News Reporting II Course JRN 02311-1 Tuesday/Thursday 9:30 a.m. - 10:45 p.m. 301 High St., Glassboro, Room 205 Rowan University Spring 2016

Professor: Dianne Garyantes, Ph.D. Office: 6 High St., Glassboro 856-256-4069

Office Hours: Tuesday & Thursday, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Email: [email protected]

Course Description This course stresses government, education, event and deadline news reporting. Students learn how to write in journalistic style on deadline and how to deal with sources. They write stories about governing bodies, school boards, budgets, crime, weather, breaking news and events.

A class WordPress site will contain much of the course content. Students also will be required to link their blogs to this site: http://newsreportingblog.wordpress.com/

Goals of the Course 1. Learn advanced news reporting and writing skills. 2. Study newspaper and Internet news style. 3. Become proficient in research skills, including interviewing. 4. Become proficient in writing and reporting about government, education, event and deadline news reporting. 5. Demonstrate advanced knowledge on news style and current events. 6. Develop advanced understanding of the flow and context of current events.

Required Texts 1. Introduction to News Writing: The Real Scoop. By Kathryn Quigley Must be SECOND edition. 2012. Kendall-Hunt. ISBN: 978-1-4652-0393-9 2. News Writing and Reporting. By Melvin Mencher. (12th Edition). McGraw Hill 3. The Associated Press Stylebook, 2014 or 2015 edition. Edited by Norm Goldstein. Perseus Publishing.

The Mencher textbook is available at the bookstore and online. If you buy a used copy, buy the most recent edition. The same goes for the AP Stylebook.

Course Format and Expectations This course includes quizzes, lectures, discussions and hands-on work in journalism. You will be required to read the two textbooks, take bi-weekly quizzes, complete in-class assignments on deadline and submit five reporting and writing assignments.

You are expected to read one local and national newspaper or newspaper website EVERY DAY (The New York Times, The Washington Post, Philadelphia Inquirer, Courier Post, the Times, Atlantic City Press, etc.) plus view one national website or channel (CNN, FOX, MSNBC) every day and be ready for discussion. Attendance is important and will be counted towards your grade.

Many assignments occur outside of class time so plan accordingly. Journalism education happens both in AND out of the classroom, so set aside time for the assignments in News II.

NOTE: You are required to attach a list of your sources (both interviewees and other online or written material you consulted to your submitted articles). Please do not exceed the assigned word length by more than 5 percent either above or below the required word count.

Rowan Writing Center The Rowan Writing Center is a space where all writers can find support at any stage of their writing process. Whether it be invention strategies in the beginning to determine their topic, organizing ideas or revising drafts, the center and its tutors provide a comfortable environment for students to improve and succeed as writers.

To make an appointment, students must go to www.rowan.mywconline.com and register for a free account. Once this account has been created, students will have access to a complete list of tutors and their available hours. Then they can simply click on an open timeslot and fill out the form that requests the type of session that they prefer. Limited walk-in appointments are also available.

For help with scheduling or any other questions, call 856-256-4376 or email [email protected].

ACCOMMODATION POLICY

Your academic success is important. If you have a documented disability that may have an impact upon your work in this class, please contact me. Students must provide documentation of their disability to the Academic Success Center in order to receive official University services and accommodations. The Academic Success Center can be reached at 856-256-4234. The Center is located on the 3rd floor of Savitz Hall. The staff is available to answer questions regarding accommodations or assist you in your pursuit of accommodations. We look forward to working with you to meet your learning goals.

ACADEMIC HONESTY Plagiarism is a serious offense. Do not use words, phrases, or ideas without proper attribution. This includes copying content from the Internet. When in doubt, ask if it is ok to use something or how to attribute it accurately. For the university’s complete academic honesty policy, see the Rowan University Student Information Guide. The university Web site also features a tutorial on how to avoid plagiarism at http://www.rowan.edu/provost/policies/documents/academic_integrity_policy_04- 12.pdf

Essentially, plagiarism means trying to pass someone else’s work off as your own. It does not necessarily mean copying an entire paper, although that would clearly be plagiarism. For example, you plagiarize if you:

▪ Use an interview someone else did or use a quote someone else obtained and don’t credit the source. ▪ Cut and paste a variety of sources and cobble them together without proper citation and with no evident thought on your part as to the thrust of the piece. ▪ Lift a segment verbatim without citation. A few words here are there are permissible – there are only so many ways to say, “Edward R. Murrow died of lung cancer” – but you can’t drop a whole paragraph of somebody else’s work into your piece if you don’t credit it. Just listing the title of a source in a bibliography is not sufficient. You must be very clear about the source of words that are not yours, and cite the source in the text of your paper. You may refer to a works cited page at the end, but there must be a clear indication in the text of the paper about the words’ source. ▪ Use facts and figures that are not common knowledge without citing the source, creating the impression you gathered the information yourself. ▪ Try to pass off something you have done for another class as an original work for this class. All assignments must be completed for this class only. Submitting work from another class, in part or in full, is considered academic dishonesty.

