Apr 17, 2024  
2021-2022 Course Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Course Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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JOU 122 - Intro to News Production

Credits: 3
Lecture Hours: 2
Lab Hours: 2
Practicum Hours: 0
Work Experience: 0
Course Type: General
Students will learn all aspects of producing content for a college news operation (web, social media, print). By the end of the course, students will contribute material for publication at the Campus Chronicle (Ankeny), Banner News (Boone) or the Urban Vibe (Urban).
Corequisite: Recommended: JOU 121  
Competencies
  1. Summarize the purpose of news.
    1. Define news
    2. Learn the basic history of journalism.
    3. Identify the role of the news media on campus.
    4. Learn the basics of professional journalism.
    5. Understand how news is consumed online and in print.
    6. Define convergence.
    7. Understand the impact of digital technology on the news.
  2. Produce news stories.
    1. Identify newsworthy story ideas.
    2. Gather information for news stories.
    3. Assemble material in a readable news style for digital and print publication.
    4. Consult the Associated Press Stylebook.
    5. Proofread.
    6. Learn the importance of visuals.
    7. Plan visuals to help convey the story to reader.
  3. Organize a personal work schedule to allow for the timely submission of stories for the news operation
    1. Meet established deadlines.
    2. Negotiate with editor(s) for additional time if circumstances genuinely warrant an extension.
  4. Develop a working understanding of equipment on your campus (digital cameras and recorders, scanners, printers, software) to be able to submit, upload and layout copy and visuals.
    1. Learn how to use Microsoft Word.
    2. Be exposed to Adobe InDesign.
    3. Know the basics of Adobe Photoshop.
    4. Understand elements of digital photography.
    5. Upload content to a blogging or newspaper publishing platform.
  5. Participate in all duties expected of a news staff member, DMACC student, and citizen.
    1. Participate in staff meetings (class).
    2. Engage in additional lab 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. Accept tasks as needed (i.e. photo assignments, proofreading, additional stories).
    5. Learn different methods and strategies for posting and promoting content through social media.
  6. Understand basic advertising principles as they apply to news operations.
    1. Identify potential clients.
    2. Create an ad proposal.
    3. Present an ad proposal to staff.
    4. Pitch an ad proposal to a client.
  7. Work cooperatively with editorial/staff team to contribute to a quality news operation.
    1. Accept constructive criticism from editor and other staff members.
    2. Apply suggestions for improvement.
    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.
  8. Evaluate basic media law as it applies to college news operations.
    1. Know the basic principles of copyright law.
    2. Understand the basic concept of libel law.
    3. Summarize the First Amendment.
    4. Give examples of censorship, especially prior review.
  9. Develop ethical decision-making skills.
    1. Understand the implications of plagiarism.
    2. Justify the use of language in the publication.
    3. Identify conflicts of interest.



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