication activities. The objective of this class is to help you develop a clear, concise writing style and a passion for thorough, accurate and fair reporting while gaining an understanding of journalistic sensibilities and ethics. Many of these skills will be learned and practiced on computers. Guest speakers will be invited to share their experiences and knowledge.

You will work on your writing, perfecting your grammar, spelling and punctuation basics as you move on to increasingly creative work. You will learn and practice the basics of reporting , including research, news gathering and interviewing techniques. We will also critically examine the journalistic concepts of fairness, objectivity, subjectivity, balance, news judgment, timeliness, deadlines, storytelling, sources, ethics and legal issues. You will do real reporting and learn about journalism as a career.

IF YOU WANT TO DO WELL IN THIS CLASS:

Attending the class on a regular basis is a good way to start.
In-class work that is missed cannot be made up unless excused in advance.
You must read and observe how news is reported, written and presented on a daily basis throughout the semester. You can do this by reading a daily newspaper (like the New York Times, Washington Post or USA TODAY, all easily available locally and online), watching television news and monitoring websites (like your own local newspaper website) on the Internet.
Students are encouraged to share examples of good writing in class.
The best way to learn how to report and write is to observe how others do it well.

All coursework must be doublespaced and typed on a computer and properly headed/identified in a consistent manner.
All e-mail correspondence must use the SUBJECT line and include the course number (Comm203-001).

NOTE: Getting a college education is a time-consuming pursuit. Many students are not experienced in time management and do not realize the time that a full load of courses really requires. Plan on spending 2-3 hours of outside preparation for each in-class hour! That means a full 15-credit load is a full time job! To benefit from this class, you must attend class regularly and you must do the work.

REQUIRED TEXT (please bring to every class):

• Brooks, Brian S., Kennedy, George, Moen, Daryl L., and Ranly, Don. The Missouri Group: News Reporting and Writing, 7^th ed. (New York, N.Y.: St. Martin’s Press), 2002.
• Goldstein, Norm. The Associated Press Stylebook and Libel Manual," (Reading. Mass.: Addison-Wesley Publishing Co.), 2002.
• A dictionary and thesaurus (I suggest Webster’s New World Dictionary of the American Language, which is available in paperback).

• A 3.5-inch PC computer disk, either a floppy or Zip (you MUST bring this to EVERY class).
• A 3-ring binder or folder in which to keep all returned/graded assignments and additional reading assignments.

• Hot Sheet/the easy way to the best of the Web!

http://www.hotsheet.com

• Journalist Express!

http://www.journalistexpress.com/

• WWWebster Dictionary

http://www.m-w.com/dictionary.htm

• WWWebster Thesaurus

http://www.m-w.com/thesaurus.htm

• Elements of Style, by William Strunk Jr.

http://www.bartleby.com/141/

• Library of Congress Search System
  http://www.loc.gov/

ASSIGNMENTS:

Readings from the textbook will be assigned (see below). Each student will be responsible for outlining a chapter from the text, leading the class in discussion of that chapter, and providing the outline on disk to be posted on this GMU COMM 351 website (this is a graded assignment).

• There will be occasional quizzes on the text and AP Stylebook. These quizzes will begin at the start of class, so if you're late, you lose time. Quizzes cannot be made up.
• Some writing assignments in and outside class will be under a deadline.
• Assignments must be typed and doublespaced with standard margins.
• Rather than a cover sheet, type the following (single spaced) in the upper lefthand corner of each assignment:

  YOUR NAME
  COMM 351-002 / Date
  Your GMU e-mail address
  The STORY SLUG (a 1-or-2 word description for the assignment)

• Always include the word MORE at the bottom of multi-page assignments.
• Always include the page number (page 1, page 2, ir ad 1, ad 2), your last name and slug at the top of all ensuing pages and either staple or paper clip the pages together (folding over the top corner doesn't cut it; pages could get lost).
• Types of assignments (handouts will be distributed when the assignment is introduced in class):
  1) Chapter outline (explained elsewhere)
  2) Basic news story (in and out-of-class assignment)
  3) Breaking news story (in and out-of-class assignment)
  4) Speech story (to be covered out of class)
  5) Writing a press release (homework assignment)
  6) Covering a press conference (in-class assignment)
  7) The ONE THING you learned in each class
  8) Specialty story (for example, a feature or sports game story)
  

