[Introduction to]/[Advanced]/ [Journalism & Media Literacy]

Single Semester and Full-Year Courses

Course Expectations

Mrs. Christine Kuletsky
Computer Lab 205

Welcome to The Matador staff!
You have elected to be a part of a team of student journalists who have developed an award-winning
school newspaper. Journalism is more than just a classwe are the source of a major publication for
the school district. The Matador employs professional, self-motivated, hard-working students to
cooperate, create, and evaluate all material produced. I am excited to have you on boardfor the first
time or as a veteran journalist and cant wait to see what talents you bring to us this school year.

Through a blend of direct instruction and independent study, you will learn the basic structure of a
newspaper and the articles within and practice how to make skillful and intelligent choices in writing
shorter, informative pieces. You will be required to develop interpersonal and communication skills by
working with peers and contacting, interviewing and/or surveying subjects for your articles. While
this is a course that relies heavily on research and writing, you will be encouraged to take your own
photographs or draw your own images for publication.

As this is a media course, periodically you will be asked to watch video clips, review photo essays, or
read selected literary pieces from various genres and respond appropriately. You may even be asked
to create your own media projects at some point during the semester.

Goals and Expectations
Students in this journalism course will learn how to:
1. write well under pressure.
2. gather information independently and organize it effectively.
3. use desktop publishing equipment and software.
4. interview effectively and efficiently.
5. work effectively with your peers.
6. write in the following formats: news, features, reviews, editorials/viewpoints, columns,
sports.
7. publish articles/photographs and disseminate information to the student body.
8. use the history and ethical lessons of the news world to their advantage.

Class and homework
Students are responsible for managing their time and using classroom resources appropriately.
Completing the writing process (brainstorming, researching, drafting, revising, editing, publishing)
should be done in a timely manner. Reading the newspaper, independent research for a story,
interviewing, and writing are activities that will happen in the classroom and may have to happen
outside of the class period in order to make a deadline.

Supplies
Please be prepared daily with a notebook, pen/pencil, folder and a USB flash drive (as a back up place
for storage). You may want to invest in a small, flip top notebook for interviews and notetaking when
not in class. While not necessary, you may use a digital camera (with or without video capability) or
voice recorder for your work in this class.
*While personal cell phone use is not permitted in the lab or during the class period,
you may use smartphone peripherals or applications for approved educational
purposes.*


Grading
All assignments will be graded and recorded. Participation, productivity, and punctuality are the
major cornerstones of our class. Students are expected to show up to class on time, maintain a
schedule, and produce articles on a regular basis. Short timed writings on relevant, current topics are
also considered in the grading process. Failure to produce assignments will result in a low quarter
grade; portfolios are compiled at the end of the quarter, so students must have work to compile.
Writing must be originalplagiarism in any capacity will not be tolerated, so all articles must be
submitted to turnitin.com. Major assignments like articles, projects, or presentations will be weighed
more heavily.


Statement of Integrity
2014-2015 School Year

The English Department of the Smithtown Central School District expects the highest conduct from
its students. We encourage all of our students to work hard and to do their own research and writing
for homework, special assignments, and projects. Any evidence of plagiarism may result in no credit
for the assignment. Assignments are considered to be reflections of an individuals work unless
otherwise instructed by the teacher. If a student is caught using material that he or she did not create
him- or herself, the student may not get credit for the paper, project, etc.
Exams and other assessments should be considered opportunities for a student to show what he or
she has learned over the course of the unit, semester, or year. During any assessment, if the student
is caught using any kind of electronic device (including but not limited to cell phones) or has an
electronic device out, the student may automatically fail the exam. Therefore, cell phones and other
electronic devices should be left at home or in the students locker during exams. In addition,
attempting to give or receive assistance in any form during an assessment may result in a failing grade
for all parties involved.