In addition, students are expected to abide by the Society of Professional Journalists' Code of Ethics http://www.spj.org/ethicscode.asp

TURNITIN Rowan University has a licensing agreement with , an online service to help prevent student plagiarism. As part of this course I will be using Turnitin at my discretion to determine the originality of your work. If your work is submitted to Turnitin, it will be stored in the Turnitin database. You have the right to refuse either to submit your work to Turnitin or have the university do so; availing yourself of this right will not negatively impact your success in the course. If you do not wish to use Turnitin you must notify me by e-mail within two weeks of today’s date. If you object to the use of Turnitin, I will use other procedures to assess originality.

For more information about Turnitin and the University’s policy in relation to it, visit: http://www.rowan.edu/provost/policies/documents/Turnitin.comPolicy.04.12_000.pd f

OTHER UNIVERSITY POLICIES You can find information on policies such as those governing classroom behavior, academic integrity, student accommodation, laptop computer use the classroom, and university attendance requirements at http://www.rowan.edu/studentaffairs/main_office/publications/Handbook_Planner.cfm

GRADING RUBRIC

NAME:

COURSE: News Reporting II

ASSIGNMENT:

Grade: Poor Fair Average Above Excellent 12 14 16 Average 20 18 Focus on Topic (Content) There is one clear, well-focused story and story angle. The story angle represents current news values and provides relevant and important information for the audience. Reporting (Content) All of the information in the article reflects original reporting conducted by the student. Information from other news organizations is properly attributed and not used as the basis for the article. All of the information in the article is accurate and was verified by the student. All sources are properly attributed. At least two sources are attributed in the article and the article includes at least one or two quotes from sources. Writing (Content) The first several paragraphs attempt to hook the reader with compelling and important information or with creative, or surprising statements. Clearly states the five W's. All information is accurate and properly attributed. Subsequent paragraphs give the reader details to support the lead and follow the inverted pyramid structure. The information flows logically and answers all of readers' potential questions. Written in third person and the student’s opinion is not expressed. All sentences are complete and all facts have been verified. Capitalization, Punctuation, Grammar & Spelling (Conventions) Writer makes no errors in format, capitalization or punctuation; the article is exceptionally easy to comprehend. Writer makes no errors in grammar, spelling or conventions that distract the reader from the content. Appropriate AP style is used and the story is the required length. Deadline Piece was handed in on deadline. COMMENTS:

Attendance Policy: This class meets twice a week, therefore you are allowed two excused or unexcused absences (no questions asked or explanations needed). This includes illness, car trouble, weather, family issues and general ennui. If you miss up to two classes, then you will automatically earn 100 points in attendance. If you miss MORE than two classes – even with an excuse – you will earn less than 100 points for ATTENDANCE.

This grade is separate from your PARTICIPATION grade, which means I expect you to be prepared, do the reading and talk in class. If there is some social, emotional or physical reason why you can’t speak up in class, see me privately.

For University attendance policy: http://www.rowan.edu/provost/policies/documents/AttendancePolicy- FacultyandStudentsResponsibilities-webrevS2009.pdf

Lateness of Work Any work turned in late (without a written medical excuse) will drop one letter grade for each day that it is late. No late work will be accepted 2 weeks after the due date. AP Style, spelling and grammar count – heavily.

Also, you are NOT allowed to submit a paper from another class for News 2.

For Rowan’s complete academic honesty policy: http://www.rowan.edu/provost/policies/documents/2009_Acad_Int_policy_flowcht_ RaivForm.pdf

Digital Devices and Classroom Behavior Policy No texting or using social media during class. Put away your phones. If there are special circumstances, please check with me.

For Rowan’s student conduct policy: http://www.rowan.edu/provost/policies/documents/classroom_behavior_policy_nov- 1020.pdf

Assignments

Beats: Each student will choose a topical beat and will work on stories related to that beat throughout the year. The beats are all SOUTH JERSEY oriented. All interviews and news pegs must take place in SOUTH JERSEY.