• Your classroom ethic: Regular attendance, timeliness, participation, civility and attentiveness is expected. Progress is important. Classes will begin on time -- just as you expect them to end on time.
• Cellphones and beepers: Turn them off, without exception, before class (except in pre-arranged, emergency situations).
• Readings: Each student will outline a chapter from the text, lead the class in a discussion of that chapter, and provide the outline on disk to be posted on this GMU COMM 351 website.
• Style quizzes: Good reporters know how to use AP style. You can count on taking a series of graded style quizzes early in the semester.
• Written assignments: You'll complete about a dozen written assignments both in and out of class to help you sharpen your newswriting, interviewing and reporting skills.
• Rewrites: Rewriting is an important part of the writing process. You may rewrite and resubmit as many as three assignments. Rewrites must be submitted by the class meeting immediately following the return of the graded assignment, and they must be attached to the original assignment to receive credit.
• Deadlines: Adherence to deadlines plays an important role in this course. Journalists meet deadlines; their job is on the line if they don't. Deadlines set for stories in this course are final; those turned in late without an excused absence will not be accepted.
• Attendance: You must e-mail the instructor if you miss class because of illness or emergency. In-class assignments often cannot be made up. If you think that a class may be cancelled because of bad weather, listen to TV or radio, or call 703-993-1000.
• Writing for GMU publications: Working on the yearbook, magazine, student newspapers, etc., and/or working for the on-campus radio station, cable channel or website will positively impact your ability to fulfill assignments successfully, as will having work published by other outside sources. Working in the media requires that prospective journalists produce clips and/or a portfolio of their work. It shows that you have experience and can apply the skills you've learned to real life.
• Important note: Because accuracy is the foundation of credible journalism, factual errors and misspelled names will result in a major reduction in the grade of the assignment. Many journalism programs automatically fail the assignment.

GRADING CRITERIA:

Your grades are based upon quality of research/interviewing, reporting and writing; absolute accuracy and fairness; strength of the lead; organization; clarity of thought and presentation; grammar, punctuation, spelling and AP style; and meeting deadline.

GMU utilizes a 10-point +/- grading scale.The Department of Communication has adopted the following scale for core and basic courses, which will be used to assign final grades in COMM 351:

• A+: 97 to 100 (exceptional work!).
• A:   93 to 96 (outstanding work of publishable quality).
• A-:  90 to 92.
• B+: 87 to 89.
• B:   83 to 86 (publishable with editing and minor changes).
• B-:  80 to 82.
• C+: 77 to 79.
• C:    70 to 76 (publishable only with major changes).
• D:    60 to 69 (unpublishable because of fundamental problems).
• F:     59 or less (unacceptable; lack of basic skills or work not submitted).

ASSIGNMENT PERCENTAGE for FINAL GRADE:

1. You will write three news stories over the course of the semester: coverage of a news event, a speech or meeting, and an feature. If you hand in your story early (one full class ahead of the deadline), you will be permitted a rewrite. Each story counts 10% of your final grade for a total of 30%.
2. All other in-class and homework writing assignments combined count 30% of your final grade. Your lowest grade will be dropped.
3. Quizzes (style and spot news) count 20% of your final grade (lowest quiz grade will be dropped).
4. Classroom participation (10%), your chapter outlines (5%) and your ONE THING classnotes (5%) counts 20% of your final grade.

ACADEMIC ETHICS and CHEATING:

Honesty is a given for those who engage in journalism. When you violate the trust of your audience, you lose your important commodity: your credibility.
George Mason University's "Honor System and Code" is outlined on pages 29-31 of the 2003-04 University Catalog as part of the "Academic Policies" section (pages 27-45).
With regard to this course, acts of dishonesty include, but are not necessarily limited to, cheating on examinations, plagiarizing material from other sources, making up material or sources of information, and/or submitting work for this course originally completed for other courses without instructors permission. The penalty for academic dishonesty is failure of the course -- and you will be reported to the Honor Committee.
Plagiarism means using the exact words, opinions or factual information from another person without giving that person credit. Plagiarism is the equivalent of intellectual robbery and cannot be tolerated in an academic or journalistic setting.

CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR:

In all discussions and assignments, this course emphasizes the importance of avoiding identifications and descriptions that serve to perpetuate stereotypes about gender, age, dialect, disability, national origin, race, religious affiliation and sexual preference. It is expected that discussions will be open and honest, but abusive language or behavior will not be tolerated.
Because of the sensitive nature of the computers, no food or drink will be allowed in the classroom, nor will smoking be tolerated.

Common courtesy should always prevail.

Your regular attendance in this class will have a gret impact on your final grade. The in-class participation is critical (in other words, you want me to know your name as early in the semester as possible!).
The only acceptable excuse for missing class is illness, serious family emergency, or a major religious holiday (see below).
For an excused absence, you must bring a note from a doctor (or medical professional) or parent (in the case of a family emergency).
Any application for an excused absence must be submitted in writing with a copy for my records.
Although you will not be graded directly for attendance (which I will keep), missing class without an approved written excuse will mean a failing grade for any in-class work and participation for that class.
If the number of missed classes add up, you will discover that you are failing that portion of the class. Equally important, it will strongly affect your final grade in other ways: missing important information that impacts your ability to successfully complete assignments.
Classes will start on time; it is rude to your fellow students to be late and cost them classtime.
Be aware of traffic and parking patterns in and around campus, especially the first two weeks of the semester.

