Mar 29, 2024  
2020-2021 Course Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Course Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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JOU 142 - News Practicum I

Credits: 2
Lecture Hours: 0
Lab Hours: 0
Practicum Hours: 6
Work Experience: 0
Course Type: General


This course offers entry-level practical experience in news production for a campus news operation. Students will work as general assignment reporters on their campus news staff and will be involved in all stages of news production including planning, reporting, proofreading, layout, design, advertising and social media.
Prerequisite: JOU 121  or JOU 122  or instructor permission
Competencies
During this course, the student will be expected to:

  1. Plan news as a general assignment reporter.
    1. Define news.
    2. Identify news stories relevant to the campus.
    3. Determine the best strategy to convey a news story.
    4. Cover a variety of news topics.
  2. Write news stories.
    1. Analyze different methods of background research.
    2. Identify and interview sources.
    3. Write a lead.
    4. Write direct, indirect and partial quotes.
    5. Follow inverted pyramid style and alternative story structures.
    6. Check facts.
    7. Maintain objectivity and fairness when writing a news story.
    8. Apply principles of media law.
  3. Edit news stories.
    1. Understand how to use an AP Stylebook.
    2. Apply AP Style.         
    3. Demonstrate newspaper style.
  4. Use the digital tools of the newsroom.
    1. Take photographs with a DSLR camera.
    2. Lay out a news page using InDesign.
    3. Use Photoshop to edit photos.
    4. Understand how to record audio during an interview.
    5. Upload news content to a website.
    6. Define methods for promoting content through social media.
    7. Demonstrate the ability to use Microsoft Word.
  5. Be actively involved in all campus newsroom operations.
    1. Participate in staff meetings.
    2. Complete additional hours as arranged by instructor.
    3. Work on additional activities sponsored by the news organization (i.e. open house, retreat, recruiting, First Amendment Day, fundraising).
    4. Complete tasks as needed (i.e. photo assignments, proofreading, advertising, and additional stories).
  6. Work cooperatively to contribute to a quality student news operation.
    1. Accept constructive criticism from the editor, adviser, and other staff members.
    2. Apply suggestions to improve the paper.
    3. Listen to and respect the viewpoints of others.
    4. Be flexible with work assignments, article length, layout changes, etc.
    5. Check messages and e-mail regularly.
    6. Fulfill all commitments to the DMACC community and the public.

 



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