Here are the beats:

Crime, Health, Environment, Politics, Rural, Urban, LGBT issues, Women's issues, Agriculture, Diversity, Immigration, Education K-12, Higher Education, Religion,

Nonprofits, Mental Health, Business, Tech, Aging, Food, Military, Science, Transportation, Weather, Children and Families, International, Guns, Hurricane Sandy Recovery, Addiction

Article Assignments:

1. Talk by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jose Vargas. 500-650 words. DUE: DUE: Friday, Feb. 5, by 5 p.m. Vargas will be at Rowan on Feb. 3, with an open event from 7:00-9:00 p.m. Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, filmmaker, and activist is a fascinating speaker and you shouldn’t miss it

2. Black History Month. Live tweets and article 600-800 words. DUE: Due the day of the event (Twitter) and article on Friday, Feb. 19. Attend an event and live-tweet it. If you don't have a Twitter account, create one. If your Twitter account is full of silliness, then create a second one with your full name. Send out AT LEAST 15 tweets during the event. Also, write a story. What is the event? Who is there? Describe it. You must tell us what happened in the lead; not that the event happened. Interview at least three people including someone involved. Do NOT write about an event if you are participating.

3. Camden story based on your BEAT – 600-800 words PLUS two photos and a short video, uploaded to YouTube. Due: Friday, March 18. Camden is one of the poorest cities in the U.S. and it is right in our backyard. Open up your mind. Drive or take the campus shuttle or a NJT bus there. (Use common sense: Go in the day; take a friend; don’t flash around money, etc.)

You will choose a story based on your beat. For instance, if your beat is Health then you could do a story about Cooper Hospital. For K-12 Education, you could do a story on charter schools in Camden. We will brainstorm ideas in class.

This is a multimedia project, so in addition to your written article, you will take AT LEAST two photos and record a one-minute video. The articles, photos and video will be posted on a class WordPress website.

4. Education meeting. 600-800 words. Due: Friday, March 25. Pick a school board in . Look online to find out when the school board meets and attend a meeting. Attend and report on the meeting (it will be at night, on a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday) Tell me what happened at the meeting and we will discuss your focus. MAKE SURE YOU GET THE MEETING AGENDA. Must include quotes from at least two people at the meeting, such as the superintendent or school board president.

5. Trend/Issue based on your BEAT – 600-800 words. DUE: Friday, April 15, by 5 p.m. A trend story shows that something is happening more frequently or less frequently. For instance, a student with the Health beat could write about the Ebola virus and how it may or may not affect New Jersey. Remember this story must relate to SOUTH JERSEY. Interview AT LEAST three people and provide statistics or facts to back up that the story is a trend or relevant issue.

6. Event based on your BEAT - 600-800 words. DUE: Thursday, April 21. Find a lecture, festival, parade, protest, town hall or other event related to your beat. For instance, if your beat is Politics, then attend a political debate between two candidates. What is the event? Who is there? What is happening? What do you see/hear/learn? Interview AT LEAST three people, including someone involved in planning or organizing the event.

In-Class Assignments. Five of them. Topic given that day. Due by the end of class (Dates of In-Class assignments subject to change, based on breaking news)

Quizzes. Four of them (but I drop the lowest two grades). Will focus on current events, lectures and textbooks.

Grading: 1,000 Points Total: Attendance- 100 points Participation – 100 points Jose Vargas – 100 points School Board meeting- 100 points *Event - 100 points *Trend/Issue – 100 points Black History Month - 100 points *Camden assignment – 100 points In-class assignments – 5 @ 20 points = 100 Quizzes- 4 quizzes @ 25 points = 100

* Article topic is based on your beat -- A = 950 to 1,000 points A- = 920 to 949 points B+ = 890 to 919 points B = 860 to 889 points B- = 830 to 859 points C+ = 800 to 829points C = 770 to 799 points C- = 740 to 769 points D+ = 710 to 739 points

D = 680 to 709 points D- = 650 to 679 points F = below 650 points

“A” quality writing is: • Clear, concise and interesting, without major spelling or grammatical errors. • Logical, with well-supported arguments. • Thoroughly researched. • Interesting to read, with anecdotes, illustrative examples and captivating quotes. • Well-structured, with a clear sense of flow, and formatted to the correct style and length

Follow these style guidelines for assignments in this class: • Do not use "I" or "you." Use 3rd person objective • Use the LAST name of a person on second reference. • Quotes get their own paragraph. • Use “said” not “says. • Follow Associated Press Style (refer to the Stylebook).