Note to student athletes participating in intercollegiate events: You MUST inform me in writing prior to missing a class. So check your schedules now; if you must miss more than two classes because of scheduled events, you should reconsider taking this class.

It is the policy of George Mason University and this instructor to make every reasonable effort to allow members of our diverse university community to observe their religious holidays without academic penalty. However, it your responsibility to provide me with advance written notice of the dates of any major religious holidays on which you will be absent (the earlier notice the better please).

I have regular/posted office hours (immediately after class at 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday) and encourage you to use them -- as well as making mutually convenient special appointments as necessary. Students who proactively visit with their professors before a situation becomes a problem tend to avoid problems and do better in class.

Conversations about grades or individual problems are best dealt with in my officeduring office hours.

This university and this instructor are committed to providing an equitable learning environment for every student. I will readily adjust those students with special needs. If you have special needs in the classroom, please provide a letter from Disability Support Services confirming and describing your special needs at the start of the semester. You may have Disability Support Services contact me directly. This information will be kept in confidence.

Finally, you will find that I'm extremely responsive to e-mail. However, because I teach four classes, it is important that you include Comm351-002 and an applicable title in the SUBJECT line or your note may go unanwered.

COURSE SCHEDULE

  WEEK #4 (Feb. 10 & 12)

Guest speakers Michael Isikoff (left) of Newsweek, his book on the Clinton impeachment,
and Gordon Trowbridge (right) of the Air Force Times

Guest speaker: Air Force Times reporter Gordon Trowbridge, who was an embedded reporter during the Iraqi War on Thursday Feb. 12
More on fundamentals of traditional newswriting, including inverted pyramid style, leads (opening paragraphs) and attribution; interviewing techniques, including listening, quotes and attribution
Reading assignments:
Chapters 4, 5 & 9, "In Their Own Words" (____________________); "Gathering Information" (____________________); "Beyond the Inverted Pyramid" (____________________)
Writing assignment and quiz: Interviewing exercise; AP style quiz

WEEK #5 (Feb. 17 & 19)
Guest speaker: Newsweek investigative reporter Michael Isikoff on Tuesday Feb. 17 in the Johnson Center Cinema (10:30 a.m.)
More on interviewing techniques, including listening, quotes and attribution; using quotes and attribution (possible guest speaker)
Reading assignments:
Chapters 11 & 12, "News Releases" (____________________) and "Speeches, News Conferences and Meetings" (____________________)
Writing assignment: Exercises in attribution, quotes

WEEK #6 (Feb. 24 & 26)
Special kinds of stories: News releases, speeches, news conferences, meetings, accidents, fires, disasters, crimes and the courts, obituaries, computer-assisted reporting
Reading assignments:
Chapters 13 & 14, "Other Types of Basic Stories" (____________________) and "Covering a Beat" (____________________)
Writing assignment/news quiz: Exercises on leads, quotes
Movie (extra credit assignment): "Shattered Glass," 6 & 9 p.m., Johnson Center Cinema (free for students)

WEEK #7 (March 2 & 4)
Catchup and review week
Reading assignments:
Chapters 6 & 10, "Reporting with Numbers" (____________________) and "Obituaries" (____________________)

  WEEK #8 (SPRING BREAK MARCH 6-14 / NO CLASSES)

WRITING (and MORE WRITING): March 16 through April 29, 14 classes
Reading: Chapters 15 through 22
Students are encouraged to write stories for class credit AND ror (campus) publications. During this part of the course, students will focus on their preferred areas of interest (news, features, entertainment, sports) and their final story/project.

WEEK #9 (March 16 & 18)
Covering a beat and other specialized techniques
Reading assignments:
Review chapters 13 & 14, "Other Types of Basic Stories" (____________________) and "Covering a Beat" (____________________)

WEEK #10 (March 23 & 25)
Reading assignments: Chapters 15 & 16, "Business and Consumer News" (____________________) and "Sports" (____________________)

WEEK #11 (March 30 & April 1)
Reading assignment: Chapter 20, "Writing for Online Media" (____________________)

WEEK #12 (April 6 & 8)
Reading assignment: Chapter 21, "Writing for Public Relations" (____________________)

WEEK #13 (April 13 & 15)
Reading assignment: Chapter 19, "Writing News for Radio and Television" (____________________)

WEEK #14 (April 20 & 22)
Reading assignment: Chapter 18, "Investigative Reporting" (____________________)

WEEK #15 (April 27 & 29)
Reading assignment: Chapter 17, "Social Science Reporting" (____________________)
Careers
Guest speakers: Media recruiters to be announced
Teaching evaluations April 27