Course Syllabus

This online course offers the student an introduction to the profession of journalism as a whole. It begins with a brief overview of journalism, acquainting students with the foundation of writing for the news industry. There is a lesson on the history of journalism that takes the students back to the first news ever collected and made public. The development of the newspaper, particularly as it relates to the colonies and the United States after the Revolutionary War is explained. What follows next is fundamental newsgathering and writing skills needed to become competent practicing journalists working in print journalism, with some focus on other media writing as well.

 

The student is given the opportunity to review their grammar and punctuation skills, and asked to think about the ethics and legalities of the profession of journalism. All aspects of journalism will be discussed and examples are provided to help the student understand such concepts as notetaking, and using the tools of the trade such as the inverted pyramid. Students will learn what is newsworthy and what is not is included along with ideas for ferreting out news stories. One of the final lessons focuses on the special skill of in depth and investigative writing with examples of proper subject matter for this writing format. The student is then reminded of the obligations of the journalist to their craft and the public, and the types of stories they should pursue.