Course Schedule Tuesday, Jan. 19: Introduction. Syllabus.

Thursday, Jan. 21: Reading due: Chapter 1 in Quigley’s book. (“The Basics”), Chapter 1 in Mencher’s book (“On the Job”) and Chapter 3 in Mencher’s book (“What is News?”)

Tuesday, Jan. 26: Quiz #1 Reading due: Chapter 2 in Mencher’s book (“Components of the Story”), Chapter 5 in Mencher book, “The Lead” and Part Five in Mencher book, “Accidents to Education.” Homework Assignment: Pick beats.

Thursday, Jan. 28: In-class assignment #1 (All dates of In-class assignments subject to change, based on Breaking News)

Tuesday, Feb. 2: Reading due: Chapter 6 in Quigley's book (“Press Conferences and Speeches”) and Chapter 16 in Mencher’s book (“Speeches, Meetings and News Conferences”) Prep for Jose Vargas talk (do research on who he is)

Thursday, Feb. 4: Reading due: Chapter 4 in Mencher’s book (The Internet and Other Tools of the Trade) Pick event for Black History Month – do research in class

Friday, Feb. 5: Assignment due: Jose Vargas Article

Tuesday, Feb. 9: Quiz #2 Reading due: Chapter 14 in Mencher’s book (“Finding, Cultivating and Using Sources”)

Thursday, Feb. 11: FOIA Reading due: Chapter 11 in Mencher’s book (“Digging for Info”)

Tuesday, Feb. 16: Reading due: Chapter 15 in Mencher’s book (“Interviewing Principles and Practices”) In-class assignment #2 MOS

Thursday, Feb. 18: Reading due: Chapter 6 in Mencher’s book (“Story Structure”) and Chapter 8 in Mencher’s book (“Features, Long Stories and Series”)

Thursday, March 24: Reading due: Chapter 7 in Quigley’s book (“Parades and Protests”) and Chapter 8 in Quigley’s book (“Profiles”)

Friday, Feb. 19: Assignment due: Black History Month article

Tuesday, Feb. 23: Reading due: Chapter 9 in Mencher’s book (“Broadcast News Writing)

Thursday, Feb. 25: Discussion: Multimedia journalism and visual storytelling

Tuesday, March 1: In class assignment #3 (Video MOS - Find students of different years. Best/Worst of Rowan?)

Thursday, March 3: Quiz #3 Reading due: Chapter 13 in Mencher’s book, “Building and Using Background”

Tuesday, March 8: Reading due: Reading due: Chapter 9 in Quigley’s book (“Children and Families”) and Chapter 17 in Mencher’s book (“Hunches, Feelings and Stereotypes”)

Thursday, March 10: Work on Camden assignment

Friday, March 18: Assignment due: Camden multimedia project

Tuesday, March 15, and Thursday, March 17: SPRING REAK

Tuesday, March 22: Reading due: Chapter 2 in Quigley’s book. (“School and Gov’t”) and Chapter 24 in Mencher’s book (“Local Gov’t and Education”)

Thursday, March 24 – work on education stories

Friday, March 25 (Good Friday): Assignment Due: Education story

Tuesday, March 29: Reading due: Chapter 7 in Mencher’s book, (“The Writer’s Art”)

Thursday, March 31: Reading due: Chapter 3 in Quigley’s book (“Police Reporting”) and Chapter 20 in Mencher’s book (“The Police Beat”)

Tuesday, April 5: Chapter 4 in Quigley’s book (“Covering Courts”) and Chapter 21 in Mencher’s book (“The Courts”)

Thursday, April 7: Work on trend stories

Tuesday, April 12: Reading due: Chapter 12 in Mencher’s book, (“Making Sound Observations”) Discuss police, courts, and observation readings Discuss Event Article In-class assignment #4

Thursday, April 14: Quiz #4

Friday, April 15: Assignment due: Trend/Issue story

Tuesday, April 19: Reading due: Chapter 5 in Quigley’s book (“Natural Disasters and Bad Weather”) and Chapter 18 in Mencher’s book (“Accidents and Disasters”)

Thursday, April 21: Assignment due: Event story

Tuesday, April 26: In-class assignment #5

Thursday, April 28: Last class. FINALS WEEK – May 3-9